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Category: Delivery

  • Upgrade Your Frozen Dim Sum Game with These Delicious Taiwanese Food Products from Ersao

    Upgrade Your Frozen Dim Sum Game with These Delicious Taiwanese Food Products from Ersao

    I wish I could say I’m a good cook, someone who can just make do with whatever ingredients available in the fridge and prepare a decent meal in no time. My mom is that person, the type who can suddenly “invent” a wholesome and even healthy dish from leftovers, so we know she’ll be safe when the time comes into a post-apocalypse era again for at least a week or two without having to venture outdoors.

    The reality for me is that I’m pretty busy with work, and my husband just subscribes to diet meals weekly. We don’t have the time and motivation to cook. So when zombies come, and I pray that they don’t, the only thing I can make and eat when stuck in my home would be rice, eggs, and frozen dim sum!

    The good news is I recently found that Ersao now delivers frozen Taiwanese food products from their website www.ersao.com.ph within Metro Manila. I know that these things can be flavorful, satisfying, and almost indistinguishable from fresh ones if you cook them properly.

    What I specifically love about Ersao’s selection of goodies is that they’re unique; they aren’t in regular supermarkets or even other Asian specialty groceries. So I’m also super excited to try them, discover my new faves, and share which ones are worth our precious freezer space to keep.

    Upgrade Your Frozen Dim Sum Game with Ersao’s Delicious Taiwanese Food Products

    Here’s a rundown of their frozen products and ideas on how to cook them:

    1. Tamago Egg Dumplings (180g/pack) consist of a special wrapper made with steamed egg on pork fillings. We tried these steamed and deep fried and both are enjoyable.

    2. Pork Taro Meatballs (400g/pack) are juicy meatballs made with freshly ground pork and taro. I think they’re really delicious, tender and not too springy! You can taste both pork and taro in one bite. We just boiled water with chicken broth and cooked the meatballs for like 10 minutes.

    3. Squid Ink Meatballs (400g/pack) are great alternatives to regular meatballs for a more rounded, umami factor. These can be served boiled or deep fried too. I think they’re a perfect
    addition to squid ink pasta.

    4. Tobiko Sausage (5 pcs/pack) is made from freshly ground pork with the small, orange-colored fish eggs (commonly used as a garnish in sushi) then blended with rich-flavored seasonings. You can serve it as a whole or sliced, add to pasta dishes for a burst of color and flavor, frittatas for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch, or pizza for a unique twist on a classic dish.

    5. Squid Ink Sausage (400g/pack) is quite interesting. I haven’t encountered sausages made with squid ink before! Some creative ways to incorporate this into dishes are: risotto (for a savory twist), slightly charred with grilled veggie skewers, and soup (like seafood chowder or a black bean soup) for added flavor and protein.

    6. Squid Croquettes (4 pcs/pack) are probably among my top favorites in thist list. They’re fresh squid patties with crispy breading and best served with dipping sauce. Super easy to cook – deep fry for 4-5 minutes and serve.

    7. Seafood Cheese Balls (300g/pack) are a tasty and indulgent appetizer or snack. They’re seafood-flavored meatballs stuffed with diced shrimp and mozzarella cheese. You can roll these in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake or until the cheeseballs are golden brown and heated through.

    8. The Korean Hotpot (1.2kg/pack) can be your go-to package if you just want to have a Korean-flavored hotpot at home. Just place in a hot pot or slow cooker, heat until it reaches boiling temperature and the ingredients are tender, then serve over a bed of rice, kimchi, pickled vegetables, egg rolls, and dipping sauces.

    9. Edamame (250g/pack) can be served cold as a side dish to sushi, poke bowls, noodle dishes like udon and soba, and a crunchy addition to salads and soups. Note: Just consume the bean pods only!

    10. Pork Ear Cold Cuts (250g/pack) are best paired with rice, noodles, fresh vegetables, or even as an appetizer. No heating required. Love that they’re thinly sliced. They’re savory, slightly sweet, and slightly chewy.

    Follow Ersao on their socials and check out these new and upcoming Taiwanese food products on their website and digital platforms:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ERSAOofficial 
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/ersao_2.0_official?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ersaophilippines?_t=8X645fRl96H&_r=1
    Website: www.ersao.com.ph
    Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.5r8Rw

    If you’re visiting Ersao stores soon, these items are available in Mauban, Mezza, Abad Santos, Banawe, Caloocan, Cloverleaf, E. Rodriguez, JRU Shaw, San Lazaro, M. Place, and Victoria E. Rod. 🙂

  • Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    There are destination cafés and restaurants that dish up incredibly breathtaking cakes that are worth the trip. There are also those home-based pastry shops that present and produce high-quality, artful and rich cakes. Indulgence by Irene, whose operations started in 2012, is one of the perfect examples. Irene’s cheesecakes have been featured multiple times in food magazines, food blogs, newspapers, and other honorable sites consistently through the years. As a treat for my teammates last month, I ordered the Matcha and the Tablea S’Mores and had them delivered to our unit in Astoria Plaza during our staycation. What do we say? Irene’s cheesecakes are the ultimate indulgence, indeed! 🙂

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    If you love matcha, Irene’s Matcha Cheesecake is a must-try. Formed with the creamy goodness of cream cheese that melts in your mouth, though not the most eye-catching, it was irresistibly tasty. For me, the more predominant the green tea flavor, the better, as matcha can be one of those ingredients that can “perfume” a recipe. In this cheesecake, matcha came out slightly bitter and sweet at the same time. Texture was also spot on. This will impress your most discriminating guests.

    The Tablea S’Mores Cheesecake, on the other hand, was sweeter and much more scrumptious and decadent. With creamy chocolate filling, graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows on top, this cheesecake is easy to love. Beyond aesthetics, this one delivered flavor. If you’re thinking of giving it as a gift to a friend or special someone, you can’t go wrong. Make sure to eat it with an extra long spoon to get each component in every bite. 😉

    Regular Flavors – Quezo de Bola, Tablea, Choc Nut, Calamansi, and Corn
    9 inch – P1000
    6 inch – P 550
    4 inch – P 220

    Premium Flavors – Ube, London Fog, Matcha, QDB-Ube Duo
    9 inch – P1200
    6 inch – P 650
    4 inch – P 250

    Super Premium Flavors – Coffee With Bailey’s, Halo-Halo, Tablea S’Mores
    9 inch – P1400
    6 inch – P 750
    4 inch – P 300

    Pick-up locations:
    1. Astoria Plaza – Ortigas
    2. Aseana – schooldays early morning and afternoon of Tuesday and Thursday
    3. Shell Buendia cor. EDSA – Tuesdays 3pm, Thursdays 2pm
    4. Serendra – Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/IndulgencebyIrene/” name=”Indulgence by Irene” description=”For inquiries, call 0917-6225800 (at least 2 days advance order)” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-16″ ]

  • Review of Cake Shots PH: Booze in Your Cupcakes

    Review of Cake Shots PH: Booze in Your Cupcakes

    Alcohol-laced cupcakes for every occasion. What’s not to like? Just last March 2015, Cake Shots PH launched its presence online featuring absolutely drool-inducing cupcakes infused with different kinds of alcohol. I’m delighted to receive a box of varied flavors of these sweetly sophisticated cupcakes from Patricia, its owner. Cupcakes with booze are a rare sight with most dessert shops in Manila.

    Review of Cake Shots PH: Booze in Your Cupcakes

    Service: ★★★★★

    If you have a spontaneous craving for cupcakes infused with alcohol, you may contact Cake Shots PH directly through the contact details provided below. Either pick up the order with well thought-out packaging at 3D Avalon Condominium, 95 Xavier St. Greenhills, San Juan, or opt to get it delivered. For pick-up orders, minimum is half dozen; for delivery orders, two dozens.

    Another option is to buy these treats via the Food Panda website, app, or call (02) 87878. Use the voucher entry code 30LOVEPANDA and get a 30% discount on your order (expires on July 1, 2015). Delivery time is 45 minutes (from shop opening time). Fee is 10% and there’s no minimum amount required to make a purchase.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    I’m a fan of red velvet cupcakes, and the Irish Creme Velvet Cupcake (Box of 6 – PhP 450; Box of 12 – PhP 850) spiked with Irish Creme Liquor from frosting to cake was a huge hit. The punch of liquor though was subtle and I’d appreciate if it’s more pronounced.

    Similarly, the alcoholic taste in the Vita’s Pudding (Box of 6 – PhP 450; Box of 12 – PhP 850) was not overwhelming but noticeable. The highlight must be the cinnamon-like smell of raisins bathed in Brandy Caramel Sauce that gave way for its fruity notes. The bread pudding tasted great. 🙂

    Spiked Chocolate (Box of 6 – PhP 450; Box of 12 – PhP 850) was one of the most compelling of all “Shots” cupcakes. The taste of chocolate was balanced by vibrant acidity of the Irish Cream Coffee. The moistness of the cupcake stood out, and the marshmallow frosting on top delivered just the right amount of sinful sweetness. Bomb!


    Coconut and lemon made an interesting combination for the Coconut Daiquiri (Box of 6 – PhP 450; Box of 12 – PhP 850). This cupcake had a light and fluffy texture and a pleasing hint of lemon Bacardi. While I barely tasted the alcohol that came into play, it was a nice attempt mixing these tropical flavors together.

    Spotting a chic and modern look with classic candy cane colors, the Cosmopolitan Cupcake (Box of 6 – PhP 480; Box of 12 – PhP 900) gave an affable and cordial touch with a smooth, rich, and buttery frosting. It’s made up of cranberries, vodka, orange, lime, and triple sec. Again, with this one, alcohol notes were a little dull, but I still enjoyed sharing the cupcake with my family regardless.

    Newest among the bunch, the Black Label Chocoholic may look demure and simple on the outside, but the taste of this cupcake is giant! It’s a double chocolate cupcake infused with Johnny Walker Black Label. This creation had a long finish, as the complexity of the flavors lingered in my palate the longest.

    When the initial alcoholic kick of the cupcake ebbed away, it was replaced by the earthy flowery undertone of the chocolate. With the cupcake soaking up the alcoholic taste like a sponge, the contrasting duet resulted to a satisfactory level of deliciousness. 🙂 Now if there is only one item you would order, I highly recommend the Black Label Chocoholic.

    The only “Virgin Shot” in the box, Carrots Delight (Box of 6 – PhP 450; Box of 12 – PhP 850) is a non-alcoholic cupcake for a tame yet pleasurable experience, good for kids! Its texture was pretty dense with alluring carrot-y flavor, and the cream cheese frosting and walnut topping were divine. 🙂

    All in all, Cake Shots’ cupcakes were great and nothing of the dry sort. However, one thing I hope they can offer is the option for customers to choose the level of alcohol content on the cupcakes (e.g. none, light, medium, heavy, etc.). I wasn’t expecting to be drunk after eating the “Shots” cupcakes or somewhere close, but I think that adding more alcohol will brighten up the taste and set the “Shots” farther apart from the “Virgin Shots.”

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    The pairing of cake and alcohol is pure heavenly. Every flavor of Cake Shots’ boozy bakes surprises out of the jack box, filled with ingredients that reveal distinct tastes plus a shot of booze that adds a zing to the seemingly innocent cupcakes. Prices are fair and reasonable, crediting the high quality of ingredients used and freshness of the pastries as delivered. Quite honestly, I wouldn’t mind taking one of these cupcakes on a weekly rotation to go along with my 4PM-afternoon snack at work. 🙂

    Cake Shots PH Menu

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.instagram.com/cakeshotsph/” name=”Cake Shots PH” description=”For orders and inquiries, Text/Viber/Whatsapp/WeChat +639063269209 or email cakeshotsph@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-06-03″ user_review=”12″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]