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Category: Food Reviews

  • Review of Cantinetta (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

    Review of Cantinetta (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

    Cantinetta in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell is one of the restaurants that’s perfect for quiet romantic dinners, business meals, or simply winding down with premium wines. Coming from a home-style chain of restaurants, Cantinetta is inspired by the wine cellars in the estates of Italian noblemen, serving Italian cuisine. A short distance away from the heart of the business district in Makati, Cantinetta can keep you away from the chaos of the city and give you satisfying dishes for a reasonable price.

    Review of Cantinetta (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    It did feel Italian when we entered Cantinetta. I could imagine Italian men in hats and cane conversing and sipping coffee while passing time playing cards here. Not a fast-food kind of environment, this place is impressively uncluttered, driving in quality-driven consumers. Fab tunes in the background complement the dining pleasure, while wooden furniture create a sense of history and casual warmth. Overall, Cantinetta’s interior was inviting and relaxing. It looked aged but well maintained. This place can be worth a support, provided it doesn’t get too crowded.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Other than good ambiance with slightly rustic feel, service was attentive and not overly intrusive. There was a certain air of easiness lingering somehow that would make you forget your troubles as you enjoy your meal. Wait time was fair, and the courses came out at an even pace. Severs were polite and treated us like we were guests in their home.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    For appetizers, we got some complementary bread served with liver patte and tomato, which I’m sure most hungry customers will appreciate. The bread was served warm. It was crunchy outside and had a chewy center.

    For the main, not ordering the signature Cantinetta Classica (PhP 480) when in Cantinetta should not count as an option. Baked with a good crumb structure and a crust that’s light and fresh, Cantinetta Classica was topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and minced beef. Each slice of this pizza achieved a glorious harmony. The Italian sausage was juicy with a nice spring to it; the minced beef had a resilience that’s mildly bouncy; and the pepperoni oozed with flavor with its savory aroma. All in all, the pizza was absolutely a winner.

    My dining partners of the night chose Fettucine Tartufo (PhP 550), which consisted of truffle cream sauce with parma ham. It’s both decadent and comforting. Even without eating the parma ham, I could taste its flavor in the pasta that’s for the record unquestionably delicious. It was like bacon, only without the oil.

    Next, I loved every bite of the Ravioli Al Funghi Porcini (PhP 540) and I almost did not want it to end. Cantinetta’s ravioli stuffed with porcini mushroom with truffle oil sauce left a strong mushroom-y taste in my mouth and this I regard as a sure-fire sign of greatness. Giving out the final push to make the entree brilliant, the truffle oil sauce delivered a much-needed brightness and moisture to the dish. Yummy!

    We thought our stomachs could not anymore accommodate desserts. But then one of us ordered Tiramisu (PhP 240), and we just could not say no! 😛 We shared the mascarpone coffee cake which came in a simple and balanced plating. Taste was excellent, like sponge cake soaked in espresso—moist and spongy. The slightly sweet cream cuts the richness, making it easier to eat without pause.

    The Panna Cotta (PhP 240) looked like leche flan with a creamy and solid texture of cheesecake. This custard cream in the cake was thick and rich and indulgent yet mercifully tempered on sweetness. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    In English, “Cantinetta” means a place to get great wine, great food and have a great time. Cantinetta in Rockwell exemplified a good context to the translation. It can be seen as an upscale lunch or dinner spot that puts out some good food to the table. Food prices can be quite a splurge, but for a special occasion, they’re worth it. If ever you get the chance to visit, be sure to have desserts in the end. They may add a whole lot to the bill but trust me on this: they’re more than satisfactory. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cantinetta/132516296814943″ name=”Cantinetta (Italitan Restaurant)” description=”Blk. 9 Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 403-0145″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-10″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 7:30 am to 12am

    Other branches:
    G/F The Podium Adb Avenue Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong | (02) 477-2522
    Burgos Circle, Forbes Town Center, 29 St. Rizal Drive, The Fort, Taguig City | (02) 403-5220
    Bldg. 660 Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Benguet | (074) 442-4819

  • Review of Bugis Singapore Street Food (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Review of Bugis Singapore Street Food (Banawe, Quezon City)

    I have known Bugis Singapore Street Food in The Grand Towers Manila along Pablo Ocampo, Vito Cruz, near De La Salle University-Manila for three years now, but I have not actually looked in its direction and tried its food. My boyfriend took me last Sunday to the branch in Banawe, Quezon City, and we had a hearty Singaporean meal. Bugis Singapore Street Food serves up some crazy good plates in a chill, laid-back space that lets you leisurely eat and get what you pay for.

    Review of Bugis Singapore Street Food (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    With buzzing environment, Bugis Singapore Street Food in Banawe is that type of hole-in-the-wall restaurant that fits the description of most hawker-style stalls comfortably. Its interior design is simple and seamless, with splashes of bright orange, yellow, and green on walls and seats.

    The place looked unassuming but not pale. It was surprisingly still full even when it was already 9PM when we visited for late dinner, an hour before closing time. I figured that this was a good indication that dishes are really palatable and in demand. (I took pictures when almost everybody left, so you won’t see the large heaps of customers I’m talking about.) 🙂

    There’s an unfussy arrangement of reading materials for customers who would like to be entertained with magazines at one corner.

    Service: ★★★☆☆

    Service was passable but less than ideal. The waiters looked quite stressed out and hurrying all the time while serving and cleaning one table after the other. In fairness, it was a busy night, so it’s understandable how it took time before servers responded when called.

    Food: ★★★★★

    From their must-try list on the menu, the Buttered Squid Rings (PhP 140) seemed mediocre at first glance, but we were sold at the very first bite. Fried with light and crunchy batter, the squid rings were not chewy or gummy. We loved that each piece was tender and flavorful. While the squid ring was great on its own, vinegar with red onions worked well as a complementary dipping sauce which added a kick without being overpowering.

    Spicy and legitimately awesome, Bugis Singapore Street Food’s Singapore Laksa (PhP 180) is not to be missed. It’s super tasty and almost life-changing. Simmered to perfection, this hot pot of laksa had an explosion of flavors, served in a coconutty fish broth that’s rich, thick, and creamy. It had the full works—tenderly poached shrimps, hard-boiled eggs, fish cakes, and fish balls. The good news? Refilling the soup by request does not come with additional cost. 🙂 It’s a nice treat indeed for our hungry stomachs.

    Price for Value: ★★★★★

    If you are looking for a place to host a casual meal with family or friends who are fond of Singaporean cuisine, Bugis Singapore Street Food will surely not let you down. For the price-conscious, we felt that the items are appropriately priced in accordance to the portion and quality of food. With that, we’ll consider putting this restaurant in our heavy rotation. 😛

    I recommend everyone to check out Bugis Singapore Street Food in either this branch in Banawe (known as the “second Chinatown”) or that one near DLSU. Get ready for some delicious Singaporean dishes without having to hustle for it. 🙂

    Other exciting and interesting entrees are as follows: Fish Soup and Mushroom Noodles (PhP 180), Bah Kut Teh (PhP 180), Char Kuey Teow (PhP 120), Fish Curry (PhP 180), and Nasi Goreng (PhP 155).

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/BugisN.Roxas” name=”Bugis Singapore Street Food” description=”81A N. Roxas Street, Near Banawe, Santo Domingo, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 7326490″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-05″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: Mon-Sat (8am-12am), Sun (10am-10pm)

  • Review of COCA Café Thai-Chinese Food (SM Jazz Mall, Makati City)

    Review of COCA Café Thai-Chinese Food (SM Jazz Mall, Makati City)

    On Valentine’s Day, before heading out to SM Mall of Asia for our family’s celebration, we visited SM Jazz Mall to check out an investment. At lunch hour, we browsed through the menus of restaurants on the ground floor and loved what we found at COCA Café.

    COCA Café in SM Jazz Mall (across Beauty and Butter) has more than just a few signature dishes that make it worthwhile, offering a great variety of Thai-Chinese food. It’s one of those places where I can just close my eyes, blindly point to an item on the menu, and feel comfortable to eat whatever will end up on the table. We have tried dining at COCA Restaurant in SM Aura, Taguig last year and we liked everything that was served. How would COCA Café’s food compare?

    Review of COCA Café Thai-Chinese Food (SM Jazz Mall, Makati City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    COCA Café looked cozy and inviting, with natural sunlight beaming from one side of the room. This café showcases a style that oozes sophistication, elegance, and crisp straight lines that adds character and unique personality to the minimal space. Lots of the open walking areas in between tables bring in a sense of uncluttered ambiance and airiness, which is for me, a visual treat. The designs and furniture are perfect for an intimate date or business meeting.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Customer service was really fast and smooth. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable on the menu. I was quite surprised that our orders were conveniently served in less than 10 minutes during a busy lunch, so we enjoyed a quick cook and good food in a time-sensitive and team-oriented environment.

    Food: ★★★☆☆

    Appearing as a riot of colors, the Crispy Noodles with Seafood (PhP 250) came with a generous serving of seafood and just the right level of crispiness to the noodles without being too oily. This must be a classic savory Chinese comfort food that’s rich, robust, and flavorsome.

    The Grilled Tuna Belly with Rice (PhP 250) was just average at best. For the most part, it tasted like smoke on the outside. Maybe it was grilled too much that the charring added more to the non-enjoyment of the entree. Since we thought the tuna belly was overcooked, it was also dry and we could not taste any juiciness inside.

    The Sweet and Sour Fish with Rice (PhP 200) was fairly good, although it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. The tender and lightly fried pieces of fish did neither tasted but nor overly sweet. This dish would be more appetizing if they could increase the sourness.

    Price for Value: ★★★☆☆

    There were hits and misses but we had a good time after all. I loved the clean dining area most. The service team deserves an award for being nice accommodating. Budget did not waiver, however, for the quality of food we had this time, price for value could be better.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/COCAcafePH” name=”COCA Cafe Philippines” description=”SM Jazz Mall, Nicanor Garcia Corner Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 02 8286260 or 09173228502″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-03-04″ user_review=”15″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries – Customized Homemade Character Buns

    Review of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries – Customized Homemade Character Buns

    My parents celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary last February 21, 2015, Saturday. We hit up south of Metro Manila and had dinner at The Nest in Vivere Hotel in Alabang. It was my second time to visit the place, and again, I was awed by its elegance and romantic vibe. This restaurant at the 31st floor is really top notch! On the way, we picked up our “special gift” for our parents at the agreed meetup location with the vendor—Cash and Carry Mall in Filmore Street, Makati.

    This post is about a review of that “special gift.” As we wanted to surprise our parents, we did not show them what it is until we arrived at the hotel. 😆 Haha. Well…suspense, suspense!

    If you follow me on Instagram, you would have already known about it. Click this link to view the picture. 🙂 Here’s also a quick preview:

    Review of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries – Customized Homemade Character Buns

    Service: ★★☆☆☆

    My sister discovered Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries through Instagram. PBB Big Winner Myrtle Sarrosa shared a picture of the character siopaos sent to her, and we found them extremely adorable. We viewed more pictures posted by Mrs. K and totally fell in love with the customized buns. They actually reminded us of those character dim sum we enjoyed in Crystal Lotus Restaurant in Disneyland Hotel-Hong Kong.

    Mrs. K can only be contacted via SMS, Viber, and WeChat. Strictly no calls are entertained, as revealed in her Instagram account. My sister used Viber and waited a while for a response. After a week, we finally got a reply on details on how to order, what we can request for, what the cost will be for a box of six different deco buns with different fillings, and where and when to meet up.

    With the delay in response, I thought that Mrs. K should further improve its reachability and quality of customer interactions to increase customer satisfaction in the long term.

    We booked our order three weeks in advance to make sure that nothing conflicts, we secure the deal 100%, and all proper arrangements will be made. The meetup time was supposedly 10AM, but because of some reason provided by Mrs. K, it was moved to 5PM.

    At exactly 5PM, we were so ready to receive the package and waited in the car at the meetup place. After 15 minutes, there was no sign of Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries. I knew that making a call is a no-no, but I decided to dial the number to  follow up. We were told to wait for another five minutes. Five minutes lapsed and no one showed up. I made another phone call and was asked to wait for an extended period of time. Was I being impatient? No, I’d like to think that I was just excited. 😐

    After consecutive four calls, the delivery guy parked his car across us and handed the box over. We had a quick peek to check how the result looked like. Oh, thank God our waiting has paid off!

    Food: ★★★★★

    The deco buns we ordered were not that easy to make since the designs had to be created with multiple colors. Additionally, they’re not characters that are well known outside our home. They’re the dolls we have in bed that we hug in our sleep, namely: Talong (the eggplant), Biri (the strawberry), Cheffe (the chef-bread), Bani (the banana), Pattie (the chicken), and Tabby (the pink puffalump mouse).

    My sister edited their eyes as hearts ♥♥ (to show being in love) and sent the pictures to Mrs. K via Viber. This is how the customized deco buns turned out:

    OMG! Super cute!

    Available fillings to choose from are: Pork Asado, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Choco Nutella, and Custard. Originally, we requested for five different fillings for the five characters and Choco Nutella for the sixth bun. Unfortunately, here’s what we just got instead:

    • Choco Nutella – Biri and Cheffe

    • Pork Asado – Bani and Tabby

    • Beef Teriyaki – Talong and Pattie

    The reason why @mrs.ksdecopastries did not include every kind of filling we ordered was that she chose only the best selling fillings for us. Anyway, we let it pass this time. We can try the other fillings in our next order.

    Mrs. K’s deco buns somehow pulled off as plump, Chinese-style steamed buns that are so tasty that you might forget your name for a minute. No additional sauce needed. After each bite, you will crave for another one immediately, so it’s a good thing that the buns’ sizes are not too small that you won’t be full.

    The buns were soft and pillowy. Each was well crafted, with great flavors and a good time for your mouth. Everything was so delicate and perfect that I seriously couldn’t tell which one I liked the most.

    These deco buns are great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, snack—anytime! Yes, you would want to have a taste of it. And yes, you should order way ahead of time. Build up some courage and confidence to eat these cuties because you’re going to need them. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    With Mrs. K’s deco pastries, the world can get a whole lot sweeter. The buns taste as good as they look and remind us of childhood feelings that are both nostalgic and hungry. Cost of each design ranges from PhP 75 to PhP 90. The buns we had were PhP 75 each. Overall, it’s a fair price to pay. With better service and faster response time, Mrs. K can dominate the “cupcakes” and “macarons” hyped scene and mark the beginning of a new era of buns coming back into style. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://instagram.com/mrs.ksdecopastries/” name=”Mrs. K’s Deco Pastries” description=”For inquiries, SMS/Viber/Wechat: 09153722855″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-02-25″ user_review=”11″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • Review of Tokyo Café Flagship Store (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of Tokyo Café Flagship Store (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Last Saturday, my family and I celebrated Valentine’s Day in my favorite mall in the Philippines, and yes, that’s SM Mall of Asia. 😛 There were too many people everywhere. Queues to the mall entrances, restaurants, and cashier counters were way longer than I have ever imagined. We managed to grab dinner in Tokyo Café at 10PM, an hour before the mall closed. Still, we could not escape the streams of diners in line that seemed to just keep coming and coming. After the 20-minute waiting game, we were finally led to a table at the center of the buzzing atmosphere.

    Tokyo Café has been established in the country since 2006. It has been nine years! Taking into account Filipino’s innate penchant for food, this restaurant offers a full menu featuring Japanese-Western fusion dishes, complemented with an array of desserts, pastries, and drinks (must-try: charcoal-roasted coffee).

    Review of Tokyo Café Flagship Store (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Despite the packed place, we did not feel suffocated with the surroundings. The staffs were able to handle the customers well, by providing seats in the waiting area, handing out menus and allowing customers to make advanced orders, and serving food fast. Our server got one of our orders wrong and was quick to alter the food in the kitchen before serving. Apart from the small mistake, everything was well organized and ran like clock work. The waiters were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    This was actually our third time dining at Tokyo Café in SM MOA. This time, we ordered the Kiddie Set Meals (each with a scoop of ice cream and a glass of iced tea), as they appealed most as a favorable light meal for our late dinner. We didn’t set the bar high for the taste and portion but enjoyed eating food supposedly for “kids” as adults. 😛

    My sister had the Hamburg Steak and Rice (PhP 160). It’s the familiar burger steak patty with a good char. It didn’t taste anything special, but we were positive that the patty was cooked well and the ingredients were blended nicely. Not too greasy, it didn’t have an alarmingly strong and persistent aftertaste that burger patties from fast food joints normally serve.

    My mom had 1 pc. Chicken and Rice (PhP 160), which must be an ultimate comfort food and go-to meal preferred by any kid. It wasn’t the best and there’s nothing unique, but it was okay.

    For myself, the Chicken and Cheese Roll and Rice (PhP 160) hit the spot and the cheese inside the chicken was pretty solid. It was salty, sweet, and comforting, all wrapped up into one.

    We also shared a plate of Garlic and Shrimp Pasta (PhP 290) with tomatoes, garlic, and shrimps seasoned with herbs and spices. The pasta was so flavorful and we appreciated the combined tastes of garlic and shrimp to the core.

    Dad had the Margherita (PhP 265) (vegetarian pizza), an elegant play of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Topped with light sauce, the crust was soft and crispy, with mozzarella seriously elevating the flavor. We loved it.

    Tokyo Café was running a promotion and we were lucky to have chanced upon the great deal: “Get a free crepe of choice with a minimum single receipt purchase of PhP 1,000.” Out of the six options/flavors of crepe, we chose Very Berry (PhP 160)—blueberries and strawberry ice cream drizzled with strawberry syrup. The crepe had a silky crisp bite to the dough, a nice offset to the the sweetness of the ice cream and whipped cream that wasn’t too overpowering. This dessert was definitely a sweet ending. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    All prices were affordable and reasonable, and there are enough choices for everyone. Tokyo Café dishes run on great value. This café is recommended for those who are in budget and who love to try Japanese food with a twist.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/tokyocafephilippines/” name=”Tokyo Café” description=”G/F SM Mall of Asia, Main Mall Bldg., South Wing, Seaside Drive Manila Bay Reclamation Area, Pasay” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 556-0517″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-02-19″ user_review=”12″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • Review of A Taste of L.A. (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of A Taste of L.A. (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Louie, my boyfriend, and I had dinner last Sunday at A Taste of L.A. (or “L.A. Cafe”) in Don A. Roces Avenue, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. I give all credit to him for always finding unique places where we can spend a romantic night out. The fine quality food served complemented with dedicated service by this restaurant made our overall dining experience especially memorable, as we celebrated our sixth Valentine’s Day together. 🙂

    Review of A Taste of L.A. (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    As the saying goes, we should not judge a book by its cover. A Taste of L. A. has been opened since 1995. While its exterior looked pretty shabby, seemingly reflecting how the building has aged through the years, the interior design still offers an old-world charm that’s all about the details.

    From the historic wood-paneled walls to the pieces of paintings displayed in every room, A Taste of L.A. is filled with quaint and romantic touches.

    Its outdoor space is equally as wonderful, with an unexpected water fountain that works as a good backdrop for picture-taking.

    Since we came at nighttime, the tables were just lit with candles. Match the dim ambiance with understated decors and relaxing instrumental music, and you get the feeling of coziness you deserve on a date.

    What also exuded sophistication and elegance was how the different neighboring tables were set to fit over a hundred customers in two separate levels. We had a tour prior sitting down and found the entire arrangement tasteful, one that gives exclusivity or that desired level of privacy.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Despite the large number of guests (mostly couples) celebrating Valentine’s Day, there was no hiccup with the efficiency of service. The attendants never slowed down or were sub par. They were knowledgeable about the menu and also paid close attention to make sure that meals take place with enjoyment. All in all, they showcased a balanced warmth of friendliness and professionalism.

    Food: ★★★★★

    We shared a bowl of the Fresh Onion Soup (PhP 380) as a starter.  Baked with a crust of Emmental and Gruyère cheese, the soup had a combination of slightly sweet and salty flavors with watery consistency. The bubbling crust of cheese was somewhat like mozzarella—gooey, nutty, and sharp. Its fragrance and savory texture managed to bring the simple onion soup to a next level.

    For the main courses, we went for the house recommendations. A Taste of L.A.’s U.S. Rib Eye Salpicao Rice (PhP 560) was amazing and became our easy favorite. The steak cubes cut size was just great for chewing, and the marinade composed of garlic and chili did not overwhelm the beef. I suddenly remembered The Nest’s version of Beef Salpicao. (I can’t decide which one fared the notch better.) The bed of garlic fried rice was also tasty, and there was nothing to complain about.


    Cooked to perfection, the Grilled Chicken “Hotel de Paris” (PhP 520) with fresh mushrooms, smoky bacon, Béarnaise sauce, and mashed potatoes on the side was another winning dish that’s well prepared by the café. The name sounded a mouthful but a delicious one. A twist to the tandoori chicken, the grilled chicken was tender and juicy. A worthy shout out was the Béarnaise sauce which was made of clarified butter emulsified in egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and flavored with herbs. Thumbs up!


    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Reminiscing the meal, I realized that A Taste of L.A. (L.A. Cafe) in an almost-hidden spot near the popular commercial area of Tomas Morato did a sublime job in injecting Italian and American food selections into the menu while retaining conventional Filipino recipes. They also offer a fine collection of wine and various types of liquor to choose from.

    If you are looking for a decent venue in QC to discuss business ventures, catch up with friends and associates, or impress someone and are willing to spend about PhP 500-1000/pax, A Taste of L.A. is the place to be.

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  • Review of Nikko’s Baking Studio’s Macaron Making Class (Paseo de Roxas, Makati City)

    Review of Nikko’s Baking Studio’s Macaron Making Class (Paseo de Roxas, Makati City)

    When boredom strikes, I find an effort to beat it by checking out lists of new and interesting things to do. Last week, I decided to finally take up a baking class, which has been on my “to-try list” for some time. And suddenly, in absolute perfect timing, I was invited to try out the six-hour macaron making class at Nikko’s Baking Studio (9AM-3PM).

    Bossman Spanky called it “The Bloggers’ Bake-off,” and the challenge was to make Lemon French Macarons. OMG! I love French macarons and so I was happy and excited to learn the recipe and techniques in a hands-on environment led by Chef Nikko Buendia herself. 🙂

    Chef Nikko, me, and the finished products ♥

    Nikko’s Baking Studio is a culinary school, café, and bakery packed into one. Whether you’re looking for a quaint bake shop where you can grab delicious treats for your upcoming corporate event, baby shower, or wedding, or attend baking classes to learn how to make those treats, this lifestyle baking studio along Paseo de Roxas in Urdaneta Village, Makati City (across Mandarin Oriental, One Roxas Triangle, near cor. Buendia) can meet your needs.

    Review of Nikko’s Baking Studio’s Macaron Making Class (Paseo de Roxas, Makati City)

    The Place

    Before the class started last Saturday, Chef Nikko told a rich story of how she started with baking. She showed us around and walked us through a typical day in her thriving business.

    From the quick tour, I observed that the café area of Nikko’s Baking Studio resembles what you would expect from a tasteful bakeshop. With goodies displayed at the coffee bar, artsy paintings on the wall, and wooden furniture both placed inside and outside at the patio, this place has a cozy vibe and the most fitted environment to have a good time.

    Separated from the café only by a wall, the baking studio on the other side contains the four stations equipped with baking machines, racks, utensils, books, and other baking materials. It’s a conducive space for interacting with classmates in a professional teaching kitchen. Participants of up to eight (8) in one session can work side by side with one another, with two people paired in one station.

    The Food

    Nikko’s Baking Studio encompasses snacks and desserts such as cakes, tortes, pies, and cookies. Among all the delicious treats it offers, the Kahlua Mocha Cake or the “Pope’s Cake” must be the most popular now, as it was one of the four cakes that flew with Pope Francis when he left Manila last January 2015. Since then, Nikko’s Baking Studio has been receiving numerous orders of the same cake with slightly different decorations.

    We were lucky to have the chance to taste this famous cake! 🙂 Oozing with decadence of Kahlua (a coffee-flavored rum-based liqueur), the Kahlua Mocha Cake was indeed calories worthy, with layers of moist and fluffy chiffon and sweet filling on the inside. It had just the right level of sweetness to please our palate without any satiation.

    sample: decorated Kahlua Mocha Cake for a customer

    Another indulging treat we tried was this plain-looking Pineapple Streusel Pie, which surely deserves a lot more recognition. Eating a slice truly made all the difference from just looking at it. The pie had a medley of textures including real pineapple chunks with each delightful bite. Yummy!

    Next, we also tasted the four flavors of French macarons offered: vanilla, lemon, peanut butter, and pistachio. Maracons have a reputation of being beautiful and delectable, and these small cookies are also known for being incredibly temperamental and finicky to make.

    The point of this exercise was not only to fill our stomachs and get energized before the class, but it was also to create reference points or benchmarks so we would know what the acceptable quality criteria are for macarons. 🙂 Nikko’s Baking Studio’s macarons were visually impressive and very good with light and chewy texture.

    The Class: ★★★★★

    Adorned in uniform aprons, we gathered around the counter in the middle of the room and read the baking instructions. In order to get a headstart, one of the chefs in the baking studio had managed to measure out the pre-prepared ingredients according to weight. If only all ingredients would be conveniently placed like that magically and with precision at home, I suppose that setup would be any baker’s heaven. 😉

    Chef Nikko first performed all the steps and explained the procedures in detail, while we watch her do it then replicate later. She assured us that macarons are easy and simple to do. Everything indeed looked so manageable, from folding of ingredients to make the plain almond meringue shell, piping the mixtures onto the trays, drying them, and baking the macaron shell in the oven, to mixing the ingredients to make the lemon curd, piping a mound of curd onto each shell, and covering each filled shell with another shell.

    When it was time for us to make the precious dainties, Marge, my partner, and I carefully followed the instructions on the handout and recalled how Chef Nikko did the steps. When unsure, it was best to ask for guidance. The chef helped us in a friendly manner and without hesitation.

    Thanks to her patience and our team effort, we succeeded. Even if some macarons did not come out as perfectly shaped (some cracked, some a little burned, and some discolored), they were still delicious. Every piece exuded a very perky little personality on its own. The most gratifying part was seeing the shells rise in the oven and develop feet. 🙂

    Here are some tips that Chef Nikko gave the class to make a perfect macaron:

    • Weigh all ingredients using a digital scale to ensure consistent results.
    • Sift the ingredients multiple times if necessary. Dry ingredients should have a powdery texture with no lumps.
    • Print a template with drawings of circles spaced at least a half inch apart to keep the macarons in consistent size and shape. Place this printed sheet under the parchment paper before piping the macaron mixture.
    • After piping, bang the baking sheet firmly on the counter to release any trapped air.
    • Dry the piped macarons for 30 minutes before baking. The drying process is complete when the macarons no longer stick to your finger when touched. The macaron surface should appear with a matte finish.
    • When baking, make sure to know your oven and check the best duration to bake and not only depend on what the recipe states.

    Wrap Up

    Attending Chef Nikko’s baking class made me realize that having the first-hand experience is really far from just watching like an audience of a show. Aside from learning how to make the lemon French macarons, I also appreciated the company we shared. The baking studio burst with life and laughter, with funny jokes and comments by the chefs and my classmates (Irene Co of Indulgence by Irene, Camille and Faye of The Soshal Network, and Marge of Coffeehan). There wasn’t a dull moment with these guys!

    I look forward to learning and trying other recipes, take the time to make things the homemade way, and in the process have fun doing it. I hope this post encourages you to give macarons a shot, whether you’re a complete beginner like me or a frustrated baker. 😛

    Schedules of Nikko’s Baking Studio’s baking classes are announced monthly on their Facebook page, so please check back regularly. The following is the list of schedules for this month of Feb 2015. I think both kids and adults can join. Contact Nikko’s Baking Studio to book your spot.

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  • Review of Terry’s Lechon (Home of Good-tasting Lechon Belly, Pata, Manok)

    Review of Terry’s Lechon (Home of Good-tasting Lechon Belly, Pata, Manok)

    Suckling pig, or lechon, in the Philippines is a dish that’s most celebrated and hailed as the “superstar of the dining table” in any special occasion. Whether it be a birthday party, welcoming party, despedida, fiesta or festival, lechon is almost always enjoyed by the entire family or even the whole barangay. This may be the reason why several joints specializing in boneless lechon belly nowadays become a total hit. Mabenta. 🙂

    One of the latest booming lechon business is Terry’s Lechon (Home of Good-tasting Lechon Belly, Pata, Manok). Starting out promoting its Facebook page just last month, Terry’s Lechon has been receiving quite a lot of orders and positive feedback already from its customers. My family and I had the small lechon belly (original) for taste-testing last week and found the flavor spot-on!

    Review of Terry’s Lechon (Home of Good-tasting Lechon Belly, Pata, Manok)

    Service: ★★★★★

    Overall, customer service was efficient and friendly. All questions were quickly answered. If you suddenly need lechon as a contribution for potluck lunch or dinner, Terry’s Lechon can be a lifesaver. It’s just one phone call or text message away.

    For now, they accept and handle all orders a day before actual delivery. Delivery within Marikina, San Mateo, Montalban, Commonwealth Area, and Batasan Quezon City is free of charge, while outside of these areas require an additional charge of PhP 300.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Admittedly, we didn’t expect much from Terry’s Lechon, since we know that it’s just starting to make its name in Metro Manila. Still, the question lingered. Can it impress our picky palate?


    Upon opening the package containing the boneless lechon belly, we knew that the food was off the hook! Just the delicious aroma did a pretty good job in sending impulses that result in excitement and happy hormones. Terry’s Lechon’s small belly-chon (good for 4-6 pax) was seasoned with salt, herbs and spices, and a secret special ingredient that’s key to making the meat tasty even without adding finishing sauces or condiments.

    Slow-cooked in the oven for four hours and marinated overnight, the boneless lechon belly was melt-in-the-mouth glorious. Topped with very crispy skin, the leaner portion was great and it gave a beautiful crackling. The suckling pig also had a right amount of fats for that juicy touch. Inside was soft, moist, and juicy. The symphony of tastes was addictive, and I don’t think anyone can resist to eat it without rice.

    We didn’t finish the whole thing in one sitting. We gave away about half to our cousins and ate the leftover in the next two days. Trying the dish for the second and third time, we were a bit surprised that it was still crispy. Too good for sharing, Terry’s Lechon’s lechon belly is a must-order.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    What can I say? Terry’s Lechon lives up to its name. It’s the Home of Good-tasting Lechon Belly, Pata, Manok, as it claims to be. The price for value is fair. You get what you pay for and maybe more. Here’s the price list of their offerings:

    • Small Bellychon (for 4-6pax) = PhP 999
    • Big Bellychon (for 10-12pax) = PhP 1999
    • Lechon Manok = PhP 220
    • Small Lechon/CRISPY Pata = PhP 480
    • BIG Lechon/CRISPY Pata = PhP 640

    If you want to get a piece of their meat, save it for the right occasion. You won’t be disappointed. 🙂

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