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Category: Desserts and Bakes

  • Café 305: A Hidden Gem in Banawe for Foodies and Coffee Lovers

    Café 305: A Hidden Gem in Banawe for Foodies and Coffee Lovers

    Stepping into Café 305 is like entering a realm of simplicity and tranquility. The looks and feel of the café are carefully curated to embrace a clean and minimalist vibe, exuding a sense of modernity and elegance. The owners have masterfully combined sleek lines and uncluttered spaces with a tasteful touch of green and neutral hues, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease.

    Café 305 just had their soft opening last June 19, 2023. It’s location address is at the Banawe Square Building corner G. Roxas Street, Quezon City. For inquiries, You may contact them at +63 918 919 1305.

    I had a chance to have a group dinner with my family last week. Let me share with you our fun and memorable experience here. 🙂

    Discover Café 305: Where Minimalism Meets Culinary Delights

    Ambiance and Aesthetics

    The café’s color palette predominantly consists of soothing neutrals such white and warm beige tones. These muted hues provide a perfect backdrop for the splashes of green incorporated throughout the space. Potted plants and leafy arrangements are thoughtfully placed, infusing the interior with a refreshing natural element that adds to the café’s overall charm.

    Upon entering, customers are greeted by a cozy seating area, adorned with plush seating and dining tables, where one can enjoy their drinks and desserts in style. The main dining area features a mix of cozy booths and stylish marbled tables paired with contemporary chairs, offering guests a comfortable and chic setting to savor their meals.

    The clean and uncluttered design also extends to the counter area where the café’s delectable pastries and sweets are on display. Glass cases showcase an array of mouthwatering treats, tempting visitors to indulge in their favorite desserts.

    One of the notable features of Café 305 is its dedication to ensuring customers’ convenience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the café, catering to those who wish to catch up on work, study, or simply stay connected while relishing their time in the café’s serene environment.

    Furthermore, Café 305 goes above and beyond by offering its entire second floor as a versatile function area, capable of accommodating private events and gatherings. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, corporate meeting, or a social get-together, the café’s spacious second floor can host up to 50 people comfortably. The same clean and minimalistic design ethos extends to this area, providing a sophisticated and intimate setting for special occasions.

    The thoughtful design and versatility of Café 305 make it an ideal choice for different events and gatherings. The warm and welcoming ambiance, along with the attentive staff, ensures that guests feel right at home, making their dining experience truly memorable.

    As the day turns to evening, the café subtly transforms with ambient lighting, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere that invites patrons to unwind and enjoy the company of friends or loved ones. The soft glow of pendant lights hanging from the ceiling added a touch of sophistication to the already elegant space.

    Food

    As an appetizer, we had the Truffle Fries and Shawarma Nachos, both of which were excellent choices to whet our appetites. The Truffle Fries were crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned, while the aroma of truffle oil added a luxurious touch.

    The Shawarma Nachos were a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, with tender shawarma meat, melted cheese, and a medley of fresh toppings that provided a burst of zesty goodness with every bite. These appetizers were so satisfying that we almost wanted to order another round.

    One of the highlights of the main dishes we tried was the Beef Morcon, a traditional Filipino-style roulade cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. The beef was tender, succulent, and bursting with flavors, complemented by the hearty tomato sauce that elevated the dish to a whole new level. Each bite was a delightful symphony of taste and texture, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the café.

    For those craving a rich and creamy dish, the Lengua in a creamy sauce is a must-try. The lengua, or ox tongue, is my mom’s favorite. We loved that it was incredibly tender and bathed in a velvety sauce that was both savory and comforting. This classic Filipino dish was a delightful reminder of home-cooked meals, prepared with love and passion.

    Next on our culinary journey was the Pork Menudo, another beloved Filipino classic. The dish was a harmonious medley of bite-sized tender pork, potatoes, and carrots, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce that was seasoned to perfection. It was a hearty and satisfying dish that paired wonderfully with steamed rice, leaving us with smiles of contentment.

    Seafood lovers will find delight in the Rellenong Bangus, a Filipino-style stuffed milkfish. The bangus was filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and spices, creating a delightful interplay of tastes. The dish was both aromatic and mouthwatering, showcasing the café’s commitment to offering authentic and delightful Filipino cuisine.

    For those with dietary preferences, Café 305 proves to be accommodating and thoughtful. They prepared a vegetarian-friendly Truffle Pasta for my dad, who is a vegetarian. The pasta was cooked al dente and generously coated in a creamy truffle sauce that exuded sophistication and refinement. I think even non-vegetarians will like it! It actually surpassed our expectations, proving that vegetarian dishes can be just as indulgent and flavorful.

    To wash down our delightful meal, we ordered a range of refreshing and comforting beverages. The Melon Smoothie and Avocado Smoothie were a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, perfect for the tropical climate. The Hot Chocolate was rich, velvety, and decadent, offering comfort in every sip. Meanwhile, the Hot Latte was a symphony of robust coffee flavor and velvety milk, a treat for any coffee enthusiast.

    Wrap Up

    If you’re a food enthusiast on the lookout for a new gem to tickle your taste buds, look no further than Café 305, the latest sensation that has taken the Banawe area in Quezon City by storm. This quaint café, named after the very street where the owner’s parents used to frequent, offers a delectable array of dishes that will leave you craving for more.

    From sweet treats to hearty meals, Café 305 has something to satisfy every palate. With the convenience of free Wi-Fi and the option to host private events on the second floor, this café proves to be a versatile and cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. Check it out!

  • Review of Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet (Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet (Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)

    The rainy season came with torrents, with a spike in traffic jams and flood-like situations in low lying areas in Metro Manila. Luckily, there are multitudes of worth-trying restaurants near us, so we didn’t have to drive too far from home. My husband wanted comfort food for dinner, browsed through Zomato, and found tacos on Hogshaven Smokehouse’s menu. I couldn’t find the story of Hogshaven Smokehouse anywhere online, and its website features only Dulcelin Gourmet’s cakes. It had me a little confused, but we gave in and went anyway. And holy smokes, their dishes are classically delicious!

    Apparently, Dulcelin Gourmet (specializes in cakes, famous for its Mango Torte) opened Hogshaven Smokehouse in July 2017 as a dine-in restaurant in West Triangle, Quezon City where people can enjoy gourmet-style savory food. It’s two menus in one setting. We got the best of both worlds and loved it!

    Review of Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet (Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Hogshaven Smokehouse has a bright and modern appeal where people can dine well. Like the best cool places, you’d want to spend time here. The room is comfortably covered in wood panels, wallpaper, and glass. The semi-communal seating makes for a space that always seems to have a reassuring hum of conversation.

    Generally, this is a no-stress, no-brainer kind of place. Dulcelin Gourmet x Hogshaven Smokehouse is a restaurant that you want to talk in without having to whisper or feel intimated. Sure, you could come here on a date, but neither the food nor the atmosphere feel ideal for a one-on-one meal. This is a place where you bring your friends or family members. Three or four of them, preferably. Tables are set up for groups, and the menu is made up of lots of interesting things to try.

    Food:

    Of course, we ordered Nacho-Rizo Supreme (PhP 195), the primary reason why we came. Hogshaven Smokehouse’s nachos aren’t overloaded with heavy ingredients. The melted cheese formed a slightly gooey pull with a silky smooth texture. It complemented well with the homemade chorizo toppings and tomato salsa on freshly cooked tortilla chips.

    Another great appetizer to share was the Seasoned Fries Trio (PhP 229), which consisted of straight-cut sidewinder and sweet potato fries, served with sriracha mayo. Packed with flavor, the fries were crisp on the outside and tad soggy inside. I could imagine munching on these alongside a meal such as a full rack of ribs. 🙂

    So yes, we got Kitayama Wagyu Short Ribs (PhP 349) on the table. But instead of the usual ribs, it’s tender wagyu short ribs with a spin. Cooked Korean-style, kimchi rice and poached egg made all the difference. Overall, it’s a spicy and scrumptious rice meal that took our attention. Feed your eyes!

    Next, we had Buttermilk Fried Chix (PhP 599), an absolutely must-order. Marinated in buttermilk then fried until crisp, the three pieces of juicy and crunchy boneless fried chicken thighs are ready to take you to heaven. Ah, they’re so good—and even better than Kettle’s version of buttermilk fried chicken which we also very much adore. The dish came with sausage gravy and steamed white rice.

    The Roast Beef Belly (PhP 299, single) with mushroom gravy was also a hit. The tender beef slices were moist and tasty enough, cooked with red wine and served with French beans and steamed white rice. It’s comfort food that’s satisfying but not one we’ll feel extremely confident to order next time.

    For desserts, we had one slice each of Dulcelin Gourmet’s award-winning Mango Torte (PhP 140) and the decadent Ube Flan Cake (PhP 145). The Mango Torte was made of crispy-chewy nougatine, golden mangoes and cream, while the Ube Flan Cake was made with chiffon cake covered in Ube cream and a creamy flan center. Both were a fantastic way to end a meal!

    Price for Value:

    Dulcelin Gourmet X HogsHaven Smokehouse’s varied menu makes it easy to have everything from a light meal to a try-everything group extravaganza. Offering many different kinds of food, they do almost all of it well. If you need a bite of something savory, get quite a frenzy over their chicken, beef, and pork dishes. Want something sweet? Make sure to try their specialty desserts. Prices are not exorbitant but are decent, given the generous portions and great food.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.dulcelin.com/” name=”Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet” description=”36 Times Street, Quezon Avenue Corner West 4th Street, West Triangle, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call 9540147 or email dulcelingourmet@msn.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-16″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Fredley Food and Beverages, Inc. has been introducing exciting food concepts for the past four years. This year, they’re proud to have built their own complex with three of their brands—Macao Imperial Tea, Shabu-shabu Ichiban, and Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku—all housed at Fredley Banawe Complex. Today was the grand launch, and we were honored to take part in the event, witness the ribbon cutting ceremony, and try out their food specialties.

    Macao Imperial Tea Philippines

    As one of the fastest-growing cafe chains that’s proudly born in Macau, Macao Imperial Tea takes a deeply-rooted approach that highlights a mix of the rich Macanese culture and a personalized experience. Genuine, memorable, and special—this is what Macao Imperial Tea brings in each and every cup that’s especially made for their customers’ satisfaction. This cafe brought massive hype to social media with its cute tumblers and unique drinks. When we visited for the first time, I thought it’s very much worthy of the praise.

    The vibe was charming and the location seemed apt as a hangout place for friends to spend hours enjoying drinks and pastries over a nice chat. Macao Imperial Tea in Banawe is open from 7am to 12mn, so you can be sure you won’t miss out.

    Their menu is filled with interesting options such as chestnut cream, milk tea, coffee and quirky drinks like Kitten Milk Tea, Ginger Milk Tea, Walnut Black Sesame Fresh Milk, and Taro Sweet Potato Fresh Milk. I was truly spoiled for choice and then just asked the staff for best recommendations. We ended up trying their best-sellers, Chestnut Cream Cocoa (PhP 130) and Cream Cheese Oreo Milk Tea (PhP 120), and liked them both. A lot. I’m telling you, it’s a must-try!

    Topped with a creamy cheese foam made with whipped cream, milk and cream cheese, the drinks were both salty and sweet at the same time. Taste was simply exquisite, and thickness was decadent. Sipping straight from the cup without stirring and without a straw is recommended. 🙂 The drinks were also chocolatey, with the right amount of cream cheese bursting with complex flavor in every gulp. We also shared a piece of their almond chocolate cookie and loved it, too!

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban is a popular hotpot restaurant from Nagoya, Japan. It gives patrons an authentic Japanese hotpot experience by providing plenty of interesting soup base options and unlimited servings of meat, sushi, and king crab. Like Chinese hot pot, Japanese shabu-shabu is also communal. Not only do you sit down to eat with all your companions, but you cook the food together in the same pot of simmering broth.

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban offers a reasonably priced and delicious introduction to a golden meal. This Japanese restaurant in Banawe has all-you-can-eat and a la carte options available on the menu. Overall, food is great, generous in servings, and you definitely won’t sit through your meal hungry. Indulging in Japanese shabu-shabu is good way to bond with the family or celebrate an occasion.

    We each had Set B (Weekdays: PhP 688 lunch, PhP 788 dinner; Weekends and Holidays: PhP 888) which was quite a mouthful. It consisted of: Sushi and Sashimi Platter, Vegetable Platter, US Angus Chuck Eye Roll, US Beef Short Plate, Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder), Chicken Leg Quarter, Chicken and Pork Dumplings, Assorted Balls, Shrimp Tempura, Fried Chicken Wings, Kushikatsu, Udon and Ramen Noodles, Dessert (Coffee Jelly), and Drinks. The soup bases we chose (tantan and spicy szechuan) were both spicy broths, perfect for the cold, rainy weather.

    The broth was nowhere near as complex as ramen soup bases in Japanese ramen restaurants, but we dropped in udon and ramen noodles anyway since hotpot broth always develops more flavor as you cook various items in it. The noodles took seconds to cook, the fatty cuts of meat required just a quick dip, and the assorted balls and fish cakes benefited from a longer soak.

    Thankfully, the settings on the in-table induction plate were carefully controlled by the staff. Just as we were getting into the hotpot groove, we also had bites of the remarkably greaseless tempura, sushi, and fried chicken in between. Yum! 🙂

    Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku

    After eating loads of food, we figured we have to return for another visit to Fredley Banawe Complex to experience their yakiniku special next time. Otherwise, we could have left bloated instead of pleasantly full. 😛

    Sharing the same space as Shabu-shabu Ichiban, Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku is the newest concept among the three, offering authentic Japanese Yakiniku. A Japanese term for “fulfill,” Mitasu is said to live up to its name with the many kinds of Japanese favorites that will certainly leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking to get fancy with Japanese Yakiniku in Banawe, this is where you do it.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Fredley Banawe Complex” description=”780 Banawe Street, Quezon City” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-14″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Kandle Cafe is one of the restaurants that are offering discounts when you reserve via BigDish. The food on the menu looked interesting, so we decided to drive to Mother Ignacia Avenue for late lunch last weekend to give it a try. The whole concept of naming the cafe “Kandle” takes well. It’s derived from the initials of the four siblings (Khyrss, Dong King, Leslie, and Eli) who own the place. Kandle Cafe has an easygoing neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of spot where the food speaks for itself and nothing is trying too hard to impress you; it effortlessly draws you in and makes you want to be there.

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Kandle Cafe is a comfortable space, and it’s definitely cooler than your average coffee shop. Brewed and blended coffee, an attractive refrigerated display of pastries, and creative dishes should help keep you going while you do whatever it is you’re doing on your laptop. But there’s more. The ambiance features a modern layout with wooden furnishing. Decorative elements introducing splashes of color on the wall certainly bring out a homey feel and inviting atmosphere. Greenery is also dotted about the space. The wood theme is continued at the back patio, where diners can enjoy the al fresco dining setup. If weather is nice, sit out there and enjoy the chill.

    Food:

    We started our meal with Paella Croquettes (PhP 210): chicken in toasted rice balls. We’re no stranger to paella, but paella presented in balls is unique and something we couldn’t have imagined. Taste was incredibly flavorful for being so simple, nothing dry or crumbly. Inside, there’s a burst of cheesy goodness that melts in the mouth. Yup, these paella croquettes are awesome.

    Kandle Cafe’s BBQ Chicken (PhP 250) was marinated in hickory smoke sauce and served with 63 degree poached egg, charred corn kernels, and greens. It’s not our favorite version of charred chicken but it was not bad. I’m a fan of the assortment of tastes and textures in just one dish. It’s like party on a plate! This dish is perfect for brunch when you want something healthy and hearty, or any time of day when you’re hankering for a bite of the Southwest.

    Finally, we had the best-selling and most recommended Ms. Eggy & Mr. Eggoy Pasta (PhP 240). The name is already catchy enough to get us, but it’s the ingredients that won our hearts. 😍 It’s fresh squid ink pasta sauteed in smoked bacon and onion, light cream sauce, with 63 degree poached egg garnished with crispy bacon and toasted pan de mie. I could not seem to distinguish between the pasta and the squid; it’s hard to tell them apart. Both were tad thick, springy, and ropy. The squid ink flavor was mostly present, tasting briny and earthy. There’s an even more substantial build-up of savoriness when we mixed the egg.

    Price for Value:

    Kandle Cafe in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City is quite a foodie destination. It serves up great food in a somewhat unexpected setting, and to top things off, the menu represents a fantastic value as well. What I love most is how it’s designed to have a continuous indoors-outdoors relationship which allows guests to interact with fresh air towards the garden for a nice change of pace. Will I be back? You can count on it. I’d like to try their coffee next time. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” name=”Kandle Cafe” description=”1103, 113 Mother Ignacia Ave, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0998 276 1571″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-29″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Whether you’re trying to supply sweets for your family and friends, or just need to wind down with some coffee after a rough day, Sweet Avenue Cafe along Leon Guinto Street can be your new go-to. It’s an extremely warm and friendly environment in a rather more quiet neighborhood in Malate, Manila. Their cupcakes are excellent, as are the cookies and cakes. Made-to-order cakes with cute designs for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings are available as well.

    Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Sweet Avenue Cafe is what you might call “homey” or “lived in,” a charming place to grab a drink, have a casual low-stakes dinner, get your sugar rush fix, and host some other situations—reunion with old friends, party with a group of about 30 people, or your next first date. A large glass pastry display counter stands at the center, immediately welcoming guests from the entrance. Paintings on the wall show nature and places the owners have visited. Wooden furniture further add warmth, sophistication and character in the room.

    Food:

    Any of the sweets and pastries here are a safe bet.

    Love matcha? The Matcha Chocolate Cake (whole cake-PhP 1200, slice-PhP 125) is quite good. Featuring four layers of dense and rich chocolate cake, the matcha in it wasn’t too overpowering. Instead, it brought both rounded sweetness and a pleasant bitterness, providing a depth that’s light and refreshing. With the top layer outfitted with whipped cream, this cake is a delicious hit.

    The Raspberry Cupcake (PhP 55) almost got me in the mood for Valentine’s Day. 😛 This pretty in pink, berry-luscious, moist cupcake had a tart and tangy flavor in a thick melt-in-your-mouth cloud of buttercream. I enjoyed it a lot!

    Sweet Avenue Cafe’s Assorted Squares (PhP 120 for 9 pieces, PhP 220 for 18 pieces) and Cookies (Chocolate Chip-PhP 20, White Choco Macadamia-PhP 25, Matcha Almond-PhP 28) are presentable gifts to bring home this holiday season. Light in consistency, they are tasty in bite-size pieces and the flavors are interesting.

    As far as pairing goes, you can go with ice blended drinks, enjoy a few with hot coffee, or go bold with fresh guyabano shake or halo-halo. Other recommended drinks are as follows: Cafe Americano, Cafe Latte, Cappucino, Cafe Mocha, Caramel Machiato, White Mocha, Irish Mocha (PhP 80-120).

    Price for Value:

    Sweet Avenue Cafe is a cafe/coffee shop shoot off with reliable cakes and pastries. Average price per head at PhP 100-200 is considerably affordable. If you work or live in the area, consider yourself lucky to be in the vicinity. (Note: Closed on Sundays) Gotta try their rice meals on my next visit! 🙂

    Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:30AM-9:00PM

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/sweetavenuecafe/” name=”Sweet Avenue Cafe” description=”1970 Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila 1004″ rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 2469069 ext:944 or (02) 668 2340 Ext 5238547″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-12-28″ ]

  • 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 Le Petit Soufflé (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Review of Le Petit Soufflé (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    In celebration of Father’s Day this year, we had lunch at one of the most talked-about restaurants in Century City Mall when it comes to interior design and creative food. Eating at Le Petit Soufflé is a high-drama opportunity since there’s always a long queue and we don’t get to always see an indoor garden-themed restaurant featuring cozy seats, greenery, and bright lights that are a treat for the eyes. Dining here is worth it for the right occasion and with the right people interested in soufflé and a French-Japanese menu that’s a little different…different good. 😛

    Review of Le Petit Soufflé (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Ambiance:

    The trendy Le Petit Soufflé has an awesome ambiance complete with beautiful light bulbs, faux trees with rolling pins hanging as decorations, attractive walls, interesting panels, and yellow chairs—all the makings of a superb restaurant interior. It’s definitely a vivid space where every corner is Instagram-worthy. The greens bring a sense of nature inside the restaurant, making customers feel almost a world away from the bustle of the city. Pretty charming! 🙂

    Le Petit Soufflé has a good mix of spacious and intimate with a real casual feel. Instead of dividing the room with walls, it signifies zones through transitions in the table-and-chair setup so it looks organized and warm without being too packed or crowded.

    Service:

    The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, so take their advice if you’re unsure of what to order. Despite the busyness of the restaurant at lunch hour, service remained efficient and attentive. I thought this is one of the factors that contribute to the success of the restaurant and make every experience positive for diners.

    Food:

    The waitress suggested getting the Japanese Beef Curry Soufflé (PhP 525), and we’re happy she did. It took 15-20 minutes for it to be served but we we’re willing to wait.  The dish consisted of savory cheese soufflé filled with fine strips of US beef short plate and Japanese short grain rice with Japanese curry sauce. It’s nothing like the Japanese curry rice of other more straightforward curry restaurants such as Coco Ichibanya, Curry Bee, or Eri Curry. The taste of curry was subtle and so pleasingly fragrant. Cheese gave it a boost in flavor.

    Another main entree we tried was the Squid Ink Rice (PhP 395) which was made with a combination of fresh seafood, shimeji, mushroom, and scrambled egg on delicious squid ink rice. The soft scrambled egg was so fluffy but firm enough. What I love most about this black rice is its refined iodized flavor. What I hate most, on the flip side, is that there’s no way to enjoy it without black-stained lips. Don’t forget to wipe your mouth with tissue. 😉

    For my dad, the shoyu-based Vegetarian Soba Pasta (PhP 325) had an earthy taste that’s unique, one you won’t get tired of eating. Cooked with shimeji, zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper, it’s like the Japanese version of spaghetti.

    Chef Miko Aspiras’ signature dessert, the Valrhona Grand Crus (PhP 375), was nothing short of spectacular. Formed with layers of decadent Valrhona chocolate (Araguani 72% flourless cake, Caramelia 36% flourless cake, Dulcey 32% ganache, and Equatoriale 55% ganache), the heavenly blocks of chocolate were served with a vanille creme anglaise sauce.

    Honestly, I didn’t have a slightest clue on what Valrhona chocolates are. I just learned now that Valrhona produces the world’s finest gourmet chocolates. OMG. No wonder why it tasted so good! The chocolate has a bitter base with strong liquorice, raisin and chestnut notes and the use of brown sugar. The texture is like silk for your tongue, as different in texture compared to Hershey’s as fine silk is to a burlap bag for your fingers. Please, try it! 🙂

    Quite a show-stealer as well, the Strawberry Lychee Parfait (PhP 195) had a nice presentation with colorful display of ingredients composed of the highlights: strawberry, lychee, and matcha. This treat is so refreshing and addicting. 🙂 The parfait was made with vanilla and matcha custard base, softee swirl with almond dacquiose, fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, lychee and matcha jelly, matcha mochi and matcha powder. There’s a lot going on; the key is to get a little bit of everything involved in each bite.

    Price for Value:

    There are days when you just want to have a peaceful time and enjoy unusual and interesting choices of food. Let Le Petit Soufflé be your antidote. Prices may cause pain to the wallet but they offer high value. The menu is simple with a few pages, but the execution of the food is so good that seemingly simple ingredients will wow you in ways you didn’t think they could. We had a great time!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Lepetitsouffle/?fref=ts” name=”Le Petit Soufflé” description=”3F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 8863056, (02) 7185681″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-06-28″ ]

  • Barista Competition 2016 at Espressamente Illy (Rockwell, Powerplant Mall, Makati City)

    Barista Competition 2016 at Espressamente Illy (Rockwell, Powerplant Mall, Makati City)

    Usually served in a tiny cup, espresso tastes strong and powerful. The way to prepare this type of coffee is one of the finickiest. Last June 11, 2016, we were invited to the Barista Competition 2016 hosted by Espressamente Illy at Rockwell, Powerplant Mall in Makati City to see how five well-trained coffee baristas from the five branches of Illy in the Philippines make coffee. There’s so many intricate steps to getting it perfectly from preparation to serving. Each one could make or break the shot.

    The parameters a barista might mess with while trying to perfect a cup include coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, brew time, and water temperature, among other things. Adding to the challenge was, of course, the time limit. Every one of the contending baristas had to complete three coffee drinks while telling about the execution in 13 minutes. In this case, “pressure’ is what makes an espresso an espresso, literally and figuratively. No matter what, they have to be consistent; consistency in brewing coffee is the silver bullet in the arsenal of tools needed to improve quality.

    Judges gave scores objectively according to the coffee’s sensory feature and the “science” of making it, while we all stood behind as witnesses as to how precision, hands-on care, and love would sum up in drinks that could be savored like never before.

    After over an hour of action, the judges decided and proclaimed the winner. Ronel America (from the NAIA T1 cafe) received the Illy trophy as reward and also some bragging rights. Congratulations! 🙂

    Barista Competition 2016 at Espressamente Illy (Rockwell, Powerplant Mall, Makati City)

    Illy Coffee

    Well-balanced in its constant combination of sour and bitter, the illy taste has an immediately perceived sweet shade. Illy is well known all over the world  for its unique blend, made of nine precious varieties of Arabica coffee, always the same, cup after cup. Its rich and fascinating body is felt by the palate with a tactile feeling of pure pleasure. As in a symphony, the announced theme is declined and enriched by the soloists with tones of flowers, fruits, caramel, toasted bread, chocolate, almonds, and honey. All these tones get together smoothly in a sweet final feeling.

    The illy blend is available in three different roasting levels. The medium roasting level has a peculiar soft taste, and is sold  in a package marked in red. For coffee consumers who like a deeper and stronger taste, the same blend of Arabica is available in a stronger roasting level, in a package marked in black.

    The illy blend is available in a decaffeinated version as well, in a package recognizable by its green color.  In order to enhance each profile of its blend, and to let everyone appreciate the shades of its taste, in 2010 illy  has created  the Monoarabica  line,  that  includes  the  varieties  of  Arabica  coffee  that    make  the traditional illy blend.

    At present, Monoarabica offers three coffees with a strong personality, and each of them tells something about its country of origin: Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia.  Last but not least, an exceptional coffee comes from El Salvador: idillyum is a rare and precious Arabica Laurina (Bourbon variety), extraordinary and exclusive because it has a  very natural low level of  caffeine and it is available in small quantities, due to  the peculiar weather and growing conditions that it requires.

    Espressamente Illy

    Representing the embodiment of the “Italian coffee,” Espressamente Illy is a franchising network of outlets based on the pursuit of quality in every aspect: in the offer, in the environment, in the service. It started in 2003 and today, it is present in 230 coffee bars in 34 countries, and in the most important cities of the world, such as Rome, Paris, London, Toronto, San Francisco, Miami, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Beijing.

    With Espressamente Illy, the bar becomes a “boutique café”: a place to enjoy, whose coffee, food, environment, and culture blend in order to tell worldwide the Illy brand and the Italian style of life. Here, consumers may order a quick excellent espresso prepared by illy baristas, and can take their time, enjoying a lunch break, meeting people and socializing with them, relaxing and even working connected to the Web world by Wi-Fi.

    Aside from coffee, we enjoyed the food served by Espressamente Illy:

    Spinaci Crostini (PhP 175) – rich and creamy spinach dip derved with crostini

    Tomato and Basil Bruschetta (PhP 225) – grilled baguette topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and parmesan cheese

    Supremo Pizza (PhP 400) – pizza topped with Italian sausage, pancetta, black olives, onions and capsicum

    Wild Mushroom Pizza (PhP 375) – button mushroom, shiitake mushroom, porcini mushroom and fresh spinach

    Fettuccini Tartufo (PhP 300) – Italian style comfort food

    Tiramisu with Espresso (PhP 290) – layers of lady fingers alternated with layers of cheese and dusted with cocoa powder served with illy espresso