Let's Pig Out and be Merry!

Continue piggin out with me over www.iluvcebu.com

2011-06-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! I will be piggin out on a new and better page. Please follow me and my friends over my new page, www.iluvcebu.com and let's continue piggin out together! See you there!

Also join our Facebook Community page: http://www.facebook.com/iluvCEBUdotcom
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Limited Christmas Grabs!

2010-12-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

Ho ho ho! Christmas is here once again! Season for gift giving, loving and forgiving, not to mention Limited Christmas Muchers! Christmas had always been one of my favorite holidays, not just because of the gifts but because everybody gets a bit nicer on December. haha. (At least some peeps gets to be a bit nice for at least a month!) Haven't been going out that much, but when I do, I check out what's new around town! So now, am on the hunt for Christmas Grabs - grabs and munchers that are offered only during the festive holiday season - Christmas! Below are a list of what I have tried so far!

1. Red Ribbon's Choco Mango Mousse -

Trying it out with a date, it definitely was a magical treat! Red Ribbon's Holiday offering to it's patrons - Choco Mango Mousse! It's made of creamy mango mousse with mango bits on top of chocolate mousse and moist chocolate pound cake and embraced with Chocolate Ganache! Then finishing off with a scoop of Mango and Chocolate shaving. Priced at 70php per slice and 700 for the whole cake! I would also recommend their Choco Fudge Cake! Yum!

2. CoffeeBean's Holiday Harvest - Apple Caramel Ice Blended. Well, I am not a fan of Coffee Bean's Ice Blends because they have a strong powdery base which is very distinguishable in all of their non coffee ice blends. So sadly am not a fan of their Christmas Drink! Another thing that's disappointing is that there's no whip included yet as shown on their table ads. :( You have to pay extra for the whip. Priced at around 150php. Coffeebean also have the Planner Promo wherein you get a 2011 planner once you complete 24 stamps. 1 beverage = 1 stamp.

3. Starbucks Christmas Specials - Peppermint Mocha, Toffeenut and Praline Mocha! Probably the most exciting drinks of the season that my friends and I are crazy about, waiting every November for it to be available again. And with every drink you get a sticker and once you complete all the stickers on the Starbucks Christmas Card you get a 2011 Planner. This year you need 18 stickers (9 christmas Special and 9 regular starbucks drink) to get the Planner. 1 beverage = 1 sticker.

Marco Polo: Voyage en France 2010

2010-11-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Marco Polo Cebu had been bringing in different flavors from around the globe! Now they're bringing us to a gastronomic adventure to Britanny France. Britanny, an administrative and cultural region in the northwest of France, has a rich heritage and of course flavors!

Known for their white wines, cider English tea (Britanny is the 2nd largest cider producer in France) crepes and pink granite coast, Marco Polo Cebu is not wrong bringing Britanny's food and culture in Cebu!

French Creperie Soiree, Beaujolais French Film and Music presented by Marco Polo Cebu is a celebration of the culture and heritage through food, music and movie sharing French goodness to Cebuanos!

Cheese master giving a talk about cheeses!

A variety of cheeses for every cheese lover's cravings!

I had a serving of 8 different cheeses that day!

(Dark cloud appearing) buwahaha

Fresh french scallops with cheese and parsley and red bell peppers!

Squid rings stuffed with meat in a red light sauce garnished with spring onions! Yum!

Crepe with french butter in a light ginger white wine sauce!

Dessert Dessert! My fave! Macaroons I love!

You can have a taste of Britanny France by dining at Cafe Marco! Call 32 253 1111 for reservations
or call 8888 168 toll free if your in Manila.

Thanks to Belle for the invite!

What's New at Red Ribbon!

2010-11-01T05:19:00.000-07:00

No soda, no fries, less rice! I had been counting calories for more than a month now but I always give in to my sweet cravings! Cakes is one of the strongest temptations that's nearly impossible for me to resist. New at Red Ribbon is their Choco Fudge Cake! It's chocolatey and gooey goodness makes it irresistably and delectably delicious! 3 layers of thick chocofudge in 3 layers of moist chocolate cake! I just love the new Red Ribbon Choco Fudge! So as the other peehgs!

Another new offering at Red Ribbon surely will make everybody add this one to their Red Ribbon favorites! If you like chicharon then you will love the crispiness of Red Ribbon's new offering Crispy Chicken! Crispy fried chicken strips with sweet mango barbeque sauce sprinkled with spring onions. Comparing it to Chowking's Orange Chicken, their sauces are a bit similar, it's just that Chowking's Orange Chicken is a bit tangy sweet while Red Ribbon's Crispy Chicken is sweet and a bit tarty.

Red Ribbon's Crispy Chicken can be bought ala carte or a meal (with Cake and Softdrink). Price at 90php and 150php respectively.

SAVE 32PHP WHEN BUYING A RED RIBBON CRISPY CHICKEN MEAL! GET THE MEAL FOR JUST 118PHP. AND GET A FREE CUP OF SOFDRINK WHEN BUYING THE CRISPY CHICKEN ALA CARTE. PROMO UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2010.

Red Ribbon Mango will soon be opening this November 2010!

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt!

2010-10-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

Yogurt Yogurt! Another Frozen Yogurt station had opened in Cebu!With more and more of us Cebuanos wanting healthier options, the froyo craze continues!

Opening just last weekend, international froyo brand Tutti Fruti had opened their yogurt station at the lower ground floor of SM City Cebu (across Harbour Dimsum restaurant and Bibo). So what sets Tutti Frutti froyo from other froyo stations? First, they are the only froyo station that is self service! Yes, you make your own froyo cup! From the dispensing of your flavored froyo, to the fruit toppings and sprinkles and syrups, you have every liberty of putting what you want in your cup. But be careful because an ounce/oz of whatever you put in your cup is priced at 20php.

Creating your own froyo cup is easy. First ,go grab a cup. 3 cup sizes are available, Small, medium and Large. Choose your froyo flavor. Available flavors are Original Tart, TARO-bly Delicious, Mango Delight, Coffee, Blue berrylicious, Vanilla, Strawberry Banana and cookies and Cream.

Then choose your fruit toppings, candy and cereal sprinkles and syrup!

Then have your froyo cup weighed and then pay!

Enjoy! Peehgs enjoying Tutti Frutti froyo. Tutti Frutti ,like White Hat, claims that their yogurt is 98% fat free! So it's good right? Guilt free dessert! Just be sure to put more fruit toppings than sweet toppings and syrups! :)

Another thing that's different at Tutti Frutti is that they have lots of flavors to choose from.Though I find some TF Froyo flavors too sweet, like Cookies & Cream which was my nephew Lenard's pick which he enjoyed very much and coffee which was Shakey's pick ; these flavors are surely a hit for people with a sweet tooth!

I love Taro-bly delicios, strawberry banana and Blue berry delicious since they are the flavors that tartness are distinguishable. ;)

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Munchers!

2010-10-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf always has been one of the "Peehgs" choices to satisfy our tea latte cravings, actually and honestly the first! We just love Coffee Bean Tea Lattes specially Morrocan mint and Passion! What we love more is we get free drink upgrades since we are Enjoy Cardholders! ;) Peehgs Nike, Edd and I were invited by Cybill and Kaye of Alist to join them together with fellow Cebu Bloggers Ethe and Jason with photographer Roui Faelnar (who by the way is responsible for the food shots you'll be seeing on this blog entry) for breakfast at Coffeebean The Terraces Ayala. Been a fan of Coffeebean but never really had a chance to order munchers; haven't even noticed that they served salads and pastas. During the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf breakfast we were treated to fresh and healthy servings of pastas, salads and sandwiches. And did I mention desserts? Yum!

We just love a cold and sweet drink, specially on the hot and humid climate we have here in tropical Cebu! A great way to cool down is to have a sip on a cold Ice blended coffee. And if you are counting calories, no need to worry because you have a choice to lighten up your CBTL drink! Shown on the picture above is a Double Chocolate Ice blended drink.As for me, I ordered the Lightened up Ultimate Mocha which is made of coffee extract blended with chocolate covered Espresso beans and special Dutch Chocolate! What I like about CBTL Ice blended drink is that the ice is blended into a consistency that is close to a melted ice cream. So there's a less chance of you chewing on bits of ice.

Chipotle Roast Chicken Sandwich. The mixed of fresh greens and jalapenos are just great! Sweet and a little warm/hot jalopenos' taste with the slightly roast taste of the chicken are very complimentary.

Smoked Turkey with melted Cheddar Cheese! Turkey meat like the chicken is high in protein, so to health conscious peeps, I think this is a great way to have your daily dose of protein munch.CBTL Sandwiches range from 199php to 289php.

Salads are light and heavenly at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! Above is a picture of CBTL's Caesar salad. Lightly tossed with Caesar dressing that infused well with the greens, with slices of boiled eggs, croutons and shavings of Asiago Cheese. Caesar salad is not sinful here at CBTL as the dressing is thin!

Roasted Chicken and Mushroom Fusilli. Twisted pasta / Fusili pasta topped with light yet creamy roasted chicken sauce with chips of sweet red bell pepper with shavings of Asiago cheese. The fusilli was still hard though, a bit firmer would make it better! Considering the meal was prepared by CBTL baristas, Roasted chicken and Mushroom Fusilli would be good enough to make me smile and be happy on any gloomy day. :) CBTL Pastas range from 169php-229php.

This one's my fave dessert at Coffee Bean! CBTL's Low Sugar Chocolate Mousse! Soft, smooth and layers of semi sweet/bitter chocolate on a bed of choco crust and topped with shavings of chocolates. Ahhhhhh!

Other CBTL Dessert!

Carrot Cake

Blueberry Cheesecake

Cheesecake

Coffeebean and Tea Leaf has 4 branches in Cebu - SM Northwing, The Terraces Ayala, Asiatown I.T. Park Lahug and Robinson's Cybergate Mall.

Thanks to Cybill Gayatin and Kaye Luym of Alist for the invite and to CBTL's Managing director Mr. Allen Arvin Tan.

Photo Credits to Roui Faelnar --- More Photos Here!

Alpa Suite's Amo Cafe

2010-10-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Just before entering Cebu City is a young hotel that boasts European hospitality at affordable rates. Alpa City Suites strategic location and low price rates had earned themselves patrons . But how about their food?

My first Alpa City Suite food experience was great, superb actually but it was because the company's European Chef was there to facilitate the cooking. I came back to taste Amo's European Cuisine after being sent a gift certificate from the president/owner of Alpa City Suite which was given through foodie and Sunstar editor Sir Jigs Arquiza. I booked and reserved lunch since I have another set of food tasting event scheduled in the evening. The Amo restaurant's waiter was very accommodating and seated me to my table setting the utensils with a big smile on his face. After setting the table he then asked for my order. Since the gift certificate says a set menu can only be ordered, so I settled for the European Cuisine Menu B which is a 5-course meal consisting of soup of the day, Chicken Cordon Blu, Fish Fillet Foristiere, Brocolli & Cauliflower Casserole and Dessert of the day. (as far as my memory tells me, Set meal B cost is 700php++ for 2 persons).

Started the meal with the soup of the day which was Pumpkin Soup. It was creamy and rich, loved it!

Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower then topped with cheese then baked 'til the cheese melted and browned. I enjoyed munching on crunchy brocs and caulis!

Fish Fillet Foristiere. This was kinda weird for me. Foristiere which means "of the forest" has deep and strong flavors which includes mushrooms. Don't get me wrong, I love mushrooms but what's weird about it is that the filleted fish tasted like it was deep fried in a bread coat giving it an oily taste in a brown musky sauce.

Chicken Cordon Blu/Bleu. Amo's version was quite hard and dry. Even with the sauce sidings, you can still taste the chicken's dryness.

The finale was great! Canonigo is soft and heavenly in custard sauce . This resembles much like Brazo de Mercedes without the middle yolk part.

I wish I could say that I enjoyed the 2nd lunch I had at Alpa City Suites just like my first dining experience at the hotel, but I didn't, the soup and dessert made me happy though, so it wasn't all bad. The food was fairly priced though for a hotel resto. :)

Cafe Elysa

2010-10-21T04:17:00.000-07:00

Used to be a carenderia, Cafe Elysa transformed the place to a cozy and warm dining space which is both intimate and mellow. The bistro is located at Parian which is very near the heritage monument of Cebu - just right after you turn right to the Pari-an Fire Station and Police Station. Cafe Elysa was named after the owner's mother, Elysa Aznar. Stephen Aznar talks about the food being classified as Filipino with infused tastes from his travels overseas and abroad.

Classical and simple yet chic - that was my first impression as I entered the wooden door of Cafe Elysa. With chill out music on the background which sets the contrast between the wooden and classic facade, you'd know it's not gonna be a boring dining experience.

We started with a special Tapa (not on Cafe Elysa Menu) prepared by Chef Skippy Borromeo - Caviar on white cheese and salty crackers. Different Cafe Elysa Tapas or appetizers was then served.

Chicken Liver Paste with Sauteed Apple and Triple Sec priced at 85php. If you like the sandy and strong taste of liver then you'd enjoy this appetizer. It's not like the liver spread we buy in the supermarket which is spicy and sweet which blends and masks the strong taste of the liver. This one tastes like liver. :)

Pinoy Lumpia Prito - priced at 65php. This one is clearly Thai/Vietnamese inspired as you can taste the glass noodles which is being used in both Thai and Vietnamese spring rolls. Perfectly fried and seasoned! Me likey!

Salt and Pepper Squid in a bed of Bokchoy - I highly recommend this Tapa to everyone. Spicy and semi sweet sauce which complemented well with the Bok Choy. For those who doesnt know what Bok Choy is, it's Chinese cabbage, which is a good source of Vitamin C and A.

Another Tapa reccomendation is the "Popcorn Shrimp." So why did they call it Popcorn Shrimp when there's no corn ingedient on this tapa? Well, it simply is because when they first cooked the dish, the popping sound like a popcorn popping was heard on the kitchen so they called it "Popcorn Shrimp!"

Tangigue Ceviche - or locally known as kinilaw is plainly Tangigue in vinegar chilis, onion and spring onions. I eat raw fish but am not a fan. But what's good about Cafe Elysa's Ceviche is that the vinegar is not too strong but just enough to kill the fish's sea taste.

Spicy Beef & Eggplant Cake with Red Curry topped with Holy Basil - priced at 85php. Strong spiced beef taste which then cleansed with the taste of cucumber. Interesting Tapa! FYI - Holy basil or tulasi or Tulsi is a natural remedy for stress.

Pasta Bolognese with basil and Grana Padano Cheese - spaghetti pasta with with classical Italian meat sauce with Italian Grana Padano Cheese. You can taste grits of semi salty yet milky bits of Italian cheese, I find it a bit salty though. But the pasta was cooked just right!

Elysa Fried Rice - Amazingly not as oily as the fried rice we are accustomed to. A very homey and nostalgic taste just like when we were served fried rice in the morning when we were kids as the salt rocks melts in your mouth and sweet taste of bits of fresh spring onions.

For dessert, we had Apple Banana Fritters with Sugar Syrup. Classic!

Definitely will be back for the caldereta as Vahnjohn had recommended!

iluvcebu.com authors Doyzkie, Noe, Chai, Nayki with Cafe Elysa owner Stephen Aznar and Chef Skippy Borromeo.

Thanks to Jude Bacalso and Stephen Aznar for the invite!

Cafe Elysa is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am-3pm and 6pm to 10pm. Closed on Mondays.

Address: 30-A ZAmora St. Pari-an, Cebu City

Phone: (032) 414 9265 | (032) 416 6793

Mobile: +63921453877

Email: bellespicestaz@yahoo.com

Canvas - We Love!

2010-10-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

When in a mall, it's hard to find a meal that's cut above the usual fastfood or casual meals. You'd be surprised when you dine at Canvas- located at the 2nd level of The Terraces Ayala. If you love good food, then you'd definitely fall for Canvas!

It was a triple birthday celebration dinner for Sheng, Mark & Nico and I recommended we dine at Canvas! Some are first time diners at the bistro so they were so excited since I have been telling them that food at Canvas is great! We ordered all 6 Canvas creation full meals/main ( 1 Canvas Creation wasn't available that night) plus 1 special order!

Five Spice and Lemon Grass Roast Chicken with Garlic Mash at 295php.

I am a big fan of beef dishes and I must say I love this dish! Beef Fillet with blue cheese, red wine jus served in wok-fried Asian greens and sided with mashed potatoes. 345php for the full meal/main. Entree priced at 220.

Imported Baby Back Ribs in honey and rum sauce served with potato wedges, corn and green salad.

Price: Entree 265php Main: 395php

Substituting our Grilled Lamb Cutlets, is a special order. Lamb shank served in a bed of sauteed veggies. Tender and juicy lamb meat with a semi sweet sauce. Ronald and I are a fan! \m/

Mixed Grill - Thai BBQ Chicken, local beef, pork medallion and cream of dory served with potatoes and roasted veggies. Priced at 495php

Also one of my Canvas Fave is the Garlic, Paprika and Thyme rubbed porkchop with Spanish onion, Caramelized apple with Cumin curry battered potato wedges. 275php.

My personal pick for the best Canvas creation -Pork medallions with grain mustard sauce, tiger prawn and pesto fettuccine. Main/ Full order is priced at 365php or without tiger prawn at 285php.

It was such a nice experience for we haven't seen each other for months and sharing a table with great food, amazing friends and loads of catching up was just perfect! As we all agreed- WE LOVE CANVAS!

(NOTE: All photos above are taken by doyzkie buenaviaje)

We also have to commend the service at Canvas specially to Ms. Christ Cille Gegremosa! Service is very close to a fine dining resto at a casual and laid back ambiance. Keep it up guys!

The barkada with Chef Steve Shrimski of Canvas.

Yogurt Yogurt! New Froyo Places in Cebu!

2010-10-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

Cebuanos now had been so health conscious! Cebu brands like Thirsty came up with their new Lite Drinks with no sugar (substituting sugar with Splenda) and using low fat milk. Not to mention ,desserts with low sugar content have been the talk of the town, with more and more Cebuanos counting calories. ;) And one of the best things that happened to Cebu since late last year was the opening of Frozen Yogurt or FRO YOS stations in Cebu. They have been sprouting like crazy beans, which for me is really good! I just love Fro Yo! But as everyone is expecting, probably next year, the best froyos will be left standing and open! ;)

__________________

With their soft opening last week of September, Yummy Yo had been visited by many including Cebuano models and photographers! Owner Dan Douglas Ong, one of Cebu's best fashion photographer, created the yogurt flavor that is unique from any other yogurt place in Cebu, Frozen yogurt with bits of fruits! Dan had me tried the Strawberry Flavored Frozen Yogurt with Mandarin and grape toppings! It was definitely a treat that's equally good and healthy!

Yummy Yo is available in Small, Medium and Family Sizes with original, green tea and fruit flavor(changing every week). Prices at 75php, 95php and 130php for the original flavor. 80php, 100php and 135php for the green tea flavor and 90php, 110php and 145 for the fruit flavored yogurt with real fruit bits.

Yummy Yo is located at Ground Floor the Forum Building Cebu City. Forum Building is the building at the left of Grand Convention if your facing Grand Convention.

______________________

Teriyaki Boy now also serves their own version of the Frozen Yogurt treat! Yogato as they call it, it's probably my 2nd LEAST favorite frozen yogurt in Cebu. Though their toppings are yummy and very Japanesey, the taste of their yogurt is not that yogurty and yogurt tartness is not that distinct and distinguishable.

I ordered Ichigo Yogato with strawberry sticks, strawberry Jam and Japanese Strawberry Chocolates.Priced at 155php plus tax. hmmmm. Quite pricey for the size and the taste. But as they claim their yogurt is 98% fat free. Teriyako Boy is located at the Terraces Ayala Center Cebu.

___________________________

Wootwoot! The original frozen yogurt in the Philippines has now opened their doors in Cebu! Red Mango is located at the 3rd level of Ayala Center Cebu just beside Cinema 1. The amazing thing when you get inside Red Mango is the smell of the fresh warm waffle. Been there 3 times already and the same great scent is noticeable. As with their yogurt, it's very similar to YOGO of Coffeecat with the same tartness but a bit creamier.

Shangri-La's Beetroot Menu!

2010-10-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

Beetroot contains no fat, very few calories and is a great source of fibre. Beetroot has for many years been used as a treatment for cancer in Europe. Specific anti-carcinogens are bound to the red colouring matter which supposedly helps fight against cancer and beetroot also increases the uptake of oxygen by as much as 400 percent.

Shangri-La Mactan's team of chefs represented the Visayas region for Chef Wars Classical European Category. Chefs Coleen Gay Mikin, Karima Ilupa and Gypsy Amores competed at the National Food Showdown held last Sepember 10-11 at the A. Venue Events Hall, Makati City. The team was given 2 kilos of beetroot and with only an hour to prepare and cook. Shangri-La prepared 3 dishes and was presented with the highest medal awarded during the competition which was a Silver!

Shangri-La invited me to join their team of Chefs together with print media people Jude Bacalso and Jigs Arquiza to a dinner at their Italian Restaurant "Acqua" and sampled the award winning Beetroot Dishes!

The original winning entry had only 3 dishes but to complete a 4-course meal, the chefs decided to add a dessert.

We started the meal with Beetroot Symphony. Beetroot and Sea Bass Carpaccio marinated in citrus juice, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and thyme, served with beetroot ice cream. I usually dont' eat raw anything but I just had to try this, and it wasn't bad at all! It was actually good!

We then had "Moon Harvest". Beetroot Arborio (Italian Short Grain Rice) Rice with porcini mushrooms and cheese fondue. Risotto goodness!

Beetroot Beef Pursuit . Herb crusted beef tenderloin with beetroot and balsamic vinegar reduction served with rosemary-flavored apple-mashed potatoes in a bed of sautéed beetroot. My Fave among the dishes!

For dessert we had Purple Pears. Beetroot juice-poached pears served with mascarpone ricotta and walnuts. Just love how the ricotta melts in my mouth! Yum!

It was a sumptuous dinner indeed and it was such a great experience! Congratulations to Chefs Coleen Gay Mikin, Karima Ilupa and Gypsy Amores. And Thank you to Shangri-Las Rica Rellon for the invite!

For Shangri-La Acqua reservations and inquiries you may call (63 32) 231 8224

Hours

Breakfast: 6am – 10am
Lunch: noon – 2:30pm
Dinner: 6pm – 10pm

Location

Poolside Ocean Wing

Dress Code

Smart casual

Smoking Policy

Acqua has separate smoking and non-smoking areas.

Ipar's Spanish Bistro

2010-09-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

Restaurant: Ipar's

Food: Authentic Spanish

Address: 157 F. Ramos Street, Cebu City, Cebu 6000

Telephone number: (032) 410-7727

Mode of Payment: Cash/Card

Uncomplicated and straight to the point, that's how I would describe the flavorful Spanish dishes served at Ipar's! Sunstar Editor and foodie Sir Jigz Arquiza invited me to join him for dinner with RCTV's Alexis Yap featuring of course Chef Ipar Miranda's bestsellers.

It was a scheduled dinner at 7pm but I was 15 minutes late battling off traffic in Mango Avenue on a weekend. It was drizzling and as I parked my car and got off, the guard was already holding an umbrella making sure I don't get wet! Pretty cool huh? hehe. For a few seconds I felt like a prince.

As I stepped in the restaurant, I noticed the interiors and decors are very homey and very hacienda-like, very much similar to the Spanish soaps we used to love during the early 2000's! We started the dinner with a few "Tapas" or appetizers in english!

The first "tapa" served was the "Croquettas de Pollo" or Chicken Croquettes which I loved. Crunchy breaded chicken crust fried to golden brown with cheese on the inside! 80php per serving. Serves around 1-2 persons.

The Spanish Chorizo was then served. Sweet with a bit spicy smokey flavor. Priced at 180php. Serves 1-2persons.

Gambas Al Ajillo. Shrimps sauteed in garlic. Very simple yet very appetizing. Priced at 180php. Serves 1-2 persons.

Now for the main course! :)

"Chuletas de Cerdo Al Ajillo" was the first entree served. Porkchops sauteed in garlic topped with mushroom. Tender and juicy porkchops with the right hint of garlic! Priced at 180php. Serves 1 person.

One of Ipar's house specialty is "Pollo Asado Al Horno". One whole roast chicken served juicy and tender. Take note that when you order this, it'll take an hour and a half so better call Ipar's ahead if you're ordering this one. Priced at 480php. Serves 3-4 people.

Spanish favorite Paella was also served! Chef Ipar made "Paella De La Casa" which was a combination of seafood, meat and rice. Serves 4-6. Priced at 850php.

Chef Ipar Miranda preparing "Chuletas de Cerdo Al Ajillo"

NOTE: PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF 12% TAX BUT EXCLUSIVE OF 5% SERVICE CHARGE!

Thanks to Sir Jigz Arquiza, Alexis Yap and Chef Ipar Miranda!

Greenwich Bigatin Party

2010-09-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Peehgs got a Bigatin Treat Party at Greenwich SM giving us a a foretaste of their new offering, their 18inch Overload Bigatin Pizza! Shake, Edd, Nike, Ryan, Wilbur and I picked Hungarian Sausage and Bacon overload pizza with 2X more sausage and bacon.

Greenwich 18inch rolled edge thick crust retails at 749php. Perfect for a group of 5-6! Hungarian Sausage pizza tastes very Filipino with sweet tomato sauce topped with layers of Hungarian sausage and bacon. Best eaten when hot! Can't wait to try the other new flavor Shrimp and Garlic Overload!

Edd, Shakey, WIlbur, Nike, Ryan, Doyzkie and Ryan with our

18inch Greenwich bigatin pizza!

Big Thanks to Greenwich SM and Ms. Charo Baller!

Peehg's 100php Foodcourt Challenge on my 100th food blog entry

2010-09-20T00:24:00.000-07:00

Peehgs on the go! We had been busy with our own stuff lately; Nowie-with her studies, Edd - with his photoshoots, Nike - with HOBCON 2010 Sponsorships, Reymond with his IT work, Shake - with Callgirl work, hehe and as for me event coverages. So we decided to have a quick lunch together at SM foodcourt and added a little twist, buying lunch without spending over 100php!

Sizzling Plate had always been a personal favorite when it comes to foodcourt chows! Above is Sizzling Porkchop with Java Rice and Egg for 75php paired with small Thirsty lemonade for 25php and your good with your 100php! Soft porkchop slices drizzled with semi sweet peppery gravy served on a sizzling plate.

Nike and Noe shared the bill for the challenge with their 1/4 lechon meal with rice, soup and drinks for 195php which they bought at Marina Seafood Grill. Lechon tasted good but CNT is still better. :)

My brother Reymond had the Sizzling beef tips over at Sizzling Plate at 70php paired with Thirsty priced at 25php totaling to 95php!

Another personal Fave of mine over at SM Cebu foodcourt is The Chicken Company. They serve BIIIG Parts of chicken without a BIG bill! Shakey bought a 1pc chicken meal with drinks at 80php!

Peehgs as we are,we got full, satisfied and happy even on a tight budget! ;)

Free Gelatissimo Ice Cream!

2010-08-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Gelatissimo offers premium Italian Ice Cream that are flavorful yet is not packed with too much fat. 90% Fat free for most of the yummy flavors from Varonese Chocolate, Coconut flavor and lotsa other fruity and chocolatey flavors and 100% Fat free for green tea and sorbets! So how do you get free scoops??? It's easy!

The promo is open to all BDO Visa, Mastercard and JCB Credit Card Holders! For a single receipt worth 2,000php, 3,000php and 4,000php up you get 1, 2, 3 scoops respectively of Gelato flavor of your choice. This is a regional promo and is only available in Cebu. Charged slips from August 1 to September 30, 2010 are qualified to join. Redemption of free Gelatissimo is until November 30, 2010.

You can redeem your Free Gelatissimo at the following Branches:

Upper Ground Level, SM City Cebu North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Ground Level, SM Northwing SM City Cebu North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
The Terraces, Lower Ground Level Ayala Center Cebu City

For more detailson the promo click HERE!

Coffecat after a month!

2010-08-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

After opening their first branch in Cebu last July 19, 2010, Peehgs had been taking a close look at Coffecat, trying every dish and coffees and of course the service. After more than a month of operation, lots of Cebuanos had been addicted to Yogo Frozen Yogurt.Below is a list of what had made me crave for Coffeecat for the past weeks.

My Personal Coffeecat Top Picks are

1. Yogo Frozen Green Tea Yogurt with Kiwi, Grapes and Butterfinger! I find Coffeecat's Yogo yogurtness just right - sweetness and sourness just right! Priced at 155php for Medium Size cup with 3 toppings.

2. Coffeecat's Angry Harry Pasta. Priced at 165php, Be cautions for Angry Harry is peppery hot! Angry Harry is made of Arrabiata sauce made with ham, mushroom, garlic, tomatoes, basil and red chili cooked in olive oil. Al dente cooked Spaghetti made the texture of the pasta even greater. If you are not into chilis then you can have the Napoletana Pasta priced at 16ophp.

3. Coffeecat Chai Tea Avalanche. My fave Avalanche so as with Ache(Chai Rico), my lil bro Edd and my adopted lil bro Ryan! haha. You can taste the tea-ness and its not that sweet. :)

Least Coffeecat Favorites
1. Coffeecat's Pistachio Lamington. It looks really yummy, it's name is so intriguing and its affordable! Priced at 55php, I would not suggest you buy this if your not into oily desserts. Pistachio Lamington is layers of chiffon and butter cake covered with butter and then topped all over with artificially colored dehydrated coconut flakes. So oily I must say!

2. Yogo Waffle . Don't get me wrong but I love Waffles. Yogo waffle, on the other hand is priced at 80php for the waffle and top it with your size choice Yogo Frozen Yogurt and toppings. In the picture below, that's a medium sized yogurt with 3 toppings. So 155php+80php =235php. I love the yogurt but if you put the yogurt as a topping on the waffle, the serving size of the yogurt seems to be a bit little less than the yogurt on the cups. Inconsistency? I think they should have a fixed price for the Yogo waffle with the standard sized yogurt topping.

I would commend the service staff at Coffeecat for they offer a very personalized way of taking care of their customers.From the guard opening the door for you to the cashier who smiles and greets you well. Coffeecat is doing good for the first month for many had been coming back to its chic coffee shop, but will they be able to keep month old patrons and customers within the coming months as Starbucks would soon be releasing their new 2011 Planners - meaning Starbucks Patrons would soon be going back and drinking those Starbucks Signature Christmas Specials like Toffenut Latte, Peppermint Mocha and Dark Cherry Mocha. Let's see if the cat still charms Cebuanos on November. ;)

MyJoy's New Offering!

2010-08-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

MyJoy had always been a family favorite! If you were born in the 80's then you must've grew up eating at Mcjoy and Orange Brutus! Myjoy, or previously known as Mcjoy, is one of Cebu's fastfood chain that had captured the hearts of many Cebuanos. My Myjoy/Mcjoy favorites would be Beef Taco, Chicken, Halohalo Special and their new offering MyJoy's Hungarian Sausage!

Retails at 75php, Myjoy's Hungarian Sausage is peppery spicy, juicy and meaty, topped with grated cheddar cheese in a bun with special spread.

Myjoy have 3 branches in the city: Ayala Center Cebu, Juan Luna and Asiatown IT Park.

How to tell a good Frozen Yogurt from a bad one?

2010-08-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

Cebu suddenly had the urge for the creamy, yummy and healthy goodness of yogurt, Frozen Yogurt that is! Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and Vitamin B12 and Cebuanos just love the frozen treat leading to the sudden growth of yogurt stalls and shops around the city. And how do we distinguish a good tasting yogurt from the bad ones? hmmm. That's very tricky indeed. Personally, I'd consider it good if the tartness is distinguishable and at the right amount and of course how natural the flavor is. According to a source, some yogurt stalls in the city are just using yogurt flavoring to create a tartness so the frozen delight would taste like yogurt. hmmmmm. So we have to be vigilant coz when its just artificial it means it's packed with the same calories as ice cream. I have been tasting some yogurt around the city and I must say some are rather disappointing. :(

Yogu probably is one of the first yogurt shops in Cebu and made Cebuanos a bit curious about the frozen treat. Yogu is located at #11 Gov. M. Cuenco, Banilad, Cebu City and serves Frozen Yogurt, Yogurt Crepes and Yogurt Smoothies. They opened last qarter of 2009 and sadly their frozen yogurt is not "yogurty" - meaning sourness isn't that distinguishable. On the other hand, they have lots of topping choices and unlimited free syrup, but who would want more sugar on their yogurt right? Would defeat the purpose of less calorie, less fat and guilt free dessert.

Frizberry Yogurt. Frizberry Yogurt is owned by the Mitchell Colina, who by the way was my classmate in High School.. Frizberry started making frozen yogurt a household name and friends, friends of friends and other people had kept on messaging me on FB, twitter,plurk and multiply where Frizberry is. Frizberry is located at the 2nd level of SM City Cebu (Near Salon De Rose) and probably made the frozen treat available to mainstream mall goers. Frizberry Yogurt offers 2 Flavors: Original (Sizes Small: 75php Medium:95php Large: 105php) and Strawberry(Sizes Small: 80php Medium:100php Large: 110php). single topping is priced at 15php, double topping priced at 25 and triple topping priced at 35php. Like Yogu, unlimited syrup is also available at Frizberry. They have good fruit topping choices including my all time favorite Kiwi, Grapes and Mango! Frizberry does not thrift-sell you on the toppings. :) . Yogurt goodness is at average. Tartness is present but still lacks yogurt goodness.

Meeeeee-yaw! Coffeecat! Probably is the one that made every Cebuano crazy about frozen yogurt! Premium frozen yogurt with the right sourness and sweetness! Large cup with 3 toppings is priced at 185php and Green tea flavor is also available for 190php for the large cup with 3 toppings! Coffecat is located at JP Morgan Building Asiatown IT Park Lahug (building across Loft).I have to admit that I myself had been hooked to Coffecat's Yogo Frozen Yogurt! To clear out the confusions, Yogu, Yogo Boy and Yogo are different. :)

Yo-Go Boy has 2 branches in the city, one at Banilad Town Center and one at Ground Floor Sm City Cebu. 75php for a regular cup with one free topping. Not bad at all! Its sweet and creamy but tartness can barely be tasted though.

Fruit Farm Frozen Yogurt! Available at All time Favorite or ATF in Banilad, beside Chevrolet Showroom. Probably the least yogurty tasting of all the frozen yogurts I have tasted. Below is the picture I took with my iPhone of Noe's yogurt order. And it was served with the cup deformed. hehehe. The Avocado topping was good though which rarely is an available topping at yogurt places in the city.

Creamee D-light. Available at SM and Ayala, Creamee D-lite is originally a soft Ice cream stall and ventured into the yogurt craze. Their frozen yogurt tastes much like their frozen soft ice cream but with a bit of sourness. Fruit toppings available that time was only banana and mango. Their mango tasted sour. hahaha. Compensates to the lack of sourness in the yogurt? hahaha

White Hat. Another Peehgs favorite is White Hat! Located at the 2nd level of SM City Cebu, it's a retreat after a hard days work! Guilt Free for it says 98% fat free! wootwoot! haha. A medium sided cup is at 145 with 3 toppings. They also have "Hats" available like "Health Nut Hat" which is by the way my fave Hat with different Nut toppings. Also another best seller Hat is "Pinoy Hat" is a best seller with ChocNut and Cashew nut toppings with barquillos. Other Hat Suggestions are "Love Hat" and "Cobbler's Hat." BUt as for me my fave toppings would always be Fresh Kiwi, Grapes, Mango and Mandarin.

So how to tell a good Frozen Yogurt from a bad one? Well definitely its up to your palate! :) Try all the yogurt stalls and explore! And share what you think about each yogurt for it serves as guide to Frozen Yogurt lovers! Looking forward to another Yogurt Shop to open next week near Grand Convention! ;)

Last Day of Swiss Goodness!

2010-08-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day for you to experience one of the best Swiss dining in Cebu! August 8, 2010 marks the last day of the Swiss Alpine Festival at Marco Polo Cebu so be sure to drop by Cafe Marco and try the limited festival offering!

Try their Raclette Cheese with New Potatoes! Raclette Cheese is one of Switzerland's famous gourmet cheeses!

Cervelat Sausage are also served! A swiss sausage made of beef, bacon and pork rind.

For dessert there are varieties of mouse and cookies! Aside from the Swiss dishes, you'd still be able to enjoy the international buffet! Price 975php +10% VAT dinner or lunch!

Swiss Alpine Festival!

2010-07-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Switzerland from A-Z! Marco Polo brings back the real Swiss Flavor to Cebu City as Cafe Marco's Culinary journeys makes it's next stop in Switzerland! Experience a complete world of Swiss Goodness from Alpine to Zurich!

Enjoy Swiss food on top of the International Buffet at 975php +10% VAT dinner or lunch!

Marco Polo's Sabores de España

2010-07-24T02:38:00.000-07:00

Every month, Marco Polo Cebu brings in a treat for guests and locals of Cebu. July 2010, a celebration of culture and friendship through food, Sabores de España, was held at the Marco Polo Hotel where special guests were treated to a Spanish dinner paired with wines from Spain!

Launched on July 16, 2010, Sabores de España was highlighted by the cutting of the Serrano Ham at Cafe Marco and unveiling of the Paella at the El Viento Restaurant and Pool Bar with Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias- Romero, Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell, Ms. Gema Pido and Mr. Hans Suri.

Special performances by Pianist Maestro Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz accompanied by Guitarist Ruben Reyes!

And of course, the food! Enjoyed these 3 servings the most! First is the sausage and melon salad, Paella and dessert sampler Spanish Doughnut Churros, creme brule and Brazo de Mercedes!

Would like to thank these 3 lovely ladies of Marco Polo for the invite! ;)
Muchos Gracias Ecka, Jennifer et Belle!

Meeyaw! A new cat is brewing in town!

2010-07-19T01:39:00.000-07:00

Coffeecat - a celebration to coffee and life! Just a year old, Coffeecat had been making a buzz for its good coffee, modern minimalist yet cozy ambiance and PREMIUM Frozen Yogurt! Location is at JP Morgan Building Asiatown IT Park Lahug (building across Loft) .

Had a chance to taste the Coffeecat Coffee Jelly and Yogo Frozen Yogurt! during the opening last July 19, 2010. Review? ;) Well The coffee jelly wasn't that good because the jelly was a bit stiff and hard and has no flavor, the blended coffee was smooth and tasty though and the whip is rich and smooth as well. :). As for the Yogo Frozen Yogurt, I love! The Peehgs had consistenly been craving for it! Yogo Frozen Yogurt is creamy yet the sourness is distinguishable just like the yogurt we buy from the groceries. Sourness at the right level and not too sweet. Favorite toppings are grapes, kiwi, butterfinger, cherry and strawberry. Large cup with 3 toppings is priced at 185php and Green tea flavor is also available for 190php for the large cup with 3 toppings!

You might be wondering why the owners named the coffee shop "Coffee Cat." Well "Coffee Cat" is a product of an intriguing play of words coupled with a serendipitous association to a cat-sized mammal called civet cat having a close affinity towards coffee berries!

The Coffee Cat president JC R Tan is just 24 years old so it's no surprise why the shop is chic and exudes a young vibe and aura! Below is a picture of Marie Peluchi Tan (corporate secretary and district manager for Cebu) and JC Tan president and general manager of Coffeecat!

Ribbon Cutting!
April Rama, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Cebu City Councilor Edu Rama and Mayor Rama!

Big Thanks to Jaja and April!

CYMA

2010-07-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Cyma is a greek word that means "to flourish!" Cyma's executive chef and owner Robby Goco opened the first Cyma in Boracay in 2005 and hoping that Filipinos would embrace the same love for Greek food like his family. Gladly, international guests as well as the locals loved Cyma giving them a hint to expand in Manila a year after. And in 2008, Cyma opened another branch at The Terraces Ayala Center Cebu proving that Cyma indeed had flourished!

I was invited by food expert and executive director of Hotel, Resort &Restaurant Association of Cebu or HRRACI Ms. Aissa Dela Cruz to join her in experiencing new dishes at the greek bistro, CYMA!

Cyma Cebu branch is supervised by Yvette "Bee" Luciano who also is the assistant director for research and development who shared some history and stories about CYMA. We started the meal with PIKILIA or composite of sampling of dips including roasted eggplant with garlic, lemon, tomatoes and virgin olive oil, Hummous, creamed Feta Cheese, classic cucumber, garlic and yogurt served with Pita bread.

We then had a new CYMA offering to be added in the menu this month, Hot Clam Dip served with toasted artisan bread, carrot and cucumber sticks . I recommend this dish! Love it! Cyma Hot Clam Dip dish is created by Chef Bee!

Next is Cyma Roka Salate! Romaine lettuce, arguala, dried tomatoes dressed with vinaigrette with shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano and glazed walnuts!

CYMA Seafood Macaronada, might look like another ordinary pasta but Cyma actually used a different kind of pasta called "Bucatani Pasta!" It's like a fat spaghetti but there's a tunnel hole for the flavor to be sucked in! Another special thing about this pasta is that it's seasoned in saffron, the most priced and expensive spice in the world. And I just love the taste of fresh seafood! :)

Paidakia or Cyma Char-grilled Lamb Ribs! Yum! Rubbed in sea salt, pepper and oregano! Also loved the sweet and fresh mashed potatoes!

We had Cyma's Pannacotta and Choco lava cake for dessert! The Panacotta is topped with sweetened fruits like cherry tomatoes, apples, grapes and oranges.

Chef Bee with our "Glyka" or dessert Choco lava Cake!

Special thanks to CYMA, Chef Yvette "Bee" Luciano, Ms. Aissa dela Cruz and Cebu Daily News!

Chows @ Montebello!

2010-06-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

It's so nice when at the end of a very busy day you'd be treated to a nice dinner! As for Noe and I, we had a pasta overload feast at Montebello and not to mention a delicious dessert!

The highlight of the dinner for me was the Strawberry Mousse Cake! The Semi spongy cake topped with strawberry mousse very good. It was light and heavenly! Not too sweet!

I had Penne with Shrimp and Basil for dinner. I love shrimps and basil so I enjoyed the pasta entree! Had better pastas though but it was good enough to make me happy after a very tiring day!

Other Montebello food offerings are Tomato Risotto and

Callos a La Madrilena!

Formo's New Burgers & Sandwhiches

2010-05-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

One of Cebu's best party destinations is Formo and it's not just the party that is great at Formo but the food as well! Now Formo is adding a new line of grilled burgers on the menu! Peehgs Noe, Nike and I (Edd wasn't able to come) were invited to taste them and interview Chef Lor Torres, the creator of these sumptuous grilled burgers!

Formo's Hungarian Sandwhich. My personal favorite! The sausage was created for Formo by Chef Lor. What's great about Formo's new line of sandwiches is that they're meaty and juicy. All Formo Sandwiches come with Formo's Potato Chips. Formo's Hungarian Sandwhich goes well with beer!

Noe's Favorite, Formo's Frankfurter!

All time Filipino Fave Chorizo is now in a burger. Nike's Fave, the Formo's Chorizo Burger! It's sweet spicy patty and pesto sauce makes this sandwich appetizing! A glass of Formo's Mojitos would be a perfect partner!

For those who are on the lighter side of things, you can choose to have the white meat! burger Formo's Chicken Burger is meaty, juicy and flavorful! Goes well with a serving of Formo's Frozen Margarita!

And the classic Beef burger! Beef na beef! Goes well with beer! :)

Price Ranges from 90-120php! Big Thanks to Ms. Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Chef Lorna Torres, Ms. Meyen Baguio and Mr. Joseph Bontilao!

Nike, Chef Lor, Noe and Doyzkie!

Greenwich American Idol Pizza

2010-05-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

The New Greenwich American Idol Limited Edition Pizza is here! 7 favorite American toppings on one pizza; Bacon, Beef Burger, Bratwurst Sausage, Onions, Green bell peppers, mushrooms and crunchy shoestring potatoes.

25 Cebu based bloggers were invited to taste the new Greenwich offering: Greenwich American Idol Limited Edition Pizza! We were treated to a gastronomic pizza party as we had unlimited servings of Greenwich American Idol Pizza!

Swing your way to the nearest Greenwich and be sure to try this limited Greenwich offering.

Big thanks to Ms. Charo Baller!

Mga Kapig Outs!

The Great Adobo Challenge

2010-04-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu brings on the challenge! One favorite Filipino dish, 4 culinary artists from 4 different places battle it out on the kitchen! Culinary Masters Glenda Barretto of Samar, Danny dela Cuesta of Northern Luzon, Myrna Segismundo of Batangas and Nancy Reyes showcase their culinary talents for the Marco Polo's Great Adobo Challenge! See you at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Thursday 11:30AM.

Thanks to Ms. Belle, PR of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu for the invite and Sir Jigs Arquiza of Sunstar Cebu!

Mactan Food Festival

2010-04-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

A food orgy of what Mactan has to offer and the best in Mactan culinary from hotels and restaurants gather at this annual event. Mactan Food Festival gives Cebuanos and tourists a foretaste of Mactan hotels and restaurants signature dishes at marked down prices! Food prices starts at a cut-down whooping price of 50php a dish, prepared by chefs from top rate Mactan Hotels and Restos! Since it's inception in 2001, the event gets better and better as Lapu-lapu Tourism and Lapu-lapu City government see the potential of domestic as well as international tourists pouring in to witness the event and take part in the food fair!

Couchsurfer guests Mark and Jeff joined the Peeehgz! on another food adventure as we invade Mactan Shrine for the 2010 Kadaugan sa Mactan Food Festival! Sir Jigz Arquiza and Shangrila Mactan had given me the privileged to taste 2 treat dishes!

Chef Orlan preparing Asian Beef and Cauliflower Stew! Sweet, semi spicy flavorful dish which I personally loved!

Another treat was this tender and soft Shangrila Spring Chicken! Yum!

Mark also bought Hilton's bibingka for 75php! Yummy bibingka topped with Kesong puti and fresh coconut shaves!

Well for you guys who would love to check 2010 Kadaugan sa Mactan Food Festival you still have the whole week to go and join the food carousel!

A very big Thank You to Sir Jigs Arquiza of Sunstar Cebu for the invitation!

Mga Kapig Outs!

Summer Cooler Quickies!

2010-04-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

The hot summer heat makes you wanna scream for some cold sweet icy desserts! Here are some of my personal fave summer cooler treats!

CHERRY'S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE. A new stall in Parkmall Mandaue serving these sweet yummy ice treat had made me coming back again and again. Yeah yeah, its just ice but I loved ice scramble during my elementary days so Hawaiian shaved ice is a nostalgia since its the closest thing to ice scramble. hehehe. Cherry's Hawaiian Shave Ice is sold at 55php for the small serving which can be shared by 2-3 persons and 75php for the big serving. Too many flavors to mention but I love Strawberry, Spearmint and orange!

My nephews and niece love Cherry's Hawaiian Shave Ice too!

GELATISSIMO! I love Gelatissimo and I am addicted to their lemon cheesecake! Lemon Cheesecake's tangy and citrus coolness is just heaven and bits of cheezy crumbs makes it even better! Gelatissimo's Single cup is sold at 95php!

Gelatissimo's little bambinos! These hand made ice cream masterpieces are cute and kids just love them, it's a little bit pricey though being sold at 400php for a dozen bambinos, but its fun and delish! Gelatissimo branches at SM City Cebu and Ayala Center Cebu.

Frizberry Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with triple fruit toppings! I love frozen yogurt and Frizberry just satisfies my cravings for the frozen treat! Large Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with triple fruit toppings is priced at 145php. Frizberry Yogurt is located at 2nd level SM City Cebu near Salon De Rose.

ASIAN PALM'S YIN YANG BROWNIE! Soft and moist white and brown chocolate warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream. Asian Palm Restaurant is located at The Gallery Mabolo Cebu.

QUICKLY! I just love Taro Ice (Iced Taro served with nata or sago/tapioca)and Choco Loco (Iced Taro with special chocolate syrup served with Nata or sago/tapioca) from Quickly! Priced at 55php and 60php respectively, these sweet cold drinks is a thirst quencher when strolling SM City Cebu. Branches at SM City Cebu are at the Lower Ground Floor SM near SM Supermaket and 2nd Level SM City Cebu.

Weekend Short Chows!

2010-04-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

Due to my Pig-like appetite I came across some snack chows that I kind of regret buying.

It was a scheduled horror movie night with the "Pehgs!" and bought Hazelnut Brownie from Selecta Gold Line! Chocolate and hazelnut ice cream with fudge brownies. The brownies are moist with the right sweetness but the ice cream wasn't that good. Paying for a "premium" ice cream price, I personally think it's not worth it.

Another disappointment is "Frostkits Homemade Sylvannas" paying 16php a piece for a block of butter /margarine coated in some sort of crumbs is not my idea of heaven. Don't get me wrong, I love Sylvannas but Frostiks was just not for me. Bought a box of 10pcs. at SM City Supermarket for 136php. Singles are also available for 16php. Also tasted the same Sylvannas at Off Roads Banilad which really tasted off!

Seattle's Best Pandesal was also another blind alley! The bread was like it had been on the shelves for days(or a week) as it was hard and tasted really like old bread. :(. Maybe it was not my lucky day for I have been served an old stock of bread.

Frizberry: Healthy Lifestyle in a Yogurt

2010-04-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Store: Frizberry Yogurt
Address: 2nd Level SM City Cebu (Near Salon De Rose)
Products: Frozen Yogurt and Yogurt Shakes
Mode of Payment: Cash

The warm Cebu climate makes us crave for more of those cold and sweet desserts to recharge our cool! My highschool classmate and friend Mitchell Colina had opened his first branch of his yogurt station at SM City Cebu and has invited me and my Cebu Bloggers Society friends to try out their Yogurt!

The pastel colored Frizberry Yogurt Station is eye catching and colorful enough to attract customers and has a vibrant and fresh feel.

Frizberry Yogurt toppings range from fresh fruits to preserved fruits to sweet mallows and crashed grahams! Though topping selection are wider at Yogu's, Frizberry Frozen Yogurt is more Yogurty and yogurt tasting!

Frizberry Yogurt offers 2 Flavors: Original (Sizes Small: 75php Medium:95php Large: 105php) and Strawberry(Sizes Small: 80php Medium:100php Large: 110php). single topping is priced at 15php, double topping priced at 25 and triple topping priced at 35php. Like Yogu, unlimited syrup is also available at Frizberry.

Owner Mitchel Colina and better half poses for pigginoutsessions!

Kapigouts!

FIC: Ice Cream Happiness!

2010-04-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

It was a very hot Saturday afternoon as I drove to Ayala Center Cebu for the opening of FIC or Fruits in Ice Cream. An invitation sent by Ms. Cybil Gayatin a few weeks back was hard to resist for I sooo love FIC!

FIC Ayala Center Cebu Scooping Station is located at 2nd level(3rd floor) of Ayala Mall fronting Chowking and Pizza Hut. FIC serves almost 40 flavors of Ice Cream in four different lines: gourmet, premium, FIC lite and Pinoy Sorbetes. FIC also have frozen cupcakes, ice cream pies, ice cream cakes, ice cream cookie sandwiches and other a la mode desserts.

FIC Gourmet Excellece Line comes in 3 flavors - Strawberry, Pistachio and Raspberry which are made with the best imported ingredients, like fresh raspberries from Oregon, USA. Other flavors from FIC Gourmet Line are black sesame, butterscotch, caramelo, choco mint, cranberry, durian, double Dutch, and macapuno. FIC Gourmet Selection are made extra special with creamier base and more combinations of real fruits, nuts, cookies and confectionary products.

FIC Premium Ice Creams are delightfully rich and creamy, and are loaded with natural ingredients that give each flavor its own distinct character: cappuccino is made with real coffee extract, green tea with real Japanese green tea leaves, and mango ice cream with our own Philippine Carabao mangoes. Other flavors in the premium line include cookies n’ cream, nangkasuy, and rocky road.

FIC lite is for those who conciously are watching over their weights. FIC lite is a line of frozen dairy desserts, which contains no added sugar and only 50% of the fat content in regular ice cream products. FIC lite is not only much lower in calories, but it is also loaded with a generous dose of healthy dietary fiber. The best part is that it still has the same creaminess, sweetness and rich mouth feel of premium ice cream. FIC lite comes in mangoes n’ cream, mixed berries, apple cinnamon, French vanilla, choco marble and café latte flavors.

FIC Pinoy Sorbetes creatively introduces familiar flavor interpretations of popular Filipino desserts like banana Q and mangga’t suman while adhering to international quality standards. FIC Pinoy Sorbetes flavors are made from a mellorine base – a blend of dairy solids and vegetable oil, mainly coconut oil, which is known to enhance your health. FIC Pinoy Sorbetes Regular offers tsokonut, kape’t gatas, melon, munggo and ube Pinoy flavors while FIC Pinoy Sorbetes Espesyal offers avocado, queso, guinumis, tsoko pinipig, mangga’t suman, banana Q, halo-halo flavors. It also comes in fat-free flavors like buko sorbetto, calamansi, mango sorbetto and guyabano.

I was given the privileged to eat all the FIC ice cream I want during the opening! I had FIC light flavors Caffe Latte and Mixed Berries. Caffe Latte was a light blend of coffee and milk which was good. Mixed berries was fruitfully sweet! After that I had to taste the soon to be launch Ice Cream Shake Line wherein you get to choose an ice cream flavor and have it blended with a little bit of milk, topped with whip and swirled with choco or strawberry syrup. FIC Shake Line is scheduled to be out in May! I had the Raspberry Rapture Milk Shake! I recommend the Raspberry Rapture, a must try!

I also got to try their Durian Flavor from the Gourmet Line and its amazingly Delicious! It's totally a durian experience starting from the moment u open the ice cream lid. Thanks to the Half Gallon Gift Certificate given by the FIC People!

FIC People! wootwoot!

There are now 3 branches in Cebu where you can get a load of your FIC cravings! FIC SM Branch, FIC Ayala Branch and FIC Country Club. But let me tell you a secret! You can actually get FIC at discounted prices at FIC Cebu Depot at 13 Buahinia Drive Banilad. You can call them at 232 8146! shhhh! :)

Abominable affair at Mesa?

2010-03-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

Restaurant: Mesa
Branch: 1st Level The Terraces Ayala Center Cebu
Food: Filipino
Type of Restaurant: Causal Dining
Mode of Payment: Cash/Credit Card

It's really a bummer when restaurants deliver lousy courtesy to hungry Pehhgz! It was past 9pm which was way over dinner time. We decided to dine at Mesa The Terraces Ayala Center Cebu. Kapig outs E, Ciege, Edd, Onyot, Greg, Kara , Homer and I entered the door and seated ourselves. There were barely any customers yet it took around 15-20 minutes for the waiter to give us the menu. I have to commend the interior design though for it's classy-homey Filipino touch.

We ordered Bagoong Rice, Baby Squid in Olive oil and Caramelized Garlic Pork.

Mesa Bagoong Rice(priced at 135php, serves 2-3persons). Stir Fried Rice tossed with shrimp paste with shredded Green Mangoes. The rice goes well with the baby squid entree we ordered.

Mesa Baby Squid in olive oil (priced at 220php, serves 1). Baby Squid sauteed in olive oil and seasoned with Garlic and laurel. The taste is superfluously good, too bad the serving size serves just 1 person.

Mesa Caramelized Garlic Pork (Priced at 190php serves 1-2). Pork belly slices tenderized in 5 spices, chili and garlic. Love this sweet spicy dish even though the serving size was kinda small.

And E ordered Mesa Cape Barako Jelly (Priced at 70php) which we shared with the group. It was very Filipino tasting and nostalgical. Coffee Jelly wasn't that barako though but it was enticing nonetheless!

KaPig Outs!

Coffee Substitutes

2010-03-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

Just love the new line up of Tazo teas sold at Starbucks. Tried the Tazo Chamomile Blend, Hibiscous Blend and the Orange Blossoms Teas!

Tazo Chamomile Blend Iced Tea is a good drink to comfort and calm your nerves. Light Floral naturally sweet with a smooth finish. With Chamomile flowers, Hibiscous flowers, lemongrass and rose petals.

Tazo Orange Blossoms Tea is a fruity flavored juicy infusion of orange peel, chili, hibiscous flowers, rose petal and ginger. Truly a cup of liquid sunshine!

Tazo Hibiscous Blend on the other side is uniquely full bodied infusion of fruity, juicy and tangy with woody notes. Composed of hibiscous with a hint of lemon and rosemary.

Sold for 90php for tall size, 95php for Grande and 105 for Venti. I would recommend that everyone buy the venti for it comes with 2 filterbags . Also request your Starbucks Barista to have the filterbags be left on your cup for more intense flavor.

Another new drink I have tried over the weekend is Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Berry'd Treasure. Sold for 155php for the Large size. It's a so-so drink and very forgettable. A little hint of berryness but doesn't make me happy. I also tried the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Banana Berry and Mango Flavors and one distinct taste is very strong on the drink. The base ingredient is too strong that it overpowers the fruit flavors.

FIC: Fruits in Ice Cream

2010-03-17T23:44:00.000-07:00

Stall: FIC: Fruits in Ice Cream
Branch: 1st Level SM City Cebu
Food: Ice Cream
Mode of Payment: Cash

(Sorry for the Picture Quality, used my iPhone to take the Photos)

Summer is here and the inevitable heat makes you crave for some sweet cold dessert! FIC or Fruits in Ice Cream has a variety of Filipino and International flavors to feast on. Price starting at 130PHP up a pint (Depending on Flavor) it surely is a treat for groupies. A pint serves 3-4 persons! For those on a diet, Low calorie Ice cream flavors are also available!

We ordered FIC Caramelo con Pastillas which was shared by Onyot, Shakey and I. FIC Caramelo con Pastillas is sweet and had bits of sweet milky pastillas! :) Pastillas bits is a bit less though.

Had been going back to taste different flavors every now and then. FIC is less sweet than commercialized ice cream brands and FIC fruit flavors has more real and natural flavor.

Ka pig outs! Onyot and Shakey!

Tandoori: A taste of Persia

2010-03-10T02:44:00.001-08:00

Restaurant: Tandoori

Address: Parkmall Mandaue City

Food: Persian, Middle east

Restaurant Type: Casual

Mode of Payment: Cash/Card

(Sorry about the pic quality, used my iPhone to take the pics)

It was before Vito Selma's "Namib" Photo Exhibit when we dined at Tandoori (A Persian Palate sister restaurant) . Shake, Onyot and I had to buy SD Card for my camera since I left mine at home before heading to the exhibit at the Gallery Banilad when we had a sudden urge for something Persian.

We ordered Musaka/ Moussaka (180php). Minced kebab beef cooked in tomato sauce and herbs, onion and garlic with sauteed eggplant topped with cream cheese. I so love this dish and the smell and taste of fresh butter complements well with the beef kebab.

We also ordered kofta (ground Beef and lamb) kebab which came with cucumber slices and grilled tomatoes. This is best when rolled with Naa'n (15php/piece). Yum!

Drinks? Dont ever order Labni! hahaha. its so sour like old milk! really! If your not used in drinking sour yogurt then dont order this!

Making fun with the paintings! hehehehe

Spongebob @ KFC!

2010-03-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: KFC
Branch: 1st Level SM City Cebu
Restaurant Type: Fastfood
Mode of Payment: Cash

It was Jorich's birthday and Cebu Bloggers had a lunch out to celebrate at KFC SM City Cebu Branch. We ordered the Spongebob bucket meal for 620php. Well who doesnt love Spongebob? 8pcs chicken in a cute yellow Spongebob KFC Bucket, 4 fixins of your choice (Buttered Corn, Coleslaw, Mashed Potato or Macaroni) and set of four KFC Spongebob Tumblers with Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick Starfish, Squidward and Mr. Crabs.

Happy Burpday Jorich!

Another Bad Experience at Spice Fusion!

2010-03-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Spice Fusion

Branch: Sm City Northwing

Restaurant Type: Casual Dining

Food: Asian

Mode of Payment: Cash/Card

(Sorry for the picture quality, used my iphone to take the pics)

Spice Fusion is a blend of several Asian cuisines from Malaysia, Thailand and etc. My college friends Kansah, Dexter, Pipo, Jill, Boboy, Hannah and Ronald loved their BTC (Banilad Town Center Branch) and had frequent dinner meetings there because of good food and service. On the other hand, my family and I had several bad experiences with their branch at SM City Cebu Northwing and had another during dinner a few hours back. After work ing out, Shake, Edd, Nike, Greg, Onyot and I were starving and had Deep fried lapu-lapu craving and decided to dine at Spice Fusion Sm City Cebu Branch. Since it was a bit humid inside we decided to sit at the al fresco area of the resto. After the waiter took our orders, they had the placemats, plates and utensils placed at the side of our table and left , making us set our own table as they mingled with each other.

We started the dinner with roti (90php), a malaysian flatbread (roti tastes like crispy crepe) dipped in curry. I find Spice Fusion's roti better than Banana Leaf's roti.

We then had the Vietnamese Beef Noodle(180php) which serves 3-4 medium appetite persons. Pho style beef noodle soup and rice noodle with thin beef flakes served with basil and bean sprouts!

For our main entree we had Chicken curry (200php), Malay curry infused with coconut milk.

Deep Fried Lapu-lapu (280php), Canton fried Lapu-lapu topped with sweet and chili sauce with mango cubes and veggies. We always order this everytime we dine here and what we all noticed is that the serving was too hot(Chili hot)!

And in the middle of our dinner, we were given the bill because they said their counter will be closing. I think this is rude. Dined at Cafe Laguna, Don Mertos, Gerry's Grill and other restos at the Northwing after 9pm but never had been given a bill while we were eating. After we paid the bill we asked for 6 glasses of house water which never arrived. So much for customer service! Shheeeesh!

Maiden Bites

2010-03-03T22:09:00.000-08:00

Food food food! Having new items on the menu is one of my great joys as a food lover! Below are new chow selections that I came across for the past few weeks! Welcome to my Maiden Bites!

(Sorry for the pic quality, used my iPhone to take the pics)

A.) Am frequent MOA rat! When am in Manila, I stroll MOA almost everyday to dine and shop. From my recent visit, I get to try a new dish on the Chowking menu. Chowking Orange Chicken. Chowking had always been a family favorite, specially my dad who is a Congee Addict, and Chowking orange chicken would definitely be added to my Chowking faves. Mini Chicken strips drizzled and bedded on Sweet & Orangey sauce and topped with a tiny piece of Mandarin orange. The sauce resembles like the sweet and sour sauce but instead of it being a little bit sour, it's zesty (Orange Zing) and sweet. Chowking Orange Chicken is served with a big bowl of rice and priced at 84php.

B.) A new addition to Harbour Dimsum (SM City Cebu Branch) Menu is the chili steamed rice. Priced at 65php, I find it overflowing with sauce that's too chili for me to handle. Would not bother to order this again and stick to the same old same old yummy steamed rice!

C.) Call me a looser for discovering Shawarma Rice just now, hahahhaa! But yeah, my first spoon and I instantly fell in love with it! Leylam Shawarma Rice is available at Parkmall Mandaue City priced at around 60php. The rice was beefed up and topped with a generous amount of cabbage, carrots, beans and beef then drizzled with special Shawarma sauce. yum!

Tsim Sha Tsui

2010-03-02T22:06:00.001-08:00

Restaurant: Tsim Sha Tsui
Address: 1st Level Terraces Ayala Center Cebu
Food: Dimsum, Chinese
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining
Mode of Payment: Cash/Card

(Sorry for the pic quality, used my iPhone to take the pics)

Tsim Sha Tsui is a major tourist hub in metropolitan Hong Kong, a great place to shop and dine!On the other hand, Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant is trying to capture the authentic Hong Kong taste that is unique to urban TST, a great challenge indeed for the restaurant. Once you enter the restaurant, you'd notice the TST designed wall and the conveyor belt that is commonly seen in Japanese restaurants. The well lighted restaurant has a motiff of vibrant pink and green which reflects colorful TST living.

It was past 9 and after a 2 hour workout, I was hungry as a bull! Shakey, Edd and I ordered dimsum favorites Shao mai Quail Egg (60php) , Empress Roll (60php) , Ha Kao(65php), Fried Hainan Spring Roll (60php). What you'd notice in the taste is that they use less MSG than the leading dimsum place in Cebu.

Hainan Spring Roll or chinese vegetable spring roll resembles more like the Vietnamese spring roll at Lemongrass which has glass noodles and veggies.

TST Steamed Rice (65php) has more meat but is of smaller serving size than the usual dimsum serving. TST Steamed Rice is also unique among other steamed rice for it has liver bits.

Drinks are as happy as the interior. Ordered the Kiwi Iced Tea(50php), Lemon Iced tea with Kiwi Syrup at the bottom. As for my brother Edd, he had the Strawberry Fantasy(70php) which was a fusion of strawberry and pineapple. Both yummy drinks!

Frizberry Yogurt opening at SM!

2010-02-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

I just love frozen yogurt and the mall rat that I am, pretty much excited with the opening of Frizberry at SM City Cebu on March 8, 2010! Fresh Yogurt that is healthy and fresh as per owner Mitchel Colina. Fresh, tasty and quality food and beverages that meets nutritional standards.

Mitchel (who by the way is my highschool classmate) invited me to experience Frizberry on its opening together with 14 other web writers to experience the healthy and yummy frozen treats!

"Frizberry: healthy lifestyle in a yogurt!"

What's New @ Krispy Kremes!

2010-02-19T02:53:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love the fresh sweet doughnuts Krispy Kreme offers! My neice and nephews were in for a surprise as I bought them 20 cute and sweet mini doughnuts. 20 assorted mini Krispy Kremes for 290php! Kids just love 'em!

Visited the SM Mall of Asia(MOA) branch 2 hours before my flight back to Cebu to get the pasalubong for my family. ALso bought 2 dozen pack of doughnuts(1 dozen honey glazed and 1 dozen assorted doughnuts) for 590php.

The limited edition milk choco Hersheys Kiss Krispy Kreme got my attention! Yum!

Also tried out their Mocha chiller priced at 120php for the medium size. Too sweet for me. : (

Naglevel up ka na!

2010-02-17T03:57:00.000-08:00

Greenwich truly has stepped up to a higher level this 2010! The "Greenwich Cheesy Campaign" is a phenomenal success as they were awarded the prestigious Gold Araw Award for the Best Integrated Campaign the recent Philippine Advertising Congress.

February 17, 2010, Greenwich had a press launch for their new products at SM City Cebu branch. The press got to try out some of the products starting off with the new Greenwich Pizza Fries! The fries comes in two flavors: Pepperoni and Garlic & Cheese with a special pizza sauce dip.

We then had a sampler plate of Bacon Chicken Carbonara Supreme. Tender bacon and chicken slices, smothered in white sauce with 3 cheeses (Mozarella, Parmesan, Cheese) and topped with mushroom and parsely flakes.

We also had the Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Pizza! With 2x more premium ham, smoked bacon, glazed pineapple, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.

We also had a taste of the new Greenwich American Lunch Specials. Greenwich Quarter Slab Ribs that comes with Java rice, mixed veggies and a regular drink priced at 179php.

Thick 'N Tender Chops (another Greenwich American Lunch Special) is marinated in a special sauce and comes with Java rice, mixed veggies and a regular drink for 199php.

Drinks! We had Fit & Right! woot woot!

Aside from the new facade and new pizza box, the Greenwich staff also had new uniforms which was ramped by our friendly Greenwich staff!
Greenwich also raffled out some prizes to the media! And Lucky Mary Angeli Bas had won a Benetton Bag! Congrats!

As for Rabsin and I, we won the tshirt relay game where we won a barkada blowout package! wootwoot! Naglevel up na din kami! hehe

We would like to thank our Greenwich barkada specially Ms. Charo Baller. \m/

Dites les Valentines avec des bonbons !

2010-02-13T01:59:00.000-08:00

Vanille Cafe and Patisserie
2nd level The Terraces Ayala Cebu
Food:French food, Desserts and Pastries
Mode of Payment: Cash/ Card

(Sorry bout the picture quality, used my iphone to take the pics)

Happy Valentines Day! Say it with sweet treats from Vanille!

Limited Edition heart Macarons are sold for 210php for a pack of 8!

And new truffle flavors! wootwoot! Champagne and Raspberry Truffles. Raspberry truffles are made of dark chocolate truffles with raspberry puree in dark chocolate. And Champagne Truffles are made of dark chocolate truffles with champagne sprinkled with pink sugar powder. Yum! More delicious reasons to go back to Vanille!

Nonki

2010-02-10T21:23:00.001-08:00

Restaurant: Nonki
Branch: AS Fortuna Mandaue City (Beside SkyCable Bldg)
Food: Japanese
Type: Casual Dining
Mode of Payment: Cash/ Card
Tel. No: 4223159

Father Torvz is going on a vacation so we had a little Japanese send off party just for him. Kara, Tonton, Edd, Ceigey and I met up at Seattle's Best before heading down to Nonki AS Fortuna and meet Father Torvz. E totally missed the fun dinner coz she was busy with law exams!

For starters we had Seafood Kaminabe (Priced at 310php). Kaminabe or Japanese paper steamboat has shrimp, fishballs and vegetables on a broth. We also had the special sashimi(price available by request) with salmon and uni sashimi.

We then had bentos for our main course! Beef bento for me (Priced at 250php). 2 small sized tempuras, big serving of Japanese rice, Beef, eggplant fan and vegetable on a bento. Yum!

A variety of sake or rice wine are available and prices differ depending on the brand. Price starts at 160 per serving/shot. It can be served hot ot cold. Cold Sake makes you taste the full sake's semi bitter taste. You'd trully distinguish a cheap sake from a fine sake when its cold. If your ordering a cheap shot of sake, you can mask the cheap taste by having it warmed to give it a smooth kick!

Kara the Tangera! or mad scientist? hehehe

Mga Kapigouts

Nonki owner with Father Torvz, Kara, Ceige, Tonton
Doyzkie and Edd

Father Torvz, Kara, Ceige, Tonton
Doyzkie and Edd

Canvas Bistro

2010-02-10T01:28:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Canvas

Address: 2nd Level The Teraces Ayala Cebu City

Food: Australian

Type: Casual Dining

Mode of Payment: Cash/Card
Tel. no. 233 0466

For busy people like E, Homer, Edd, Kara and I, we find comfort in food! We had a scheduled get together dinner at Canvas after work and as expected I was the last to arrive at the table. Pardon me people for I work an hour away from the city of Cebu and have to battle traffic! raaawr! hehe

Canvas! You might have noticed the waiters and waitresses showing you the menu while your walking the 2nd level of the terraces which some people find annoying. But for me , I love Canvas! Will definitely go back!

I ordered Pork Medallions with grain mustard sauce, grilled tiger prawn and pesto spinach fettuccini. Entree 195php and Main Course priced at 295php. I love the fresh basil taste on the pesto, the tender & juicy grilled prawn and the taste of the grain mustard sauce on the pork medallions.

Another dish I sampled was chicken wrapped in Pancetta on thyme garlic jus with vegetable cous cous. Price: 270php. Yum!

Pics below are taken by Homer Medici! Canvas Kapig outs!

The gang with Chef Shrimski of Canvas

E and Kara
Edd, I. E and Kara

Truffles at Vanille Cafe and Patisserie

2010-01-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

Shop: VanilleCafe and Patisserie
Address:Level 2 The Terraces Ayala Center Cebu
Food: Desserts, pastries,
Mode of Payment: Cash/ Card

After dinner at Dessert Factory Edd, Tonton and I walked around The Terraces looking for a chocolatey dessert. It was 10 mins before 11pm which means closing time for restos and shops at The Terraces. So we ran to Vanille to satisfy our chocolate craving. (sorry about the picture quality, used my iphone to take the pics)

Gladly we were able to bag out some treats before the shops close. We ordered to go some truffles, macarons and Blueberry cheesecake.

Found a substitute for my favorite truffles by "Truffles de France"!And amazingly prized at just 25php a piece! Fine chocolate!

We also had Ube and Chocolate Macarons. FYI (for peeps who doesn't know yet), macarons is a traditional french pastry whose name was derived from the Italian word "maccarone" which means fine dough. The crust was a little crunchyand leads to an airy soft interior. Great with afternoon tea. (price: 25php each)

And Blue berry Cheesecake. This so far would go to the bottom of my list when it comes to cheesecake goodness. The cheesecake part was like a chiffon cake. I was used to the moist and cheesy cheesecake! (Price: 80php)

Ben & Jerry's!

2010-01-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Product: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

Available at Rustan's Supermarket Ayala Cebu

Who doesn't love ice cream? Ben and Jerry's definitely is one of the best ice cream brands there is! Banana Split, Creme Brule, Chunky Monkey, Choco Macadamia, Fossil Fuel and Mint Choco chunk are a few of the Ben & Jerry's flavors that I love!

Ben and Jerry's Ice cream is available here in Cebu at Rustan's Supermarket Ayala at around 600php a pint. Though only a few flavors are available.

I took the pictures on this blog during my trip to Singapore, Ben & Jerry's Sentosa Branch. I, Kuya Neiloy and friends had Ben & Jerry's Phish Food Flavor. Chocolate Ice Cream with gooey marshmallow, caramel swirls and fudge fish. yum!

Baby Tie Party at Anzani

2010-01-02T23:37:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Anzani
Address: Panorama Heights Nivel Hills Lahug
Food: Australian/American
Restaurant Type: Semi Fine Dining
Mode of Payment: Cash/Card
Tel. No. 2360097

Anzani Baby tie Party with the wacky CANE Events! Chai, Greg, Nike, Edd and I had a late dinner in sequel with the Cafe Marco Dinner we had last December wherein Greg wasn't able to come and with that we weren't able to exchange gifts. Bad Greg! hahaha. and yeah,Greg was the one who picked my name for the exchanging gifts but he didn't give me any gift! hmmmp! Anyway, the party went well with resolutions and an open forum. A fun and productive dinner for CANE!

Dinner started with finger foods (price: 3 for 100php). A selection of tarts and bread sticks.

We then had the Parma Flatbread (Price: 400php). Shaves of parma ham, mozarella cheese, tomato passata and fresh aragula leaves on a thin crust. Serves around 2-3 persons.

Pasta entree we had the Mixed Seafood Vongole Spaghetti (Price: 500php). Spaghetti topped with mixed seafood on red marinara sauce baked on parchment paper.

Egg noodle Anzani Fettuccine (Price: 390php) with wild wild mushroom "Cacciatora and parmesan shaves.

Seared Ostritch priced at 890php. around 5 ostritch medallion slices cooked medium rare! Serves 1-2 persons.

For our drinks we had a variety of zesty iced teas. Top Taste Iced tea (65php) and Moroccan Iced Tea(65php). Top Taste is fruity/citrusy iced tea while Moroccan Iced tea's herby and a very light hint of mint.
Desserts!!!!! We had Anzani bomb (price: 250php). Torched til golden brown whipped cream on the outside layer, then a spongy cake crust and fruity ice cream bomb core!

Fondue fondue! (Price: 280php) Fresh Cocoa chocolate melt served with fruits, mallows and choco cake!

Mga Kapigouts!

Fudge

2010-01-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Fudge
Address: No. 888 AS Fortuna St. Mandaue City Cebu
Food: Mixed Ethnic( Filipino, American, Italian)
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining
Mode of Payment: Cash
Tel. No. 4161727
Opens 10am-10pm Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays
10am-12mn on Fridays and Saturdays

The long scheduled dinner with college friends has now been realized! Started the new year with a full stomach as we tried some of Fudge's house specialties! Started the meal with Cream of Corn Soup(Price: 70php serves 1-2) served with Bacon and kane bits. Really creamy and corny, yum! A complimentary Ciabatta bread(Italian Bread) was served with baked fresh garlic clove which we transformed to croutons for our soup.
For our appetizer, we had Lumpia Curry (Price: 120php). Glass Noodles spring roll with Chicken Curry sauce!

We then had Manguava Salad ( Price: 110php). A sweet blend of Mango, roasted cashew and guava vinaigrette. A very refreshing combination!

Adobo Raviolo, priced at 120php, was another appetizing choice. Adoboed chicken liver ravioli on balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Strip T's are made of soft beef tenderloin drizzled with gravy and served with hand cut fries. Priced at 280php.

Pasta, pasta, pasta! I love crab fats or what we call locally as Aligue. Fudge's version of Aligue pasta wasn't very aligue-ish because of the absence of the crab fat bits. the taste though is very distinct but wouldn't be complete without the Aligue bits. ; ).Dish priced at 240php.

One of my Fudge Faves! Garlicky Beef Salpicao served with Garlic rice! Priced at 280php. Fudge recommends a minty dessert after this.

Grilled pork steak priced at 250php! Pork steak with balsamic sauce served with hand cut fries and veggies.

Mga Kapigouts!

Yogu: Everything Yogurt

2009-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

Name: Yogu
Address: #11 Gov. M. Cuenco, Banilad, Cebu City
Product: Yogurt, Yogurt Crepes and Yogurt Smoothies
Mode of Payment: Cash

It was 12midnight as Shake, Edd, Greg and I were craving for some frozen Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus treat so we stopped at the new yogurt place in Banilad named " Yogu!" After the sad closing of "Yogurt Place" in A.S. Fortuna, we had to find another good yogurt place. The little yogurt place is visible as it is situated along Banilad Highway.

Yogu's frozen yogurt treats comes in two serving sizes, Regular Cup ( 70php) and Large Cup (95php). Toppings are also available priced at 15php each topping and 30php for 3 toppings of your choice. Fruit toppings like mango, kiwi, strawberry, mandarin oranges are a few of your choices. Toblerone, Baby Ruth, cereal, choco pillows are some of the sweet treat topping choices.

Unlimited syrup! If you like your yogurt sweet, then help yourself with these sweet flavored syrups! And yes their free and unlimited!

I like "Frozen Yogurt" in A.S. Fortuna better though because their frozen yogurt tastes much more like yogurt. Yogu is much cheaper though. Too bad "Frozen Yogurt" shut down.

Yogurt Smoothies (price ranges from 115php-125php depending on the flavor) and Yogurt Crepes ( price ranges from 105-135php depending on the flavor). Before leaving the store ,don't forget to ask for your frequency card wherein you get a regular cup with 3 toppings on your 10th visit.

Mga Kapigouts!

Marina Seafoods

2009-11-30T00:18:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Marina Seafood
Branch: SM City Cebu FoodCourt
Food: Seafood and Grill
Mode of payment: Cash

Grilled Squid and crispy Crablets are both faves of mine Marina Seafoods had served both entrees!

Spicy Squid with fried garlic sprinkles was really good. It was semi sweet, mildly spiced with a hint of garlic which was delectable.

Island Grill Express

2009-11-29T23:47:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Island Grill Express
Address: Sm Foodcourt
Food: Grill and Filipno Food
Mode of Payment: Cash

Island Grill Express specializes in Ilonggo and Cebuano dishes with Sinugba as their best sellers. Growing in a Tagalog household, Iam fond of Batchoy and Island Grill Express definitely served one of the best tasting Batchoys in Cebu! With 15 years of food experience, Island Grill Express had been embraced by Cebuanos with arms wide open.

Ric's Barbeque

2009-11-29T23:36:00.001-08:00

Restaurant: Ric's Barbeque
Branch: Sm Foodcourt
Food: Grill
Mode of Payment: Cash

Ric's Barbeque has now reached it's 15 years in the food business and owner Jingle Benitez- Polotan knows the ingredients of how to operate a successful food restaurant.

My high school friends and I used to eat our lunches here everytime we go out on Saturdays playing at Bibo and riding bumpcars at Gamezone. With affordable meals and fairly good dishes it sure is a hit for those who loved sweet and mildly spiced barbeque sticks!

Golden Bowl Dimsum Express

2009-11-29T23:02:00.001-08:00

Restaurant: Golden Bowl Dimsum
Address: Sm Foodcourt
Food: Dimsum
Mode of Payment: Cash

Started 1997, Golden Bowl Dimsum Express was invited by SM Foodcourt tenant. Golden Bowl is a sister restaurant of Golden City Dimsum, "Bowl" for the smaller store and "City" for the big one.

Served were Steamed Rice, Fried Wanton and Pork Siomai. Golden Bowl Steamed Rice was created by Hong Kong Chef Chi Keung Leung.

Golden Bowl Express Dimsum claims to have the best tasting Steam Rice in Cebu. Decide for yourself by visiting them at SM City CEbu Foodcourt.

Sm FOodcourt's Asia in a Basket Food Event

2009-11-29T22:50:00.001-08:00

November 30, 2009, Cebu Bloggers Society had been invited to taste what SM City Cebu Foodcourt has to offer!

Here's the list of food products that we will be tasting! Yum!

Golden Bowl Dimsum - Fried Wanton and Siomai
Fish Port - Bicol Express and Grilled Tuna Belly
Kamay Kainan - Calamares and Lechon Kawali
Island Grill Express - Camaron Rebosado and La Paz Batchoy
Mama Gie - Pancit Palabok and Boneless Bangus
New Mongolian Express - Fish Fillet Sweet and Sour
Rics' BBQ - BBQ on Stick (Pork and/or Chorizo
Fiesta Cebuana - Grilled Squid and Kinilaw na Nangka
Venetian Coffee - Coffee Capuccino and Apple Pie
Dunkin' Donuts - Donuts
Fountainhead - Cakes
Marina Seafoods - Crablets and Squid Chilly Sauce
Smokey's - Hotdog on Sticks
Goto King - Squid Balls and Shrimp Balls
Marina Lechon House - Lechon and Sisig
King Wah Chinese Cuisine - Chicken Pandan and Patatim
Thirsty? - Fruit Salad

Brasco Pizza and Pasta

2009-11-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Restaurant: Brasco Pizza and Pasta
Address: The Gallery San Jose dela Montana Mabolo Cebu City
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining
Food: American, Italian
Mode of Payment: Cash
Telephone Number: 5057924/5114018

Brian Espina's fondness for pizza made him decide to open up his own pizzeria place . Liking the pizza he had on a trip to Italy inspired him to create his own pizza recipes infused with American flavors. 5 years of planning and finally Brian had launched his own pizza place he named "Brasco" meaning Brian's aspirations and dreams. Coming from a family who had been successful in the food business (Espinas own MyJoy and Butterbean), Brian had all the advice and admonitions he can get to make it big in the food business. An invitation to foretaste Brasco's food was sent for me and Regina of CDN inline with their grand launching.

Brasco Pizza and Pasta wants their customers to feel at home and warm when dining. Freedom Frames are even situated on the wall where customers can write what they think about the resto.

Pasta with tomatoes and Aligue(Price: 138php) was served first. Al dente Pasta in Tomato Sauce and crab roe. This reminded me of my Lola's cooking who loves putting "taba ng talangka" on her garlic rice. That explains my high triglyceride level! LOL. Dish was fairly priced for a crab roe dish. Next on the tasting spree was Meaty Spaghetti with Pepperoni (Price: 147php). Al dente pasta in tomato sauce and Italian sausage.

Pizza! We had 10inch of Marinara and Brasco Pizza. Brasco Pizza(10inch Price: 230php) is made of freshly tossed thin crust topped with tomatoes, mozarella cheese, bacon, ham, pepperoni, sausage and Brasco meatballs. Marinara Pizza (10inch Price: 259php), is made of freshly tossed thin crust, tomato sauce, mozarella cheese, squid, shrimp and crab roe. Best enjoyed when hot.

And finally, La Marea's brownie cup has been dethroned as my fave warm brownie cup! hehe. "Brasco Crazy Bliss" is made of Butterbean "Crazy Brownie" topped with Brasco's "Chewier Vanilla Ice Cream!" A must try! Priced at 90php!

Brasco Pizza and Pasta accepts deliveries within Cebu City with a minimum purchase of 14" pizza. Three available pizza sizes 10"(Price range 119php-259php), 14"(Price range 230php-431php) and 20"(Price range 440php-812php).

Dessert Factory!

2009-11-09T09:50:00.001-08:00

Restaurant: Dessert Factory
Branch: The Terraces Ayala Center Cebu
Food: American, Filipino
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining
Mode of Payment: Cash/Card

After a very bad experience at Dessert Factory last July, Edd, Shake and I had made peace with Dessert Factory. Dessert Factory did offer us Gift Certificates after the story was printed on Sunstar Newspaper through Kara's Column but we hadn't had a chance to get it because we plainly forgot to claim them. LOL.

Yeah, obvoiusly we dined again at Dessert Factory. Undoubtly the best mashed potato (Price: 30php)I ever had in my entire life! Smooth, Fine, Creamy and oozing with hot gravy is just heavenly! (Good thing there was no sticker on the mashed potato this time)

My family, specially my bro Reymond and his wife Karla, loves Dessert Factory's Buffalo Wings, Pork Belly, Boneless Crispy Pata, Kinamatisang Kawali and almost everything on the Menu! hahaha. That dinner, I was about to order the Pork Belly, which is another personal fave of mine, but I saw a "new" marking on red ink on the menu and the first entree on the grilled section and thought it's time I try a new dish! So I ordered Chicken Tandoori (Price: 175php). Chicken Fillet marinated in Dessert Factory's home made yogurt mixed with toasted whole spices and grilled Indian Style. I love the taste of yogurt and spice on the Chicken. It's semi sweet and mildly spiced at the same time. Another addition to my Dessert Factory Fave List!

Dessert Dessert! For some reason Dessert Factory supposedly should excel in the dessert area because their "DESSERT FACTORY" but their food is way way much better than their desserts! And another thing about the dessert places here(talking about most of the Dessert Places in Cebu) is that dessert servings are small and lacks the fancy smanchy stuff like drizzles of choco syrup or choco/sugar powder sprinkled on the plate. An "E" for presentation! Epic Fail! hehehehe.

Enough with the rants for the meantime. For dessert we had the "Achocolypse Now!" (Price: 80php). It's a combination of 4 chocolate cakes in 1! Choco Cheesecake, Choco Walnut Ganache, Choco Extreme and Choco Pudding & frosting! It was too sweet for me that I had enough after 3 small fork cut servings. Enjoyed the Choco Walnut Ganache part though!

Japengo

2009-11-08T23:20:00.001-08:00

Restaurant: Japengo
Address: Parkmall
Food: Japanese, Filipino
Restaurant Type: Buffet/Casual Dining
Mode of Payment: Cash

Japengo is Japanese infused with Filipino Flavor as per Dan, Japengo's Manager. Regina and I were invited to Japengo's maiden buffet and it was an event shared with media people and friends & family of the owners.

The buffet consists of Japanese dishes like makis, sushis gyozas and many more. There were also salad and blueberry cheese "finger desserts"!

My brothers and I share the same love for Gyoza! and I had a whole serving of Gyoza all for myself! weeee!

And California Maki! Just can't get enough of these yummy Japanese Maki with sweet mango, crabstick and cucumber!

Me sneaking at the sushi table. hehehe

Wasn't able to stay long and taste all the food though because of another shoot scheduled that night. But I will on my next visit! : ). I had fun and enjoyed the Gyoza, Maki and Blueberry cheesecake I had during the opening buffet! Opening Promo of Japengo's Eat All You Can Buffet Price is set at 275php per head.