February 2021 – Page 3 – Jellybeans in the City

Yummy homemade apple pie for the apple of your eye

Literary goddess Jane Austen was said to have uttered, “Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.”

I certainly cannot refute the truth behind Ms. Austen’s words.

Apple pies – good ones! – do bring about feelings of happiness and contentment.

This much-loved dessert actually originated in England, influenced by culinary traditions from France, the Netherlands and the Ottoman Empire from as early as the 1390s. It made its way to the New World thanks to the European settlers. It grew in popularity and was eventually included in America’s first cookbook, American Cookery, by Amelia Simmons in 1796.

Over the years, it has become ingrained into American culture, hence the saying “as American as apple pie.”

It has also made its way to this country, where dessert lovers can now enjoy it in the comforts of their own home by ordering from enterprising home bakers.

One such entrepreneur is Mark David Antonio, who started baking apple pies at the start of this year to practice baking and earn a bit of money.

As apple pie is his favorite dessert, he infused it with his favorite elements: a buttery and flaky crust, a sweetly-spiced apple filling and a crumbly streusel topping. Together, these made for an apple pie perfect for any occasion: a show-stopping contribution to a potluck, a delightful gift to a sweet tooth, or a satisfying cap to a wonderful meal.

It’s best served warm from the oven. You will also be treated to the wonderful apple pie aroma wafting to your nostrils as the pie re-heats in the oven, giving you a heady sense anticipation.

You may or may not choose to top it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream to have it ala mode (I didn’t because I couldn’t wait to bite into my slice).

It’s also quite affordable at just Php550, so no need to think twice in treating yourself and the apple of your eye to this decadent delight.

Just order from Mark by texting +63 956 8674914 or +63 921 4813262. You can also send him a message via Facebook. Payments via GCash and BPI are accepted. This can be delivered to anywhere in the metro, with delivery fee shouldered by the buyer.

Let this sweet treat add to your domestic bliss today!

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Valentine’s Day celebrations at the New World Makati Hotel

New World Makati Hotel beckons couples for a romantically indulgent all-you-can-eat lunch or dinner at Café 1228 on 14 February, as well as a decadent array of swoon-worthy sweet treats at The Shop, ideal as gifts for that special someone.

Romantic Indulgence at Café 1228

Couples are in for a delightfully decadent dining experience as Café 1228 offers an extensive all-you-can-eat a la carte selection on 14 February for lunch or dinner. The restaurant’s signature slow roast prime ribeye, Rosemary lamb chops, Pork cassoulet, Braised leg of lamb in red wine, and Seared salmon with parmesan crisp and dill cream sauce are just some of the enticing items guests can enjoy along with a complimentary glass of red, white or sparkling wine.

Salads and light bites to start off the gustatory experience are Parma ham with brie and grape chutney, Cambozola with roasted cherry tomatoes on pesto crostini and Salami Milano with cocktail onions, beet cured salmon, horseradish, dill and cornichons, to name a few.

Seafood served hot-off-the-grill include shrimps, blue crabs, clams and mussels prepped with an array of sauces – garlic butter, salt and pepper, garlic and cheese, white wine, and sweet chili. These would go nicely with the Italian selection of pasta and pizza such as Pesto cream, Puttanesca, Marinara, and Carbonara sauces, as well as Frutti di mare, Margherita, Parma ham arugula, and Mediterranean vegetable, respectively.

For desserts, there is Truffle cake, Strawberry shortcake, Bread and butter pudding, Mandarin crème brulee, Mango sago pudding, White chocolate sable, Chocolate bonbons, and more.

Delectable Chinese, Japanese, regional, and local dishes complete the indulgent spread.

Valentine’s Day lunch is priced at PHP1,188 nett, while dinner is PHP2,500 nett.

Swoon-worthy Sweet Treats at The Shop

Sweets special someone are available at The Shop. Decadent treats such as a box of six dark chocolate and lemon-flavored Madeleines (PHP350), a box of ten Lavender-infused cocoa truffles (PHP1,000), a box of four large Mandola cookies (PHP450) and a one-pound or petite-sized Strawberry Rose Cake (PHP1,600) and (PHP450) are sure ways to make hearts and tastebuds flutter with delight. All prices are nett.

For information and reservations, guests may call New World Makati Hotel at +63 2 88116888 ext. 3679, send a Viber message at +63 9178884194, or send an email.

Those interested can stay updated and follow New World Makati Hotel’s social media accounts, on Facebook and on Instagram.

About New World Hotel Makati

New World Makati Hotel is a world-class deluxe hotel located in the heart of Makati. With a thoroughly modern vibe and hints of Oriental influence, the hotel features 580 guestrooms and suites with Residence Club executive floor accommodation, a business center, sophisticated dining options, a well-equipped fitness center with sauna and spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and 1,800 square meters of dynamic function space for meetings and conferences.

The hotel is located directly across Greenbelt, the country’s premier lifestyle shopping center. It is also nine kilometers from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and within steps of many embassies, as well as Manila’s top business addresses and upscale shopping venues.

Details as well as photos for header and The Shop were provided in a recent press release.

Hotpot, Yakiniku and Buffet at the re-opened Hosaku, SM North Towers

One of the restaurant openings I was most looking forward to last year was that of Hosaku.

Hosaku – from the Japanese word which translates to “bountiful harvest” – is managed by the Fredley Group of Companies, the same conglomerate behind restaurant brands such as Macao Imperial Tea, Mitasu Yakiniku, Nabe and Liang Crispy Rolls.

Hosaku is characterized by an exciting combination of three all-you-can-eat dining concepts.

Nabemono or Japanese Hotpot. A cooking method wherein raw foods are added to a pot of simmering soup stock to be cooked while at the table.

Yakiniku. Grilling prepared raw ingredients on a grill built into the dining table, and dipped in sauces called “tare” before eaten.

International Buffet. Various cuisines from all over the world are showcased in specified stations for diners to view and select which they want to consume.

I found this combination gastronomically intriguing, its food offerings fresh and tasty (especially the sushi!), and it service crew helpful and accommodating.

Plus, it also incorporated some novel equipment to facilitate its unique food service method such as its conveyor belt that delivers the raw ingredients to the tables, as well as its mechanized hotpot which makes it easy to get items seemingly lost in the broth.

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Having attended its soft-opening with some of my foodie friends almost exactly a year ago, I was excited to see how the restaurant will figure in the local food scene.

However, the pandemic hit the metro and Hosaku had to put its grand opening on hold.

A year later, Hosaku finally opens it doors on Valentine’s Day, giving sweethearts in the metro a novel venue to celebrate the Day of Hearts, with protocols in place to keep everyone safe.

These include:

Temperature checks at the entrance
Health declaration and contact tracing
No facemask, no entry policy
Provision of hand sanitizers and alcohol for hand cleaning and disinfecting

To maintain physical distancing within its premises, it had to re-think some of its operating procedures. For example, hotpot and yakiniku ingredients are no longer delivered via conveyor belt, nor are diners allowed to help themselves to the buffet items at their stations. Instead, these are served directly on their table by the wait staff upon order.

Dining Rates at Hosaku are:

Weekday Lunch: Php699 for adults | Php349 for kids
Weekday Dinner: Php899 for adults | Php449 for kids
Weekends/Holidays Lunch & Dinner: Php899 for adults | Php449 for kids

All prices have an additional 5% service charge and are VAT inclusive. Children below 3 feet in height will eat for free while the adult rate will be applied to kids above 4 feet in height.

For its grand opening on February 14, the first fifty customers in line will eat for free while the rest of the customers for the day will dine at 50% off. (Terms and conditions will apply.)

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Hosaku is located at Ground Floor, North Towers, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City.

Sweet Valentine surprises for your sweet someone at The Manila Hotel

Sweets to the sweet, or so they say.

So on the day of hearts, treat your special someone to something special from The Manila Hotel.

Chocolate gifts have long been a staple of Valentine’s Days for decades, so what better way to show your love than with handcrafted chocolates. Two new items from The Manila Hotel Deli will surely make your Valentine’s night all the sweeter. Surprise your loved one with either the Valentine Praline Bouquet or the Chocolate Strawberry Bouquet.

For only P980 nett, the Valentine Praline Bouquet is exactly that—a round bouquet of hazelnut gianduja-based pralines, with highlights of rolled pistachio nuts. Timeless and popular, round bouquets are popular in weddings, but this artisanal chocolate bouquet is one that will surely add a sweet touch to Valentine’s Day.

The Chocolate Strawberry Bouquet, which sells for only P1,380 nett, combines the taste of juicy strawberries and the comforting sweetness of chocolates loved by many. Dipped in artisanal Belgian chocolate and interspersed with pink variant, this is a perfect gift that says a lot.

These sweet surprise variants can be pre-ordered starting February 8, 2021 from The Manila Hotel’s Delicatessen, or by calling 85270011 or 09989501912.

And just in time for the day of hearts, the Valentine-inspired Raspberry Delight heart-shaped cake combines three ingredients that make the perfect combo: Chocolate Mousse brings sweetness and mellowness; raspberries an acidity note; and pistachio biscuit just the right crunch. For only, Php1,300 nett, this indulgent dessert is just what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. One-day pre-order is recommended.

The Delicatessen also has a host of other chocolate gift items in regular boxes and collectible boxes like heart-shaped sinamay containers. From Belgian chocolate bars to assorted pralines to heart-shaped concoctions, you have numerous options to choose from.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Get “Berry Much in Love” with these newly relaunched strawberry drinks from Moonleaf Tea Shop

Who can resist strawberries?

That vibrant red color, the rich plumpness of the fruit, the heady beckoning fragrance and the burst of fruity sweetness as you bite into it with just a bit of tanginess to make it all the more intriguing to the palate. Any encounter with this fruit is a sensual delight.

It’s hardly surprising, then, that this fruit becomes so prevalent around Valentine’s Day.

Moonleaf Tea Shop brings strawberry lovers fresh ways to enjoy their favorite fruit with the relaunch of its strawberry line of drinks under its Berry Much in Love category.

These drinks pair the fruity sweetness of strawberry with Moonleaf’s house-brewed black or green tea, creamy milk, and chewy coconut nata. This line includes:

Strawberry Milk Tea with Nata (Php120).

Strawberry Black Tea with Nata (Php100).

Strawberry Yakult with Nata (Php120).

Strawberry Milk Slush with Nata (Php160).

Since these drinks are best enjoyed when shared with our special someone, Moonleaf makes this drinks available on special deals which give great savings:

2 Strawberry Milk Tea with Nata for Php199 (save Php41)
2 Strawberry Black Tea with Nata for Php179 (save Php21)
2 Strawberry Yakult with Nata for Php189 (save Php51)
2 Strawberry Milk Slush with Nata for Php249 (save Php71)

Enjoy these deals until March 31, 2021.

Can’t wait to get “Berry Much in Love” with these drinks? Grab yours now by dropping by your nearest Moonleaf Tea Shop branch or ordering from GrabFood, FoodPanda, Shopee and Lazada.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.

Photo credit: Massimiliano Martini on Unsplash for the strawberry photo

Grab your limited-edition Polland Special Tikoy from Shopee today!

With the Lunar New Year just a few days away, you may have hounded your Chinoy friends to send you some tikoy, am I right?

More widely known as Chinese New Year because most of the traditions surrounding it originated from China, the Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars traditional in countries such as China, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam.

It is a time when families get together to wish each other good fortune, happiness and health. Among the traditions that made its way to our country are wearing red clothes, the festive Dragon Dance, the much-anticipated gifting of ampao – red envelops containing money, and the exchange of Nian gao, which is more commonly known as tikoy.

Nian gao translates to “sticky cake” but it also has a similar sound to the Chinese term for “higher year.” Eating some tikoy during the Lunar New Year therefore symbolizes raising oneself up in the new year. It is also produced in a circular shape, the same shape as money, which is said to attract wealth.

The term tikoy, on the other hand, is the Filipinization of the name tike in Hokkien which translates to “sweet pastry.”

Tikoy is traditionally made with glutinous rice flour, sugar and water. It can be sliced thinly and served as is, but we Pinoys love to dip the slices in egg then lightly fry them until the the outside is slightly crisp and caramelized while the inside is deliciously chewy.

Its lucky connotation and its appeal to the tastebuds make the tikoy a highly sought after delicacy especially at this time of the year.

The good news is that you won’t have to harass your Chinoy friends for some tikoy. Getting some for yourself is easy, thanks to Shopee!

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. With its wide product assortment supported by integrated payments and logistics, it makes it so easy for shoppers like us to find and get what we want and need.

Take our collective enthusiasm for tikoy, for example. By housing the online store of Polland Hopia, Shopee makes it so convenient for to buy our favorite tikoy but also discover new variants that appeal to Pinoy palate such as: White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Ube, Strawberry, Pineapple and Buko Pandan. These tikoy variants are priced at Php125 for small (600 grams) and Php200 for medium (1.2kg).

But don’t stop there! Polland also made limited-edition tikoy that will surely tickle our fancy such as:

Mini Lucky Tikoy (Php100). A 300g white sugar tikoy topped with an intricate strawberry detail for “HOK,” the Chinese character for luck.

Fish Tikoi (Php300). A 350g meticulously handpainted fish-shaped white sugar tikoy. Fish is traditionally served during Lunar New Year because the of how the Chinese word for fish rhymes with the Chinese term for “leftover”. Eating fish during Luna New Year is said to attract bounty such that you will have a lot leftover at the end of the year.

Heart Tikoy (Php100). A 350g strawberry tikoy shaped into a heart. Everyone loves a good mash-up and this tikoy serves as an adequate segue from Lunar New Year on February 12 to Valentine’s Day on February 14.

The sheer variety of tikoy that you can have on your table is sure to add more color and life to your Lunar New Year celebrations.

How about adding more luck into the mix by including Polland’s claim to fame? Since the 1960s, Polland Hopia has been producing deliciously authentic flaky-crusted mung bean cakes, known here as hopia. Aside from the classic Mongo Special (made with yellow mung beans), Polland Hopia expended its hopia repertoire to include Black Mungo (made with black mung beans), Ube (made with purple yam) and Hopia Baboy (made with wintermelon chunks and pork). With their lucky round shape and snackable size, they make for a welcome addition to your Lunar New Year spread or snack stash.

Here’s an idea: how about gifting your pals (especially your Chinoy friends) and wishing them fortune, health and happiness in the Year of the Ox with Polland Hopia products?

Let me know how it goes!

Gong xi fa cai, foodies!

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.

Not yet done with shopping for your Valentine’s Day treat for the fam? Check out this post on Valentine’s Day gift ideas available on Shopee.

Raintree #ValentineFoodCrawl: Pizza and Pasta Rendezvous at Stella Wood-fired Pizza, BGC

With Valentine’s Day just a scant few days away, the metro’s gallants and ladies fair are anticipating the time when they can meet, share a meal and have a lovely time together: their romantic rendezvous.

Bonifacio Global City is abuzz with romance as Raintree Restaurants welcomes lovers of all ages to celebrate love with special promos during the month of love.

Stella Wood-fired Pizza in Boni High Street is no exception.

The last time I was here with friends was in early 2015, when it was more of a bistro which shared a space with Rocket Room.

Back then, it served an array of pastas and pizzas, as well as other dishes of the West Coast, Mediterranean and South American variety, which incorporated natural wood in the cooking of its dishes, giving them that unique wood-fire oven cooked flavor and quality.

It closed for a while in 2017 but has recently re-emerged inside Friends & Family, the Filipino restaurant that took its previous space in BHS Central Square.

It still offers its memorable wood-fired dishes, some of which take center-stage in its Pizza & Pasta Rendezvous promo. This Valentine deals allows lovers to enjoy a delicious yet affordable meal.

For example, they can enjoy an intimate meal for two with a Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Pasta and an Aloha Pizza (with Double-Smoked Bacon and Grilled Pineapple) for just Php699.

They may also opt for a decadent Melted Garlic Cream Pasta with an Everything on It Pizza (everything includes Double-Smoked Bacon, Pepperoni, Sausage, Bell Peppers, Onions, Roasted Tomatoes, Olives and Mushrooms) for just Php799.

With these tasty and hearty offerings, sweethearts will flutter and make their way to Stella.

If you’re planning a romantic meal for you and your special someone, you better book your table soon as these Pizza & Pasta Rendezvous offers are only available within February.

Stella Wood-Fired Pizza is located inside Friends & Family, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open daily from 12nn to 9pm for dine-in, takeout and delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8917053.

Raintree #ValentineFoodCrawl: Valentine Roll at Motto Motto, BGC

Certain types of food have been known to get you in the mood for love (wink! wink!).

Called aphrodisiacs, these food stuffs are believed to arouse passions for more than gustatory delights.

But did you know that sushi also falls under this category?

The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish incorporated in sushi are said to be quite helpful when it comes le amour.

When eaten together with a romantic partner, sushi becomes a sensual experience: the meticulous formation of precise shapes and colors using different ingredients, the interplay of flavors and the feel of the varying textures in one’s mouth.

(Plus, sushi tends to be quite light so there’s less risk of overeating, making it a perfect date food!)

To give lovers in the metro the perfect opportunity to bask in each other’s presence while enjoying good food, Motto Motto brings back its playful take on sushi: the Valentine Roll (Php395).

Made with spicy tuna, avocado and blue fin tuna marinated in sake and soy sauce, it is a perfect example of Motto Motto’s playful Japanese concept.

Consisting of eight rolls fashioned into four cute heart shapes garnished with pink salt, it is a feast for the senses and is perfect for sharing for two lovebirds.

Pair it with Motto Motto’s signature refreshments and you’ve got a date!

Book your Valentine outing now as this yummy sushi dish is available only within February.

Motto Motto is a collaboration between Raintree Hospitality Group and Tokyo Japan’s Piglet. It features all-day Japanese dishes that stimulates the senses and tickle the fancy, prepared and served in a fun and whimsical fashion.

If you’re looking for a fun gustatory adventure with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, Motto Motto is the place to be.

Motto Motto is located at Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open for takeout on weekdays and for dine-in on weekends. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8362173 or send a message via Facebook or Instagram. Payments via cash, GCash, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Pak! Pak! Chicken also delivers via FoodPanda.

Raintree’s #ValentineFoodCrawl: Chicken in Love Set at Pak! Pak! Chicken, BGC

Love is in the air, and it’s even more prevalent in Bonifacio High Street where Raintree restaurants have unveiled their Valentine’s Day promo and deals.

Raintree Hospitality Group brings fresh and exciting hospitality concepts, including hotels, food courts and restaurants. The newest among the innovative restaurant concepts it developed is Pak! Pak! Chicken.

At Pak! Pak! Chicken, you can expect crispy fried chicken pieces in strong delicious tastes, you’d feel like you’re being slapped with flavor… Pak! Pak!

Check out some of its fried chicken variants:

Crispy Original + Gravy (Php260/6pcs | Php450/12pcs),

Sweet Soy Garlic (Php260/6pcs | Php450/12pcs),

Garlic Herb Parmesan (Php295/6pcs | Php540/12pcs),

Old Skool Buffalo (Php335/6pcs | Php595/12pcs).

Other variants include: Takoyaki, Smokey Hickory BBQ, Singaporean Style Black Pepper, Po’s Orange Chicken and Korean Fire Pepper.

You can also enjoy these flavors in chicken wings.

Want to make a complete meal? Pair your Pak! Pak! Chicken with sides:

Japanese Chahan Fried Rice (Php140 solo | Php350 family).

Garlic Herb Yakisoba (Php135 solo | Php275 family).

Creamy Kimchi Coleslaw (Php175).

Pak! Pak! Chicken also has a special treat for its customers this month of hearts: it’s Chicken in Love Set! A special set of your choice of two chicken flavors plus Kimchi Coleslaw, Garlic Noodles or Chahan Fried Rice for just Php775, it’s great for sharing for two people.

So go ahead and plan your Valentine date at Pak! Pak! Chicken! This offer is available within February only.

Pak! Pak! Chicken is located inside Motto Motto, Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open for takeout on weekdays and for dine-in on weekends. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8440219 or send a message via Facebook or Instagram. Payments via cash, GCash, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Pak! Pak! Chicken also delivers via FoodPanda.

Three reasons to say “I love you” with Ben’s Cookies this Valentine’s Day

Despite not being a regular holiday (one that gives us a day off work) – Valentine’s Day still is one of the most anticipated celebrations every year.

As a day dedicated to love in all its forms, it evokes warm and fuzzy feelings, and encourages expressions of emotions ranging from affection to grand passion.

However, some may not have the capability or the opportunity to say “I love you” to those who are near-and-dear to them. For those people, may I propose this solution: #SayItWithBens.

Ben’s Cookies is the brainchild of cookbook writer and chocoholic Helge Rubinstein who named the business after her son.

From its beginnings in 1983 as a stall in UK’s Oxford Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies have extended its reach to the Philippines when it opened its first store in The Podium Mall in July 2019, followed by branches in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.

Here are three reasons why gifting your special someone with Ben’s Cookies is a good idea:

1. Ben’s Cookies are made with all the good stuff.

These palm-sized cookie treats are made with chunks – not chips – of premium chocolate, unsalted butter, wheat flour, fresh eggs, cane sugar and nuts, all freshly baked everyday.

2. They come in delicious variants.

Love comes in wondrous variety and so do Ben’s Cookies. Check them out:

Milk Chocolate Chunk.

Dark Chocolate Chunk.

White Chocolate Chunk.

Praline & Milk Chocolate Chunk.

Triple Chocolate Chunk.

Speculoos Cookie.

Other cookie variants include: Fruit & Nut, Double Chocolate & Nut, Peanut & Milk Chocolate, Oatmeal & Raisin, Cranberry & White Chocolate Chunk, Lemon, Orange & Milk Chocolate Chunk, White Chocolate Chunk & Macadamia and Double Chocolate Chunk.

3. The more (cookies), the merrier.

These cookies are available by the piece at Php90 each.

You can also get them packaged in lovely tin cans (4 pieces at Php495 or 8 pieces at Php835).

However, you get a pretty sweet deal when you get them by the box (Buy 5 and get 2 free at Php450 or Buy 10 and get 5 free at Php900).

So bring a happy twinkle in your beloved’s eyes this Valentine’s Day by giving them the sweet delight of Ben’s Cookies.

To grab the Ben’s Cookies present for your sweet Valentine, drop by any of its stores:

Ground Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Second Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Ground Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City

You can also call +63 917 5267711 or order online.