Gel Jose

Weekly Italian gastronomic treats from Novotel’s “secret ingredient”: Chef Massi Pauletto

Novotel Manila Araneta is home to many of the metro’s prime foodie destinations. Located in the busy Cubao commercial district, it provides the city’s denizens with a myriad of options for their dining adventures.

Well, things are about to get so much better as its “secret ingredient,” the new executive chef Massimiliano Pauletto, takes the rein in the hotel’s kitchens. Now in charge of Novotel’s team of all-Filipino chefs and kitchen crew, Chef Massi puts his extensive culinary chops to work as he introduces new gastronomic innovations every week to the hotel’s restaurants inspired by his Italian heritage.

For instance, an Italian Bento Box will be available at the hotel’s 24-hour restaurant and lounge Gourmet Bar from September 26 to October 2. For Php690 nett, diners can indulge themselves on burrata cheese, black olives, fresh tomatoes, basil and oregano with a generous slice of Roman-style roasted pork belly accompanied by Sicilian brioche bread and lemon granite.

From October 3 to 9, Food Exchange Manila, the hotel’s buffet destination, will feature a Risotto Station and a Bruschetta Bar. During this week, diners can savor the tastes of Chef Massi’s homeland with a whole week of risotto specials with a different topping for the iconic Italian rice dish everyday: lemon prawn on Mondays, mushroom truffle on Tuesdays, leek and squid on Wednesdays, oxtail on Thursdays, apple foie gras on Fridays, gorgonzola balsamic on Saturdays and potatoes and basil pesto on Sundays.

Guests can also get started on their buffet meal with the favorite antipasto of toasted Italian bread dipped in their choice among many olive oil variants as well as other savory toppings.

On these dates, Food Exchange Manila’s dinner buffet from Sunday to Friday will be priced at Php1,688 nett, while dinner buffet on Saturday will be priced at Php1,888 nett.

Coffee and dessert lovers will get the best of both worlds with decadent servings of Affogato, available from October 10 to 16 at Indulge for Php160 nett. The hotel’s gelato and pastry shop will serve up this Italian dessert made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of creamy homemade vanilla gelato to those craving for that caffeine buzz to go with their sugar high.

For Php1,500 nett, wine and cheese lovers will get to savor the moment with their family and friends with a well curated assortment of cold cuts and cheeses paired with Fantini Sangiovese wine at the hotel’s wine bar Sabor Bar de Vinos from October 17 to 23.

Lastly, foodies can enjoy a Milan Happy Hour Aperitivo at the 6th Pool Bar and Lounge from October 24 to 31. For Php350 nett, diners can pick their pica-pica among choices which include tomato bruschetta, deep-fried pizza calzone, mozarella and cherry tomato salad, salami cold cuts platter and mini tiramisu paired with a mixologist-recommended Italian cocktail.

Chef Massi’s introduction of these weekly culinary treats surely portends of more and better things happening at Novotel.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is located along General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City. For bookings and inquiries, call +63 2 89907888. For more details, visit novotelmanilaaranetacenter.com.

Menu details and images provided by Novotel.

Check out my other posts about Novotel:

Be casually preppy with Zilingo’s September 2019 Collection

Garb up this season with Zilingo’s latest clubhouse cool and preppy looks!

This September, leading online fashion platform Zilingo, released their latest trends selection. Doused in plaid and preppy looks, the collection boasts different cuts and arresting foray of silhouettes.

The brand marries chic styles and clubhouse cool collection, featuring preppy threads in Khaki, Cream and Beige accentuated by season’s colors of chartreuse and turquoise and red. Fashion fans will also be thrilled with the platform’s take on layers and cardigans and playful pleats in White, Black and Brown matched with modern looks and textured sheets.

Zilingo will provide customers with coveted pieces suitable for all occasions. “We are ecstatic about this season’s trends that combine style and comfort, and the best part is that these fashion essentials are available at the click of a button,” says Ryza Dipatuan-Razo, Marketing Director, Zilingo Philippines.

Recognizing the continuous growth and potential of the online retail market, and the need to constantly provide its customers with new and exciting options, Zilingo aims to showcase a unique shopping experience to its customers and enable brands to expand their reach to fashion enthusiasts across the
region.

Fashionistas across the country can purchase the collection anytime and anywhere via Zilingo’s website and app, and have them delivered to their doorstep at no extra charge, with multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery.

About Zilingo

Zilingo is a commerce platform that is making the fashion and beauty supply chain more efficient through technology. With over 50,000 merchants on the platform Zilingo connects businesses across the entire supply chain and empowers them with everything they need to run a business – from design, product development, fabric procurement, manufacturing, cataloguing, marketing, inventory management, distribution, billing, customer service, working capital & trend forecasting. With over two million product listings on Zilingo.com, users can effortlessly shop from a selection of indie labels, local designers, international and celebrity brands – all in one place. Founded by Ankiti Bose and Dhruv Kapoor in 2015, the company has offices in 8 cities globally with over 600 staff representing 20 different nationalities.

Zilingo is available for download for free on the App Store and Google Play across Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.

For more information, please visit www.zilingo.com.

Details and images provided by Zilingo in a recent press release.

Moymoy Lulumboy 6 and other fantasy titles lead Lampara Publishing’s new releases

With ABS-CBN picking up the rights to develop the beloved fantasy series into a multimedia franchise, Moymoy Lulumboy 6 instantly became one of the most anticipated releases on the biggest and longest running book fair in the Philippines.

The sixth installment debuted during the first day of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) last September 13 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Following Moymoy Lulumboy’s journey as a fascinating character who continues to grapple with the complexities of adolescent life, Lampara Publishing’s latest novel succeeds in debunking the preconceived notions about aswang by going beyond its role in popular culture.

In addition to Moymoy’s adolescent issues, the book marks the boy-aswang’s return to the enchanting world of Gabun where he saves his brother Alangkaw and childhood friend Hasmin from evil forces.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya is Segundo Matias Jr.’s sixth offering from the Moymoy Lulumboy series. When asked about the novel’s transition towards a more “Young Adult” direction, the award-winning author pointed out his fascination on writing characters that navigate a flawed life. “Gusto kong gumawa ng isang YA novel na gaya ng Mga Batang Poz. Yung buhay ng isang teenager o young adult: nag-e-explore, madalas magkamali at pagkatapos ay natututo sa buhay.”

These vulnerable, colorful and inspiring creatures populate Segundo Matias Jr.’s string of young adult titles such as Angelica, Ang Multo Ng Balete Drive, whose heroine broke ghost rules to save a friend’s life, and Moñito, Ang Mabait na Demonyo, a kindhearted demon born without a horn and a tail. Both novels were launched on the same day as Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya, leading Segundo Matias Jr.’s growing roster of fantasy titles.

Completing the publisher turned novelist’s showcase during MIBF week is Mga Batang Poz, a 2018 young adult novel whose digital series adaptation is considered to be one of the most viewed streaming titles on popular online platform, iWantv. Threading an important step forward in understanding the lives of People living with HIV-AIDS, the book garnered generally positive acclaim from various critics and publications, with Philippine Star Supreme praising the material for bringing attention to a subject that has long been derided by religious conservatives.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya, Angelica, Ang Multo Ng Balete Drive, Moñito, and Mga Batang Poz are available on Precious Pages retail outlets, National Book Store, Pandayan book shop and leading books stores nationwide. For inquiries you may contact, inquiry@lamparabooks.com.ph.

Korean BBQ Lunch at Geonbae, Tomas Morato

The battle for supremacy among Korean barbecue joints rages on and Geonbae Modern Korean Bar and Grill puts up quite a fight.

Considering my affinity towards K-BBQ, it’s ironic that my foray here was by accident. My coworkers and I were planning to go to another restaurant nearby which happened to be closed for lunch on that day.

We scouted the area for another place to eat and found ourselves walking to Geonbae.

The restaurant’s name was coined from the Korean term for “cheers” or “bottom’s up.” From its dimly lit interiors with spotlights on the grill and the vibrantly colorful accent decor, Geonbae presents itself as a hip n’ happenin’ place for friends to hang out together while indulging their cravings for Korean barbecue.

Given our brief lunch hour, we decided to just go for Geonbae’s Php499 package which include unlimited refills of meats such as samgyeopsal (plain, spicy yakiniku, ginger, gochujang), smoked pork belly, spicy yakiniku pork ribs, spicy yakiniku moksal, herb pork jowl, pork bulgogi, pork intestine, sausage, woosamgyeop (plain, oyster, gochujang) and ginger chicken breast. To be honest, the sheer number of meats was already quite overwhelming and we found ourselves gravitating towards tried-and-true variants such as plain samgyeopsal and woosamgyeop.

The package also includes unlimited refills of banchans such as fried and steamed mandu, fried takoyaki and kimchi, as well as soup, rice and cheese.

I just have to say: Geonbae really holds up well in comparison to other Korean barbecue joints in the area in terms of ambiance, variety of offerings and value for money. It also does well when it comes to service: the dishes are served and refill requests are seen to quite promptly.

And since my coworkers and I availed of a Booky Prime privilege that gave us a Buy 3 Get 1 deal on our meal, we ended up paying leas than Php420 each for our meal. Not bad, huh?

This Geonbae Modern Korean Bar and Grill branch is located at 115 Scout Delgado Street, Bgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 4298549.

Other branches will open at Maria Clara Street, Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Banawe, Quezon City and at Third Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

Japanese food faves at Hanako, SM Pasig

Japanese restaurant Hanako got its name from a popular female given name in Japan which translates to “flower girl.”

Coincidentally, I recently dined at its SM Pasig branch after an all-girl’s outing with my mom and my daughter #ExhibitA. At this restaurant, we were able to sample tasty and authentic Japanese dishes which are also easy on the pocket (and made even easier by Zomato Gold… more on that later).

This outlet brings the color and vibrancy of Japanese street eateries inside the mall, attracting diners with its boldly colored banners and food posters.

Japanese food remains among my family’s favorite cuisines. We love the simple yet strong flavors and the contrast in textures that make each bite tasty and interesting.

Take our lunch orders for example:

Salmon Tartare (Php224). Small pieces of salmon mixed in mayonnaise, togarashi (Japanese chili pepper), tempura flakes and chopped scallions. A delicious start to the meal!

Ebi Tempura (Php279). Five large prawns battered then deep fried to a beautiful golden brown, then served with tempura dipping sauce. A mainstay in many of the fam’s Japanese meals!

(Trivia: Did you know that the method of preparing tempura was introduced in Japan by Portuguese Jesuits in the mid-16th century?)

Chicken Karaage (Php199). Boneless chicken thigh pieces are marinated in a mixture of ginger and soy sauce, then coated with starch and deep fried before being served with a side of Japanese mayo for its dipping sauce.

(Trivia: Did you know that in the US, chicken karaage is sometimes called JFC, or Japanese Fried Chicken?)

Tonkatsu (Php219). A juicy piece of pork cutlet, seasoned then panko-coated and deep-fried, then served with a salad of shredded cabbage and katsu sauce. How can you go wrong with this dish?

(Trivia: Did you know that ton translates to “pork” and katsu – a shortened form of katsuretsu – is a transliteration of the word “cutlet?”)

Chahan (Php79). Flavorful dish of rice stir-fried in a wok with some minced meat and chopped vegetables.

Our lunch of our favorite Japanese food is a happy cap to an outing of three generations!

This Hanako branch is located at SM Center Pasig, Frontera Drive, Bgy. Ugong, Pasig, open daily from 10am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5848708.

Other branches are located at:

Second Floor, Regis Center, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Second Floor, The Rock Lifestyle Hub, Holy Spirit Drive, Bgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City
131 C. Armstrong Avenue, Moonwalk Village Phase 1, Paranaque
30-C Dona Soledad Avenue, Don Bosco, Paranaque

Classic Negrense cuisine at JT’s Manukan Grille, Tomas Morato

One particularly rainy day, a coworker was craving for barbecue for lunch. Well, for me, barbecue as the main highlight of the lunch meal would be too basic (Yes, sometimes, I’m a diva like that!)

After much debate, our group decided to have lunch at the nearby JT’s Manukan Grille to get the best of both worlds. She can have the pork barbecue she has been craving for while I get to experience authentic Bacolod chicken inasal.

The restaurant was started by award-winning character actor Joel Torre (hence the name “JT”) and his wife, Cristy. From its humble beginnings as a takeout counter, the brand has grown to eighteen outlets all over the metro.

The restaurant operates on four principles: masarap (delicious), mura (affordable), malinis (clean) and masaya (happy). All of these principles came into play during our meal.

Located at the corner of Sgt. Esguerra Avenue and Scout Borromeo Street, the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating areas. It is marked by decor that denote its Negrense origins such as the Masskara masks painted on the walls and its association with the actor such as movie posters and that fun wall mural that offers a fresh take on The Last Supper that adorn many Filipino dining rooms.

Chicken inasal is made of chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of calamansi, pepper, coconut vinegar and annatto then grilled over hot coals while being basted with the marinade.

Our orders included Paa (chicken leg and thigh – Php120), Pecho (chicken breast and wing – Php135) and Pork Barbecue (Php35 per stick), which we enjoyed together with lots of chicken oil, the soy sauce with calamansi and chili pepper dipping sauce, flavorful garlic rice and bowl of hot broth.

I also got myself an Allmytea Iced Tea (Php50 for single serve | Php70 bottomless) which is a good partner for the inasal.

See? Sometimes, we can have the best of both worlds!

This JT’s Manukan Grille branch is located at Scout Borromeo corner Scout Ybardolosa Street, South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9288085.

Other branches in Metro Manila are located in:

Quezon City: Valencia, Banawe, Libis, Eton Centris, Novaliches, Project 8, Ever Gotesco Commonwealth, Blue Ridge
Makati City: Bel Air, Makati Central Square
BGC: Justice Drive, Sapphire Residence Tower
Pasig: Ortigas Home Depot
Manila: Ermita
Paranaque: Victory Food Market

Pinoy comfort food at Goto Tendon, Tomas Morato

Would you believe that Tomas Morato’s newest gotohan and paresan came about partly out of boredom?

As the story goes, Jenny Penaloza was feeling bored having given up her career to become a full-time mom. Her husband John then suggested making a business out of her culinary specialty: the goto.

Goto is a type of gruel dish popular in the country made with glutinous rice and beef tripe, simmered in a ginger-based broth.

The recipe was taught to Jenny by John’s grandmother, Lola Nena Penaloza. Since then, she has been tweaking the recipe until she decided to launch the goto restaurant her husband suggested.

Having heard good things from my officemates about this gotohan nearby, I decided to join my friends at Goto Tendon for lunch.

Our meal consisted of:

Goto Tendon (Php158 for small | Php198 for large). Based on this dish, among the tweaks that Jenny applied to traditional goto recipe is the addition of imported US tendon and quail eggs, making the porridge even heartier.

Beef Tendon Pares (Php158) and Sizzling Beef Tendon Pares (Php178). The traditional pares (beef stew paired with soup and garlic rice) is further enhanced with imported US tendon. It can be served as is or on a sizzling plate.

Tokwa’t Baboy (Php118). Fried tofu with pork bits served in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, chopped onions and chili peppers. This went so well with the goto tendon.

Considering that this was my first taste of beef pares (I had taste of lamb pares later in the week at ALTA by Relik), I’d say the experience was not bad at all. I wouldn’t mind returning for another taste of beef pares, especially with those chewy and flavorful bits of tendon!

This Goto Tendon branch is located at 49 Scout Tobias Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 3am and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 5am. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 2 518 5527.

Other branches are located at:

Maysilo Circle, Plainview, Mandaluyong City
Food Court, Ground Floor, Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan City
Bayani Road corner T. Arguelles Street, Galas, Quezon City

Zen dining experience at ICHO Japanese Restaurant, Greenhills

Located along the busy Annapolis Street, no more than a minute’s ride after turning right from the traffic-infested EDSA is a haven for Japanese food lovers.

ICHO Japanese Restaurant is named after the gingko trees in Japan. Known to be highly resilient as they can withstand pollution and salt in their native environment, they also beautify their surroundings and as well as provide nourishment and medicinal benefits.

ICHO brings the metro’s diners a piece of the serenity that gingko trees have come to symbolize through its calm and peaceful premises. Lightwood furniture, a tatami area and simple murals against concrete walls create a Zen-like atmosphere with which to enjoy the restaurant’s food creations.

The restaurant’s menu, designed by Executive Chef Rico Panoy, showcases the versatility and artistry of Japanese cuisine. The mix and match of ingredients as well as the time-honored cooking methods produce a well-curated list of dishes that appeal to both the eyes and the palate.

Together with my fellow foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited ICHO Japanese Restaurant and sampled some of its bestsellers which include:

Drinks: Icho Iced Tea (Php100), Matcha Milk Smoothie (Php200), Ripe Mango Shake (Php110) and Watermelon Shake (Php110).

Kani Salad (Php235). Crabsticks with Japanese cucumber and bits of mango that features the interesting interplay of salty-sweet flavors.

Spicy Tuna Salad (Php340). Spicy tuna tartar served with mixed greens. This one has quite a spicy kick but diners can always request for the spiciness to be toned down while ordering.

Hiroshima Kaki Motoyaki (Php285). Baked oysters with creamy mayonnaise-based sauce. Very rich and flavorful!

Sashimi Goru Mori (Php720). Five kinds of sashimi which illustrate the freshness of the ingredients and the chef’s mastery of presentation. I may have developed a taste for sea urchin because of this dish!

Salmon Saikyo Miso Aburi (Php110/pc). Lightly grilled pieces of salmon on top of sushi rice topped with sweet miso paste.

Foie Gras Aburi (Php250/pc). Lightly broiled goose liver with balsamic teriyaki sauce on top of sushi rice. Definitely a tasty indulgence!

Icho Roll (Php260). The house specialty maki sushi that has the right combination of textures and flavors that got me reaching for more.

Chef’s Special Nabe Hot Pot (Php695). Mixed seafood and assorted vegetables in light uni broth. Simple in taste and presentation but very comforting.

Robata Platter (Php885). Mixed grilled meat, seafood and vegetable skewers which include tender wagyu cubes and the resto’s namesake: gingko biloba!

Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich (Php300). A delightful confection made of vanilla ice cream in between slices of chocolate and vanilla sponge cake with mochi. A sweet and fitting end to a lovely meal!

So the next time you have a hankering for tasty Japanese food, head to ICHO where you can enjoy it Zen-like surroundings.

Many thanks to Chef Panoy, JM Tan and the crew of ICHO for the warm welcome and delicious food!

ICHO Japanese Restaurant is located at 6 Annapolis Street corner Purdue Street, Greenhills, San Juan City, open daily from 11am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 535 0020 or +63 917 1346027.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

A tita brunch at Cafe Mary Grace, Eastwood Mall

I heard someone say that Cafe Mary Grace is the go-to place of “titas.”

Well, based on a brunch experience I had here (prior to a bowling game with my officemates!), I would have to agree.

As a newly-minted #TitaOfManila (or having just accepted that yes, I am already a tita), I would say that Cafe Mary Grace’s Eastwood Mall branch does qualify for top three criteria of a tita brunch place, which include:

One: Comfortable and IG-worthy surroundings

Cafe Mary Grace grew out of the baking business of the cafe’s namesake, which started from joining Christmas bazaars to establishing mall-based kiosks to finally setting up full-service cafes.

This Mary Grace Cafe branch in Eastwood Mall has the homey and welcoming atmosphere that exemplifies Mary Grace’s essence: the Goodness of Home.

It premises look like an extension of a sprawling and idealized country-style kitchen where wooden chairs and tables provide ample and comfortable seating, personal bric-a-bracs are artfully arranged on shelves and personalized notes are inserted on tabletops.

Furthermore, an IG-conscious tita like me can take her pick among the various photogenic backdrops for her #CoffeeIsLife or #EatingForTheGram post of the day.

Two: Tasty well-loved dishes

You can’t go wrong with the classics and Cafe Mary Grace has classics a-plenty.

Take the Toasted Vigan Longganisa (Php442), for example. Rising and shining won’t be a problem with this all-day breakfast item which consist of links of garlicky Vigan longganisa, two sunny-side up eggs and garlic fried rice, with homemade pickled mangoes, tomato-wansoy salsa and vinegar available upon request.

In the Spanish Sardines and Olives Pasta (Php378), on the other hand, an aglio e olio infusion is enriched with Spanish-style sardines and topped with olives and tomatoes.

Titas often crave for something sweet after (or before, or during or within 24 hours of) a meal. Fortunately, Mary Grace’s all-time favorite Lemon Bar (Php58/bar) sates the sweet tooth with its moist, buttery texture and slightly tangy sweetness.

Lastly, the Mary Grace Hot Chocolate (Php184), made with premium Belgian chocolate, is a rich and comforting end to the meal.

Three: Prompt and friendly service.

Words to the wise restaurateurs: don’t keep a tita waiting. Show some good ole’ fashioned friendliness, a willingness to help and some initiative, you might have just won a loyal customer who wouldn’t hesitate to nominate your place for the next #TitaConvention with her friends.

Cafe Mary Grace seems to keep this adage to heart with its crew of well-trained and accommodating staff who are quick to assist with inquiries and requests.

So fellow titas, the next brunch time is at Cafe Mary Grace, yes?

This Cafe Mary Grace branch is located at Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 11pm and Sundays from 10am to 11am.

Other branches are located at:

Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Rockwell Business Center, Ayala Malls Feliz, Estancia Mall
Quezon City: Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview, Ayala Fairview Terraces
Marikina: SM City Marikina
Mandaluyong: Shangri-la Plaza
San Juan: Unimart Greenhills
Taguig: Uptown Place Mall, Serendra, St. Luke’s Medical Center, One Bonifacio High Street, Venice Grand Canal Mall
Makati: Powerplant Mall, Steps Dance Studio, Century City Mall, The Enterprise Center, Greenbelt 2
Manila: SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, Lucky Chinatown Mall
Pasay: Mall of Asia Arena Annex, SM Mall of Asia
Paranaque: SM City BF
Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall

Nourishing the seeds of friendship at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery, UP Town Center

Sometimes, people you have no relation to can seem like family. By working together, sharing stories and spending time with them, you sow the seeds that blossom into strong friendships.

Lately, with all the changes in my workplace, the team decided to have a get-together at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery, a place we deemed suitable to hang out with our work friends, reminisce about old adventures and look forward to the new ones we will undertake.

These stories are the seeds that germinate into respect, affection and friendships.

The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery also germinated from something small: the seed of an idea that a cafe that offers a different take on the Filipino coffee experience will prosper – grow fat, that is – from the knowledge and passion poured into it.

Even the store’s premises are filled with eclectic works of passion: from artistic murals that adorn the walls, furniture made of reclaimed wood to the artful displays of coffee paraphernalia on the shelves.

During the team’s storytelling and bonding session, we were fueled by concoctions that The Fat Seed makes from premium ingredients and hand-crafted into our chosen drinks which include:

Coffee Cubes (Php150). Steamed milk is gently poured into cubes of frozen espresso – adding sugar syrup is optional – creating a creamy cold beverage that still has a strong espresso kick.

Belgian Hot Chocolate (Php140). A steaming hot mug of rich chocolatey goodness, perfect for long conversations.

In between funny anecdotes we regale each other with, we filled out tummies with The Fat Seed’s signature dishes which displays the store’s penchant for whimsy and experimentation:

Mushroom Fritters (Php175). Deep-fried oyster mushrooms served with homemade ketchup. One of the stories that will live on from our time here was how one of us thought he was munching on chicken skin the whole time instead of the crunchy and expertly cooked ‘shrooms.

Spinach Artichoke Dip (Php265). A yummy dip made of artichokes, mozzarella, garlic and parmesan which made each bite of crunchy baguette slices simply amazing.

Tartufo Pasta (Php310). Freshly cooked pasta noodles tossed into a cream truffle sauce along with porcini, prosciutto and parmesan cheese.

Aglio Olio Chorizo Pasta (Php270). Sauteed garlic and spicy bits of chorizo are tossed into pasta noodles then topped with a plump poached egg.

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Cream Soup (Php285). Four different kinds of cheese are grilled inside a buttered brioche bun, accompanied by a bowl of creamy soup made with Italian tomatoes and pesto then topped with fried basil.

Kimchi Fried Rice with Maple Bacon Slab (Php315). Fried slabs maple syrup-flavored bacon and sunny side up egg on top of kimchi fried rice and garnished with spring onions and nori shreds.

And to cap our meal with some sweet stuff, we split Revel and Brownie bars among ourselves.

With people who are really close to your heart, a few hours spent talking, laughing and teasing can be little seeds that grow into deep friendships.

Here’s to more time to spend nourishing friendships!

The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery is located at Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9362113.

Did you know that if you and a friend ordered 2 drinks at The Fat Seed Coffee + Roastery, you can get the same 2 drinks free via Zomato Gold?

Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 (Buy 1 Get 1) deals on food or 2+2 (Buy 2 Get 2) deals on drinks.