Did you know that Krispy Kreme is celebrating its 82nd birthday this July?
It opened its first branch in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on July 13, 1937 after founder Vernon Rudolph acquired a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans chef and brought about Krispy Kreme’s signature Original Glazed doughnuts.
This month, however, as a special treat to its customers, Krispy Kreme recently launched its limited edition Mini Birthday Cake Doughnuts.
Made of three yummy and festive new flavors – bubblegum, strawberry and white chocolate – all drizzled with melted dark chocolate, studded with rainbow sprinkles and dusted with edible gold dust. It even comes with its own limited-edition happy box so the celebrant can unbox this special treat and get a happy surprise.
Gift someone special with this Mini Birthday Cake for only Php149. Hurry, though! It’s available at Krispy Kreme stores only until July 31.
Still can’t get enough of Krispy Kreme’s sweet treats? How about mix-and-matching these babies up with our favorite candy? Check out Krispy Kreme’s DUOghnuts!
Get yourself a dark chocolate-glazed doughnut topped with Reese’s Peanut Butter Butter Cups and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds or a strawberry-dipped one topped with M&Ms and Skittles. Because you’re never too old or too full to enjoy your childhood treats.
This Krispy Kreme branch is located at SM Hypermarket, Frontera Verde Drive, Ugong, Pasig City.
I would scour food halls, parks, malls and shopping centers in search for sugary treats. And sometimes, I would find something that the mere thought of which gives me a sugar high.
How about sweet confections at par with those you can find in a Parisienne cafe or New York hotel, but easily accessible and affordably priced? Think it’s good to be true?
Well, as I’ve discovered together with my East-based foodie friends, Coffee Time Cakes and Pastries, is the place to be in Pasig if you want to indulge in delectable desserts masterfully whipped up by a Paris-trained pastry chef.
Upon her retirement, Chef Amy Carr decided to bring her extensive experience in cakes and pastries by helping her daughter Lucelle and son-in-law Martin Tan set up a cafe along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Santolan, Pasig.
Enter its doors and you will be ensconced in a cozy haven with a cosmopolitan feel. Comfortable chairs and low tables make for seating that encourages intimate conversations or restful solitude. Tasteful wall and shelf decor give the space an posh yet welcoming atmosphere. And for those who need to be always online, whether for work, study or social media, the place provides many power outlets for gadget charging as well as free WiFi.
For me and my foodie buddies, Coffee Time’s raison d’etre is its well-curated selection of cakes and baked goodies, all made from scratch by Chef Amy using premium ingredients. Check out a sampling of sweets that we were treated to when we visited the cafe:
Blueberry Cheesecake (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). New York-style cheesecake topped with sweetened blueberries.
Choco Salted Caramel (Php150/slice | Php1,200/whole). Rich chocolate cake layered with salted caramel and covered with a luscious chocolate frosting.
Tiramisu (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). Did you know that the name Italian word tiramisu translates to “cheer me up?” Well, this confection made of espresso-dipped chiffon cake layered with mascarpone cheese-based mixture and topped with powdered cocoa is sure to give your day a boost.
Sans Rival (Php165/slice | Php1,500). A homegrown dessert, this confection made of buttercream, meringue and cashew nuts layered on top of each other really is without rival.
Strawberry Shortcake (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). Light sponge cake layered with strawberry and vanilla cream and topped with fresh strawberries, this cake blew us foodies away with its delicious taste and lovely mouthfeel.
French Macarons (Php65/piece | Php320/box). These dainty and colorful meringue-based confections are bigger than the ones you’ll find in other dessert shops. Buy a piece, a box or two, for yourself or to give as a gift.
Cheese Drops (Php45/piece). A kiss-shaped dollop of cheesecake coated with s thick layer of chocolate, it makes for a bite-sized enjoyment!
Ensaimada con Queso de Bola (Php70/piece). Our favorite merienda pastry is given more flavor by the incorporation of Pato queso de bola (Edam Cheese).
Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies (Php60/piece). The classic chocolate chip cookie is made heartier by the addition of oatmeal and chopped walnuts.
Red Velvet Muffin (Php55/piece). Despite its bright red color, red velvet muffins are actually rich in chocolate flavor. Topped with buttercream icing, these are quite filling yet not too sweet, perfect for pairing with black coffee.
Choco Chip Muffin (Php60). Everyone’s favorite cookie now in muffin form.
Partner these sweets with coffee- or non-coffee-based drinks offered at the store such as:
Flavored Lattes: Salted Caramel Mocha (Php90/8 oz | Php100/12oz) and Red Velvet (Php115/8oz | Php125/12oz).
Coffee or Cream Frappes: Salted Caramel Popcorn (Php150/16oz), Matcha (Php150/16oz) and Strawberry Cream (Php170/16oz)
No time to drop by the cafe? If you live in nearby Pasig or Marikina areas, call +63 920 9490391 to have your sweets delivered.
We foodies had such a sweet time which was one big sugar high, thanks to Chef Amy, Lucelle, Martin and the sweet folks of Coffee Time Cakes and Pastries!
Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries is located at 50 Amang Rodriguez Avenue (across South Supermarket), Santolan, Pasig City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries and delivery requests, call +63 920 9490391.
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.
For generations, Ligo Sardines has been a part of the Filipino household as a staple klasik that brings back memories of coming home and sharing a meal with loved ones. For its 65th anniversary, it brought together brand partners and friends from the media for and intimate gathering to celebrate its milestones.
“We are proud to be part of the household of many Filipino families here and abroad. As we move toward our seventh decade in the industry, we are excited to bring new innovations and products that will be part of the memories of future generations,” shares Ligo Vice President of Productuion Mikko Tung.
Ligo began in 1954 when Gregory Tung, Sr. opened A. Tung Chingco Trading. the exclusive distributor of Ligo products in the Philippines. The company partnered with Liberty Gold Fruit Co., Inc. in California, but put up its own cannery in 1980 to manufacture its goods and meet growing demand.
It expanded its products, offering mackerel, squid, corned beef, meatloaf, and tuna flakes. It also offered variants on its line of sardines, such as Gata, Spanish, Extra Hot, Kaldereta, and Afritada, and more. It quickly became a global phenomenon, and began exporting to the United States of America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Ligo is currently run by the third generation of Tungs, who are working together to strenghten its commitment to putting quality first. Mikko Tung is joined by his brothers Mark, who oversees sales and marketing, and Macky, who handles advertising and promotion.
The celebration featured the Klasik Museum, where guests traveled back through time to reminisce the brand’s past, including its variants, old commercials, and print ads. They were also introduced to the brand’s 65th Anniversary visual, which represents its years in providing delicious flavors and excellent quality. Its retro art style is a reminder that indeed, “Walang kupas ang Klasik.”
Tung also shared the success of the “Lami Ligo” campaign in Mindanao, which featured brand ambassador Tom Rodriguez and a popular local dish, Odong Noodles with Ligo Sardines. He also announced the success of the newly launched variant of Siracha sardines, which became an instant favorite among consumers. The evening capped off with the unveiling of Ligo’s new and exciting product variants: Calamansi, and Fried Sardines in Oyster Sauce and in Portugese Style, which will all be available in September; and Tuyo, which will be launched by the end of the year. Another highlight of the evening was the introduction of Carla Abellana as the newest brand ambassador.
Ligo Vice President for Advertising and Promotion Macky Tung expresses that “the brand welcomes new members, products, and variants to its family. Ligo still stays true to the promise it made 65 years ago: to provide quality sardines that will continue to become a Klasik in every Filipino household.”
Product information provided by LIGO in a recent press release. Photos provided by Jam Blauta.
There are lots of Italian food joints all over the metro but every once in a while, there’s one that stands out because its concept stayed fresh despite having been around for years.
I first tasted Pazzo Rollio’s offerings almost four years ago and, to this day, they remain among my favorites because they retain the taste I love while still seeming new and unusual.
Wanna know what I mean? Read on.
Together with my friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited Pazzo Rollio’s branch in SM Pasig to reacquaint myself with its signature dishes, which include:
Spinach and Artichoke Dip (Php185). A wonderful start to the meal! A thick mixture of spinach and artichoke with a layer of mozarella on top, and served with bread and fried wonton chips.
Pasta Puttanesca (Php220 solo | Php360 family). Spaghetti noodles with a house/made sauce of anchovies, tomatoes, olives, capers and garlic.
Fellinis (Php195 solo | Php310 family). Angelhair pasta and shrimp in housemade pesto sauce.
Bleu Cheese (Php245 solo | Php385 family). Chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy and cheesy gorgonzola sauce.
Bistecca (Php320). Flavorful and tender beef tenderloin pieces top pasta with a pommery mustard sauce.
Buffalo Wings (Php119 for 6 pieces | Php219 for 12 pieces). Yummy chicken pieces in Original and Garlic Parmesan flavor.
The name “Pazzo Rollio” translates to “crazy rolls” in Italian. And Pazzo Rollio’s rolled pizzas are definitely crazy good. These are central to the resto’s concept: paper-thin pizza dough slathered with cheese sauce and toppings, it is baked in a hot oven and served with arugula and alfalfa sprouts, ready for rolling. While rolled pizzas are available elsewhere, Pazzo Rollio’s are among the less expensive and more varied in flavor that I know of.
Big Bang Supreme (Php250 solo | Php450 family). Topped with bacon, ham, pepperoni, caramelized onions and mushrooms.
Pazzo Special (Php280 solo | Php480 regular). Topped with bacon, ham, salami, crumbled meatballs, mushrooms and bell pepper.
House Blend Iced Tea (Php50 glass | Php150 pitcher). A refreshing beverage that goes well with Pazzo Rollio’s dishes.
All these just go to show that there’s definitely more to Italian food than meets the eye!
Many thanks to Miss Vinci, Ana and Jem of Pazzo Rollio for having us!
This Pazzo Rollio branch is located at SM Hypermart, Frontera Verde Drive, Ugong, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 11am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5707801.
Other branches are located at:
Third Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, QC
Fourth Floor, SM City Manila, Ermita, Manila
Treat the gang out for a tasty and filling meal of Fellinis and Bleu Cheese pastas with a Big Bang Supreme rolled pizza for Php1,099!
You can also Create Your Own Rolled Pizza (Php280 solo | Php480 family) by choosing your preferred toppings for your pizza which include bacon, ham, salami, prosciutto, chicken, shrimp, sausage, crumbled meatball, anchovies, olives, caramelized onions, red onions, garlic, jalapenos, mushrooms, bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, pineapple, chili flakes, basil, parsley, gorgonzola, mozzarella, pesto sauce, barbecue sauce and truffle oil.
Cebu’s prime destination for tasting the bounty of the sea, Isla Sugbu Seafood City is now delighting us Metro Manila’s denizens with its fresh “paluto-all-you-can” concept. With its extensive array of fresh and live seafood that can be cooked in whatever way we like, we can be sure that all our seafood cravings will be sated, all in one place!
The name Isla Sugbu comes from the local name of Cebu, giving tribute to the place of the restaurant’s origins.
So how exactly does “Paluto-All-You-Can” work?
First, choose from Isla Sugbu’s fresh and live seafood selection what you’re craving for.
And what a selection it is! Take your pick: fresh fish such as kingfish, lapu-lapu, tuna, salmon, pompano and more; and other marine bounty such as scallop, crabs, squid, shrimp, octopus and a whole lot more.
And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, go for the premium stuff like the live lobsters, alupihang dagat (mantis shrimps) and mud crabs which you can buy by the gram.
Second, let the staff know how you want them to cook your chosen seafood.
Feeling adventurous? Why not go with their recommendation?
Third, dig in to the wondrous variety of dishes that seafood can be made into.
Check out what my foodie friends and I feasted on when we went to Isla Sugbu Seafood City in McKinley’s Venice Grand Mall:
Salt and Pepper Calamari
Black Pepper Crab
Salted Egg Shrimps
Scallop Broccoli with Veggies
Steamed Pompano with Tausi
Baby Squid Adobo
Baked Scallops with Cheese and Butter
Octopus in Coco Curry Sauce
Garlic Butter Shrimps
Tuna Steak
Salt and Pepper Sea Mantis
Lobster Thermidor
Steamed Lobster
Singaporean Mud Crabs
We also enjoyed non-seafood dishes such as Grilled Pork Ribs and the classic Pinoy Pancit Canton.
And I’ve confirmed that Pink Moscato wine really does go well with seafood!
And finally (and here’s my favorite part), repeat! Feel free to order and dive in to your old and newly discovered seafood favorites again and again!
So treat yourself, your friends and your family to a seafood feast at Isla Sugbu!
Thanks to the lovely people of Isla Sugbu Seafood City for having us!
With Isla Sugbu’s Paluto-All-You-Can Promo, you can enjoy all of the above for only Php848 for lunch Mondays to Thursdays and for Php888 for dinner Mondays to Thursdays, and lunch and dinner from Fridays to Sundays and on holidays.
Better bring a huge appetite when you go here, though. Leftovers are charged Php1,450 per table.
Isla Sugbu Seafood City is located at the Second Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, open weekdays from 11am to 11pm and weekends from 10am to 11pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 998 9662990.
Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here wherein food and drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.
Getting lost in the south isn’t such a bad ordeal when wandering leads to the quiet streets of Madrigal Business Park because there stands B Hotel Alabang, a premier 4-star hotel managed by The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts.
“What is there to do?” one may ask. Aside from an undisturbed staycation in the comfort of a cozy room, guests can also enjoy the first-ever outdoor hot tub in the area. With perfectly warm water for the rainy season, and refreshingly cool water during the summer! And while fitness junkies spend time in the hotel gym working out, the foodies can go ahead and start eating their hearts out at the hotel’s dining outlets.
Foodies everywhere will agree that it takes more than just picture-perfect plating or unique food concepts to make a dining experience memorable and worth going back for. With an exquisitely prepared mix of fancy and familiar flavors, coupled with the 4-star hotel’s dedicated 5-star service, one can only expect a dining experience at its prime, every time. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything in between, B Hotel Alabang has the perfect plate!
“Our mission is to give our guests the best of Filipino hospitality and that includes proudly representing our heritage in our menu. That’s why we always allow culinary innovation while preserving the integrity of our country’s traditional dishes,” says Chef Ricky Galon, B Hotel Alabang Sous Chef. Prime Café offers a diverse selection of traditional local dishes from across the different regions of the Philippine islands such as the bestselling crispy Sizzling Sisig from Pampanga, perfectly char-grilled Chicken Inasal from Bacolod, and tender Beef Salpicao. The hotel’s main dining outlet also features Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisines among others. Craving a classic American favorite? Chef Ricky’s special creation is the answer—a flavorful patty and fresh vegetables in a soft sweet bun. And if you’re craving a different kind of meat, no need to go far! Get your steak fix and enjoy perfectly grilled prime steaks from Johnny’s Steak and Grill at Prime Cafe.
Those who simply cannot do without a sweet ending (or beginning) to a sumptuous meal can head on over to sweet tooth heaven—Pastry Corner. This little nook is where all the freshly baked goodies and barista specials are! Must-try includes moist and indulgent Belgian Chocolate Cake, and German Chocolate Cake, and Leche Flan, Ube, Chocolate, Plain, and other limited edition flavors of the coffee shop’s signature ensaymada.
Prime Café puts the “happy” in happy hour with some San Valley wine for only Php800 nett per bottle, or unlimited beers, mojitos, or sangria for only Php550 nett person, available daily from 6:00PM to 10:00PM. Booze and live entertainment? Enjoy it at Prime Café’s Bistro Nights every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00PM to 11:00PM.
Get a taste of all these exciting dishes and activities at B Hotel Alabang’s Meet and Eat exclusive foodie event, in partnership with Don Revy, Monkey Eagle, Alliance Crafts, Instamug, and Eco Verde.
For more information on B Hotel Alabang’s exciting dining promotions and other offers, visit www.thebellevue.com, or call (+632) 828 8181.
Thanks to Eboy Donato for serving as my correspondent during B Hotel’s Meet & Eat Foodie event.
Details and images provided by B Hotel in A recent press release.
Look back on your favorite homespun food, the ones that your mom or lola used to cook for the family during special occasions.
Now imagine them with a fresh twist, a little change that makes them keep the nostalgia that you harbor for them but, at the same time, gives them a new dimension that gets you so giddy with excitement for a taste of something new.
That is what Chef Jehrad Dolino achieved when he unveiled his latest creations of reimagined Filipino food for Moonshine PUB.
Moonshine PUB is a cozy public urban bar situated in the hip and happenin’ Sapphire Bloc in Ortigas Center. It has a relaxing atmosphere with muted lights, dark leather furniture and brick decor reminiscent of 1920s underground speakeasies.
This is where Ortigas-based yuppies can go and unwind, enjoying the pub’s signature drinks which include these cocktails:
Calamansi Gin Smash (Php335). A refresing gin-based cocktail made with muddled sugar, cucumber and basil leaves and flavored with calamansi.
Smoked Old Fashioned (Php310). A whiskey-based cocktail made with muddled sugar and bitters accented by a lemon peel. It is smoked then covered for full effect.
Whiskey Sour (Php310). A whiskey-based cocktail made with lemon juice and sugar.
Chef Dolino’s new set of #FilipinoReimagined dishes take advantage of locally-sourced ingredients that are in season and allows Moonshine to continue to provide fresh takes on classic Pinoy cuisines. These include:
Chori Burger (Php395). Made from scratch by the chef and his team using vinegar and a lot of garlic and allowed to marinate in the chiller for two weeks, the chorizo patties give the burgers an exotic taste and feel. Each burger is served in a brioche bun with the house slaw and a sunny side up, plus some fries on the side.
Crispy Palabok with Crablets (Php350). Crispy glass noodles drenched in made-from-scratch palabok sauce made even heartier with the crablets and chicharon bulaklak.
Pizza Margarito (Php465). Chef Dolino’s twist on the Pizza Margherita, adding some house-made longganisa to the toasty pizza. This dish was inspired the chef and his wife’s trips to Italy.
Longganisa Shanghai (Php280). Also incorporating the house-made longganisa, this is the chef’s take on the classic Lumpiang Shanghai.
Laing with Chicharon (Php240). Inspired by the traditional family of one of the chef’s long-time cooks who hails from Bicol, this dish is not the blow-your-socks-off spicy kind of laing but, especially with the addition of crunchy chicharon, it is well-suited for a Manileno palate.
Spicy Sardine Pasta (Php320). The chef and his staff make the resto’s sardines from scratch using fresh, locally sourced fish. Added to some al dente pasta, these make for quite a filling dish.
Prawn Pakbet (Php380). Made with traditional bagoong, the vegetables here are prepared by blanching them in boiling water then shocking them in iced water, allowing them to retain their crispy texture and vibrant color. And seeing how the shrimp is mostly treated as an add-on in the usual pakbet dishes, he made it the star of the show with the addition of large grilled prawns in his version of the dish.
Salt and Pepper Prawns (Php700). Also inspired by his memories of meals at his lola’s seaside home, this seemingly simple dish pan-fried prawns accompanied by a refreshing cucumber salad presents a lot of pleasing complex flavors.
Angus Beef Adobo (Php540). Taking advantage of the resto’s abundance in tender and flavorful Angus beef, the chef applied classic adobo preparation for this dish with the addition of pan-fried potatoes for added texture like his grandma used to make, and some soft-boiled quail eggs for added richness, as inspired by his tita’s version of the dish.
Langka and Mango Biko (Php190). The classic kakanin (rice delicacy) is given the added twist of mango ang langka (jackfruit) bits, making this reminiscent of the Mango Sticky Rice dish from Thailand.
These new creations highlight the variety and versatility of Filipino cuisine.
Now, if you’re one Moonshine’s loyal patrons and have already developed your favorites among the items in its menu, don’t fret. These new dishes are additions, not replacements. You can still indulge yourself with your old favorites.
This Moonshine branch is located at The Sapphire Bloc, Sapphire corner Onyx corner Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 3am and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 4am. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 927 8000920.
Planning a trip to Moonshine soon? Drop by between 2pm to 8pm from Sundays to Thursdays for Happy Hour:
Get Php1,000 off on Black Label, Grey Goose and Hendricks
Buy 1 Take 1 on Superdry, Cerveza Negra, Brew Kettle and San Miguel Premium
Buy 1 Take 1 on wine (Php350 per glass)
Buy 1 and get 50% off on Signature Cocktails
San Mig Light and Pale Pilsen at Php50
Drop by from 6pm to 10pm every Saturday to Go Hard or Go Home:
Get Php1,000 off on Jack Daniel, Black Label, Grey Goose, Hendricks and Botanist
Buy 1 Take 1 on Jose Cuervo and Jagermeister
Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Moonshine through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.
Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.
They say that great stories are told over good food.
Well, at the Cafe Tribu branch at the Victoria de Morato building along Scout Borromeo Street, the food items themselves have their own stories to tell, as I’ve recently discovered together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH.
Care to know ’em?
Opened in March 2019 by former Starbucks Coffee Master Marychris delos Santos, this Cafe Tribu branch has evolved into a showcase for her coffee mastery and her favorite dishes. Having her own business was also her motivation when she was dealing with some personal problems.
Here, you can find a nice and chill haven to hide out in away from the sun or rain. You can also take advantage of the free WiFi while working or studying, or amuse yourself and your buddies with boardgames you can borrow at the counter.
Here, you can refresh yourself with some of Marychris’ signature concoctions such as the Strawberry (Ph85) or the Kiwi Lychee (Php85) Green Tea coolers; or treat yourself to something more decadent such as the Caramel Creme (Php95) or the Java Oreo Berry (Php100) frappes.
So what are the stories behind this Cafe Tribu’s food offerings?
Well, let’s start with the all-day breakfast items which are served with garlic rice, fried egg, atchara and saba:
The German Cheesy (Php130), for starters, features plump homemade cheese-filled sausages which are popular among the denizens of the area near UST where Marychris studied.
The Boneless Bangus (Php130), on the other hand, came all the way from Dagupan, where Marychris’ family hails from. Together with its sweet-sour sukang atchara, it’s a sure-fire winner!
Have you ever tasted baboy ramo (wild boar) before? Order the Pork Tapa (Php165), and you will. I was actually surprised to find this meat imported from Nueva Ecija to be quite tender to the bite.
If you want something more American, have a Ham and Egg Sandwich (Php135). Together with the parmesan-dusted fries, it will fill you up for a day’s work or studying.
Since there’s always room for dessert, check out this Cafe Tribu’s sweet treats:
French Toast (Php95). A sweet confection of Marychris’ own recipe, which became her way to her man’s heart.
Banana Muffins (Php20 each). These yummy cuppies were Marychris’ mom’s way to her dad’s heart.
(There must be something in the way women in her family prepare desserts.) 😍
So if you’re ever in the Tomas Morato area, drop by this Cafe Tribu branch and chat up with Marychris over some good food and refreshing drinks.
Many thanks to Marychris of Cafe Tribu – Victoria de Morato for the warm welcome, the stories and of course, for the yummy food!
This Cafe Tribu branch is located at Ground Floor, Victoria De Morato, Scout Borromeo Street, South Triangle, Quezon City, open weekdays from 10am to 7pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 921 5411885.
Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here wherein food and drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”
That quote, often mistakenly ascribed to legendary US President Abraham Lincoln, does have a point. Things are done and achieved by those who move.
Well, one of the hardest things to overcome is the state of inertia: just imagine, if your mind and body already think they are at rest, they tend to stay that way for the rest of the day. (Good luck getting over that mid-day slump!)
Fortunately for us working folks here in Quezon City’s South Triangle area, Hustle Cafe has moved its store from Cubao to the corner of Tomas Morato Avenue and Scout Rallos Street. In its new location, it continues to serve food and drink freshly prepared in the store to help people power through the day.
A friend and I dropped by during our lunch break to get our much needed mid-day sustenance, which included:
Pork Samgyupsal (Php250). Korean-style grilled pork and fried egg tops a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, sliced cucumber and kimchi-flavored shredded cabbage.
Grilled Cheese (Php180). Cheese and onion marmalade make up the filling of thick and buttery toasted bread with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Salted Caramel (Php140) and Coffee (Pbp120) Frappes. Our little bits of caffeine-laden treats to wake our brains up and lift out spirits to face the rest of our tasks for the day.
Speaking of uplifting, did you know that proceeds from the sales Hustle Cafe’s food and drink help in the training of out-of-school youth in the food and beverage industry? The cafe exposes these kids, not just in the store’s back-end operations, but also in customer-facing roles to prepare them for larger responsibilities in their future F&B jobs.
With its wallet-friendly-priced drinks, Hustle Cafe also makes specialty brews and blends more accessible and less intimidating, thereby helping to create new coffee lovers and enthusiasts.
So if ever you’re in the Tomas Morato area, do drop by and check out Hustle Cafe’s offerings. They just make give you the energy to hustle your way through your day.
Hustle Cafe is located at the CKB Center, Tomas Morato Avenue corner Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and advanced orders, call +63 916 6557485.
There’s another reason for tea lovers out there to rejoice: Royaltea, the tea brand which originated from China, has further strengthened its foothold in the country through its second branch in San Juan.
Adding to Royaltea’s existing Taft Avenue branch, the newly opened store in San Juan now serves the brand’s signature tea drinks to the students of nearby Xavier School and residents of adjacent Greenhills villages.
Globally, Royaltea has over 500 stores with highest growth in number in countries such as China, Vietnam, Malaysia and the United States. It prides itself on only using the most premium, fresh and natural ingredients which include natural loose tea leaves and fresh fruits.
It is especially known for its Cheese Teas, beverages with rich and creamy cheese covers made from authentic New Zealand cream cheese. I was able to taste some of Royaltea’s Cheezo drinks when I dropped by for the Grand Opening of its San Juan branch.
These include:
Avocado Cheezo (Php180). Definitely one of my new favorites! The tea taste is not as intense as the Mango Cheezo’s, and the salty sweetness of the milk cap complements the earthy sweetness of the fresh avocado.
Mango Cheezo (Php180). Uses fresh mango and possesses an intense tangy-sweet taste, probably from the tea.
Very Strawberry Cheezo (Php180). Uses fresh strawberries and has an intense sweetness.
Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea with Cheezo (Php130). The caramelized sugar flavor in the milk tea and the chewy tapioca black pearls are given an added layer of flavor from the sweet-saltiness of the cream cheese cover.
The best way to drink these Cheezo drinks is to first sip from the top to really get the cheese flavor, then use the straw to sip the tea from the bottom.
I look forward to checking out Royaltea’s upcoming branches in Quezon City which are nearer my workplace: one in Sgt. Esguerra Avenue and the other in Banawe. It will be so much easier for me to enjoy the store’s myriad of offerings together with my coworkers.
By the way, did you know that Royaltea’s large cups are reusable? Bring them back with you when you re-visit the store, ask the milk tea barista to serve your drinks there, and voila! Not only have you done your part in lessening plastic waste, you also get Php5 knocked off your tea price.
This Royaltea branch is located at 67 Washington Street, Greenhills, San Juan. The other branch is located at Ground Floor, WH Taft Residences, Malate Manila.
Header image provided by Royaltea. All other photos are mine.
Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to attend a foodie meetup held here wherein in drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.
Jellybeans in the City 