baked goods – Jellybeans in the City

#ButterIsBetter: 7 occasions to indulge in Red Ribbon’s fluffy treat

Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon is a delectable treat that combines the lightness of chiffon cake with the rich, creamy goodness of 100% real butter. With its moist and fluffy texture as well as its irresistible flavor, this pastry is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, here are seven instances when you can indulge in Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon and enjoy every buttery bite!

Morning Delights

Start your day on a scrumptious note by savoring a piece of Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon with your morning cup of coffee or tea. Its soft, moist texture and buttery taste make it an ideal companion for a delightful breakfast. Indulge in the lightness of the chiffon cake and let the aroma of real butter awaken your taste buds.

Sweet Office Treats

Brighten up your workday by bringing a pack of Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon to share with your colleagues. These individual pastries are conveniently packed, making them a great option for office gatherings, meetings, or simply to spread some joy during those midday slumps. With every bite, your coworkers will appreciate the melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Merienda Indulgence

Looking for a delightful snack to pair with your afternoon snack? Look no further than Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon. The delicate balance of flavors and the airy texture make it a perfect addition to your afternoon coffee break. Unwind and indulge in the exquisite combination of your favorite brew and this buttery delight for a truly satisfying downtime.

Picnic Perfection

Planning a relaxing picnic in the park or by the beach? Don’t forget to pack some Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon! These individual treats are portable, making them an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying a family outing or a romantic picnic, these pastries will add a touch of sweetness to your leisurely day.

Dessert Extravaganza

Impress your guests with a delectable dessert spread that includes Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon. Arrange them alongside other delightful treats, such as fruit tarts or creamy puddings, and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with joy. The fluffy texture and buttery flavor of these pastries will leave a lasting impression on anyone with a sweet tooth.

Birthday Bliss

Celebrate a loved one’s special day by surprising them with a pack of Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon. This classic treat is perfect for birthday parties, adding a touch of nostalgia and indulgence to the festivities. The soft chiffon cake, combined with the richness of real butter, will make the birthday celebrant feel truly cherished and loved.

Self-Care Indulgence

Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself! After a long day or as a reward for achieving a personal milestone, savor the pleasure of Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon. Allow yourself a moment of indulgence, where you can appreciate the flavors and textures that make this pastry so delightful. Grab a piece, kick back, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon is more than just a delightful pastry; it’s a treat that can enhance various occasions and bring joy to those who taste it. Whether you’re starting your day, sharing with loved ones, or simply pampering yourself, the fluffy, buttery goodness of this chiffon confection will leave you craving more.

So, why wait? Experience the blissful delight that #ButterIsBetter with Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon today!

The Red Ribbon Butter Mamon is now available in all Red Ribbon Bakeshop stores for Php30 per piece. Order now via the Red Ribbon app, the Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon on Facebook Messenger, or by calling the #87777 hotline. You may also place your order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon Bakeshop:

Celebrating different kinds of love with Red Ribbon’s limited-edition Valentine Black Forest Cake

Red Ribbon’s New Mango-Choco Marjolaine Cake: A unique and delectable twist on a classic French dessert

Sweet Christmas celebrations with Red Ribbon’s Holiday Cakes

Red Ribbon cakes for your everyday cravings

Red Ribbon brings a taste of the divine with its new Chocolate Heaven Cake

Sweet dads deserve sweet chocolatey treats from Red Ribbon this Father’s Day

#SweetDelight: Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake is back!

Sweet snacktimes with Red Ribbon Bakeshop

Cracking the Code: How to celebrate our busy dads this Father’s Day

Indulge in delicious comfort food at Mom & Tina’s

During a #ReturnToOffice day when our boss (also known as #FearlessLeader) was on leave, my coworkers and I consoled ourselves by having lunch at the Mom & Tina’s branch located a short walking distance from our building.

Mom & Tina’s Bakery Cafe is a popular restaurant concept named after the mother-daughter duo who founded it a few years ago. Its branches have since become beloved destinations for those looking for delicious baked goods and hearty comfort food.

These establishments are marked by their cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and mouthwatering menu comfort food that includes breakfast items, main dishes, sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads, and cakes, pies, and other baked goods. Mom & Tina’s takes pride in its heirloom dishes, all made from scratch using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

During our lunch time foray, we feasted on Mom & Tina’s savory viands such as:

US Roast Beef (Php645). Tender slices of beef slow-roasted to perfection, served with gravy, mixed vegetables and fluffy mashed potatoes, definitely a must-try for meat lovers.

Paella Valenciana (Php495). Mom & Tina’s take on the classic Spanish dish, featuring saffron-infused rice cooked with chicken, seafood, and vegetables sautéed in oil with garlic, tomatoes and chorizo. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for sharing, which is what I did with one of my officemate.

Barbecued Chicken Fillet (Php395). Juicy and succulent deboned chicken leg quarter marinated in a special barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection and served with java rice and atchara.

Barbecued Pork Belly (Php395). A Filipino favorite, Mom & Tina’s version of this dish features pork belly marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and grilled to perfection. It’s served with rice and your choice of sides.

Pasta Carbonara (Php365). A classic pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. Mom & Tina’s version features al dente spaghetti tossed in a creamy sauce with bacon and grated Parmesan cheese and served with freshly baked rolls.

Thanks to our #HappyLunch at Mom & Tina’s Bakery Cafe, we cheerfully faced the rest of our workday, even if #FearlessLeader was not with us. (Well, we made sure to share our lunch pics to make her miss us all the more, hehehehe!)

This Mom & Tina’s branch is located at Across ABS-CBN Main Building, 58 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, open for dine-in, takeout and delivery weekdays from 8am to 10pm and weekends from 7am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 2 83323579 or 63 999 8859254.

Other branches are located at:

S&R Libis, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue corner Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 82568611 or +63 999 8850092)
Tropical Palms Condominium, 103 De la Rosa Street corner Perea Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 88943598 or +63 999 8859252)

Know more about Mom & Tina’s by visiting its website or following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Mom & Tina’s:

Mom & Tina's Greenhills — Mom & Tina’s Greenhills

Why we love Cafe Mary Grace’s Cheese Rolls: A delicious culinary delight

Admit it: you can get cheesy too, right? Especially when it comes to Cafe Mary Grace’ signature creation: the Cheese Rolls!

Cafe Mary Grace is a renowned eatery that has become a staple in the Filipino culinary scene. It was founded by Mary Grace Dimacali, a passionate baker, and her husband, Rolly Dimacali, in 2002. What started as a small bakery in Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City, quickly gained popularity for its delicious baked goods and warm ambiance, which led to the establishment of more branches across Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines.

The story of Cafe Mary Grace is rooted in Mary Grace Dimacali’s love for baking and her pursuit of creating exceptional homemade treats. Her passion for baking started at a young age, and she honed her skills through years of practice and experimentation. Drawing inspiration from her travels and her family’s recipes, she developed a unique style of baking that combines classic techniques with modern flavors, resulting in the signature treats that Cafe Mary Grace is known for today.

While the cafe’s menu has expanded to include not just baked goods but also savory dishes and specialty beverages, the Cheese Rolls are arguably its claim to fame, gaining for the brand a sort of cult following among the so-called Titas of Manila. So strong is its appeal that when Fil-Am comedian JoKoy got a taste of it during his visit to the Philippines, he gave a shout out to the brand during his comedy show that he was all ready to invest in the company and bring its Cheese Rolls (and other delectable baked goods) back to the US.

And why not? Here are seven reasons why we can’t get enough of these mouthwatering treats:

Irresistible Cheesy Goodness. The Cheese Rolls at Cafe Mary Grace are a true delight for cheese lovers. Made with a rich and flavorful cheese filling enveloped in a billowy and chewy pastry, the rolls are perfectly baked to achieve a crispy, golden sugary crust on top which gives way to a soft, gooey and cheesy bite. This heavenly explosion of cheesy goodness will surely leave you craving for more.

Perfectly Balanced Flavor. What sets the Cheese Rolls from Cafe Mary Grace apart is their well-balanced flavor. The cheese used in the rolls is not overly salty or overpowering, but just right, allowing the taste of the cheese to shine through without overwhelming your palate. The subtle sweetness of the dough complements the savory cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is simply divine.

Handmade with Love. One of the reasons why we love the Cheese Rolls from Cafe Mary Grace is because they are made with care and attention to detail. The rolls are handcrafted using high-quality ingredients, and the dedication and passion of the bakers at Cafe Mary Grace shine through in each roll. The artisanal touch and homemade feel of these cheese rolls make them even more special.

Versatile Snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a comforting treat, the Cheese Rolls from Cafe Mary Grace are perfect for any time of the day. They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying snack that hits the spot every time.

Nostalgic Comfort Food. For many of us, the Cheese Rolls from Cafe Mary Grace evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. The warm, cheesy filling wrapped in a soft, doughy crust reminds us of homemade treats from our childhood or traditional comfort food that warms our hearts. Each bite is like a trip down memory lane, making these rolls even more special.

Convenient Grab-and-Go Option. Another reason why we love the Cheese Rolls from Cafe Mary Grace is their convenience. These delectable treats come in a convenient grab-and-go size, making them a perfect option for a quick bite on the run or as a takeaway snack to enjoy later. They are also great for sharing with friends and family, adding a touch of joy to any gathering.

Consistent Quality. Cafe Mary Grace is known for its commitment to quality, and the Cheese Rolls are no exception. The consistency in taste and texture of these rolls is truly remarkable, and you can expect the same level of deliciousness with every bite. This consistency in quality is one of the reasons why customers keep coming back for more.

Indulging in Cafe Mary Grace’s Cheese Rolls is a treat that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether you’re in need of a quick breakfast on a busy morning, a satisfying snack during your afternoon break, or a comforting treat to enjoy with loved ones, these delightful rolls are a perfect choice. You can savor them while sitting at one of Cafe Mary Grace’s cozy cafes, paired with a cup of their specialty coffee or tea, and take in the warm ambiance of the cafe.

If you’re on the go, you can also grab a box of Cheese Rolls as a convenient takeaway snack for a road trip or a picnic. Their grab-and-go size makes them perfect for satisfying cravings during a hike or a day at the beach. Additionally, the Cheese Rolls from Cafe Mary Grace are a great option to share with friends and family during gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions, adding a touch of cheesy goodness to any celebration.

So, whether you’re starting your day with a cheesy breakfast, taking a midday snack break, enjoying a cozy moment at the cafe, grabbing a quick bite on the go, or sharing them with loved ones, Cafe Mary Grace’s Cheese Rolls are a delicious treat that can be savored in a variety of settings, making them a beloved favorite among foodies and cheese enthusiasts alike.

Well, the only thing to do is give in to your craving for these cheesy treats. Drop by your nearest Cafe Mary Grace outlet or order through its website. It also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Cafe Mary Grace on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Cafe Mary Grace:

A tita brunch at Cafe Mary Grace, Eastwood Mall

5 ways Cafe Mary Grace’s ensaymada solves your holiday gifting dilemma

GrabFood Signatures family dinner from Cafe Mary Grace

Snackable baked goodies from Breadtalk, SM East Ortigas

To be honest, my quarantine life has been made so much more bearable by the joys of snacking.

Munching on some sweet or savory pastries in the afternoon after office Zoom meetings or during tutoring sessions with my son help to tide me over until dinnertime, giving me that much-needed energy boost. When my kids and I get a case of the munchies late at night, we also reach for some breads that we pair with our favorite spreads.

Fortunately, there’s a Breadtalk branch in the mall near my home which lets me grab delicious and affordable baked goods whenever I go out for a supply run.

Here, some of my go-to breads and pastries are made fresh everyday. In keeping with safety protocols, it already accepts cashless payments via GCash.

My favorites among its offerings include:

Kick Kick (Php39). Soft pillowy bread split in the middle to give way to a creamy sweet custard.

Rocky Rocky Milk (Php45). Fluffy Danish pastry with milky cream.

Strawberry Rocky (Php45). Rocky Rocky Milk breads halved then split in the middle to hold some tangy and sweet strawberry jam.

Prosperity Polo (Php56). Similar to a Danish pastry, this is topped with a pineapple ring with a creamy sweet custard in the middle.

Earthquake Cheese Toast (Php159). A toasted airy loaf filled with cheese bits.

Almond Frenzy (Php41). A fluffy baked doughnut topped with sliced almonds.

Custard Bun (Php35). Soft milk bread with a rich custard filling in the center.

Baguette (Php62). A long thin and crusty loaf which is a perfect companion for the the Shrimp Gambas I sometimes make for dinner.

Wholemeal Toast (Php109). Fluffy bread which serves as a perfect foil for my son’s favorite tuna spread.

So if you’re looking for savory breads for your sandwiches or to complement your viands, or for sweet pastries for your snack or dessert, drop by a Breadtalk branch near you.

You can also have your orders delivered right to your doorstep via GrabFood.

For the latest updates from Breadtalk, visit its website or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

This Breadtalk branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Pasig City.

Other Breadtalk branches in the metro are located at:

Quezon City: Eastwood Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, Trinoma Mall, SM City North EDSA The Block, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, SM City Novaliches, SM City Fairview
Marikina: SM City Marikina
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall, Shangri-la Plaza
San Juan: V Mall Greenhills Shopping Center
Taguig: Uptown Place Mall, Market! Market!, Bonifacio High Street, SM Aura Premiere
Makati: Powerplant Mall, Century City Mall, Ayala Malls Circuit, Glorietta, The Landmark, Ayala North Exchange, Assembly Grounds at The Rise
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila, SM City Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall

Check out my posts on other bakery establishments in the metro:

Bring home happiness from the north with Bantay Bread

Baked goods do tend to elicit a feeling of happiness. From their appetizing scents wafting to our nostrils, the sight of them laid out on the table to their sweetness as we bite into them, baked goodies sate our hunger while also calling to mind fun memories from our childhood.

These kinds of baked goodies are what Ilocos-based bakery Bantay Bread specializes in.

This family business started out in 2010 as a local panaderia supplying morning pan de sal to its patrons.

In response to the changes brought about by the pandemic and its resulting community quarantine, the family behind Bantay Bread set about pivoting their business to operate in their new business environment.

First, they expanded their product offerings to include much-loved Pinoy desserts, some of which my family and I were recently able to sample. These include:

Kabayan. Bite-sized butter muffins shaped like the Pinoy salakot. My daughter – a middle-aged Asian tiger mom trapped in the body of a Gen Z girl – developed a liking for it as it is not too sweet.

Hopiang Baboy. A Filipino pastry, that contrary to the name, actually does not contain pork meat. This flaky pastry is actually filled with onions caramelized in pork fat and combined with flour, sugar and milk. Hubby likes to munch on these during his coffee break.

Pianono. Interestingly, this pastry is actually named after Pope Pius IX whose nickname was Pio Nono. Of course, we Filipinized its name to pianono. It is a sponge cake roll with a sweet buttercream filling. I recall having this as my baon for recess when I was in grade school. My son – a sweet tooth like me! – likes having this for dessert.

Another way Bantay Bread was able to pivot its business is by expanding its availability beyond Ilocos. In Metro Manila, for instance, Bantay Bread fans can just contact these local resellers to order the objects of their baked good cravings.

Marikina: +63 916 7760087 or +63 927 8657119
Parañaque: +63 917 8438012
Alabang: +63 917 8068027
Pasig/Fairview: +63 908 8887417

So if you’ve got a hankering for home-grown Pinoy baked goods for merienda, dessert or for munching on anytime of the day, bring home some happiness from the north and get a box of Bantay Bread.

Bantay Bread’s main branch is located at Buquig, National Hi-way, Bantay, Ilocos Sur, open daily from 8am to 7pm. For inquiries or to apply to be a reseller, call or text +63 917 7007696. For more details on its product offerings and availability in your area, follow Bantay Bread on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to elicit honest feedback.

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

Home-baked goodies worth the calories… Baked by Rina

Most of my friends already know my mantra when it comes to food: in Tagalog, it goes – “nasasayang lang ang calories pag hindi ka nasarapan.”

The reasoning behind this is that if I have to spend an extra thirty minutes to an hour on the treadmill just to burn off those calories I consumed anyway, the food better be worth it. (Truth be told: I haven’t been on the treadmill as often as I should but the principle still applies.)

During a recent Zoom party with former officemates, I won a box of empanadas from online bakeshop Baked by Rina.

Rina is one of my former bosses. Beneath the fierce, tough love and go-getter exterior she displayed in the workplace, my teammates and I all knew she’s a softie at heart.

That softer side comes to the surface when she brings to the office some items she baked for us to share.

Fast forward a few years and Rina has since moved forward to more creative pursuits: among them are the crafting of preserved flower arrangements for Stories & Blossoms and the creation of goodies baked with love for Baked by Rina.

This venture grew out of the ever-increasing demand for Rina’s baked treats, first within her circle of friends, then on to their friends until she decided to share her creations to a wider network of foodies through her online store. Her offerings include the classic desserts often requested by her family and friends during special occasions or when they have a particular craving.

Last weekend, to the fam’s utter delight, my empanadas arrived accompanied by other treats from Baked by Rina. These were all certified by the Jellybeans family as well worth the calories.

Check out these baked goodies:

Baked Empanadas (Php550/box). Savory chicken and chicken asado filling wrapped in a flaky crust and baked to a beautiful golden brown. A hit with Hubby for his midnight snacking.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Php250/tub). Sweet chewy nibbles of oatmeal cookies studded with fruity raisins.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Php325/tub). Little bites of classic chocolate chip cookies best enjoyed when bitten into after dunking in full cream milk. My son’s favorite since he had his first taste of it a year ago and its appeal to him has not waned!

Banana Loaf with Walnuts and Raisins (Php350). A fragrant and moist banana loaf studded with chopped walnuts and raisins. My daughter loved its taste and texture!

Dutch Apple Pie (Php1,400). This is my absolute favorite kind of apple pie: a sweetly spiced apple filling on top of a flaky crust and topped with a slightly crunchy and buttery streusel. It’s great on its own but it’s best enjoyed hot and topped with vanilla ice cream.

With each bite of bite of these sweet treats Baked by Rina, you know these are worth all the calories.

So give yourself and your fam a treat and order some baked goodies today!

Check out Baked by Rina on Facebook to see the complete list of available goodies. To order, send a message via Facebook Messenger or call +63 917 5014934 at least two days before delivery date. Payments via Metrobank or BPI bank transfers and via GCash are accepted. Baked by Rina delivers from Quezon City to anywhere in the metro and nearby cities via Grab, Lalamove and Mr. Speedy (delivery fee charged to buyer).

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

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

Homeschooling snack break with Goldilocks

Many of us whose kids have just finished the first quarter of blended distance learning all deserve a pat on the back.

Much has been said about the stress experienced by students and teachers in adjusting to learning outside the classroom. But we parents are adjusting, too, right?

The good news is, you won’t have to leave the house nor spend a lot for your indulgence with the little one. Order some of Goldilocks’ tasty and affordable baked goodies from FoodPanda, and they will be delivered right to your doorstep.

Fluffy and Mocha Mamon (Php25). Light and fluffy, these are the Pinoy version of the Sponge Cake.

Butter, Chocolate, Marble, Mocha Marble, Double Dutch and Chiffon Cake Slices (Php29/slice). The same light and airy snack cakes available in a variety of well-loved flavors, which are well-suited for a quick snack or pasalubong.

Egg Pie (Php237). Creamy egg custard baked in a special pie crust with a caramelized top. One of my childhood faves, newly discovered (and much-appreciated) by my little boy.

After snacking on a cake slice along with a mug of hot chocolate, my home student here is buoyed up to tackle his homework.

I’m glad that it’s so easy and affordable to reward him (and myself!) with a tasty treat after all our stress as we adjust to our New Normal.

So momshies, if you’re feeling harassed as you tackle your daily grind while still assisting your kiddos with their home learning, kudos to you. Treat yourself and your home student with these treats from Goldilocks.

To get your hands on these yummy goodies (whether for homeschooling baon or for munchin’ on), just tap away at your FoodPanda app.

A delicious taste of home with Tia Carmen’s Apple Crumble

Home is where the heart is, so they say.

Well, given the restrictions on mobility due to the community quarantine, many of us found ourselves stuck at home, though our hearts may be somewhere else.

If you’re yearning to be back in the hustle and bustle of the metro, or to roam free amidst wide open spaces, I’m sorry to say it but you may have long to wait.

In the meantime, why not take comfort in the haven of home by relishing the sweet delights you can enjoy there, with the people closest to you?

That’s the idea that the folks behind the new online store Tia Carmen Fresh Pastries wants to push. The enterprise is named after Carmen Escriva (sister of Saint Josemaria Escriva de Baleguer) who supported her brother’s ministry and championed a love for home.

Launched only last July 14, Tia Carmen produces homemade baked pies and crumbles that bring back happy memories of childhood and sharing good food with loved ones.

Its Apple Crumble (Php550), for example, is a masterpiece flavors and textures. From its buttery, slightly crunchy and crumbly topping that gives way to soft and sweetly-spiced apple filling, it is the quintessential comfort food, that can satisfy the sweet cravings of four to six people.

Did you know that the crumble originated in Great Britain during World War II? Because of the food rationing instituted by the government, the ingredients needed to make pie crusts were in short supply. Some enterprising bakers used what flour, fat and sugar they had into making a crumble topping and a new dish came to be.

The apple crumble is best enjoyed warm, with the aroma of apple, cinnamon and butter wafting to your nose. Add a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream to it and you’ve got an irresistible treat!

(Note: I’ve read in several sources that Americans sometimes enjoy apple pie with sharp cheddar. Curious if the same can be applied to apple crumble, but lacking authentic cheddar in my pantry at the moment, I substituted a few slices of processed cheese on a slice of apple crumble. The result? An interesting interplay between sweet and salty that I won’t mind exploring further.)

If your constitution – or refrigerator – can’t handle a whole pie, or you just want an intimate dessert for two – or just one! – get an Apple Crumble Cup (Php200) instead.

Go ahead and get yourself a taste of Tia Carmen’s Apple Crumble so you can also get a taste of the warm comfort of home.

Tia Carmen’s Fresh Pastries also offers Banana Crumble (Php450 for whole | Php180 for cup) and Apple Pie (Php500).

Its ovens are baking every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with pies for delivery on the same day to ensure freshness.

To order, just fill out this online form. Payments via BPI, Metrobank and GCash are accepted.

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

Baked Donuts from Bake My Day, Libis

After a bout of food shopping at the nearest All Home Supermarket (the one in Libis), I espied upon its pastry shop near its exit.

I immediately thought of my kiddos keeping themselves quarantined at home. I know them to be great donut fanatics so I decided to treat them to a box of half-dozen donuts from Bake My Day, which costs only Php300.

Bake My Day is one of the newer retail brands under the Villar Group of Companies, which serves pastries freshly baked everyday. Its presence in the All Home premises proved to be quite convenient for me as I didn’t have to drive off to a separate pastry shop for some pasalubongs for my kids.

Upon biting into my donut (of course I get to have a piece!), I noticed some differences versus the usual donut. My almond on white chocolate glazed donut does not have the slightly crispy exterior nor the chewy interior I was expecting. It has a fluffy mouthfeel, sort of like biting into a muffin.

I had a facepalm moment when my daughter #ExhibitA blurted out the reason for the differences in texture: “Ma! Kasi Bake My Day nga!“

So apparently, the differences in texture I’ve been noting result from the donuts being baked as opposed to fried.

Well, everyday I learn something new!

That said, the almond donut I had was suitably sweet, perfect as a dessert after dinner with the kids.

And since they wiped out the remaining five donuts before the day is through, I’d say they liked them too.

This Bake My Day branch is located at All Home Supermarket, Libis, Quezon City. For orders and inquiries, call +63 999 8611174.

Other branches are located at:

Vista Mall Taguig
Vista Mall Global South
Starmall Alabang
Evia Lifestyle Center

Breakfast Takeout at 85C Bakery Cafe, Lynnwood

Yesterday, the second day of our family in the Evergreen State, my brother took us to his favorite pastry shop, 85C Bakery Cafe.

85C got its name from its belief that coffee holds its flavor best at a steady temperature of 85 degrees Celsius. Its name is a statement of the cafe’s commitment to serving handcrafted coffee of the highest quality.

Each 85C store has its own in-shop bakery with a wide variety of pastries baked fresh every hour.

These pastries were the reason for our visit yesterday afternoon: the plan was to buy some of the store’s freshly baked goods for our breakfast the next day. Our loot included:

Milk Toast (USD3.00). A loaf with a fresh and natural milk taste.

Taro Puff Pastry (USD2.50). This puff pastry is light, flaky, and layered with delicious taro filling inside.

Milk Pudding (USD2.00). A traditional Japanese style soft bread with vanilla custard inside.

Garlic Cheese (USD2.00). A soft textured bread topped with our signature garlic spread, mozzarella cheese, and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Cheese Dog (USD2.20). Soft bread wrapped around a hot dog, with cheddar & mozzarella cheese. Baked with ketchup, light mayo, black pepper and dry parsley.

Marble Taro (USD3.00). A sweet bread made with mixed grains and filled with signature taro filling.

This morning, I had the Milk Pudding and Taro Puff Pastry for my meal while I was enjoying the crisp morning air.