blueberry cheesecake – Jellybeans in the City

Home-cooked delights for Sunday Brunch at Mom & Tina’s Libis

When it comes to finding the perfect spot for a cozy Sunday brunch, Mom & Tina’s new branch in Libis hits all the right notes. As a food blogger and a devoted lover of comfort food, I eagerly anticipated the new store opening of this delightful bakery café chain founded by the talented mother and daughter duo, Belen Torres and Tina Santos. What started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a popular destination, thanks to their mouthwatering home-cooked meals and pastries, all prepared with love using cherished family recipes.

A Warm and Inviting Ambiance

Stepping into Mom & Tina’s is like entering a haven of warmth and hospitality. The country-themed store in Libis is tastefully decorated, radiating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The friendly and attentive staff add to the charm, making you feel like part of their extended family from the moment you walk through the door.

Exploring the Delicious Menu

The menu at Mom & Tina’s boasts an enticing selection of dishes, seamlessly blending traditional Filipino favorites with beloved American and European classics. During my family’s Sunday brunch, we indulged in a leisurely feast that left us craving for more.

Soup of the Day (Php185). Our appetites were stoked when we discovered that the day’s special was the Cream of Mushroom Soup, a beloved family favorite. Served alongside Mom & Tina’s signature garlic cheese rolls, it was the perfect comfort food combination to kickstart our brunch experience.

US Roast Beef (Php645). Tender slices of juicy roast beef, generously bathed in Mom & Tina’s savory gravy, stole the spotlight. Accompanied by a medley of mixed vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and fluffy steamed rice, it was a plate brimming with satisfying flavors.

Shepherd’s Pie (Php365). A comforting classic, Mom & Tina’s Shepherd’s Pie was a heavenly creation. The ground beef, sautéed with mushrooms, was enveloped in a luscious layer of velvety mashed potatoes and served with garlic rolls, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that warmed our hearts.

Country-fried Chicken and Waffles (Php445). For those seeking a delightful fusion of flavors, the Country-fried Chicken and Waffles did not disappoint. Crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles, drizzled with maple syrup, offered a delectable combination of sweet and savory.

Satisfying the Sweet Tooth

No Sunday brunch is complete without indulging in some delectable desserts. Mom & Tina’s offerings certainly impressed our taste buds.

Chocolate Swirl Banana Cupcake (Php90). Its moist banana cake base, generously topped with fudgy chocolate frosting, provided a symphony of flavors that delighted both young and old.

Blueberry Cheesecake (Php265). With its velvety smooth texture and tantalizing bursts of blueberry goodness, it was the perfect ending to our brunch affair.

Unique Features that Set Mom & Tina’s Apart

Mom & Tina’s truly stands out from the crowd, and there are several reasons why it has become a go-to destination for families seeking a cozy place for Sunday brunch:

Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: Mom & Tina’s is committed to using only the freshest and finest ingredients, ensuring each dish is a masterpiece of flavors.
Time-Honored Recipes: The dishes at Mom & Tina’s are crafted from scratch, following traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. This commitment to authenticity shines through in every bite.
Friendly and Attentive Staff: The warm and welcoming staff at Mom & Tina’s make you feel like part of their family. Their attentive service adds a touch of warmth to your dining experience.
Immaculate and Inviting Stores: The clean and well-maintained ambiance of Mom & Tina’s creates an environment where you can unwind and savor each moment with your loved ones.

Discover the Comforting Sunday Brunch Experience

Mom & Tina’s new branch in Libis is a haven for families in search of a cozy and inviting place to enjoy a scrumptious Sunday brunch. With their dedication to using fresh ingredients, time-honored recipes, friendly staff, and delightful ambiance, Mom & Tina’s ensures that each visit becomes a cherished memory.

So, if you’re looking for a place where delicious home-cooked dishes meet a warm and welcoming atmosphere, make your way to Mom & Tina’s.

This Mom & Tina’s branch is located at S&R Libis, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue corner Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open for dine-in, takeout and delivery daily from 8am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 2 82568611 or +63 999 8850092.

Other branches are located at:

Across ABS-CBN Main Building, 58 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 83323579 or 63 999 8859254)
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

Indulge in delicious comfort food at Mom & Tina’s

Brews, bites and bonds: Foodie community comes together at Estate Coffeehouse in Paseo Center

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Makati Business District lies a hidden gem for coffee connoisseurs and aficionados alike. Estate Coffeehouse, a charming boutique three-storey coffee shop, has been quietly brewing up a storm with its exquisite selection of estate coffees as well as delectable brunch items and desserts, creating a haven for those who appreciate the art and science of coffee and the sheer pleasure of good food.

Stepping into Estate Coffeehouse feels like entering a world where time slows down and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. The cozy and rustic interior, adorned with greenery and illuminated with soothing natural light, instantly transports visitors to a bygone era when coffee was savored slowly and with great care. The warm and welcoming ambiance, combined with the friendly and attentive service from the staff, creates an irresistible allure for coffee lovers seeking an authentic experience.

I was happy to discover this delightfully quaint coffeeshop when I got together with my foodie friends when Estate Coffeehouse hosted the Third Anniversary of Makati Foodies (as well as the First Anniversary of Mega Manila Foodies).

Cool drinks for a hot summer day

During this particularly hot and humid day, right smack in the middle of a sweltering summer in Manila, we were able to chill out for a bit as we sipped on Estate Coffehouse’ Iced Drinks.

What sets Estate Coffeehouse’s icy drinks apart is the use of premium ingredients and the attention to detail in their preparation. Each beverage is carefully crafted by skilled baristas who are knowledgeable about the nuances of coffee, chocolate and tea, ensuring that every sip is a delightful experience for the taste buds. The icy drinks at Estate Coffeehouse are not only a refreshing treat during warm weather but also a testament to the commitment to quality and craftsmanship that the coffeehouse embodies.

All-Day Brunch Temptations

Estate Coffeehouse not only offers a well-curated selection of delicious coffee and tea beverages but also boasts a tempting all-day brunch menu that will tantalize your taste buds. From scrumptious munchies and toasts to comforting soups, satisfying mains and appetizing pastas, Estate Coffeehouse has something to satisfy every craving.

With these made-to-order delicacies, you can count on a flavorsome repast at Estate Coffeehouse from morning to evening.

Delectable Desserts

Estate Coffeehouse in Ayala Triangle is not just a haven for coffee and brunch lovers, but also a sweet paradise for dessert enthusiasts. Indulge in their delectable and creatively crafted dessert offerings that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Bakeshop Creations

Estate Coffeehouse in Ayala Triangle takes dessert indulgence to new heights with their exquisite line of cakes, available in whole cakes or by the slice. These delectable cakes are not only perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, but also for pairing with your favorite coffee or for celebrating special occasions. Each cake is meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of culinary artistry, resulting in a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

Indulge in a slice or take home a whole cake to share with loved ones or to celebrate special moments. Estate Coffeehouse’s line of cakes is a true treat for dessert connoisseurs and a perfect addition to your coffeehouse experience.

A place to meet and connect

Estate Coffeehouse is not just a place to indulge your craving for coffee and munchies. It is also a community hub where people come together to connect, unwind, and enjoy moments of respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The coffeehouse serves as a gathering place for like-minded individuals who share a love for coffee, where conversations flow freely, and friendships are formed over a shared passion.

Gatherings of large groups may also be held at its second and third floor areas. Similar to our experience as my foodie friends and I celebrated our group’s milestones, these venues can accommodate sizable parties with adequate space for group activities, programs and games.

As the popularity of specialty coffee continues to rise, Estate Coffeehouse remains a well-kept secret in the Makati CBD, cherished by those who have discovered its hidden charms. It is a place where the simple act of sipping a cup of coffee becomes an experience, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a sensory journey for the senses or to encourage the meeting of like minds over good coffee and cuisine.

So, the next time you find yourself in the area, take a moment to step into Estate Coffeehouse, and let yourself be transported into a world of rich and aromatic delights that only a truly exceptional cup of coffee and creatively crafted food can provide.

Estate Coffeehouse is located at Paseo Center, Paseo De Roxas corner Sedeño Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, open daily from 9am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 966 1922223.

Know more about Estate Coffeehouse’ menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Food items mentioned here were served at no charge as part of Estate Coffeehouse’s sponsorship of the event.

Dessert lovers’ paradise at Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries, Santolan

Friends and family know that I’m a sweet tooth.

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.

Have your drink your way at Make Your Own Cafe, Maginhawa

With the proliferation of milk tea places all around the metro, how does a new player stand out from the pack?

By hingeing its bets on its sinkers – those little add-ons that you put into your milk tea.

Make Your Own Cafe’s unique selling proposition is its unlimited sinkers (at Php20 each) which include homemade boba pearls (in original, honey and espresso flavors), egg pudding, nata de coco and jellies (in grass, coffee, brown sugar varieties), Oreo crumbs and more.

Add these decision points on top of the drink options on the menu – which include milk teas, fruit teas, fizzy pops, blended ice, cheese + tea, coffee and hot drinks – and you’ll soon find yourself overwhelmed with all the choices before you.

During a recent foodie meetup at the cafe’s newly opened branch in Quezon City’s famous Maginhawa Street, my foodie friends from #SaanSaPH and I were faced with the same quandary: which drink to choose from such an extensive plethora of choices.

My advice for your first time at Make Your Own Cafe? Be adventurous and go for a flavor you’ve never tried before. That way, your MYO experience is as unique and memorable as the cafe itself.

My chosen drink was the Spring Jasmine Cheese (Php120 regular | Php130 large). The light, floral and fruity tea was given an added richness by a thick, creamy and decadent layer of cheese foam. Its taste reminds me of the freshness of spring, while the cheese foam provides a slightly salty contrast to the tea.

My friends and I enjoyed our chosen drinks while sharing the snacks provided by the cafe which included:

Wings (Php176 for 6 pieces; in garlic parmesan, buffalo, sweet and spicy, barbecue and sriracha honey flavors)

Cheese Quesadilla (Php105)

Cheese Nachos (Php105)

Backyard Barbecue Burger (Php180)

Bacon Cheeseburger (Php210)

Pastas (Php180 each, which include Aligue, Truffle and Longganisa Aglio Olio)

Dessert Cakes: Sans Rival and Blueberry Cheesecake

At Make Your Own Cafe, you get to choose from a wide selection of drinks and truly make it your own, plus you can enjoy it with such tasty dishes.

(Photo Credit: Bebe Co)

Thanks to Kian of Kianventures for extending the invite and the awesome people behind Make Your Own Cafe for the warm welcome and the yummy food!

This Make Your Own Cafe branch is located at Ground Floor, Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, open daily from 6am to 12 midnight. For food and franchise inquiries, call +63 2 9689696 or +63 917 6779696.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers of #SaanSaPH, I was invited to attend a foodie meetup held here wherein in food drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints: