brunch – Jellybeans in the City

Sunday Family Brunch at Denny’s Estancia Mall

After attending Sunday mass, our family always looks forward to a hearty meal in a comfortable setting. One particular weekend, we decided to try Denny’s at Estancia Mall, a choice that perfectly fit our needs for good food and a cozy atmosphere.

A Brief History of Denny’s

Denny’s, originally opened as Danny’s Donuts in Lakewood, California, has grown from a small coffee shop into a global diner chain known for its 24/7 service. Founded in 1953 by Harold Butler and Richard Jezak, the restaurant was built on a promise to serve the best coffee, donuts, and service around the clock. Over time, Danny’s Donuts evolved into Denny’s, with over 1,700 locations worldwide. The brand’s reputation for always being open and ready to serve meals at any time of day has made it a go-to spot for diners across the globe.

In the Philippines, Denny’s has expanded its presence under The Bistro Group, a company known for bringing popular international casual dining brands to the country. With its consistent quality, Denny’s has become a favorite for those seeking a taste of American diner classics.

Convenient Location and Welcoming Ambiance

Denny’s Estancia Mall branch is conveniently located on the ground floor of the mall’s East Wing, making it an easy stop for families, especially on Sundays. The location is particularly appealing to the post-church crowd, who often look for a place to gather for lunch or brunch after mass.

The restaurant’s interiors reflect the classic Denny’s vibe, blending a retro diner feel with modern elements. Spacious booths, comfortable chairs, and well-spaced tables provide a relaxed environment for diners. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere during the day. The warm color palette, combined with modern artwork, adds to the overall 1950s diner ambiance, making it an inviting place to enjoy a leisurely meal.

A Family Feast at Denny’s

Our Sunday brunch at Denny’s Estancia Mall did not disappoint. With a menu that caters to all ages, each member of the family found something to enjoy.

First off, we got started on the complementary appetizers that consisted of crackers served with a tangy dip while we waited for our orders.

My son opted for Mom’s Spaghetti (Php295), a saucy pasta dish made with sweet and meaty spaghetti sauce, served with a side of garlic toast. The generous portion and rich flavors made it an instant hit.

To complement his meal, he ordered a Chocolate Milkshake (Php260). Made with premium chocolate ice cream and topped with whipped cream, the milkshake was creamy, indulgent, and everything a chocolate lover could hope for.

My daughter chose the Banana Hazelnut Waffle (Php275), a delightful combination of a classic waffle topped with banana slices, chocolate hazelnut spread, and zesty cream. The waffle was light and crisp, and the toppings added just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect choice for her.

My husband, a fan of hearty breakfasts, went for the All-American Slam (Php525). This dish included scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, bacon strips, sausage, toast, hash browns, and seasonal fruits. The variety on his plate ensured that he had a bit of everything, from savory to sweet.

As for me, I decided on Grammy’s Kitchen Tenders (Php375). The buttermilk chicken tenders were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a side of honey mustard dressing, microgreens, and French fries. The dish was satisfying and flavorful, offering a nice balance of textures and tastes.

What Makes Denny’s Stand Out

Denny’s is more than just a place to grab a meal; it’s a diner that prides itself on consistency and comfort. What sets Denny’s apart is its ability to cater to a wide range of diners, from those looking for a quick bite to families wanting to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried meal together. The 24/7 service offered at some locations is a testament to the brand’s commitment to being there for its customers whenever hunger strikes.

At the Estancia Mall branch, the family-friendly environment, combined with a diverse menu that has something for everyone, makes it an excellent choice for weekend brunches. The quality of food, the comfortable setting, and the welcoming service all contribute to a dining experience that feels both familiar and special.

Final Thoughts

Denny’s at Estancia Mall was quite a great choice for my family’s Sunday brunch. Its convenient location, inviting ambiance, and satisfying menu offerings make it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy a delicious meal together. If you’re in the area and in need of a place to relax and refuel, Denny’s Estancia Mall might just be the perfect spot for your next family outing.

This Denny’s branch is located at the Ground Floor, East Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, 1605 Meralco Avenue, Barangay Oranbo, Pasig City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 7am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 7am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 5245058.

Know more about its menu and offers by visiting its website or following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Denny’s:

Holiday Get-together with Friends at Denny’s BGC

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Denny’s

Brunch Bureau: A Delightful Brunch Haven for Titas… and more!

Titas of Manila, let me introduce you to the newest hidden gem in the heart of Makati—Brunch Bureau! Nestled discreetly on the second floor of the Proscenium 1 Office Building in Rockwell Center, this cozy cafe is destined to be your go-to spot for a leisurely and delectable brunch experience with your beloved amigas.

A Peek into Paradise: Ambiance and Vibe

Brunch Bureau welcomes you with an inviting and laid-back atmosphere, the epitome of comfort and relaxation. The open floor plan ensures a seamless flow within the space, allowing for unhurried conversations and moments to savor. Plus floor-to-ceiling windows frames a lush view of the Proscenium grounds and nearby buildings, casting a serene natural light upon the cozy interiors. It’s a backdrop worthy of your Instagram post!

Culinary Delights for the Tita Palate: Menu Highlights

Brunch Specialties

Brunch at Brunch Bureau is a delightful affair, boasting an array of brunch specialties that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Here are some highlights:

CAESAR SALAD (Php360). Crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, savory bacon, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese plus a serving of Asian Caesar dressing, all come together harmoniously.

EBI KATSU BALLS (Php500/8pcs). Crispy, flavorful mini balls made from minced shrimp and mixed Asian aromatics. Served with a luscious garlic soy glaze and roasted pepper aioli.

BRUNCH BUREAU BENEDICT (Php495). Fried tocino, sautéed spinach, eggs, and torched dalandan hollandaise, all resting atop moist and butter-toasted banana bread. Accompanied by a hint of spicy truffle honey.

GRILLED CHEESE & TOMATO CAPPUCCINO (Php420). A medley of mozzarella, cheddar, emmental, cream cheese, and parmesan paired with a delightful tomato cappuccino on the side.

MANILA CARBONARA (Php445). Savor linguine adorned with sausage crumbles, mushrooms, cream sauce, furikake poached egg, and cured egg yolks—a comforting twist on the classic carbonara.

SALMON WITH MISO EMULSION (Php595). Pan-seared salmon fillet, adorned with a velvety torched miso emulsion, graces a bed of spam and kimchi egg fried rice. Served with pico de gallo and nori rice crisps.

KOREAN CHICKEN CHOP (Php395). Chicken thigh fillet, perfectly fried and glazed with a homemade Korean-style sweet soy sauce. Served atop spam and kimchi egg fried rice, accompanied by a mix of homemade pickles.

Coffee and Cocktails

To complement your meal, Brunch Bureau offers an array of coffee-based beverages, including options made from Single Origin beans from Melbourne-based roasters Seven Seeds and locally sourced beans such as Kalsada.

In addition to coffee, the brunch experience is elevated with unique cocktails crafted for the perfect mid-morning celebration.

Time to Brunch

Brunch Bureau exemplifies the art of a perfect brunch—a blend of culinary mastery and inviting ambiance. The dedication to craft is evident in every bite, and the cozy atmosphere sets the stage for unhurried conversations and joyful camaraderie.

So, to all the Titas in search of the ideal brunch escapade—look no further. Gather your friends, swap stories, clink glasses, and relish in the joy of a wonderful brunch outing at Brunch Bureau!

If you’re a Rockwell resident, employee, office tenant or Rockwellist app user, get 50% OFF your total bill (max of Php5000) when you dine in at Brunch Bureau until October 8, 2023! Terms and conditions apply.

Brunch Bureau is located at the 2nd Floor, 1 Proscenium Office Building, Estrella Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, open daily from 7am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8106728.

Know more about Brunch Bureau’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items were served at no cost to facilitate this feature.

Brunching among friends: A fun get-together at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery

One Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my former officemates at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery in Bonifacio Global City. Here, we gathered around the big central table, reminiscing about our days working together and catching up on the new goings-on in our lives, and soaked up the relaxing atmosphere of the cafe.

A Modern Industrial Haven

The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery boasts of a modern and industrial concept that exudes urban charm. With painted brick walls, concrete floors, and stylish modern lighting, the cafe’s design sets the stage for a trendy and inviting dining experience. Large glass windows allow natural light to flood in, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease.

Friendly Vibes and Attentive Service

One of the standout aspects of our brunch experience was the friendly and attentive staff at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery. From the time I called the branch to reserve our table to the time we arrived and dined there, the staff made us feel right at home. They ensured that our orders were taken and served promptly with a smile. With such efficient service, we were able to savor our brunch without any unnecessary delays.

A Delectable Brunch Spread

The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery’. Their’s menu includes a delightful selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Here are some of the standout dishes that made our brunch truly unforgettable:

Breakfast Steak Skillet. A juicy ribeye steak, perfectly paired with garlic confit, garlic rice, a grilled tomato, and a fried egg.

SS Poppers. Crispy beer-battered deep-fried shrimp and squid, and served with a zesty lemon wedge and tangy aioli dip.

Avocado Toast. The classic combination of mashed avocado, poached eggs, and a sprinkle of spices on thick-cut sourdough bread and topped with arugula and feta cheese.

Tartufo Pasta. Fettuccini tossed in truffle cream, porcini mushrooms, prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese.

Soy Honey Seared Tuna. A light and refreshing option made with herb-crusted tuna seared to perfection, glazed with a sesame sriracha sauce and topped with arugula and cherry tomatoes.

Kale-Crusted Salmon. A healthy and flavorful dish featuring oven-roasted salmon crusted with kale pesto, and served on a bed of quinoa and salted French beans.

TFS Signature Pork Chop. A juicy and tender bone-in pork chop cooked sous vide and served with a delectable herbed butter and rice.

Wagyu Pares. Up-leveled Pinoy dish made with succulent wagyu beef braised in sweet soy sauce and spices and served with fried rice and beef broth on stackable steel containers, a nostalgic nod to our grade school lunch boxes.

Coffee and Refreshing Beverages

No brunch is complete without a satisfying cup of coffee or a refreshing beverage. At The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery, you can choose from a range of options to quench your thirst and satisfy your caffeine cravings. Some noteworthy choices include:

The morning spent with my former coworkers at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery was a joyful experience filled with laughter, good food, and heartwarming memories. The cafe’s modern industrial ambiance, friendly service, and delectable menu options make it an ideal venue for brunch and get-togethers with friends. So, if you’re a foodie on the hunt for a fantastic brunch spot, make sure to add The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery to your list. Head over, relax, indulge, and create new memories over a delightful brunch that will leave you longing for more.

This branch of The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery is located at the Ground Floor, One Meridien Tower, 9th Avenue corner 27th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open daily from 10am to 8.30pm.

Other branches are located at:

2/F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, Makati
Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

Check out my previous posts about The Fat Seed Cafe:

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

The Tita’s Guide to Brunchin’ at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery, UP Town Center

World-class dining at Wildflour Cafe, Uptown BGC

I realized that I’ve been working quite hard for the past year.

Despite the convenience of working from home, I’ve been attending lots of meetings, preparing reports, overseeing projects and so on.

With all the job-related stresses I go through each day, it’s only right to treat myself to something posh and delicious, right?

Well, treat myself, I did, at two different occasions at Wildflour Cafe in Uptown, BGC.

Wildflour has been a popular brunch and bistro cafe since 2012, known for its creative menu that incorporates influences from the world’s best cuisines and makes use of ingredients sourced the best organic and local markets.

Its branches also have their own in-house bakery that supplies them with a wide assortment of freshly baked and premium-quality breads, pastries and cakes.

Saturday lunch with my daughter

On a Saturday after a particularly busy workweek for me (and during my daughter #ExhibitA’s lunchbreak from her work which, as luck would have it, sometimes requires her to work on weekends, we decided to have our midday repast at the Wildflour Cafe branch in Uptown, BGC.

During our lunch break escapade, #ExhibitA and I indulged ourselves with Wildflour’s continental dishes such as:

Beef Bourguignon (Php995).

Tender, chunk of beef slowly stewed in red wine sauce with mushrooms and served on a bed of pureed pumpkin.

Goat Cheese Ravioli (Php565).

Ravioli filled with buttery and tart goat cheese tossed in a tomato-sauce infused with basil harvested from Wildflour’s own garden.

Tres Leches (Php320).

Chiffon cake doused in dulce de leche and vanilla kappa and topped with fresh berries.

Partner these culinary creations with Wildflour’s relaxing and rustic old-world ambiance as well as its gracious and hospitable service, then you have a truly world-class dining experience.

Sunday brunch with former co-workers

A few weeks later, I met up with my former officemates to catch up and reminisce over brunch at the al fresco area of this same cafe.

Here, we broke our fast with breakfast bowls such as:

Beef Tapa (Php595).

Tender strips of pan-fried marinated beef on top of garlic fried rice and served with fried eggs and atchara.

Adobo Fried Rice (Php630).

Pork belly braised in garlic, vinegar and soy sauce served with fried egg and pickled chilis on Dalisay rice.

Bacon Fried Rice (Php625).

Thick slabs of bacon steak served with fried egg on top of fried rice.

Now, not all of us enjoy rice for our first meal of the day so some went to sandwiches and pastries from Wildflour’s bakery, which include:

Salmon Avocado Toast (Php595).

Slivers of smoked salmon and mashed avocado topped with cucumber slices, tomato, olives and dill on butter toasted bread.

Corned Beef Hand Pie (Php135).

A flaky turnover pastry filled with savory corned beef.

Hazelnut Cronut (Php170).

The variant of Wildflour’s flaky croissant-donut hybrid topped with dark chocolate swirl and chopped hazelnuts.

And what would brunch be without drinks?

Caffeine freaks went for handmade hot coffee variants while I cooled down with an Avocado milkshake.

Whether indoors or al fresco, Wildflour Cafe does fit the bill for up-leveled dining. And what better way to reward myself than to splurge on world-class eats, right?

This Wildflour Cafe branch is located at the Ground Floor, Uptown Ritz Residences, 9th Ave Corner, 36th Street, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 83653872 or +63 917 6367957.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Six/Neo, 4th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. (Tel: +63 2 88567600 | +63 917 8520950 | +63 917 6249006)
Ground Floor, V Corporate Center, Salcedo Village, Ground Floor, 125 L.P. Leviste Street, Makati (Tel: +63 2 88087072 | +63 917 3285915)
Ground Floor, O-Square Wilson St corner, Ortigas Ave, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan (+63 2 87753543 | +63 917 6279679)
Ground Floor, 8 Rockwell Center, Plaza Drive, Poblacion, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 88505503 | +63 917 7053329)
Ground Floor, The Podium, 18 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong (Tel: +63 2 85718588 | +63 917 6289572)
Ground Floor, Frabelle Business Center 111, Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati (+63 2 88339799 | +63 917 5645748)
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Esperanza St, Makati (Tel: +63 27 2132363 | +63 917 6303265)

To order for delivery, visit wildflourtogo.com.

Stay updated on Wildflour Cafes promos and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Indulgent weekend brunch at Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

Weekend brunches are always something to look forward to, wouldn’t you agree?

They give us the opportunity to leisurely enjoy a sumptuous meal with our family and friends, time well spent catching up on each other’s news and making plans for the next get-together.

That’s what we #OfficeMaritesses were up to one rainy weekend: we embarked on a foodie adventure at one of Marikina’s top brunch destinations, Rustic Mornings.

In this quaint eatery, we were able to surround ourselves with gorgeous greenery, eclectic artworks as well as other points of visual interest made from scrap and recycled materials while enjoying a delicious meal which consisted of:

Spinach Dip (Php400). Isabelo’s famous rich and creamy spinach dip accompanied by pieces of toasted ciabattaa. A tasty start to our lovely brunch!

Berry Cream Cheese and Bacon-Stuffed French Toast (Php500). Thick pieces of French toast generously stuffed with berry cream cheese and crispy bacon.

Waffle Churros (Php290). Sweetly spiced crisp waffle tossed in sugar and cinnamon powder.

Brunch Platter (Php990). Group platter good for two-to three persons that includes breakfast favorites: pancakes, waffles, bacon, scrambled eggs and hash browns.

Filipino Platter (Php990). Group platter good for two to three persons that has a delicious sampling of the classic Pinoy almusal: beef tapa, tocino, crispy bangus, fried rice and sunny-side-up egg.

Drinks. Brunch wouldn’t be complete without hot drinks to perk us up or iced drinks to cool and refresh us.

We loved the fresh and airy feel of dining al fresco in such a beautifully reinvigorating setting, which is quite conducive towards sharing all the hot goss on various office and barkada topics.

We found the group platters to be well-curated as they combine various breakfast favorites in reasonably priced packages.

So if you want to enjoy your own a setting for spilling the proverbial tea with your fellow Maritesses or to enjoy a lovely morning meal with family and friends, it’s high time you indulge yourself at Rustic Mornings.

Rustic Mornings is located at 11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina City, open from 8am to 4pm.

While walk-ins are welcome, the place can get full pretty quickly so it’s best to call ahead of your visit to reserve your table via +63 2 8425 8610.

You may also course your takeout or delivery orders via Viber at +63 995 2493732.

@beingjellybeans
Enjoy wholesome breakfast faves and al fresco dining surrounded by eclectic art and nature at @Rustic Mornings by Isabelo. Deets at beingjellybeans.com! #beingjellybeans
♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Know more about Rustic Mornings via its website or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

Happy weekend at Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe

I always look forward to the weekend (who doesn’t?). Aside from giving me a welcome break from the daily grind, it’s also a chance to take things slow and spend time with my loved ones.

This particular Saturday, I decided to indulge my daughter #ExhibitA once again when she said she wanted some donuts from Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe.

And being the indulgent mom that I am (as well as a foodie who loves discovering new places to eat in), I decided to treat her to brunch there as well.

I was happy to discover that this new cafe located in Pioneer Centre is managed by the same group that runs Mad Mark’s Creamery, one of my favorite haunts for steak and ice cream.

Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe offers quite a different gustatory experience to the metro’s foodies: artisanal fluffy brioche donuts and specialty coffee created in “pursuit of the noblest art of making people happy.” Plus, with a well-curated selection of pasta dishes and sandwiches and a quaint, industrial yet neat and comfy decor, it’s all set to become a favorite brunch venue for the titas of the city (like me!).

On my brunch date with #ExhibitA, we tried out tasty selections from its menu such as:

Chick ‘n Pops (Php185). A mixture of crispy chicken skin and juicy bits of buttermilk fried chicken served with barbecue sauce and Molly’s Special Sauce.

Guanciale & Mushroom Pasta (Php245). Al dente linguini tossed in a cream sauce with bacon bits and shiitake mushrooms.

Yangnyeom Chicken Bun (Php215). Buttermilk fried chicken coated in homemade yangnyeom sauce encased with onions, tomatoes and lettuce in fluffy brioche buns.

Fluffy Donut Ala Mode (Php165). Our choice of fluffy donut (Roasted Brown Butter) and homemade ice cream (Madagascar Vanilla Bean).

We partnered these dishes with our orders of refreshing handcrafted beverage: Iced Spanish Latte (Php125), made with an espresso shot, homemade spice blend, homemade scratch caramel and steamed milk, and Iced Uji Matcha Latte (Php135), made with whisked matcha from Uji, Japan and steamed milk.

This delish brunch date gave me and #ExhibitA the opportunity to have some time to ourselves, a bit of very welcome mother-daughter bonding.

The great thing is that the happy time didn’t stop when we left the cafe; we actually brought it home with us in the form of a dozen fluffy brioche donuts!

We decided to surprise our boys – Hubby and my son #ExhibitB – as well as our yaya with some delicious donut creations for merienda or even breakfast the next morning.

Molly’s Donuts — Uji Matcha Morihan (Php75).

While these goodies are best consumed immediately, they can be refrigerated and then heated in the microwave right before eating for that “fresh from the oven” taste and feel.

So, get ready to give yourself and your loved ones some happiness with these treats!

Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe is located at Ground Floor, Pioneer Centre Supermarket, Pioneer Street corner United, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City, open for dine-in, takeout or delivery daily from 10am to 8pm. For delivery and pre-order, visit mollys.pickup.ph.

The Tita’s Guide to Brunchin’ at The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery, UP Town Center

If the hassles of city living gets you all stressed and harried, get yourself and your pals some decompressing time with a leisurely brunch at one of my new favorite haunts in Quezon City.

The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery in UP Town Center is a concept cafe that enlightens and inspires its guests to be themselves.

Together with my fellow foodies, I ventured to this resto and discovered a way to let loose my inner tita and fully enjoy a #TitaConvention with the friends at The Fat Seed.

Here’s how:

1. Set the stage.

The resulting photos and Instagram posts will document your outing with the ladies. Choose the spot that will serve as a wonderful backdrop for your photo opps. Fortunately, The Fat Seed has those in abundance from its custom wood tables made by local craftsmen to its grand wall mural.

2. Choose the grub.

The Fat Seed recently updated its menu, giving its clientele new viands to try while still bringing back many of its best-selling dishes.

You titas will be happy to see that these dishes not only combine ingredients in new and exciting ways, they look great, too! Feel free to upload your foodie shots!

Check them out:

French Toast (Php405). Slices of brioche dipped in rhum syrup and flavored with cinnamon and nutella topped with whipped cream and banana slices.

GaBa Chop Chicken (Php160 for single | Php265 for double). Chicken chops flavored with garlic, basil and chili.

Crispy Egg Salad (Php220). Unripe papaya, fried egg, century egg, arugula, cucumber, carrots, red radish, fried shallots and red cherry tomatoes.

Cheetos Rings (Php225). Onion rings covered with crushed Cheetos and accompanied by bleu cheese and cream.

SS Poppers (Php295 for combination| Php325 for shrimp only | Php225 for squid only). Beer-battered shrimp and squid with garlic aoili.

Wings Sampler (Php330 for 4 flavors). Twelve pieces (four pieces each) juicy deep-fried chicken wings in Louisiana Hot, Salsa Verde, Japanese Miso and Garlic Parmesan flavors.

Wagyu Beef and Peppers Pasta (Php405). Slivers of tender and flavorful wagyu beef and pasta noodles in a red wine and garlic sauce with green bell peppers and chili.

Triple Decker Grilled Cheese (Php450). Grilled cheese sandwich with alternating layers of melted cheese and bacon and mango in thick slices of buttered brioche bread and served with a cup of tomato soup for dipping.

Red Pesto Seafood Pasta (Php430). Prawns, squid, sundried tomatoes, white wine, basil, olive oil, chili and garlic.

Bacon Truffle Burger (Php480). Premium beef patty in buttered brioche buns, tomatoes, lettuce and melted cheddar cheese accompanied by truffle mushroom paste with crispy bacon strips.

Portuguese Seafood Casserole (Php350). Squid, shrimp, kani, corn and green peas baked in bechamel sauce over rice.

Seafood Cauliflower Rice Bowl (Php330). Shrimp, squid, red radish, ebiko and mango on top of cauliflower rice.

Breakfast Steak (Php405). Juicy slices of medium-cooked rib eye steak with grilled tomato and fried egg over garlic rice.

3. Have a drink… or two!

Being a roastery, The Fat Seed prides itself on its coffee-based drinks made with single origin beans. So, coffee addicts, grab yourself a glass of Cold Brew (Php165), Coffee Cubes (Php150) or Rootbeer Express (Php175) when you feel the need for a caffeine fix.

Looking for something refreshing? Check out The Fat Seed’s tea infusions and juices such as LGBT (Php135) or Mojito Tea (Php130) to quench your thirst.

Have a sweet tooth? Indulge in some delectable milkshakes such as Chocolate (Php215) or Strawberry.

4. Strike a pose (or several!) and snap away.

With great-looking surroundings, great food and drinks and great company, don’t hesitate to commemorate your brunch with your amigas with a few snaps.

The Fat Seed got its name from the concept that great things can grow from small seed. From my all-too-brief time here with my friends can grow lasting vines of fun and friendship!

Many thanks to The Fat Seed’s management and crew for the warm welcome and the gorgeous and delicious meal, and to Zomato for extending the invitation!

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?

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, 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 to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

A lovely breakfast at W Cafe, Cainta

With the frequent bouts of rain and various roadworks contributing to the infuriating traffic jams in our part of the metro, it’s a wonder we Easterners can even manage to drag ourselves to any place in our pursuit of work, recreation or good eats.

Fortunately, we don’t have to travel far just to have a tasty breakfast in a comfy setting.

W Cafe, located near the Cainta Church along Bonifacio Avenue, is the place to be for dining out, hanging out with friends or simply passing the time while reading a good book.

From the outside, you would think the cafe is nondescript but, upon entering, you will be pleasantly surprised at its airy yet cozy interiors. A colorful mural adorns one wall while vintage items such as a dial radio, light fixtures, art deco prints and coffee table books scattered around add personality to the space. Oddly enough, the LCD screens touting menu items do not detract from the welcoming and relaxing atmosphere of the place; instead, they provide some dashes of color and light.

The cafe is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Joseph and Wilda Galvez, an outlet for Wilda to pursue her love of food while managing her medical practice. The cafe is also where Joseph applies his business know-how which developed from his years in the banking industry. Together, they conceptualized the menu and the store’s theme, and set about making their vision a reality.

(And if you’re wondering why this resto is called W Cafe, the name was actually taken from Wilda’s initial.)

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited W Cafe to try some of its breakfast treats which include:

Best-Sellers

Clubhouse Sandwich (Php160). Thick slices of wheat bread encase generous servings of grilled bacon, ham, scrambled egg, cheese, lettuce and cucumber.

Tomato Sardines Pasta (Php110). Fresh tomatoes and garlic cloves sauteed in olive oil then tossed together with freshly cooked pasta and topped with spicy Spanish-style sardines.

Fish Fillet Pomodoro (Php160). Italian-style tomato sauce and sliced black olives tossed into freshly cooked pasta and topped with pieces of breaded fish fillet.

Chicken Pesto (Php130). Made-from-scratch pesto sauce tossed into freshly cooked pasta along with tender and juicy slices of grilled chicken.

Breaded Porkchop Rice Meal (Php140). Breaded porkchop deep-fried to a golden brown and served with garlic rice, a sunny side up egg and some atchara.

Latte (Php70) and Chocolate Chip Cookies (Php40). The latte was made from strong Batangas coffee with steamed milk and topped with a cute latte art. It goes perfectly with the chocolate chip cookies. (Chocolate lovers, take a look at those huge chocolate chips!)

White Chocolate Creme Frappe (Php95) and Java Chip Frappe (Php125). W Cafe blends its own signature frappes that add sweetness to our day or perk us up for the day ahead.

Not-yet-on-the-menu.

Our group was also given an exclusive taste of some of the new dishes that will be launched soon.

Executive Breakfast. Go big or go home! Well, definitely go big for me! Who can say no to hearty servings of waffles, bacon, sausage and fried eggs?

Lechon Kawali. This dish’ secret weapon is the pesto-based dip that accompanies it. Smear that dip onto the deep-fried pork pieces or anything fried. It will make you come back for more! (How I wish the owners would bottle this stuff so I could buy some by the jar!)

Beef and Chicken Shawarma. Slices of marinated and grilled beef and chicken wrapped in pita bread along with cucumber strips and lettuce.

Banana Walnut Bread. A fluffy banana loaf with topped with walnut halves. This also goes well with the coffee.

Okinawa and Chocolate Milk Teas. W Cafe brews its own creamy milk teas with tapioca pearls and grass jelly sinkers.

A lot of care has been applied to the interplay of flavors within each dish, the appetizing plating and the generous servings of food. I’m looking forward to my next visit here so I could check out more of W Cafe’s all-day breakfast meals and sweet frappes.

Thanks to Erickson and Wilda Galvez, as well as the staff of W Cafe for the warm welcome and the great eats!

So Easterners, avoid the traffic jams and just check out W Cafe, our local cafe in Cainta.

W Cafe is located at Second Floor, Euros Commercial Building, 242 A. Bonifacio Avenue, Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Cainta, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 4045015.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Five ways Saltitude, Anilao will make your next beach vacay your best ever

Urban life is not a piece of cake for us city slickers, is it? Hectic schedules and those infernal traffic jams do take a toll on our dispositions, and sometimes, even on our physical health.

Sometimes, don’t you just wish you could hie off somewhere, hibernate for a while and luxuriate in peace and quiet? Or how about taking a break from being a desk warrior and be out in the sun, getting your muscles in motion doing something fun? How about spending time with the people you love away from the stresses of city life and luxuriate in a seafront haven?

Well, guess what: you can do all these and more at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort, one of the trendiest vacay spots to enter the Anilao beach scene.

Spend your beach vacation at Saltitude and you’ll be bringing home not just a great tan but also a lot of great memories. How? Well, let me count the ways:

One: Whimsically decorated rooms get you in your vacay groove.

Each of Saltitude’s fully air-conditioned rooms is named, furnished and decorated according to the things you can do at the beach in or out of the water. The beddings, curtains and unique DIY tchotchkes are all in keeping with the room’s theme. Each door and some of the wall art are also hand-painted by the owners.

Check them out:

Twin-sharing rooms perfect for intimate trips of couples or BFFs.

Dive.

Snorkle.

Kayak.

Fall in Love.

Talk.

Triple-sharing rooms or huts well-suited for a small family or group.

Sail.

Chill.

Sun-bathe.

And a family room that can accommodate a larger number of guests.

Party.

Two: A whole gamut of outdoor activities lets you make the most of the sun and waves

Co-owners Malou Esparrago and Jake Calangi are both dive enthusiasts and they let their guest take full advantage of their diving expertise and the resort’s proximity to some of Anilao’s best dive sites.

In fact, newbie divers can get their PADI, RAID or SSI diving certification at the resort through Saltitude’s experienced diving instructors.

Other activities that can be enjoyed while staying at Saltitude include swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and even trekking to nearby Mount Gulugod Baboy.

Read more details on the outdoor adventures you can have at Saltitude here.

Three: Tasty dishes and delish dining events are sure to satisfy your food cravings

Who would have thought that going to the beach will also present you an opportunity to indulge your inner foodie?

Saltitude’s restaurant aptly named bar and restaurant Mingle serves up appetizing meals using fresh and local ingredients, bar chows and even Saltitude’s very own signature cocktails.

The resort recently launched Brunchin’ at the Beach, a brunch buffet held every Saturday from 6am to 12.30pm where diners can enjoy a sumptuous and well-curated spread of dishes in line with a weekly theme cuisine, all while enjoying the cool and relaxing vibe of the Saltitude’s beach and premises.

Read more about Brunchin’ at the Beach here.

During summer, Saltitude holds beach barbecues every Saturday night so guest can all come together to enjoy freshly grilled meats and seafood, as well as the cool sea breezes.

Guests with special diets have no need to worry. Just indicate your dietary restrictions when you book your room and the resort will find ways to accommodate you.

Four: It gives you lots of opportunities to rest, relax and re-charge

Who says you have to have a jam-packed itinerary while at the beach?

Make the most of this escape from the stresses of city life by enjoying the scenic views or reading your favorite book while relaxing Saltitude’s beachfront loungechairs, cabanas or hammocks.

Take this time to pamper yourself by booking a session with the resort’s accredited massage therapists.

Consider your stay here your “me time,” and return to your city life fully refreshed, recharged and raring to face the challenges ahead.

Five: It takes its environmental footprint seriously.

Environmentally conscious guests can rest easy as Saltitude also champions environmental causes. It avoids the use of disposable plastic in its operations while also incorporating reclaimed wood and recycled items in its decor.

On September 21, it will host a beach cleanup activity where participants can help in cleaning up a portion the local coastline and divesites while also taking part in environmental lectures and mingling with like-minded guests.

At Saltitude, your beach vacation can be so much more than just some time spent away from the city. It can also be an adventure that stirs your spirit or a balm that soothes your soul.

Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is located along Manini Road in Mabini, Batangas. To book your stay or reserve a table at the restaurant, call +63 43 4101857, +63 927 4220428 or +63 939 9088843, or email info@saltitude-anilao.com. For more details, check out its website.

Brunchin’ at the Beach at Saltitude, Anilao

Anilao in Batangas is home to all sorts of fun beach activities: swimming, diving, snorkeling and windsurfing, just to name a few.

Aside from their proximity to the clear sparkling sea, those activities have another thing in common: they do work up quite an appetite.

Fortunately, Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort recently launched “Brunchin’ at the Beach,” a brunch buffet experience that takes place every Saturday, from 6am to 12.30pm at its Mingle restaurant.

For only Php699/person, diners can enjoy a sumptuous and well-curated spread of dishes in line with a weekly theme cuisine, all while enjoying the cool and relaxing vibe of the Saltitude’s beach and premises.

Together with my fellow bloggers, I was able to experience Saltitude’s first brunch buffet available to resort guests and walk-in diners.

Inside, diners and guests can relax in the resto’s sprawling and well-appointed dining area furnished with custom-made pieces. And yes, should they be so inclined, they can take advantage of these Instagrammable surroundings to snap a photo or two.

The menu theme for the launch is intercontinental which features samplings from Pinoy, Asian, American and Mediterranean cuisines, all personally chosen by the resort’s co-owner Malou Esparrago, and whipped up in the kitchen using local ingredients by Saltitude’s in-house chef.

These dishes are beautifully presented in a lavish buffet spread with a few touches of coastal chic bric-a-bracs, also conceptualized by Malou.

The tasty items in the sumptuous buffet spread include:

Filipino. Steamed freshly caught fish, pork adobo, clam soup, pancit canton, champorado with crispy dilis, puto and kutsinta.

Mixed Asian. Sushi rolls, steamed potstickers and Chinese fried rice.

Mediterranean. Lasagna, Pasta Aglio Olio, Tomato Basil Bruscheta and Salmon Bruscheta.

American. Bacon, hotdogs, scrambled eggs, pancakes and bread with various cheeses and jams.

Dessert. Buko pandan and leche flan.

My faves among these are pancit canton, lasagna, salmon bruscheta and the leche flan. I found the varied selection of dishes quite appetizing. I would also imagine the kids would love the hotdogs, bacon and pancakes.

I look forward to Brunchin’ at the Beach’s the next themed menu. Which one’s your bet: Spanish, Mexican or Indonesian?

Plus, I’d also love to join one of Saltitude’s Beach Barbecues held Saturday nights during the summer.

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Picture perfect beach BBQ destination here in Anilao, Batangas 💙 #anilao #dive&chill #beachBBQ

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on May 30, 2019 at 7:19am PDT

So the next time you’re in Anilao, drop by Saltitude for some brunch. Or better yet, book your stay in one of its quirkily themed rooms (read more about them here) for the weekend, and then head straight to brunch on Saturday morning.

Want to know what activities you can enjoy at Saltitude? Check out my previous post.