cafe mary grace – Jellybeans in the City

Comfort and Delight at Cafe Mary Grace in Arcovia City

There’s a place in Arcovia City where comfort meets culinary delight, and where the warmth of a home-cooked meal embraces you like a hug. Recently, my boys and I enjoyed a brunch escapade at Cafe Mary Grace’s picturesque 63rd branch.

About Cafe Mary Grace

Cafe Mary Grace traces its roots to its founder’s passion for baking that dates back to 1983. Mary Grace Dimacali, the creative force behind the brand, started her journey as a young mother with a knack for working with dough and batter. Her delectable creations soon gained popularity among friends and family, leading to the birth of Cafe Mary Grace. Today, it stands as a true embodiment of their love for good food and warm hospitality.

The Charming Ambiance

This relatively newly opened glasshouse branch of Cafe Mary Grace in Arcovia City exudes a homey ambiance. The warm lighting fixtures, a mix of dark wood and colorful tiles, and walls adorned with art pieces and handwritten letters from customers—all contributed to the inviting atmosphere. The glasshouse portion, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, allowed natural light to flood the space, creating a cozy yet refreshing environment.

Brunch Feast Highlights

Our feast at Cafe Mary Grace included a delightful array of dishes that include our classic favorites as well as fresh discoveries.

The Grilled Kesong Puti with Batard Bread (Php238) was a savory start, featuring local white cheese grilled to perfection and topped with garlic, tomato, and olive oil, then served with toasted slices of batard bread. Each bite was a taste of Filipino flavors combined with a touch of elegance.

I always go back to the Mary Grace Mushroom Cream Pasta (Php498 + Php150 for Prosciutto Topping) for its velvety blend of earthy mushrooms, cream, and the salty allure of prosciutto.

My son #ExhibitB, on the other hand, is loyal to the Pasta Amatriciana with Italian Meatballs (Php433), perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a rich tomato sauce, generously adorned with succulent Italian meatballs.

Sating Hubby’s craving for hearty servings of Pinoy food was Cafe Mary Grace’s Toasted Vigan Longganisa All-Day Breakfast (Php502). The deliciously garlicky homemade local sausage offered a burst of flavors, complemented by rosemary garlic fried rice and fried eggs.

And of course, we couldn’t leave without indulging our collective sweet tooth with the Mango Bene (Php278), a luscious “summer-cake” made with frozen layers of meringue, custard cream, and fresh Philippine mangoes.

As if that weren’t enough, we also savored the Strawberry Shortcake (Php278), featuring plump strawberries nestled in whipped cream covering the tenderest sponge cake.

Comfort Dining for Families

Cafe Mary Grace is the epitome of comfort for families seeking a warm and inviting spot to enjoy delectable comfort food. With a menu that caters to various tastes and a charming ambiance that feels like an extension of home, it’s the perfect destination for a family brunch outing.

Our family brunch at Cafe Mary Grace was a delightful experience was a combination of exceptional food, a cozy ambiance, and the essence of family woven into the very fabric of this cafe. So why don’t you visit Cafe Mary Grace at Arcovia City and experience the comfort and delight for yourself? Embrace the goodness of home, one delicious bite at a time.

This Cafe Mary Grace branch is located at Unit A1a-Phase 2 Arco Parade, Arcovia City, 1604 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Pasig City, open daily from 9am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 8217097.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by visiting its website or 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

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

Indulging in comfort snacking at Cafe Mary Grace, SM East Ortigas

Cafe Mary Grace, Uptown BGC: A Cozy Haven for the Fam’s Sunday Brunch

Cafe Mary Grace may have been dubbed the quintessential “tita place,” but I can’t help but embrace the delicious comfort it offers to its diners. And to tell you a secret: I’m not the only one in my family who does!

Ever since Hubby discovered his favorite pasta and sandwich combination at Cafe Mary Grace in SM City East Ortigas, he has oftentimes spearheaded family meals at its other branches.

One of our Sunday brunches after attending Mass was no exception, which we had at Cafe Mary Grace in Uptown Mall, BGC.

A Rich Heritage

Cafe Mary Grace is more than just a café; it is the realization of a passion for baking that started in 1983. Mary Grace Dimacali, the creative force behind the brand, began her journey as a young mother with a knack for working with dough. Starting with fruitcakes during Christmas, her delectable creations soon gained popularity among friends and family. Encouraged by her biggest supporter, Mary Grace expanded her reach by participating in bazaars, where her airy ensaymadas and cheese rolls became instant favorites.

As the bazaars thrived, Mary Grace’s children, Chiara, Gabriel, Raffy, Adrian, and Mian, realized the brand’s immense potential. In 2006, they took a leap of faith and opened the first Mary Grace Cafe in Serendra, BGC. The cafe became a true embodiment of their passion for good food and warm hospitality. Today, Cafe Mary Grace in Uptown Mall, BGC carries on the tradition, providing a haven for families seeking a memorable Sunday brunch experience.

Ambiance and Decor

This Cafe Mary Grace branch embraces its diners with a sense of home. The warm lighting, tasteful interiors, and a calm yet energizing atmosphere create a perfect setting for relaxation and connection. The modern Filipino decor, with its wooden accents and vibrant colors, reflects the cafe’s commitment to celebrating local culture. As you dine, you’ll notice dainty lamps and chandeliers adorning the ceilings, and heartfelt messages of appreciation from previous diners gracing the tables.

The cafe is thoughtfully designed to accommodate families of all sizes. The spacious dining area can comfortably seat large groups, ensuring that nobody feels left out. For those who enjoy dining al fresco, a few tables are available outside, allowing you to soak up the pleasant surroundings. At the heart of the cafe, you’ll find the bakery, where you can pick up an array of freshly baked pastries to enjoy later.

A Scrumptious Sunday Brunch

Now, let’s dive into the mouthwatering offerings that my family enjoyed at Cafe Mary Grace in BGC’s Uptown Mall. Made with lots of love and attention to detail, these dishes cemented Cafe Mary Grace’s place in our hearts:

Fili Beef & Tomato (Php403). Tender slices of beef served between batard bread with pesto dressing, garnished with tomato and lettuce. A flavorful and satisfying option for those craving a hearty sandwich.

Seafood Pasta (Php475). A seafood lover’s dream come true! Fresh clams, mussels, prawns, squid, and cream dory tossed with al dente pasta, olives, mushrooms, and tomatoes create a symphony of flavors.

Mary Grace Mushroom Cream (Php498 + Php150 for prosciutto). Indulge in fettuccine noodles enveloped in a delectable cream sauce with slivers of shiitake mushrooms. The dish is elevated with a touch of truffle oil and topped with savory sliced prosciutto.

Pasta Amatriciana with Italian Meatballs (Php433). A classic favorite with a Mary Grace twist. Spaghetti noodles topped with succulent Italian meatballs tossed in a thick tomato sauce with a hint of bacon.

Classic Carbonara (Php433). For those seeking the ultimate comfort, al dente pasta is perfectly combined with fresh mushrooms and crispy bacon slices in a homespun cream sauce.

Dory & Saffron Cream (Php430). Delight your taste buds with linguini noodles coated in a light cream sauce infused with leeks and saffron. The dish is elevated with pan-fried fillets of cream dory, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Indulgent Seasonal Desserts

No Sunday brunch is complete without a sweet ending, and Cafe Mary Grace delivers in this department too, especially with its limited-time cake offerings. Treat yourself to this heavenly desserts that will leave you craving for more before they leave the menu:

Banana Bella. A frozen pie crafted with fresh bananas, Belgian truffle ganache, and rich custard cream nestled in a buttery pie crust and topped with toasted almonds. A delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

Chocolate Rum Tiramisu. A scrumptious confection that combines espresso-soaked sponge cake made with 100-percent Arabica beans, luscious layers of mascarpone and dark chocolate ganache, and a subtle hint of premium aged Don Papa Rum.

Sundays are meant for relaxation, quality time with loved ones, and, of course, indulging in a delicious meal. If you’re on the lookout for a warm and inviting place to enjoy a comforting Sunday family meal, look no further than Cafe Mary Grace in Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City.

This Cafe Mary Grace branch is located at Level 4, Uptown Place Mall, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 2 87773263 or +63 917 8129154.

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

Check out my previous posts about Cafe Mary Grace:

Indulging in comfort snacking at Cafe Mary Grace, SM East Ortigas

Ah, the sweet joy of discovering a cozy haven where comfort food reigns supreme!

While I’ve enjoyed Cafe Mary Grace’s comforting food and ambiance for several times already (it’s part of my #TitaStarterPack experience, after all!), who would have thought that my husband would find a new go-to restaurant as well!

Hubby and I recently found ourselves in need of a delicious pick-me-up after a long day of shopping and errands at SM East Ortigas. Lucky for us, Cafe Mary Grace was there to save the day and fill our tummies with soul-soothing snacks.

A Whimsical Oasis of Comfort

Being both quite weary (and just a teensy bit irritable) from running our errands, the prospect of sitting down and relaxing at Cafe Mary Grace’s was a welcome respite. The cozy atmosphere, with its mix of rustic and contemporary elements, invited us to relax and unwind. Soft lighting bathed the space, casting a gentle glow on the wooden furniture and homey table settings adorned with handwritten notes from previous guests. Whimsical touches like butterfly mobile art and antique lamps hanging from the ceiling added a touch of magic to the surroundings, separating it the space from the hustle and bustle of a busy mall.

Nourishing the Soul, One Bite at a Time

The menu at Cafe Mary Grace is a treasure trove of comfort food delights, each dish crafted by its founder Mary Grace Dimacali with love and a dash of nostalgia. Our taste buds danced with delight as we savored the popular offerings that have made this café a beloved destination for titas and food lovers alike.

During our snack-time stopover at Cafe Mary Grace, Hubby and I indulged ourselves with some old favorites and delightful discoveries:

Fili Beef and Tomato Sandwich (Php403). Tender slices of beef sirloin nestled between slices of batard bread, dressed with pesto and adorned with fresh tomato and lettuce. It also came with crunchy potato crisps and tartar sauce that I lost no time munching on.

Pasta Amatriciana with Italian Meatballs (Php433). A tantalizing combination of perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a rich tomato sauce, and generously adorned with succulent Italian meatballs. This dish earned Hubby’s seal of approval, saying that it’s exactly how he likes his pasta to be.

Mary Grace Mushroom Cream Pasta (Php498 + Php150 for Prosciutto Topping). A velvety blend of earthy mushrooms, cream, and the salty allure of prosciutto. With each twirl of my fork, my taste buds were transported to a realm of pure indulgence with this pasta dish.

Tres Leches Cake (Php316/slice). Three layers of light vanilla sponge soaked in an Earl Grey tea-infused milk sauce, sandwiched with caramel cream filling and crowned with a frothy frosting. The pièce de résistance was the accompanying tea-infused milk sauce, which was poured over the cake, transforming it into a divine symphony of flavors.

Mary Grace Hot Chocolate (Php207). A velvety elixir made with premium Belgian cocoa which went so well with the cake.

Service with a Smile

The staff at Cafe Mary Grace exuded warmth and friendliness from the moment we stepped foot in the café. They greeted us with smiles, accommodating our inquiries and catering to our requests with efficiency and grace. Their attentive service elevated our experience, making us feel like cherished guests in their comforting abode.

A Home Away from Home

This Cafe Mary Grace branch truly became our haven of comfort, giving us. From its cozy and whimsical ambiance to its delectable offerings that tantalize the taste buds, this charming café is a haven for titas and food enthusiasts (also for tired Hubbies!) seeking solace in the embrace of familiar flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a soul-satisfying sandwich, a comforting pasta dish, or a heavenly dessert, Cafe Mary Grace is sure to leave you with a warm and contented heart.

This Cafe Mary Grace branch is located at Ground Floor SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Ave. Extension Sta. Lucia Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 8724587.

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

Check out my previous posts about Cafe Mary Grace:

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:

The Jelly List: Yummy national flavors to stoke your Pinoy Pride via GrabFood

With the Philippine Independence Day just around the corner, it’s definitely time to look back on some of the things that we can be proud of as a nation.

Being a foodie, I consider the sheer wondrous variety and flavor of Filipino cuisine as a definite achievement. Using our local ingredients and culinary traditions from our forbears as well as influences from foreigners and we produced a highly diverse, down-home yet flavorful array of dishes that are close to our hearts and appeal to our tastebuds.

Despite enjoying Filipino food in our hapag-kainan at home, we also go out and dine at Filipino restaurants because we simply can’t get enough of these flavors and we appreciate the unique spins that local chefs apply to our classic dishes.

And with the restrictions on dining out still in effect because of the pandemic, we are lucky that we can still have our Pinoy food cravings satisfied by our suking Filipino restaurants by having our favorite dishes delivered via GrabFood.

Check out latest #JellyList of Filipino dishes that you can enjoy at home:

Bulalong Lugaw by Soleras

The hearty rice porridge which serves as our go-to comfort food during rainy days just got a decadent makeover with the addition of hefty pieces of beef shanks (complete with bone marrow!).

GrabFood Signatures family dinner from Cafe Mary Grace

I admit: having been “stuck at home” for more than a year has got me a bit tired of the usual home-cooked ulam.

Every once in a while, I want to treat the fam to something special: mouthwatering viands that go beyond the usual gisa–sigang–prito that comprise my business-as-usual cooking repertoire.

If you have the same problem, then we’re both in luck, because Grab recently launched its newest program, GrabFood Signatures. It partnered with popular restaurants to offer amazing deals on best-selling food and drink, exclusively for GrabFood users.

One such restaurant is Cafe Mary Grace.

While this restaurant is best known for its baked goods, particularly its ensaimada and cheese rolls, it also offers hearty comfort food good for sharing and perfect for family meals.

Together with my daughter #ExhibitA, I selected some dishes that were off-the-beaten-path for the fam:

Fried Kesong Puti & Calamansi Vinaigrette (Php393). Nuggets of kesong puti which are breaded, fried and tossed in with lettuce and grilled tomatoes, then drizzled with calamansi vinaigrette.

Smoked Salmon & Cream (Php438). Smoked salmon sauteed with garlic cream, tossed with pasta and garnished with caviar.

Dory & Saffron Cream (Php414). Linguini noodles topped with cream dory fillets and covered with a light cream sauce, subtly flavored with leeks and saffron.

Grilled Chicken Couscous (Php483). Chicken fillets marinated in rosemary and grilled before topping spicy steamed couscous, with a homemade tomato concasse and blance asparagus. This dish also has a 20% off deal, coming out at just Php368!

Parma Ham & Arugula (Php624). Freshly made pizza dough, generously topped with premium mozarella, homemade tomato sauce, slices of parma ham and arugula.

This meal was a welcome break from our run-of-the-mill ulam. And thanks to GrabFood Signature Deals, the total food bill for this meal amounted to just a little over Php2,000!

This Cafe Mary Grace branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City Marikina, Marcos Highway, Calumpang, Marikina City. Other Metro Manila outlets are located at:

Antipolo: SM Masinag
Marikina: SM Marikina
Mandaluyong: Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall
Pasig: Rockwell Business Center, Estancia Mall, Ayala Malls Feliz, SM East Ortigas, SM Hypermart Pasig, Ayala Malls the 30th
San Juan: Unimart
Quezon City: Trinoma, SM Fairview, Gateway Mall, Eastwood Mall, SM North EDSA, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Robinsons Galleria, UP Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Fisher Mall
Makati: Greenbelt 2, Century City Mall, Power Plant Mall, Steps Dance Studio, Enterprise Center, Makati Medical Center, Glorietta 4, Cash and Carry, SM Makati, Ayala Circuit, Waltermart
Taguig: Serendra, SM Aura, Venetian Mall, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Uptown Mall, One Bonifacio High Street, Rustans Central Square
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila, SM San Lazaro
Pasay: NAIA Terminal 3, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Arena Annex, SM Mall of Asia Hypermarket, Resorts World Manila, Double Dragon Plaza
Paranaque: SM BF Paranaque, Okada, SM Sucat, SM Bicutan
Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Fiesta Supermall

As a GrabFood Signatures restaurant, Cafe Mary Grace delivers via GrabFood and provides exclusive deals for GrabFood orders such as a Php100 discount for every minimum order of Php550.

Disclosure: A GrabFood voucher was provided to facilitate the ordering and delivery experience.

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

Ooh yes! We’re in the BER months now and, for many, the countdown to Christmas has begun.

And you know what we’re all excited for during the holidays, right?

Gifts, course!

Showering our loved ones with presents is one of the most rewarding feelings.

However, given the new situations we are faced with due to the still raging pandemic and different phases of community quarantine it necessitates, we may have to adjust our holiday gift-giving strategy.

So let me present the case for Cafe Mary Grace’s Ensaymadas as your go-to holiday present for your nears-and-dears.

1. Ensaymadas are rich in history.

Did you know that the origin ensaymadas can be traced all the way back to the 17th century in the Balearic Islands in Mallorca, Spain?

During celebrations and festivities, Mallorcan bakers would combine strong flour, water, sugar, eggs, mother dough and a kind of reduced pork lard called saim, from which the resulting pastry, the ensaimada de Mallorca, gets its name.

The ensaymada found its may to the Philippines during the Spanish colonization and is now among the most common delicacies in the country, found in most neighborhood bakeshops. Modifications made from the Mallorcan original include the use of butter instead of lard, as well as the addition of sugar and grated cheese.

It has even become part of our Christmas tradition to enjoy these pastries together with a cup of hot tsokolate made with local tableya.

2. They’re also steeped in good childhood memories.

Most of us can recall those afternoons we spent enjoying an ensaymada roll or two – still warm and fresh from the neighborhood bakery – for merienda after playtime with our childhood pals, right?

3. Cafe Mary Grace’s Ensaymadas is an upgrade of our childhood ensaymada.

Cafe Mary Grace made its name from the homemade goodness of its cakes and baked goods. Its ensaymadas are no different.

4. They already come beautifully packaged.

For just Php658, you can already get a pretty box of six ensaymadas, ready for gifting.

The ensaymada pieces are also individually wrapped so it’s no hassle to give them out to guests as desserts during small gatherings or save a few pieces for later munching.

Boxes of eight pieces and twelve pieces are also available at Php756 and Php1,098, respectively.

5. They’re easy to get.

Given all the restrictions on retail operations and protocols on social distancing, Cafe Mary Grace has made it easy for its customers to get their offerings by making them available online so there’s no need to line up to get a hold of them.

Orders may be coursed through Cafe Mary Grace’s website for pickup or via GrabFood for delivery.

These pastries will arrive chilled as they were taken fresh from the chiller. Before serving, only thaw out the number of pieces you want to eat. Do this by placing an ensaymada in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth, and microwave for ten seconds on the lowest heat settings to restore its original softness.

So go ahead and gift yourself and your loved ones with a box of Cafe Mary Grace Ensaymadas this Christmas!

This Cafe Mary Grace branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Santa Lucia, Pasig City.

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

The Jelly List: Chocolate dessert picks for World Chocolate Day

Did you know that World Chocolate Day falls on July 7?

On this day, you can expect chocolate lovers from all over the world to celebrate what they deem to be the end-all and be-all of foodstuffs: the chocolate.

Chocolate is prepared from the fruit of the tropical tree Theobroma cacao (the name translates to “food of the Gods). This tree is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America, thriving in hot and humid areas. As chocolate’s global popularity grew, so did its cultivation, with cacao plantations in regions such as West Africa, South and Southeast Asia.

While chocolate is so versatile that it can even be used as an ingredient in savory dishes, my love for it stems from its sweet applications.

So, fellow foodies, allow me to share a sampling of my favorite chocolate dessert incarnations from various establishments in the metro.

Teddy Keng’s Chocolate Gateau from Chef Jessie’s Place

Chef Jessie’s version of the decadent chocolate cake, this confection is made of alternating layers of light chocolate cake and rich chocolate cream filling all covered with a rich, shiny ganache and decorated with an unfurling flower fashioned from chocolate. Definitely a choco-holic’s delight!

Chef Jessie’s Place is located at 1997 Pililla corner Obrero and Tanay Streets, Valenzuela, Makati City, open daily from 9am to 4pm for pick up and delivery. To order, text or call +63 917 8967880, +63 917 8330797 or +63 977 0976649 or email chefjessiesplace@chefjessie.com.

Read more about Chef Jessie’s Place here.

White Chocolate Creme Brulee from Bistro Manuel

This rich and creamy custard also features the subtle flavor tones of white chocolate, topped with a torched sugar sculpture and a tangy berry tartlet.

Bistro Manuel Bistro Manuel is located at Second Floor, Six Axis Center, 4347 B. Valdez Street, Poblacion, Makati City, now open for dine in as well as takeout. To book your table, fill out this questionnaire.