carrot cake – Jellybeans in the City

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.

A taste of Scandinavia at IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant

Have you heard of the recent trending topic called #SwedenGate? It sprang from several anecdotes shared on Reddit which recall childhood experiences of house guests not being invited to dine while at a Swedish household.

While there are myriad cultural contexts behind this custom, and recent reports do share that this practice has been dying out, it does bring to the spotlight a cuisine heretofore unknown to most Filipinos: Scandinavian food.

Recently, this cuisine became a lot more accessible to us, thanks to IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant at IKEA Pasay. Given the time and energy that shoppers expend while browsing through its displays, it’s a good thing that IKEA opened a self-service cafeteria inside the store. It has proven to be quite popular: during my family’s recent visit, we had to wait in line for thirty minutes to an hour before we were able to enter.

Since it employs a cafeteria-style self-service type of operations, we had to line up at the food counters to choose and collect our food in trays and carry them towards the cashiers. This process is greatly helped by the trollies that IKEA provided, which proved to be a great convenience due to the sheer amount of food we ended up buying.

Once we‘re done getting our food, we settled down to eat at the well-appointed dining area which is furnished with Scandinavian-style tables and chairs. Depending on the number of people in your party, you may opt for the small tables for a party of two or a get the bigger tables that can seat up to eight people.

The menu and operations of IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant are guided by its seven food principles:

Lagom – Servings that are not too hearty nor lacking, with responsible portions just right to sate one’s hunger.
Sustainable – Food items should be good for both people and the planet by sourcing ingredients from farms and fisheries that strive to protect the environment, public health, people and communities.
Plant-based – Food items that celebrate seasonal and diverse ingredients as well as make healthier and sustainable living easy.
Animal welfare – Fewer animals are used in its menu and all are sourced sustainably from farms that practice humane treatment of livestock.
Natural – Simple and wholesome dishes that reduce the use of additives while still safeguarding food safety.
Food is precious – Food waste is a no-no from farm to consumption.
Food is pleasure – Food is meant to be enjoyed with others, celebrating different cultures that come together.

The fam did take our cue from the greeting “Smaklig maltid!” (“Enjoy your meal!”) as we shared and feasted on our Scandinavian food orders:

We also enjoyed free-flowing Nordic drinks (Php50/person) to go with our food. These are sparkling or still beverages sweetened only with half the usual amount of sugar featuring flavors such as elderberry, lemon, pear, raspberry, lingonberry, and cola distributed on tap at the drink stations.

When we finished our meal, we quickly cleared our table (to do our share in helping IKEA keep its food costs low) and left so that our table can be readily used by the next batch of diners.

I’m glad that my fam was able to experience this foray into Scandinavian cuisine. #SwedenGate may son be a thing of the past, but this family’s love affair with Swedish food is just beginning.

The Swedish Restaurant is located at the 4th Level of IKEA Pasay City and is open daily, from 9:30 am to 9 pm.

To stay updated on news and updates about IKEA PH, visit its website or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

Celebrate Carrot Cake Day with this treat from Inang Charing

Did you know that Carrot Cake Day falls on February 3?

On this day, the world celebrates one of our favorite cakes which happens to have a lively and storied history.

Food historians posit that the carrot cake originated from the carrot puddings eaten by Europeans in the Middle Ages. During this time, sugar and sweeteners were quite expensive so bakers used carrots as substitutes for sugar.

In 1814, a recipe for “Gateau de Carrottes” was included first included in the book L’art du cuisinier by Antoine Beauvilliers, former chef to Louis XVI which was soon copied in competitor cookbooks until an English translation came out in 1824. Thanks to these written works, the recipe for this delectable was handed down through generations and traveled across continents so we foodies can enjoy it.

Here in the metro, the carrot cake remains a foodie favorite and many local bakers have put their own spin on it.

One such baker is Mylene Capili who operates the online bakeshop Inang Charing Cakes and Pastries. Having named her business as a tribute to her beloved grandmother, she applies modern takes to the classic dessert favorites that her store offers.

Her Carrot Cake (Php395 for sampler | Php545 for 8×8 square pan | Php1,245 for family-size 10×12 pan), for instance, like many modern iterations of the dessert, is made with freshly grated carrots incorporated into a moist and sweetly spiced cake topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting and beautifully garnished with grated carrots and chopped walnuts.

It’s a showstopper of a dessert, definitely, and a perfect sweet treat for Carrot Cake Day.

Couple this with an order of premium Cookies (Php180 for box of three | Php355 for box of six) made with decadent Belgian chocolate. From the Classic Chocolate Chip (made with dark and semi-sweet Belgian chocolates) to the Aurum (made with white and golden Belgian chocolates topped with almond slices and Maldon sea salt flakes, these are tasty ways to indulge your sweet cravings anytime you want.

So go ahead. Find reasons to celebrate such as Carrot Cake Day and treat your loved ones to lovingly crafted desserts from Inang Charing Cakes and Pastries.

Order now via Facebook or Instagram with a three-day lead time and pay via GCash or BPI bank deposit a day before your preferred pickup or delivery date.

Disclosure: Items featured here were received as gifts.

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

Hoppity-Poppity Carrot Cake from Chrissy Bakey

We’re nearing the end of the first of this year’s “-ber” months and you know what that means…

The holidays are upon us!

Despite the quarantine restrictions and the near-constant worries we momshies saddle ourselves with, there’s no denying that this holiday season presents us with the challenge of making it one to remember for the right reasons.

And what better way to celebrate all that we have accomplished despite the odds this year than to enjoy great food with our nears-and-dears.

Homemade desserts, in particular, do more than just inject us with a bit of sugar rush. They bring us back to those simpler and carefree times when the highlight of our days were biting into a sweet slice of heavenly cakes.

That’s what thirty-seven-year-old Pasig-based entrepreneur Chrissy Caballero hopes to achieve with her online bakeshop Chrissy Bakey.

Having been a home baker for ten years, she grew her business from her habit of baking sweet treats for her son’s snackbox and whipping up cakes for family celebrations. After experimenting with various dessert recipes, even setting baking challenges for herself, she decided to quietly launch the Chrissy Bakey in late 2019, using the brand name when taking on orders and requests during the Christmas season.

She was gearing up to make 2020 her banner year…

…and then the pandemic happened.

Though initially discouraged by the stresses brought about by the pandemic while also juggling a full-time marketing job and overseeing her son’s online learning at the same time, Chrissy finally started selling her desserts again during the ECQ, then formally launched Chrissy Bakey into the world during Indepence Day this year.

Chrissy Bakey offers whimsical takes on classic dessert favorites.

The creatively-named Hoppity Poppity (Php650), for instance, is her version of the all-time favorite Carrot Walnut Cake. An eight-inch round pan of moist and sweetly-spiced carrot cake highlighted by chopped walnuts and raisins then topped with a rich cream cheese topping, it will surely get the kiddos (and some of the grown-ups!) hoppin’ for another slice or two.

Chrissy Bakey also caters to chocolate lovers with Mom’s Legendary Chocolate Cake. Other treats such as Lemon Bars and Red Swirlies are available upon request.

Chrissy Bakey opens up slots for these yummy creations every Friday and Saturday. To order, send a message via Instagram. Payments via BPI and GCash are accepted. Chrissy Bakey’s goodies can be delivered to anywhere in Metro Manila via Grab, Lalamove and Joyride (delivery fee to be shouldered by customer).

So momshies, how about we give our loved ones a taste of our fellow momshie Chrissy’s yummy dessert creations over the holidays?

Disclosure: Product sample was provided to facilitate an honest review.

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

Craving for a cheesecake? Go for a Chi’s Cake!

We all need some sweetness in our lives: that burst of sugary flavor on your tongue that signals the happiness that is sure to follow.

Sure, eating sweets may not be so healthy, may be even be self-indulgent, but, really, it’s more than just a capping a meal with dessert or satisfying a craving during your coffee break. In times of stress or sadness, it envelopes you in that feeling of comfort and happiness. In times of elation and success, it underscores the joy.

For me, cheesecakes bring on that feeling of happiness more than any other dessert: the buttery and sugary graham cracker crust, the richness of the cream filling and the lovely surprise of whatever topping is put on it.

Well, what if you can enjoy this little piece of heaven while not going overboard with the sugar?

Chi’s Cake, an online dessert shop operated by Siri Andres, specializes in no-bake cheesecakes. Compared to their baked counterparts, no-bake cheesecakes are lighter and airier, due to the folding in of stiff whipped cream into the other combined ingredients, resulting into the mousse-like texture of the dessert. And the cheesecakes from Chi’s Cake are known for not being to sweet.

Siri formerly worked as an IT business analyst but has transitioned into a full-time stay-at-home mom. Leveraging her love for whipping up sweet treats to give to friends and family into a potential business, she started by creating her own brand of no-bake cheesecake flavors which soon generated multiple orders.

Last week, I was able to sample some of her no-bake cheesecake creations such as:

Carrot Cinnamon Cheescake (Php650 for 7-inch cake | Php900 for 9-inch cake | Php450 for a box of 12 cheesecake cups). Are you a fan of carrot cakes? The hearty and tangy taste of shredded carrots underscored by the warm spicy sweetness of cinnamon? Well, imagine those in a smooth and creamy cheesecake that is not too sweet. The sweetness comes from its generous topping of caramelized chopped walnuts! This cheesecake is her first and signature creation.

Oreo Strawberry Creme (Php1,150 for 7-inch cake | Php1,400 for 9-inch cake | Php700 for a box of 12 cheesecake cups). This cheesecake variant features the unbeatable combo of chocolate and strawberries, perfect for lovers during Valentine season and beyond. Bits of fresh strawberries incorporated into the cheesecake filling on top of a crust of crushed Oreo cookies and topped with a slice of strawberry smothered in syrup. I would imagine hearts fluttered over this dessert!

So go ahead and indulge with no worry of being overcome with sweetness, just the joy that comes from these treats.

To get your hands on these lovely cheesecake creations, call +63 945 4968265 or email siriangeline.amurao@gmail.com at least two days before delivery date. For more details on other cheesecake variants available, check out Chi’s Cake’s Facebook page or Instagram account.

Payments are accepted via BDO, Unionbank, PalEx, GCash and LBC.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to enable an honest review.

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

#HeyStranger, get yourself to Hey Brew, Greenhills

Metro Manila denizens are probably not strangers to Greenhills Shopping Center. A veritable shopping mecca, it is where you go for clothes, accessories and gadgets.

However, it is also a food mecca with many fast-food chains and concept restaurants establishing their presence within the complex and the surrounding areas.

One new entrant to Greenhills’ foodie scene is Hey Brew Eatery + Bar, which offers a playfully creative selection of bar chow, mains and drinks for the discerning yet fun-loving foodie.

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended Hey Brew’s media event prior to its soft opening where we were treated to sneak peeks (and tastes!) of Hey Brew’s would-be signature dishes, masterfully prepared by Chef Nino Laus.

Baked Smoked Mussel (Php180/3 pieces). Delectable New Zealand mussels flavored with garlic and cheddar on an edible shell made of potato starch and squid ink.

Granita Oysters (Php120/piece). Watermelon, konbu (a type of edible kelp) and cucumber granita, pickled konbu and craft hot sauce.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi (Php350). A savory egg custard topped with uni (sea urchin) and ebiko (shrimp roe).

Ox Tongue Skewers (Php190). Grilled ox tongue drizzled with citrusy ponzu sauce.

Beef Tongue Sandwich (Php380). Ox tongue that’s been braised for 72 hours and drizzled with salted egg sauce and topped with pickled red cabbage in a fluffy toasted brioche.

Duck Leg Confit (Php450). Roasted duck leg served with roasted marinated carrots and orange, along with French beans and drizzled with cranberry duck jus.

Braised Lamb Shank (Php830). Falling-off-the-bone tender hoisin-braised lamb shank served with pumpkin seeds, roasted baby squash and and fried pumpkin blossom.

Desserts. Thankfully, sugar addicts like me can cap off the meal with sweet treats such as Strawberry Shortcake, Carrot Cake and Pistachio Sans Rival.

Aside from such gorgeously presented food, we were also treated to concoctions from master mixologist Kalel Demetrio:

Gin and Tonic. A highball cocktail made with gin, which changes color during preparation with the addition tonic water. Herbs and spices add flavor and flair to the drink.

Hari ng Kanto. A blend of Kanto rum, salted caramel, soda water and lemon juice.

Beautiful Mistake. Watermelon, red bell pepper, carrot juice, lemon juice and rosemary spritz make for a pretty and fruity drink.

Brown Sodium Milkshake. Hey Brew’s hyped up version of a salted caramel milkshake.

Engkanto Lager. Made by local craft brewery Engkanto, it is a subtle and lightly bitter beer with low alcohol content.

House Iced Tea. A refreshing take on the ubiquitous iced tea that goes well with practically all the viands here, one of the choices available for people who don’t want to imbibe alcohol.

So, hey, don’t be a stranger. Get to know more of the food and drinks that you can enjoy with your friends at Hey Brew.

Many thanks to Chef Nino Laus, mixologist Kalel Demetrio and the crew of Hey Brew for that thrillingly tasty repast and to EJ Bunag of I Love To Eat PH for extending the invitation!

Hey Brew Eatery + Bar is located at Ground Floor, Theater Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 12 midnight, and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 2am.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended a media event hosted by this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare for an honest review and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Hearty Pre-Holiday Lunch Mom & Tina’s, Tomas Morato

On our last day at work prior to the long weekend, a friend and I decided to treat ourselves to Mom & Tina’s for lunch.

This resto started as a pastime for a mother and daughter team. It has since grown into a bakery cafe business with four branches in the metro, all aiming to cater to their diners’ cravings for the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals and freshly baked goodies made from heirloom recipes.

In keeping with its theme of providing the comforts of home, its premises have a homey country-style decor with comfy furniture and seats with rustic table toppers. Floor-to-ceiling windows with roman shades provide lots of muted natural light that’s comfortable on the eyes and also great for foodie shots.

For our pre-holiday meal, we split orders of:

Soup of the Day (Php140). This creamy and hearty starter is made fresh and served with two freshly baked rolls.

Meat Lasagna (Php265). Alternating layers of beef, Bechamel and tomato sauce, baked then served piping hot.

Shepherd’s Pie (Php295). This is one of my favorites among Mom & Tina’s offerings: ground beef and mushrooms sauteed in a delicious sauce, then covered with mashed potatoes.

For dessert, we indulged in a Beehive Cupcake (Php80) and a Carrot Cupcake (Php70).

Yeah, we basically loaded up on carbs but at we went back from lunch with full tummies and happy moods.

Mom & Tina’s food are prettily presented and served with a warm smile by the wait staff. I guess my only complaint is the relatively expensive charge for extra butter.

This Mom & Tina’s branch is located at 58 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 11pm. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 2 3323080 or +63 2 3323579.

Other branches are located at:

O Square Building, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City (open daily from 7am to 11pm; Tel: +63 2 7500976) – check out my review of this branch

FRDC Building, 106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., (C-5), Pasig City (open daily from 7am to 10pm; Tel: + 63 2 9140833 or +63 2 5711541)
G/F Unit 14 Tropical Palms Condominium, Dela Rosa St. cor. Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City (open daily from 7am to 10pm; Tel: +63 2 8404299 or + 63 2 8943598)