Three reasons to say “I love you” with Ben’s Cookies this Valentine’s Day

Despite not being a regular holiday (one that gives us a day off work) – Valentine’s Day still is one of the most anticipated celebrations every year.

As a day dedicated to love in all its forms, it evokes warm and fuzzy feelings, and encourages expressions of emotions ranging from affection to grand passion.

However, some may not have the capability or the opportunity to say “I love you” to those who are near-and-dear to them. For those people, may I propose this solution: #SayItWithBens.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day
Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

Ben’s Cookies is the brainchild of cookbook writer and chocoholic Helge Rubinstein who named the business after her son.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine

From its beginnings in 1983 as a stall in UK’s Oxford Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies have extended its reach to the Philippines when it opened its first store in The Podium Mall in July 2019, followed by branches in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day
Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

Here are three reasons why gifting your special someone with Ben’s Cookies is a good idea:

1. Ben’s Cookies are made with all the good stuff.

These palm-sized cookie treats are made with chunks – not chips – of premium chocolate, unsalted butter, wheat flour, fresh eggs, cane sugar and nuts, all freshly baked everyday.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day
Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

2. They come in delicious variants.

Love comes in wondrous variety and so do Ben’s Cookies. Check them out:

Milk Chocolate Chunk.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

Dark Chocolate Chunk.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

White Chocolate Chunk.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

Praline & Milk Chocolate Chunk.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

Triple Chocolate Chunk.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

Speculoos Cookie.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

Other cookie variants include: Fruit & Nut, Double Chocolate & Nut, Peanut & Milk Chocolate, Oatmeal & Raisin, Cranberry & White Chocolate Chunk, Lemon, Orange & Milk Chocolate Chunk, White Chocolate Chunk & Macadamia and Double Chocolate Chunk.

3. The more (cookies), the merrier.

These cookies are available by the piece at Php90 each.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

You can also get them packaged in lovely tin cans (4 pieces at Php495 or 8 pieces at Php835).

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

However, you get a pretty sweet deal when you get them by the box (Buy 5 and get 2 free at Php450 or Buy 10 and get 5 free at Php900).

Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day
Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

So bring a happy twinkle in your beloved’s eyes this Valentine’s Day by giving them the sweet delight of Ben’s Cookies.

Ben’s Cookies Valentine
Ben’s Cookies Valentine’s Day

To grab the Ben’s Cookies present for your sweet Valentine, drop by any of its stores:

  • Ground Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
  • Second Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
  • Ground Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City

You can also call +63 917 5267711 or order online.

Chef Jessie says it with Cakes this Valentine

Express your love this Valentine’s Day with gloriously delicious and amazingly beautiful cakes by Chef Jessie Sincioco.

Chef Jessie’s creations come infused with dark rich chocolate, stuffed with fresh, sweet mangoes, pressed with chopped pistachios, topped with bright berries, filled with strawberry cream or iced with ube halaya.

On top of the list is the Award Winning My Tita’s Special Treat, a delicate and moist cake sponge with puree of ripe Philippine mangoes filled with buttercream and mango slices, iced with cream cheese frosting and decorated with Chef Jessie’s signature mango rose.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

Princess Carmen is Chef Jessie’s version of sans rival with layers of luscious pistachio meringue and French butter cream filling topped with vanilla cream Chantilly and chopped pistachios.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

Strawberry Shortcake is a towering moist vanilla sponge cake filled and iced with light strawberry cream, top glazed with homemade strawberry gelee and adorned with fresh strawberries.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

Chef Jessie’s Baked Cheesecake comes with a hint of vanilla and fresh lemon with cornflake crust topped with your choice of cherry, blueberry, mango or a combination of your favorite fruit topping.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

You cannot get more chocolate than Chocolate Gateau “A La Teddy Keng” with layers of dark chocolate sponge cake filled with dulce de leche chocolate ganache, covered with a rich chocolate icing and decorated with soutache and dark chocolate flower.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

Another creation is Chocolate Fudge Cake, a sponge cake with chocolate ganache and light vanilla cream covered with dark chocolate icing and topped with fresh fruits.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

Something light and chocolaty is “All Occasion” Chocolate Mousse Cake. A light chocolate sponge cake filled with equally light chocolate mousse iced with vanilla cream Chantilly and decorated with fresh fruits in season. Sugar Free “M” Cake is for those looking for a healthy yet still delectable option. This elegantly simple cake is sugar free and gluten free, topped with a thick layer of sugar free dark chocolate mousse and laced with toasted almond flakes.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

A nod to local flavors is Ube Macapuno Cake which is ube chiffon cake filled and iced with homemade halaya mousse and generously topped with tender macapuno strips.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

For Valentine, Chef Jessie can personalize your cake of choice with your own sweet sentiments.

Chef Jessie’s Valentine’s Day Cake

Place your order 2 days in advance for pick up or delivery. Text or call 0917-896-7880, 0917-833-0797 and 0977-0976-649 or email chefjessiesplace@chefjessie.com. Pick up is at Chef Jessie’s Place located at 1997 Pililia St. corner Obrero and Tanay Streets, Makati and is open everyday for pick up and delivery from 9am to 6pm.

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.

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

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.

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

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.

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

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.

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

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.

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & 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.

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Inang Charing Cakes & Pastries

Disclosure: Items featured here were received as gifts.

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

3 reasons to sate your sweet cravings with a Cheesecake Jar from Chi’s Cake

For many of us dessert lovers, biting into a decadent cheesecake is sublime pleasure.

The rich creaminess and the sweet-tart flavor dynamic of the filling, the buttery taste of its graham cracker crust and the flavor accents added by its toppings are enough to get us hooked!

Sometimes, though, we get a craving for cheesecake but buying an entire cake might be more than what our refrigerator or tummy can accommodate.

The perfect solution for those instances?

A cheesecake jar from Chi’s Cake!

Chi’s Cake

This online bakeshop, run by former It business analyst turned full-time mom Siri Andres, had its start by offering uniquely flavored no-bake cheesecakes – as whole cakes or in cups – which have been reviewed as not being too sweet (perfect for those who get overwhelmed too much sweetness in their desserts).

During the quarantine, it introduced a new way to enjoy its sweet creations: in jars!

Chi’s Cake

Chi’s Cake

Here are three reasons why a Chi’s Cake cheesecake jar may just be your kind of sweet treat.

1. It introduces you to new flavors.

Chi’s Cake’s cheesecakes are no run-of-the-mill desserts. These are handcrafted creations that come in unusual variants. Luckily, these variants are also available as handy cheesecake jars.

The Carrot Cinnamon Cheesecake, for example, is Chi’s Cake’s claim to fame. A creamy, melt in your mouth carrot-infused cheesecake on a bed of buttery crust and topped with caramelized walnuts, this confection is what started the business.

Chi’s Cake

Chi’s Cake

The Pecan Pie Cheesecake, on the other hand, is a to-die-for dessert which consist of a crust made with crushed digestive biscuits and a delectable cream filling topped with candied pecans.

Chi’s Cake

Chi’s Cake

Are you craving for a taste right about now?

2. It is sized just right for you.

If you find a whole 9-inch cheesecake too overwhelming (for your ref space or your tummy), then a cheesecake jar fits the bill quite nicely.

Chi’s Cake

At 220 grams, it is just enough to sate your craving, perfect for a quick sweet snack time or for munching on during a Netflix binge.

3. It’s perfect for e-parties.

Zoom parties have taken the place of real-life gatherings due to the pandemic. To have a real party feel, it’s best for everyone to partake of the same food, right?

PizzaX

Chi’s Cake

Why not send everyone a cheesecake jar? And then wait for the compliments to come in.

To order your Chi’s Cake cheesecake jars, fill up this order form. Chi’s Cake delivers within Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite (delivery fee to be shouldered by the buyer). Payments via GCash and Metrobank are accepted.

Chi’s Cake

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

The Jelly List: Thoughtful Gifts for Valentine’s Day

The day of hearts is fast approaching. Despite the pandemic, Valentine’s Day remains one of the most anticipated holidays of the year.

The question is: how can sweethearts in the metro celebrate the day of romance if they can’t go out to wine and dine?

Through thoughtful gift-giving, of course!

Nothing says “I love you” like a well-considered present, one that gave thought to one’s sweetheart’s interests and passions.

Check out this list and let me know which suggestion suits your beloved best:

For the hopeless romantic: Preserved Flower Arrangement from Stories & Blossoms

Flowers are almost synonymous with Valentine’s Day. A bouquet of fresh-cut blooms would set a romantic heart racing, but nowadays, preserved flowers may be the way to go. They last longer than fresh flowers and are pretty low maintenance. (Somewhat like the ideal partner, eh?)

Tell your love story with a tasteful preserved flower arrangement from Stories & Blossoms. Through the creative combinations of colors, shapes and textures of various preserved blooms, you can express quite a lot to your loved one and evoke romantic memories. You can even have a unique arrangement inspired by your loved one favorite book, movie or TV series, just like the store’s Sex & the City Collection.

Stories & Blossoms’ SATC Collection

Stories & Blossoms’ SATC Collection

Stories & Blossoms’ SATC Collection

Stories & Blossoms’ SATC Collection

Stories & Blossoms’ preserved flower arrangements start at Php299 with more ornate signature creations starting at Php2,500. You can also have an arrangement custom-made according to your preferred colors and flowers as well as your budget. Shop online at Stories & Blossoms’ website or call +63 967 5099050.

Read more on Stories & Blossoms here.

Photo credit: Stories & Blossoms

For the health-conscious: Superfood Box Set from Goodness MNL

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the value of our health. Central to any attempt at a healthy lifestyle is, of course, food.

If you want to start on a journey towards healthy living, incorporating superfood into your diet would be a good start. These nutrient-rich ingredients help in promoting health and warding off diseases.

Get a Goodness MNL box set to enjoy a sampling of five different types of superfood. Choose five from the nine superfood types available – organic chia seeds, organic golden flax seeds, organic sweet basil seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, Himalayan fine salt, Himalayan rock salt, organic cocosugar, organic adlai grits and cocosugar cacao nibs – and have them delivered to you in a beautifully curated box.

Goodness MNL

Goodness MNL

Goodness MNL’s box set is available for Php330 (with 30ml test tube bottles) and Php400 (with 40ml test tube bottles). Order your box via Facebook or Instagram.

Read more about Goodness MNL here.

For the stressed: Coloring Books from Shopping on the Side

Engaging in a creative activity such as coloring books can help calm a busy mind, facilitate a more restful slumber and can even unleash one’s creativity in other pursuits.

If you think your special someone can benefit from these, then gift them with imported adult coloring books that will soothe the mind while getting those creative juices flowing.

Coloring Books - Shopping on the Side (https://shopee.ph/shoppingontheside?v=5ef&smtt=0.0.5)

Coloring Books - Shopping on the Side (https://shopee.ph/shoppingontheside?smtt=0.0.9)

Fortunately, getting those coloring books won’t require such a huge effort. Simply order from Shopping on the Side’s store on Shopee and take your pick from its wide variety of books from meditative mandala patterns, whimsical drawings of fairies, intricate illustrations of travel destinations to humorous comic strips.

Read more about Shopping on the Side here.

For the eco warrior: Bamboo Mug and Tumbler from The Bamboo Company

If protecting the environment is one of your SO’s priorities, you would want to support this advocacy through gifts that promote zero-waste, sustainability or the elimination of single use plastics.

Reusable implements for drinking or eating to-go food would go a long way towards keeping the environment safe for future generations.

The Bamboo Company

The Bamboo Company

You can purchase this Breakfast Buddy (Mug and Coffee Tumbler Set) from The Bamboo Company’s online store (now on sale for Php1,699 from Php2,040). It’s perfect for that leisurely morning coffee that you two can share on a chilly Valentine’s Day morning.

For the homebound imbiber: Cocktails-to-Go from After Hours Bar

If your special someone misses the experience of going out to a bar for a drink, then bring the bar home!

While the pandemic has had a huge impact on the restaurant and hospitality industry, bars were hit the hardest. Fortunately, some have pivoted their business to include ready-made cocktails available for delivery, such as After Hours Bar.

After Hours, Tomas Morato

After Hours Bar Bottled Cocktails

You can get 500 ml bottles of After Hours’ signature cocktails such as Sangria Spritzer (Php825), Punch Drunk Love (Php975), Gin Basil Smash (Php975), Muscovado Old Fashioned (Php1,300) and Negroni (Php1,500) delivered to your home just by ordering through its online store.

Read more about After Hours Bar here.

For the sweet tooth: Strawberry Shortcake from Inang Charing

If your beloved adores desserts and sweets, then express your love with a delectable Strawberry Shortcake!

A gorgeous confection made with delicate vanilla cake, layered with thick and fluffy whipped cream and topped with slices of fresh and succulent strawberries, this will surely excite the senses!

Inang Charing Strawberry Shortcake

Inang Charing Strawberry Shortcake

You can get this delightful creation from Inang Charing Cakes and Pastries, a Pasig-based online baker. An eight-inch round cake is available for Php1,135 (for pickup only due to the delicateness of the cake) but an 8-in x 8-in square pan is also available for Php835 (more suitable for delivery services).

Place your orders via Inang Charing’s Facebook and Instagram pages with a two-day lead time.

Read more about Inang Charing Cakes and Pastries here and here.

So there you have it: my list for thoughtful gift ideas for your special someone this Valentine’s Day.

Which one do you think suits your beloved the most?

Check out my other adventures compiled into Jelly Lists:

An Italian cafe experience at Goppion Caffe

Italy is known for its rich coffee culture, with many exacting implements and coffee preparations that correspond to treasured rituals.

For example, did you know that Italians usually drink milky coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes in the morning along with a pastry for breakfast? At any other time of the day, going out for coffee means getting a shot of strong black coffee, the espresso, as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a post-meal drink.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Walk by the streets of Italy and you will find quaint coffee shops called caffeteria. Aside from serving coffee in its various forms, these stores also serve as meeting places, where people can come together to enjoy their favorite brew. Hence the phrase “Prendiamo un caffe!” (“Let’s get a coffee!”) has become synonymous to taking a break from work to fully savor a cup of coffee (no, they don’t believe in drinking their coffee while working!)

Goppion Caffe was started by Luigi Goppion in the main square of the small Italian town of Lughignano in 1859. Luigi’s passion for good coffee was carried on by his sons and grandsons who sought ways to roast and brew the perfect cup of coffee.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Its first branch in the Philippines opened its doors along Westdrive in Glorietta 2 in Makati last December.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Here, coffee lovers can indulge in their favorite brews and blends, all made with authentic pre-packed coffee shipped all the way from Italy, such as:

Espresso Dopio (Php140). A double shot of espresso.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Cappuccino (Php140/Php190). Equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Goppioncino (Php180/Php140). Goppion Caffe’s signature blend made with espresso, chocolate, milk and whipped cream.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Ginseng Macchiato (Php200/Php240). Steamed milk “marked” with a splash of espresso flavored with ginseng root extract.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Iced Caramel Macchiato (Php190/Php230). A shakerato (coffee drink made with espresso and ice cubes) combined with milk, vanilla-flavored syrup and caramel sauce.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Cold Brew (Php180/Php220). A strong cold coffee drink that resulted from ground coffee beans steeped in cold water overnight.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Goppion Caffe also offers non-coffee beverages, all crafted with the same care and artistry as its coffee drinks, such as:

Ciocolata (Php160). Thick and creamy hot chocolate, made with cocoa, milk and sugar though not too sweet!

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Ciocolata ala Nocciola (Php240). Dark chocoate with hazelnut.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Friutti di Bosco (Php240). A frullato di frutta (smoothie) made with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries blended with milk.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Arancia (Php220). Freshly squeezed orange juice.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Want to nibble on something while sipping on your drink of choice? Goppion Caffe’s got you covered there as well with its selection of cafe food which includes:

Pita Rolls with Pizza Dip (Php275).

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Four Cheese Panini (Php225) and Smoked Ham and Cheese Panini (Php235).

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Beef Lasagna (Php240).

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Chicken Alfredo (Php260).

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Tuna in Pesto Sauce (Php240).

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

So if you’re craving for a good cup of coffee or meticulously handcrafted drinks, drop by Goppion Caffe.

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Better yet, grab a couple of your friends to catch up over your favorite brews (while practicing physical distancing, of course!).

Goppion Caffe, Glorietta
Goppion Caffe, Glorietta

Goppion Caffe is located at Ground Floor, Westdrive (beside Jade Garden), Glorietta Complex, Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88431316, +63 2 79551728 and +63 2 79551808. Goppion Caffe also delivers via FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended a food and coffee tasting event at this restaurant. Food items were served to enable us to sample the fare and facilitate our honest reviews.

Home-baked goodies worth the calories… Baked by Rina

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

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

Baked by Rina

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

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

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

Baked by Rina

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

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

Baked by Rina

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

Check out these baked goodies:

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

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

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

Baked by Rina

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

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

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

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

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

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

Baked by Rina

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

Baked by Rina

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

Baked by Rina

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

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

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

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Italianni’s

Don’t you sometimes miss the experience of dining out with the fam or your pals? I know I do.

It seems that the pandemic has seriously affected many of the things we so enjoyed from our life before it.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Still, while dining out may now be different, given all the restrictions and regulations, it can still be very enjoyable.

Take dining at Italianni’s at Trinoma Mall, for example.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s espouses amore di merrier, which denotes the Italian philosophy of having more food to be shared by more people, resulting to more merriment. This is why its signature dishes, all made with the finest ingredients, come to the table in servings large enough to share with family and friends, starting with its signature Tuscan and Focaccia bread served with olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

In the Philippines, Italianni’s is part of The Bistro Group, a collection of imported and homegrown hospitality brands.

In response to the need of the times, The Bistro Group has instituted safety protocols for safe dining-in at its restaurants. These include: regular health checks for all its personnel, compliance of all outdoor and indoor seating to physical distancing guidelines, hand sanitizers available at the entrance and on every table, as well as contactless menu ordering and payment.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

These protocols require diners to submit to temperature checks, provide contact tracing details and using the hand sanitizers and sanitation mats prior to entering the restaurant premises, as well as wearing their personal protective equipment (PPEs) while inside. Would-be diners who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to people who do, have underlying health conditions or have concerns about contracting the disease when dining out are advised to stay home and avail of the restaurant’s contactless delivery options.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

During an epic #TrinomaFoodCrawl with my foodie friends, I saw these protocols in action in Italianni’s, but still enjoyed our time as we feasted on a hearty spread of sumptuous Italian dishes:

Sicilian Salad (Php595/Php795). A fresh fusion of flavors and textures made with romaine lettuce, mangoes, red grapes, walnuts, creamy anchovy dressing.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Quattro Staggioni (Php795). Four-flavored pizza consisting of Pepperoni, Mushroom & Artichokes, Shrimp & Black Olives and All Cheese

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Seafood Cioppino (Php595/Php795). Spaghetti pasta tossed with mussels, shrimps, clams and calamari in white wine, marinara sauce and chili flakes.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

New York Cheesecake (Php485). New York-style cheesecake on a bed of strawberry amaretto sauce.

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Fruity Drinks (Php175 each): Orange Lemonade, Four Seasons, Peach Mango

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Mojitos (Php220 each): Apple and Classic

Italianni’s, Trinoma

As I’ve said many times before, good food plus good company equals a great time for everyone!

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

Italianni’s, Trinoma

You can savor more of the tastes of Italy together with your friends, thanks to these awesome deals from Italianni’s:

  • BFF Bundle (Php1,195): Pepperoni Pizza + Spaghetti Pomodoro + Chicken Italianni’s
  • BOGO Everyday: Truffle Chicken & Mushroom + Eggplant Parmigiana (Php950), Chicken Italianni’s + Spaghetti Bolognese (Php795), Porkchop Au Poivre + Margherita Pizza (Php895), Burrata + Spinach and Gorgonzola Pasta (Php795)

You can also get great savings with the BFF Card, The Bistro Group’s loyalty program that gives members exclusive perks across 15 restaurant brands such as:

  • 30% off on Mondays
  • 20% off on Tuesdays
  • Complimentary coffee or hot tea single-serve with entree purchase
  • Online seats reservation
  • Six Php250 e-vouchers with minimum purchase of Php1,000 per voucher

This Italianni’s branch is located at 4th Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79153582.

Other branches are located at:

  • Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
  • Level 6, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
  • Third Floor, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
  • B5, Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
  • Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
  • Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
  • Second Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
  • Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City
  • Ayala North Exchange, Ayala Avenue Corner Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
  • Second Floor, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay City
  • Ground Floor, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila
  • Level 1, S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard Corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
  • Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
  • Ground Floor, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City

Italianni’s delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Italianni's Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Check out my posts about other restos of The Bistro Group:

Brotzeit’s Wonder Platter

German cuisine is not so represented among the metro’s restaurants, which is a shame.

German cuisine presents rich flavors and hearty servings that would appeal to the largely carnivorous Filipino palate.

Meat figures prominently in German food, with pork making up most of the meat dishes from wursts to roasts.

Brotzeit, Shangri-la at the Fort

Take Brotzeit’s Wunderplatte/Wonder Platter (Php3,700) for example. I was able to sample this filling curation of signature German dishes and new items when I visited Brotzeit before thee quarantine.

Brotzeit, Shangri-la at the Fort

With its tasty collection of meats in large servings, this platter is the perfect meal for people to come together to enjoy.

Brotzeit, Shangri-la at the Fort

This jam-packed platter, which is good for up to six people, included:

Oven-Roasted Chicken.

Berner Sausages. Savory pork links stuffed with emmenthal cheese and wrapped in bacon.

Honey Bavarian Ribs. Fall-of-the-bone tender pork ribs coated with a unique garlic, beer and barbecue-infused sauce.

Signature Crispy Oven-Roasted Pork Knuckle. Hind shank of grain-fed pork roasted in the oven to achieve a crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.

If all those can not make any carnivore’s mouth water, I don’t know what can!

Brotzeit, Shangri-la at the Fort

As with most German food, the Wunderplatte was best enjoyed with another German staple: a glass of good German beer.

Brotzeit, Shangri-la at the Fort

Brotzeit has already re-opened with protocols in place for safe and fun dining.

This Brotzeit branch is located at Ground Level, High Street Park, Shangri-La at the Fort, 30th Street Corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88159338.

Another branch is located at 112 G/F Shangri La Plaza Mall, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86311489.

You can also have your German food feast delivered right to your home through Brotzeit’s website. The good news is that until January 22, you can enjoy 20% off your online delivery order by using the promo code BZ20OFF.

Brotzeit Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Modern Shanghai

Who can say no to delicious Chinese food?

Not me, definitely!

Chinese food lovers north of the metro sure are lucky to have a place to go to for a delectable feast: Modern Shanghai at Trinoma Mall.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, managed by The Bistro Group, brings the rich flavors and authenticity of home cooking from Sichuan, Beijing and Shanghai in a casual, family-style restaurant setting.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

In response to the need of the times, The Bistro Group has instituted safety protocols for safe dining-in at its restaurants. These include: regular health checks for all its personnel, compliance of all outdoor and indoor seating to physical distancing guidelines, hand sanitizers available at the entrance and on every table, as well as contactless menu ordering and payment.

These protocols require diners to submit to temperature checks, provide contact tracing details and using the hand sanitizers and sanitation mats prior to entering the restaurant premises, as well as wearing their personal protective equipment (PPEs) while inside. Would-be diners who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to people who do, have underlying health conditions or have concerns about contracting the disease when dining out are advised to stay home and avail of the restaurant’s contactless delivery options.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Together with my foodie friends, I was able to have a safe dining experience at Modern Shanghai, third stop of our epic food crawl at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. The mood was light and celebratory, as we sampled mouthwatering dishes such as:

Premium Steamed Shrimp and Pork Siomai (Php338/6 pieces). Traditional pork and shrimp dumpling best enjoyed dipped in toyo-mansi (soy sauce with calamansi juice) with just a bit of chili paste.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Signature Xiao Long Bao (Php258/6 pieces). The classic dumpling made from a savory meat filling and a fragrant soup wrapped together in a delicate bao wrapper.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php388, good for sharing among three to four people). Always present in my Chinese meals, this wok-fried rice is a delicious mixture of flavors and textures that go so well with other Chinese dishes.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Birthday Noodles (Php498, good for sharing among three to four people). Noodles are generally eaten on someone’s birthday as a way wishing them long life. Noodles, chopped meat, hard-boiled quail eggs and veggies are tossed together in a wok to make a flavorful noodle dish.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Wok-Fried Sliced Beef with Broccoli (Php648). Tender slices of beef sauteed with ginger and broccoli.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Deep-Fried Pork Ribs with Spicy Salt and Pepper (Php498). Tender pork ribs seasoned with salt, pepper and spices, deep-fried and topped with sauteed garlic.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

These rich flavors and hearty servings are best enjoyed with family and friends.

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Modern Shanghai, Trinoma

Dine in at Modern Shanghai and enjoy more of these sumptuous Chinese food plus great savings with Modern Shanghai’s irresistible offers:

  • BFF Bundle (Php1,298, good for three to four persons): Signature Shanghai Mien, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Yang Chow Fried Rice and Braised Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce
  • Buy One Take One Everyday: Wok-Fried Sliced Beef with Brocolli + Signature Xiao Long Bao (Php648), Sauteed Tenderloin Beef with Scallions + Steamed Hakaw Shrimp Dumplings (Php648), Birthday Noodles + Steamed Buns with Preserved Egg Yolk (Php498), Signature Shanghai Mien + Pan-Fried Shanghai Pork Buns

You can also get great savings with the BFF Card, The Bistro Group’s loyalty program that gives members exclusive perks across 15 restaurant brands such as:

  • 30% off on Mondays
  • 20% off on Tuesdays
  • Complimentary coffee or hot tea single-serve with entree purchase
  • Online seats reservation
  • Six Php250 e-vouchers with minimum purchase of Php1,000 per voucher

This Modern Shanghai is located at Fourth Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79162028 or +63 977 2414903.

Other branches are located at:

  • Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
  • Second Floor, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
  • Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City
  • Ground Floor, AllHome, C-5 Road Extension, Manuyo, Las Piñas City

Modern Shanghai also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Modern Shanghai Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Check out my posts about other restos of The Bistro Group: