hot chocolate – Jellybeans in the City

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:

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

#YouButterBelieveIt: Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are your new favorite treat!

If you’re a fan of Pinoy-style pastries, you’ve probably heard of Cheese Rolls. These soft and fluffy bread rolls stuffed with cheese have been a favorite among Filipinos for years.

These yummy pastries are made using basically the same dough as another Filipino bakery classic: the ensaymada. The dough is soft, fluffy, and buttery, providing the perfect canvas for the sweet and salty combination of flavors that Cheese Rolls are known for. The cheese filling brings a pop of richness and saltiness in the middle of the sweet and pillowy bread.

The good news is that you may now get your cravings for Cheese Rolls satisfied at Butter Grill.

A perfect complement to Butter Grill’s hotplate specials

Butter Grill has become a trending food court destination, thanks to its delicious Pinoy Hotplate Specials. After enjoying its Butter Sliced Pork, Butter Sliced Beef, Mixed Seafood, Peppered Bangus, Beef Tendon, or Angus Burger Steak, finish off your meal with one of Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls. The sweetness of the pastry and the savory flavors of the hotplate specials complement each other perfectly.

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Take home a sweet treat

Don’t have time to dine in? No problem. Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are also perfect for takeout. Grab a few pieces to enjoy for breakfast, merienda, or as a snack while binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix. Pair them with a mug of brewed coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.

Affordable and accessible

Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are also affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious dessert lovers. Each piece costs only Php54.50, so you can indulge without breaking the bank.

Where to find Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls

Ready to try Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls for yourself? Head to the Butter Grill stall at The Landmark’s Supermart Foodcenter along Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City. Grab a few pieces and see what makes these Pinoy-style pastries so special. #YouDeserveButter when it comes to sweet treats, so go ahead and indulge yourself with Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Butter Grill on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous post about Butter Grill:

Enjoy delish Filipino hotplate your way at Butter Grill, The Landmark

Specialty coffee and gourmet dishes at The Coffee Academics Cafe in Makati

During an overcast Saturday morning in Makati’s Central Business District, you would think that the cafes there would be nigh deserted. After all, office workers who rely on their cuppa to energize them for their workday are mostly at home, enjoying the extra time they can spend in bed snoozing.

However, such is not the case at the Coffee Academics Cafe along Carlos Palanca Street. In this cozy yet well-appointed establishment, there is a hustle and bustle of activity: patrons coming in for their takeout orders, some staying to enjoy their coffee and light meal inside as baristas and servers hasten to serve up the drinks and dishes.

The world standard in coffee

The Coffee Academics Cafe is the first Metro Manila presence of Hong Kong’s favorite coffee hotspot, joining its sister branches in Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai. Known for setting the standards in specialty coffee and for delivering unique coffeehouse experiences to its clientele, TCA is a welcome addition to Makati’s gastronomic scene and prime destination for serious coffee aficionados.

Specialty Coffee

TCA sources only the top 5% of specialty arabica coffee from sustainable and fair-trade institutions worldwide, with the aim of ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and local livelihoods. Since its founding in 2012, it has garnered awards and recognition from global industry bodies and media outlets for its coffee products and practices.

Its strong grounding in its trade allows it to make delicious coffee creations that wow its customers, such as:

Specialty gourmet dishes

Your foodie adventure at TCA does not stop with coffee, however. With its unique takes on cafe fare, you can sate your hunger while indulging in your favorite brews.

These include:

Nori Nachos and Hummus (Php350). Homemade nori rice chips served with mixed pea hummus topped with Harissa chili, Lucban Longganisa and Kesong Puti.

Eggs Royale Bibingka (Php445).Toasted Quezo Bibingka Muffins topped with young pork tocino and poached eggs drizzled with dalandan Hollaindaise.

Prawn & Aligue Pasta (Php495). Buckwheat pasta on a bed of coconut cream sauce topped with seared prawns and crabfat, garnished with fried basil and nori rice chips.

KFC 2.0 & Kimchi Fried Rice (Php445). Boneless fried chicken thighs doused in Korean-style garlic soy glaze on a bed of kimchi and spam fried rice topped with furikake flakes with a side of caramelized sweet potato.

Steak Rice (Php795). Bistro steak and seared mushrooms on a bed of Japanese-style steak rice topped with furikake, Asian chimi and homemade demi glace.

As you can see, you can definitely do more than just enjoying a cuppa (or two!) at The Coffee Academics Cafe!

You can come in for a leisurely coffee break, a light snack or a filling meal.

Savoring your coffee and food in this relaxing atmosphere is an experience in itself.

You can also bring your TCA experience to your home, as it retails its signature coffee blends in whole beans, Nespresso-compatible capsules or drip bag sets.

The Coffee Academics Cafe is located at 109 Don Carlos Palanca Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, open daily from 7am to 12 midnight.

A new branch is set to open soon at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang.

Know more about The Coffee Academics through its website, or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items served were not paid for by the attendees.

Sumptuous snacking at Silverspoon, Tomas Morato

Did you welcome the loosening of quarantine restrictions and the prospect of being able to dine out?

I know I did!

Aside from the assurance that the pandemic is steadily easing its hold on the metro, the added freedom to wander about has allowed me and my friends to meet up for a sumptuous snack at one of my new favorite haunts: Silverspoon.

A cozy and hidden spot in a busy food haven

This little cafe tucked away in a quiet side street near the busy food hotspot Tomas Morato Avenue is the brainchild of young entrepreneur Decie Montefrio, who transitioned her thriving food delivery business during the pandemic into a lovely brick-and-mortar restaurant that serves a combination of Filipino and intercontinental dishes.

I just love its minimalist aesthetic and comfy furnishings, it offers you a bright yet cozy setting for a satisfying meal or a light repast, whether you’re going solo or with friends.

Plus, the place also offers WiFi access so you can enjoy a change of scenery as you study or do some remote work here.

Expanded menu to include snackables

Recently, Decie and her team expanded Silverspoon’s menu to also include lighter dishes, perfect for a quick lunch or snack in between meals.

These include tasty sandwiches accompanied by a side of fries and housemade sauce, as well as mouth-watering appetizers and a kid-friendly pasta dish which can be paired with Silverspoon’s signature handcrafted drinks. Check them out!

Tapa Burger (Php265). Tender slivers of savory cured beef on cucumber and tomato, topped with julienned greens.

Mushroom Burger (Php265). Silverspoon’s vegetarian sandwich option with thin mushroom slivers sauteed in garlic on cucumber and tomato topped with crispy-fried veggies.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Php275). Crispy Southern-fried chicken breast fillet on cucumber and tomato topped with crispy onion rings and julienned greens.

Fish Fillet Sandwich (Php290). Crispy fried fillet of fish on cucumber and tomato topped with crispy onion rings and julienned greens

Grilled Sausage Sandwich (Php310). Cheese-filled Hungarian sausage on cucumber and tomatoes topped with crispy-fried veggies.

SS Clubhouse (Php380). Generous layers of bacon, ham and egg with cucumber and tomatoes in between slices of lightly toasted bread served with a side of crunchy potato chips.

Buffalo Chicken Wings (Php250). Juicy fried chicken wing pieces covered in Buffalo glaze (your choice among 3 levels of spiciness) and served with housemade aioli.

Filipino-Style Meatball Spaghetti (Php285). A delight for kids who love sweet-style spaghetti, especially with the giant cheese-filled meatball at the center.

Ube Macapuno Cheesecake (Php245). Two Pinoy dessert flavors – ube and macapuno – combined in one decadent cheesecake.

Brewed Coffee (Php115). Freshly brewed from Arabica beans with Sagada, Kalinga, Barako, Hazelnut and Macadamia variants, available hot or iced.

Chocolate (Php120). Silverspoon’s Signature classic thick and comforting chocolate, available hot or iced.

With such delicious inclusions to Silverspoon’s menu, it’s definitely all-set to be my all-day foodie haunt.

So the next time you crave for some snackables and want to hang out somewhere comforting and cozy, grab a friend or two and drop by Silverspoon to get that spoonful of happiness.

Silverspoon Kitchenette is located at 81 Scout Gandia Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in, takeout or delivery from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries, reservations or delivery orders, call +63 917 1603327. It also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

For updates on its latest offers, follow Silverspoon on Facebook or Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food-tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to facilitate an honest review and were not paid for by the attendees.

Check out my previous posts about Silverspoon:

Silver Spoon PH — ‘Tis the start of the season for fam celebrations with Silverspoon

Silverspoon Kitchenette — 3 reasons to treat your Valentine to a meal at Silverspoon, Tomas Morato

Marites’ Day Out at Toby’s Estate and Pinks, BGC

Everyday is a good day for teams of Marites to come together and exchange some of those proverbial “tea.”

If the encounter happens in a posh area with lots of green spaces such as in the eateries in Bonifacio Global City, then so much the better. (Because Maritesses love them some nature!)

How do I know this?

Because I’m a Marites myself, and I recently swarmed together with my fellow Maritesses for some “tea” and company at BGC.

Toby’s Estate

Our first stop was in Toby’s Estate, home of beautiful coffee sustainably sourced from farmers around the globe. (Because we Maritesses care about sustainability!)

Here, we exchanged chikas over a filling and energizing brunch, which included:

Mocha (Php190). A hot latte made with a splash of rich chocolate syrup.

Hot Chocolate (Php170). A rich and comforting cocoa drink.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Php295). Oodles of melty cheese in crisp butter-toasted bread served with house-made potato chips and a tangy tomato compote.

Eggs Benedict (Php385). My breakfast of choice composed of sliced ham topped with poached eggs on over toasted English muffins, all drenched with house-made Hollandaise sauce.

This tita-ish brunch powered us for a day of lively conversations.

However, the fun didn’t stop here because we hopped over right next door to…

Pink’s Hotdogs and Burgers

At this local offshoot of Hollywood famous hotdog franchise, our group of Maritesses continued on our merry exchanges.

We didn’t see any Tinseltown celebrities but we did bond over some yummy snackables:

Milkshakes (Php322). Nothing feels like a childhood indulgence quite look a tall glass of milkshakes.

Hand-cut French Fries (Php190). Freshly deep-fried sticks of potatoes served with ketchup. Great for munching!

Sausage Sampler (Php620). Sausages served with pickles, mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise.

With such munchable treats, who would want this Maritess’ Day Out to end?

These branches of Toby’s Estate and Pink’s Hot Dogs are located at the the High Street Park, Shangri-la at the Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

What’s your bet for your chika session snackables with your Maritess friends?

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Arancia (Php220). Freshly squeezed orange juice.

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).

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

Beef Lasagna (Php240).

Chicken Alfredo (Php260).

Tuna in Pesto Sauce (Php240).

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

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

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.

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.

Crema & Cream Bistro + Coffee Lab, Tomas Morato

Coffee culture is steadily gaining ground in the metro, with cafes and coffee shops offering high quality and specialty brews. Coffee has evolved from being just another beverage to a social lubricant.

In the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area in QC, for instance, a new coffee establishment has sprung up, ready to elevate the coffee experience of local foodies while paving the way for friends and family to get together over their favorite coffee blends.

Crema & Cream Bistro + Coffee Lab started as a specialty coffee roaster not just supplying aficionados with coffee beans especially roasted to highlight their unique flavors, but also providing training and consultations to budding coffee experts.

Early this year, it opened its flagship store along Timog Avenue where it not only serves its quality brews but also a well-curated menu of dishes that will appeal to the metro’s epicures. It also features an inviting space for coffee lovers to work or hang out in solitude or dine together with like-minded companions.

Together with my officemates, I ventured out to Crema and Cream to experience it first-hand. Our lunch repast included:

Asian Chicken Salad (Php325). Honey-soy-and-garlic glazed fried chicken cutlets tossed into seasonal greens doused with wasabi mayo dressing and topped with fried wonton, mango, toasted almonds, corn, red radish, pickled red onion, edamame, nori, bonito flakes and toasted sesame seeds.

Mushroom Trio Toast (Php225). Mushroom jam served over arugula, tomato, feta cheese and topped with a poached egg over a slice of sourdough toast.

Chicken Waffle (Php325). Fried chicken cutlet served with a rosemary and cheese waffle topped with a fried egg and drizzled with a honey brown butter sauce.

Sausage and Egg Toast (Php255). Diced sausage and scrambled eggs served with caramelized onions, tomatoes and cheese on sourdough toast.

Pan-seared Salmon (Php565). Pan-seared salmon fillet served with French beans, cherry tomatoes, diced vegetables, herb pesto mashed potato with lemon butter cream sauce.

We also enjoyed some of Crema & Cream’s signature brews together with our meal. This included:

Hot Chocolate (Php140).

Mango and Peach Black Tea (Php120).

Flat White (Php150).

Cappuccino (Php140).

While the viands are not as hearty as we would like our lunch meal to be, the flavors presented are new and exciting. I wouldn’t mind returning to taste more of Crema & Cream’s offerings.

Crema and Cream Cafe Bistro + Coffee Lab is located at 116-B Timog Avenue corner 11th Jamboree Street, Bgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays from 8am to 11pm, and Fridays to Saturdays from 8am to 12 midnight. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 2 7130662.

Tsokolate Ah and more at Tsoko.Nut Batirol, Tomas Morato

Dessert cafes abound in the metro, but how many of them do you see touting our very own tsokolate – the Pinoy version of hot chocolate?

Would you believe I first heard of this delicacy back in high school while studying Noli Me Tangere? Jose Rizal’s literary masterpiece features a scene wherein the characters assign social status to the thickness of the hot chocolate served.

During a social gathering, Padre Salvi (one of the more nefarious characters in the novel), serves tsokolate eh (from espresso, meaning thick, due to the richness of the hot chocolate served) for Spanish visitors and dignitaries, while tsokolate ah (from aguado, meaning watered down) was served to the locals, which is probably why this is sometimes referred to as the native hot chocolate.

(Aside: being a racist and a snob are the least of Padre Salvi’s character flaws.)

The latter variant is available at Tsoko.Nut Batirol, a small cafe located in Quezon City’s Tomas Morato Area. The batirol in the cafe’s name refers to the implement used in mixing the hot chocolate to make sure that the tablea (chocolate tablets) are dissolved and well-incorporated into the drink.

The cafe has an Old World feel to it, with furniture and interiors that harken back to ancestral homes in the provinces. It also makes use of its own signature mug for its hot beverages which adds to its quaint appeal.

Together with my office buddies, I went here for some dessert which included:

Tsokolate Ah Batirol (Php88 regular | Php98 large). The aforementioned native hot chocolate is no longer a comment on one’s station. Instead, this is an indulgent treat for any chocolate lover. Made in the traditional way: using chocolate tablea, milk and ground peanuts, this drink will take you back in time.

Mini Chocolate Cake (Php110). A rich and chocolatey confection of moist cake and thick chocolate icing.

Mango Torte (Php99). A frozen cheesecake topped with artfully arranged mango slices on on a crust of graham cracker crumbs. It’s so pretty, we almost didn’t want to eat it. Well, almost. 🤪

I’d love to spend a more leisurely afternoon here, just enjoying my sweets and my cup of native hot choco. I wonder when that would be…

This Tsoko.Nut Batirol branch is located near the corner of Scout Reyes Street and Mother Ignacia Avenue, Bgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3979939.

Other branches are located at:

Food Court, Third Floor, Eastwood Cybermall, Libis, Quezon City
Upper Ground Floor, Worldwide Corporate Center, Shaw Boulevard, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Ground Floor, Telus Building, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
Third Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa

Morning sweets at Cupcakes by Sonja, BGC

A friend and I suddenly found ourselves with some time on our hands while in Serendra yesterday morning, so we decided to break our fast at Cupcakes by Sonja.

This store was Manila’s first ever cupcake store, opened by Sonja Ocampo to bring the cupcake experiences she had in New York to our shores.

The store has the charm of a corner bakery: from its colorful storefront, the quaint bric-a-bracs inside to the lovely display of goodies available.

Cupcakes by Sonja features whimsical pastries baked fresh daily, using premium ingredients and no preservatives. Expanding its repertoire beyond the classic cupcakes flavors, its menu now includes hybrid cupcakes, full-sized cakes and pies.

Today, the shop offers these goodies paired with house-made hot beverages such as in Hey Hot Stuff Combo 1 which gives the diners a slice of cake and a choice among latte, cappuccino and hot chocolate for only Php179.

I got myself a Reverse Salted Caramel + Latte. The Valrhona chocolate cake base is richly flavored and moist, wrapped in layers of salted caramel buttercream. The latte I had with it is not too sweet, a good complement to such a decadent dessert.

My friend got the Rainbow Fiesta + Hot Chocolate. The cake is made of six layers of fluffy vanilla chiffon cake in different rainbow colors finished with marahmallow frosting and garnished candy sprinkles.

I also got myself a Red Velvet Vixen Cupcake (Php95). Did you know that Cupcakes by Sonja was the first store to offer this classic Southern American cupcake flavor in the Philippines? I remember having my first taste of this confection in this very store more thab a decade ago, and this cupcake still holds its appeal to me. With a decadent Belgian chocolate cupcake base, colored with that deep red hue, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it has become quite a local favorite.

I had a lovely return to this wonderful store for my morning sweets.

This Cupcakes by Sonja branch is located at Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 8am to 11am and Fridays to Saturdays from 8am to 12 midnight.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Mega Mall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Second Floor, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati