Mozu's Choco Lava

Just had to post one of the many desserts I heart <3

Choco Lava, Php 125 from Mozu Cafe

Shared this heavenly piece of dessert with a few of my girlfriends from the office. Words that will justify this escape me now, but please believe me when I say this is sooo good. I will edit as soon as I am capable of writing something more fitting again.

Bar Dolci's Gelato

During our last fostering activity, I finally had the chance to try out the Gelato at Bar Dolci. I've been eyeing to try this out the last time I was in the Burgos Circle area, but I remembered being too full at that time.

Instead of getting a small cup with just one flavor which would cost Php120, our team lead let us get the Php200-peso cup with 3 flavors. Gelato overload!

I got Thai Tea Milk, Ferrero and Starciatella. And all three were very good - I highly recommend them! One of my teammates got Pistachio, which I also liked. I also tried their supposed bestseller, Salted Caramel, but I didn't quite like it (apparently, this is James Yap's fave, according to our ate server). On my next visit, I'd try Chocolate Mint, Extra Dark Chocolate and Chocnut. Yes, I'm a chocolate lover =)

I'd definitely go back for the other gelato flavors, cocktail popsicles and their colorful macaroons, which I've heard are also good =)

 

Bar Dolci
F133 Forbeswood Heights corner Burgos Circle Area
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(63 2) 4153333

Pagbilao with my girls

I realy like going to less popular, exotic places around the country. I just think that when I get old it will be a lot harder for me to go to these wonderful, raw places with no modern accommodations, organized travel routes and sophisticated restaurants.

And so yet again, I went on to take the road less travelled with my two best girlfriends with me.

This time the chosen place is a secluded beach cove in Pagbilao, Quezon called Puting Buhangin, its main attraction other than its fine, white sand is the cave on its one end called Kwebang Lampas.

And so I searched up the net, packed up my bags, went on to ride a southbound bus to Quezon, went down to Lucena, and from there we asked around how to get there. We had 2 more jeepney rides, a very bumpy tricycle ride, a short banca cruise across a lake and a 10-minute trek, and we're there. Travel going there is just ok for me, but I'm not sure if it's the kind everybody can take. Hehe.

One landmark to check if you're on the right track is the Pagbilao Power Plant. If you see this phallic tower, then you're right on track.

When we got there, I think it was well worth it =)

I'd have to be honest though, this shot was taken after everybody left and we had the beach all to ourselves. The beach can get a little crowded, so if you opt not to take one of the huts (we didn't), better secure up your spot. This was my view while I lying down on the spot where we laid our mats for the length of our stay.

This shot of the coconut trees up above my head would inspire me for weeks ahead. Life can be so good =) I think up to now this is still my phone screensaver =)

On other end of the cove is a cave which actually just opens up to the open sea, at one point there were also some kids jumping off from the cliff above the cave. Actually looked exciting. One day, I'd do that =)

We went there to explore a bit and of course, to get some more photos!

The place was well worth the travel. However, be warned - there are no available running water facilities and shower areas. So we went back to Manila without fresh showers. So while I have no regrets looking up for the place, I'd probably won't necessarily be back there anytime soon. And besides, I have a rule: No same destination twice. Haha =)

It wasn't the most relaxing trip, mainly because of the travel (we took public transpo!), but I felt recharged after. I guess the sight of the beach, swimming in the crystal clear waters, along with the sacrifice of the commute can be quite good for the soul =)

If you're planning your next trip, I'd say you should consider Pagbilao =)

Chelsea Market

One rainy saturday afternoon, I had a fancy merienda with one of my favorite kid in the world. We were supposed to eat at Abe, but at 2:30 PM it was already closed, so we ended up at the restaurant right across it, Chelsea Market.

We were first served with complimentary focacia bread with the mandatory dip while we were placing our orders. Nothing really special with the bread, but it made for a good appetizer.

reminds me of Italianni's

I had Three Truffled Mushroom Pasta, while my friend had Pork Belly, which was served on a bed of mashed potatoes and side veggies.



I liked how the truffled mushrooms blended well with the pasta's creamy sauce. At first glance, I thought it would end up tasting like the next carbonara, but the truffle flavor gave the dish a different kick, which I really, really loved. Serving is huge, and would be good enough for two.

My friend's Pork Belly had very crispy skin, which was sooo good. I know I said I'd start eating healthy, but this was very inviting. And the potatoes! I'm a potato person, and Chelsea's mashed potatoes did not disappoint. It was creamy and complimented well with the asparagus and the pork on top of it.

Chelsea Market is honestly quite expensive for me, considering its casual dining set-up. I did like the laid-back feel of the whole place, with kitschy stuff here and there, making good conversation topics while dining. In addition, I liked the overeall lightning, which was bright and gave off the vibe that it was a happy place. So while I did find it expensive, if it's just once in a while, I'd say it's worth it.

Chelsea Marlet

Ground Level Serendra Piazza

GBC Taguig City

Tower of Bones

And so it's back.

And here is the evidence, ladies and gentlemen:

Have a break, have a Kitkat...Mint!

We come across small, wonderful discoveries every once in a while. This had been mine from the past week:

Kitkat Mint!

Chocolate + Mint is just pure <3

 



Afternoon merienda @ Toast Box

I always welcome new restaurants / fastfoods around the office with wide, open arms as The Fort definitely lacks the eating options that Ayala has. I've been reading around the net that Hainanese Chicken Rice is so much better in Toast Box (in Greenbelt before) than in Wee Nam Kee. Was pretty much keen to try it out, so I was really happy when they opened a branch near the office.

They were still on soft opening when I came and the owners/manager and staff were pretty much stressed, but you'd have to forgive them for that, at least for now; I wanted a chillax cafe feel that afternoon, but I was quite stressed with the atmosphere inside the shop. But then again, I was sitting near the cashier / open kitchen area, so I could feel the tension, haha.

And since I haven't been eating rice lately, I decided to order the Hainanese sandwich instead, of course with my favorite milk tea =) The sandwich was just so-so, I might not crave for it anytime soon, but I'd definitely go back for my milk tea fix =) It was thick and creamy, and oh-so lovely =)

And because I'm sooo pinoy, I dunked my bread onto my tea and popped it into my mouth. Aaahh, and i'm a kid again =)

Craving for kopi or teh? Toast Box now open at BGC E-Services Building, 31st St. cor, Rizal Drive.