It was a hot, hot Saturday afternoon.  Bubba picked me up from the spanking new office of Geiser Maclang after lunch.  Since we were already in Makati, Bubba thought of picking up the ice cream Bev texted him about.

 

This wasn’t the first time Bubba tasted Bev’s homemade ice cream.  The first time he tasted it, he kept yapping how he liked it.  I couldn’t relate that time.

 

 

I tried the ube version when there was “Burger Wars” at Bev’s place early this year –where she and Gretchen did a burger cook-off.  Delicious grilled burgers… it was a tough call to choose the better one.  I’d save that for another post.

 

Black Sesame Ice Cream

 

Since we didn’t bring a cooler like Bev instructed, we had to eat the ice cream ASAP.  No complaints here.

 

Bubba’s car was our sole witness as we scoop one ice cream bite after the other like we were in a tight race.  I don’t know if I can get ice cream with black sesame flavor that’s as good anywhere else but I simply love Bev’s Black Sesame Ice Cream.  The flavor wasn’t too overpowering but you get that right hint of black sesame amidst the dense texture of creaminess. 

 

The heat was extreme outside but the ice cream was as intense.  Bev, I’d be first at the door when you open an Ice Cream parlor.

 

 

Bubba told me that Bev invested on a good (read: expensive) ice cream maker at home and the quality of her ingredients is top-notch.  I wish I know how to do this at home.  I can’t wait to try her other flavors.  She came up with Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream last week and we are dying to find out how that tastes like.

 

For small orders, contact Bev Tiu at emailforicecream@gmail.com.

 

Thanks Bev!

 

 

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To get the kids started on their planned blog that plans to give their fellow kids in Pembo a voice on community issues, as well as share with them the positive insights learned from Hands On Manila’s Galing Mo Kid Program, we got some bloggers to tutor them on the basics of this media. Mr. Juned Sonido, Mr. Arpee Lazaro, and Ms. Jane Chua kindly allocated one Saturday morning for us. Starbucks, via CSR Manager Zarah Perez, with the help of Leizl Ebdane, generously hosted the session.  –Therese Panganiban

 

Location: Starbucks, Makati 

 

This short info on Therese’s Album basically captures what that Saturday morning was about.  I had a blast being around kids (okay, I don’t know if kids are still the right term since they are 12-year olds but with my age, it feels like we are eons apart) because they bring such a different energy and vibe.  That session with them also made me reminisce stuff I occupied myself with during that age.

 

It’s that tender time that you are free to take a step at any direction (guided, of course)… without making too many mistakes.  There’s just a whole future ahead of you and the world seems to be your oyster.

 

 

Thanks to Juned, Zarah and Therese for inviting me to be part of the forum.

 

Looking forward to another session with them!

 

XOXO,

Ate Janey

 

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Right after a fresh and hearty dinner at Tsumura, Bubba drove me to Jupiter Street in Makati, where he claims to have found the “chocolate martini” I’ve been looking for.

 

From the same Philippine distributors of the famous chocolate brands, Maitre Chocolatier provides another venue for chocolate lovers to get their hands on a great selection of chocolate bars, candies, and other assortments. 

 

 

The chocolate brands they exclusively distribute include Ferrero, Toblerone, Lindt, Stork, Rittersport and Frey.

 

On the Table

 

Bailey’s Chocolate Vodka Martini PHP 130

I wasn’t really too thrilled with the Bailey’s Chocolate Vodka Martini.  I wasn’t even served a dessert spoon to help me scoop the chocolate mush at the bottom, unless it comes with a stick of chocolate I can comfortably stir it with.

 

 

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Ice Cream Corner

 

Ferrero Hazelnut Gelato PHP 30

 

 

 

Chocolate Pistachio Gelato with Lindt Pistatchio PHP 30

 

 

Cappuccino Gelato with Ritter Sport Cappuccino PHP 30

 

 

The ice cream scoops were creamy and delish, makes me think that this is a perfect ice cream dessert place after a wonderful dinner some place else.  The different scoops brought out the distinct chocolate flavors of each brand.

 

He’s the ”sweetness” in My Deep Dark Chocolate heart :D

 

Service was so-so and without much enthusiasm.  The interiors with plush furniture are foxy, modern and posh –and all the sweets around create a romantic vibe perfect mood setting for a date.  I only wish that service could be more inclined.  I will probably go back with Bubba to try the other chocolate concoctions.  Eye-loving the chocolate sampler with churros and will try it the next time.

 

There are so many other desserts to try: White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse, Toblerone Marbled Crepe, Ferrero Hazelnut Crunch, Chocolate Fondue… I want the classic hot chocolate paired with the chocolate sampler! Mm-mm!  I got my name written all over it!  

 

 

 

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

2A, No. 28 Jupiter corner Astra Streets,

Bel Air, Makati

(632) 897 8559/(632) 896 2529

 

 

Maitre Choclatier Boutique Café Album

 

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Bubba took me out on a dinner date late last Saturday night.  Destination: Tsumura.

 

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt for enthusiasts of high quality and reasonably priced sushi.  A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

 

 

It’s not that difficult to find Tsumura once you’ve located the building.  Just go straight pass the elevators and walk up the stairs leading to the doors of Tsumura.

 

On the Table

 

Free Appetizer

Bubba says it’s eel… *shrugs* beats me, I’ve never tried breaded eel in a light sauce.

 

 

 

Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni.  The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel.  Unfortunately, other than the usual sashimi suspects of salmon, tuna and sometimes mackerel, I’m not really a big fan of fish –particularly raw fish at that.

 

 

Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

 

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive.  The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef.  It is simply an indulgence in fine food.  The taste is divine.

 

Notice that the beef glistens…

 

Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

Grilled beef –Bubba’s order and this seems to be the standout dish for him that evening. 

 

 

Served with potato salad

 

 

Uni PHP 80

I just got to order it

 

 

Rice PHP 80

 

 

 

Sake Shot PHP 220

Like in any other Japanese restaurant, one can opt to have it hot or cold.

 

 

There’s nothing to harp about the service since wait staff is attentive and efficient.  They are very knowledgeable about the menu and comfortably easy to joke around with in case you want to break the stiffness. 

 

 

Authentic Japanese food that highlights fresh imported sashimi and wagyu beef, Tsumura has really made its mark in the Makati scene as one of the best Japanese restaurants around.  From good food to laughable sake moments, I had a fantastic Saturday dinner with Bubba last weekend.  Thanks Bubbs! *BIG BUBBALICIOUS HUG*

 

 

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

 

 

Tsumura Album

 

 

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Jayvee invited a few friends to the Wine Museum last Wednesday for an open discussion on promoting travel opportunities in the Philippines with the Travel Cooperative of the Philippines (TCP).  TCP’s mission is to help expand the reach of travel co-ops in the Philippines and in other countries. 

 

 

TCP is the first IATA accredited travel co-op.  Robert Lim Joseph, chairman and CEO of TCP, says that the organization aims to educate and train the travel agents, tour operators and other stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry in order to usher a culture of tourism that values love of country. 

 

 

The Wine Museum has all the tradition, romance, and enchantment of a museum, a hotel and a wine restaurant.  It’s a family-oriented establishment with rooms to stay in and good colonial and Spanish cuisines.  It also serves as a Wine Education Center where it also houses seminars on proper tasting and the wine industry. 

 

 

The dining area offers a selection of wines from different countries, which are available by the bottle or glass.  They also have a Wine Station where the wines are dispensed by a computerized wine vending machine imported from Napa Valley, California.

 

On the Table

 

Gambas Al Ajillo PHP 100 – PHP 300

 

 

Paella PHP 220 – PHP 580

 

 

Sole Fish (I forgot to take note of the name)

 

 

Crispy Toro PHP 270

 

 

Malunggay Lemon Drink

Quite refreshing!

 

(I wasn’t able to take note of the wines they served us or the strawberry coffee liquor -long day at work, that’s my excuse)

 

Service is friendly and professional.  Other than the delectable Spanish food, wine enthusiasts are provided a choice of 24 wines at anytime for tasting in glass sizes of 25ml, 75ml and 150ml.

 

 

The Wine Museum

2253 Aurora Boulevard (formerly Tramo Road)

Pasay City, Manila

(632) 853 5894

 

 

The Wine Museum Album

 

More Photos:

 

 

 

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Rumor has it that Timbaland will have a concert in Manila and his special guest is supposedly Justin Timberlake!!!  I love Timbaland but shouldn’t it be the other way around –a JT concert in Manila featuring Timbaland?  At any rate, I don’t mind who’s on the spotlight but I would love to see both Justin Timberlake and Timbaland in one show -it would be one sizzling performance!!!

 

 

U92 is launching, which is the push behind the concert of Timbaland who is supposedly coming to Manila together with Jojo and JT.  I’m so excited to get confirmation on this soon.  My only gripe is, I wish it was going to be held in Araneta Coliseum. 

 

 

Changing Lives: Timbaland and Jojo Live in Manila 

(And a surprise special guest… JT, is that you?)

 

March 27,2010

SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

Ticket prices:

PHP 4651.20

PHP 3100.80

PHP 1550.40

PHP 310.08

 

Tickets will be available in all Ticketworld outlets.  Call 891-9999 for more details about this show

 

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With summer fast approaching, travel plans and summer getaways are coming up. It’s nice to know that when you use your Metrobank Credit Card to book flights or shop for your summer essentials, you’ll also get free treats from Greenwich!

 

 

As early as February, you can enjoy a Greenwich Beefy Baked Macaroni for a minimum spend of P2,000 and Greenwich Solo Pizza for a minimum spend of P3,000. Plus, for an accumulated spend of P10,000 get a Greenwich Family Thin Crust Pizza, perfect for takeout on the way to your summer outing!

 

PROMO MECHANICS

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. ____, Series of 2010.

For the latest promos, visit www.metrobankcard.com

This promotion is open to Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard, and PSBank MasterCard cardholders.

 

Cardholders must surrender their charge slips to get FREE Greenwich Products.              

 

For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P2,000, get ONE of the following:  

 

Free 1 order of Beefy Baked Macaroni                                              

Free 1 order of Meaty Spaghetti                

For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P3,000,    get ONE of the following:

Free 1 order of Solo Pizza                                                             

(Available variants: Greenwich Special, Hawaiian, Ham & Cheese)

Free 1 order of Lasagna Supreme                

For accumulated charge slips worth a total valid spend of P10,000 get ONE Family Thin Crust Pizza. Available variants:                                

Ultimate Hawaiian Overload                                                                                                               

Greenwich Special Overload                                 

Triple Ham & Cheese Overload                                 

Philly Cheesesteak Overload                                               

Extreme Cheese & Sausage Overload                                               

Hawaiian Classic                                 

Ham & Cheese Classic

 

Valid spend includes all retail transactions (examples of retail transactions are purchases at groceries, department stores, gasoline stations, restaurants, etc.), and merchant installment transactions (examples of merchant installment transactions are installment purchase of appliances, jewelry, etc). Online or internet credit card transactions are excluded from this promotion.

To redeem the free Greenwich products, cardholders must surrender their      original valid charge slips, and present their Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard at any of the participating Greenwich branches.

 

For the charge slips to be valid for redemption:                    

Name and card number on the charge slip must be the same as the name and card number on the Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard Credit Card presented.                            

Transaction date of the surrendered charge slip must be within the promo period.                      

Unreadable charge slips are not valid for redemption. Cardholders must redeem Greenwich products using their charge slips before they fade.

 

 

Promo period is February 1 to April 30, 2010; redemption period is from        February 1 to June 30, 2010. Cardholders can avail a maximum of three products per day.

Redemption will not be allowed on the following dates: February 14, April 1, and April 2, 2010.

Should it be proven that a cardholder was able to redeem Greenwich products without adhering to the above mechanics, the cost of the Greenwich products will be charged to the cardholder’s credit card account.

 

 

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Bubba and I celebrated our 3^rd year anniversary Wednesday night, (02-10-2010).  I volunteered to think of our dinner destination but it was a stressful week at work this week so I just passed on the task to Bubba.  He was trying to keep it a mystery but when the car hit Zamora St. somewhere in Manila, he looked at me and knew that I knew where we were headed (his forever complaint is, it’s really hard to surprise me).  With a heavy sigh and a shaking head, he said, “I should write a book entitled, How to Date a Date Expert.”  I just laughed.

 

 

The 2650 gate opened to a discreet residence with a beautiful patch of garden.  There are some tables outside where one can enjoy summer dining.  We parked conveniently inside and walked towards the house.

 

 

A classic garden-type of setting across a serene Koi pond surrounded by lush greenery sets the stage for the dining ambience in My Mother’s Garden.  The vibe of the residence of National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio follows the same warm rustic charm as the outside.

 

 

 

The architectural buildings that Pablo S. Antonio created are displayed in framed photographs hanging on the wall.  Bubba pre-ordered so while waiting for them to serve the dishes, I gave Bubba my gift –the music video of his surprise party.  We played it on his laptop creating a bit of a noise (alternative song by Daughtry) in the otherwise tranquil place.

 

 

The place for me is reminiscent of the relaxed feeling of dining at Casa San Pablo in Laguna. 

 

How sweet huh, we can fit 3 more people between us ;) 

 

(Oh, he brought me flowers)

 (Uhm… uhm… uhm… *vocalizing*)

 

On the Table

 

Salad with Homemade Dressing

Fresh greens with two choices of dressing

 

 

Grilled Shrimps

 

 

Clams

 

 

 

Mustard Chicken

 

 

Tenderloin Steak

4 pieces of tender and juicy steak –cooked medium with au jus sauce

Highlight of our entire meal are the steak and the refreshing drink (assorted fruits concoction).  We really enjoyed the succulent steak.

 

 

Pasta (choice of fettucini or angel hair)

*with black olives

*with fresh tomatoes -pomodoro style

 

 

White Rice and Brown Rice

 

 

Assorted Desserts

 

 

 

We were adequately served -although it could be better.  We were almost done with desserts when the beautiful Malu Veloso arrived.  According to Bubba, she was so easy to talk to and was very accommodating.  Malu Veloso also designs bridal gowns -check out her bridal shop at the lower ground level of Podium. 

 

(That’s our PEACE sign)

 

My Mother’s Garden accepts private bookings so be sure to reserve ahead of time especially this coming Valentine weekend.

 

 

My Mother’s Garden

2650 Zamora St.

Pasay City

(632) 831 8407

Malu Antonio Veloso (+63917) 600 8886

 

My Mother’s Garden Album

 

 

Driving Directions:

Drive through Edsa, turn right to the street before you reach Taft Avenue.  Landmark for the street is Kabayan Hotel –that’s Zamora St (near Taft  MRT Station).

 

 

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Le Souffle-owned and operated, it has such a warm gentle ambience that highlights the beautiful Makati skyline.  The mood is relaxed and unhurried, even if it is located at one of the busiest buildings in the business district.  Smartly decorated in white and beige tones and with fresh flowers on the table.

 

 

On the Table

 

Bread and Butter (Free) 

 

French Onion Soup PHP

I love soups and French Onion soup is one of the top favorites I order –especially if it’s coming from the kitchen of Le Souffle.  Slowly cooked onions in a semi-sweet (coming from the natural sugar of the onion) delicious broth, topped with crouton and generously smothered with cheese.

 

 

Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops PHP 1,100

4 racks of perfectly seasoned and grilled lamb chops in garlic rosemary jus, accompanied by assorted vegetables and blanched spinach and mashed potato.

 

 

Duck Confit PHP 850

Duck confit in eschallot sauce, served the same as above, with vegetables.  Bubba found it a tad salty for his taste but since it’s duck and the meat was tender, he finished the plate including the crispy skin.

 

 

Service is top-notch by a professional staff who are knowledgeable about the dishes and see to it that everything runs smoothly.  Customer satisfaction is very important to them.  The dishes that Le Souffle concocts are still mighty impressive –almost never disappoints.

 

 

Le Souffle Top of the Citi

34/F Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas,

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 750 5810

 

 

Le Souffle Top of the Citi Album

 

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February 1, 2010.  It’s a slow Monday for Greenbelt 5, quiet and unrushed, just how I wanted the day to be.  Tapella was the choice restaurant for lunch that afternoon.  The restaurant has two dining areas, one outdoor perfect on a cool evening or a not-so-hot summer day, while the interior has a soft beige and red color scheme.   

 

 

As the name suggests, the restaurant highlights tapas and paellas as their strong dishes.

 

On the Table

 

Seafood Chowder PHP 110

 

 

Serrano Ham and Cheese Bites in Phyllo Pastry PHP 110

 

 

Moroccan Chicken Skewers PHP 130

Tender and moist chicken meat skewered and spunked with spices.

 

 

Manchego Cheese, Chicken, Asparagus, Shrimp Paella PHP 500

Paella with chicken chunks, baby asparagus and shrimps served on a small paellera with Manchego cheese on top.  The Manchego cheese gives a hint of beefy and creamy taste on the rice.  As usual, Bubba and I jockey for the burnt crispy rice at the bottom of the paellera, which is the best part of any paella.

 

 

Service was less inclined -was so-so.  We were the only ones in the restaurant but the wait staff was nowhere within eyesight so it took a while to order additional dishes, request for fresh ground pepper for the soup and get the bill.  Get your fix of modern Spanish dishes in Tapella.  There are a lot more from the menu that I’m raring to try -my eyes are on the Alaskan King Crab Paella  

 

 

Tapella

Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5,

Ayala Center, Makati City

(632) 757 2710

 

 

Tapaella Album

 

 

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