Who needs a drink? Or a sweet fix?
In Part 2 of my massive food trippin' in the Philippines, I'm ushering in the last installment of what caught my tastebud's hearts. Let's begin with what can mostly keep us warm in the recently occurring winter here in Riyadh...let's toast and cheers to that!
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| Cappuccino from Figaro |
I did my best to stay away from the glare of Starbucks as it's already everywhere, home and abroad. While I was in the North, I enjoyed this rich cup of capp over the view of SM Baguio from Figaro. I am loving the coffee art too as it's not something I see everyday in Riyadh.
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| Milk Tea from Serenitea |
Milk Tea was also a big deal in the metro, with people flocking to "chai-it-out" (such as myself). Serenitea is a popular name in the milk tea business at the moment, allowing customers to customize their own drinks by size, tea flavor, and add ons (think zagu balls and or red mongo beans). And indeed, it is not your ordinary cup of tea. :)
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| Salted Caramel Cappuccino from CBTL |
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at Greenbelt was a staple hang out for me during my last vacation since most of my friends work in Makati. One day, my aunt (who is a year younger than me) invited me to try out this drink, which I've only heard of the first time. I am not exactly a fan of salty food, but I am a fan of trying out something new - and lo and behold, I finished every drop of this salted+caramel fusion of a coffee. Think tequilla shots, but instead of Cuervo, you get a dose of caffeine - filling you as equally warm inside. :)
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| The Teen Craze |
Speaking of alcoholic beverages, the Tanduay Ice Alcomix was all the rave when I was back on vacation. Tweeners were anxious to taste it and are excited to act like they can actually get drunk from it. But when I gave it a try, it almost tasted like a more sour version of a 7-Up and seriously, there ain't no buzz. To those who claim to get drunk by this drink, it's like saying even Cali Shandy can get you wasted. But then again, that's just me. Disclaimer: I am not promoting underage drinking.
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| Who would turn down a glass? |
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| Cosmopolitan from Friday's, MOA |
And of course, to my ladies out there who just needs to loosen up a bit (but not get totally wasted), another classic cocktail drink is the Cosmopolitan (which happens to be my favorite). Mainly made up of vodka, cranberry juice and some triple sec and lime, this will still keep things classy and sassy. Plus it's pink! What's not to love? Cheers ladies! (And let's start talking about that new boyfriend! Tee hee!)
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Moving on to desserts..
FroYos are still making a name for themselves with stores like the White Hat and the Red Mango. I stayed safe in trying out these babies coz I'm not a big fan of sour-tasting food. And if you noticed, I kind of buried the froyo in a sea of chocolate (takot sa maasim!).
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| Plain FroYo with Choco Bits |
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| Banana Waffle with Froyo from Red Mango |
This was a deliciously made waffle topped off with the right amount of frozen yogurt on top. I actually had this dessert with P while we were catching up at SM Megamall. It was soft and fluffy and the sweetness was just right. This I highly recommend. :D
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| Cupcakes from Sonja |
What is already an established name in the cupcake biz is "Cupcakes by Sonja" located at Bonifacio Global City, The Fort. Must tries are their red velvet line and these choco crumbles which just begs you to lick it. Price ranges from 85Php to 150Php a piece.
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| Coffee Bean Sansrival from Chateau 1771 |
This, hands down, had got to be the most unique Sansrival I have ever tasted in my life. You have to taste it for yourself to know what I mean. :)
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| Mango Jubillee Gelato from Amici |
Amici is one of the longest running Italian restaurant chains in Manila, especially the one located near Don Bosco. One rainy night, my friend introduced me to this wondrous place of gelatos and gelato cakes (among others) and found myself in awe of their homemade food. The taste and quality is worth your money.
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| Sweet Potato from Red Mango Bistro |
Simple but with impact. It's your regular kamote (sweet potato) that's been steamed and tendered, smothered with coconut cream sauce that may have a magic potion in it. This plate was wiped clean!
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| Chocolate Cake from Conti's |
Conti's is a popular pastry label in the metro too with minions flocking in and out for their many favorites. It's fast becoming the next Goldilocks if I would be so daring to say so. I liked that this chocolate cake resembled my mom's own cooking of a beautiful chocolate cake. Moist, right icing and not too sweet.
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| Cinnamon Bun from Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio |
Just from the looks of that luscious piece of bread can already tell you everything you needed to know. Did it taste as good as it looks? Hell yes! Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio is a quaint place that's loved by the locals and remembered by the tourists. They have these items freshly baked daily, plus an undisputed menu of specials. They have great coffee to go with this too!
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| Halo Halo Special from Chowking |
Last but definitely not the least, how can we go home to the Philippines without having halo-halo?! Umulan man o umaraw! Granted that this is the commercial kind, but hey, if you don't have the luxury of time to hunt down the best street halo-halo in your neighborhood, then Chowking's version of it isn't too bad already. So, scoop away kabayan! :)
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And there you have it, what's been long overdue of my food trip part 2!
I just got back from my trip to the Eastern Province, visiting Dammam, AlKhobar and Jubail all in one weekend. Perhaps I have that to talk about next!
Til next time....
Eyecandy
