London Style Brew now in Manila: Costa Coffee

Great news for coffee lovers out there, there's a new brand in town and this really came in the right time when we're almost all bored about the usual coffee shop we see in major thoroughfares. London based Costa Coffee is now in the Philippines and they're gearing to put up more stores in the country soon.  Costa Coffee was founded in London by Bruno and Sergio Costa sparked by their love for premium quality coffee. They've got 40 years of experience to back that up and over 3,000 Costa stores around the world to prove it. Their goal is to be the worlds most loved coffee shop brand, a feat that they can well do in the next few years I bet.

The Interiors

The place has 2 floors and is pretty much reflected to be much like the streets of London inside complete with a red phone booth outside which you can take photos with. The interior's made of several brick walls, upholstered and regular seats that would gladly be reminiscent of an Austin Powers movie.

It's the London culture, the vibe, the colors that they would like you to see inside the store. There several corners in this place that I would have loved to reserve for myself when I get the chance to hang out in Eastwood, especially the window seats. Remember, the Brits are some of the worlds most demanding customers and if they want quality on their drinks or food, they need to get it and this is much of a standard thing in Costa Coffee shops I'm sure.

Home Made Bread, Cakes, Cookies, Meals and Coffee at Kamuning Bakery Cafe

I live in a very peaceful neighborhood, right here in Kamuning, Quezon City. I know the place like the back of my hand. There are only a few places left in QC that you can say, would be still here from ages ago. One of them is the oldest city bread shop called Kamuning Bakery. I often go to this place every week because right after we celebrate mass at Sacred Heart Church, we buy bread and refreshments here. That's not about to change, well a little actually.

The 76 year old bakery that has been the go to place of politicians, artists, singers, celebrities and personalities ramped up the old shabby nook into a well designed store plus a real deal cafe. What you saw on the video is now called Kamuning Bakery Cafe which serves all the bread there, new pasta creations, Kamuning iced tea, Kamuning chicken basket and tons more. You need to go there to taste, and have it. If you're around the area or craving for something home cooked and comforting, their plated meals can do it. 

The new Kamuning Bakery Cafe I must say, is a great idea. New owner, entrepreneur and prolific writer Wilson Lee Flores boasts almost all the products that they have inside the store is cooked the old traditional way via the pugon (brick oven). He's planning to put up another pizza and chicken place by utilizing and reviving the second pugon oven right beside the store. This artisanal way of making bread has been passed on by generations. The bread called Pan de Suelo still remains to be the favorite among consumers - and even that has got history. As for me, their "just right sweetness" Egg Pie, the various cakes and pastries, the new Kamuning Chicken Basket, their Benguet Coffee, the Iced Coffee, their Blue Moon (which I think is a blend of international coffee beans) and their sisig pasta is worth ordering. The good news is, they're open til midnight. If you're up for nostalgia, good food, and great times with friends and family, this place would be a nice refuge. Take the time off and visit them at 43 Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street Kamuning in Quezon City or call them 4112311, 3326066, 4151692, 4126685, 09178481818, 09228321888, 09188077777 if you would like to arrange small events as the place can fit prolly 20 people.   

Kamuning Bakery has been loved by the community since 1939, I think it's about time the whole metropolis knows about the oldest bake shop in Quezon City - and love it like we do.

For more information about their bakery:

Kamuning Bakery Since 1939

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Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Special Mothers Day Cakes at Breadtalk Mall of Asia

When was the last time you had the chance to visit a Breadtalk branch near you? Well, this Mothers Day seems to be an opportune time to do it as our favorite bakery brings out the buns to make them the next destination for the most special person in your life, your Mom!

Breadtalk understands that in order to make them feel special, you've got to have the corresponding special cakes with it. They still make fresh bread everyday and they don't stop making them from morning, noon and night because sometimes they practically run out of it! 

The Interiors

The Mall of Asia branch is one of the oldest branches in the Philippines, actually they opened together with the mall. They an accommodate around 50-60 people in one go and several more if they chose to just stand outside and eat bread all day. Their breads are legendary. You can also see their kitchen/production area as they dish out these awesome breads one by one. They have a spotless store because they aim to have the same clean standards just like in Singapore where this brand originated. Then we went on tasting their super awesome cakes!

The Cakes

This is the Mamarvelous. They made this cake especially for Mothers day. One bite, and you'll feel it take you to heaven and back. It felt like I was biting into clouds since they used Vanilla Cream based frosting. It's hard to bake cakes like these, more so if you have to do those rosettes. They also infused purple yam on the cake's exterior hence the color. I loved it so much that I had to take some of it home for my Mom. For real.

This cake is what they call Mom and Me. It's dark chocolate cake covered with rich chocolate ganache. You also have almond sponge and brandy spiked ganache plus small crunchy caramel pearls. I involuntarily closed my eyes because it was that good. The layers had their own world and you can feel it stick to your teeth every spoonful. If you're a chocolate lover, this would be something worth a try but remember, this is for Mom so she takes first bite!

The Breads

Three breads, the Sisig Bun, Berries and Cream and Cheese Floss. These are some of Breadtalk's best sellers aside from the usual Pork Floss you get from their stores. Surprisingly, the Sisig Bun is very good, even if it's whimsical, it's flavor permeates throughout the whole bread. It's worth a try. The Berries and Cream on the other hand is sweet and tangy. I bet it comes from the fruit they used for the filling. The Cheese floss brings another layer of cheese outside your favorite pork floss, so in some sense, they just made it better! 

That's how they want you to experience Mothers Day in Breadtalk stores, to be treated special, to feel loved. Make sure to place your orders in advanced or visit the Mall of Asia Breadtalk branch if you're in the area. She deserves it right? Bring home a Mamarvelous cake or the Mom & Me cake today! This will only be available until Sunday, you know how that goes.

For more information about their breads:

Bread Talk PH

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Visit their official website

http://www.breadtalk.com.ph/