Figaro Releases "Blissful Holiday" Drinks and Meals

Had the chance to visit Figaro in Tomas Morato a few days ago together with some other bloggers as they introduced new holiday meals and drinks this season, they call it Blissful Holiday. I tried them all so don't be surprised why I'm fat for crying out loud LOL. Anyway, here's what we had :)

The Chicken Galantine Canneloni is much like our favorite chicken dish but it's stuffed inside Canneloni pasta and laid in with a chunky tomato based sauce with basil and parmesan cheese. It's hearty and filling, but more on the tangy side. This costs 189 and would be perfect with any cold drink I presume.

The Chicken Mushroom Cannelloni on the other hand is more creamy. For those who prefer a not to acidic kind of dinner, then this would be it. The mushroom bits are mixed into the chicken and stuffed inside the cannelloni pasta too. I think they sauteed that before pouring a little cream on top. This is my favorite. They make it al dente so you can still feel the pasta  when you bite into it.

For those who want a more filling plate, this is their Chicken Roulade Plate. It's got fried chicken breast rolled and breaded with meaty filling inside. It is served with a side of Arrabbiata, Pesto, Al Tonno or Carbonara. It's good for 2 actually, but if you're like me that can actually have a big meal... go ahead and make my day! This costs 249, a bit good for how big of a meal this is. Then, here's the drinks!

This is Hazelnut Cinnamon done three ways. One is a Jelly Float, the other is a latte, and my favorite is the Frost! It's all good, very affordable too and you kinda get the spice in the drinks so in a nutshell, it's christmasy if there's a term for that.

Premium Salted Caramel - my personal favorite among the cakes and pastries served that evening. It's deceiving because you think it's going to be chocolatey but no, it's more on the caramel side of things and it's really good.

For those who don't like it sweet, the Light Ginger Bread Loaf may be your best option. It's fluffy, like a soft gingerbread man and would be perfect with black coffee. I like that they stayed with the taste that would probably be more English if that makes sense. 

For those who love those sweet fruit bits on fruit cakes, this Fruit Loaf Mini is something that you would also like. It's like a lighter version of fruit cake but you get those intense bits of fruit you love in fruit cakes. I know that sounded a bit redundant but that's what it actually really tastes like. Yes this also has rum on it, but not going to make you buzzed after a piece or two. It's nice for those Frost drinks they have in the store. Order more!

 For those who want a combination of sweet and tangy, they've got this Fruit Forest Cheese Cake. It's baked cheesecake topped with whipped cream and layers of fruit cream and 5 kinds of berries. I think it was strawberries, raspberries, blue berries, black berries, red currant. I liked this one too. Have hot coffee with this one instead so it'll contrast with the cold cheesecake. Trust me on hot Hazelnut Cinnamon coffee.

Here's what happened during the small event at Figaro in Tomas Morato:


Figaro Blissful Holiday by kumagcow

For those who love merchandise, Figaro can give you the Figaro Notebook, Ribbed Tumbler, Vacuum Flask, Yellow Stainless Tumbler, Magic Mug, Coffee Belt mugs, Bean Map Mug and Mask Mug available all year and you don't have to collect stickers anymore to get it. Cool right? Aside from that, they've got Gift Certificates. It's the best thing to give if you're near a Figaro Branch and your office mates would just use it for their everyday coffee dose. It's available in 100 and 500 denominations, so no need to worry if you're out of ideas. They can decide themselves and get the best coffee at Figaro.

It'll only be available this holiday season so if you've got spare time, visit a store or branch near you!

For more information about their products:

Figaro Coffee Philippines

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QC Food Crawl: Kamuning Bakery

I grew up in this neighborhood. It's pretty important to me to still have the memories of my childhood in tact, not just because of the fact that I'm still living here - but more because I want generations to still be able to get why artisan bakeshops like these exist. Kamuning Bakery is legendary. I say that with gusto because I grew up knowing how they started. My grandma used to tell me there were only a few houses in this place when we started living here. This town is the first project of Quezon City and when there were only a few residents that we know, and can count with our hands that got residential houses built in this hilly part of the community. That goes the same with commercial establishments. Kamuning Bakery was put up in 1939. You and I must not have been even thought about yet, neither your folks might have been born too. They make pretty bad ass bread and pastries and I grew up having the exact thing they were making since their bakery started. The long lines, the hot crusty bread, the sweet treats I get from this bakery when I was a kid, I was there whenever we had to walk from the Sacred Heart Church to our home.

When we made an unplanned food crawl in Quezon City a few days ago, I remembered Mr. Wilson Lee Flores inviting me to Kamuning Bakery a few months back. I texted him and he agreed to accommodate us that same day, because he'd like us to experience Kamuning Bakery now as he's done some improvements to it. I remember the owners used to personally make and sell their products in the bakery still a few years back. It got a little dilapidated and only a few people went there because they opted for cheaper ones in other bakeries. Now that Mr. Wilson Lee Flores and the new management is at the helm, I think they are making head way in making things a little bit better. They're still trying to recreate 300 plus breads and pastries like they used to, and they're still selling some of it and adding on new ones in the bakery. Other than that, Kamuning Bakery is having a facelift.

They're putting up a full blown cafe in the property and calling it Kamuning Bakery Cafe. Their plan is to keep the old world charm of the place together with the memorabilia found in the same bakery. Countless famous people, celebrities, politicians and historical figures have been to Kamuning Bakery and that's exactly what they want you to know when they open this up come late February or early March. The Kamuning Bakery Cafe will also be serving the best of what Kamuning Bakery has plus all day breakfast meals, Pasta, native coffee choices too which we had the pleasure of tasting during our small visit.

Kamuning Bakery's Pan De Suelo

Canned Pork and Beans

Sagada Coffee and Condensed Milk

Pan De Suelo is  Kamuning Bakery's pride and glory. Suelo basically means floor because when they started baking this, they used to do it on the floor of the oven. Only in the quality control over the colonial American period did they make this on trays and more sanitary. Everybody loved it back then - and they're making it the way they used to still. The crunchy exterior, the full, non airy bread interior makes this the best thing to have with coffee. It won't crumble on the cup and it'll be doubly great if you had dips like Pork and Beans or Condensed Milk beside it for a more rustic way of eating it. I guess this is what you can say as (somehow) a mix of east and west but if your kids haven't been able to do it, I guess the right time to make it is now. No wonder this thing is adjudged as one of the best in the Philippines by various polls, magazines, articles and media.

They even have sweet treats like these! It's their Strawberry Fondant Cake! They also have Tikoy and other things in the counter. I love their Pineapple Pie too, it's super tangy, super sweet! Take a small bite of it!

When they open up the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in a few days, they would like to invite you to try out the Philippines best coffee. They're bringing in some of the regional beans, blends and have you experience it with their house Pan De Suelo. Other than that, they're going to have all day breakfast, original flavored pastas and pugon baked chicken I heard. There's more to see in Kamuning Quezon City, we're not just a City of Stars, warm smiles and great people, we've got some of the world's best bread too!

Kamuning Bakery and Kamuning Bakery Cafe is at the corner of Judge Jimenez and K-1st Street in Quezon City. Come over for breakfast, lunch, snack or even things in between. It's indeed old fashioned, but way good taste!

For more information about their products:

Kamuning Bakery 1939

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Happiness with Red Ribbon Mocha Roll

Happiness. It's one word to define you - when something surprising, something unexpected happens, it just brings enormous joy. This is what happened to me a few days ago when I received this box of Red Ribbon cake. It's the Filipino go to food when they want something comforting no matter what occasion that is. For birthday parties, baptismals, graduation or just simply hanging out with friends, the moment just becomes so special when there's a cake in the mix. That sweet start or end to your meal just tastes immeasurable, I could have sworn it's the person who gave me this that mattered but aside from that, it's the CAKE... it's the Red Ribbon Mocha Roll in fact!

When I opened the box, I thought I was going to see the usual Mocha Cake I buy from them. This looks to me like they've improved a lot in the looks department. The buttery icing which was formerly decorated on top seems to have been substituted alternately with super rich, earthy milk chocolate with fragrant mocha, chocolate, coffee and caramel tones. The top is also drizzled with a generous helping of caramel syrup... then all you can do is take a slice. Mmmm... I carefully placed it on a small plate and sat down on the table - having my moment to taste this wonderful piece of heaven!

It's available in all Red Ribbon Bakeshop branches nationwide and can be ordered in half or full Mocha Roll sizes. You can even have it delivered to your home for a fee if you can't take the time to go rush to the store. It's that convenient. I know you love Red Ribbon just like me, it's affordable, it's not too sweet and it's so easy to have on those special occasions. I'd love to share this also with my family, not just on special days, but even on a regular one so we can bond, take a moment to enjoy, indulge in lovely cake anytime of the day, wherever, or whoever I celebrate it with. Bring a box of Red Ribbon when you go to your friends house (especially me), and I'll surely appreciate it! It's my favorite of course! 

For more information about their products:

Red Ribbon Bakeshop

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http://www.redribbonbakeshop.com.ph/

Better Alternatives to Chill Spots: Akiba Cafe

It was a nice Saturday afternoon and what better way to celebrate it by going to the one and only SM Megamall and enjoying great food with friends and family. As a rule, we broke the norm and proceeded to Akiba Cafe. It's a small kiosk in the third floor that features coffee, tea, yogurt, cakes and pastries. If you are on a diet I suggest you look somewhere else... You will get more hungry when you see this!

Ambiance is clean, not so many foot traffic so it is the better alternative to congested coffee shops!

It seems that you are highly suggested to say with something to read available for all its patrons.

CAKES

Extremely cute and cuddly you've got this Kawaiken Puppy Cake. A vanilla chiffon cake which you can purchase 1200 whole, 130 per slice.

 We had this for starters. Of course desserts come first! The Green Tea Cheesecake retails for 1200 for a whole cake and 130 per slice. This is one of their best sellers!

If you're up to it and you are a sweet tooth they suggest you get one of this crunchy sweet Cream Puff Cake for 1100 whole, and 120 for a slice.

 COFFEE

 It's something that would keep you warm inside. This Nutty Macademia Kohi retails for 130 pesos.It's way better than other establishments that's got the same flavor. This was good!

This Mount Fuji Kohi retails for only 140, The difference is this Fuji Kohi is sweeter; but the macadamia is fuller bodied and nuttier!

 Tea

 Nope, it looks like a beer but it isn't! Trust me on this one because this is my favorite. The Jasmine tea trifle and Macha trifle is pretty, jasmine Is fragrant and  sweet I love it!

 The Macha is smooth, you'll ask for seconds!

These Trifle flavors are all available on their store. All foam and topped with green tea powder, this best seller looks very promising and they've got so many things offered today for SM Megamall's Mega Food Sale!

Ice Blended Yogurt Drinks

 

Macademia Yogurt is ice blended, Macha yogurt is too. Both drinks retail for 150 for those who love the tangy taste of Yogurt!

You can never go wrong with 100 %Japanese imported ingredients and just look how meticulously they prepared everything right? If you have nothing to do on an afternoon and you feel so stressed with work, this definitely is the place you'll love! It's quiet, you can people watch plus enjoy every bit of it! Japanese hasn't been this good in a while so please visit their store now! Hurry because they've got specials while they celebrate with SM Megamall's last day of the Mega Food Sale, 50 percent off the next trifle you order. That's like buy one, take one! =)

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"Just Roasted Coffee" at Bo's Coffee!

Coffee among a lot of things is an addiction for me. It's the only thing that can perk me up on a sleepy evening in the office where I need to be productive and awake. I frequent this particular one when they had a branch in the SM North Edsa Gardens a couple of years ago. I worked in the Eastern part of Manila so I didn't get the chance to go out that much in SM or Trinoma's area. A lot has definitely changed and I was so glad to have had the chance to see what's in store for Bo's Coffee. Yes, it's that quaint brand which has its roots from Cebu. They have a new branch in SM City Annex so it was the perfect time to get to know a couple of things about them.

Sitting right across me on the table was an Amaretto Biscotti. It's one of their newest drinks and it was pretty much second nature for me to ask about it. I know what biscotti means because I have learned to cook Italian, I know what Amaretto means (because I mix some drinks and foodstuff with almond) but why in a beverage?

Well, I got to say... it's quite a wonderful concoction. You have your taste of coffee and get that crunchy- savory biscuit texture. Not too sweet as a matter of fact. They paired this up with one the all time favorite Super Moist Chocolate Cake!

I actually tried to save some of it for later but to my surprise I finished this in a few minutes. They've got a hefty battle in their hands as far as cakes go in the industry. This one's extra nice because they care about details, that's 's a plus in my books!

They've got a lot of things in their shelves and I bet you probably should take a look at some of the other things there as well to enjoy your coffee break. I specifically would probably try the cookies and sandwiches which I heard they make a fresh batch of everyday.

Some of their stores actually serve breakfast all day everyday so if you are up for a HOT hearty meal then you can opt for that instead! 

I see a very promising Philippine based business flourishing whenever I see Bo's Coffee now. It'll continue to challenge the world's best with their brand of coffee and best of all, its getting the attention that they need. Tip: Make sure you try out their Froccino's, I've heard raves about it and I'm sure it wouldn't disappoint! 

Bo's Coffee 

Bo's Coffee from its humble beginnings at the Ayala Center Cebu kiosk was just a dream for Mr. Steve Benitez, Founder and CEO of Bo's Coffee. Nobody thought they would actually be this successful but they all attribute everything to the quality of coffee and food they serve. The Manila and Cebu branch actually source their coffee locally (Cavite) so upon roasting the beans they have a definite time frame before grinding and ending in your cup. Everything's fresh and they make it a point to show you how they prepare everything from scratch. Their philosophy calls for "Only the Freshest" "Just Roasted Coffee" goodness. 

Some of our Blogger friends and the good people from Bo's Coffee, Ms. Anna Francesca Rosales - Marketing Officer (2nd from left), Ms. Ana Liza Benitez - Asst. Marketing Manager (3rd from left), Mr. Jancy Seva -Quality Assurance for Luzon (far right) and Mr.Jojo Cayabyab - Operations Manager (2nd to the right). Also on the shot is Ms. Joy Reynaldo, Chief Navigator of Magnetic North Enterprises (beside Mr. Cayabyab).

Their thrust for this year is expansion. Together with their franchise options I'm sure they'll have a lot of other stores here in Manila and elsewhere in Luzon. They have high visibility now in the islands and other Visayan provinces. They've got one of the best commissaries in the Philippines and they have continued to provide quality food products and services. Bo's Coffee will surely be near you, sooner than you think!

  
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