No, it’s not your favorite British comedy television program that continues to make you laugh even if you’ve watched it for 10x already. 🙂 It’s the Philippine franchise of Mr. Bean from Singapore!
Mr. Bean Eastwood Mall
Mr. Bean is a famous soya chain brand in Singapore serving healthy and fresh soya milk, creative ice blended soya drinks, chilled taho, and more.
In the Philippines, Mr. Bean has been here since last year and they’re celebrating the 1st anniversary of their first branch in Alabang Town Center today. They have since expanded with three more branches in Eastwood Mall in Quezon City, Lucky Chiantown Mall in Manila, JP Morgan Net Plaza Building, and in McKinley Venice Piazza in Taguig by June 2013.
Mr. Bean Eastwood
Yesterday, me and my wife were able to try for the first time the best of what Mr. Bean has to offer in their Eastwood Mall branch.  They invited us over in advance for their anniversary promos we will discuss in a while.
Classic Soya (Cold)
We were able to try the cold classic soya milk as a refreshing treat from walking inside the mall. The regular size costs P55 while the large one is P65. I suggest you get the regular one, unless you decide to share it with someone, since I find the regular cup already filling enough.
If you’re a bit more adventurous and wants some flavor with your soya, then you’ve got a myriad of choices among watermelon, papaya, melon, honeydew, and mango from the Fresh Fruity Soya category. (P75-85 for Regular; P85-90 Large)
If you’re not into fruits and want it more icy, you’ve got the classic, strawberry, chocolate, mocha, and lychee variants from the Icy Soya category. (P75-90 for Regular; P85-100 Large)
Lychee Ice Soya (P90 R) with Lychee Pop Add-on (P20)
Lychee Icy Soya + Lychee Pop
Just like the add-ons in milk tea shops, they have pearls, chocolate fudge, caramel fudge, and lychee pop which you can have together with your drinks or any of their products for that matter. It all costs P20 per add-on serving except for the pearls which is P10.
So we tried adding the intriguing Lychee pop which was said to give a light burst of lychee flavor in your mouth since the pearl-like sago ‘pops‘ in your mouth. We added it to the Lychee Icy Soya and the result is pretty interesting.
It reminded me of Figaro’s popping boba which they offer with their milk tea offerings as well. I’m sure the Lychee Pops will click with the kids.
Watermelon Soya
My wife got the watermelon fresh fruity soya(P75 regular). I guess what’s particularly special with Mr. Bean’s soya drinks is that they don’t use syrup. They use fresh fruits and blended it with your soya drink. You’ve got to understand though that the soya have the tendency to dilute the fruit flavors so don’t expect a strong fruit taste. Just like with the watermelon, the soya taste was still the dominant flavor, just with a hint of watermelon; hence the pink color.
Among the three, the Classic Soya Milk is still my most recommended Mr. Bean drink.
The Food – Pancakes!
Cheese Pancake (P60)
If you’re a fan of Japanese pancakes like I do, then Mr. Bean pancakes are for you too!
We got to try the cheese and kaya pancake variants and the latter was a clear winner for me. The cheese pancake actually contains cream cheese which is also good. It’s just that the kaya filling is the traditional Kaya Singaporeans usually have for breakfast. Something like the equivalent  of Filipino’s love for coconut jam.
In fact, I have tried the same kaya pancake from a Mr. Bean store in Singapore when I first visited the country back in August 2008. It was a memorable one because it was my first international trip and the kiosk immediately caught my attention then.
The pancakes also come in peanut butter and chocolate flavors. All costs P60 each.
Kaya Pancakes (P60)
Lastly, it would be interesting to note that the flour they use for the pancakes is also infused with the same high-quality soya from North America and used in all Mr. Bean branches in Singapore and other countries including the Philippines.
Soy Ice Cream (P80/cup)
Soy Ice Cream
One of the  surprises for me yesterday was the soy ice cream! Yes, a soft-serve ice cream made out of soya. I was informed that it is the first and so far the only soya based soft-served ice cream in the Philippines. It costs P80 per cup.
It has so great a concept-potential that franchisers are even considering franchising the soya ice cream concept alone! 😛
I was initially skeptical on how it would taste like. I also felt a bit of a rougher texture than the usual soft-serve ice cream we have in the Philippines but the taste grew on me as I took more scoops and finally learned to love it. I guess you have to try it for yourself as well to fully appreciate what I mean. 🙂
Chilled Taho
I thought it was just an ordinary chilled taho in a plastic container. Well, it is, except for the fact that it tasted awesomely great! I mean how much can a plain taho taste like? My concept of the usual taho we got used to in our youth was challenged after tasting Mr. Bean chilled taho(P45 regular, P55 large).
As plain as it looks, it instantly and unexpectedly became my favorite product from Mr. Bean. I later on learned from one of the owners that they use coco sugar infused with the soya. I also suggested that they could easily and interestingly add flavored variants.
Chilled Taho (P45; Also available as hot / classic (P45 R; P55 L)
Mr. Bean 1st Anniversary
Uric Acid Free
After having said all these, if you are old or have gout, you would certainly run away from anything soya-based. Interestingly, Â Mr. Bean follows a special de-shelling process to remove ‘purine‘ which is the culprit in producing uric acid. So it is a comfort to know that we can actually bring our old folks over and have them enjoy soya as well.
Happy Birthday Treat
As a treat to its loyal customers and soya lovers on their anniversary, Mr. Bean Philippines is having a price rollback to it’s old menu prices today!
Moreover, the first 40 customers today and tomorrow (May 1 & 2, 2013) who visit any Mr. Bean branches can get to win a free gift of either a puzzle kit or Mr. Bean pin strap.
MrBean Special (P75)
Mr. Bean
Ground Floor (near Activity area)
Eastwood Mall
I’m certainly going back to Mr. Bean. Maybe my wife and I will try the one in JP Morgan Net Plaza Building since we frequent BGC more.
Hot Soya Milk
You would notice that the price range is not cheap for a cup of soya drink or the Japanese pancakes which are similarly available in other shops. But don’t forget either that you are paying for the high-quality ingredients, processes, and good tasting products that Mr. Bean have to offer. As they say, you get what you pay for. 🙂
Aside from the ones we tried from the above menu, I am particularly interested to also try  the Mr. Bean Special(black sesame & peanut rice ball) and the hot version of the Classic Soya Milk in our next visit.
Gino Quillamor hosted the event last Jan.31 at the new J.CO branch in Eastwood City
Finally, J.CO Donuts in Eastwood City had its much awaited grand opening last week with the prestige of being the largest branch and soon-to-be the first 24/7 store.
(Center) Trina Lim, VP for Operations, Lesley Chan and Alvene Ngo, Marketing Assistants – J.CO CFI Philippines
Sadly, me and my fiance had to miss the opening as it coincides with our pre-nup shoot at Pico De Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas. Nonetheless, J.CO donuts lovers will have another reason not to miss their delectable donuts paired with freshly brewed Italian coffee or healthy J.COOL frozen yogurt treats anytime.
The special media event was also graced by J.CO Donuts and Coffee founder Johnny Andrean who flew in from Jakarta to witness firsthand the growing appreciation J.CO in the Philippines.
The 7th and largest J.CO branch in the Philippines also welcomed JCO executives Mr. Oszen Chan – President, CFI; Mr. Carlos Chan – Chairman, CFI; Mr. Edgar Sia – Vice Chairman, CFI; Mr. Kevin Tan – First Vice President and Division Head, Megaworld Commercial Division, Megaworld;. Trina Lim, VP for Operations – J.CO CFI Philippines, Alvene Ngo and Lesley Chan, Marketing Assistants – J.CO CFI Philippines.
The brains behind the success of J.CO donuts -Mr.Carlos Chan – Chairman, CFI, Mr. Johnny Andrean – Founder of J.CO Donuts, Mr. Edgar Sia – Vice Chairman, CFI and Mr. Oszen Chan – President, CFI
J.CO Eastwood
Moreover, guests were treated to a hands-on making of J.CO’s bestselling donuts – Green Tease, Oreology and Al Capone. In a friendly competition, each guest was tasked to pick a donut of his or her choice then pair it with a beverage to come up with the best “Pair Me Up†donut and coffee combination. Guess what, JM Bueno of Kumagcow.com won that activity which entitled him to free donuts for the entire year.
It was interesting to have met BonChon Philippines head honcho Scott Tan last week where he shared a technique on how to eat BonChon chicken wings. As trivial as it may sound, I was amazed that one can eat about half of a crispy fried chicken wing in one bite. 🙂
As inspired as I was, I had to go back to BonChon two days after and try it myself. So, together with my gf and another friend, we found ourselves back at the BonChon BGC branch which opened just a month ago.
BonChon BGC
Generally, my favorite chicken part is the meaty breasts and thighs, the wings come last. However, with BonChon’s original Korean crispy fried chicken secret recipe, the wings (in soy garlic) are my favorite!
BonChon Chicken came to the Philippines back in November 2010 and has since grown to 19 branches today including Alabang Town Center, Ayala Triangle Garden (ATG), Shangri-la Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, and One Parkade in BGC. Check out more about the contemporary Korean brand BonChon Chicken at www.bonchon.com.ph.
BonChon Crispy Chicken
Korean Yogurt
I also found a new item in the BonChon menu board – the Korean Yogurt called BonChon “Ko-Yo“. They are available in Banofee Pie and Blueberry Torte variants for P70. The plain one is P35.
I found the plain one too small and I think the P70 variant is more cost efficient in terms of size (a.k.a. worth it). I also asked what was the difference between a Korean Yogurt and regular yogurt. I learned that Korean yogurts are less sweet and tastes more tangy.
BonChon Korean Yogurt "Ko-Yo"
How Do You BonChon Video
And of course, I am not ending this article without my personal video of the “How Do I BonChon?”
Touted as the “Best Chicken in America” by New York Times, GQ, and Esquire, BonChon seems to be on it’s way to the same status here in the Philippines.
BonChon Chicken Menu
With presence in Ayala Triangle Gardens Restaurants row, Greenbelt 1, SM Megamall, Libis, Robinsons Galleria, Greenhills Promenade, and Makati, US-based Korean brandBonChon has been known for its fried chicken’s super crispy, light, and non-greasy outer layer that comes in soy garlic or spicy glaze. I belong to the soy garlic cult. 😛
But this blog is not about what you already know. It’s not about what you are used to. 🙂
The MORE
If, just in case, you are already tired of the spicy glazed BonChon chicken wings you have been ordering twice a day, everyday, for the past few weeks, I’d just like to tell you that there’s more to BonChon Chicken than just ‘chicken‘. 🙂
BonChon Calamari
BonChon Calamari
First in my list of recommendation is the BonChon Calamari. You may dismiss it as your ordinary fried calamari with breading but I love it’s ultimate crunchiness. Make sure to have it with the spicy mayo dip.
A serving is priced at P125. Not cheap for the size, but worth the taste.
BonChon Fish Tacos
BonChon Fish Tacos
Next comes their Lenten favorite introduced last April 2011 which now became a menu mainstay – the Fish Taco. Fried and glazed just like the BonChon chicken, it also comes in either soy garlic or spicy glazed (with toothpickinsert). Placed in the center like a taco and topped with Kimchi coleslaw (shredded cabbage, tomatoes, et.al.), the Fish Taco is priced at P75. They use soft taco, by the way, and the fish is Cream Dory.
Foodie Tip: Buy the Fish Tacos Meal that comes in two plus a drink for only P150.
BonChon Ginger Tofu Salad
BonChon Ginger Tofu Salad
On a diet and protein-conscious? This is for you. It’s basically a green salad with tofu cubes and ginger dressing. You might also chance upon some crispy wanton strips. I found it wanting though; so they could actually put more of that. P125.
BonChon Bulgogi Ricebox
BonChon Bulgogi Ricebox
The Bulgogi Ricebox is basically a rice meal with a generous serving of bulgogi (sirloin beef) on top. Reducing my rice intake, I am more interested with the Bulgogi wrap which has lettuce and kimchi coleslaw instead of rice. Both is priced at P125
Did you know that the BonChon Calamari, Fish Taco, and Ginger Tofu Salad are unique to the Philippine franchise? Interestingly, BonChon international is open to their local franchisers’ ideas on localizing the menu.
Owner Mr. Scott Tan also mentioned that they are looking into further expansion with an Alabang Town Center branch opening soon, among others.
BonChon Chicken Ayala Triangle Gardens
Check them out http://www.bonchon.com.ph/, https://www.facebook.com/Bonchon.Chicken.Philippines,
So the next time you visit BonChon and want to take a break from your BonChon Chicken frenzy, you know your options. 🙂
Remember the “However-You-Want-It Frappuccino Blended Beverage†article two months ago which showed ways to create blended beverages with a variety of syrups, toppings and intensities? Well, here’s some newer flavors Starbucks came up with which will be offered starting tomorrow, June 28!
The Black Sesame Green Tea Cream Frappuccino blended beverage is a mix of “matcha powder and black sesame powder, blended with ice and topped with whipped cream and black sesame seeds” while Soy Strawberries and Cream Frappucinois made with “soy milk blended with ice, infused with strawberry sauce and topped with whipped cream.”
Want to create something uniquely yours? Here’s how to create your however you want it Frappuccino blended beverages:
Request any milk:
Nonfat, whole or soy
Choose the coffee intensity:
Regular, double, triple, decaf
Or choose “cream†for a coffee-free beverage:
Strawberries & Cream
Vanilla Cream
Caramel Cream
Chocolate Cream
Chai Cream
Green Tea Cream
Chocolate Chip Cream
Soy Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino
Select your syrup or blend of syrups:
Mocha
White Mocha
Mint
Raspberry
Vanilla
Caramel
Hazelnut
Classic
Sugar-free Vanilla
Choose whipped cream, light on the whip or no whip
Add a topping:
Mocha drizzle
Caramel drizzle
I’ve tried and I’ve discovered that I’m lousy at experimenting with my Starbucks concoctions so I guess I’ll settle with trying out the new Starbucks Black Sesame Green Tea Cream Frappuccino and Soy Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino blended beverages first! 😛
It was a busy day, but right after my classes, I proceeded on to Eastwood City for the Carnation Bloggers Night held last night at Buenisimo in Eastwood Mall.
The program started with host Issa Litton welcoming us. After which, China Cojuangco held a cooking demo of Beef with Peppercorn Sauce; of course, with Carnation as one of the ingredients.
It was also my first time to know that China is the face of Carnation’s Facebook Page called Cook At Home.
I recently participated in their page and shared a photo of mine taken last night.
I hope you find it succulent and earn a “LIKE” from you guys. Please, please, please, NOW NA! 🙂
Beef in Peppercorn Sauce
Carnation Dishes
The highlight of the night followed – a dinner buffet of six dishes created by Chef Chris of Buenisimo used with Carnation products and ingredients.
They are the following:
Main Course:
Canadian Glazed Ham
Lengua Legislativa
Tri Color Pasta with Salmon Cream
Croquettas De Pollo Con Huevos with Aioli
Desserts:
Chocolate Truffles
Panacotta
Buenisimo Chef Chris & Carnation Evap
Tasting the Carnation Dishes
The Canadian Glazed Ham‘s sauce was good (perhaps because of the Carnation ingredient, lol) [top photo], but I expected more from the quality of the ham itself, I wonder if they used CDO Holiday Ham? 🙂
Although Lengua Legislativa hinted much of menudo more than lengua, it was my second top choice in taste. It was tender and the mixture of the ingredients, delectable.
Buenisimo @ Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City
Tri-Color Pasta
The Tri Color Pasta with Salmon Cream topped my bill for its delightfully creamy sauce and taste. As the name suggest, a tri-color pasta is a combination of three color pastas – yellow, red, and green. The yellow pasta is made of durum wheat flour, water, and sometimes with eggs and salt similar to a fresh egg pasta. The red pasta is similar to common pasta but flavored with tomatoes while the green one is flavored with spinach.
However, a fellow at the dining table suggested that the cream should not have been ready-mixed with the pasta at the presentation buffet. Since the event started late, plus the cooking demo, and bloggers had to take photos, this consumed time and affected the noodle’s firmness (al dente).
Croquettes
Chocolate Truffles
Last from the main courses is Croquettas De Pollo Con Huevos with Aioli.
Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, the deep fried croquettes coated with beaten egg and bread crumbs was accompanied by a garlic-flavored mayonnaise.
Desserts were the lush and rich chocolate truffles and corn-topped panna cotta. The panna cotta was good but the corn can be better. The chocolate truffles championed the desserts category and ended the night in bliss.
Panna Cotta & Chocolate Truffles
Lengua & Corn-Topped Pannacotta
Finale
Towards the end of the night, Lengua Legislativa was declared as the Blogger’s Choice. If only China‘s Beef with Peppercorn Sauce was included in the line up of dishes, I bet it would have won the Blogger’s Choice. Overall, it was an interesting Blogger’s Night with Carnation
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