Entries Tagged 'New Brews' ↓

It’s Christmas! And NomNom Club starts it with Starbucks Christmas Cheers Party!

Starbucks Cheers Party

The Starbucks Christmas-themed beverages and Starbucks Christmas-themed food items are back! Last November 3, 2010, the 6750 branch in Makati held the first Starbucks Cheers Party this year for their loyal customers and patrons from 6-8pm.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

Starbucks Christmas Beverages

We enjoyed sample servings of Toffee Nut Latte, Praline Mocha, and Peppermint Mocha.

If you miss the Christmassy feeling, try the Peppermint Mocha. The minty aftertaste, rich chocolate, smooth espresso and velvety steamed milk would reassure you of the season’s atmosphere. It is topped with whipped cream and red sugar sprinkles.

Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte

The Toffee Nut Latte on the other hand has the buttery flavor of sweet toffee combined with toasted nuts.

Also blended with smooth espresso and steamed milk, it is topped with whipped cream and toffee-flavored  sprinkles.

Praline Mocha is similarly prepared but accented by hazelnut syrup and topped with mocha sauce drizzle.

My favorites though are Toffee Nut Latte and Praline Mocha; in that order.

Starbucks Christmas Red Cups

Starbucks Coupons

Similar to last year, guests were given Cheer Party cards with coupons. It has a raffle stub, planner promo card, photo booth pic, 10%off on Starbucks merchandise / Starbucks VIA ReadyBrew, and a complimentary tall beverage.

Acapella Manila

Although I did not win in the raffle draws, I got to taste a wide array of the Starbucks Christmas-themed food items while the Acapella Manila choir serenaded us with popular Christmas songs.

Here are photos of Starbucks guests and friends in the recent Starbucks Christmas Cheers Party:

Starbucks Cheers Party

Starbucks Barkada

Starbucks Merchandise

Starbucks 6750

Starbucks Philippines Family

Starbucks Friends

Starbucks Christmas Cheers Party

More Starbucks Philippines Cheers Party might be coming your way over the next few weeks!:

• Nov 12 – Starbucks Silver City (7-9pm)
• Nov 17 – Starbucks Aguirre BF Homes (8-10pm)
• Nov 18 – Starbucks Northeast Greenhills (6-8pm)
• Nov 19 – Starbucks Katipunan (6-8pm)
• Nov 26 – Starbucks Marquinton (6-8pm)
• Nov 29 – Starbucks #10 Congressional (5-7pm)

It was indeed an awesome Starbucks Cheers Party 2010! I’m already excited for next year; hahaha! 🙂

There’s a new Italian spot in town and it’s at the Fort Strip in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City – Focaccia.

They’re no that new actually. Their first branch is at A.Venue in Makati and Focaccia Fort is their second and bigger branch. I got the chance to sample a number of their pasta, crazy rolls pizza called Pazzo Rollio, and of course, well, the Focaccia breads. It’s good to be paired with any of their tomato, squash, or potato soup. If you can’t decide, have a taste of all three with the Soup Trio which are small cup-size servings of the three mentioned soups.

Focaccia

Focaccia Bread with Spinach Artichoke Formaggio

We had a serving of focaccia bread with Spinach Artichoke Formaggio as appetizer. I loved the spinach artichoke cheese dip as I have always enjoyed the same in other Italian restaurants.

Shrimp Scampi

Pasta

Next came the pasta series. We started with Shrimp Scampi (ok, it’s not pasta 🙂 ). It was followed by a series of Penne ala Sicilliana, Frutti de Mare, Prosciutto Tartufo, and Cannelloni con Ragu.

Osso Bocco

Lasagna variants came in next with Lasagna con Ragu and another one which I forgot. Osso Bocco came in last.

I recommend Shrimp Scampi and Osso Bocco.

The Shrimp Scampi was good but I’d like to suggest that they can offer a spiced-up version – it would be a hit, I think. 🙂

The Osso Bocco is flavorful for those who fancy a strong-tasting pasta dish.

Focaccia Pasta: Frutti de Mare, Prosciutto Tartufo, and Cannelloni con Ragu (not in order)

Focaccia Lasagna: Lasagna con Ragu and another (forgot name) 🙂

Pizza

The finale was their Pazzo Rollo crazy roll pizzas. They are known to have first introduced this in Metro Manila, even way before Yellow Cab‘s Dear Darla pizzas. Focaccia was inspired from this practice of rolling pizzas from Pampanga.

First came the Slice of Italy Pizza followed by Scallopine ala Marsala, Sette Formaggio, and Seafoods Pizza.

Slice of Italy Pizza

Focaccia Pazzo Rollo 'Crazy Rolls'

Seafoods Pizza

With thin crispy toasted pizza and fresh veggie inserts including my well-loved arugula, the crazy rolls were good.

They could have wider slices though for a better ‘rolling‘ experience at the expense of more servings.

The first and last (Slice of Italy Pizza and Seafoods Pizza) gets my thumbs-up.

So how do you do it? Stuff, roll away, and enjoy. 🙂

Crazy Rolls: (1) Stuff, (2) Roll, (3) Enjoy. 🙂

And More

Aside from the Italian cuisines, diners would notice its good interiors. Playing with the red, black and white color templates, Focaccia has the premium atmosphere fit for its target market at The Fort Strip. The owners also acknowledge that the Fort branch is bigger and has a more ‘classy‘ feel than their A.Venue branch. It also has a function room to accommodate private lunch/dinner meetings from corporation around the business district of Taguig.

Focaccia Restaurant Interiors

Focaccia Fort Strip

Going back to food, Focaccia also serve panini variants of roastbeef, caprese, smoked salmon, and Italian sausages. In line with the Italian concept, they have wine (Veramonte, Altozano, Valformosa) and gelato as well. My eyes were on the P\pistachio flavor after dinner but my stomach says “I’m so fulll already.” 🙂

Give Focaccia “A Slice of Italy” a visit at their Fort Strip branch just below Fitness First. Their business hours are 10am to 3am (Wed, Fri, Sat) and 10am to 11pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sun).

Seriously? It’s Starbucks Philippines‘ 400,000++ fans which prompted Starbucks Philippines to give the second Creme Brulee Macchiato for free to their customers.

Having reached more than 400,000 likes in their Starbucks Facebook Fanpage, Starbucks Philippines is treating all their customers to a second Crème Brulee Macchiato.This means after buying a Creme Brulee Macchiato, you get another one free, of any size, of equal or lesser value, of what you ordered, instantly.

I got this from the Starbucks Philippines Facebook page

Free Starbucks Philippines Creme Brulee Macchiato

Creme Brulee Macchiato is a warm mix of creme brulee flavored syrup, steamed milk, and Starbucks® espresso. It is then topped with foam and lined with roast dark caramel. ‘Tall‘ is priced P130, with ‘Venti‘ and ‘Grande‘ at P145 and P160, respectively.

All you need to do is say this line to the Starbucks Barista “I am a Starbucks Philippines Facebook Fan“. This treat started yesterday and will run from until tomorrow October 28, 2010.

You may have your Starbucks Creme Brulee Macchiato hot or cold (Iced Creme Brulee Macchiato) but Crème Brulee Frappuccino Blended Coffee is NOT included in the offer. Congratulations Starbucks Philippines!

In the Philippines, pizza and pasta would surely compose a foodie’s imagination when we think of Italian restaurants. But for La Piadina, it goes beyond that.

I Crostini

I was able to taste some of their specials during lunch when we visited the newly opened La Piadina in Glorietta 4.

We started our set with La Minestra di Zucca (P160) and I Crostini with liver and tuna pate (P230). The former is a homemade-style pumpkin soup with garlic bread. Good starters for what are yet to come.

It was followed by “I Cappellaci,”(P300) ravioli pasta. Now, it’s no secret that ravioli is my favorite pasta. But the one I blogged about before had meat inside as filling. This one from La Piadina has pumpkin and ricotta cheese.

I Cappellaci - Ravioli Pasta

Ravioli Pasta

Le Piadine

At first, my curiosity was piqued as to how it would taste like. To my surprise, it was a good change. It tasted so fresh. And although it was a complete turnaround from my meat-based ravioli, it was almost as satisfying!

Since you’re in La Piadina, might as well not miss Le Piadine. It’s a variation of Piadina which is a flat, soft, homemade bread usually served warm and originated from the region of Emilia Romagna in Italy.

Next came the main dish Il Trancio di Tonno alle Spezie (P370 – top photo ) . As complicated as it may sound, this is seared tuna fillet seasoned with herbs served with baked potato on foil and mixed green salad on the side. The tuna meat had an admirable fine and soft texture. A good and healthy meal indeed!

La Piadina Linguini - Le Linguine ai Funghi Con Olio di Tartufo

Le Linguine ai Funghi Con Olio di Tartufo (P320) came next. The name is as long as its flat pasta. I find the fresh mix of mushroom, light cream and truffle oil just right for this linguine.

Risotto Scampi - Il Risotto al Pesto con Scampi

And finally, the Il Risotto al Pesto con Scampi (P340) came out. Funny enough, this is only my second time to had risotto as part of my meal. Risotto is an Italian-style rice. In La Piadian’s version, it is cooked in Pesto sauce with fresh shrimps and parmesan cheese.

Chef Giorgio Matera

Chef Giorgio Matera shared that preparing risotto is both hard and tricky. Hard because there’s a lot of processes involved and tricky because it should be made just right – not dry, but not too moist like that of a porridge (lugaw) either.

La Piadina Red Wine

He adds that La Piadina doesn’t have a microwave oven – because dishes are cooked and prepared upon order only. They don’t reheat just to save on cost and focuses more on quality. In a world filled with fast food chains, it’s good to know that we as consumers still have options for freshly made dishes, just like our home cooked meals.

La Piadina (La Cucina Regionale Italiana) is the full service and enlosed counterpart of smaller Piadina Passion Food restaurants. Visit them at the 2nd Floor of Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati, open everyday from 11am to 10pm. You may call 501-3788 for reservations.

La Piadina Italian Restaurant in Glorietta 4, Makati

Chef Matera‘s passion for cooking and preparing Italian dishes is obvious. It was heartwarming of him to prepare it with care, and even mind the minor details. He says that it should be the way Italian cuisine should be cooked – with fresh ingredients and no compromise. I think this is actually the key to La Piadina‘s authentic Italian cuisine taste.

If you are looking into the opportunity of starting a food business, starting with a franchise business is an option specially if it would be your first time to explore the entrepreneurship world.

Filipino Franchise Show 2010

Yesterday, I got to visit the 9th Filipino Franchise Show 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay where more than half of the exhibitors are from the food franchise businesses.

Regular entrance ticket costs P100 per person while students can get in for P50 and senior citizen at P80. I got my free ticket care of the organizer – Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI). Check their website at http://www.affi.com.ph/ and event website http://www.franchiseshowphilippines.com/

Franchise Finds

Attention grabbing structures are the usual big booths from big brands like Mang Inasal, Julie’s Bakeshop, Binalot, and Eng Bee Tin whose mooncakes would be a hit in the next few days due to the upcoming Chinese Mooncake Festival.

Mang Inasal, Julie's Bakeshop, Binalot, and Eng Bee Tin

However, you would observe new brands as well such as Buko House, Mozarella Stick, Sankalan, Wrap A Lumpia, Sisig in the City, and food carts by JC Franchising. (See first photo).

On Ice Scrambles

Ice Scrambles Food Carts

As expected, the ice scrambles craze proliferated in the franchise show as I found at least four ice scramble franchise offerings including Ice Cramble “The Original Ice Crumble“, Scramboi Ice Scrambles, Scramble King, and Chillax Ice Scramble.

I like the hip sound of Chillax the most. 🙂 However, Scramble King rides on the name recall of the monosyllabic “king.” I think Scramboi could have settled with “Scramboy” instead, investing on the common Filipino street name.

I didn’t find the Manila Scrambles cart I see in most malls, however.

The Ice Scrambles food cart idea is currently taking the low-cost food franchise by storm primarily because of its low cost and comparatively simple operations involved in preparing the product. Time would say if this would only be a fad or if the ice scrambles industry would stay for good.

Innovative Names

RBX (Rice in a Box) and Taxi Cab

Moving on, there are also food businesses with innovative names like RBX or Rice in a Box and Tapsi Cab. The former seem to be moving from the usual cart type to kiosk with their dine-in showcase at the franchise fair. The latter reminds us of a similar sounding pizza chain. 🙂

Potato Loops

AFFI Seminars

Lastly, I found this interesting-looking potato product that looks peculiar from our regular French fries. It’s fried but swirled in a stick and called “Potato Loops.” I wasn’t able to taste one but the aesthetics is enough to possibly pique a passers-by’s interest giving it the ‘curious-purchase’ advantage. I think it’s innovative and have a high-market potential in the near future given that it tastes good enough for a snack.

Philippines Franchisees and Franchisors

You still have today and tomorrow to visit the 9th Filipino Franchise Show 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay. Tel:(02) 506-8883, 0917-518-AFFI, 347-0153, 534-1134. Email info@tradenetevents@gmail.com or affi.secretariat_raffy@yahoo.com. A ride away from SM Mall of Asia, it opens 11am and closes 7pm.

I gave in to Spanky’s prodding for some comfort food at a newly opened foodie spot in Jupiter street in Makati – Gino’s Eats and Beats – and pulled along 5 more friends.

Gino’s is conveniently located a stone’s throw away from Fiamma and immediately beside The Distillery. The place is not that big but cozy and has a modern feel. It was no surprise that the interiors of this concept restaurant was designed by Team Manila.

Mushroom & Artichoke Spread

And so we grabbed the green and stylish menu and placed some orders. 15 minutes later, the dishes started to come one by one. I think we ordered a little too much, even for a group of 7. It’s good we were still awaiting for a couple of more friends – Jane and her Bubba. 🙂

The resto-bar-type restaurant has a TV monitor which showcased the menu food photos. This certainly was a big factor in our ordering pattern. 🙂

Gino's Dumplings

But looks can be tricky, the taste buds should decide.

First on the spotlight is the Greatest Cheese Quesadillas (P305 – Top Photo). Beef Quesadillas are one of my favorite pica-picas, adding loads of cheese on top just gives it more umph!

Eggs Benedict

This was followed by more appetizers namely Mushroom and Artichoke Spread (P160), Gino’s Dumplings (P195), a pair of Eggs Benedict (P185), and Grilled Sausage with Cheese Sauce (P220). This one’s on cheese overload, nomnomnom!

Then here comes a fiesta of platters initiated by the Fried Platter (P430) with more cheesy combinations of cheese logs, baby squid poppers, and Risotto mashed potato balls served with roasted bell pepper sauce and aioli.

Grilled Sausage with Cheese Ssauce

Fried Platter: Cheese Logs, Baby Squid Poppers, Risotto Mashed Potato Balls served with roasted bell pepper sauce and aioli

Grilled Sticks Platter: 12 sticks of Pork Asian BBQ, Chicken Barbeque in peanut sauce, Pork Pinoy BBQ, and Curry Pork BBQ

The Grilled Sticks Platter (P430) followed consisting of 12 sticks of Pork Asian BBQ, Chicken Barbeque in peanut sauce, Pork Pinoy BBQ, and Curry Pork BBQ

The spicy-lovers dared for a Wings Platter (P405) with 9 pcs of Buffalo wings, Hoisin Honeys and Honey Mustard and carrot sticks.I’m not too sure if it should be spicy…because it’s not. 🙂

Wings Platter: 9 pcs of Buffalo wings, Hoisin Honeys and Honey Mustard and Carrot Sticks

By this time, we were feeling loaded but temptation keeps coming in.

A luscious-looking burger comes into the scene called Greatest Longganisa Burger (P185). It’s actually named Greatest Longga Burger. Sans 100% pure beef, a longganisa burger is almost always better because the Filipino longgnisa is juicier in nature than regular beef. It’s as juicy and flavorful as it is oily and sinful; again with cheese on top. Woah!

Greatest Longga Burger

Jane and Chris finally arrives to the rescue. They didn’t have to order anything as the Grilled Chicken with Mushroom Sauce (P245), the scrumptious Grilled Shrimp Scampi (P270), Angus Belly Salpicao (P270), and Stir Fried Pork and Tofu (P220) also came after them. 🙂

Grilled Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, Angus Belly Salpicao, and Stir Fried Pork and Tofu

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

I had to surrender to the last three dishes and passed on Marsala Pork Chop (P210), Greatest Adobo Flakes (P185), and Beef Garlic Tender Tips.

Marsala Pork Chop, Greatest Adobo Flakes, and Beef Garlic Tender Tips

Nonetheless for NomNom, there’s always room for desserts! 🙂

Gino’s Desserts: Greatest Panna Cotta (P150), Greatest French Toast (P150), Greatest Mango Jubilee(P150), and Gino’s Greatest Vanilla Sundae(P125).

They were all good, creamy, sweet, and sinfully delicious!

Gino's Desserts: Greatests - Panna Cotta, French Toast, & Mango Jubilee

Gino's Greatest Vanilla Sundae

While only Gino’s Dumplings need improvement for my taste, my top three highly recommend ones are the Greatest Cheese Quesadillas, Grilled Sausage with Cheese Sauce, Eggs-Benedict, and Greatest Longganisa Burger. Ok man, they’re four! – so what? 🙂

Interestingly, dinner service ‘eats‘ time is from 6 to 10pm as Gino’s turn into ‘beats‘ with house and hiphop music 10pm onwards. Moreover, you can cross order wines and liquores from The Distillery vis-a-vis order Gino’s from The Distillery. 🙂

By the way, Gino’s is also open for lunch with set meals at only P100 for the Makati office crowd. It opens Mondays-Fridays 11am–3pm. They open again at 6pm for dinner onwards. And of course, a blogger’s best friend – free Wi-Fi! 🙂 Take note however, that their menu is still in the adoption phase and some dishes might change from the menu.

They’re located at Unit A, Ground Level, Valdelcon Building, 20 Jupiter Street, Makati. (632) 519 1272 / (63) 917 885 6969 .

Gino's Eats & Beats

I will end this article with something for you to think about: why do you think most of the menu items have the “Greatest” before ’em? 🙂

Just look at the pictures and tell me you will not try Gino’s Eats and Beats in Jupiter for at least once in your life. Tell me!

Michelle Pador of Greenwich

Bigatin returns! Fresh from celebrating, International Friendship Day last month, Greenwich introduces their 2 newest Overloaded Bigatin Pizzas—the Hungarian Sausage & Bacon Overload and Shrimp & Garlic Overload.

And of course, it was celebrated with the Greenwich barkada — Mika Lagdameo, Tim Yap and, John Lloyd Cruz. Smart Gilas players and Greenwich barkada Chris Tiu, Dylan Ababou, JR Cawaling and JV Casio were out of the country then.

Greenwich Bigatin Barkada: Mika Lagdameo, Tim Yap, and John Lloyd Cruz

Of the two, it’s the Hungarian Sausage & Bacon Overload which caught my fancy. The bigatin overload pizza has piled on twice the usual amount of Hungarian sausage and crispy bacon strips topped with 100% mozzarella cheese. Haungarian sausage and bacon – there’s no further explanation needed. 🙂

Hungarian Sausage & Bacon Overload Pizza

For the shrimp lover, the Shrimp & Garlic Overload is for you. It has a generous servings 1/3 pound of grilled shrimp, roasted garlic, onions and green bell peppers — atop a bed of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.  Everyone enjoyed the delicious new pizza flavors in 18-inch bigatin size.

Shrimp & Garlic Overload Pizza

“Greenwich has always been about friends and good food. We continue to offer them delicious new ways to bond with their bigatin friends with our 2 new equally bigatin pizzas” shared Luis Velasco, Greenwich marketing director. “We are also very happy to have bigatin friends in the media, John Lloyd Cruz, Tim Yap and the Greenwich barkada, who made time to attend our exclusive bigatin party today.”

Greenwich Bigatin Crew / Staff

No! I'm the one on the right!

Nomnomnom…can’t wait to have another round of Hungarian Sausage & Bacon Overload pizza! Enjoy Greenwich’s bigatin pizzas with your bigatin friends! Visit the nearest Greenwich Pizza store or call 5-55-55 for delivery.

Greenwich Pasta Supreme dlites

Greenwich Pizza recently released the latest addition to their Pasta Supreme line – the Pasta Supreme DLite!

Boasting of 70% less fat* by using healthy ingredients like olive oil and spinach noodles, Greenwich had the girl’s predisposition to be figure-conscious in mind when they came up with the Pasta Supreme dlite variants Tuna Tomato and Shrimp Aglio Olio.

*The fat comparison is versus the saturated fat from other existing Greenwich pasta.

The Tuna Tomato is a mix of chunky tuna, black olives, tomato, and as mentioned – the spinach noodles. Aside from the ingredients, it’s the spicy kick which sets it apart. (Photo Above)

Greenwich Shrimp Aglio Olio

The Shrimp Aglio Olio is the ‘sosyal‘ one with shrimps, olive oil, and chopped mushroom which I initially mistook for ground beef (lol). 🙂

Thsi is not me, ok? 🙂

On the side note, I tried these last month at the same time when Greenwich released the Limited Edition Level Up Pinoy Shirts.

For those who want it on the lips but not on the hips, try the new Greenwich Pasta Supreme DLites in selected fast casual stores like Greenwich Megamall.