Entries Tagged 'Coffee Shops' ↓

Don’t have a gift for Dad yet for this weekend’s upcoming Father’s Day?

Red Ribbon Father's Day Cake

Does daddy have a sweet tooth? Even if not, Father’s Day might just be the best excuse for you to get you cake fix! Red Ribbon releases their Father’s Day Cake starting tomorrow!

From June 18 to June 20, delight your Dad with a specially designed Father’s Day cake from Red Ribbon at P550. Decorated like Dad’s polo shirt, the 8″ chocolate cake is wrapped in fondant icing made extra special. 🙂

The Philippine national weather agency recently announced that the Philippines will experience a lengthened summer extending from May to end of June.

Figaro Summer Frost Peach Lychee Sunrise

This means that the 38 or so degrees Celsius temperature everyday would most likely to be experienced up to next month.

Thank goodness that in this country, drink coolers abound. One such to be sought for is Figaro‘s Summer Frost line of icy cool drinks to quench that heat-drenched throat.

Figaro Summer Frost Summer Beverages

Figaro‘s Summer Frost is a mix of finely blended ice for that smooth refreshing gulp that comes in three varieties namely Watermelon Grape Breeze, Green Apple Cucumber Whirl, and Peach Lychee Sunrise.

Having tried all those three, my favorite is the sweet Watermelon Grape Breeze with grape skin fiber. Peach Lychee comes next with the strong lychee flavor and finally the Green Apple Cucumber.

Try one now as Figaro‘s summer quencher Summer Frost is available only until June 22, 2010 at P125 each.

ManilaQ's Corned Beef Pansigang

The Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 was concluded a  few hours ago – May 14 – at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

I’m usually slow in publishing my stories taking a few days or more. So, I’m first releasing some of the photos I took earlier in the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 foodie event organized by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet and hosted by foodies Ivan Man Dy and Spanky Enriquez.

Marty's Baconette Strips Snack (chichirya)

A lot happened and so much food consumed within the three solid hours of food tasting by more than 1000 foodies being served by about 50 food suppliers.

There’s even a voting / ranking system of the best tasting food in the UTT.

For now, feel free to feast on some photos of the Ultimate Lamon, este, Tasting event:

Main Courses / Entrees

Denim Kitchen

Ultimate taste Test Lechon

The Fruit Garden (leftmost top), Happy Green (Right bottom)

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 - ManilaQ

Empanada Avenue

Roast DucK Siopao

Desserts:

Chocolate Moist Cake

Purple Dough Desserts

Frozen Meringue by Tina Raines

Divinr Drsserts (Leftmost Top ); Dulceline Gourmets (Leftmost Bottom); Monterey (Upper Right)

Kraze Kitch Bakeshop

Ultimate Taste Test Desserts (I forgot the dessert place name) 🙂

More Brands

ManilaQ, Crave Burger, Muscovy, Swirls

The People / Crowd

Mombloggers (upper left); Performers (lower left); Bobby Yan (lower right)

Arpee Lazaro of Aqua Health Alkaline Water

Ella Ganda's Liempo (upper left); college orgmates (upper center); Crave Burger (upper right)

Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks (night's host with Spanky Enriquez)

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0

The stories behind the photos and my recommendations of the Ultimate Taste Test 4 will follow in a few days so visit this blog again to check out which servings made it to NomNom‘s top list. 🙂

After the successful Ultimate Taste Tests in the previous years, Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet, with the participation of about 50 food suppliers invite you to the Biggest Ultimate Taste Test in the Philippines!

To be held on May 14, 2010, 7 to 10pm at  1,000 foodies are expected to troop to the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The foodies-turned-food critics will taste-test some of the upcoming food concoctions of tomorrow and newest young brands.

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May 13 5pm Update
The 1000 foodie slots are all filled up; even for walk-ins on the day itself
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Not to be dismissed as a simple buffet, it’s like taking a peek inside a foodie’s kitchen and getting a taste of their food. Moreover, participants can rate them and provide feedback.

The event will be hosted by Old Manila Walks food-culture guide and foodie Manila Boy Blogger Ivan Man Dy and Spanky Enriquez, respectively. The Comedy Cartel will also be there a s a special guest.

A contribution fee of P230/head includes a P200 contribution to MASED (Macario Arnold for Socio-Economic Development) Foundation’s Out-of-School Youth Program and P30 for one bottle of any of the San Miguel Lifestyle Brews: San Miguel Super Dry, Premium All-Malt and Cerveza Negra(on ly for 18 yrs old & above) . For children who are 3-6 years old, the contribution fee is only P100.

Participation mechanics through registration as one of the 1,000 foodies in the event is not included in the article anymore since it is two days away. You are encouraged to try coming early as walk-ins. For more details, you may email Rache at rache@diaz.ph

Note: Parking is available at The Fort Strip or around the NBC Tent.

Food Suppliers as of last week

Appetizers / Starters (9)

1. Brazo by Ces Lopez
St. Francis Quiche (with Portobello and Asparagus)
Chicken Pork Adobo Quiche
Classic Quiche Lorraine in Gruyere Cheese

2. Denim Kitchen
Bangus Sardines in Canola Oil
Smoked Mackerel in Olive Oil, Crunchy Garlic, Mango Chutney

3. Chile Vitas
Chile Cheese, Chile Vinegar, Chile Mustard & Chile Pepper sauce

4. Maison de Valere‘s chicken liver pate on toasts.

5. The Fruit Garden Assorted Fruit Jam

6. Joax Ingredients & Food Development Corporation‘s Fried cured meat and Dimsum

7. Emapanada Avenue‘s Empanadas

8. Oishi Smart C+ lemon variant and Marty’s Baconnette Strips

9. Anla’s Congee

Main Course / Meat (13)

10. Lattize’s Lengua Sulipena and Corned Beef

11. Pepita’s Kitchen Lechon

12. Sunrise Bucket Chicken Wings

13. Dulcelin main course + 1 dessert

14. Sakae Sushi Spider Roll Sushi

15. Pepetons Grill
Kapalmuks – deep-fried pig face, it’s like crispy pata
Sinuman na tyan ng Bangus – Bangus belly wrapped in banana leaves
Binalay – Ibanag’s kakanin
Bundok rice – Pinoy version of Thai bagoong rice

16. Goodles Pasta

17. Crave Burger

18. JAM Foods‘ Angus Beef Tapa

19. True Santos Duck Farm’s Muscovy Duck Ham (with special ham sauce)

20. Jay’s Caldereta

21. The Classic Roast Whole Roast Duck and Roast Duck Siopao

22. Qasa 61‘s Marikina Cuisine

Desserts (16)

23. Kraze Kitch Bakeshop
Lengua de Gato – original, almonds, oatmeal raisin, ube
Flourless Chocolate Cake

24. Adee’s Caramel Bars

25. Savoury Pies
Frozen Lemon and Herb Pie plus Frozen Strawberry Pie

26. Marveron Enterprises
Macaroons, apple pie, food for the gods and fresh lumpiang ubod

27. Purple Dough
Chocolate Chip Cookies/Peanut Butter Cookies

28. Heidi’s Taiwan Snowflakes Ice

29. Craveman Food Ventures Inc.
Shaved Snow with toppings/flavors: Strawberry, Mango,
Chocolate, Banana-choco, Ube-Munggo, Sweet Corn, Peanut

30. Better Sweet Spot’s Cakes & Cupcakes – Dark Chocolate Cheese,
Red Velvet, Chocolate Lava, Chewy Chocolate

31. Crepes & Cream Fiesta Halo Crepe

32. The Bandana Baker Mango Bars, Mega Chocolate Cookies, Cranberry & White Chocolate cookies

33. Anne Hilario‘s Chocolate praline ganache cake

34. Benzi‘s Cheese Brownies, Apple Bavarian Torte Cheesecake Lollipop or Cheesecake Truffle

35. Divine Desserts

36. Jeren‘s Kefir for Vegan from Coconut Kefir Dressing

37. Boracay’s Frozen Swirl Kefir

38. Fruits in Ice Cream Summer Cafe (FIC) Sansrival

Drinks (6)

39. San Miguel Lifestyle Brew’s San Mig Dry, Cerveza Negra, Premium All-Malt

(Tasting Portions for FREE, P50/bottle during the event)

Note: Beer will only be served to Foodies 18 years old and above

40. SodaStream by Max.Ideas Marketing Corporation

41. Conlins Coffee by Conlins Coffee World Inc.

42. El Kapitan Coffee

43. Arpee Lazaro’s Aqua Health alkaline ionized water

44. Paco Magsaysay‘s Holly’s Milk

See you at the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 on May 14 and let’s take on the food critic’s hat. Everybody’s input will be essential. 🙂

It all started last Saturday, April 24 with the B.G.C Summer Passion Fest 2010 Food Tour at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig with renowned food and culture guide Ivan Man Dy lead the BGC food tour.

It was followed by a personal impromptu Tagaytay trip turned Tagaytay food tour three days later (April 27 & 28).

And now, I’m on the first day of the three-day Davao Food Appreciation Tour (DFAT) here in, where else – Davao City.

Yes, I didn’t realize it until today. In a span of seven days, I’ve been to three food tours across the Philippines while I’m now on the third one in Davao.

More details on NomNom‘s foodie adventures for the whole month of May from this three foodie escapades.

Good News

For now, check this out as the aforementioned Bonifacio High Street Food Tour has a part 2 tomorrow – May 1, 2010. Come and join tomorrow as it is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Walk-in registrants start 1pm. Event proper starts 2pm.

Briefly, last week, we had desserts at Sonja’s Cupcakes and Miss Desserts. This was followed by the main course in Sao. We also went to Pasto, Yoh-gurt Frost, and The Establishment. This week’s line up would be different with new restaurant-participants and some of the spots repeating.

Be prepared for Polu Kai, Italianni’s, Stock Market, Ice Cream Bar, Trio and Amber.

The registration concierge B8 along Bonifacio High Street is located near the front of Coffee Bean Tea Leaf BHS Branch. Tell the reception you were invited through NomNomClub and Ivan Man Dy. Again do take note that slots are limited and is available on a first come first serve basis.

*Photo from http://www.ayalaland.ph/article/bgc_passionfest2010 used for event promotion purposes.

Have a fun and stomach-filling PassionFest BGC Food Tour.

After the two weeks of guessing game among NomNom Club subscribers, NomNom’s favorite is finally revelaed – the Starbucks Apple Fritter Doughnut! 🙂

Thank you to all the 87 subscribers who participated. They had a 33% chance of getting the right answer having to choose from among the 3 doughnuts.

Starbucks Doughnuts

I loved the apple fritters because of the apple bits and flavor and the hint of cinnamon combined. The old fashioned glaze was fine but I fancied the apple fritter more. The chocolate old fashion glaze was really just the chocolate version of the former. 🙂 It tastes ok too, nonetheless.

If the sugar coating is too much for you, I have a tip – take some off literally, to feel less guilty. 🙂

The Starbucks Top Pot Doughnuts will be available in all Starbucks Philippines Coffee shops starting May 3, 2010.

The Winners

From among the 87 entries, there were a number which had missing wall posts so they had to be validated. About 10% had to be disqualified. And From among the 70++ remaining, 23 guessed the Aple Fritters choice.

That’s about 30%! More than half of the answers were the original Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut and the chocolate version came in last with the least number of guesses.

Starbucks Doughnuts Finalists A

Starbucks Contest Finalists B

So the 23 entries were subjected to the random list generator in Random.org where three winners were selected from those coming out on top of the list (click images above for larger image).

Congratulations to:

1 Michelle – hushbaby**@yahoo.com
2 Myla Naig – mylasue**@yahoo.com
3 Roy Kabiling – troy_machinto**@yahoo.com

Guess My Fave Starbucks Doughnut Contest

You will be notified by email based on your email subscription next week where your Philippine-based addresses will be requested. Starbucks Philippines will then courier the Starbucks Gift Certificates each of you will receive.

Starbucks Top Pot Doughnuts

Thank you once again for participating in our NomNom Club contest. If you haven’t subscribed in our email list, please do so HERE. You would get updated on our latest foodie news and contests. You may also want to join our Facebook Page and join the NomNom Club.

The Starbucks Doughnuts will be available in all Starbucks Philippines coffee shops starting May 3, 2010. Try the Apple Fritters! 🙂

Another adventure in Legazpi Sunday Market is set as they organize the first “Grilla In Manila” grilling contest and festival on April 25, 2010.

Although registration for the contest is already closed, you can still join us as we witness the actual contest this weekend from 8am to 11am. Teams just had their debriefing last Sunday. Aspiring cooks, chefs and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend.

Here is a backgrounder on the contest:

The contest is open to non-professionals, foodies, student chefs, starting out entrepreneurs, etc. (amateurs).  Teams with a maximum of 3 members will be allowed.

a. The teams will submit a total of 3 dishes prepared in its entirety at the market (preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours).

1. Grilled Beef Dish – 2.5 kilos of Angus  beef will be provided by the LSM courtesy of sponsor Tenderbites.
2. Specialty Grilled Dish (choice of team)
3. Side Dish (produce to be purchased at the LSM by the team). Produce (vegetables, fruits, protein etc.) must be purchased at the LSM by the team on the day of the event  for only P200 (to be sponsored by the market). It must also be prepared in its entirety at the market (preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours)

b. Preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours. All 3 dishes should be ready for tasting at 11am.

c.  All grilling and cooking equipment, unless specified, will be provided by the team. No electricity will be provided.

Legazpi Sunday Market's Grilla In Manila

d.  All ingredients will be provided by the teams except where specified.

e.  5 gallons of water will be provided for each team’s use.

f.  Teams should be at the venue by  8:00 am.

g.  Teams must provide all cutlery, dish towels, utensil , grillers and any appliances or Ingredients not specified.

h.  Cleanliness and safe food handling is of at utmost importance.

i.  The amount of food prepared must be enough for:
– 40 small tasting portions
-  5  full portions for judges (plated)

Judging Criteria
Presentation/Visual Appeal        15%
Palatability/Flavor            50%
Tendreness                15%
Originality/Creativity            20%

Awards
The Market Griller (people’s choice)
The Grill King (overall winner)

For inquiries on Legazpi Sunday Market‘s “Grilla In Manila“, you may call Maan at (632)425.0851 or email Legazpi_SundayMarket@yahoo.com

Starbucks will be offering Top Pot Doughnuts in select Starbucks Coffee outlets in the Philippines come April 12, 2010, Monday.

What's inside the box? 🙂

Background

Top Pot is a family owned business started by two brothers Mark and Michael Klebeck. With its unique, old style signature “hand-forged” doughnuts, Starbucks hand selected Top Pot back in 2005 to carry their doughnuts in western Washington.

The Top Pot doughnuts are made using little automation giving each doughnut a hand crafted taste and look that fits Starbucks® hand crafted beverages and coffee.

The Doughnuts

With zero grams trans fat, the three doughnuts are the Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut, Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut, and Top Pot Apple Fritter.

Starbucks Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut

The ‘Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut‘ is considered a “classic” inspired through a recipe from the 1930’s. Inside the golden exterior is a moist, cake with hints of vanilla and some nutmeg. It’s covered with Top Pot’s own proprietary “Air Sped” glaze while it’s hot .

Starbucks Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut

While the ‘Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut‘ is the chocolate version of the classic Glazed Old Fashioned doughnut.

Starbucks Top Pot Apple Fritter Doughnut

The ‘Top Pot Apple Fritter‘ is made of hand chopped apples mixed with cinnamon and spices and cooked golden brown and covered with “Air Sped” glaze.

The Contest

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April 19, 2010 Update: the Contest is UPGRADED & EXTENDED!

The prizes just leveled up from 1 GC to 3 GCs! And because of this, NomNom is also extending the contest another week from April 19 to April 24! The three raffle winners from those with the correct answer will be announced on April 25. Thank you to Starbucks Philippines for the prizes.

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If you noticed, the article’s direction is more descriptive than a recommendation. That is because I’m gonna let you guess which among the three Starbucks Top Pot doughnuts caught my fancy best.

Top Pot Doughnuts

Mechanics

Simply create a Facebook wall post (shared with ‘everyone‘) indicating which Starbucks doughnut you think NomNom liked best. Include this link (https://nomnomclub.com/restaurants/2010/starbucks-top-pot-doughnuts/) in your message as well.

Finally, place the URL of your facebook wallpost on the comment section below and you’re done!

Rules

One comment per person only. Multiple entry cheaters will be turned to stone by Medusa then swallowed by the Kraken.

Contest will start from now until April 17 24, 2010.

All valid and correct answers will be included in the electronic raffle using Random.org. Winner will be announced on April 18 25, 2010 on this blog.

For any inquiries or clarification, please don’t put in the comment section (it’s for the answers and URL links), instead you may email admin<at>NomNomClub.com.

Top Pot Doughnuts

Prize

A Three (3) Starbucks gift certificates for a free drink of your choice at any size.

It All three will be couriered to your choice of address anywhere in the Philippines.

Qualification

Starbucks Top Pot Doughnutd

The contest is open only to anyone with a valid Philippine address where the prize will be couriered. It is also open only to NomNomClub.com Email Subscribers. If you are not yet an email subscriber, you may do so by clicking here.

So, which could be my favorite Starbucks Top Pot doughnut? Is it the old fashioned glaze? The chocolate version? or the Apple Fritter? 🙂