FOOD NEWS: Figaro Christmas Treats

It's the most wonderful time of the year 

There'll be much mistletoeing 

And hearts will be glowing 

When love ones are near 

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the Christmas season and Figaro Coffee Company is offering sweet treats for its customers with the launch of their Christmas treats available in stores nationwide. Which goes well with their drinks and even with meals. And I'm indeed crazy about desserts!

For this year they launched a very nice variety of choices starting with the Triple Chocolate Cake, a chocophile treat with a very rich chocolate flavor and texture. And yes, I am one so I love this so much <3 .="." font="font">

But the next one should never be missed as it is the Red Velvet Cake which comes with very fiery red appearance but taste as sweet as heaven, just right not too sweet, nor two spongy.

My eyes watered when I saw the Christmas Cupcake with toppings and have this small gold (and edible) decoration. This is just too good to eat, yet irresistible never to be eaten.

And for those who would like to have a toned-down taste with less sweetness, they also came up with Scones which caters to people who are not fans of sugar rush, yet wants to eat something new.

So there you have it, take your pick for your Christmas treats from Figaro! 

FOOD STOPS: Baja Mexicana Cantina

Si! If one is stuck, there is nowhere to go but BAJA. Derived from the Baja California which is actually part of Mexico, the restaurant of takes pride with bringing Mexican cuisine to the  country. It started when Art, who was part of the biggest loser Pinoy Edition came to the country from the US and was craving for Mexican food which was his favorite  back in California, decided to start his own Mexican restaurant in Greenbelt 3 because he was not satisfied with the other Mexican restaurant that got that authentic flavor.

The restaurant stayed true with it Mexican cuisine, and in fact they also deliver to movie goers in Greenbelt 3 Cinemas, so it is a great deviation from the popcorn and drinks. Also the feel of the restaurant brings the ambiance of the west cost Mexico which Baja California is located. They have all the favorites like Burrito, Tacos, Nachos, Fajitas, and drinks like Margaritas and Mojito (which I can say is the best Mojito I tasted so far, but since we dined at lunch time, I have to control myself in enjoying too much of the sweet drink). For our highly recommended, I have to say that the burrito had won my heart and I hope it will not kill me, well just as long I don't eat it in one sitting. 

And you will also be surprised with (what I think) is the biggest Burrito I have ever seen in the Philippines. It can feed a family and a group of friends. It's also a great place for dates and afternoon chillin' with co-workers as it is near the Makati Business District. Plus just a few steps away is the Greenbelt Cinema, so it can also be a great place to meet up before and after the movie.

They also celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Baja Mexicana Cantina, and it is the time that they offer great deals on food and drinks. Mexican food and culture has become so closer to the Philippines. So grab your sombreros and lets have a great Mexican time at Baja Mexicana Cantina ! 

I love everything burrito- Jake the Dog

 Here is the menu:


Basket Fries

Carne Asada Fries
French fries served with sour cream, guacamole, cheese, onion, tomato
Large 275.00 Regular 195.00


Nachos Supreme
Corn tortilla chips served with sour cream, guacamole, cheese, onion, tomato


Cheese Quesadilla
With chips and salsa 175.00
Crave
Had this

Chicken Quesadilla
Marinated chicken with melted cheese in a flour tortilla 185.00


Spicy Chicken Quesadilla
Spicy marinated chicken and melted cheese in a flour tortilla 185.00


Steak Quesadilla
Marinated steak and melted cheese in a flour tortilla 195.00

Super Grande Burrito
Chicken, beef, Mexican rice, beans, tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce, guacamole and sour cream 395.00


Veggie Burrito
Rice, lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers and cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla

Macho Steak Burrito
Carne asada beef, rice, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, wrapped in a flour tortilla 255.00

Veggie Burrito
Rice, lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers and cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla

Baja Fish Burrito

The Master Chef Series 2

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas Dinner to Remember! Get exclusive Hands-on Cuinary Courses at Instituto Culinario in Greenhills with the Master Chef Series 2.

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November 17, 8am to 12nn 

FOOD STOPS: Peri Peri Chicken

With too many chicken establishments around, the general taste became so common as batter-filled, fried and with  regular flavors with original and spicy only. Though I also love inasal, I would also come to a point that I need to taste a different flavor and style. 

This is what I'm glad to try out Peri Peri Chicken. It's a Portuguese restaurant featuring their flame-grilled chicken, with special flavors of Peri Mild , Lemon and Garlic, and Peri Hot. Cuts can be of choices of solo, half and whole chicken. Interestingly when served, it seems to be laid flat on the plate yet you can see and smell the flavors it possess. When the spicy chicken was placed on our table, the first thing I noticed is not seeing the chicken itself, but the pungent and flavorful aroma of the different herbs and spices. Though it may not be super hot to stream our ears with smoke, it actually uses the spiciness to enhance the flavor of the chicken, thus making it more interesting.

The Peri Peri chicken can be paired with java rice or pita bread. Their smoothies are also available with a more affordable price than others, for this stop I got a mango banana smoothie. You can also boost your dining experience by also trying their salad. 

I did also tried the other flavors like Peri Mild and Lemon and Garlic, and though not a spicy flavor fan, I did love the Peri Hot flavor and place the Highly Recommended seal of approval for this food stop. The rich falvor of spiciness is not just in the outside, but the inside as well. 

They also have special sauces that can increase the spiciness level with a mix of sauces and spices mixed and served as condiments for the table. Actually you can also buy a bottle for them directly. Flavors are Hot Peri-peri sauce and Mild Peri-peri sauce. 

And to cap off the Portuguese experience, take a bite on their desserts like the Cheesecakes and Tiramisu which are larger that I expected. And indeed, it made my food trip day filled with new yet delicous food with a complete meal with a roller coaster of great flavors and textures. If you love chicken with a different kick, yet more affordable compared to similar restaurants, Peri-peri chicken is indeed a must-try.

FOOD STOPS: Komrad Restaurant

When you speak of the word KOMRAD, it rings a bell to the communist community particularly in Russia and China. But we know that one of the greatest communist influencer that came from China, which is Chairman Mao Zedong (Mao Tse Tsung). And since he hailed from the Sichuan Province, the dishes featured in this restaurant are based from that region.

The restaurant has already 2 branches, one in Eastwood City Libis and a new one in Il Terrazo in Tomas Morato. The ambiance of the restaurant is indeed different from others with every corner having that communist and revolutionary China and filled with Chairman Mao's pictures and articles giving praise to the modern Chinese leader and the hard working people of the Republic of China. But don't worry, its still your democracy that chooses the dishes you want to order. Now here are some of their menus.

FOOD STOPS: Jelly-G Cubao

Jelly G was something of a new milk tea discovery I had months ago, and I do loved the tea not only because of its flavor but of the specially Thai jelly that is part of the their offer in every kiosk. 

I just also went to another branch in Cubao at Ali Mall. Located at the lower ground floor, it is a recognizable kiosk near the entrance with seats for its customers. Yes, it looks like an oasis in the middle of Ali Mall. The branch offers all of the drinks served in all branches plus some thai snacks that goes well with the Thai milk tea.

Of course, my personal favorite would still be the Cheesy Mango, however I also discovered a new flavor which is the chocolate oreo which is a great addition and a must try especially for Chocophiles like me.

Lets also check on their snacks which are spiced dried mango, spicy tamarind and spicy nuts. Though all are labeled spicy, they are considered mild and goes well with the sweet drinks.

Also something new that I tried in this branch is the cakes which are topped with flavors like chocolate, vanilla, caramel and pandan. The cakes are soft and are baked by the company which makes the taste and texture unique and delectable. For this stop, I do highly  recommend the pandan cake for its flavor and mixes well with the cake. The cakes are worth 45 each for an order actually good for 2-3 persons. 

Indeed Jelly G does not only offer quality milk teas and beverages but also snacks that goes well with each drink. Check their other JellyG branches: Food Choices, Glorietta 4 3rd Level, Activity Center, Market!Market! Food Choices, Alabang Town Center Activity Center, MarQuee Mall Ground Level, Robinsons Metroeast 3rd Levell, SM Marikina 2nd Level, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall 3rd Level,  and Festival Supermall.