FOOD STOPS: Spoon Meals by FIGARO

 

Figaro never fails to surprize us as it is not just your ordinary coffee store but also a place where you can dine and enjoy your time. Plus they also have wifi for those who loves to stay connected. Now we have stopped by another Figaro store (Shangri La Plaza, 3rd floor) for new meals that they offer. These are the SPOON MEALS by Figaro.

For this offer they have two variants available and each is paired with a drink of your choice, either iced or brewed coffee or iced tea. The first is the CHICKEN THYME IN CREAMY CHEESE SAUCE (Php 215). Served with buttered corn and carrots and rice. These semi-bite sized portions are really packed with delicious chicken with the thyme just right to bring out the flavor. The creamy cheese  adds flair to the dish as it neutralizes the solid chicken texture. More than a plateful of colors, it serves a very full meal.

Now next is CHICKEN ALA KING (Php 215) made from diced chicken in special creamy sauce with vegetables served with buttered corn and carrots, steamed rice and your choice of  iced or brewed coffee or iced tea. A regular dish at parties and usually served with bread but also perfect with rice. With a rich creamy texture and taste of peppers and mushrooms.And since I do love creamy dishes makes this one my favorites. 

These dishes are perfect for people who wants to reward themselves after a hard days work. And indeed these dish combination served with drinks makes you enjoy your day at Figaro's. No need for a knife because its perfect for a spoonful of flavor and delight.

Also when you have your spoon meals you can also take a bite on these delicious desserts that brings out more smiles on your taste-buds. These are the Old English Matrimonial bar and The Banana Hazelnut Turnover.  Distinctively different but both gives your sweet tooth a treat with the right fruity goodness. Among the two I chose the Banana Hazelnut Turnover as it is oozing with sweet banana filling, not too hot nor too cold, but just right and easy to chew. The Matrimony Bar on the other hand is crunchy yet very tasty and even the bread crumbs are fun to eat.

OLD ENGLISH MATRIMONIAL BAR

BANANA HAZELNUT TURNOVER

Figaro Coffee Company Official Website:
http://www.figarocoffee.com/

Official Facebook Account:
https://www.facebook.com/figarocoffeecompany

FOOD STOPS: Tapella

Tapella

Greenbelt 5

The Food Stops now takes you on a Spanish journey to TAPELLA restaurant located in Greenbelt 5. We were invited for a cooking demonstration by Executive Chef Alexandra Cacho. Although we Filipinos have been infused with Spanish cusine, it would be great to experience the authentic Spanish dishes. Chef Alexandra came from Spain but she has been here for quite some time that she can incorporate Filipino words with her cooking. Tapella actually came from Tapas and Paella, two of the most known Spanish dishes and the restaurant's specialty. 

manchego cheese, chicken, and shrimp paella (P500)

The Philippines have known Spanish dishes and have also integrated into the culture. However the authentic Spanish taste is also hard to define because in Spain there is also a wide diversity of cuisine that are exclusively in their region. TAPELLA is considered Gaudi. 

Cojonudos

Perfectly paired with light punch of Sangria or their quality Wines makes the experience unforgettable. It was also my first time to taste their garlic cold soup which breaks the norm of having something hot to start with. Bread meals like the camembert and caramelized onions on flueted bread also increases your appetite with its juicy texture and semi-sweet taste.

Sangria

Let us not forget their set of unique seafood dishes in TAPELLA which are the Skewered Octopus and Calamari el Bulli. Both realy tasty but you might find the Calamari a little bit weird because of its color, but definitely better the regular ones. The black pigment is because of the squid's ink that is mixed with the batter.

white garlic and almond cold soup (P70)

Sampicao on a glass cup with brocolli bits is just right to cap off  the first round. Because desserts are next! And with a wide variety of dessert options like an Oreo cake or a leche flan-like with a right amount of sweetness and falvor.

camembert and caramelized onions on flueted bread (180)

Paella!

Octopus Skewered with potatoes

calamari el bulli (P255)

Sampicao

Desserts!

chorizo in red wine (P245)

Proven to be a great place to dine, Tapella's specialty tops our highly recommended list as the perfect Gaudi experinece. The Paella is also great no doubt, but the Chorizo in red wine is a new taste that is very unique yet satisfying. Its would also be a great "pulutan" but avery high class one. And who needs drinks if its in the food already? Definitely you would keep coming back to order another plate.

Executive Chef Alexandra Cacho

We would like to thank Tapella and Chef Alexandra for the wonderful dish she prepared. She will be included in our roster of featured chefs in FudFyt called Chef in Command. 

Tapella is open daily from 11am until 12mn. Wine all-you-can paired with tapas and canapé’s is served every Friday from 6 to 9 pm. Dinning at Tapella comes with complimentary WIFI. For more information or reservations, call 7572710 and 7572711.

FOOD STOPS: Californiaberry

At first it sounds like a song from Katy Perry, but its more delicious and more tasty because its is frozen yogurt! A healthier alternative to ice cream that have more fats and calories not fit for everyday consumption. Soft serve yogurt is getting popular these days but Californiaberry actually has something more to offer than other similar stores.

Californiaberry Introduces New Menu

  

Gorge on the good stuffs at Californiaberry known for its certified 100% non-fat froyo serving only the freshest and healthiest treats, as it introduces new menu selections.

This store is just infront of my school, 
so I have a new food haven just across the street!

Capitalizing on healthy chows and healthy lifestyle frenzy, Californiaberry has also worked up lip smacking CB Yogurt Fruit Blends for only Php120, an addition to its latest non-fat menu. Combining real whole fruits and tasty yogurt, this is another refreshingly healthy rev up treat. Introducing banana rama, a tangy-sweet triple combination of kiwi, mango, and banana rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin c. While double berry, a double dose of antioxidant rich strawberry and bluberry is a rejuvenating treat of vitamin c shot.  For a sapid fruit feast infused with nutrients, mango tango is a scrumptious drink filled with mango, banana, and peaches. While for the daily dose of vitamin c, flu shot is delicious drink loaded with kiwi, orange, and strawberry. In the mood to create a unique version of icy bliss? Whip it up and choose three fruit favorites for a personalized, yummy touch.

Pasta treats served at Californiaberry!

Californiaberry’s approach is to make the store a sweet stop for hungry family and friends while serving non-fat froyo which are too divine to turn down. True to its promise of serving only healthy offerings, the best-loved pasta dishes in the menu include lasagna, bolognese, carbonara, and seafood alfredo. What makes it delicious and worth savoring? Everything comes fresh and no MSG, certified to spoil the senses with the taste of home sweet home. “All ingredients of these newly-launched pasta dishes are enhanced by natural flavors and ingredients from chunky meats, flavorful sauces, and fragrant spices,” shares Californiaberry marketing director Kirkland Whang. People’s fast-paced lifestyle is not an excuse to opt for a fast food style meal.  That is why Californiaberry has created affordably healthy and delicious food choices. At Php125 to Php145 per order, all pasta choices come with a delightful gourmet style and taste. 

“A serving of a hearty and healthy meal is guaranteed to put anyone in an amiable mood which could lead to a worth-relishing dessert pleasure, such as the Californiaberry non-fat froyo”, shares Californiaberry president Kyle You.  "Filipinos particularly has a regular craving for pasta dishes, which people of all ages surely enjoyed in different variety, that is why we are adding it to our list of our soon-to-be food favorites,” he adds. 

While Californiaberry is definitely retaining its non-fat froyo product which originally made a name for them, adding up new menu selections will constantly excite city slickers to unwind from the flurry of activities in its stores. “Our savvy customers will surely have another level of love affair for Californiaberry. We are also planning to get an early start for the summer with more exquisitely prepared yogurt variety, proving that our froyo is not just another fad,” concludes Kyle. 

Coffee lovers will surely agree that a hot cup of a perfect brew never fails to give a whimsical cheer anytime of the day. Share messages from the heart and open up in the comfy lounge of Californiaberry stores with another dash of healthy beverage. Introducing a new spin on this favorite brew with a bold and full-bodied roast of 100% organically grown coffee. “Our certified USDA organic coffee is another healthy alternative to commercially available ones. Grown in the Central and South America, these coffee beans are considered the heart’s best friend since it’s a rich source of antioxidant loaded with vitamins and nutrients.  Aside from these, organic coffee is a natural energy booster, relaxer, can help someone lose weight, and a great aid in flushing out toxins in the body simultaneously,” Kirkland adds. Affordably priced at P85, this steamy blend is perfect for health buffs that only choose the finest in beverage.

There are also Fruit Blends that quenches from the summer heat!

Creamy creamy Ice ice baby!

Ice ice baby with Oishi Sponge as a topping!

Californiaberry is now serving nationwide with over 23 stores, including the newly-opened branches at Mezza Residences in Sta. Mesa, SM Fairview and SM Novaliches. Also located in Banawe (Quezon City), Greenhills (Ortigas),  Tomas Morato, SM North Edsa (The Block), SM Southmall (Las Pinas), SM Manila, SM Megamall,  SM Novaliches, Robinson’s Galleria, The Fort (Global City) SM Iloilo, Gaisano Mall (Davao City), DLSU (Manila), Sta. Lucia Mall (Cainta), Ateneo (Katipunan), UST (Manila), and Walter Mart (Makati), Festival Mall (Filinvest, Alabang). Watch out as well for the opening of BF Homes Paranaque branch.

Kyle Yu and Kirk Wang, the partners of this successful launch

I just love the mango fruit blends, and this is perfect for summer as it is also the season for mangoes at its best! This goes best with any of the pasta choices. well, i would go for lasagna with this drink.

 

For more information, check out www.californiaberry.net or follow them on facebook, Search: CALIFORNIABERRY and be updated with the latest promotions and freebies.

For inquiries about franchising, call (632) 470-1835 or email franchise@californiaberry.net

FOOD LAB: Sunnex Presents Chef Mitchies Cookware

Here at Food Lab we also value the importance of quality cookware in making  cooking and eating more enjoyable and healthy. And with these tools we can come up with the best cooking and dinning experience for all of us to enjoy! Today we feature a new cookware line up by chef Mitchie Sison, who was part of the cooking show barkada ka-toque.

Chef Mitchie confesses that she came from a family that loves to cook and eat. While both her dad and mom did not have any culinary background (her father is an engineer and her mother is a psychology graduate), they were both enamored with the world of cuisine. They created the original tapsilog concept.

Unable to find a good restaurant that serves homey meals, the Sison couple started their own restaurant and in the process of serving tapa, sinangag and itlog to hungry patrons, the sinangag was born.  The Sison’s business grew and for some time, they were managing five branches all over the metro. However, when Chef Mitchie’s parents retired in 2000, they decided to close the restaurants. The business may be closed but Epicureanism had already been cooked in the Sison children's DNA.

With a degree in B.S. Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Chef Mitchie was sent by the school to audition for the new show QTV 11 was cooking and the rest, as they say, is history.

  

While Chef Mitchie was still doing the cooking show, she was also doing culinary consultancy for establishments such as Dolce Latte Café and Gourmet Bakeshop, and Chew Junior Express. She also appeared in various shows and food magazines. Hong Kong cookware brand Sunnex also saw the potential of the young chef, taking her in to become a chief endorser for Sunnex Philippines.

Since 2008, Chef Mitchie has been doing cooking demos for Sunnex, expanding her forte to include savory dishes and even delectable baby food.

Chef Mitchie has also been operating her own commissary, Signatures by Miel Commissary, supplying various food products in food establishments and offering fine dining catering for small groups. But her biggest culinary dreams are to revitalize her parent’s restaurants, open her own cookie shop that offer endless variety of sweets and milkshakes, and start a bistro that serves healthy food.

Chef Mitchie longs to travel and soak up different food culture.  There are tons of good food being made from all over the world and when Chef Mitchie returns, expect to enjoy a plethora of real good food at our fingertips.

To join Chef Mitchie’s cooking demo, like Sunnex Philippineson Facebook.

Now, lets look and test the cookware to a cooking demo by chef mitchie herself!

She prepared two dishes,  Apple and Pear Tart Tatin with Walnut Steausel and Chicken Marsala with Steamed Lemon Smashed Potatoes. And with the design and functionality of the cookware, it seems like she was just playing with the ingredients, but the results was very tasty and delicious!

Apple and Pear Tart Tatin with Walnut Steausel

Mitchie’s Chef’s Classics cookware consists of a 28 cm open grill pan, 32 cm covered wok, 18 cm covered sauce pan, 24 cm covered sauce pot, 20 cm open skillet, 25 cm open skillet, 30 cm saucepan with steamer insert, and a 5 piece cookware set.

 

Chicken Marsala with Steamed Lemon Smashed Potatoes

Knowing good cookware by the quality of materials and technology applied to it. 

These cookware will be available at stores starting April 8, 2011.

Angel's Pizza Lenten Specials!

Its already lent and Angel's Pizza offers seafood alternative thats still  brings satisfaction even during the Lenten season. Try pizzas such as Shrimp Pesto, Tuna Pesto and new products such as Pizza in a dough and Calzone with Tuna Pesto!