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Archive for the ‘Sweet Talk’ Category
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The best of the wurst at Donau
Posted by Ferdz on 27 Apr 2009 under Gut Feel, Sweet Talk · 5 Comments
Pardon the play of words for the title for this post. Wurst is German for sausage and that is one of our main reasons for dropping by at Donau Gourmet. But as it turned out, it’s not just the sausages that were worth coming back for in this restaurant tucked in the quieter, less-crowded part of the Makati Central Business District, at Amorsolo, in Legaspi Village.
From the outside, the place looks non-descript, nothing much differentiates it from its neighbors save for the green signage. Stepping inside is a different story. There’s the warmly-lit interiors; the refrigerated counter full of sausages and various cold cuts, another shelf of muesli, seasonings and other food stuff; and six tables at the center.
Bigby’s is for big groups and bigger appetites
Posted by Ferdz on 26 Jan 2009 under Gut Feel, Sweet Talk · 7 Comments
For the foodie with a bigger than average appetite, there is a constant battle waged against small portions. Should I place two orders instead of just one? Should I place an additional order after the first one comes? Such is the perennial dilemma of the hearty eater. Count us happyfoodies in that category.
Happily, there’s no such dilemma at Bigby’s Café and Restaurant. With roots in Cagayan de Oro City, Bigby’s makes its way to Manila, opening its newest branch at the atrium of SM Megamall recently. True to its name, the food we were served came in big, nay, humongous portions. But how does the food taste? Follow us as we navigate our way to the Bigby’s food trip menu.
As Pinoy as Guapple Pie in El Ideal
Posted by Ferdz on 29 Dec 2008 under Sweet Talk · 4 Comments
How does one turn something as iconic-American as apple pie into a very Pinoy fare? It’s either a big mistake or a big hit. In the case of El Ideal Bakery, it’s a big, big hit. So much so that all of the locals we met during a trip to Silay, Negros Occidental, recommend its Guapple Pie with near reverence. And it’s no surprise as the pie has been a consistent bestseller ever since it was introduced by this institution in Silay.
Made from the guapple fruit (oversized variety of guava), it is a favorite among the locals and a must-taste for all visitors. No wonder it constantly makes the lists of yummy desserts across the Philippines.
Rediscovering Filipino flavors at 1521
Posted by Ferdz on 15 Dec 2008 under Gut Feel, Sweet Talk, Tummy Treats · 10 Comments
With the globalization of the Filipino palate, is it still viable to set up a Pinoy restaurant nowadays? Ponder this: on one hand, you have to market to a younger generation of diners reared on a steady diet of pizzas, burgers and pastas. On the other hand, you have to appeal to an older generation who may have grown tired of the old favorites and are gravitating to international fare. Following the suggestion of a friend, we ventured to Mandaluyong to look for 1521 in the hope of finding a more definitive answer to our question. We’re happy to say that we walked in hungry for food and answers and walked out with a positive outlook and contented tummies.
When desserts don’t have to be so sweet
Posted by Ferdz on 11 Nov 2008 under Sweet Talk · 8 Comments
Desserts have always been synonymous with the words “sweets” but it doesn’t always have to be that way. A visit to an American country-style bakery cafe named Mom’s and Tina’s proved us wrong. They have a huge selection of baked goodies that are both truly luscious to the eyes and delectable to the taste.
Mom and Tina’s is a run by the Torres family (named after their Grandmother Mama Belen and her daughter Tina Torres-Santos) for a few years now. The restaurant shows that the very good home-grown food they prepare is hard not to hide for so long. Starting as a small bake shop in Pasig, their place eventually grew to a large bakery cafe in front of SM Hypermart in Ugong. And about 3 months back they opened a new spot in Legaspi Village along Dela Rosa, Makati where we were finally able to sample what they have to offer.