Desserts have always been synonymous with the word "sweets" but it doesn't always have to be that way. A visit to an American country-style bakery cafe named Mom 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 ago they opened a new spot in Legaspi Village along Dela Rosa, Makati where we were finally able to sample what they have to offer.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Lagal[og] said: I have a sweet tooth but I'm not too fond of overly-sweet desserts. I've spotted Mom & Tina's on quite a few occasions but was never compelled to drop in and sample the sweets until quite recently. I have tasted quite a lot of the cakes and the thing I most liked about them is that they're not stuffed with sugar so I don't get umay (taste buds don't get overwhelmed).
Ironwulf said: The design interiors struck me first as being classy with their American country theme. It's really homey with the warm lighting and wooden furnishings. I thought this place would be very expensive but browsing through the menu and having seen the items served, I found them just right for the price.
I'm a dessert person myself but I'm a bit turned off by desserts which I find too sweet. It's quite a surprise that most of the desserts here at Mom and Tina's emphasizes more on the creamy rich flavor without giving you a dose of sugar overload. Another favorite I noticed among the patrons there are the sugar-free variants for health-conscious people who don't want to scrimp on the taste.
FAVORITES
Lagal[og] said: It's hard to pick a favorite since everything is pretty much good. Because I'm a mango fanatic, I always order the Mango Cream Pie. The Walnut Cream Pie is also fantastic. Rich and creamy in texture but not overwhelmingly sweet. The Baked Oreo Cheesecake is sinfully rich – from the chocolate shavings on top to the chocolatey bottom layer. What especially surprised me is their take on what are otherwise regular/standard baker's fare like the Brazo de Mercedes which has a chewy roll and not-so-sweet middle.
Ironwulf said: Talk about favorites! I'm a chocoholic so I'm raving for the Baked Oreo Cheesecake and their Chocolate Mousse Cake. Most of their cakes are served on a baking pan with an average area of 3x5 inches. Seems a little to look at but it's just enough really. The Baked Oreo Cheesecake is so rich it's best to share with a friend or two. The Chocolate Mousse Cake, both the regular and sugar-free variants are light and creamy. Their Blueberry Cheesecake is good though the syrup is simply too sweet for me. The Sansrival they served us before is also a bit too hard to slice and chew, must have been refrigerated too long.
Lagal[og] said: They also have a nice array of refrigerated cakes, sugar-free versions of some of the treats, cookies and squares. It's pure bliss to wash them down with brewed coffee.
Ironwulf said: One bummer though is that hot choco is on the menu but wasn't available during the times we visited. I don't drink coffee often so I prefer the hot choco. If they don't have it, they should remove it from the menu board. But talk about refrigerated cakes. I like their White Toblerone Walnut Torte and Strawberry Trifle Cups. The layers of frosted cream, grahams, walnut and the ingredient are really delightful.
The prices are just right (starting at Php15 for the squares; about Php80 up for the single servings of cakes) so indulgence doesn't have to mean squandering a week's pay for great-tasting desserts.
THE PLACE
Lagal[og] said: The country-inspired interiors and warm lighting make M&T ideal for casual dinners and meetings. Very homey and relaxing, it's like coming home at the end of a long day at the office. Lunchtime is not as relaxing as there's always a long line waiting but evenings and weekends are good times for unwinding.
Ironwulf said: I have visited the Makati Branch 3 times already in less than two months and I know Lagal[og] has been there more than that. Evening crowds are manageable but expect lunch time to be packed since they also serve very good comfort foods. Weekends are ideal for visits. The little furnishing accents of old wooden clocks, figurines and old lamps are big pluses for me, ambience-wise. And their comfort rooms are clean as well.
Mom and Tina's Bakery Café Perea cor. Dela Rosa Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City • Open from 9am – 11pm, Mon-Sun
632.840.4299
(The main branch is located along C5 infront of SM Hypermart) 106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Barangay Ugong. Pasig City • 632.914.0833 • 632.571.1540-41
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