McDonald's McCafe's Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

While browsing the web for information on the Civil Engineering board exams, I came across the photo on the left on a National newspaper's website. I've heard of the McCafe, but I still haven't tasted it yet. I did hear some feedback about it from one of our seniors at work and when he found out how muchit costed, he said that he'd rather spend that much at Starbucks.

Apparently, a McCafe drink costs about 100 pesos. A Starbucks Frappuccino costs at least 155 pesos for the tall size, and a Bo's Coffee blended Frappuccino only costs about 60 pesos.

So if you ask me, I think I'd rather go to a local Bo's Coffee outlet and have a brownie with my frap for less than a hundred pesos. But if there's someone out there willing to give me a Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, I'd be more than willing to taste it for you and write a review about it.

I still wonder if they put whipped cream in it and if the whipped cream is even worth the extra pounds.

Bo's Primo Chocolate Chips and White Chocolate Glazed Doughnut

On a rainy day after the seminar at Pag-IBIG FUND, I was feeling a little down and decided to take a stroll at the nearest mall. To take shelter from the pit-pattering of the rain, I ran into Fully Booked and scanned the latest magazine collection on display.

Thinking about the current financial crisis that I am going through, I went upstairs to look for ideas for this blog. I was hoping that I'd save up any remaining peso I had in my pocket, but my loneliness and longing for a blended cup of coffee got the best of me.

The bookstore had a coffee shop situated in the middle of it, which is perfect for people who just want to sit down and relax.

I got myself a Primo Chocolate Chips blended coffee for PhP125.00 and a White Chocolate Glazed Doughnut for PhP60.00. The doughnut's size was sort of ridiculous for me, but it would be perfect if you shared it with someone.

The guy on the counter offered extra whipped cream, but being mindful of the pouch that's starting to form in my midsection. I politely declined.

Another reason would be because I thought the cream tasted too greasy and gave me the impression that it tasted like cake icing. I had fun chewing on some chocolate bits and pieces but didn't like the whipped cream too much.

About the doughnut, when I first bit into it, I could taste the creaminess of the cheese cream used to create the glaze on it. On first sight, it's as if it's calling out to you just begging to be bitten. It had a slight sweetness to it, but the cream-cheese flavor prevailed.

Maybe I should try making my own doughnuts soon. :)

Perri Todd's: All-American Grilled Burger

While in Iloilo, my group and I went on a tour of our own instead of going along with the Iloilo bloggers. We were too comfortable in bed and just felt like staying in instead of waking up early to see the sights. Plus, we were on a tight budget so we couldn't afford the tour even if it was super cheap already.

Perri Todd's is just one of the places that we went to. The place was as Americanized as they can get. It reminded me of Pop Tate's minus the booths. In case you didn't know, Pop Tate's is the fictional cafe that The Archies hung out at.

We tried out their Premium Burger with Cheesy Mushroom Dressing and a tower of two and a half liters of Iced Tea.

Premium Burger with Cheesy Mushroom Dressing : PhP260

Chocolate Mango Mousse by Red Ribbon

When it comes to special occassions that bring the family together, nothing is bigger and better than Christmas. That’s why, even with the busy schedule of moms, they still find ways to make the season as memorable as the last. One way is to serve special desserts to make the celebration extraordinary.

That’s why Red Ribbon Bakeshop created Chocolate Mango Mousse, a limited edition premium cake to make parties, get-togethers, and reunions even sweeter.

Red Ribbon combines two of the most loved dessert ingredients to create one delightful cake. It is made with a layer of creamy mango mouse with juicy mango bits on top of silky chocolate mousse and moist chocolate pound cake and generously embraced with chocolate ganache. As a finale, mango scoops and shaved chocolate are placed on top to make Chocolate Mango Mousse both delicious and beautiful.

For Christmas celebrations that call for an extraordinary dessert, take home a Chocolate Mango Mousse.

Chocolate Mango Mousse is available for only P700.00 for a whole cake and P70.00 for a slice in all Red Ribbon stores and selected booths for a limited time only this holiday season.

This is a press release by protégé

Pino! Filipino Restaurant

This has got to be one of my favorite restaurants. I mean, look at the place. The interior is just fabulous, and the air in it just smelled divine. It has been a few months since I've been to the actual place, but check out what you can get if you went to Pino! Filipino Restaurant.

Again at Tokyo Joe's

Again, it was another one of those days where Boyfie wanted some Ramen again. And so, we ended up at Tokyo Joe's yet again.

As you can see on the photo at the left, he was feeling his normal jolly self again and coerced me into taking his picture again.

I think I'm using the word 'again' too much already. :S

Anyway, here's what we got at Tokyo Joe's...again. :P

Fried Goodies, Cold Beer and Chilly Shakes

The Outpost Restobar---Boyfriend was invited to play a few of his original compositions at the Outpost Restobar. Although this took place quite some time ago, this is just about the only time that I got to finally post about it.

While he was on stage strumming and singing to his tune, I was served the yummy fried goodies that you are looking at on the left.

My diet was totally ruined when I ate the fries all by myself and I just couldn't resist the Calamares. Check out what else was served after the jump.

Rai Rai Ken's Ramen

I think it's getting pretty obvious that we like eating at Japanese restaurants, and this time, instead of being at Tokyo Joe's, we went to Rai Rai Ken to try out their Ramen and see if it was worth the price we paid.

The last time I was at Rai Rai Ken, I was with a former co-worker (I resigned) trying out their Crunchy Salmon Roll. Since I liked their Crunchy Salmon Roll, I wanted him to try it out too. 

Knowing that he's a noodle boy, I gave in to his request that we get the Ramen too. I was thinking, "Give this guy some Beef and Ramen anytime and he'll do whatever you want." Haha.

He took his time ordering, almost memorizing the whole menu, even though he was only in it for the Ramen. After ordering, we took our time taking pictures of the place and of ourselves, of course.

Red Ribbon’s deliciously different Crispy Chicken

Fried chicken just got exciting with Red Ribbon’s new Crispy Chicken.

Marinated, battered, and coated in seasoned flour, the choice cutlets are then fried until extra crispy. Instead of the usual gravy or ketchup, Crispy Chicken is served with a unique rich mango barbecue sauce with real mango bits. This tangy sauce is drizzled on the crunchy chicken portions beside a steaming cup of white rice. The result is a deliciously different meal.

For a sweet ending, order the Crispy Chicken with Red Ribbon’s classic cakes. Choose from Black Forest, Chocolate Fudge Cake, or Dulce de Leche. Crispy Chicken is available with a slice of Red Ribbon cake and drink for only P148.00 or ala carte for just P90.00.

For your more than the usual fried chicken craving, try Red Ribbon’s Crispy Chicken along with its other delicious meals, cakes, and pastries available in selected stores nationwide.

This is a Press Release provided by protégé

The best Chocolate Fudge Cake from Red Ribbon

Do you have a chocolate cake you can always count on to satisfy? You do now.

Red Ribbon whips up a sure comfort food list-topper with the new Chocolate Fudge Cake. Premium chocolate, fresh eggs, and creamy butter are perfectly mixed to make a very moist chocolate pound cake. It is then layered with luscious chocolate fudge filling and generously smothered with velvety chocolate icing. Quite simply, it’s what a chocolate cake should be.

Whether for a special occasion or a simple gathering of friends and family, Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is sure to make any day delightful. Give in to a slice or two with a cup of brew, freshly steeped tea, or warm glass of milk.

Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is available in regular size for P495.00 and junior size for only P295.00.

Enjoy this and other lip-smacking cakes, pastries, and other specialty treats from Red Ribbon stores nationwide.

This is a Press Release provided by protégé

Chocolate Cake Always Loves You Back

Red Ribbon whips up a delicious comfort

Comfort food is like a warm embrace. It’s a back rub after a hard day. It’s a reassuring word. There is no one clear definition of what comfort food is, but we all agree how wonderful it makes us feel even with just a taste.

Comfort food lifts the spirit. It’s familiar and nostalgic. It’s food that simply satisfies.

All of us have our own list of comfort food, and in every list, there is always chocolate cake. Always. Just what makes it a comfort food?

Is it the chocolate? Science offers an explanation about this magical ingredient that Aztecs used to worship. Chocolate contains tryptophan and phenylethylamine, chemicals that stimulate secretion of hormones like endorphins. These produce feelings of elation, attraction, and pleasure. How wise those Aztecs were.

Is it the way it was prepared? Comfort food is not necessarily hard to prepare but one of the reasons they are special was the effort it took to make them. Chocolate cake is made with layer after layer of goodness. We taste the love that went into the preparation – that’s what makes us feel better.

Is it the familiarity? We grew up with our comfort food. They are the food “like mom used to make” or Tita brings every time there is a family reunion.
Chocolate cake may not have been served often, but memories of eating it bring a warm feeling because of its family ties.

Black Forest Cake by Red Ribbon

 Described as the “taste of cherry orchard in high summer - with whipped cream”, the German dessert known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is embraced by the rest of the world in its more recognizable name: Black Forest Cake.

This well-loved cake traces its roots in the southern region of Germany. The place is known for its dense forests and picturesque snow-capped highlands. It is also abundant with beautiful cherry trees as it was customary for couples in the area to plant one after they wed. The spectacular scenery is said to be the inspiration for the Black Forest Cake.

The typical German dessert is made up of several layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream and cherries. It is then decorated with additional cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries. Traditionally, Black Forest Cake includes the addition of kirsch, or a cherry brandy.

There are many recipe versions of Black Forest Cake with some going back to the 16th century. The most popular one is that of confectioner Josef Keller that he developed in 1915 for his café Agner.

Today, kitchens continue to churn different ways of creating, or recreating, the Black Forest Cake.

British Chef Gordon Ramsay makes it with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and pitted cherries. The Hell’s Kitchen star completes the cake by spreading cream on top before it is decorated with grated chocolate and whole stemmed cherries.

Kitchen diva Martha Stewart whips a miniature version of the classic German dessert with “Black Forest Cupcake”. Layers of cherry liqueur, sweet pastry cream, and preserved cherries are placed on a halved cupcake. The top halved is then replaced and glazed with chocolate ganache.

Pastry chef and Sweet Dreams host Gale Gand goes further by deconstructing the dessert. She breaks down Black Forest Cake into its essential components – chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and kirsch – and served as a whole.

But if there is a version of Black Forest Cake that Filipinos know, it is the one created by Red Ribbon Bakeshop. It is made up of three layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and cream. The cake is swathed and topped with another helping of cream before being garnished with chocolate shavings and brimming cherries. The result is nothing short of a beautiful and elegant dessert. No wonder Black Forest Cake is Red Ribbon’s best-selling cake.

When it first opened its doors in 1978 in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Red Ribbon’s Black Forest Cake is one of the first cakes that debuted on its shelves. For many years, Filipinos have chosen Red Ribbon’s Black whenever there is an occasion that needs to be made extra sweet.

For a delicious slice or two of Black Forest Cake, visit Red Ribbon stores nationwide or call 8-7777 for free delivery within Metro Manila. Regular size is P590.00 and Junior size for only P370.00.

This is a Press Release provided by protégé

New Moist Choco Slice from Red Ribbon

This is one that I have yet to try out. I didn't actually know that it existed until I saw the picture that came along with its press release. I do hope it is worth a try.


Chocolate lovers, meet your newest snack. Red Ribbon introduces Moist Choco Slice, a rich pound cake that is full of chocolate goodness. This delectable pound cake uses real cocoa powder and other choice ingredients that make for a fabulously moist bite after bite experience.

Whether as a merienda treat or a hot beverage companion, snacking on Red
Ribbon Moist Choco Slice guarantees to satisfy. Kids will find it as a perfect baon. For mid-morning and afternoon breaks, Red Ribbon Moist Choco Slice is sure to fulfill your craving for a delicious chocolate snack.

Grab a Red Ribbon Moist Choco Slice for only P19.00 or a Pasalubong Pack of 6's for only P114.00 at your favorite Red Ribbon store.

Try the new Moist Choco Slice and other Snacktime Favorites from Red Ribbon today.

This is a Press Release provided by protégé

All Alone at Starbucks

What happens when you are in a good mood, smells good food and have enough cash on hand?

This happens.

Of Tuna Sandwiches and Milkshakes

The Cebu Bloggers Society finally has its own milkshake. The first time the organization held one of its meeting at MACBay Cafe, located along One Acacia Place, Acacia St., cor. Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City, the origin of the CBS Milkshake was made known.

Kitteh Went to CoffeeCat

Kitteh went to CoffeeCat's opening in Cebu City. The new CoffeeCat is located at eBloc1, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City. This is actually CoffeeCat's second branch in the Philippines, the one in Davao being the first. I must say that CoffeeCat made me want to stay in it forever when I walked in. I just loved the interior and the bowls below. Teehee.. ♥

Boosog na Boosog!

When one of my blogger friends came home to Cebu from Manila, we decided to meet up and have dinner.

It has been quite a while since we last saw each other, so even if we weren't that super close, it was really nice to catch up.

Before we met up, she was actually aboard a ship on the way to Cebu City from Camotes Island, prancing around on the beach and enjoying her vacation, so I can only imagine how tired she was when she finally met up with us. On top of that, she actually didn't have a place to stay for the night as we found out later on. She was already making arrangements via text while we were together, but ended up staying at another one of our friends' place.

We planned to have dinner somewhere in Ayala Center Cebu, and met at Figaro's. We chatted for a little while, trying to settle where we were going to have dinner. After about half an hour later, we decided to get out of Ayala Center and go to The Gallery along Juan Luna Avenue where a Filipino restaurant supposedly has really good Mongoes.

Going Japanese at Tokyo Joe's

One of the best things about having a sorta Japanese-looking boyfriend is that you could just trick almost everybody into thinking that he can't understand what you are talking about. This scenario happens all the time, most especially if he's dressed up. LOL

While walking around the mall, he all of a sudden is hungry---AGAIN. We were about to go to Mang Inasal's but due to the restaurant being overcrowded, we settled for the less crowded restaurant, Tokyo Joe's. I was a bit skeptical, because Japanese restaurants are usually expensive and I wasn't in the mood to wash any dishes at all.

But when we checked out the prices and the servings, it was no doubt that the little Japanese restaurant that you can barely notice at the Lower Ground Floor of SM City Cebu would become BF's favorite restaurant. He loves making faces whenever I take shots of him, so don't be surprised at his expressions.

The food was priced just right for our pockets, so we ordered as much as we can eat. Take a look at what we've had so far.

Chikaan sa Cebu

Chikaan sa Cebu

 At the World Bloggers Day, our table got pretty lucky. Boyfriend and Sister both got gift certificates from Chikaan sa Cebu. My mom didn't register because she wasn't a blogger, but if she were, and considering how lucky she is, she might have won something too. Airish Alombro, a fellow blogger and co-worker, sat with us at our table for her first meet up with the bloggers and won a prize as well.

So here we are, the three of us, my mom and sister and I, together at Chikaan sa Cebu in SM Northwing. There would have been a fourth person with us, which was supposed to be my brother, but he was busy at the time, so no free dinner for him there. If you were wondering where BF was, he was busy too.

Men. Pffft.

Anyway, check out what we had. We went to the restaurant famished and we got out stuffed. LOL

World Bloggers' Day Food Expo

It was World Bloggers' Day and boy, was there so much food. Actually, the Food Expo was part of the program, but I guess people were just so exhausted from the day or that they didn't understand what Food Expo meant, they just dug in instead of inquiring as to what the food or where you can actually get the food.

Since I was assisting the former Cebu Bloggers Society President with the organizing being the Secretary, I didn't have time to do anything else but be the Secretary/Assistant. Praise God for me having a sister. So I handed her the camera, and asked her to take pictures of the food before everybody else started pushing each other.

Check out the food after the jump!