Figaro Avalanche of Flavors Starts Today!

Figaro is one of my top favorite coffee shops in the Philippines. It helps that there's a Figaro right across where I live, and that it has fast and free wi-fi. More than anything, it's the community experience that keeps me coming back. Even if I bring my three children along to do homework in the cafe, we always feel welcomed by the baristas and the patrons are usually familiar faces in the neighborhood. The baristas know me by name and offers good suggestions when I can't figure out what to eat by myself. LOL. Sorry, too much of an endorsement, I know. But with the many times has my sanity been saved by a casual couple of hours I spend at Figaro Kapitolyo makes me a loyal customer to this Filipino company that promotes our country from crop to cup.

Figaro launches its newest line of delectable beverages that tickles the sweet tooth in you! It's an Avalanche of Flavors starting August 1 in your favorite Figaro branches. I had first dibs on the exquisite taste of Figaro's new line at the Shangrila Plaza Mall. It's also the first time Figaro is serving their ice-blended drinks in 20oz (Php 150) and of course, the usual 16 ounce (P130php).

First up, the heavenly White Chocolate Mocha Frost. Unlike any other white chocolate drink I've ever had, the white chocolate can really be tasted--- without the coffee overpowering it. This tastes lighter, yet really creamy and flavorful. It's not that sweet, and it will go very well with pasta or a sandwich. It is topped with whipped cream and with white chocolate sprinkles. This was my favorite among the drinks served that night.

Next is the Choco Chips Java Frost, with a strong chocolate flavor-- almost tablea-like, with less the creaminess and more of the chocolate. It's a beauty in its own, topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips.

Don't you agree everything Oreo spells a sure hit, in kids and adults alike? The Figaroccino Cookie Crumble with Oreos is basically mocha with blended Oreos. The crunch gives this mocha drink an exciting twist for those wanting more fun in their usual figaro frost.

And last but not the least, the all-caramel goodness of Figarocinno Caramel Chips Frost! The caramel fan that I fell in love with a sip. Texture-heavy with all the caramel bits blended in the drink, as well as sprinkled on top of the whipped cream. 

All drinks were a refreshing compliment to dinner such as the Chicken Barbecue with Chili Sauce and Fish Fillet with Pesto served that night. I loved that both dishes was served with a generous siding of vegetables that makes it nutritionally complete meal in itself.

They also introduced to us new cakes that pairs their fine coffee, frost and milk tea. The carrot cake is moist with just the right sweetness, made interesting by the crunchy almond bits. The cream cheese drizzled by caramel provided a salty contrast to the sweetness of the cake-- and an eye-candy too!

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The Orange Coffee Cake is a soft sponge cake lightly flavored with orange. I find it similar to rhum cake sans the syrupy base, just touches of coffee swirls in the dough. The cake base won't give you a toothache at all. It's best paired with black coffee in my opinion. Photo courtesy of www.jobonsol.net

All will be available in all Figaro stores nationwide starting July 30, 2012.  For more updates and branches, visit www.figarocoffee.com and like the FB page of Figaro at  https://www.facebook.com/figarocoffeecompany

Outtakes: Enjoyed this dinner with the fantabulous Mommy Jo of Cogito Ergo Sum, Figaro's PR Manager, Annesy del Mundo, Mr. Pogi Winner John Callueng, Rod Magaru, Chinnie, Ruth MommyWrites and other popular bloggers. I also had the pleasure to meet the Yogini From Manila

Thanks for dropping by my blog!

SumoSam Officially Opens in Harbor Point Subic!

SumoSam opened its first branch in Subic, located at the 2^nd Level of Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone--- bringing the best in contemporary Japanese cuisine with the concept of unparalleled value for money, taste and style to Metro Olongapo. I was invited to witness this event as it is a very important milestone for SumoSam and their partners, and boy was it well-attended!

Upon entering the store, you're greeted by the good-looking crew. Take note, this crew member didn't know I was attending the event and just mistook me for a curious customer but she explained the menu quite impressively. Props for knowledgeable staff! Looking through the glass, I saw that even just a few weeks into operations, the place is packed by locals and foreigners alike. Perfect place to impress a date or hold a business meeting while enjoying Japanese food.

True to its commitment to bring the most exciting East-meets-West Japanese food to Filipinos, SumoSam offers its unique dining experience to the City of Olongapo and the highly progressive town of Subic. The food rises to the expectations of a diverse, international community by marrying traditional to modern Western cooking. 

Conveniently located at Harbor Point Ayala Mall, its elegant and welcoming youthful interiors is the perfect setting to enjoy an impeccable collection of sushi, sashimi and tempura after a day of shopping; or a comforting bowl of slow-cooked Ramen and scrumptious rice bowls for travelers. 


Celebrity chef Marvin Agustin opened the festivities by a ceremonial slicing of sushi, a tradition for every Sumosam store opening. Vice President and Director for Business Development, Raymund Magdaluyo and franchise partners Dondon and Marilyn Adao joined Marvin as they welcome guests to try out the festive selection of steaks, seafood and sushi to enthusiastic guests.

Highly successful business couple tandem Dondon and Marilyn Adao.

Celebrity Chef Marvin Agustin does the honor of leading the sushi-slicing ceremony. It's a tradition for every restaurant opening. VP and Director for Business Development Raymund Magdaluyo, and the First Lady and former Governor of Olongapo Anne Gordon opened the festivities with Chef Marvin.

 It was so adorable how one of Chef Marvin's twin sons was watching in awe as Daddy slices the giant sushi!

Vice President for Business Development Raymond Magdaluyo shares the concept behind SumoSam, and how choosing the right partner will determine the success of a SumoSam franchise. He relates that by the end of 2012, 20 SumoSam restaurants will by then be open to serve diners all over the country.

The timeless legend of Sumosam as the Champion Eater, Legendary Fighter rings true in a vast menu of carefully handcrafted dishes guaranteed to satisfy Japanese food cravings. Animated images of sumo wrestlers indulging in generous servings of Japanese food is a telltale sign of what Sumosam offers—the thrill of Asian fusion cuisine offered in generous servings designed to attract the young, upbeat cosmopolitan market. 

Placing an order for Japanese food may be a little intimidating, but by having photographs of each dish in the menu immediately makes the process an adventure on its own. One can choose from a delectable set of salads and starters such as the Kani Pomelo Salad, Spicy Tuna Salad, Steamed or Fried Gyoza and Tofu Steak, as well as a variation of kamameshi bowls and noodles such as Seafood and Sausage Yakisoba. Main courses like Beef Teppan, Chicken Teriyaki, Bacon Asparagus and more mouth-watering meat items, and seafood of the highest quality namely Salmon Wasabi Cream, Local Marlin or Malasugui and Seafood Teppan Platter. Finally completing the list are the Amazing Kani Roll, Las Vegas Roll and Philadelphia Roll. Just one look at their menu and you know exactly what you want to eat! 

Luke Mejares provided the night's music and entertainment. I had the pleasure of meeting him before the show, we happened to have common friends so I wasn't as shy to approach him for a photo!

And of course, I couldn't resist to ask Marvin for a photo because I loved him since Esperanza days! I've seen him so many times now but I still get kilig.

Oh, and to top it all off, the most curious thing happened. Well, I am that kind of person who's always lucky at raffles and contests. I won P2000 worth of gift certificates from SumoSam Subic! I wanted to die of stage fright. LOL. I actually kept calling Luke "Lucky Charm" the entire night because of all the names in the fish bowl, he called mine. Here am I having a funny moment with the show's host and Luke Mejares.

These sweet ladies approached and congratulated me on my small "win" LOL! It's the first time I've met them, it felt like I've known them all my life (not exaggerating.) On my left is Marvin's aunt and to my right is his Mom.

For themed events and parties, Sumosam Harbor Point Ayala Mall offers catering services and functions, open on Sundays to Thursdays at 10am to 9pm; Fridays to Saturdays at 10am to 10pm. The 80-seating capacity dining area assures ample space to have good conversation and hold get-togethers with loved ones.

Look at all the food they served all the guests! It was so yummy, I had to use all the willpower left in me to stop eating!

Just look at my plate! 

Slam-dunk favorite!

And of course, all that food and fun will not be possible without the efforts of our friends from SumoSam. Beside me is SumoSam Bosses Joy, Chef Mae, Marketing Manager Tina Papera, digital artist Gelai Racca and Operations Manager Ton Ortiz. The couple in black are managers of the Subic Branch Sherry My Perez and the gentleman's name escapes my mind right now. 

Thank you SumoSam for the fun weekend soiree to Subic! 


For inquiries, call SumoSam Subic at 251-1014 or visit them at 2^nd Level, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Freeport Zone. Visit their facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ilovesumosam or Twitter @ilovesumosam for more updates and events.

Carinderia in Style: Killa Mike's

Check out this really cool, new "carinderia in style" to-go and delivery place to open in Mandaluyong next week. Who doesn't love kanin, right? I mean, lots of it. Extra, double extra, you name it.

 

Heavy on the tummy, easy on the pocket! The affordable menu boasts of tasty rice with exciting toppings. Can't wait to try the buffalo chicken rice, sinigang rice, and black squid ink rice! Great to buy in bundles if you and your officemates are craving for something quick, but really filling. They deliver to Mandaluyong, Ortigas and nearby areas.





P.S. Buy 10 Get 1 Promo ongoing! So pimp this to your officemates and get your meal for free!

Persian Kabab

Throwing all dieting sensibilities aside, here am I and my gayest bestfriend, Carlo, at my favorite Persian food diner, Persian Kabab at Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong. It is seriously the cheapest Persian restaurant in existence. Even cheaper than on-the-go shawarma food stalls. You see, I have a love-hate relationship with Persian food. I enjoy eating it but after that I just want to barf it all out. Whatever things they put in there doesn't sit well with my stomach. I don't know if it's the spice or the yogurt shake or the garlic mayonnaise. The ONLY shawarma that doesn't hurt me is Tri-Mo Shawarma at Lagro, Quezon City but that one isn't even authentic. It's more Filipino. We had the place to ourselves. The server was super sleepy and assumed sleeping mode position on the sofa inside the restaurant, but she was fun. Can't blame her, we were the only customers, this day being a Monday dawn.













After all the beef, ox brains, hummus and spicy mayo that we had, we knew that we needed something else to hold down the acids gurgling in our tummies. We went straight to McDonalds and had some hot chocolate and more acid fries.





Have a good week!