Seeing Stars: Dakasi (Trinoma)

 

Being a constant labyrinth, I don’t suppose I will ever memorize Trinoma’s tributaries and tenants—despite my infamous boast of being its daily patron. To prove my case, I never knew J.Co was open until I noticed hordes of orange boxes that clouded my peripheral vision with citrus sights. And, our dearly beloved Cibo unexpectedly disappeared, to be replaced by a ribs place. All these happened during my watch, so much for retail omniscience.

Getting lost may have its points too. I stumbled upon the soon-to-open sign of Army Navy (Trinoma Foodcourt—who eats there?), and mindlessly followed the brightly shining Super Mario star that led me to Dakasi. For those new to this strange-sounding store, it is not a cousin to Saizen but more of the striving youngest sibling of Gong Cha and Chatime. Enough with the clues, it’s a milk tea place—more of a stall—that has no other USP than having the Eiffel Tower on its cup. It does not hail from Paris though.

[caption id="attachment_2086" align="aligncenter" width="553"] From High and Guangzhou Post[/caption]

The first time I had a cup of Dakasi, I was verbally struggling in the underground mall in China. This time, everything is in English, and so if I couldn’t get my order right, blame the Eiffel Tower. Oui?

For comparison, it was a necessity that I order the Matcha Brown Rice Milk Tea (which I had in China). Another petty craving was the Yakult Green Tea, which I felt was fitting since all these were in conjunction with Trinoma’s “going green” campaign. Show your love for Mother Earth, bring a big bag. 

In the absence of the language barrier I was finally allowed to utter “25% sweetness” and expect 100% comprehension from the cashier.

It was almost perfect until, “Ma’am you should try that in 100%. You will not enjoy the full taste of the tea if it’s only 25%,” the sugar-loving cashier urged as if I wanted to get into her red bull mode.

She did not know whom she was dealing with though. With my self-made allergy to sugar, if I could have it my way, I’d go for Zero % but of course couldn’t give them the shock treatment on their soft opening. I do have a soft spot for Super Mario.

So I just gave her the look, and a “No.” That’s me being short and sweet, she’ll recover.

 

At 25% sweetness, the Matcha Brown Rice Milk Tea is fairly flavorful and maintains the strong matcha taste (and color). Compared to Chatime and Serenitea counterparts though, it has a creamier texture, but not as silky smooth as Moonleaf (sedimentation occurs to which I have no qualms though). Had I gone for that horrendous 100% sweetness, this would be like sipping melted matcha ice cream. Delicious but will require one hour of carrying groceries with my bare arms. This is Quezon City, no plastic bags allowed.

The Yakult Green Tea is another story—watery and derives the flavor from Yakult which is not exactly the best tasting yogurt on the planet. Going for the 100% sweetness level might not remedy the flavor, and Dakasi ought to incorporate more fruit into this drink. This drink falls below my yogurt-tea drink standards since counterparts from Chatime and Happy Lemon are much more enjoyable and cheaper, and they’ve become part of my honorary to-crave drinks list. The Chatime Yogurt Green Tea, in particular, has that subtle citrus flavor that even at 30% sweetness, can suffice as the perfect dessert.  

Of course that’s just 2 drinks out of their vast menu, and with the Buy 1 Take 1 promo on their soft opening, I’m bound to make this a daily ritual until I become known as the “Lazy Black 25% Sweetness Cat” or more believably, that “annoying and demanding girl”.

 Oh and they offer chocolate pudding as a sinker, so how about that for super?

Dakasi is that middle stall near Marks and Spencer and Healthy Options, and if you get lost still, allow your humility to sink in and consult the concierge. Don’t expect mushrooms to guide you to the end of the level.

Death by Parvati Chocolate

Deprived of chocolate for what seemed like eternity, it was time to wave the white flag of fake fitness and resume the choco-haulic hoarders association.

As always Parvati (Trinoma) was the prime choice, on account of its location and hypnotic freezers—which aren’t entirely chilled—especially the cookie section. I tried to hide there once, so yes, I make a valid witness.

In no mood for cheesecake or the timidity of carrot cake, the orders were down to The Dome and The Decadent Cocosugar Chocolate Cake (Sugar Free). Competing in terms of cocoa intensity and swirly frosting, this mash-up should bash any depth of depression.

[caption id="attachment_2355" align="aligncenter" width="498"] Guess the name: That Orbit, Mega Eclair or Choco Chow[/caption]

The Dome, upon closer look, manages to bear strange similarities with a giant éclair and for the more imaginative, a bowl of dog food. The shimmering frosting and the chocolate chips that adorn the fringe can certainly torment the hungry, though in real life, I’d rather it be classified as a Baby Dome. Or how about The Orb?

Chocolate all over and with that nutella cream at the center, The Dome is what you eat when you are depressed, anorexic or dying of low blood sugar. The first few bites can certainly bring that chocolate bliss that can kill any sweet urge for decades. After the return of the common sense though, there are points to ponder as well: the chocolate cake relies on the cream for that moist effect and without it, remains as a boring block of chiffon.

The chocolate frosting is all right but could do with a bit more cocoa surge, while the chocolate chips are not as value-adding in terms of the taste factor. Thanks to that creamy center, The Dome justifies its compelling name, and with a less appealing core, would just be reduced to That Orb.

[caption id="attachment_2354" align="aligncenter" width="498"] The Chocolate Cake that brings a new meaning to the word Decadent.[/caption]

With a name so long, you’d probably expect an equally lengthy ode to The Decadent Cocosugar Chocolate Cake (Sugar Free), but I’ll spare you the burden of reading and summarize my usually wordy thoughts.

The chocolate cake is stiff, devoid of any form of “moist” or softness, and lacks any form of acceptable flavor despite christening itself as a decadent cake. The swirly icing is a tad too sweet but nothing gratifying. Whether the cake was old or kept in a bin of rice grains, its dehydrated form was certainly thes death of my taste buds.

While The Dome wasn’t exactly Willy Wonka variety, it at least had a shred of palatability to revive my pending death from the Sugar Free Chocolate Cake.

Still, I apologize to the cheesecake; I will never abandon you ever again

Red Velvety Goodness

I have never really figured out how Red Velvet came to be or why it was named as such. Why it's so strikingly red, when it can be brown or peach colored and renamed as Caramel Velvet? It does have a nice ring to it though, wouldn't you say?

How about Maroon Mayhem? Indulging!

However Red Velvet has become quite a universal madness, from cupcakes to ice cream to lipstick shades. While I've never been that fond of red food, having associated it the Neolithic medium rare steak, I did fancy the Red Velvet Cake from Christina's Kitchen.

Bought from Parvati (Trinoma), it was 100% red and with no hint of pink. For certain, Revlon would have a hard time replicating such a gorgeous and seamless shade of red. Muy rojo!

As for the "velvet" side of it, the cake was pure smooth and spongy goodness. While not bordering on the heavy cake consistency, it was greatly complemented by its cream cheese frosting. Not too buttery and by no means my-dentist-will-kill-me sweet, the light frosting and soft, light cake create that seamless Red Velvet cake, whose name or color I will never question again.

I've never described a cake as seamless, so I suppose this is one makes it to my books.

But I still think that someone ought to consider Maroon Mayhem. You do that, all right?

Three pointer at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Anything that suggests a cluster reaching the number three is normally dismissed as trouble: triplets, 3-in-1, triumvirate, three’s a crowd. Oh, and there’s the Triple Decker Cheesecake at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL).

[caption id="attachment_1717" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Three's so not a crowd with this one."][/caption]

No need to sense troublesome presence of calories and saturated fat, not to mention sugar - three whole layers of it - as they smack you right in the face with their creamy temptation! However it’s best to disregard these upsetting numbers especially when a slice is loaded with layers of fabulous cheesecake, guaranteed to kill any craving. The topmost dark cookie portion is a wonderful find and best kept as "the last bite." The coffee layer may be a nuisance for insomniacs (like me) but this issue was easily addressed with good ‘ol water. Lots of it. Or decaffeinated tea, of course.

I wouldn’t recommend sharing this with anyone, as a bite less and you’re sure to scowl. Compared to Starbucks, Conti’s and some Parvati miniature bestsellers, this one’s a hefty serving—all fun, all cheesecake, all yours.

Or mine.

Then there’s this Chicken Chipotle Sandwich on the side, which took forever to prepare. I spied cucumber and one big chunk of panini—a kid’s jaw can’t get through that threshold. Since there was nothing special about the sandwich, except that it was sprawling with greens, we’re better off splurging on sweets when in CBTL.

CBTL in Trinoma provides a park-like venue for the bored or hungry—wide and overlooking Mindanao Avenue. Beside Peking Garden and Kimpura which are rarely filled—more space for everyone’s enjoyment and a breather compared to the top floor Starbucks which is forever congested in human haze. 

Cheesecake Challenge @ Parvati

Armed with only P100, it was a challenge to seek out a single serving of cheesecake - not a Peso more - to address this inescapable dessert craving. I welcomed change (even a measly coin would make me feel rich), though considered this unlikely. Still, the hope for frugal satisfaction led me to the welcoming luminescence of Parvati, Trinoma.

I knew all too well that a slice of cheesecake in Parvati rarely went below the P120 level, but my penury painstakingly led me to scan through the chillers and yes - fantastic eyesight it was that was very supportive to my cause, I found my cheesecake a la pobre.

Mike's Baking White Chocolate Cheesecake Squares came in a box of 2's, priced at P95. For quite a long name, I still got P5 change for my hundred Peso bill. Good 'ol Mike, Baker and Supporter of the Broke.

[caption id="attachment_1460" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="White Chocolate Cheesecake Squares"][/caption]

The cheesecake squares weren't gigantic - what were you expecting, a block of cheese? -  but maintained the usual 3-level cheesecake standard. Omitting the traditional graham cracker crust, it went with the white chocolate crust which balanced the flavor of the cheesecake. The chocolate topping - fine yet barely sweet - was more ornamental, but I appreciated this bland rendition as the white chocolate crust became the sole provider of sweetness.

While the cheesecake was compact and seemed "little" by cheesecake slice standards, it still managed my cheesecake fix without that over indulgent, choking feeling we get from eating too much cheesecake. And it had that white chocolate crust - points for that!

The other bar (remember, there were 2), I left in our fridge. I expect someone to "break in" my stash later in the evening. It's that time of the month again when everyone's broke.

 So tomorrow, I'm slashing my budget to P50.

On second thought.. Maybe not.

 

Lazy Black Goat @ Cyma

Now I know how it feels to be a celebrity, courtesy of the waiters and patrons of Cyma (Trinoma). The stares and gawking have definitely contributed to my ever growing ego, and the really obvious-but-trying-not-to-be side glances cannot escape my omniscient radar. If people could probably tweet their thoughts, it'd be something like: Saw @LazyBlack_Cat being such a Lazy Black Goat at Cyma. Again.

Oh fame, if only you were for real, but it wasn't me they were staring at, but rather, my plate. Amidst platters of pasta and cheese seen on other tables, only the Tonnos Salata has landed on mine.

While I love Cyma's Roka Pasta, Chicken Gyro and Saganaki, call me living in peasantry, but it's the salad that would cause us to conquer this Greek Restaurant in proper phalanx formation.

Lately, I have dined and lived off on the Tonnos Salata, family size of course (good for 2 people from MY family). The toppings are endless, lively and would make Poseidon proud: seared tuna, anchovies (Gavros), black olives,  feta cheese, roasted bell peppers, onions, potatoes, boiled egg, etc. The summer herb vinaigrette dresses the salad with that light sunny, cream-free feel. No other salad can give us this leviathan serving, magnified further with its fresh and dainty ingredients. Other local joints present us with shoddy counterparts that would make Zeus so mad, he'd throw a thunderbolt right through that iceberg lettuce.

The seared tuna is normally the first to disappear in our Tonnos Salata, but the salad on its own has created its Greek standard that I can never replicate in other local buffets. I have tried, failed and always ended up with a balsamic vinaigrette-hard cheese salad instead. Good though.

Back to being a celebrity. Well, I suppose we will always have our 15 minutes of shame at Cyma, but then again, maybe being a goat suits me. I feel, though, that the waiters are getting to know our strange diet habits. The once look of horror has transformed into that of slow comprehension.

Maybe next time we eat there -  no, i will not give them the finger, don't tempt me - I could wear a shirt that says: Teach your kids not to stare. Or are you also a kid?

I sure am one. Meeeeeh!

 

 

Ramen X Marks the Spot

I can’t say that Ramen bars are common spectacles in Manila, and neither are they hailed as hunger busters, as my hometown doesn’t exactly harbor a magnanimous noodle crowd. Sad to say, the people I share the same air (and pollution) with are more of the rice variety. The absence of rice in any meal may signal a threat to future generations, so it is always best to maintain rice meals in the menu, no matter how unsophisticated, unphotographic and messy they may seem.

Newly opened Ramen X at Trinoma should signal the emergence of my people, the noodle crowd and ramen lovers. This definitely signaled our weekend dining. That giant X embossed on the door offers its leviathan welcome to those who worship ramen, above rice and other lowly carbs.

The location may be a bit tricky; considering Trinoma as a second home, my best direction would be, “Near the C places: Cibo, Chapel and Cabalen.” That should at least get you to the right floor.

The place is sprightly, urban, Oriental, with mirrors covering all angles, and the line-up-and-order approach you can expect from Ramen bars. If you think the mirrors are the best part, then go ahead and gloat, but the McArthur in me (“I shall return.”) was summoned by the satisfaction of my frugal self.

At P99 or P129 per bowl, the ramen is eXpress, ineXpensive and eXciting (to eat). The bowls are huge and the toppings satisfactory, so for this weekend dining spree, it's definitely “Itadakimasu!”

[caption id="attachment_1395" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Karaage Ramen"][/caption]

Karaage Ramen

The soy-based ramen provides that Japanese-y flavor that other local noodle shops deprive us of, and instead feed us that awful beef stock. Topped with Naruto, cabbage, onions, egg and wee bits of chicken karaage, the ramen is light but highly satisfying for its price. While the noodles are not exactly premium soba level (that’s asking too much), at least they’re not the salty, plump I’ve-seen-better-days-overcooked leftovers that would make Naruto beckon the Nine-Tails inside his belly in fury. Lightly chewy but satiating nevertheless, I don’t see any X’s here, only checks from my abysmal belly.

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Chikuwa Ramen"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1390" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Oishi Ramen"][/caption]

Chikuwa and Oishi Ramen

Bigger bowls for the carnivorous boys. The Chikuwa (Japanese fish tubes) rouses Oriental noodle fantasies, with its deep-sea flavor, while the Oishi Ramen is the supremo bowl and the premium offering of Ramen X. I watched Onichan and Ossan slurp down their bowls in a matter of minutes, interspersed with drinking and catching their breath (They had to; we asked for chili). While Ossan questioned the authenticity of the ramen, I believe that my frugality has created a bubble of protection around Ramen X’s standards, and so I found myself telling him that we are in Manila, not Okinawa.

The Gyoza and Karaage sidings at P39 each are appealingly cheap and can instantly lure that impulsive nature. The soft opening though included only the main deals, so the gyoza still has not made its way to their kitchen. As for the karaage, I feared that the poultry redundancy in my meal might not be met with much glee by my belly.

There are toppings that can be bought at P15  or P30 each: boiled egg, kimchi and green onions among others—to those who feel like garnishing their bowls further. Taste-wise though, there is nothing to add and if any, a cup of house tea would be much appreciated.

[caption id="attachment_1393" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Ramen get it!"][/caption]

In the midst of untangling my ramen noodles, pouring chili oil and just savoring the emptiness of the place, the theme from One Piece (“We Are”) blasted from the speakers. Ah yes, Luffy and his Mugiwara Kaizoku (“Strawhat Pirates”) crew and Ramen. Not even the mirrors could give me that kind of noodle high.

How about you play the Bleach OST next time? Or give out One Piece-inspired Strawhats to lucky diners?

Uh-oh, I suppose I did get that weekend-noodle high.

(By the way, this weekend post was inspired by Tara Let's Eat's weekend eating meme.)

Pasta Tripping: Cibo

Whenever I suggest eating at Cibo to some folks, they just have a cunning way of changing the topic or pretending that I was speaking on mute mode.

Whatever the reason is, I've figured out that they would rather dunk their Chicken McNuggets in BBQ sauce than dunk their bread in EVOO + balsamic vinegar, but I cannot give in to the triumph of fast food. Fast food and cheap restaurants have created that niche we call pasta abomination, and for that, I cannot forgive you that easily. For an industry that has given rise to soggy pasta, fake parmesan cheese, vegetable oil pesto, carbonara made of cream, sweet spaghetti and worst of all, sweet spaghetti with hotdog, you should surrender to the Italian police.

End these food crimes, and stop feeding us MSG and week-old noodles. If I wanted something soft, I'd have gone for mashed potatoes. And if I wanted hotdogs, I would've gone to a ball game!

Unfortunately I live in Quezon City, not Sicily, so I have to make do with what's around. Landing in Trinoma one Saturday, hungry and deprived of nutrients, we decided to visit the least visited place where we knew no lines existed: CIBO. I thought of just ordering a salad, but when I realized my need for sustenance, the carbs suddenly popped out of the menu. Actually it was more of pleading, and I was more than happy to oblige.

Pasta violations are certainly banned from the confines of Cibo, as we are assured of al dente pasta and real parmesan cheese. There is also an abundant supply of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and chili. In here, we are shielded from the dangers of vegetable cooking oil and Eden cheese, and if espresso were as cheap as tea, I believe they'd serve house espresso as well.

Spaghettini Estivi

The Spaghetti Estivi falls under the vegetarian portion with its minimalist content: arugula and fresh tomatoes. Majority of the people I know would probably hate it and go for a McSpaghetti, but I would prefer this light dish. It veers from the sour-canned-tomato taste and relies on the fresh flavor of the tomatoes and garlic. Actually it was a bit too light for my abysmal appetite, but I feared that ordering a family serving might warrant stares from the waiters. Again. For fear of another public debacle, I've decided to go with this bambino serving and hope the pizza could fill the hunger void.

Linguine il Giallo

I will never understand why my hermano went for the Linguine il Giallo as this is one of those dishes that my eyes skip in the menu and pretend never existed. If people would ignore my Spaghetti Estivi, they would question this squash flower - anchovy cream pasta. When his order came, I didn't even have the sibling temptation to fork out a noodle. I just stared as he ate his meal sans the parmesan, claiming that the anchovy made it salty enough. While he seemingly enjoyed another light dish, it was not that extraordinary. I suppose with squash flowers as the highlight of the dish, we shouldn't really expect an ooh-la-la frenzy, just "I had my vegetable serving from this meal. Great, on to the pizza."

Zuchinne Pizza

It doesn't take a bambino to figure out that this pizza's main man is the zucchini (plus, it's got goat cheese). Now if you don't know what zucchini is, then you're better off having that McSpaghetti with Hamburglar. Off with you! For those who do not only know zucchini, but like it as well, then join the club. This pizza's the perfect partner for the pasta, plus the crust is unbelievably crisp, you'd want to dunk it on EVOO and balsamic vinegar and finish it off until the crust. There is no overbearing flavor or that doughy attitude we hate from commercial pizzas, this one's straight from the Italian oven and deserves one grande burp! 

When another pasta fest will be, only my wallet could tell. Where it would be, there's a chance it'll be at Cibo.

I'll squash anyone who orders the squash flowers though.

Gelatissimo Choco-load

Imagine my bliss when I entered Gelatissimo and was greeted with rows and rows of Chocolate gelato. From Veronese to Black Forest to Sugar Free - ditching my usual Green Tea was easy - but deciding between Chocolate Almond and Ganache was painstakingly long. 

Never mind. I can go on like this for the rest of the month. So should you. Let's just bring out the weighing scale in 2012, but for now, it's time to celebrate chocolate!

Cheers to chocolate and Christmas! :)

Another Parvati Cheesecake

I never thought Cebu Pacific's delayed antics would ever get to me, but maybe it's the awful November heat so today, I wasn't very forgiving. Spiteful perhaps, having seen a shoeprint on my checked-in backpack. Come on, my backpack is probably the lightest item that ever rode the conveyor belt, what could possibly be the reason for kicking or stepping on it? It's pure black, so don't tell me it resembles a soccer ball, a weighing scale or even someone's face. Cebu Pacific, you owe me laundry!

Oh, and add the chirpy cabbie who just had to pretend to be a human taxi meter with an inaccurate sense of distance, and I wonder, "Since when did Wednesday the 9th become the new Friday the 13th?"

I needed cheesecake.

I ran to Parvati and bought whatever I saw first. It was a wee slice priced at P140, but the Triple Decker Chocolate Cheesecake by Kusina Torre seemed to calm the raging storm and I suppose that ought to do the trick.

The decks include: fudge brownie - cheesecake - butterscotch brownie.

The fudge brownie and cheesecake were all right - what you'd typically expect from their "traditional" flavor. The layers weren't extraordinarily spectacular but are great enough to be comfort food variety. The brownie though is compact but not dry, which makes a perfect partner for tea.

The bottom brownie seems like a repetition of the fudge brownie, but this one was topped with something nutty-butterscotch. At first glance, I thought it was oats (like revel bars) so I instantly shoved a giant mouthful, but had to cry out when I detected nuts. Not really a "nut" fan, the cheesecake could do without this nutty layer, but I suppose for those looking for a sweet crunchy center, this ought to do it. (I scraped out mine, sorry!)

This lengthy critiquing has got to end, since I did finish the cheesecake in one sitting. It's really filling, so good thing someone decided to invent caffeine-free green tea or I'll be up all night blogging about Cebu Pacific.

And I'm not even a travel blogger. Yet.  LazyBlackBackpackCat.wordpress - no way! Too lazy for that.

Ciao Gelato

Show me another frozen yogurt stand, and get ready for a barrage of not-too-pleasant banter, with resonating words like uncreative, mainstream, and so yesterday. Indeed, froyo is so 2010. It’s time to revert and find folly in the good ol’ classics, in ice cream and more specifically, gelato.

Before any verbal insurgency starts to label me as old-fashioned, bear in mind that the gelato I’m talking about isn’t the usual fat laden and tooth-decay-sweet that once kept our hippies plump. Today’s gelato is almost fat free, comes in more exotic and adventurous flavors and is available in sugar or dairy free versions. Our generation brings bliss to those harboring the unquenchable sweet tooth, and gelato can easily kick froyo out of the top spot in the almost-healthy dessert list.

A fact deliberately ignored: frozen yogurt comes with sugar and cream and almost always, the toppings are an inevitable companion to ward off the sourness that most Filipinos hate, and will never learn to love. But gelato is au natural delight—tastes superb on its own, with no need for extra toppings, cones or that repulsive whipped cream.

Gelatissimo, for example, offers 90 to 97% fat free creations, sorbet, sugar free and dairy flavors and a rotating assortment that includes quite an interesting number such as Pannacotta, Pineapple, Rum and Raisin, Apple Pie, Truffle, Hazelnut, Green Tea and Lemon Cheesecake. The list is endless, and for a scoop (P110) or two (P160), a gastronomic feeling of astonishment and sweet fill can make us forget frozen yogurt was ever born. PETA-approved dairy-free dark chocolate is a universal favorite, while flavors with a hint of liquor can surely draw in the mature crowd. Mind you, my dad went for the Rum and Raisin and ordered that ever since. Not even the lure of Hazelnut could change his mind.

Italian favorite Affogato makes a heartening treat, complete with the lush tray, while fruity flavors (lemon, lime, strawberry, raspberry, etc) will make a dieter’s best friend with their low calorie content. I can probably go on about every flavor, but there’s just one thing I want to say: Why go on a monotonous froyo binge when you can enjoy an adventurous feast with gelato flavors? If you’re going to be spending the same amount anyway and ingest the same amount of calories/sugar, just go for the real thing.

Once spotted in its corner spot in Greenbelt 5, Gelatissimo has found (not so) new homes in Serendra and TriNoma (just fabulous). Now, we northern folks can expand our territorial choices, which were once composed of just Cara Mia, Stick House, Sebastian’s and of course, the ubiquitous froyo stands.

Starry-Eyed at Starbucks

When gluttony kicks in, it doesn’t matter where you are or whose birthday it is. It’s all about what we want to eat. And make it now.

Caught in Starbucks, the only natural reaction is to hoard the most breathtaking cakes. Forget the fruits or the oatmeal cookies, it’s all about creamy chocolate bliss. Unfortunately for my brother’s wallet, there were 3. What the hell, it’s our dad’s birthday!

 

Heaven on Earth (P130) 5 layers of chocolate, mousse and cream—made more divine by its glossy chocolate top that sheens with the floral overlay. The celestial aura makes it the perfect gift, but a bite will make you decide otherwise. The chocolate cake base is light and fluffy, which complements the overly creamy middle layers and the fudgy peak. A gift from the gods indeed!

Concorde (P120) Embodying its aviation namesake, the Concorde inspires action, marvel and French style. Each bite embraces an assortment of textures and chocolate intensity, you’ll be in awe until the very last bite. Chewy and toasty on the outside, the meringue provides the protective and addictive crust. Finding our way inside, the chocolate mousse is just as luscious and satisfying. This is one delirious flight I’d ride all over again.

 

Sugar-Free Trio (P160) You’ll never settle for the regular chocolate mousse again, after indulging in this sugar-free delicacy. You wouldn’t even know it was sugar-free, unless you read the label (or I blabbed about it). The cream and mousse are mildly sweet yet decadent enough to satisfy those sweet urges. The chocolate base is a remarkable surprise, as it strays from the conventionally boring cake and delves into something more sinister—a firm, semi sweet cookie crust. It’s a surprising sugar-free triple threat that I’d keep all for myself!                                                              

Best part of all, no need to travel far for this chocolate fix. Trinoma alone hosts 3 Starbucks, not to mention the Landmark branch. Plus there are a couple more spotted on the way home. Ah yes, the stars have aligned indeed. 

Revel Yell (Revel Bars at Parvati)

Entirely an accidental aftermath of eating a gigantic cheese omelet for lunch, I considered it imperative to pay another trip to Parvati at Trinoma to look for something randomly sweet.

Cheesecake was the first that came to mind but strangely enough, the ones I pointed to were all out of stock. Those available were puny and blueberry - not quite a match for my post work leviathan appetite.

Hence, I reverted to my original favorite: revel bars. Parvati's selection, baked by Sweet Beginnings Patisserie, made it impossible to ignore. Temptingly named Dark Chocolate Walnut Revel Bars (P90 for 4 bars), no further introductions are necessary to identify what these glistening bars are made of. Immediately captivated by the flowing silky carpet of brown, the revel bar is mostly dark chocolate - a welcoming improvement to other local competitors. Each bite is interspersed with chewy oats and walnuts, so despite its miniature size, it takes a while to finish the entire box. Chewy, semi sweet and erratically crunchy - there is no overwhelming sweetness or nuttiness that seeks to dominate the overall flavor. 

Small but sinfully blissful. This one's definitely worth a revel yell: More, please!

Who's Afraid of the Big Bread Monster?

Not me. I’m actually rather fond of it, and I bet you would too, if you give it a pet, errr… taste.

First spotted in the Ateneo de Manila University cafeteria, Bread Monster roared into existence as a school-based kiosk that specializes in cookies, cupcakes and pastries. Famous for its Blue Eagle Brownies and other thematic goodies, Bread Monster has clawed its way to the mainstream trade, finally showering its treats outside the Eagles’ lair.

A mainstay stall at the TriNoma Ground Floor (near Mercury Drugstore), Bread Monster offers the same set of sweet treats, sans the penchant for blue. Bestseller S’mores Cookies (P130 per pack) dishes out everyone’s favorite in a chewy cookie form, made more gooey with its marshmallow infused batter. Other cookies in the fare are just as luscious and chewy—from chocolate chip cookies to the traditional oatmeal cookies.

Not to be outdone, the Chocolate Cupcake is just as divine—not the best way to describe a monster but taste it and lash out words such as heavenly, blissful and indulgent. The chocolate cupcakes are moist and rich but without the excessive sweetness that would make you reach out for your toothbrush. It may not be leviathan in size, but it’s monstrously packed with chocolate goodness; even just one can take you straight to Cloud Nine.

Last but not the least are the best tasting bars the Bread Monster has hatched for our snacking revelry. Seek no more, Bread Monster’s Revel Bars (P160 for 8 pieces) are guaranteed to unleash our predatory instincts, no matter how hidden they stay, no matter what diet you think you’ve pledged yourself to. Rich in chocolate and oats with its delicate sweet base, each bite is sure to bring you to a delectable high. Watch one box sink into a mouthful abyss. Heat it up and pair with ice cream and get that dessert kick. Unlike other commercial revel bars that crumble even before they’re halfway near your mouth, this is one monster you’d want into keep in your pantry, fridge and bedside.

Don’t be afraid of the Bread Monster. It’s cheap, conveniently located and bellowing with baked goodness.

And best of all, it’s wicked!