Gong Cha – The Best Tea Ever now in the Philippines!

I read from other blogs about Gong Cha Milk Tea during their trips to Singapore and Hong Kong and they said it really taste good. This milk tea was still unfamiliar to me the time I went to Hong Kong about few years ago. I love tea the way I love coffee. I’m glad Gong Cha finally arrive in the Philippines and opened the first outlet located  at the Entertainment Center, Ground Floor of SM Mall of Asia. Aside from tea, Gong Cha offers beverages blended with coffee, chocolate, caramel and milk. They also offer drinks with ice cream and Yakult.

During the bloggers event, I had Gong Cha House Special (Wintermelon),  a combination of brewed Wintermelon tea with sweetened creamed milk.

The CREAM tastes a little salty but it’s rich and delicious! Smells good too!

Using a straw I sipped the tea and found the strong sweetened Tea flavor I am looking for.

I really like the cream on top and noticed myself drinking it several times. :)

Mixing the tea and cream creates a perfect Milk Tea. There’s no more salty taste after mixing the two. It’s rich, creamy and refreshing! 

 

 To maximize enjoyment of Gong Cha House Special, simply follow the steps (like what I did):

• Taste the special CREAM – open the lid and drink, feeling the tea pass through the foamy layer.
• Sip the Freshly Brewed Teas – insert the straw and taste the original flavor of the tea.
• Mix the two for that PERFECT Gong Cha Experience! – use the straw to stir and savor the splendid texture of the mixture.

You can choose what sugar/sweetness level you may want.

Gong Cha was first launched in Taiwan in 2006. Gong Cha refers to the Best Tea offered to the Emperor in ancient China. Now, there are over 100 outlets worldwide spreading from Taiwan to Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, China and now in the Philippines. The liquid tea are stored in a stainless jugs.

   

I will try other Gong Cha beverages and will be sharing my thoughts about it. For now, I agree with others who said that Gong Cha is the best tea they ever had. :)

 

Gong Cha
Entertainment Complex 1st Floor
SM Mall of Asia ( beside Timezone )

Carol’s Texan 5 Chicken and Ribs

 

The hypothalamus in my brain signals my stomach and increasing my appetite. This happens while looking at this photo. My “small” tummy started gurgling and this feeling I can’t resist. I may hold it for a while but one thing for sure, I’ll find time to check out this sumptuous food at Carol’s Texan 5.

But, my brain released another signal, the feeling of excitement while reading the post on Facebook. Now, here’s a good news to all my fellow Bloggers. Ten Minutes Tops! in cooperation with Club Travel Now are organizing an Exclusive Bloggers Buffet at Carol’s Texan 5. livingMarjorney would like to take another journey in this gastronomic haven. Oh, I love Grilled Chicken and Ribs and if luckily selected to be part of this Exclusive Blogger’s Event, my cravings would soon be over.

I love to eat and part of my journey written in this blog is enjoying GOOD FOOD with GOOD company, that’s why I like to be part of the 1st Bloggers Buffet.  They say, Carol’s Texan 5 offers the Best Chicken and Ribs and I must try it! It will be fun meeting fellow bloggers and chatting while enjoying sumptuous Ribs and Grilled Chicken.

Carol’s Texan 5 has an affordable and complete set of menu from Appetizers, Sandwiches, Entrees, Pastas to Desserts, so for my non-blogger readers, you can also savor these delightful dishes because Carol’s Texan 5 offers the following services:

• Dine-in, enjoy and who knows you might meet the owner Ms. Carol
• Carol's Texan 5 will Deliver your food right at your doorstep. So call the numbers below. ( Available only in San Juan, Ortigas, Pioneer and Mandaluyong).
• Event Food Booths
• Party Trays for your special occasions
• Functions
• Kiddie Meal Sets, for meal sets for office and kid’s gatherings or parties. 

Learn more about Carol's Texan 5 visit their Facebook Page and check their website, http://www.texan5.com

Carol’s Texan 5

• 2F 713 J. Abad Santos St.
  Barangay Little Baguio
  San Juan, Metro Manila
  Philippines 1500

Contact Details:

• Tel: +63 (2) 727-3843
  
• Mobile: +63 (922) 485-0154
  
• Web: www.texan5.com

A New Companion - My ELBA Kitchen Cookbook

For some, a good massage or trip to a beauty salon is a way of pampering themselves. For me, I love dining at restaurants (simple & affordable to high-end restaurants and hotels at times) or just any fast-food. Of course, it depends on the budget, reason for going out and the people I bring with. I have to admit, there are times I just want to sit down and wait for the food to be serve but that don’t happen at home because I prepare the food for myself.  It’s not everyday that I go out to eat. I still enjoy the food I personally prepare at home. Even if I’m alone, I don’t settle to processed and canned foods. And it helps a lot when you know a dish or two.

Being the eldest in the family I learned to cook at an early age and it was an easy task for me. Now at my age, cooking is another hobby and I had tried a lot of dishes guided by different recipes, be it online, from magazines and newspapers to cookbooks. I am proud to say that I am a good cook and I can even do it perfect on my FIRST attempt. I owe my cooking skills to cookbooks and food magazines I read. Since my teenage years, I started collecting recipes from supermarkets (which are distributed for free) and from many printed materials. I even joined a recipe club and receives regular recipes sent right at my doorstep and even through emails. Here in my blog, most of my posts are about food simply because I love to eat and it all started after learning how to cook. For me, you’re a good cook when you know how to invent, reinvent, use available resources and follow recipes. It’s so overwhelming when people recognize the food you prepare, when someone requested you to cook again. I know there are still a lot more to learn and for me I can only do that with the guide of a cookbook. Now, I found a new cookbook to add on my recipe collection. It will make our meals more enjoyable and fun.

Recently, I was invited to celebrate the launched of “MY ELBA KITCHEN” Cookbook, a collection of 60 exciting pasta dishes that’s quick and easy-to-prepare. 

Delicious, easy pasta dishes from the cookbook was demonstrated by Maxim Cookware’s Chef Endorser Darin Epp. 

Here are sumptuous pasta dishes cooked during the event

All of which are included in MY ELBA KITCHEN Cookbook

A delicious and healthy Salmon and Pasta dish using low-fat milk and cream.

Chef Richie Custodio also showed us other recipes included in the cookbook.
Other unique and mouth-watering dishes ...

I was amazed how lasagna turned to a yummy dessert! Looks delicious! Simple and easy to prepare dessert that looks very appetizing with the creative presentation. I can’t wait to do it at home.

       
    

Bacon and Egg on pasta!

Cherry tomatoes adds a different flavor on our pasta.

Pasta dishes presented during the event are included in the “MY ELBA KITCHEN COOKBOOK”.

ELBA Cookers from Italy has been our partner for many years in preparing delicious food for our family and friends with their elegant and state-of-the-art cooking equipments and home appliances. Now, ELBA shares a new way to make cooking fun and exciting with their collection of easy-to-follow recipes with “MY ELBA KITCHEN”.

  

                  

You don’t need a formal education or become a chef to be able to create such delicious dishes. Your interest and passion will teach you, so start cooking now. With these recipes, food will be the topic in every family meal and gatherings. If you’re a foodie you must learn how to cook and believe me it’s very easy when you are guided.  It could be your mom, husband or wife, but mine is an interesting, easy-to-prepare recipes from a cookbook like "My ELBA Kitchen". Available at all leading bookstores nationwide at Php399 only, grab your copies now!

Happy Cooking!

Snack at BreadTalk

 

I was in Landmark (Makati) Food Court area yesterday and looking for something light to eat when I saw a crew of BreadTalk brought out freshly baked breads. I haven’t had those for so long now and since my stomach started calling for merienda (snack) looking at those yummy breads and pastries, I didn’t bother to go around and look for donuts, which is actually my first choice. Each bread is so unique and appealing. I love the Floss but this time I decided not to have one. I bought only two items and both are stomach filling and delicious that I would definitely have on my next purchase.

Meet Mr. Beans! His cute face and sweet smile makes it so interesting to eat. With the brown crust, it’s still soft inside and out. I like the sweet ube filling and the chocolate lining on its face. Aside from its delicious taste it has a captivating smile that will make your day.

 

This is another favorite, Kick Kick.  It’s soft and smells sweet. The icing is light, not too sweet.

After a day’s hard work, enjoy simple pleasures from BreadTalk!

Chami & Imperial Chicken at Flavours of China

I remember the Chami I tasted in an early morning trip somewhere in Quezon Province, it's a small eatery along the high-way. I like its flavourful sauce and thick noodles with vegetables and pork. Best eaten with hot “pandesal”.

Chami is cooked the usual pansit way using a thick noodles. You may add pork, chicken or shrimp and vegetables. What I like in Chami is the too much sauce on it compared to regular Pancit Bihon. The secret to delicious chami is to prevent it from becoming too salty. Nowadays, restaurants and carinderia (small eateries) served their own version of chami at a reasonable price and large serving.

It was my first time to try Chami here at Flavours of China.

Chami from Flavours of China is good. For the price of P200+, serving is more than enough for two to three. It has shrimps, pork, kikiam (Que-kiam) and veggies. It’s very filling, I didn’t even had rice that night.

We also had Tasty Flavour Fried Chicken in Imperial Sauce.

Tasty Flavours Fried Chicken in Imperial Sauce

This chicken imperial sauce is good. Though its “Fried” but for me it taste like “Litsong Manok” (Roasted Chicken) because its so tender and not oily. Cooked in a slightly thick flavorful sauce, spices and veggies. The chicken is tasty and juicy but an order is not enough for two or three person.  This dish is actually one of their best seller.

Flavours of China is a nice place to dine in if you want a regular meal at an affordable price. I like the usual Chinese decoration and ambiance. This restaurant is very easy to find, located at almost all Shoe Mart (SM) branches.

Flavours of China

The Block SM North EDSA and other SM Branches

Baked Bun & Hershey’s Sundae Pie

“What’s for breakfast?”  Personally, I don’t eat breakfast, a cup of coffee would suffice. But having said that, I wish I could break the habit of having nothing except for a cup of coffee every morning.

Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Without it, you easily get tired, irritable and leads to uncontrolled eating during the day. Try something delicious and healthy meal to start your day.

I had Mister Donut’s Baked Bun for breakfast several times for this month. When I think of Mister Donut, I think of brewed coffee and donuts (Choco Twist and their new Bavarian Frost in Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry flavors). I just noticed myself having the Baked Bun for the 3rd time since May so I thought of blogging about it.

The Baked Bun Chicken and Baked Bun Ham and Bacon

                     

The Baked bun Chicken is good, it has sesame seeds on top with generous chunks of chicken, mayo, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and cucumber. There’s Ham and Bacon Baked Bun for ham & bacon lovers. Both has delicious dressing and scrumptious fillings. Great for breakfast and snack. It’s light, healthy and affordable. Goes well with hot brewed coffee or hot chocolate.

Try these Baked Buns (Ham and Bacon or Chicken) for breakfast, snack or anytime of the day.

A meal is said to be incomplete without dessert, right? That afternoon, (after lunch) I was craving for brownies and chocolate. I just remember the Hershey’s Sundae Pie I saw recently on a social network. I’ve been in Burger King for the nth time but never tried their pies. Whopper or chicken sandwich that I usually order plus a regular size French fries and soda are just enough for my big tummy.

  

I thought it’s expensive for a price of p98 compared to a slice of cheesecake or chocolate mousse at p80 and up. But this one will surely give you a delightful & sweet treat! The bottom is the crunchy chocolate crust add in thick chocolate filling, topped with whipped cream and Hershey’s Chocolate Chips, who would say NO to Hershey’s Sundae Pie?

Chocolate lovers will surely enjoy! It’s smooth, soooo rich and delicious!

I think I have nothing more to elaborate, this Hershey’s Sundae Pie is better eaten than explain.

Have your Sundae Pie now and share your experience!

Next time, don’t skip breakfast & indulge yourself in something sweet and delicious after a stressful day. Enjoy! :)

Hershey’s Sunday Pie available at all Burger King Store
Baked Bun Chicken, Ham and Bacon only at Mister Donut