— witsandnuts

Czarina’s Gourmet Apples

By: witsandnuts
27-11-2007
Food, Philippines

I am surprised to see this stall of gourmet apples in Mall of Asia two weeks ago.  As it is, if I may say, San Fo Treats is the pioneer in the Philippines, for bringing the carameralized apples.  I am a self-confessed sweet toothie that I cannot pass these new treats:


Don’t you love the smileys? :) PhP100 each

I would love to multilayer (coat) one.  PhP120 each.

Selling at PhP150 each.  See the kisses?

One of the premium apples.  PhP200 each.

Wedding give-away at PhP500/set.

Meet, Mr. Apple! :D

The stall’s personnel were so accommodating and oriented with what they are selling.  Raiza and Rommel Camua are the owners of Czarina’s Gourmet Apples while Edgar Camua is its Reasearch and Development Director.  I would say that this calls for a healthy competition with the San Fo Treats.  

At the time of my visit, they were carameralizing some of the apples on site, that I got to try it.  I bought one and was so excited to get a bite as soon as I got home:


Nice packaging.

My apple.

Well, this gourmet apple is easy on my eyes but not in my mouth.  You know what, no matter how big your mouth is you wont be able to bite this.  And of course, I have dentures (braces)!  So I had to cut this.  It is multilayered.  After the candy/nut topping, comes the choco drizzle, then the caramel coating, and so the apple (unpeeled, could be Fuji, Green or Granny Smith).  I am relieved to see a fresh apple inside.  To be frank, I was having second thoughts of buying one since I am not oriented with the demand for this produce so I reasonably suspected that there “might” be some rotten apples already.  Again, I am lucky, I got a fresh one.  I don’t think that San Fo Treats and Czarina’s Gourmet Apples would buy my idea of “hey, you should slice it first to check if it is a fresh one or not, and then I pay for it”.  So, what happens is that there’s a caveat in buying one.

Why are these expensive?  I didn’t ask the stall personnel nor send an email to the owners.  Personally, I think that it is because of the work involved.  Caramelizing an apple is an art and involves discipline.  Is it worth buying?  Yeah.  It satisfied my curiousity and sweet tooth.  The caramel is of good quality though it gave me a hard time with the biting and it is soooooo chewy, remember my dentures.  But yummy.  Don’t mind the price, anyway, we don’t eat gourmet apples everyday. :D

Czarina’s Gourmet Apples & Homemade Confections Branches:
*K331, 3rd Level, Bridgeway, Festival Supermall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
*Ground Level, Main Mall, near the Skating Rink of SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay City, egacamua@gmail.com czarinas.gourmet@gmail.com
Landline:  +63 2 4823359;  Telefax:  +63 2 7813471(More photos)

Email: 

They accept orders for debut and wedding cakes, party, corporate, wedding and christmas give-aways.

 

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Beware of Streetfood (i.e. Calamares)

By: witsandnuts
19-11-2007
Boohoo!, Food, Health, Philippines


Sosi Streetfood, Mall of Asia

I am writing this with no offense to the streetfood vendors and patronizers.  Occasional eating of squidballs sold in Ayala Ave. is actually one of my simple pleasures.  The last time I craved about it was last month that I took this photo:


Fronting People Support Building, Ayala Ave.I cooked some at home but it is not at par with those in Ayala’s despite that I matched it with the yummy ready sweet and spicy sauce/s from SM Supermarket.  What’s the secret?  The dust in the street? Hehe. 

 

I also wanted to try these big guavas but I only eat those which are freshly picked in Laguna:

And this tempting shawarma at the stall near LRT Station.  But no thanks!  I think I’m safe with the one from SM Megamall. :D

Rarely I also eat “tokneneng” (coated quail eggs) at Balut Eggspress in Ayala MRT Station or in Robinson’s Pioneer.  Lately, I have tried these also from Dr. Kwek Kwek Eggspecialist in Mall of Asia (MOA):

And here’s the heart of this post:  are you fond of eating fried squid/calamares selling for PhP2.50 or less per piece in the streets?  This explains why the vendors can leverage on its cheap pricing which is way different from Tokyo Tokyo’s Nakamura meals and prices by Squidster in Mall of Asia:


Squidster, Mall of Asia.  Haven’t tried these.

For those who didn’t catch the November 17 airing of Imbestigador, they did an expose about the source of these frozen squid being used by the streetfood vendors in coming up with their marketable calamares.  

In Ayala
Calamares sold at Ayala Ave. 

These are imported from Korea, Spain and China by (some authority that we do not know) and are warehoused in VIFEL-2 in Navotas, which is temporarily closed as of the moment.  According to the warehouse personnel, there are several companies who are patronizing these produce/stocks.  Per Fisheries Administrative Order Number 195 , Section 2, retail selling of these is prohibited in the Philippines.

It is not being maarte.  But let us al be cautious.  And it is not all about making a living.  But be a fair entrepreneur – whether you’re a street vendor or not.  How sure are we that some of the establishments are not sourcing from these featured frozen squid?

These imported frozen squid are selling at PhP60/kilo, while squid locally grown in the Philippines are at PhP250/kilo.  A street vendor claimed on national television that they profit at PhP2,500/day on the average.  And the horror of this:  the frozen squid bears Yeast and Mould count of 2,500.  Isn’t that eeeeeew?

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Piquant

By: witsandnuts
05-11-2007
Farewell, Food, Friends, Philippines

Piquant is known for healthy food especially for its intelligent, affordable and delicious South Beach menu.  We recently dined here and tried the following:


Honey-mustard pork loin, PhP170.Honey is on top, with sweet potato cake at the bottom and mixed with apple sauce.  Not as good as its name. :p

 


Eggplant parmesan, PhP175.Layers of eggplant filled in between with lean ground beef and tomato sauce topped with grated parmesan cheese.  Tastes so healthy.

 


Roasted vegetable in wheat pita, PhP225.Inviting, isn’t it?  It has eggplant, sweet peppers, and zucchini with frisee lettuce, feta cheese and sweet potato chips.  Must try!

 


Atkins/South beach menu, PhP185.This was my meal.  In the mood for fad diet. :p  This is grilled rosemary chicken with roasted tomato and cucumber sauce.  This is one of their bestsellers and most ordered for delivery.  This is a guaranteed yummy and healthy food!

Green mango, PhP85@.They use brown sugar, hence, the color.  You can taste the pulp.  Refreshing. :p 

Aside from Piquant’s meal for the day, they offer breakfastm salads, soups, several entrees to choose from, Pinoy meals, pastas, sandwiches, executive meals, take-out toppings, desserts and beverages (which include freshly squeezed orange, carrot, carrot and apple, CBC or carrot, beet, celery) and many others.

Piquant delivers in RCBC Plaza and neighboring buildings within walking distance.  Call +63 2 7293452 or +63 9052417059.  You may also inquire about its catering services and affordable and delicious south beach menu.  For questions and inquiries, email piquant.health@gmail.com.

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sugarnot

By: witsandnuts
31-10-2007
Food, Health, Philippines


Sugarnot, SM Megamall Branch.

I  missed going to the mall.  After the mall mayhem on October 19, it was only yesterday that I resumed my interest and found courage to go inside a mall, which also has a possible poopoo saturation level issue that would be blasting sooner or later.  Well, I’m not singling out any establishment, not being a pessimist also, but it is human to feel extracautious after an untoward incident.

After a visit to a client based in Ortigas, I went to SM Megamall to do my last minute shopping in the spirit of Halloween/ All Soul’s Day which traditionally I observed in Laguna.  I bought a combination of stylish and simple candles, spooky toys, pumpkin jar containing pumpkin marshmallows and other candies, etc.  These are distributed/shared to my younger nephews and nieces while at the cemetery.  This is one of the few occasions that give families and relatives a chance to spend candid time with each other.  At the cemetery, I got to see long lost dear ones also – former elementary and highschool friends, and many others.

After the tiring long queue at the cashier I wanted some quietness and decided to dine in Sugarnot.  I found the perfect time to try the low-fat, low-carb, sugar-free food that Eli Beltran (the owner) offers.  



Pumpkin soup, PhP78.

Well, nothing so unusual with the taste.  It was pretty like pumpkin (laughs)!  I like the top.  Surprisingly, this is the only spooky food they prepared.


Pasta arrabbiata, PhP158.They say that this is sundried, mixed with tomato and spicy red sauce.  I rarely appreciate pasta.  But, I am pleased this time.  This really tastes good!  I think the bread was not a garlic one.  It brings no after-taste, so I wonder what they put here.  It is like they made a difference by matching the pasta with a non-garlic on the side.

 


Ultimate temptation, PhP158.  One of the newest flavors.This is a belgian chocolate cake with truffle filling and drizzled with caramel and white choco frosting.  There is plenty of cake flavors to choose from.  I learned from the reviews that their Tiramisu is very good but I was intrigued by the cake’s name, “Utimate Temptation” because there is also one named “Last Temptation”.  Hence, the choice. 

 


Good choice.  Loved this till the last bite!

Branches:
*Westgate Alabang
*5F SM Megamall
*5F The Podium
*Labaire Building, Makati
*3F The Block, SM North

For franchise, call them at +63 2 8893427.  Email at info@sugarnot.com.ph.  Website:  www.sugarnot.com.ph
 

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New Bombay Restaurant

By: witsandnuts
25-10-2007
Food, Friends, Philippines

A friend gave me a treat on monday and I had the choice to select among the food hubs in Ayala.  So, I wanted us to try indian food.  We went to this restaurant located at the corner of Gil Puyat and Ayala.


New Bombay Restaurant, The Columns Branch.Almost everyday I see this corner and I noticed that this has considerable number of diners.  Based on observation, some dine here out of curiousity and I am one of them, mostly are foreigners not necessarily Indians who probably have occasional craving for indian taste, while some are Indians themselves who would definitely feel at home here.

 



Enough to give you a homey Indian mood?More here:

Portraits of Indian women at this side upstairs.

That’s the little space in second level.  Practically good for cozy and privy talks.

The ceiling.

Utensils to match the gold theme of the store.  Reminds me of their bangles. :p

And we tried these food, accompanied by the continuous playing of Indian songs as backgrounder:

 


Chicken tandoori, PhP180

The chicken is marinated in yogurt and indian ingredients (which they didn’t disclose) and cooked in tandoori.  The yellow strips there are cabbage.  I expected this to be really spicy.  Not at par with Bicol Express.  I started to appreciate this only on the third piece. :p


Chicken malai masala, PhP160.

Chicken is boneless, cooked and sauted in yellow gravy.  I love this!  Maybe because this resembles some Pinoy taste.  You should try this. :p


L) Rose lassi (R) Strawberry lassi, PhP50 each.These look like twin shakes.  Strawberry lassi is actually darker. 

 


Rose lassi.

Not afraid to try new taste, I opted to have this rose lassi when the crew claimed that this is made from rose petals.  I guarantee you, really from rose petals.  To be frank, I didn’t like the taste.  It literally tasted like rose flower!  Well, this is probably due to non-familiarity.  I am wondering though if Rose Lassi is a certified indian drink.  I am not sure if they grow much roses in India.


Kulfe, PhP90.

Kulfe is an indian ice cream which is made with low fat milk saffron and dry fruits.  It actually has nuts which were almond-like.  I like it because it is creamy.  Taste is comparable with the Filipino’s buko ice cream.

In general, the place is good, food would be fine for some food adventurer, indian mood served.  What I didn’t like is thay they do not automatically issue receipts.  Remember, they are representing “authentic indian cuisine”, is non-issuance of receipts an “authentic/traditional practice” in their country?

New Bombay Restaurant branches:
(Main Branch) Ground Floor, Saguittarius Building, H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati
Landline: +63 2 8192892

(San Juan Branch) Wilson Square Building, Wilson St., corner Guevarra, Greenhills, San Juan
Landline:  +63 2 7270737
 

(The Columns Branch)  Ayala Ave. corner Gil Puyat Ave., Makati
Landline:  +63 2 8192892

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