Random Coffee Fix and Some Mini Pies Along Silang

When road-tripping to Tagaytay, it is a must to buy something either sweet or just something to enjoy while wallowing over captured moments from the trip.   This is not the first time we pulled over the side of Silang road for some take-homes, though this is the first time we had coffee.   After some fun exploration at Nuvali and kids Koi-feeding,  we had the sudden coffee craving.  It was 3 pm after all.   The folks and the kids are still up to some miles with the family car so we decided to look for one in Silang.   Though I knew some places to get coffee to I still had this inkling deeling that we might end up in Tagaytay.  

 As we drove along the road leading to Tagaytay, a magical portal opened up and had us wondering whether coffees will be served in the place.   It was a bit tucked in paving some spaces for parking on the facade of Loumar's.

Known for note-worthy pies and tarts, Loumar's evoked a homey and Silang-welcome feel.   The moment we opened the door, a gush of enticing coffee aroma and freshly-baked scent of pastries rendered us powerless and had our feet excited to come nearer the ordering station.

 On the right side of the doorway are showcases of what they offer,  relishes travelers would love to bring home or eat along the way, which my kids found to be really delectable.   One of duaghter's fave is their uraro.   There are also tahong chips, pastillas (which we also bought for their Ate Danielle), cookies and more local pastries.  And the kids got as crazy as a sack full of ferrets ready to rampage the store con coffee shop.

 Not only was the coffee scent being whiffed into the air relaxing, the whole place including the outside gives off that provincial, laid-back and rustic feel.  There are couches available for sitting, the place is clean and spacious.   Coffee concoctions also vary, form a hot cuppy to cold concoctions.   You can have tarts with your coffee too, and in our case we even took home a box of 9 pieces. 

On the coffee table are (from the top left) blueberry cheese tart, buko tart, mango and pineapple tart.

Their tarts to me are like mini pies, though.  And the verdict:  extremely sweet and lusty.  It was a substantive serving for a tart, with the crust that is not overpowering, meaning, it is not that thick but prettily handles all the fruity and creamy toppings.   A crumby top balances the whole deal, making not making it too sweet to get a toothache.  The top and the crust resemble an uraro texture and taste while making sure the fillers are just ripe and fresh.

We also got some of these Tsokolate Tablea to go home with and I can't wait to whip up hot milky cups of these and hearty Champorado as well.
Various branches are around Tagaytay, but this is the coffee shop in Francisco, Silang.   You will hardy miss it if driving up or down Tagaytay via Silang Road.

For more info:
Visit their FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/LoumarsCafe
Call them at 09197838853

Simple Gold-themed Bithday Cupcakes

I just got home from a delivery.   Hope you don't mind me sharing our last delivery for this year.

Last week, days before Christmas, my husband delivered 65 boxes of Double Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Barks, Dark Chocolate Heart Bons, on the day my daughter was hospitalized.  It was hard to think how we could ever do the delivery while we have some problems.   But we did however.   And now my daughter is getting better.

A friend from our church had commissioned me to set up a simple cupcake set up for his friend's 50th birthday.   100 cupcakes were ordered and delivered at Tower 2 of Cityland Condo, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Makati. 

My daughter made these paisely cupcake holder from Hallmark's gift-wrapping papers.  You can actually make your own, with any design and colors.
Sharing here a link that could help you:
From Skip to My Lou: http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/10/22/make-your-own-cupcake-wrappers/

A Rather Late Christmas Greeting From Your Gastronome

From the family that built the home for foodies!

Also remember,

A little something to ponder on while munching your favorite cookies...

Dear friends (what I call those who visits, reads and comments on this web page) and loved ones,

This Christmas had been an awesome one for me and my family.   Sure, I wasn't able to prepare a fete for our Christmas dinner (or Noche Buena), was not even able to gift wrap my gifts for my kids, not being able to send nor greet everyone on Christmas Day, heck not even a post of how elaborate this season was for Gastronomy by Joy.

I think my excuse would be accepted.   
One of my daughter you see  is a DM 1 patient, in layman's term, she is diabetic taking insulin, subcutaneously.   She was confined to the hospital six days before Christmas, due to Dengue fever, causing DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis), with the condition of her blood sugar unstabilized.  Forcing an eight-year old girl to vomit profusely, getting dehydrated and losing hope.
All praises to God, we got out of the hospital in the nick of Christmas time, yes we went out at 12 pm of December 24.   It was a miracle that after three days of staying at the hospital, my Dana was able to recover so fast.   Though unable to sit up, she was able to have enough nutrition and medication to get her platelets dropping at bay while recovering a normal blood sugar reading, although her platelet count only went up the day before we went out.  

Seeing a flood of prayers from our friends and relatives was truly heart-warming.   The  gift that won't collect dust, won't be destroyed by moths, won't be stolen.  The gift that added more years to our daughter's life.
With that, we give our heart-felt thank you

But, in spite of all the things we went through I still would want to  let you know, that you are valued!   This may not be considered as my gift to you.
In case you didn't realize, there is someone a far greater gift-giver - the reason, why we had to do all sorts of things to show our loved ones how they are loved.  
The One who have loved us far greater than anyone else, causing His life to be given as a gift to humanity.
None other than the Lord Jesus Christ. 
As the Bible dictated,

'And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:

'Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy

which will be to all people,

Unto you is born this day

a Savior which is Christ the Lord.'

Luke 2:11


Above all the feasts, the harmonious songs and the gifts, what is also important is the family, where love is the beacon and through which God's merciful and everlasting love is illuminated.

With my sincerest gratitude,

P.S.  Don't worry I still have a lot in store for the foodie-lovers out there.

Experience a Holiday Get-Away at Pan Pacific Manila

Treat your friends and loved ones this yuletide season with a relaxing stay at Pan Pacific Manila – the first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines.

Book our “Christmas Cheers” room package and enjoy lush amenities such as daily breakfast buffet for two persons at the Pacific Lounge, pre-dinner cocktails for two, complimentary high-speed Internet access, 20% discount at the Pacific Lounge, Lobby Lounge and My Pool, 10% discount on in-room massage treatments, unlimited local calls within Metro Manila, and exceptional 24-hour Butler service.

Guests staying with us on 24 December 2012 will also receive complimentary access to the Noche Buena for two persons per room booked.

Book with us now! Rates start at Php 6,500 net per night, valid from 1 to 28 December 2012 and 1 to 15 January 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

For enquiries and reservations, email enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com or call 318-0788 and ask for the Butler, of course! For more information about our hotel, visit panpacific.com/manila.

About Pan Pacific Manila

The first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines – ranked among the top Asia city hotels at the 2008 and 2009 Readers Choice Awards, named one of the best places to stay in the world at the Annual Gold List by the Conde Nast Traveler, and also awarded as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at the 2012, 2011 and 2008 World Travel Awards.  

Conveniently located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in the Manila Bay area, Pan Pacific Manila is a short drive to the city’s convention, exhibition and business centers and a walk away from shopping, food and entertainment establishments.  A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business and leisure travelers with its excellent facilities and service, the hotel has 236 all-executive rooms and suites and 7 spacious function rooms.  

For more information, call (63-2) 318 0788 or visit panpacific.com/manila for more special offers.  

About Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts comprises 19 premium hotels, resorts and serviced suites (including those under development) in 12 countries across Asia, North America and Oceania. The “Pan Pacific” brand provides refreshing Pacific experiences inspired by an invigorating blend of its Pacific Rim locations. It is focused on enriching experiences that draw on a diversity of landscapes and cultures; and relevant choices that convey freedom and individuality. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as one of the 25 hotel companies demonstrating social responsibility and has won esteemed accolades such as World Travel Awards, AAA Four Diamond Award, Condé Nast Gold List and Readers Choice Awards.  For more information, visit panpacific.com.

About Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a listed hotel subsidiary of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited, one of Asia’s most established hotel and property companies with an outstanding portfolio of investment and development properties.  Headquartered in Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels Group owns, manages and/or markets over 30 hotels, resorts and serviced suites with over 10,000 rooms in Asia and North America including those under development.  The Group comprises two acclaimed brands: Pan Pacific® and Parkroyal®.   

Pan Pacific ® is a leading brand in Asia and the Pacific Rim situated in key cities of distinguished destinations offering upper upscale accommodations and services.  Parkroyal® is an upscale regional Asia Pacific brand which promises a lifestyle-approach to hospitality that will leave guests with an experience to remember.   For more information, visit pphg.com

Snoopy's Holiday Streetfare

For a dog who was never meant to be a permanent member of the Peanuts gang, Snoopy has shown the greatest staying power and likability, and is respected far beyond any other cartoon creation.   He is for one, my best comic strip pet  ever since I got hold of a comic book collectible and I have garnered a lot of insightful principles and values reading form those strips.  

And so, I was extremely ecstatic when one of my friend blogger (Ning Buning) posted something about a 'Holiday Street Fair in his honor.'   Since I knew that the Snoopy theme have been also used as kid's clothing line, I somehow have gotten quite a relation with the Snoopy character.   As a mom, I am very particular in what cartoon character my kids would want to represent and be seen on their clothes and daily stuff.   And the Snoopy line is a great product from  Cool Joe, Uniqlo and Mercibeaucoup incorporated.

On the event, which took place last November 24, moms and kids celebrated Snoopy's 60th year with a fashion show showcasing the latest "Snoopy Street Fair" collection and the launching the  new Snoopy concept store, Beagle Place.

The stage were graced with the lovely celebrity mommy Gladys Reyes-Sommereux and her kids, glammed up with Snoopy's latest collection.

Snoopy is not only one of the world’s most recognized and beloved characters, he is likely to remain so for many decades to come!

Christmas is one other way to celebrate the iconic comic life of Snoopy by giving Snoopy's clothes, shoes and accessories which are available at all SM Department Stores Nationwide.  Now, the Beagle House, a store highlighting comfortable and chic children's apparel with Snoopy's collection,  is open to serve you.

Ten Moves! Run For 10

Are you a TEN Mover?  Well I am!  To be one, you should be one with us in promoting TEN Moves.   Also, make sure to have a spare  P10 coin (hehe)!

To give you an idea, TEN Moves! is the fundraising campaign of Bayanihang Pampaaralan, a private sector initiative to help address the classroom shortage in public schools all over the Philippines.  While the government's budget for the building of classrooms is increasing, the resources are still not enough to fully address the classroom backlog and  provide Filipino students nationwide with adequate learning facilities that will lead to improved education outcomes.
The entire nation is encouraged to donate at least P10, hoping to build up to P 300 a month (that's P10 per day of every month).    The campaign said  to raise enough resources to build 10,000 classrooms in public schools all over the Philippines.

With all these in mind, a campaign was made in light of this.   Dubbed as  TEN Movers! Run for 10, which is set to  take place on January 13, 2013  at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, and will be organized simultaneously in 10 other provinces in the Philippines, namely Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Legazpi, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zamboanga, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Registration will open on December 20, 2012.   Fees are: P200 (2.5km), P400 (5km), and P500 (10km). Watch out for further announcements on the registration details! The more you run, the more classrooms you build!

Run for 10 is considered a platform to ramp up the support and donations for The Entire Nation (TEN) Moves! It is a high-visibility activity that enables various sectors of society to come together and literally “move” for TEN Moves!

Run for 10 also gives life to the concept of the entire nation moving for one common cause – the goal of building 10,000 classrooms throughout the Philippines – as it conducts simultaneous runs in key cities nationwide.

Here is how to register:

Interested participants can register at the T-Shirt Project branches located at Glorietta, Trinoma, and Market! Market!. Registration starts on December 20, 2012. The registration fee is P200 for 2.5k, P400 for 5k, and P500 for 10k. 

HOW CAN ORGANIZATIONS AND CORPORATIONS TAKE PART IN RUN FOR 10?
For organizations and corporations, you can choose to form a team for Run for 10, sponsor a group of runners, and/or sponsor the event itself. For more information, you can contact us at (632) 752-1061 or email info@tenmoves.org 

So TEN Movers!  Get your running shoes ready and let's move the entire nation to act up and help rebuild our nation, starting with our public school facilities.

CONTACT TEN MOVES FOR INQUIRIES:
For further inquiries, please contact the TEN Moves Secretariat at (632) 752-1061 or email info@tenmoves.org. You can also add them on Facebook at facebook.com/TENMoves or follow them on Twitter through twitter.com/TEN_Moves.

Tis' the Season to Sparkle and Shine This Christmas

Holiday season is one of the most winning words we know—from Christmas to New Year, everyone is just excited about this occasion. Evoking time off and a day to catch up with loved ones, it also means meals that are infinitely more delicious and memorable than any others. Don’t let the busyness of the Holiday let you see all the dazzling and amazing happenings that give more definition to the gathering.  And at Marriott Manila, all these elements work together for good from dining, accommodation, and revelry!

Marriott Café is definitely prepared in making your time together more meaningful for Christmas. Whether you opt for a dinner buffet (P2, 875 net) or noche buena feast (P1300 net) on December 24, the spread features robust choices which will surely receive thumbs up across all age groups.  Brunch is something for the family and having it for Christmas day is a hearty way of celebrating the day. For only P2375 net, this special offering is not only loaded with the best of brunch, but steaks from Cru, desserts from the chocolate room, plus unlimited cocktails from the martini section. Kids will also have a time of their life with interactive activities from face painting, glimmer tattoo, and magic tricks during this early Sunday hour.  If feeling on the go for dinner buffet (P2875 net), Marriott Café’s take on the tradition revolves around zesty options with enough stations and desserts to make it a night full on seasonal feasting.

Cru Steakhouse’s market-driven menu is simply an instant classic for the holidays, whether your family is in the turkey-or-steak Christmas camp. Sous chef Rej Casanova lets you celebrate an intimate revelry two ways: a 4-course set dinner at P4, 500 net for a steak main course or the traditional turkey at P2, 000 net. Considered the hotel’s specialty restaurant when it comes to thick and meaty steaks, it also features inventive entrees with an ambience conducive for Christmas degustation.

As Marriott  give thanks to 2012’s fruitful year of business, the brand’s commitment on giving back is another much-awaited activity in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Gift-giving may be the highlight of Christmas, but Marriott Manila makes this tradition extra meaningful by capping off the year with our second round of Bid and Build. Scour precious finds and pre-loved items from favorite celebrities such as Ruffa Gutierez, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Connie Sison, Luanne Dy, Suzi Abrera, Frederick Peralta, and many more. We’re also featuring items such as IPAD 2, overnight stay form Maxims Hotel,  cocktail dresses from Salsa Trends, swim wear from the collection of Charina Sarte, and other esteemed individuals who are one with us in living up our Spirit the Community culture. Plus, you’ll be happy to know that all items are not only chic—they’re all unbelievably low-priced too!

Nothing says celebration from festivities, favors, to feasts during the Yuletide Season like Marriott. Don’t waste a second dithering overindulgence--it’s the holidays, so there’s every reason for it!

To know more about Marriott Manila festive season offerings, call 988-9980.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:
An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

The Winners of the MBKRS Awards 2012

My unalloyed pleasure in dining brought me to seeking out the best restaurants in Manila, and apparently the best have not been touted so and most of them have been kept secret by those who know the trade so well.  But thanks to the couple Elian Habayeb and Ines Cabarrus (owners also of Chihuahua Mexican Grill), authors of the best-selling coffee-table book  Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets, they have managed to spill the beans to foodies like us. 

Manila's Best Kept Secret  (MBKRS) is heralded  as the  “Oscar’s of the Restaurant Industry.” 

Thus, on the night of November 27  the winners were revealed one by one.   Too bad I wasn't able to attend the festivity, I've read that the crowd's number was record breaking and comestibles flowed to the brim.   

Here are the winners:

Awards by Cuisine
Best ITALIAN RESTAURANT: Va Bene Pasta Deli
Best FRENCH RESTAURANT: Brasserie Ciçou
Best SPANISH RESTAURANT: Terry’s Selection
Best JAPANESE RESTAURANT: Sugi
Best CHINESE RESTAURANT: Hai Shin Lou
Best CONTINENTAL CUISINE: Sala
Best THAI RESTAURANT: People’s Palace

Best FILIPINO RESTAURANT: Abé
Best MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT: Hossein’s Persian Kebab
Best KOREAN RESTAURANT: Kaya
Best INDIAN RESTAURANT: New Bombay Indian Cuisine
Best CENTRAL EUROPEAN RESTAURANT: Old Swiss Inn
Best SPECIALTY CUISINE: Corner Tree Café

Specialty-based Awards
Best STEAKHOUSE: Elbert’s Steak Room
Best BISTRO: Sala Bistro
Best RESTO/BAR: M Café
Best ENOTECA: Cav
Best WINE LIST: Barcino Gourmet
Best BURGER JOINT: Charlie’s Grind & Grill
Best DESSERT, ICE CREAM AND CAKE SHOP: The Cake Club
Best NEWCOMER: Wildflour Café + Bakery

Hotel Restaurant Awards
Best HOTEL RESTAURANT: INTERNATIONAL BUFFET: Spiral (Sofitel)
Best HOTEL RESTAURANT: FINE DINING: Impressions (Maxims)
Best HOTEL RESTAURANT: SPECIALTY: Shang Palace (Makati Shangri-La)
Best HOTEL BAR: Salon de Ning (Peninsula)

Individual Achievement Awards
Best EMERGING TALENT: Martin Wisniewski
Best CHEF: J Gamboa
Best RESTAURANT GROUP ENTREPRENEUR: Annabel Wisniewski
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Juan Carlos de Terry

Subsequently, Ines and Elian were the one who organized and hosted the prestigious event and they were joined on stage by celebrity presenters who helped hand out the night’s prestigious awards: Metro Society Managing Editor Georgia Schulze del Rosario, popular blog When in Manila’s Vince Golangco, Ministry of Mushrooms Founder Marco Lobregat, Pinkerton Ice Cream’s Alexandra Rocha, Jim Araneta of Global Beer Exchange, Tina Pamintuan of L’Incontro, Enderun’s Hospitality Management Director Bobby Horrigan, Mercato Centrale Co-founder Vanessa Ledesma, The Comedy Cartel’s Noel Gasconand Victor Anastacio, Juice.ph’s Spanky Enriquez, Melissa Gecolea of ANC, and actors Janice de Belen and Johnny Revilla, who are both starring together in the upcoming thriller Strangers.  The independent auditing firm SGV & Co witnessed the announcements and checked whether the results from the survey tool QuestionPro are consistent with the winners announced.joined by seasoned foodies and gourmands both in the media and the market.   

If you ask how they have picked the winners here is how - judges vote in two ballots using the survey tool QuestionPro.  In the first round, they are allowed to cast up to three (3) votes in each category to determine the nominees (the top-5 finalists), and they cast only one (1) vote per category in the second round to determine the winners.  The Judges were as follows:

 

Restaurateurs

martin wisniewski m café

archie rodriguez cpk

chiqui mabanta corner tree café

louie ysmael opus

abba napa ‘cue modern barbecue

conrad alcantara craft

kimmie assad-lamata di mark’s

vanessa vitrano galileo enoteca

rollie fabie mesa

karen elizalde super submarine

johnlu koa the french baker

paolo nesi l’opera

sergi rostoll las flores

charrie lim sugi

robi joseph nectar

koby parcell-cruz chocolate fire

 

Chefs

bruce lim asian food channel

david pardo de ayala discovery

adrian cuenca elbert’s steak room 

christian vecin café curieux

thomas wenger enderun

kerwin go people’s palace

luis de terry ‘cue modern barbecue

michelle pantoja fourth street kitchen

rob spakowski chef’s secret

The organizers of the MBKRS Awards are simply facilitators and do not vote. This academy of judges is made up of individuals distinguished in the restaurant industry and other related fields.

 For more pictures and updates, visit www.mbkrsawards.com and like www.facebook.com/mbkrsawards to get real-time updates.

The Merriest of Experience with Century Park Hotel’s Holiday Treats

After officially launching its Christmas season fete with the lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree at the Atrium Lounge last November 15, 2012, Century Park Hotel now bares its special holiday treats fit for the merriest season of the year.

At the Café in the Park on Christmas and New Year’s eve and day, indulge in a special buffet spread consisting a vast array of appetizers, salads, sides, flavorful entrees, succulent slow roasted U.S. Prime beef and delicious desserts to be enjoyed by the whole family and friends for only P 1,475 +. Visit the Holiday booth of native fares and take a pick between puto bumbong and bibingka for a snack while sipping traditional tsokolate or salabat all day everyday during the season.

Be generous and let Deli Snack assist you plan out your Christmas gifts for colleagues, clients and loved ones. Be creative and customize your hampers from its international range of food, delicatessen, wines, and spirits. Pre-packaged hampers are also available from P 750, P 1,500 to P 2,000 depending on your budget.  For your take-home gift-giving essentials, the Deli lobby booth is the answer to that last minute urges.

Visually impaired but musically talented young children and adults of the internationally-acclaimed group Ambassadors of Light Foundation choir shall once again share with you their inspiring Christmas carols and melodies at the Atrium Lounge on December 15, Saturday at 6 pm.

For authentic Japanese value feast, drop by the Century Tsukiji.  The Japanese cuisine restaurant recognized by the Miele Guide as one of Asia’s finest this year, offers on Christmas and New Year’s Eve and day a set menu for only P 1,895 +, good for two persons.    

Guests can also welcome the New Year at Top of the Century with a live entertainment from 8:30 pm till after countdown.  It will be a night of festivity and more fun as the hotel’s bar and lounge on the 19^th floor alternately features the sultry Jennifer Rawolle with master pianist Ben Uy and the sweltering Sarita and her trio.  A cocktail buffet is available for only P 695 + per person for non-hotel guests and is optional to hotel room occupants.

And to complete the merriest of experience this season, the hotel offers a special holiday room rate of P 5,800 net per night in either the one-bedroom park tower or junior suite, inclusive of a complimentary breakfast at the Café in the Park for two adults and two kids below twelve years old.  Your children will surely enjoy a dozen of freshly-made macarons generously filled with thick creams in five different scrumptious flavors to choose from – pistachio, lemon, orange, strawberry and praline – on the house.  For couples, an overnight stay in a classic superior room with a hearty breakfast for two is only P 3,800 net. Both room packages include a twenty (20) percent discount on the hotel’s food and beverage outlets. Experience yuletide joy in your delightful stay and treasure the tender memories that will linger even long after. Promo is valid from November 15, 2012 until January 1, 2013.

With the numerous holiday treats lined up, Century Park Hotel hopes to deliver the essence of a truly wonderful and a “more fun” Filipino Christmas in our own special way.  Friends, families and associates can expect a celebration both reassuringly merry and pleasantly awesome. 

For more information, contact them at telephone no. 528-8888 or send them email at information@centurypark.com.ph.

The Century Park Hotel is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation.

A Breakfast Repertoire at Sentro 1771

 Everyday as the sun rises, apart from the many plans I have for the entire day, there is one thought that comes to my mind- what to have for my  breakfast?    How about you?
There is this book that my girls would love to read over and over again and is very timely for this blog's topic. This is a part of a story  Winnie the Pooh as told by A.A. Milne.  Here is how I have recalled it.

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"

"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"

"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said.”

How could those lines not make you grin.  I bet many of us are like Pooh, all excited for the sunny day with a hearty breakfast to spruce up another tiring and challenging day.
That is why for me breakfast is important.   In my house I serve rice coupled with eggs differently prepared for every day, hotdogs (the usual Moms do), hams, tuyo (dried fish), tapa and too many it would fill this page up if I'll mention them all.
Filipinos are heavy breakfast eaters and I'm one of them.   I think we are the only nation who eat rice with viands for breakfast and whimsy as it may seem, elusive meal ideas are way becoming a challenge to breakfast lovers.

But I don't mind being challenged at all.  For without a yellow plate like on the picture above, my day would not be as powerful and pleasurable, which is something I would need to inspire me do more relevant things, making a day a fruitful one.

I was challenged indeed when sometime last week, an invitation came for me to try breakfast at Sentro 1771.   And like Pooh, I knew I'm on to something really exciting.

Sentro is known for innovating and reinventing home grown Filipino dishes, and interestingly taking “lutong pinoy” a notch higher.   Contrary to the fact that they are serving fusion dishes.  They center on homegrown Filipino dishes but with a more palatable twist, making each dish something to come back to.  One example is the esteemed  Sinigang na Corned Beef  and Rated GG.  Surprisingly, they do serve breakfast  and they open up 7 in the morning, both at the Serendra and Greenbelt branches.

For my breakfast at Sentro 1771, I ordered the Bonuan Bangus with Fried Rice and Scrambled Eggs.   This had to go with  a good cup of  brewed coffee, of course, another important part of the early bird's meal.   This fried boneless bangus (milkfish) is a proud product of Dagupan, and will always be my favorite, more  so here at Sentro where they have to smother it with garlic.   Thus, every bite is  garlic infused without being salty for a preserved humble fish.  I also love that they put atchara, or pickled papaya ,over the plate of rice and egg which I found to be be very "Tagalog" in nature.

If you are somehow tired of having rice, how about some bread, more so, "Kesong Puti" on your toasts.  Well initially one of us had ordered (or what is actually on the menu) hot Pandesal topped with "Kesong Puti" (goat cheese) but since it was about to be 10 in the morning and the restaurant had been a beehive of activity since I got there at 8, they ran out of pandesal.

This is really getting way more exciting even as I share this to you.  For next to my post is this sunny plate of Omelette, Bacon and Beans, which were served with more toasts (or you have the option to have rice with it).   You may seem to say that this is not a typical Filipino dish.  Well, traditionally not, but in our modern world we can safely say so.   Having the colonial mentality branding us Pinoys to love what our Caucasian brothers and sisters love to eat, most of us have grown to love bacons, hams, and beans.     So if you're one of those, Sentro is the right place for you.   But let me tell you, you can not find canned beans or fat-laden bacon strips in this area, only home-cooked pork and beans, and crispy lean high-grade meat bacon strips.

I have to hand it to Executive Chef Vicky Rose Pacheco.    Her  inventiveness goes beyond preparing the usual fare, like this bowl of minced pork, which is actually deconstructed longaniza, known to regular early diners as Baguio Longanisa na Durog.  if you crave the famous Baguio Longanisa or if you seem to avoid longanisa casing but long to indulge in the garlicky goodness of a savory Filipino delicacy, then plan your way here.

Baffled somehow, by why restaurants serving all-day breakfast menus still flourish?  We have to admit that  Filipino breakfast meals are as filling and healthy as other  meals of the day.   I'm pretty sure like me, you have been to one-too-many "tap-silog" houses all over the metro.  One of my fave is Chef Laudico's BFast Angus Tapa and the one near our place, Tito's.   Now, I've included Sentro 1771's  SirloinTapa in the must-try Tapa list.

Another brilliant invention was the Adobo Flakes and I swear,  I will go back to Sentro for this, because I wasn't able to get a taste and never had a chance to examine it.  Apparently, the dish is a different take on our 'national dish' Adobo (just saying), where the chicken meat, probably cooked or marinated with the Adobo ingredients were painstakingly flaked and fried to crunchy golden perfection.    This is good with either the usual steamed rice (they also have brown rice) or Bagoong Rice.
Now let me ask you, is there a better word for exciting?   Because I am about to introduce some of their dessert offerings.
My Rip-roaring Dessert Adventure at Sentro 1771.   
Yep, that could be one heck of a title for the following post.  You will see why.

Who's up for some suman and fresh mangoes?  Their unmasked suman was lightly fried to give subtle crust on the outside, sliced then topped with luscious sweet and fresh mangoes.  Everything was then drizzled with the syrupy consistency of coco jam.  The Fried Suman and Mangoes can be tricky if prepared wrongly.  The suman should not be too sweet to compliment with the cocojam and mango slices.  Which is true with Sentro's.

In modern gourmet dining, the partnership of saltiness and sweetness in a dessert have been well thought off and are now being raved at.  If you are into hedonistic epicurean dining you know what I am talking about, and their Keso Flan, brought me to 'chessert paradise' (chessert is short for cheese and dessert, btw).  Quite misleading, the dessert plate above is actually a cheesecake but without a crust or pie shell and is made to look like our fiesta fave Leche Flan (Caramel Custard).  The secret here is to have a bit of the flan, deliberately followed by a bit of the Quezo de Bola and salted egg.   And you are there!  Chessert Paradise, Babyee!

My choice was the Maja Blanca Crepe.   Just imagine rice flour made into paper thin pancakes.   The native Maja Blanca made out of humble provenance oozed out as if telling me how good it is, rolled with the crepe and drizzled further with coco jam.

For the Sans Rival lovers, here is a way better rendition.   Upon seeing this, our pulses were quickened and the voracious foodies in all five of us present in the table was was seriously awakened.   The towering beauty of the four coffee meringue arranged so laced dramatically with coffee-flavored French butter creme.   Sans Rival or Sanz Rival is a French word for without rival.  Must I say that the Coffee Bean San Rival is truly unrivaled.

 Make way for the Coffee Pie, as I heard Kirk say to us.   The 'only one of its kind,'
 is how it was so described in the menu.    The crust is made up of chocolate and cashews, delicate and crumbly, then filled with creamy coffee goodness.  A light layer of cream cheese and toffee sauce lined the top and for a picture-perfect afters, the plate was heavily dusted with a mix of what may seem to be confectioner's sugar and cocoa.  

If you have been overwhelmed and sugar-highed, you can opt to have a fruit platter.  Nothings beats fresh fruit slices before and after any meals.

I guess by now I have given you enough breakfast, snacks and dessert ideas.   It may be a bit pricey but I understand why they could not compromise, by lowering the price thus giving lesser quality of food and just imagine the intricacies observed when preparing each dish.  Nothing we breakfast-lovers could not handle.

Here at Sentro, gourmet quality food prepared out of passion for Filipino dishes and the consummate foodie is reconciled. 

So what are you waiting for, below are the details on how you can get in touch with them for more information and reservations.

Sentro 1771 by Chateu 1771 at Greenbelt 3 Branch:

Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati

Phone:  757- 3941

Serendra Branch:

Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Phone:  856- 0581

Email: sentro1771@gmail.com; sentroserendra@gmail.com

Website: http://www.chateaugroup.com