Books and Borders Cafe Eastwood Now Open

     The coffee place where you can read your favorite book, sip your favorite drink, and savor hearty meals opened its third branch in the busy city of Eastwood. Formally opened its doors last November 26, 2016, Book & Borders promises great food, awesome drinks, and hours of fun reading.

     Book & Borders Cafe in Eastwood City promises to give residents, office workers, students, and shoppers a new venue to dine and unwind after a tiring day. The much needed "me time" is not only confined in spas and other known venues available for relaxation but also in a coffee shop that allows each guest to read a book while sipping their favorite drink and eat to their heart's content. Highlights of Book & Borders Cafe in Eastwood City opening below :)

Books and Borders Cafe Eastwood Now Open

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open

     Hello dearies! Last week, I was invited to the store opening and blessing of Book & Borders Cafe's second branch in Mckinley Hill, BGC. Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany is the newest read.sip.dine destination in the heart of Mckinley where coffee and book lovers will surely frequent to and enjoy the relax ambiance while reading their favorite book and sipping their favorite drinks.

     The latest themed café in Mckinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, Book & Borders will be one of newest destination and popular hangouts for book, coffee, pasta, and cake lovers in the metro. Book & Borders puts itself in a class of its own, distinguishing itself as a haven for people who want to enjoy a more relaxed afternoon, sipping their favorite brew and immersed in their favorite books. Highlights of the event below :)

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!

     According to cafe owner Kristine Simisim, you can relish the quiet, tucked in your little corner where you can enjoy your coffee or tea and of course indulge in book worms' favorite pastime-reading. The cozy and relaxed ambiance will surely make you and your book lover friend enjoy every visit at Book & Borders Cafe. There's a big book shelf upon entering the cafe where you can read best-selling books, premium reading materials, and other literary pieces.

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!

Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany offers the following:

• Extensive selection of books, from the classics to contemporary bestsellers that you can read for free and enjoy them at your leisure. 
• The library is free and open for all, and for a better reading experience, customers are invited to use the book stands available at the café. 
• But the bestsellers are not only limited to the books on the shelves, you can find them on the menu as well. 
• Do indulge your sweet tooth with scrumptious varieties of cakes and squares. 
• For something more filling, the menu also offers delicious pastas and sandwiches.
• Indulge in their famous brewed coffee and cold coffee-concoctions.
• They also offer an array refreshing smoothies, calming teas and juices. 

     “I’m so ecstatic that there’s finally a place for people like us. It’s cozy and inviting, and you won’t get too distracted like in crowded cafes. ‘Books + coffee’ spells the perfect afternoon,” shares Kapuso artist and budding poet Benjamin Alves. 

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
 At the grand opening of Book & Borders Tuscany, from left to right; Benjamin Alves, Michael Lao, Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon, Kristine Joyce Simisim and Chef Dennis Apostol

    “What I love about Book & Borders is that there’s always something new to discover because they constantly update their library. So even if you just want to browse, all the recent best sellers are on the shelves,” shares Karylle, a self-proclaimed bookworm and travel books collector. 

    Aside from Book & Borders bestseller: Queso de Bola Cake, Truffle Mushroom Pasta, Tuyo Pasta and Beef Pastrami Panini, there are new dishes added to the menu to satisfy those hungry fangs. They now serve hearty rice dishes plus additional pasta and cake variants. Below are some of the newest food offerings at Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany branch.

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Barbeque Liempo
Bottom: Tamarind Lemongrass Chicken

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Chicken Parmigiana Au Gratin with Creamy Pesto
Bottom: Seafood Aligue Carbonara

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Shrimp Salad in Ciabatta Sandwich

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Ginger Raspberry Iced Tea

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Carrot Cake
Bottom: Chocolate Cake

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany wants to say thank you to Alessi housewares and kitchen utensil company from Italy.

    Thank you so much Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany for having me. You can 'Read.Sip.Dine' in this library inspired cafe anytime you want at the heart of Mckinley Hill.

     Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany is located RC-RCM and RD-RDM Building 5, Tuscany Estates, Mckinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City. You may call them on (0932) 871 7856 for more details.

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Good Times!~

Red Ribbon launches limited edition Rocky Road Cake

     Hello dearies! What if the classic and all-time favorite flavor of ice cream is now in a delicious treat that will surely tickle your taste buds. Are you ready to have a slice of rocky road cake? Yes, this all-time favorite flavor is now available in Red Ribbon. It's making a comeback but for a limited time only.

     When guests are expected at home, serving a heavenly chocolate cake appears to be a sure crowd pleaser. Red Ribbon—one of the country’s biggest bakeshops—is bringing back one of its best-selling round chocolate cake that’s sure to delight your family and friends. Red Ribbon’s Rocky Road Cake is now making a grand comeback, carrying with it more delicious toppings that will definitely add more texture and flavor to the family’s time.

Red Ribbon launches limited edition Rocky Road Cake

     The Rocky Road Cake is made of three layers of rich chocolate cake with choco-cream filling, topped with fluffy white cream rosettes, chocolate kisses, soft, white marshmallows and chocolate drizzles. 

     What makes the Rocky Road Cake even more special this year compared last year is the addition of Red Ribbon’s signature brownies. These chewy brownie bits are topped along with the cake’s other toppings, giving the cake a more moist and chewy texture. Additional sprinkles of cashews and marshmallows are sandwiched in between the cake’s layers, creating a perfect combination of sweetness, softness and crunchiness from the inside and out.

     “Social media has made catching up with friends and families very different from before,” said Zinnia Rivera, general manager of Red Ribbon. “But we, at Red Ribbon, believe that nothing can replace person-to-person interaction between families and friends. We want them to share sweet moments like they never did before.”

     The Rocky Road Cake is available in all its stores from October 1 to January 31, 2016 for only P585 for regular-sized round cake and P375 for junior-sized cakes. According to Rivera, the limited edition cake is a perfect sweet course for families who want to serve a delightful and hearty dessert.

   

     Rivera said, “Nothing can be better than good company and good food. With the Rocky Road Cake served on the table, there’s no better way to share special moments than a delightful treat that bursts with chocolatey goodness.”

     Red Ribbon is one of the fastest growing bakeshop chains in the country that serves great-tasting cakes, breads and pastries, bringing back memories of joy and togetherness, family and home. In every Filipino celebration, whether it’s an every day family gathering or a grand feast, Red Ribbon will continue to make each moment sweeter to people of all ages.

     She concluded, “Every moment spent with your loved ones is a moment worth celebrating. At Red Ribbon, we can give you, your family and your friends more reasons to celebrate everyday through sweet and delightful confections—and our Rocky Road Cake is the perfect decadent dessert that will make each moment even sweeter.”

Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae: a new twist to my favorite Peach Mango Pie!

     Why there's always room for dessert? For a sweet tooth like me, there's always plenty of room for desserts! Anything sweet will always have a special place in my tummy! Hahaha! One of my favorite desserts is peach mango pie from Jollibee. I can't count how many times I've eaten this simple but filling item from Jollibee. It's my default order when I don't know what to get when my son craves for Jollibee and I need to bring him there for his snack.

     Nothing is as comforting as the warm sweet filling of mangoes and peaches wrapped in the crispy crust of the Peach Mango Pie or the sweet creamy texture of the classic Vanilla Sundae – both Filipino favorites that have always been part of every langhap-sarap Jollibee experience.

Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae: a new twist to my favorite Peach Mango Pie!

     Since its introduction, the peach mango pie has always been the top choice for Filipinos when it comes to desserts. The Vanilla Sundae, also a favorite among Filipinos, especially kids, has been paired with hot chocolate fudge and strawberry syrup, among others. 

     This time, Jollibee has decided to mix these two well-loved desserts, bringing a whole new flavor for everyone to experience – the Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae. The creamy texture of vanilla sundae topped with bits and pieces of peaches and mangoes brings out flavors that are both nostalgic and fresh.

     The Peach Mango Sundae is the ultimate dessert for Filipinos who can’t have enough of their sweet tooth fix with the peach mango filling and Jollibee’s classic sundae. It is best enjoyed with your favorite Jollibee meal.

     At only P29 each for ala carte and P20 as mini sundae add-on for value meals, the Peach Mango Sundae is now available at your favorite Jollibee store nationwide.

The Origins of Chocolates

     Hi dearies! Are you a chocolate lover? Do you like milk, white, or dark choc? I presume you already know Villa del Conte Chocolates. If not, here's a brief introduction and history on chocolates and Villa del Conte.

     Chocolates are truly a delightful indulgence enjoyed by many around the world. Everyone has their favorite chocolate confection, but many do not know the history of this luscious, sweet temptation.

    This well-loved treat actually dates back three or even four millennia ago in a Pre-Columbian Mexico setting. And according to Pace University, it all started with a fermented drink by the Mayans and Aztecs called Xocoatl from the beans of the cocoa tree.

     The Aztecs found it to be an invigorating drink and aphrodisiac. Some even believed that every cacao bean comes with mystical and spiritual qualities, and these qualities made the drink reserved for rulers, warriors and nobles. 

     In the 1500s, the chocolate’s symbolism of wealth and power continued in Europe, when the Spanish conquistadors returned home with cacao instead of gold and silver. Soon it became a royal favorite in Europe and was still served as a beverage, only combined with sugar to counter its bitterness. 

     Three centuries after, the first chocolate mold was introduced in England, but did not instantly become popular because of its bitter taste. It wasn’t until a renowned Swiss chocolatier named Daniel Peter, experimented with various flavors and ingredients was the strong taste of cacao balanced. After several tries, a chocolate with a rich texture and sweet taste was finally achieved by combining cacao with one of their most abundant products at that time—milk. 

     This marked the creation of chocolates as we know today. Its popularity has spurred a rising number of chocolate artisans from various parts of the world to incorporate their own traditions and secret recipes in creating their signature takes on chocolates. 

     One chocolatier from a small, idyllic town nestled in the heart of Padova, Italy called Villa del Conte stood out because of his exceptional recipe—Nazzareno Cattapan. Eventually, his exceptional recipe was bestowed to following generations, and preserving this legacy today is the third-generation chocolate connoisseur, Enrico Nazzareno. Using only handpicked cacao beans, shaped by a unique process, one can easily notice and taste the masterpiece of authentic Italian tradition.

The Origins of Chocolates

     From Italy, these artisanal chocolates reached the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines; and today, you can blissfully indulge in their luscious creations, including Praline Balls, Praline Sticks, Ovicinis, Domes, Truffles, and Neapolitans. 

Visit Villa Del Conte stores at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia, or Resorts World Manila. For bulk orders of Villa del Conte chocolates, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. 

To know more about Villa del Conte visit http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/ 

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