Villa Del Conte Cioccolato Sublime of Padova, Italy

While enjoying a box of Villa Del Conte chocolates, I remember that quote from Forrest Gump; "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you'll gonna get." Don't get me wrong, this blog post is not about deciphering the meaning of life in all its glory, I just want to talk about Villa Del Conte Cioccolato Sublime.

Villa Del Conte's namesake is a town in Padova Italy wherein this 70+ year old family business of artisan chocolate-making hails from. For generations now, they are making hand crafted fine chocolates in their factory in Italy.

Recently my sister was given a box of Villa Del Conte chocolates to try. Being the kind sister that she is, she shared it with me so that I can write about it here on my blog. It was my first time to try these chocolates and I must say that I was impressed.

Love Food and Travel? Be the FOOD HERO of Asia Food Channel (AFC) and Food Network Asia

Who doesn’t love to eat and travel? I know I do! And I am pretty sure most of you share the same passion. So here’s a good news for you guys.

If you are passionate about food and traveling, if you have a great personality, and if you want to be on TV, then Food Network Asia and Asia Food Channel is looking for you to be their Food Hero!

Food Hero is a region wide talent search that may open a door for aspiring TV hosts or TV talents to be part of either Food Network Asia or Asia Food Channel team.  Joining is fairly simple;  you may join them for a live audition this coming Saturday, May 31 or you may upload your video on Youtube convincing Food Network Asia and AFC Team why you should be the next Food Hero.

Read on and check out the mechanics below.

Word of Advice When Reading Rogue Magazine's Appetite Issue

Friends, I got a word of advice for all of you. When planning to read Rogue Magazine’s Appetite Issue (May Issue) consider hoarding all the best food you can get. The more food the better. Then with your food on hand, set aside ample of time where no one may disturb you so that you may read the magazine to your heart’s content.

Trust me on this. Especially on the hoarding of food part. Because once you started reading the hunger-inducing Rogue Magazine’s Appetite Issue, you will salivate like there’s no tomorrow. I am speaking based on personal experience. My only fault was, I read the thing on a lazy morning which contagious indolence permeates my entire being that I could not muster enough courage to cook a decent breakfast meal, so I settled for a simple toast and butter with coffee.

Wrong freaking move.

For their appetite issue this month of May, Rogue Magazine is peppered with loads of food-related article that will, like what I have said, make you salivate and be well-informed to the latest food trend in Manila and then some. This month's cover is that of beautiful model Isabel Roces photographed by the extremely talented photographer, Neil Oshima. 

Samalamig at Mesclun Restaurant: Beat the Summer Heat with Halo-Halo, Milkshakes, and Ice Cream Sandwich!

Ice cream, halo-halo, fruit shakes, milkshakes, these are just some of the refreshing goodies that most of us probably crave for especially now that it's summer. Good news is, Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe (Ortigas) and Mesclun Bistro (Serendra and Eastwood) introduce new line of cold and refreshing items perfect for summer season aptly called SAMALAMIG. 

Samalamig or palamig in vernacular pertains to cold prepared beverages here in the Philippines that usually comprised of tapioca pearls, gelatin, mixed with cold water flavored with sweet syrup and/or fruit extracts. In the past, when one talks about samalamig, Sago't Gulaman is the first thing that will pop up in mind since it is the most popular and can be found in every street corner here in the country. But as time goes by, the term is now use to pertain to any prepared cold drinks that is distinctly Pinoy. Think buko pandan juice, ice candy, halo-halo, buko juice, melon juice, and the likes. Those are just some of the well-loved samalamig.

The talented mind behind Mesclun, chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara takes this samalamig into a whole new level this time and created four impressive line of goodies that will surely make this summer enjoyable for foodies. 

Caffe Pascucci Shop: Italian Coffee Shop at Robinsons Galleria

Caffe Pascucci Shop is an Italian brand of coffee shop that branched out here in Manila just last year. It prided itself in serving high quality standard of coffee in different variants and pastry goodies that go perfectly well with their coffee selection. Currently, Caffe Pascucci Shop already have two branches here in Manila; one in Glorietta 2 in Makati City and the other one in Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig City.

It was said that Caffe Pascucci Shop is popular in Italy and Korea with an impressionable number of patrons. If the green siren stands to be the most popular here in Manila and to most part of the world, Caffee Pascucci Shop is noted as its Italian equivalent in terms of followers.

I remember the first time I tried Caffe Pascucci was during the launching of our book EATS 2014 which was held at the Glorietta Activity Center. Caffe Pascucci Glorietta branch was just a stone's throw away from the area, just right beside Ginza Bairin. So before heading home, we grabbed some coffee and pastries from Caffe Pascucci just to last us through dinner time. I remember that the place left a great impression on me with its artsy ambiance.

Buffet at Café d’Asie of Bellevue Manila

Our lunch buffet at Café d’Asie of Bellevue Manila happened on the second day of our epic staycation at B Hotel in Alabang. It literally transpired after yet another buffet, albeit breakfast, that we devoured during that weekend. I wouldn't call it epic weekend for nothing. I even have proof that doesn't involve weighing scale, I tell you. Read, that's all you have to do.

Café d’Asie, one of the signature restaurants of Bellevue Manila in Alabang features an all-day buffet and ala carte offerings for both the hotel guests and walk-in diners. This 180-seaters boasts of an elegant ambiance coupled with impressive buffet selections meant to make people with deep affinity for an Eat-All-You-Can restaurants, like me.

Whether you decides to go an a feast of the senses on lunch or dinner, you'll be charged of Php 1,390 net per head and Php 695 for kids ages 6 to 12. Those who are below 6 years of age can dine for free. Breakfast buffet costs Php 770 net per head and half the price for kids 6 to 12. Kiddos under 6 of course, can have their little brekky for free.