Cafe Macaron

I don't know, but naming a cafe after the product itself seems so limited a proposition, or so I thought. Well maybe there is a Cafe Ensaymada or Cafe Cup Cakes somewhere, but wait, isn't there a Raisin Bread Cafe in Baguio Country Club? That probably doesn't make Cafe Macaron any different in the naming convention after all.

Cafe Macaron is at the Fairmont and Raffles Hotel in Makati City, recently cited as one of the best new hotels in the world. There are three things I instantly like about this hotel - so chic, welcoming staff with ready smiles and surprisingly, parking is for free. It reminds me of the vibe similar to the elegance and sophistication of Andaz hotels.

Cafe Macaron's sleek interiors

an ideal place for hanging out on lazy Sunday afternoons

While cup cakes and red velvets are still here to stay, macarons are fast gaining popularity. I clearly remember when and where I had my first macarons - one was in 2008 at Whittard by Chelsea in Central World Bangkok and the other was in 2010 at TWG in Marina Bay Sands Singapore.

Closer to home, the macarons I've enjoyed were from The Cake Club with fresh fruit fillings and Sweet Bella at Greenbelt 5. Cafe Macaron's is the best for me by far.

I asked the staff of Cafe Macaron as to what makes a good macaron. She kindly explained that ultimately, it depends on one's personal taste - some want their macarons to be a little bit flaky or crispy on the outside while others prefer theirs to be chewy inside out. How sweet it should be varies from person to person.

Cafe Macaron's is the chewy type with just the right sweetness going with it. It comes in various flavors, some with local ingredients like mango, ube and quezo de bola.

wide array of flavors to choose from: black sesame, 

quezo de bola, ube, mango, raspberry, chocolate, etc.

taking a bite of ube macaron

just another way to enjoy our macarons; left: black

sesame seed; right: quezo de bola, our favorite

which is also one of the bestsellers 

I had hot Moroccan mint tea while Mayi had a fresh blend 

of guava, lemon, lime and rose (yes, the flower)  

The staff told me that Cafe Macaron's vision is to infuse local with international flavors not only for its macarons but also for its cakes and pastries.

there are cakes and pastries with calamansi, 

banana and other familiar local flavors

Definitely I'd like go back to Fairmont and Raffles Hotel not only for Cafe Macaron but also for the other interesting dining places yet to be explored.

Victorino's

Just got curious about this place. It was a mere old house I used to pass by every night on my way home from the office. Later, it underwent some makeover and by the next time I saw it, it was already on soft opening (April 2013). What then was an old house tucked at the corner of Jamboree and Scout Rallos Streets in Quezon City has become Victorino's, a dining place wherein one can  feast on authentic Ilocano dishes minus the 10-hour long drive to the north.

the foyer that leads to the main dining area

It definitely helps that several cars are parked on the side street each time I pass by. I told myself  I've got to try it. No regrets. For a non-Ilocano like me, dining there was a pleasant experience - simple and no-frills but no less enjoyable.

By the way, I don't know if this helps too but when I asked the waiter who's behind this niche place, it apparently includes culinary icon Heny Sison as well as an actress whose partner is a politician from Ilocos.  Looks like culinary arts, showbiz and politics provide for an interesting mix.

These are some of the Ilocano dishes we had for lunch.

the almost paper thin bagnet chips with camote

and taro chips are excellent openers 

Victorino's take on pochero served with

bagoong and eggplant a la Ilocos

with no malice aforethought, this is definitely the 

Ilocano dish with the best name recall, poqui-poqui

(grilled eggplant sauteed in onions and tomatoes)

the menu calls this acias buridibod (malunggay

fruit and camote boiled in bagoong); please note

 that there is a specific Ilocano way of eating this

Step 1 - split it open

Step 2 - tuck it between the lips and scrape the

inside using the lower set of teeth

this is how we were eating the buridibod (used the 

spoon to scrape the inside with the fork firmly

holding and keeping it in place); the operations 

manager kindly showed us the Ilocano way

After lunch, we enjoyed Heny Sison's bestseller, the lemon torte. These photos say it all.

BEFORE

AFTER - it came crumbling down with walnuts

and all but nary a trace of how it originally was

Heny Sison's dessert spread; please note that 

the lemon torte is not displayed here as it 

needs to be kept frozen; one has to ask for it

Victorino's has a lot more to offer. One visit is not enough. 

There goes another Sunday of culinary adventure. I love Sundays. :-)

The Cake Club (Bonifacio High Street)

We have invariably tried the different restaurants in BHS but when it comes to delightful desserts, cheesecake most especially, The Cake Club which is affiliated with Diamond Hotel is the place we always go to. It has another branch in Rockwell but we prefer the BHS branch partly for its al fresco area which is ideal for people-watching and enjoying the limited outdoor while having cheesecake and sipping vanilla-flavored tea, our personal favorite among its wide selection of fine teas.

Here's some of The Cake Club's regular line up:

tempting array of cheesecakes and macarons for the sweet 

tooth - white cheesecakes, raspberry-filled macarons,  and 

pistachio macarons with strawberry fillings  

walnut cheesecakes and l'obsession, obviously for 

one's chocolatey fix 

mango parfait and baked cheesecake; 

mango parfait is forgettable; the baked cheesecake is our 

favorite - light and smooth that melts in one's mouth 

(quite in contrast with the rich and heavy New York 

cheesecake I've tried in Times Square)

The Cake Club's ice cream is also delectable but that would be for later. 

Out Of The Coverage Area . . . In Calaguas

To be sure, friends who called me over the weekend must have received this response: “The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try or call later. The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try or call later.” Then, toot . . . Or, SMS sent must have been undelivered and needless to say, unanswered.

For I was in Calaguas away from it all, beyond reach and no trappings of modern technology: no mobile telephony, no internet. In exchange, I got the beauty of a pristine beach of powdery white sand consistent from end-to-end coupled with crystal-clear water that can rival Boracay’s Station 1 sans the crowd, uncontrolled over-development and water sewage emptying out to the beach. For 3 days and 2 nights, I kept to my own world, clueless to the goings-on outside.

But where is Calaguas and how did I get there? Here are some quick and basic tips:

Getting There. I am a DIY person when it comes to defining my travels, whether here or abroad. But this Calaguas trip is so uncharacteristic of me as this is my first time to arrange everything through the power of text messaging.

When my cousin-in-law and I finally agreed on the dates for our respective families to go to Calaguas, which is a group of islands under Vinzons town in Camarines Norte 2 hours offshore by boat, she sent me an email about Byahe Adventours (+639272508522; +639157792222), one of the tour operators that caters to Calaguas guests, with the name and number of the contact person. Shortly afterwards, I started texting the person who gave me quick and precise instructions – i.e. deposit the tour package amount (PHP4,200 per person for 3d2n all in: transpo, “accommodation” and full-board) to a specific bank under the relevant account/name, keep the deposit slip and then bring it to DLTB bus terminal in Cubao on the chosen departure date.

As instructed, we went to the bus terminal wherein we met a certain RJ (CP: +63917 4320215), the person who I've been texting with. Such is the power of text and the speed of trust - simple but scary I must say. The 7 or 8-hour night time trip had us waking up at Vinzons town, getting off at its town hall for a short wait for the jeep that will take us to the Logport, jump off point to Calaguas. Getting to the Logport meant a butt-breaking humpy-bumpy 20-minute ride through a secondary road riddled with potholes from beginning to end. 

I’m glad that Byahe Adventours arranged for everything, instead of me talking and negotiating stressfully with the jeepney driver and later, the boat operator.

Left: DLTB bus, with wi-fi, that took us to Vinzons; Right: Logport, jump off point to Calaguas

Staying There. Camping out is the norm in Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Islands. We were provided with tents already pitched on the beach ready for us to lie down on. There is no established resort with air-conditioned rooms to share. Others even preferred to sleep on the beach itself, outside the tent, with just sleeping bags, beach towels or mats shielding them from the cool night wind.

we had lessons learned during our 1st camp out in Kalanggaman Islet between Cebu and Leyte; 

whereas before, we only used sleeping bags to cushion the tent "floor," this time around, we had

a sleeping bag, portable foam and fluffy comforter to simulate the comfort of home; 

our travel companions observed that ours was the most comfy tent; indeed it was

here's how the tent village by the beach looks like

Eating There. Dining was not a problem because our package was all inclusive – transpo, transfers, tent accommodation and food. Food was prepared by a chef no less, Chef Jangie (Ocoma) (CP: +63917 5276480) of Lakwatserong Kusinero fame who whipped up delicious dishes for each and every meal. Though “accommodation” is camping mode (i.e. with the usual de lata or instant noodles), Chef Jangie’s philosophy defies it with his 3 entrees each meal, presented buffet style. This CSB-educated HRM major and CCA-trained chef reigns supreme not just in the hot kitchen but also outside of it - a mixologist, fire dancer, an all-around performer. One can also catch him playing volleyball or frisbee with guests during his free time. All these on top of his being a restaurant owner in his hometown, Lucban, Quezon. Certainly one of the most multi-talented and multi-skilled persons I have ever met.

Chef Jangie in the kitchen with some of his instant fans

There are small sari-sari stores selling basic stuff, the farthest that one’s shopping can go.

  

Bathing There. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Mahabang Buhangin is unlimited but after-swim wash up is a challenge. A couple of toilets and bathrooms will do the trick, but no shower. One does it the classic way – the perfect and inseparable match of balde (pail) and tabo (dipper). Bathe inside the bathroom of thatched nipa for a roof and bamboo shingles for a wall. There is no faucet inside the toilet or bath – one has to fetch water from the balon or artesian well nearby. Local beach residents accept PHP10 for each pail of water pumped out of the well and delivered to one’s toilet or bath.

But lines can be long and the wait, longer. Another option is to bathe near the artesian well itself.

looking pretty much like the provincial poso of my childhood

Although Calaguas has water sources, it does not have electricity. Tour operators address this concern by using generators that run from 6 PM to 12 MN only.

Nightlife. Definitely no Boracay-type nightlife but the tour operator can provide some semblance of it. In our case, Byahe Adventours injected some elements into the after-dinner program such as mixology which Chef Jangie himself did and fire dancing with Chef Jangie again joined in by his friend, Star. Open bar followed after the session on mixology whereby guests had the chance to mix their own drinks. 

Chef Jangie mixing spirits, liquors, etc. assisted by one of the guests,

 who worked as bartender in the US 

guests sampling Chef Jangie's out-of-the-kitchen but

on-bar concoctions

But how’s the beach? Let the pictures speak for themselves. Hazard alert though: given the fine white sand and crystal-clear water, anything strange can be easily spotted. One such thing is the button-sized jellyfish which can be seen gliding by occasionally. But overall, still a pleasant swimming experience.

the refreshing sight that welcomes guests upon arrival

except for some footprints, the beach most especially that 

area wherein the sea meets the sand, is spotlessly clean

it only takes a cardio-heavy trek to see this breathtaking view

i love this southern side of the beach; not much people

my favorite corner of the beach to catch sunrise

cool !!! a beach bum carabao !!! huts in the background are Calaguas'

counterpart to Boracay's Waling-Waling which can be rented for 

PHP3,000 per hut per night for a maximum of 6 pax 

perigargan moment on the way back to Vinzons

Other special interests. Water sports activities are available for a fee like kayaking, banana boat ride, etc. 

Thanks everyone.

Tagaytay Food Trip

On lazy weekends with nothing much to do, Tagaytay can easily be on one’s top-of-mind for a food trip for several reasons: (1) it’s a quick and smooth drive from Metro Manila; (2) it has plenty of decent choices; and (3) it has a relatively cooler weather compared to the metro. There can be other reasons for sure.

I had foreign and local guests I brought to Tagaytay on separate days very recently. My dilemma prior to the trips was this: if I bring them to Antonio’s, Sonya’s, Marcia’s, Josephine’s, Leslie’s, Taalena, Buongiorno, Gourmet’s Café, Amoroma, Bag of Beans, etc., the trips would have no value-add to me personally.  Since I wanted something new for ourselves, these are the places we went to:

Nurture Spa Village. For the longest time, my impression of this place is that it is solely for wellness (detox, body scrub, massage, etc.), not much as a culinary destination which it actually is. And since food is part of wellness, I took my chance and inquired if my guests and I could just drive in and eat. No sooner had the lady on the other line said yes than we started hitting the road already. We had late lunch here but we did not choose the wellness food for no particular reason. It has a lush garden that not only allows for relaxing walks but also provides excellent backdrop for picture-perfect moments. From the main road (that road leading to Batangas), look for Magallanes Square (right across Leslie’s, Starbuck’s, Yellow Cab, etc), then turn right on Magallanes Drive, go straight down the road and turn left immediately before hitting the dead end.  

adobo - its gentle sourness can leave one salivating a bit

guinataang pork binagoongan - menu says that it is 

stewed in coconut milk, chilli and shrimp paste

verdant garden for relaxing walks; well-furnished tents are used for glamping

(a.k.a glamorous camping)  

a cute pool for a refreshing dip under the shade

Joaquin’s Bed & Breakfast. Thanks to an officemate for this. She had her usual Sunday jog in nearby Nuvali after which, took her breakfast here and posted a status update on fb with a matching photo. I like the homey privacy that the B&B provides, a far cry from the touristy feel of the nearby Cliffhouse. We had coffee and dessert here after our lunch in Nurture Spa Village. Both my foreign and local guests were raving about its coffee. Me, I like the turon halo-halo. A plus factor of the B&B is the front seat view of the Taal Lake and Volcano. It’s along the main road, same side as Cliffhouse but just a few meters farther, way past the Petron gas station by the corner of the main road and Mahogany Drive.

i was craving for halo-halo but there was none; i was offered

instead turon halo-halo which is really halo-halo in lumpia 

wrapper but without the shaved ice and evaporated milk

the deck affords a spectacular view of the Taal Lake and Volcano 

the sight of the lake and volcano provides a perfect moment 

whether for one's regular meal or for coffee, tea or dessert 

Mahogany Meat Market.  Dining here is hawker style a la Singapore and Malaysia. Let hair down and just choose any of the canteens or carinderias. Not ordering its fresh and hearty bulalo and crispy tawilis is like not having been to the meat market at all. From the main road, make a right on Mahogany Drive, go straight ahead and drive past the intersection. The market is on the right side of the road.

Left: delightful showcase of Filipino food; Right: meal comes with these cute bananas

what is a Mahogany Meat Market meal without this bulalo?

crispy both, baby tawilis (left) and crablets (right)