Merci Bakery & Brunch: Aesthetically Beautiful Café in Cebu

                   Here's another must-visit café in Cebu. It's Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu.

Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu

This café is more than just its aesthetically beautiful interior. It also serves delicious sweet-delights and drinks. It's like, you get what you paid for. Perfect!

Look at these delicious delights at Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu

This Strawberry Choco Croissant is heavenly. It was sweet but not-so-sweet, at the same time flaky. The chocolate cream blended well with its pasty and strawberry. It's a great pair with their hot cappuccino.

Strawberry Choco Croissant at Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu

Hot Cappuccino at Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu

I also love their Strawberry Puff. It's so soft and not-so-sweet. The strawberries on it elevated the taste.

Strawberry Puff at Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu

Where is it specifically located?

• Aurora Bldg Paseo Saturnino, Ma Luisa Rd, Cebu City

Drinks: Iced-white Cafe Mocha, Hot Cappuccino & Matcha Latte
Food: Choco Puff & Matcha Puff

Additionally, this café has another store located at G/F Streetscape Mall, Paseo Saturnino, Banilad,  Cebu City, Cebu, namely Merci Dessert Cafe (their first store).

What's the difference between the two branches?

Merci Dessert Cafe has a variety of cakes, macarons, and more.

On the other hand, the Merci Bakery & Brunch is in a three-story building. The second floor has a photo booth area, and the third floor is like the extension of their café but with different vibes as it is an open space. Somehow, a café in a rooftop vibes.

However, the distance between the two stores is not that far, as it's just five-eight minutes on foot.

Operating Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 7am to 10pm

• Friday to Sunday: 7am to 12am

Food Review: Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

Tamp Cafe & Co. is one of the newest cafés in Cebu, famous for its aesthetically designed café and delicious food.

Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

Tamp Cafe & Co. Branches

• Tamp Cafe & Co. LAHUG

• Tamp Cafe & Co. KASAMBAGAN

• Tamp Cafe & Co. BTC

• Tamp Cafe & Co. Paseo Banawa

Tamp Cafe & Co., Kasambagan 

Food Review

We ordered White Truffle Pasta, Pork Kawali in Tomato Onion Stew, Coffee Cloud Latte, Café Caramel, Chocolate Blackout Cake, and Yema Cake.

White Truffle Pasta by Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

Their White Truffle Pasta is really good. It's creamy and so cheesy.

Pork Kawali in Tomato Onion Stew by Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

Their Pork Kawali in Tomato Onion Stew is breaking the ordinary Pork Kawali style with its sautéed tomatoes and onions. It complimented well with the rice and the lettuce garnished with sweetened syrup on the side. 

Left: Café Caramel, Right: Coffee Cloud Latte
by Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

Both of these drinks are good. The Café Caramel is like the usual caramel-flavored drinks at some coffee shops. Also, it reminds me of the Caramel Macchiato at some shops. Furthermore, Coffee Cloud Latte is one of their special egg cloud drinks. Its taste is unique and has a different caffeine kick as it has espresso in it.

Left: Chocolate Blackout Cake, Right: Yema Cake
by Tamp Café & Co., Cebu

Would you believe me that we only bought these two slices of cake for only ₱2? Yes! You read it right. Each piece of cake only costs ₱1 if you buy one meal on their menu with drinks on it. Good deal, right? 

Additionally, these two cakes are very delicious. I appreciate that the chocolate blackout cake has a slice of strawberry on it. The chocolatey flavor goes well with the strawberry. For my personal favorite, I like the Yema Cake. The sweetness of the Yema Flavor goes well in every inch of the cake. Perfection!

Overall, all their food is worth every penny, with a great place and accommodating staff (we visit their branch at Kasambagan). I highly recommend everyone to dine at this place. It's another must-visit resto in Cebu!




What's more?

They also opt for take-out and delivery.



For more information, feel free to visit their official Facebook Page. Click Here

Top Homemade Cakes, Brownies, and Cookies in Cebu

                          "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." - Ernestine Ulmer

Sharing with you all my Top Five (5) Favorite Homemade Cakes, Brownies, Cookies, and more. These homemade goodies are not just delicious, but also affordable.

1. Brownies by Lianne          

"A brownie a day keeps the frownies away." -Unknown

I'm not exaggerating this but Lianne's Brownies taste is like one of the famous local cake shops in town (I won't drop names. It's up for you to discover. Hehe) It's very delicious . . . but cheap. Plus, rich in all the ingredients (wala ge tipid promise hehe).

One of my all-time favorite Brownies by my friend, Lianne

Aside from deliciously baked brownies, Miss Lianne is also baking cookies and cakes. Other than baked food, she also caters to some orders of her mouthwatering Shawarma.

• Available for delivery & Pick up.
• Location: San Fernando, Cebu

Note: For orders, feel free to click the name above to contact the seller.

2. Cake in Jar by Jonah

Another good way to celebrate your birthday amid this pandemic and at the same time helping our community combat the spread of the virus is instead of gathering, you could give away or hand in house-to-house (while following all the health and safety protocols) a cake-in-a-jar by Jonah to your friends and family. A good idea, isn't it? (you're welcome hehe)

The oh-so-yummy cake-in-a-jar by Jonah. Yum Yum!

Miss Jonah makes customized cakes too, send her your most preferred designs, and she'll make magic to it. Other than cakes, she also accepts orders of her heavenly treats such as cookies, brownies, and even her yummy ube bread.

• Available for delivery & Pick up.
• Location: Mingalanilla, Cebu

Note: For orders, feel free to click the name above to contact the seller.

3. Messy Cookies by Pia 

Craving for cookies? Pia Munchies is the answer.

It's one of my most favorite cookies.

Apart from the usual Chocolate Chip Cookies, Miss Pia is serving chocolate chip cookies with a twist, and she calls it Messy Munchies. 

The oh-so-chocolatey Messy Cookies by Pia. So heavenly!

Besides the products mentioned above, Miss Pia also has other products such as Fudgy Brownies, Crunchy Brownie Cookies, and Butterscotch.

• Available for delivery & Pick up
• Location: Banawa, Cebu

Note: For orders, feel free to click the name above to contact the seller.

4. Baked by Bonita

When it comes to moist chocolate cake, my memory recalls the cake I tasted by Miss Bonna — the woman behind the Baked by Bonita. So tasty, chocolatey, and of course inexpensive. Isn't it amazing?

The official Facebook page of Baked by Bonita.

Miss Bonna also makes customized cakes for all occasions.

• Available for delivery & Pick up
• Location: Mingalanilla, Cebu

Note: For orders, feel free to click the name above to contact the seller.

5. The Minimalist Cake by Irene

The minimalist cake is one the most trending cake design now, and it originated from Korea. Miss Irene is my go-to person when it comes to minimalist cakes. Simple, tasty and of course with reasonable price.

Aside from its cute and trendy design, this cake is delectable.
I love the combination of its buttery and chocolatey taste that
would melt in your mouth. 

Available (sizes) 6" and 8".  Moreover,  Miss Irene makes cakes and cupcakes for all occasions.

• Available for delivery & Pick up
• Location: Mingalanilla, Cebu

Note: For orders, feel free to search Miss Irene on Facebook — Irene Villaflores to contact the seller.

                 "I love cake or any sweets." - Prabhu Deva

                         

Argao's Best: OJ's Special Torta In Cebu

Have you ever heard of the famous Filipino delicacy named Torta? Well, technically speaking "torta" is a culinary term that refers to cakes, pies, flatbreads, sandwiches, or omelets, depending on the cuisine.

However, in the southern part of the Philippines, specifically in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Torta generally refers to a small cake. Somehow like a sponge cake that resembles a large cupcake with butter, sugar, and/or with cheese on the top.

Argao's OJ's Torta 

OJ's Torta is one of the popular Torta of Argao, Cebu that was established in 2005. OJ's Special Torta is serving Torta to its customers with a twist.

Argao's Best: OJ's Special Torta

Inside the store of OJ's Torta

What makes their Torta Special?

Their Torta is served with a twist of Chocolate and Ube Jam filling for only Php 35. Original Torta is also available for Php 30.

The yummy Torta Latte of OJ's Torta for only Php 35

OJ's Torta Latte

Aside from their yummy Torta, OJ's Torta also sells other delicacies such as Suncake, Chicharon, Toron, Peñeato, Baked Polvoron, Cheesecake, Macaroons, Leche Plan, Malunggay Polvoron, Peanut Browas, Tostado, Podreda (plain) and Podreda (with filling). 

Us, (My Partner & I) enjoying Torta Lattes at OJ's Torta with
Softdrinks under the sweltering day.

Exact Location

• Abear St, Argao, Cebu 

Safety Reminders 

To those who are planning to visit the main store of OJ's Special Torta in Argao. Let's all be responsible. Handwashing area, alcohol/sanitizer, temperature scanner, and contact tracing logbook are provided before you enter the store.

Also, observe social distancing, wear your face mask and face shield (except when eating). Let's practice and observe health and safety protocols all the time.

Tilawi lang (try it)!

The Avocadoria.Ph By Chef Cza In Cebu

Satisfy your Avocado cravings with the nutritiously unique Avocado dessert with Avocadoria.ph.

Avocadoria.ph by Chef Cza

About Avocadoria.ph    
             
Avocadoria.ph is owned by a self-proclaimed Avocado lover named Chef Czarina Jagto. She first introduces the Avocado Ice Cream Cheesecake (for only Php. 550, now Php. 600) in a tin can cheesecake with three layers: the white chocolate shell, the avocado with cream cheese ice cream, and a graham base.



The Best Sellers

The oh-so-delicious Avocado Lover at Avocadoria.ph for only Php. 130 (12 oz)

Their best seller is Avocado Lover. It is layered with Avocado Ice Cream, some tapioca pearls, nuts, and chia seeds.

What's more?

Other than their oh-so-famous Avocado Lover and Avocado Ice Cream Cheesecake their Avocado Dream is also the talk of the town for its extraordinary style. Avocado Dream is an Avocado Ice Cream top with pastillas truffle. The pastillas serve as the bone of the Avocado on the top. It is said that the concept of making this menu is inspired by our (Filipino) childhood recipe of Avocado dessert which is Avocado and milk . . . but with a twist. It is served in an Avocado Shell as an eco-friendly and instagrammable dessert.



Newest Avocadoria.ph Treats

The Menu. This photo was taken last
Dec. 23, 2020, at Sm Seaside City Cebu

.

The five (5) new treats of Avocadoria.ph are the Avocado Inipit, Naked Avocado Light Ice Cream, Petite Avocado Cheesecake, Avocado Keto Shake, and Avocado Keto Ice Cream.

The Location of their stalls in Cebu

You can visit Avocadoria.ph stalls in Cebu Branches at SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Cebu —  Ground Floor Main Mall Fronting Country Craft, Ayala Malls Central Block, and on the 2nd Floor of Elizabeth Mall.

"I do love my avocados, which are great for the skin. I eat pretty healthfully." – Mary-Louise Parker

________________________________________________________________

Special thanks to my lovely-clever friend Michael Obeso for the recommendation. 

By the way, he is a blogger too. Try to visit his blog as well, guys (just click his name above).

Anyhow, this is my last blog post for the year 2020.

Have a very Merry Christmas & a wonderful 2021 ahead everyone. Stay safe ♥

Trick Or Treat: Royce’ Japanese Chocolate

It has been a tradition for many that during the last two days of October, most people celebrate Halloween. In connection with this, Trick-or-Treat is one of the most eagerly awaited Halloween events for children, where they visit neighboring houses asking for treats.

Introducing the perfect trick-or-treat sweet not only for kids but also for adults.

Royce' Confect Co., Ltd., commonly known as Royce', is a chocolate brand that originated in Japan. Its main office is located in Sapporo, the northernmost capital city on the island of Hokkaido. Uniquely, this Japanese confectionery company goes beyond ordinary chocolates by offering a wide variety of high-quality products.

(Photo credits to https://order.royceconfectusa.com/ )

They offer several types of sweet treats such as Nama (“fresh”), Matcha (green tea) Chocolate, and Potatochip Chocolate.

About Nama Chocolate

(Photo credits)

Nama Chocolate - Champagne Pierre Mignon

Nama Chocolate is a fusion of some chosen kind of chocolate and fresh cream with prestige liqueurs. Additionally, it has three (3) types to name are Nama Chocolate - Au Lait, Nama Chocolate - Champagne Pierre Mignon, Nama Chocolate - Bitter, Nama Chocolate - White,  and Nama Chocolate - Matcha.

Moreover, the liquor-free type of Nama Chocolate is also available namely the Nama Chocolate - Mild Cacao, Nama Chocolate - Mild Milk, Nama Chocolate -Mild White, Nama Chocolate - Ghana Bitter, and lastly the Nama Chocolate -Ecuador Sweet.

This type of chocolate lasted for a month.





About Potatochip Chocolate

(Photo credits)

Chocolate - Mild Bitter

Potatochip Chocolate is notably one of the well-known products in Japan. To say nothing of it is an extraordinary combination of potato chips and chocolate. It has four (4) flavors the Potatochip Chocolate - Original, Potatochip Chocolate - Caramel, Potatochip Chocolate - Fromage Blanc, and Potatochip Chocolate - Mild Bitter.





About the Pure Chocolate

Pure chocolate is not like the other chocolate for its beautiful texture, weight, and shape. Each box has 20 pieces packed individually.

(Photo Credits)

Pure Chocolate - Venezuela Bitter

My Halloween Pure Chocolate - Sweet & Milk

perfect for trick or treat with its cute Halloween

designs on each packing

 

       

It has five varieties the Pure Chocolate - Creamy Milk & White, Pure Chocolate - Caramel Milk & Creamy White, Pure Chocolate - Sweet & Milk, Pure Chocolate - Venezuela Bitter & Ghana Sweet, and Pure Chocolate - Mild Bitter & Extra Bitter.

Personally, my most favorite flavor on Pure Chocolate is the Pure Chocolate - Creamy Milk & White and Pure Chocolate - Sweet & Milk. Both of these flavors gratify my tastebuds (knowing I'm a huge chocolate fan hehe ).

Other than the sweet treats mentioned above, there are also lots of confectionary collections available in Royce' like Chocolate Wafers, Chocolate Bars, Bar Chocolate, Prafeuille Chocolat, Baton Cookies, and Others. For more, you can visit their site at https://order.royceconfectusa.com/collections to check their holiday special bundles and products.

After all, chocolate is the only thing that we could eat that gives as euphoria. Visit Royce' online shop and purchase one of their sweet delights for the upcoming Halloween. Their Halloween goodies edition is perfect for Trick or Treat. Surely you won't regret it.
          

🎔

Japan's Tokyo Banana

Tokyo Banana "Original Flavor"

This is my all-time favorite Japanese snack. I love the smell and the not so sugary taste. Perfect! - Ynamaezing

Japan is notably famous for anime and Kitkat Chocolates. However, there's more that you should love about Japan.

Introducing the heavenly Japan's Tokyo Banana

What is TOKYO BANANA?

It is one of the famous souvenirs in Tokyo, Japan. It is a banana-shaped sponge cake with cream filling. In light of this, this sweet cake-like souvenir in Tokyo is sold across the stores in Tokyo and some major Japanese airports.

Furthermore, this is also available in seven (7) flavors. To enumerate are original,  honey, star almond milk cream, heart maple, banana caramel custard cream, tree chocolate banana cream, and roar caramel.

To say nothing of, other than its soft texture. This cute-sweet sponge cake has also some adorable designs. 

Photo Credits to TAKASKI

Definitely, this sweet souvenir is a must-try Japanese snack. ღ

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
― Hippocrates