New Rustic Bread Variants & Best Selling Pastries at Kumori PH

I have always been a fan of Kumori and I am sure many would nod in agreement that biting into their pastries, breads, and cakes made with freshest ingredients is indeed like biting into clouds. The opening of the first Café Kumori at SM North Edsa that follows the success of Kumori counters in SM Makati and Landmark is a clear indication that since its opening, Kumori is on top of its game. And guess what, they will soon be opening their fourth Kumori PH branch at UP Town Center. 

While I have yet to visit and check out Café Kumori to share my experience here on the blog, I am happy to share with you now some of the new rustic bread offerings at Kumori.

Rustic bread – just the sound of it is enough to make a bread lover like myself get giddy with excitement. And since it is made by Kumori, the expectation is all the more higher. Now I am telling you from the get-go that they did not disappoint. 

Orell's Glazed Banana Thins: It's a Crack Snack!

While munching on Orell’s Glazed Banana Thins, it made me realized that there are probably only three things that could make me come running home despite being already enroute to somewhere. First is when my parents summon me, second is when memory fails and wallet/phone/keys/common sense are left somewhere in my room, and third is when someone lures me to Chuck a u-ey because there’s a crack snack waiting for me at home.

Orell’s Glazed Banana Thins is such a crack snack I ditched a trip for it. Pathetic, you say?  I call it priorities.

To say that the trip I ditched was something I have a lukewarm enthusiasm for to begin with, would just sound like a sorry excuse.  So despite it being the truth, I don’t mind settling for another statement that also rings true – I have an unequivocal love for banana chips.  When dodging my excessive meat consumption, banana chips for me is like beef jerky – I eat it like it’s nobody’s business.  

Cupcake-Macaron Food Hybrid: Le Cupcaron by Cafe Macaron at Fairmont Hotel

Cafe Macaron at Fairmont Hotel Makati recently released their contribution to the ever growing number of food hybrids in the form of Le Cupcaron - a combination of cupcake and macaron. Two delightful desserts merged into one awesome recipe, Le Cupcaron is poised to provide an enchanting satisfaction from two great things in one fell swoop.

Cafe Macaron is known to specialize in macaron by dishing out imaginative flavors that make their perfectly executed pastry all the more indulging. So in this food hybrid, one can expect nothing but perfection because after all, they are Cafe Macaron's.

It is said that if a cupcake and a macaron had a baby, cupcaron would be it. Indeed that is true. But Le Cupcaron banks on the fact that it is not just any macaron, it is Cafe Macaron's macaron - the very thing they do best. 

Hershey's Kisses Deluxe Chocolate #SayItWithABigKiss

Christmas Season may be over but the thoughtful gesture of gift giving goes all year round. Hershey's Philippines is encouraging us to show our care by saying it with a big kiss through the new Hershey's Kisses Deluxe Chocolate. It is twice the size of the Original Hershey’s Kisses chocolates we all grew up with so it is twice the fun.

I am pretty sure that most of us love Kisses Chocolate, and I am pretty sure, especially for chocolate lovers like myself, bite size isn't enough. For something as delicious as Kisses, it should come in big size, right? So that is what Hershey's Kisses Deluxe Chocolate is all about, and then some.

It was only late last year when Hershey's Kisses Deluxe Chocolate arrived in the Philippine market. So this year, you will be seeing more of this big time babies in your grocery stores. I myself is excited since I am not really the one who can easily say no to big bite chocolates, especially when its from the brand I love.

Real California Cheese in The Philippines

I think one of the good news I have encountered this year is the fact that amazing people from The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has brought even more variety of Real California Cheeses in the Philippines market. If you have been a long time blog reader, you probably have an idea that I love cheese - all kinds of it. 

Thus, news like this makes me giddy to the core. Especially this season when I have all the reason to whip up a good cheese board paired with my favorite wines regardless if we have visitors at home or not. 

California cheese in particular is one of those which I am very fond of ever since a good friend from the US introduced it to me years ago. Now, kindly people from CMAB, USPB, and Virtusio recently shared some information about California Cheeses (Alongside a stash of Real California Cheeses! Talk about the perfect Holiday gift! Heartfelt gratitude to you guys!) 

Mega Creations Premium Bottled Spanish Sardines

Holiday Season is not over yet and I am guessing some of us are still busy creating menu list for the upcoming Media Noche feast. I for one is still working on it. That is why I am thankful that to be introduced to Mega Creations Premium Bottled Spanish Sardines and the endless recipes it can be part of.

Spanish Sardines for Media Noche? Yes. I mean, why not? We can cook up delicious gourmet dishes using Spanish Sardines anyway.

These days, gone are the notions that sardines are reserved only for those days when you got nothing to eat in the pantry due to various reasons, specifically the lack of budget. Although these stuff still are not meant to break the bank with its price point, little creative spin in its preparation may mean a surprising luxurious feast.

Christmas Squares Cookies by Kumori Japanese Bakery Philippines

One of the many food that I associate with Christmas season is cookies. Is that weird? Not really, right? Come the first of Christmas month, piles of cookies would slowly gather in my pantry. None of which are baked by me because while I am confident that I can cook a feast that could feed a Village, baking is not really one of my strongest suits since I hate following instruction to a T. So really, I am not complaining.

Some of these are given by baker friends who banks on the idea that I could honestly give criticism without battling an eyelash which they appreciate, some are gifts, while some are lined up for a blog or magazine feature. This year, I got this Christmas Squares Cookies by Kumori Philippines.

It was actually a gift from the kindly people at Relish Group tucked in a cute Christmas-themed paper bag alongside an equally cute personalized key chain. Relish Group as you may have known is the people behind Osaka Osho, Wee Nam Kee, Kumori, and other food businesses in Manila. But this gift, I find good and fit for a blog feature, so here we are.

Holiday Ham Premium Boneless Hind Leg and Danes Cheese Ball

Christmas is just around the corner and you still have not decided on what ham and queso de bola you are going to serve to your loved ones this season, may I suggest Holiday Ham and Danes Cheese Ball? Ham and queso de bola during Noche Buena and even Media Noche are just some of the traditions most Filipino Families adhere to. 

Since these things are something that we will share to our loved ones good quality and reasonable pricing must be our top priority. In this regard, Holiday Ham and Danes Cheese Ball fit the bill.

Our family is one of those who religiously follows this delicious tradition. But remember how we also practice our family tradition of having not less than 12 dishes every Noche Buena and Media Noche to represent all 12 months of the previous and the incoming year? It can be pretty heavy on the pocket so yeah, we really appreciate those brands we trust which we can get at reasonable price. 

Snapshots and Good Eats at City Savor PH Food Fair

I feel like I have been spending way too much time working on some of my freelance projects that I am literally dreaming about my blog screaming at me out of neglect. I know it's weird, but you get the point. So last weekend I decided to get out and do something I could blog about just to kick start my drive to blog again and face my backlogs, hence the visit to City Savor Food Fair. 

City Savor is a Manila food fair happening in three consecutive weekends that features concessionaires that offer food perfect for the holidays. The guys behind City Savor is the same people behind Valero Eat St.

The first leg, which I was able to attend to happened at the Sapphire Bloc in Ortigas. The next will be held at The Signa Designer Residences, Makati and The Trion Tower BGC on December 12 and 19 respectively.

Serenitea Yuletide Offerings: Planner, Chocolate Drinks, and Jumbo Cups #ILoveSerenitea

Good things come in three, and this season, Serenitea offers three exciting treats for all of us; Serenitea Planner, Toblerone Chocolate-infused Drinks, and Jumbo Cups promo. Surely these things are great reason to make this Yuletide Season with Serenitea extra special.

These treats you can have for yourself, or you can have as a gift for your loved ones who also loves their Christmas be filled with Serenitea moments.

If like me, you are also I fan of Serenitea, I am guessing you would love to know more about these treats, so, read on.

A Love Letter to Chocolate Chip Army Cookies

Oh Chocolate Chip Army Cookies, how can I even begin to tell you how much your impeccable awesomeness blew me away? Perhaps by a salute? How about declaring you as one of the best cookies I have ever eaten in my years of food blogging?  I couldn’t think of any other ways right now but I am well aware that you deserve more than that.

A bite into your handcrafted cookies made me feel like I can battle the craziness of this world. It made me feel like I can soldier things out because at the end of the day, I can count on your downright deliciousness which can calm my nerves. You made me a cookie soldier.

It is so mighty courageous of you to join the food delivery landscape in Manila with only your cookies as your weapon in the midst of food delivery infested battle field. What is more courageous is the fact that you have even built a camp of your own where cookie soldiers like us may visit you and dine in. 

Chowking Chunky Asado Siopao #BuksanParaMalaman

Have you tried Chowking's Chunky Asado Siopao yet? I have. It was very timely as I have been craving for really good siopao these past few weeks. I have my own recipe for Asado siopao but I am always pressed for time hence, a visit in my kitchen remains rarity these days. And I have not found any good place in our area that sells good siopao as of yet.

Little did I know, Chowking has this Chunky Asado Siopao which would somehow satisfy the mean cravings.

So how chunky is Chowking's Chunky Asado Siopao? Their official hashtag says it all, #BuksanParaMalaman. And that's what I did.

Salad in a Jar by Healthy Monsters PH

Healthy Monsters PH is a healthy meal delivery service in Manila that specializes in salad in a jar and cold-pressed healthy juices. I was thought this technique of putting your salad veggies in a jar if you want it to last longer than usual by some vegan friends way back and little did I know, there is already a business that offers it. 

Healthy Monsters PH uses locally sourced organic ingredients for their salads and the thing that I find most noteworthy is the fact that they made they own salad dressings.

Despite my undying love for meat, dealing with veggies has never been a problem for me. I grew up in the mountain, we plant our own veggies back home, I grew up loving salads. So this one, I am happy to share with you since it's right up my alley.

San Marino Tuna Laing: A New Healthy and Delicious Treat from San Marino

Tuna Laing is the new product of San Marino, a brand known for creating healthy and great tasting products. I have always loved San Marino products especially their Corned Tuna and the Blue Mackerel Steak in Tomato Sauce. These two are mainstays in my pantry. When I do not have time to cook and prepare viands, I could always count on San Marino.
 

Now that they have introduced San Marino Tuna Laing, I am super stoked to try it out.

Laing is one of my favorite viands.  It is healthy and delicious so, regardless if it is devoid of the usual meat which I love, I am still all for it. The thing is, Laing is not really easy to cook because of the preparation it entails. So when craving for Laing hit me, I still have to wait when I finally have time to cook or when I have time to visit a restaurant that serves the dish. 

TESCO Affordable British Favorites at SM Markets: Top 10 Must-Try TESCO Products #TESCOatSMMarkets @SMMarkets

This year, TESCO, a long-established UK brand considered as "Affordable British Favorites" is finally made available here in the Philippines all thanks to SM Markets. This partnership between Tesco and SM provides a great chance for Filipinos to experience British products at an affordable price. 

Relatives and friends from the UK send me some food and lifestyle products carried by Tesco but I am thankful that today, I can even buy it myself since they are now available in SM Supermarkets, SM Hypermarkets, and Savemore.

Considered as the largest retailer and purveyor of Britain’s favorite food and lifestyle brand, Tesco carries a whole lot of products to choose from. I have tried several of these items and I cannot count how many have satisfied me. I'll be dishing out more about Tesco products in future blog posts, but for now, let's narrow it down to Top 10.

Nutcracker Peanut Butter

A group of young entrepreneur sent bottles of Nutcracker Peanut Butter for me to try. I am all for supporting local entrepreneur especially those who have just started so I gladly accepted the proposal to try these homemade flavored peanut butters and give my opinion about it.

These young business owners behind Nutcracker Manila hails from University of Santo Tomas and I can feel their excitement in having people try their product. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I salute their brave move to go into business.

I may have mentioned before here on the blog that I am very picky when it comes to peanut butter. I am pretty loyal to my favorite brand if pressed to make a decision. But I am not closing my door to trying out new brands and sharing my thoughts on it here at YedyLicious.

J.CO Donuts and Coffee Philippines: Halloween Donuts #HalloweenWithJco

This Halloween, J.CO Philippines is giving us reasons to celebrate by introducing their Halloween Donuts. With two flavors namely Trapped in a Web Donut and Nutty Dracula Donut, it's going to be a frightful Halloween this year - as J.CO Philippines aptly put it.

J.Co is known to dish out delightfully interesting flavors in their arsenal of donuts. These two new flavors are just some of them.

So what exactly these two flavors are all about, you ask. 

Salted Caramel Cupcake by Dishanel

I have already written about Dishanel's cookies and cupcakes before but after having a taste of her Salted Caramel Cupcake, I knew a repeat appearance here on the blog was called for. A box of these babies was delivered to our house one day as a gift because someone in the family was celebrating a birthday. 

I was not asked to blog about this. Yet, I don't think I could quiet my conscience knowing that I have found a little gem of a cupcake and did not even bother to share it here at YedyLicious. So I am giving this one a go.

And I am giving several other blog posts a go in due course because past celebrations were made all the more special with Dishanel's creations (think customized cake which is actually the specialty of Dishanel). We will get there, you'll see. In the meantime, this Salted Caramel Cupcake.

The Max's Classic Chicken Burger #ChickenLove

Max's Classic Chicken Burger is the latest addition to the menu of Max's Restaurant in line with their 70th years in the business. Max's Restaurant is known as the home of the ever famous Sarap to the Bones Pinoy Fried Chicken. Their staying power in the business which started way back 1945 is a proof that all these years, despite the many competitors that come and go, they are still on top of their game.

Just like all of their other dishes, Max's Classic Chicken Burger is poised to satisfy people's palate with its impeccable taste and dare I say, charm.

Chicken Burger is not really a foreign concept at Max's menu. I remember enjoying it several times when dining at Max's - it was one of my favorites as a matter of fact. But its current version is way way better than its predecessor. For one, it now boasts of 2 chicken burger patties which make it more satisfying.

The Cookie Bar Manila, Kapitolyo Pasig: Cookie Shots and More

Our visit at the Cookie Bar Manila in Kapitolyo, Pasig City happened after the feast we had at Lee Hak Korean Buffet. I am not really aware of this pastry shop until my friend Gio mentioned about their Cookie Shots. I was not aware that we already have cookie shots in Manila. So off we went.

Cookie Shots, popularized by Dominique Ansel is basically a chocolate chip cookie in a cup form filled with milk.

I was still full from the buffet feast we had so honestly, I couldn't care less about having a dessert. But Gio was very adamant in trying out the cookie shots so despite the degree of satiety I was dealing with, I just let them drag me into their mission - to locate the Cookie Bar.