The Fruit Garden Homemade Luxury Jams

The warm rays of sun were already apparent but the cool breeze of the morning greeted my cheeks and embraced my body with its comforting serenity, an aftermath of the calm night that was. The smell of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee wafted through the air cradling my nasal faculty.

A small chunk of butter slowly melted into gorgeous shade of translucent yellow liquid spreading through the warm bread. When every morsel was penetrated by the melted butter, I slowly spread a dollop of Pineapple Coco Rhum from The Fruit Garden’s Homemade Luxury Jams on top of it. Its luxurious taste teased my palate, making the morning even more exciting and beautiful.


I’ve had my first taste of The Fruit Gardens Homemade Luxury Jams when I attended Yummy Eats at the NBC Tent. As a bread lover myself, I know that their fruit jam collections would add zest to my coffee and bread rituals. I grabbed myself a box which contains 6 different flavors of miniature (120g jar) fruit jams. Each flavor has its own characteristics which makes it uniquely delicious.

Pineapple Coco Rhum

What I love about The Fruit Garden is that they use local fruits and use French recipes to create these delectable jams. According to Pierre, owner of The Fruit Garden, they try to enhance the fruity flavor of their jam by minimizing the sugar content and infused variety of all natural flavors and spices instead. No preservatives and artificial flavor added.

Mango Chocolate

Their Jam collections composed of Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple, Orange, Seasonal Fruits, and Chutney. Aside from that, they also offer Pure Philippine Honey from Abra. Although I love all the flavors I have tasted, my personal favorite is their Pineapple Coco Rum Jam. It reminds me of our local Coco Jam, only it is less sweet and has a finer taste. Also, the tiny shreds of pineapple add texture to it, making it more pleasing to the tongue.

Orange Marmalade

Another favorite was Mango Chocolate. Trace of chocolate was not that apparent as it looked just like any other mango jam in its appearance, but once you tasted it, you would know that it is there to surprise your palate. Their Orange Marmalade was also delicious. The blending of sweetness and citrusy flavor compliments each other unlike some orange jams I have tasted before which is either too sweet or too sour.

Strawberry

The Strawberry Jam reminds me of the delicious strawberry jams we usually purchased in Baguio. The Strawberry Banana Jam had an interesting taste to it. It reminds me of milky fruit shake, so I tried adding it to plain yogurt, and it was really yummy. Mango Lavander also had an interesting flavor. Since it is infused with lavender, you’ll fall in love with its smell first before you’ll be smitten by its flavor.

Strawberry Banana

These jams are not just good accompaniment to our bread, but just like what I did with the Strawberry Banana Jam, you can also add it to your yogurt, cakes, vanilla ice cream, and anything you can think of which call for added flavor.

Mango Lavander

Next time I will definitely buy their Chutney Collections. They have Mango, Orange, and Tomato Chutney Flavors. I have tasted the Tomato Chutney and I know it’ll be lovely to add it to some pasta and savory dish I love to cook.


The Fruit Garden Homemade Luxury Jams are available at Legazpi Sunday Market and Alexandre. For more details, you can contact Pierre Marmonier at 0920 9453565 or email him at pierre@thefruitgarden.net. You can also visit their website here.

Sunday Brunch at Restaurant 101

Who doesn’t love Sunday brunch? Most of people I know love Sunday brunch. I for one am a Sunday-brunch-kinda-girl. It is always comforting to know that despite the stressful week that was; there is always something to look forward to in the most relaxing day of the week, Sunday. Whether I am nursing a hangover from partying the night before or not, it is the time where I could spend bonding moments with my loved ones while feasting on good food.

That is why when I learned that Enderun's Restaurant 101 offers a Sunday Brunch Buffet now, I know it must be on my list of Restaurant to visit again soon with my loved ones. I’ve been to Restaurant 101 before and I know how good their foods are, so I am confident that you my readers would love it as well.



Every Sunday at 11:00am, Enderun’s Restaurant 101 will be open to serve us leisurely Sunday Buffet which features appetizers, dessert buffets, and main course served a la carte. For 1,280php per person and 680php for children 6 to 12 years old, you and your loved ones will get to experience a gastronomical fare that only Restaurant 101 can offer.

Restaurant 101 is located at Enderun Colleges, 1100 Campus Avenue McKinley Hill, For Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634 Philippines. For inquiries and reservation, you can contact them at (632) 8565000 local 101. You can also visit their website at http://101.enderuncolleges.com

Watermelon and Lamb Salad by Cyma

I don’t know if it’s just the occasional weirdness in me or if my palate is just playing anti-mainstream but when everybody around me is crazy over Cyma’s Roka Salata, my heart is set on their Watermelon and Lamb Salad. At first I thought it was a weird combination. Little did I know, it’s a happy marriage. Until now, it is still my favorite salad at Cyma to devour.

Watermelon and Lamb Salad

Sweet watermelon and grilled lamb comes with olives, capers, feta cheese, sunflower seeds, fresh mint leaves, and drizzled with Cyma’s summer herb vinaigrette. I love how the smoky flavor of the grilled lamb and the saltiness of the feta cheese compliment the sweetness of the watermelon. While the distinct flavors of olives and capers give a subtle spunk to the entire dish only to be tempered by the vinaigrette and the juice that comes from the watermelon.

This salad is quite filling, so, I normally have a light meal that goes with it. Greek restaurants like Cyma are known for its festive size in servings, but I particularly like Cyma Estiatorio in Greenbelt because they provide hefty servings of grilled lamb on my salad compare to other branches I’ve been to. This salad is one of the many reasons why I keep on coming back to Cyma.



Visit Cyma Restaurants' website here.

Northeast Greenhills Sunday Market

Ever since my mother accompanied me to Mercato Centrale, she got addicted over weekend markets and food fairs. Since she handles our family food business, she makes it a point to personally get the groceries and shopping done. Supermarkets were her constant venue and sometimes she would complain to us that it gets pretty boring. When she got hooked with weekend markets, it’s a different story.

Mercato Centrale is closed for this weekend due to typhoon Falcon, and so my mother decided to go to Northeast Greenhills Sunday Market instead. I was down with flu for the past few days but since I am feeling much better and it’s just a short drive away from where we live, I decided to go as well.



We were there around 7:30am and the place was packed with merchants and buyers. It’s a small 2-aisle market which runs from Connecticut st. into the Northeast Greenhills. One aisle is reserved for cooked foods and non-food merchandise while the other side is for wet market which carries different kind of seafood, meat, and poultry. The center is occupied by merchants who sell fresh fruits and vegetables. There’s no designated place where you can sit and eat in the area, basically, people would just come to buy food and produce they need for the whole week and then go. It is put up to serve the community but visitors from other places are welcome to shop.

Although it is not as big as Mercato Centrale, good food finds are also available. These are just some those.


I have tried Holly’s Milk at Mercato and Yummy Eats before and honestly I am getting hooked especially today when I got myself their chocolate drink. It was fresh tasting chocolate drink I ever had to date and I am falling in love with it one sip at a time. Aside from Chocolate and Milk Drink, they also sell Yogurt and Cheese!


There’s this stall which sells different viands and fried foods. My mother had their Fried Lumpiang Ubod and she went crazy over it. She initially bought 4 pcs. And by the time we were already having our breakfast at nearby Banapple, she and my uncle went back to purchased 10 more. It was that delish!

Fried Lumpiang Ubod

Now, who could have resisted a sight as alluring as Lechon that beckons with its glimmering golden skin and tempting aroma? Not I. The Lechon tasted good but it lacks the crispiness of the skin that I am looking for. But it was a good buy.

Lechon

Bagnet looks tempting but since we already bought some Lechon, it's not healthy to indulge with these two beauties in one go, so, we will just probably go back next time to have a taste of this.

Bagnet

When I had my first taste of Ilocos Bibingka I instantly fell in love with it. When I saw that they carry Rikka’s Ilocos Bibingka, my heart leap for joy and got myself a box for 150php only. Delicious is an understatement. We also tried their Cassava, Banana Muffins, and Chocolate Banana Muffins. Everything was lovely.

I am a big fan of bread. Different kinds of bread. When we saw Gourmet Breadhouse stall which sells different affordable breads, my mother and I literally purchased quite a number of it. I am particularly happy with my Pita Bread because I am planning to make an exciting dish using it, this week.



My sister loves calamansi juice and although I am more of a sweet type of drink kinda girl, I am slowly getting hooked with it as well, so we purchased couple of bottles.


Another stall which piques my interest was Sugarleaf’s. I was told that their store is located along Wilson St. in San Juan so I am planning to visit them one of these days. I noticed that they do sell variety of food products which are all healthy and nourishing. I am excited and I promise to share it here.



I didn’t spend much time on the veggies and wet market section because it’s pretty crowded, but this big squid really caught my attention and so I have to snap a photo of it. I was planning to buy before leaving but when I went back to the stall, it was all sold out.


Although I would much rather enjoy a big weekend market like that of Mercato Centrale, Northeast Greenhills Sunday Market was not that bad either. Nothing beats the convenience in terms of proximity to one’s home when it comes to shopping for food and fresh produce, so, I will definitely go back at Northeast Greenhills Sunday Market. But if I want a mean food tripping, there’s Mercato Centrale I can always visit and other weekend markets to explore.

Northeast Greenhills Sunday Market
Connecticut St., Greenhills
Sunday, 6am – 12nn

Power of Pen 3: Food and Travel Writing Disciplines From The Experts

On July 28 & 29 2011, seasoned writers will gather to share with us their own experiences in food and travel writing and facilitate workshop on food styling and photography at POWER OF PEN 3 to be held at Philippine Stock Exchange Auditorium.



This Food and Travel Writing Workshop will help us develop writing skills, learn important writing tips, and know the blogging standards & responsibilities from the professionals.

The fee for this 2-day workshop presented by Stram Incorporated includes workshop kits, refreshments and lunch. Certificate will be given if you attend both days of the workshop.



For registration forms, costs, and other details, please call Jonna or Joyce at 352 3187 or 927 6206. You can also email them at stram_events@yahoo.com

For more information and updates on this event, visit Stram Incorporated facebook page.

See you there!

An Ode To Yummy Eats

AN ODE TO YUMMY EATS
by YedyLicious

It’s already a month after,
But the memories of delicious food finds still lingers.
An event where food lovers gathered,
Yummy Eats was indeed a cooking and eating fair to remember.

Amaya amazed us with their frozen caramel.
A lot had gone crazy over Big Daddy’s Chicken, I can tell.
Cebu Balamban Liempo has as an amazing take on pork belly.
Holly’s Milk by Carmela does wonders for one’s tummy.

Wasabi KitKat by Divine Desserts was heavenly,
Many fell in love as they sipped Honesty Juice with a glee.
Little Miss OC's Kitchen showed their quirky designs,
Treats from Goodie’s N Sweets are alluringly sublime.

Luxurious Jams by The Fruit Garden were simply to-die-for,

So was the succulent roast pig by General’s Lechon which comes in three flavors.
Chef Bruce Lim introduced his exciting and exquisite take on Pinoy food,
While Pipino Vegetarian proved that healthy food can be that good.

Quiches by Simply Pie and Tina’s Pie will always be all-time favorites.
Also the mochis from Mochiko and truffles by Risa’s Chocolates.
Well-loved Starbucks and Merry Moo were there too,
In giving the best food to their customers, these merchants remain true.

Three Instia Road Kitchen redefines healthy homemade meals,
Fruits in Ice Cream greeted everyone with a scoop of ice cream while on wheels.
Oriental Basket let us savored the new taste of bagoong,
While Gold Leaf Teas has this delectable milk tea I’ve been craving for so long.

WhaPao showed us the reinvention of delicious siopao,
Tinapa vodka by Jaq’s Kitchen was worthy of a big “wow!”
Gourmet’s Dips and Dressings became an instant favorite,
While Farm N Deli’s Barang’s Tinapa in my palate remains an instant hit.

Classic Confections and Low Cal Café Co food stalls were flocked by dessert lovers
While Pinoy Eats World introduced us to their food adventures where foodies gather.
Kusina Ni Maria and Kusina Teatro were there to offer their service for catering needs.
With their delectable meals, hundreds of people, they can surely feed.

Supported by different big time sponsors
Which generosities will forever be loved and adored.
The event was not complete without raffles, cook-off, demos, and entrepreneurial talk
Which everyone enjoyed as they sat, ate, and even walked.

Photo booth were there to capture everyone’s delicious retreat,
Yummy memorabilias were sold as a token for a memory oh so sweet.
Yummy team had done a great job in this wondrous feat,
And so everyone graciously yearns for a repeat.

Pichi Pichi by Just Craving

One of Filipino snacks/desserts which I am fond of is Pichi Pichi. It is a mixture of cassava and sugar rolled in grated coconut meat. While some of the best tasting Pichi Pichi I have tried was from Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, here in Manila, there are few restaurants that sell Pichi-Pichi which suits my taste buds.

Luckily, ‘Just Craving’ food stall owned by fellow blogger Fran and her hubby Paul now sells delicious Homemade Pichi-Pichi at Mercato Centrale. I bought one pack for 50 bucks and when I tasted it, I thought that I should have purchased more. It was satisfyingly delicious.


I learned that they only use pure cassava which means there’s no need to worry about additives. The saltiness of the grated cheese on top compliments the sweetness of the cassava mixture. It looks very simple and unpretentious, but the taste romances the palate the same way it warms the heart.

Just Carving’s Pichi-Pichi, Allie’s Wonder Nuts, and other food products are available every Saturday at Mercato Centrale. They accept orders for Pichi-Pichi in bulk, minimum of 8 packs. You can contact Paul at 09175388125 for orders and inquiries.

Choconut Mochi Ice Cream by Mochiko

*******

UPDATE as of June 26, 2011 7:57 pm

The availability of Mochiko's Limited Edition Choconut Flavor is extended until July 3, 2011! Hurry and grab your chance to taste this delightful flavor!*******

Few weeks ago I wrote about Mochiko’s Mochi Ice Cream Limited Edition New Flavor Guessing Game launched on their facebook page. The introduction of the new limited flavor which was based on Filipino dessert was in line for the celebration of Philippine Independence month. Overwhelming response from their dotting customers flooded the comment section on their page’s wall. Enthusiastic response from thousands of their followers was a clear indication that their product is well loved by many.


It was exciting reading those wild guesses from the followers which ranges from halo-halo to leche flan to palabok! It was crazy-fun! Even I myself made a guess, albeit wrong, but the sheer pleasure of joining such a fun commotion on their page was highly entertaining.

Come June 3, 2011, they chose the lucky winners as they revealed the new flavor. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Mochiko’s limited edition new flavor is CHOCONUT!


Who doesn’t love Choc-Nut, the chocolate peanut bar we grew up with? It was such a well thought out plan from Mochiko to release a flavor inspired by well-loved Choc-Nut.

I’ve been hearing raves and good reviews about Mochiko’s Choconut flavor but due to a very busy schedule, it was only last Saturday at Mercato Centrale that I got a chance to taste it, thanks to Team Mochiko.

Every bite was pure bliss! The glutinous rice flour filled with chocolate-peanut ice cream with chunks of choc-nut bars was immensely pleasurable to eat. It transported me back to my childhood when everything was nothing but sweet.

Choconut Flavored Mochi

I wasn’t able to take a picture of it while being consumed to show you how glorious those chunks of choc-nut peeking through the chocolate-peanut ice cream because since I shared it with some friends and my sisters, it was gone in a snap. It was that delicious, even my share I immediately consumed before I thought of taking photos of it.

Since it’s a limited edition flavor, they will only sell it until the end of June 2011. So, I suggest that if you want to experience this utterly sweet and yummy flavor from Mochiko, aside from their usual to-die-for flavors (try their Caramel!) you can visit their stall at Mercato Central during weekends, or their other branches indicated at the bottom of this post..



Follow Mochiko on their facebook page and be updated because I heard, they are going to release new exciting flavors soon!


Mochiko

Mobile Number: 0999 884 0624
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mochikomochi
Visit their stores at:
Unit 3 The Cliffhouse, Maharlika East, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
FIC Summer Cafe, Alabang Town Center
Boracay
BF Paranaque
Marquee Mall Angeles City
Subic