You'll Go Loco for St. Marc Cafe's Choco Cro

So what do you think is better than receiving a box of St. Marc Cafe's Choco Cro's? It's when you get 2 boxes of St. Marc Cafe's Choco Cros.

I was smiling ear to ear when this arrived on my doorstep last week. I remembered how much I loved the original chocolate filled one, which I buy in boxes by the way and give them to my friends and relatives if I go out of town. Thing is, it's closer to home now and people don't need to go to Japan to get these goodies. Aside from that good news, they just released a new flavor! Yeap, you heard that right. I also said to my self "OMG What?!".

The Choco Cro evolved to something great. That same flaky, buttery layered puff pastry got a whole new life when they got black sesame as the main ingredient of their filling. That same dark, nutty, roasted flavor I get in oriental dessert viands just got hooked up with St. Marc Cafe's Choco Cro, I hear my mind saying "Why didn't I think of that?!". 

Inside the box, they already come in this individually wrapped papers so you don't need to fuss about plates or forks when you don't have that at hand. You can easily carry it around the office when you want to eat it on your table (not that I'm saying it's the right thing to do) but really, this and coffee? Doesn't that sound so right?

The thing is, the perfection of this Dark Sesame version of the Choco Cro doesn't stop on the first day. If you can really control yourself not to finish the whole box in one sitting (I totally lack self control in that department), you can actually heat this up the next day and it'll still be so good just the way you got it on the first day. My mind was trying not to think about the boxes in the refrigerator the next morning but when I wanted more of it the next day, I got them off the sleeves and put them in one plate. I just put it in on the lowest setting of my microwave oven and let it rip for a good 2 minutes. You can set it to super high and have it for a minute (but be careful as it might be too hot!). You can also try to do it on your best toaster oven but I find it to burn the exterior so much so I wouldn't really recommend that.

St. Marc Cafe has branches in SM Megamall, Greenbelt 3 in Makati, UP Town Center in Diliman, SM City North EDSA, and Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila. There's usually a line when you go to these shops and I would advise you order a thing or two of their best desserts while you're waiting in line. They're known for the Choco Cro but these new additions to their menu just made my mouth water. If you haven't tasted it yet, maybe this time's a good one to brave the trip to the mall and look for them there!

I'm sure I will.

For more information about their products:

St. Marc Cafe Philippines

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Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/saintmarccafephilippines

Sweetea's by DA.U.DE Opens New Store at SM The Block

I think I've been here quite often this month since there are new stores popping up at the SM City North's The Block. It's a welcome development and I'm so glad there are many choices. This one's got my fancy and it's called Sweetea's. It's a concept built and realized by da.u.de Tea Corporation.

CEO and tea master Ms. Renee Sebastian quips “We are thrilled about providing Filipinos with more access to world-class teas. We are also working with award-winning European Architect Ms. Iris Cantante Duque Simoes to create visual branding inspired from the Banaue Rice Terraces. It our way of continuing the celebration of our ethnicity. We also want to raise awareness for our local artisans who play a big part in our establishment's growth.”

The store was clean, used clean lines to make new age design furniture pieces to function as seating, kitchen and whole local marble as counter-top. It was actually a little bare when we visited, probably would be okay if they got a few more seating options inside and outside the store. It's conducive for chat, for staying long hours which might pose a problem later on as it would have cafe squatters frequent it. They have a lot of signage containing the process of ordering your perfect cup of tea in different forms, whether you like it hot, iced or even in slush form. I wanted something along the floral or fruity alley so when I saw the choices of teas they have inside the store, I was very happy.

They had abour 18 flavors available that day They also say these actually change to what's in season, but ask the barista and they'll recommend more when you wish to have something good that day.

I liked this one in particular because I wanted something fruity and floral. They ran out of this because it was one of their best sellers. I opted for the next one on my list.

The Berry Burst would be really good for the hot one but I was really looking forward to have a slush made, so I ordered it to be that way instead.

The Sweetea is actually their best seller, so if you want the most ordered one in your cup, just ask for it nicely.

If you don't have any idea how to design your teas, they have ready made flavors which you can choose from. Choose the style how it is going to be prepared. If you want it hot, iced, like a slushie, milky, juicy or zesty. Choose add-ons  if you want something else on your drink and just pay for it on the counter. Mind you, these teas are all natural. It's not like those teas in run of the mill tea places which only use one base and have different sugars to make it different. They have researched well I can say before opening the store. With the use of herbs, barks, dried flowers, fruits and spices, they achieved to make these flavors just by using all natural ingredients right on the spot.

 

If you are in a hurry, they've got bottled cold teas already available on the counter. Just ask for it and you'll see the ingredients on the bottle, au naturelle. Then if you're a little hungry, Sweetea's has some food items that you can also try. I did my best to hold back only to be defeated by the scones and Wafingka.

These are Madelines. It's freshly baked the same day. You can have this to go or while you're there in the venue. Small bites dear, we know you're excited!

This is my personal favorite. I love Scones. Theirs is quite good because they've got this version with Bacon on it. I mean who doesn't love bacon right?

This is what they call the Wafingka. It's a cross between the old country waffle and our very own Bibingka. They put in coconut, butter, salted egg inside and it is so good. Make sure you eat it while it's hot!

If I'm recommending something though, it would be the scones. It's flaky, flavorful and after a piece or two, you really would feel full. If you're a light eater you have have this for dinner.

The seating by the way is ingenious. Since it's concept comes from the rice terraces, you can sit anywhere even if there's a stranger beside you. Heck just strike a conversation so you won't be strangers anymore.

The ceiling is lined with these small packets. It contains rice inside and it was something that I marveled upon while on the top of the seats.

The view up there was fun too, if I'd go back I will try to secure the seats there.

And I'll drink my Berry based Slushie the WHOLE day!

For those who have had an affinity with teas after a visit, Sweetea's also has a section on their store that is dedicated to designer tea pots, cups, saucers, and paraphernalia to take home and sit on. You can make your teas at home and practice making more of it like what it is inside the store. They're all natural and I think that's exactly why their business is flourishing. If I'm having iced tea, it's important for me to get it as natural as these because the last thing I want to do is get sick of diabetes because of the sugar based ones we're forced to buy on groceries these days.

I will be back for more Sweetea's. Thank you for putting up your store in SM North Edsa - The Block. We all need new things like you who offer something good inside a mall. I think it's time people know about you, your affordable, and quality teas.  

For more information about their store:

Sweetea's by DA.U.DE

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://lovedaude.com/

Chaplin Cafe at Century City Mall

Had a wonderful small brunch at Chaplin. It's a restaurant at the 5th floor of Century City Mall in Makati Avenue, Makati City. It's been a while since I've been here so I'm making the trip worth it and show you around this place which I found very nice. The seats are comfy, even though it's a little packed I still managed to get seats in the center. I got to do my favorite activity, people watching. Aside from that, we got the best items on the menu as recommended by the wait staff and chef who came out to say hi later on. A foreign lad, concocting upscale middle east/Mediterranean dishes for the restaurant. I knew I had to see this.

The interiors are nice. It's like a California modern restaurant with functional, minimalist interiors. The colors are basic, black, white, green and wood tones all around. It's upscale but relaxed, I can imagine this being frequented by Titas of Manila, those who have meetings, or foreigners who just want something quick for breakfast and lunch. They have dinner, the ambiance up there was quite conducive for talk and lovely.

 

For business travelers, they have wifi. Although not that fast, it was okay for the small things like browsing and Instagram. I wanted to stay there for work but I had to attend another event on the same mall on the lower floors so after brunch I left in a jiffy.

What caught my attention was that most of the foreigners opted to stay under the sweltering heat of the sun. They didn't mind it was super hot that day and just got hydrated by drinks and perhaps took advantage of our tropical weather to get a tan while they're there. Makes sense though.

I ordered this Orange-Carrot juice which the server recommended. It was very refreshing, not too sweet, and you still get that legit orange juice taste on every sip. I think it's imported boxed orange juice though, or maybe fresh (since it's also available), I couldn't tell. A bit pricey but considering the heat outside, it's something you would think you'll need.

I thought this was chicken, but apparently this is their version of Potato Wedges. It's more on the sweet side, but I do like the variety rather than just spuds on a plate.

This is Shakshouka. It's a middle eastern egg and tomato based dish. The star here is the egg of course and is served a little runny so you can put it on your bread like a spread.  It reminds me of the Italian bruschetta, but this is vegetarian with the exception of the egg of course. They love this in any meal as part of their starters. Pretty good.

This is Eggplant Melanzane. To me, it looks like the Greek Moussaka with none of the cheese and cream. It's very nice to see something vegetarian that's this good. I think this is my personal favorite and perhaps when they come out with breads (I heard they are really soon) this would be something that would be perfect for that.

This is their Chicken Steak. It's a hearty version of Chicken Barbecue, butterflied. It's very savory. I also like that this comes with an option of potato wedges or mashed potatoes and their side salad. You basically get this as a complete meal perfect for lunch or dinner. I love the small crispy parts and how soft it is inside. If you like barbecue, you'll love this healthy plate.

 This is their signature Chaplin Pizza. The ingredients are fresh, although I found it a little unseasoned. I did put a generous amount of salt and pepper (which they had on the table) and it was okay after that. What's good is that they have a "Make Your Own Pizza" section on the menu where you can choose the ingredients and have it ordered like that. Still, they had very healthy options for toppings so you're not gonna miss out on the veggies even if it is pizza.

My friend and I had this for dessert to end the meal. She also ordered another one just so we could see the best sellers. The first one is my personal favorite, the Chocolate Souffle. I liked the flavor and how deep the chocolate is in every spoonful but, there seems to be some presentation problems. I like my plate pretty, and if it's a souffle, at least have it risen properly and not all broken down like a mush on the bottom. I was so glad that they were very receptive about comments of their food since they just opened. The Napoleon was so good, I like the flaky crust crisscrossed with luscious caramel and the dollop of cream on the side. Then the last one is the Triple Chocolate Mousse, it went missing after around 5 minutes and I don't know where it has gone. Maybe it just vanished.

Chaplin Cafe is located at Century City Mall's 4th Floor. You can access it through the Kalayaan Avenue side of the mall to get breakfast even if the mall isn't opened yet. It's the perfect meeting spot, but I'm just telling you. Yes, it's worthy to go to for a visit, or do your work. They've actually got pretty good coffee too so if you're around the area and it's a little early, go give them a visit. It's a little pricey (for Pinoys but not for foreigners) but considering the upscale ambiance, the vegetarian choices, the good food, I think it's worth it. There you go.

For more information about their restaurant:

Chaplin Cafe

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/chaplin.cafe.philippines