Banawe Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Chatime Tea, Why Don’t Cha?

April 14, 2011 by Janey

I never realized that the Milk Tea fever will explode this big. Foodie friends and non-foodie friends got hooked initially on Serenitea and some eventually switched their coffee time with cold tea drinks. I was never a big fan of coffee although I love the smell and I take it once in a while during meetings but I was pretty much taken by Serenitea since late 2009. We visit frequently in a week and somehow got addicted to it.

Family of drinkers

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Now, they have about 5 branches since they opened since 2 years ago. I did lessen my visits when prices hiked up, and even limited orders of my favorite peppered corn. Bubble Tea opened along Wilson Street and my Twin and I usually pick that spot for our chat/bonding/catch-up time. Happy Lemon, a new player in the market, has followed suit and started making waves in the Greenhills area since it opened late last year.

I have somehow got friends hooked on it also and have converted some from the first cooler to the latter. My different groups of friends cannot stop raving about Happy Lemon in the past couple of months and TODAY I’m quite excited to share with them, a new DRINK discovery.

After having lunch with Richard, Irene, Lauren, Fran and Paul at Cab Café 2 days ago, Richard suggested to stop by his latest addiction, Chatime. Chatime is a Taiwanese (the population who started the milk tea craze) brand of milk tea and is considered one of the largest bubble tea brands in the world.

What I love about ChaTime is their second floor that’s a huge lounge area with chic seat designs. It begs to spend more time there chatting with good friends and finishing your round of drinks. Or maybe 2 rounds *shrugs*

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They had so many varieties of drinks available to order that it might take you a while to choose your poison. Take note that some of the Chatime drinks do not come with toppings/pearls/sinkers so make sure that you check with their friendly staff. Pearls are an addition of PHP 15/serving.

Photo Credit: Richard Co of www.talesfromthetummy.com

While there was an order for 2 Cocoa Smoothies, Tea Guanyin Tea Latte, Grass Jelly Milk Tea and Cha Time Roasted Milk Tea, I settled on Taro Milk Tea (PHP 90) and got a Pearl Milk Tea (PHP 80) as an added free bonus due to the current promotion they have on the store.

Chatime OVERLOAD! I likey-like! 🙂

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It’s Buy 1 Take 1, choose any of the drinks on the menu board and take 1 Pearl Milk Tea (regular size) for FREE only from 12nn-2pm! This will last until tomorrow, April 15, so better head over to Chatime at Pioneer St. by today or Friday to get free dibs on their Pearl Milk Tea.

Taro Milk Tea

Chatime Taro Milk Tea is the most real taro drink you can find in the market. Don’t expect our local purple yam as its taro taste or the synthetic kind. It took me a few more sips, midway, to finally appreciate Chatime’s version of fresh taro and I grew to like it. It had pieces of the taro and i enjoyed the texture of the drink… not-thick or not-thin. It had a certain dance in your mouth. I might order the same next time I’m there but I’m also tempted to get a second drink to try their other offerings.

Try some Chatime drinks!

Chatime supposedly has 500 stores worldwide and it is now available in Manila with its first branch in Pioneer Street. Why don’t CHA give it a try? 😉

Photo Credit: Richard Co of www.talesfromthetummy.com

Chatime
Good Tea, Good Time

Pioneer Center, 8006 Pioneer cor. United Sts.

Pasig City, Philippines

Different Tea Assortment to Love at Serenitea

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

Happy Lemon

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Different Tea Assortments to Love at Serenitea

April 21, 2010 by Janey

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea. They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle. It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies.

There’s no room to get bored with Serenitea’s long list of drinks! But it’s definite that you’ll really get hook at one or two and have that for one whole season before aiming for another variant.

First, choose your kind of tea: Assam, Royal Milk, Jasmine or Earl Gray. Then you can choose whether to get it cold, hot, with fruits or as a latte. There are also optional toppings to choose from: pearl, crystal, black bricks, pudding, lime jelly, and QQ.

Once Bubba and I brought Serenitea for a Sunday picnic and we both loved the drinks that accompanied us. Bubba got the Hokkaido milk tea with 75% sugar while my choice was the Grass Jelly milk tea with 0% sugar. What’s terrific with Serenitea is the fact that you can actually choose your sugar percentage from 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%… you can even go beyond or none. Richard of Ya Kun Kaya Ortigas shares that Irene gets 150% sugar with her tea drink -I’m quite the opposite since I enjoy drinks with less sugar.

Last time I was here was during the Foodie Club’s meet at Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles.

“Foodie Club”

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I couldn’t just buy for myself so I bought for Bubba and Joyce.

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I got Joyce the Yakult, which she loved.

So for those who are health-conscious or watch their sugar intake, this is your best bet to getting satisfying drinks without breaking your sugar level.

It’s been quite a while since we’ve been enjoying Serenitea. Let me share with you that the tea drinks from Serenitea have calmed even the most stressful days at work… the evening comes and the mind is still running wild with that day’s events, the tea drink somehow relaxes my mind into a soothing detoxifying reverie.

Drop by Serenitea and get a dose of freshly brewed tea in different assortments. Be warned that the place can get really packed even at odd hours so have the option to just order to go and bring it home or someplace else where you can enjoy your Serenitea.

Minimum delivery in San Juan area is PHP 200.

Serenitea Cha Kitchen

#1F G&L Bldg. J. Abad Santos,

Cor. V. Cruz, Little Baguio, San Juan

(632) 379 4166

Serenitea Multiply Site

Serenitea Album

Related Entries:

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

Foodie Club’s meet at Beijing Hand Pulled Noodles.

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8 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: addicting, Aguirre, alternative, assortment, Banawe, best milk tea, best tea drink in town, brewed tea, Chinese, coffee, customized, drinks, Filipino, freshly brewed tea, healthy lifestyle, Hokkaido Milk Tea, how to get there, Irene Co, jelly, location, Manila, Map, Metro Manila, Paranaque, pearls, Philippines, picnic, pinoy, Press, QQ, Quezon City, Richard Co, San Juan, serenitea, South, St, sugar level, Taiwan, Taiwanese, tea, tea bags, tea drink, variants, Ya Kun Kaya Ortigas

Cantonese Soup Kitchen: A Sip of the Soup

March 25, 2010 by Janey

The first time I tried duck misua or duck soup was when I was a kid having Sunday lunches with family in Binondo. I didn’t like it during the first few years since it tasted herbal (plus anything that once flew other than chicken meat, I don’t eat.) For a half-Chinese, I don’t eat pigeon and duck and goose meat. Seriously, I love my dad (he’s Chinese -100% concentrated) to pieces but I’m barely Chinese. I’m not one to pretend that I am.

Through the next few years though, I’ve come to like duck soup. I was in secondary school by this time and I look forward to sipping the piping hot (now) familiar herbal soup. I still refrained from eating the meat though. But as years and years passed, the duck soup has become a homey food for me –relaxing me from head to toe.

The small restaurant in Chinatown we frequent has already closed down or moved elsewhere when I was in college. I tried ordering duck misua or soup from restaurants in San Juan or Manila but nothing comes close to that favorite childhood memory. I learned eating duck meat (but I’m still very picky) when Bubba and I started going out some 3 years or so ago. He loves duck meat and was in crazy search for the best when we were in Hong Kong in 2008.

This month, I’m glad that I found another restaurant to get my duck soup fix. I was floored on how good their sibot/duck soup was.

I really don’t frequent Banawe that much but I know that area is fully loaded with many restaurants. Cantonese Soup Kitchen is one of the restaurants side by side with others that you will barely notice it drowning with so many colorful signages. But it’s a gem to discover, as one will be in for a real Cantonese treat. Upon entering CSK, big size photos of family and friends enjoying the food decorate the red wall. On the left side is the photo of their grandmother who owns the duck recipe. Upholstered seats make for comfortable dining despite the small space.

On the Table

Sibot or Duck Soup PHP 195

The duck soup arrives on the table and I feel the excitement around. Some were trying duck soup for the first time and they weren’t fretful of the dark brown translucent soup color. I caught a waft of the broth and was thrilled that even before my tongue touched the dish, it already introduced itself to me. Duck soup was made of medicinal Goji berries and other herbs that each sip makes for a soothing and enjoyable experience. More so, the duck meat was very tender and tasty.

I also tried a bit of the spare ribs, tofu and fish dishes but wasn’t able to eat much since I had to run off because my mom was waiting for me at a nearby restaurant and I needed to go to a birthday poker party in Makati. I left earlier than the group but from the looks of it, the group enjoyed the rest of what they ordered from the menu.

Seafood Dish

Garlic Spareribs

Fish in Soy

Tofu

I will definitely be back with my family. It’s probably the best duck soup I’ve tasted in a long time and it lovingly brings me back tender childhood memories that warm both taste buds and heart. Cantonese Soup Kitchen also has a variety of other soup concoctions in their menu that might be worthy to try.

Cantonese Soup Kitchen

Unit C-847 Banawe cor. Linaw Sts.,

Quezon City

(632) 743 5249

Cantonese Soup Kitchen Album

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Chinoy King Dinner

July 15, 2008 by Janey

July 9. After the Cru Vince Seminar at Richmond’s place, we went around Banawe area to find a place to eat at 1030pm. Good thing Tasty Dumplings was closed or else CW would have suggested dining there. Whenever we are in the area, it’s a no brainer that we’re going to eat at Tasty whether I like it or not. Hahaha. It’s not that I don’t like it but c’mon, there are so many other restaurants to try.

It was a pick between Ersao or Chinoy King and since we’ve eaten countless of times at Ersao too, we decided to try Chinoy. Their specialty is their roasted duck.

On the Table:

Roast Duck Rice PHP 120

The price wasn’t so bad and the duck was as wonderful as something you’d pay double for. The skin was crispy and the duck meat was tender and moist.

Spicy Garlic Squid PHP 120

Even if it was 20 minutes to closing time, the staff was really accommodating. While the food didn’t taste like it was cooked in a rush. The squid was tasty and crispy. A winner for only PHP 120

Beef Brisket in Hot Pot PHP 180

Beef brisket and tendon served in a small hot bowl. I finished this on my own. Period.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/504

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Banawe, Chinese, Chinoy King, Cru Vince Seminar, QC

Coco Asian Bistro

May 26, 2008 by Janey

May 18, 2008. Since we were driving along the Banawe area, I decided to eat at Coco Asian Bistro. In the busy streets of Banawe heavily laden with car spare parts and auto shops, you’d be surprised to stumble upon a restaurant that has a Makati upscale vibe. A totally different ambience inside is made up of two dining rooms with slow soft music playing in the background. With the décor of sturdy tables made of rich woodwork, gold curtains and red orange lamps hovering above the booth area, this “bistro” is set apart from others.

It has a gorgeous dining room with warm inviting interiors that spell contemporary and sleek. Earth tones run throughout the two rooms where granite rocks, running water, glasses, plush white couches complete the modern-day Asian look. The food is another striking feature.

On the Table:

Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Rolls PHP 125

With sun-dried tomatoes. Served with yoghurt-pesto dip. This is going to be a staple order during every visit to Coco Asian Bistro. I love the sweet and tad bit tangy flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes against the mild sharpness of the cheese enfolded in a crunchy not overly thick wanton wrapper. The pesto yoghurt dip is quite the match.

Crispy Pata PHP 425

Deep fried boneless pork knuckles with a soy-vinegar dip. You kinda miss picking the large knuckles since this crispy pata is totally bone-free. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too oily yet skin is still perfectly cooked to a crisp. Meat was succulent and had the right tenderness.

Coco Loco Surprise PHP 245

Mixed seafood simmered in coconut cream. Served on a taro basket. Bubba and I kept debating whether the taro basket was edible. I didn’t try it but he did and did not choke on it so we can carefully assume that it’s digestible. Generous amount of seafood: shrimp, squid, fish tossed in a appetizing coconut cream sauce.

Tilapia Galore PHP 195

Fried Tilapia Fillet served with a spicy vinegar dip. Bubba loved this dish and finished the whole thing.

Steamed Rice (4) PHP 30

If there was one thing that I didn’t like, it was actually the rice that was a bit dry.

The four dishes that we sampled were delicious and for its price were all a winner. This sophisticated Asian style bistro has started drawing crowds with its delectable progressive Asian cuisine and Oriental charm.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/445/08_0518-_Coco_Asian_Bistro

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Asian, Banawe, Coco, Coco Asian Bistro, Coco Loco Surprise, Crispy Pata, Sun-dried Tomato

Modista By Elle

April 29, 2008 by Janey

(Photo courtesy of http://www.modistabyelle.com)

“It’s not the right size!” is the common fashion dilemma of Pinays since our sizes are usually categorized as only small, medium or large. Can you imagine the number of sizes in between small and medium or between medium and large? That’s why it’s so much easier to buy international labels as they have specific sizes that fit your actual frame. Sizes vary from 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and so on… To make things worse, sometimes local labels only have one available size –the free size!!!

Tube tops shouldn’t be exposing half of your breasts. You shouldn’t need to wear an inner blouse to cover the really low neckline of your dress. One shouldn’t keep folding the cuff of his pants because it’s just too long. In fashion, there shouldn’t be such a thing as one size fits all. Clothes should be made to fit your body. Modista By Elle is the one answer that fits all size problems.

Modista By Elle Client Guide (4 easy breezy steps!)

Select a style from their collection

Their current collection is divided into five distinctive designs: New Jersey, Vanity Blueprints, Blocks Unprinted, Checked Republic and Work and Play.

Select a fabric
Get your measurements
A style made to fit. Once it’s done, you can pick it up from their store location or have it shipped.

Now you can choose your favorite style, have it done on the fabric of your choice and something that fits you like a glove –if that’s the fit you want.

They offer free shipment nationwide for a minimum purchase of PHP1500. Definitely frees us ladies on the go from the hassle of going to the location or the payment of additional shipping fees. Sweet!

I totally love their chic designs. I’m itching to go to their store and check out their other pieces. I hope they are open on May 1!

Visit their website at http://www.modistabyelle.com for more details or contact 09178338283.

2 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, A Taste of Manila and Other Things, Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: Banawe, Blocks Unprinted, elle, fashion, modista, Modistabyelle, New Jersey, Pinay, QC, Vanity Blueprints

Savory Chicken

March 16, 2008 by Janey

I haven’t eaten this since high school. My dad introduced me to this Chinese-owned chicken restaurant. I love the chicken skin and the sauce. I can finish their 1 whole chicken in one sitting, especially when the meat is moist.

We passed by the branch in Quezon City and decided to order 1 whole chicken to go. The oldest branch is located in Binondo, while the one I used to frequent was the one in Shaw Blvd.

sav1