Vom Fass Artisan Specialty Store

Jars and canisters are some of the things I like purchasing, even the little versions of these as well.  Lately, I’ve been into airtight glass food storage jars that keep food fresh and mason jars that I can use for display, serving, vase or arts and crafts.  I love little jars particularly, especially when it stores artisanal products like aged balsamic vinegars or truffle oil.  For a foodie and trying hard to be a home cook like me, it’s like giving me a Tiffany box.

Sometime last year, I received a small 40ml jar that contains truffle oil.  I love anything truffle.

I asked where it came from and was told it was from Vom Fass.  Vom Fass recently opened at Shangri-la Plaza mall and offers an extraordinary line-up of single malt whiskeys, artisanal oils, vinegars, spirits, liqueurs, and other non-alcoholic specialties, all of which may be sampled ‘from the cask’ (which is what ‘Vom Fass’ means in English).

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Girl Two Doors Down

 

 

Yesterday, I spent my early evening meeting Tweetie De Leon-Gonzales and Rissa Mananquil at an intimate dinner with her and other beautiful ladies (fashion and lifestyle bloggers) at Shang Palace in Makati Shangri-la Hotel.  Tweetie De Leon-Gonzales’ ethereal and statuesque beauty and simplicity are really awe-inspiring.  The girls can’t help but gush and mention that they grew up watching her on TV in the 80s Philippine top-rated sitcom, Okay Ka Fairy Ko, which was offered to her after her stint at the Supermodels of the World competition.  She looks ageless. 

 

Ladies, we all wonder if we would look as timeless as the unchanged beauty of Tweetie throughout the years.  She shared with us some of her lifestyle secrets plus the newest skin product that she is both using and endorsing, which I will share on the next post.  At our age, I’d still dare say mid-20’s (do NOT frown at me, I still look the part anyway.  Har-har), we don’t only look for style but most often than not, comfort has also become an important factor to us.  Smart spenders don’t only shop by design but also shop by function.

 

Gossip Girl’s Michele Trachtenberg wearing Trophy Medallion

 

And COMFORT is what I’ve been wearing on my feet for almost 2 weeks now.  If you haven’t heard of Girl Two Doors Down, read below:

 

GIRL TWO DOORS DOWN is dedicated to all ladies who may not be the girl next door – but the sexier girl two doors down.  Step into a state of mind with witty slogans printed on the inner sole like ‘If you have to ask, you can’t afford me’ and ‘Currently, my finger benches 3 carats’.  Each Flip Flop is lavishly decorated with brilliant stones.  Be as bold as the statements you stand on and let your confidence reign!

 

Eva Longoria wearing Girl Two Doors Down in Acapulo, Mexico 

Halle Berry

Eva Longoria wearing Girl Two Doors Down again with now ex-hubby Tony Parker

 

 

I am definitely not a girl-next-door.  But neither am I your party-til-you-drop girl.  At least, that episode of me is over.  It didn’t even last that long.  I don’t even know if I’m a “girl two doors down,” but I do know that I love the footwear so far.

 

Waiting for a Thai massage at Chiva Som

Zara striped top, thrifted black harlem pants, Le Pliage tote, and Girl Two Doors Down flip flops!

 

Girl Two Doors Down is an up-and-coming US brand that is currently enjoying strong following from prominent Hollywood types and celebrities like Halle Berry, Eva Longoria, and Jessica Alba

 

Emma Rosum

 

 

Edgy yet fabulously feminine, Girl Two Doors Down is all about being more than just the typical girl next door.  It’s being the sexier, more confident, and exciting Girl Two Doors Down

 

Rowena test drove her pair first and mentioned to me how comfortable they were.  I gave it a try and was immediately taken by the soft straps that feel snug yet relaxed.  Now, I am so smitten that I wear them every single day, whether indoor or outdoor. 

 

With Maan at Ya Kun Kaya, when my SG girls surprised me on my birthday eve 

*simply touched*

 

It’s lightweight so I just toss it in my tote bag and bring it anywhere I go so I can immediately change after the need to wear high heels at an event or something. 

 

 

What makes it even lovelier than the lightweight feel on your feet, plus the fact that the straps don’t leave red marks on my skin, is the Girl Two Doors Down style.  Each stylish pair is ornamented with uniquely shaped bling made of shiny crystals.  Hearts, flowers, stars, crosses, and even mini martini glasses adorn Girl Two Doors Down flip flops. 

 

The one I have is called Trophy Medallion in Navy Blue which is a simple loop of luminous crystals that make my feet look a bit brighter.  When our feet are tired, they look dull right?  Yes, it doesn’t happen only with our face.  My feet can resemble my mood, same as my working hands.

 

The lustrous medallion appears to keep the dull away and my feet’s skin tone looks brighter and whiter.  Ooh, it’s really a favorite, favorite, favorite!  SOME guys have a fetish with clean and blemish-free feet and this pair might just do the trick! 😉

 

 

Aside from the lavish designs, the Girl Two Doors Down flip flops also come with unique prints and sassy slogans which spell attitude.  If you want it simple, Girls Two Doors Down comes in statement-free designs too.  Soles are printed with pretty Fleur de Lys, Wave, Cross, and Leaves patterns.  I personally like the Fleur de Lys and I’m eyeing to strut the streets soon with a new pair, probably the Cross design since it looks edgy.

 

I want this pair!

 

My friend Made owns her very own Girl Two Doors Down flip flops after buying last December and she loves it.  I think we should have a photo of our pairs soon! 😉

 

Waiting for my Serenitea drink

 

Where to get your own Girl Two Doors Down?  CHECK OUT their website for the designs.

 

Girl Two Doors Down Website

www.girltwodoorsdown.com

 

 

And walk through the doors of the newly opened The Flat Shop in Greenhills.  The Flat Shop is the first one-stop boutique for all flat footwear to cater to a woman’s every whim and fancy!  This is where the most chic, comfortable, and versatile footwear could all be found sitting side-by-side under one roof.  

 

 

Other than the Girl Two Doors Down brand, Flat Shop’s fab roster of flat footwear also includes a selection of FitFlops, Sanuk, Bandals, Melissa, and Anthology.

 

READ MORE:

Fit Flops, Oprah Swears By It!

 

 

I already have my pair of Fit Flops since 2009.  But it kinda makes my feet look big.  Function-wise, it did help with my back problem.  Shopping and/or long walks have become less strenous because of my Fit Flops.

 

In Chinatown in Singapore

My Fit Flops aboard the Singapore Flyer 😉

 

 

Fit Flops are also available at The Flat Shop

 

Women in their teens to their twenties, thirties, and forties can find something to flip over.  No more walking or driving from one store to another just to check and compare.  At The Flat Shop, everything is within reach so finding the perfect pair of flats will be a breeze, like a leisure walk on powdery sands.

 

Eva Longoria in Crystal Rodeo Drive

 

The world is round but ladies should comfortably WALK on it on FLATS!  😉  Discover the fabulous world of flat footwear in one stop.       

 

 

The Flat Shop will be the only store who will exclusively carry the brand Girl Two Doors Down so VISIT The Flat Shop at the Ground Floor, Connecticut Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Center!

 

 

The Flat Shop

G/F Connecticut Arcade,

Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan City

 

Kardashans Wear Skechers Shape-ups

 

 

Kim Kardashan and Kris Jenner, both popularized by the hit reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashans will be the faces of Skechers Shape-ups campaign.  The Skechers Shape-up Campaign will launch in 2011 in different platforms that include a “Shaping Up With The Kardashians” challenge, and other exciting elements.

 

The “Shaping Up With The Kardashians” a mother-daughter fitness challenge between Kim and Kris will encourage consumers to begin their own Shapeups fitness challenges.

 

 

The SKECHERS Shape-ups styles are perfect for the woman-on-the-go.  Kris Jenner can definitely related since she’s a working mother of 6.  “I am constantly on my feet, running from one appearance to the next, but with Shape-ups, I am always working out, even when I’m working,” said Kris Jenner.

 

“My mom and I are thrilled to be joining the SKECHERS family to help promote health and wellness,” said Kim Kardashian. “Shape-ups have already impacted my fitness routine for the better. I am always on-the-move and never know exactly when I can fit in my next workout. SKECHERS Shape-ups help me get the most out of every step.”

 

 

A worldwide phenomenon, the patented SKECHERS Shape-ups fitness footwear line offers a variety of styles and specialized features to meet the varied workout needs of every individual.  Fittingly, the unique personal style of each Kardashian family member is highlighted throughout the extensive collection.

 

 

Shape Ups are available at the following Skechers stores: Trinoma Mall, Market! Market!, Glorietta 5, Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Mall Alabang, Ayala Center Cebu.

 

A Boot-y Call! Whooga Ugg Boots Sale

 

UGG Boots by Whooga has a Pre-Christmas Sale and they are slashing 50-60% OFF the regular price!

 

To the less inclined, Whooga is an Australian company that manufactures ugg boots that are made from spongy and soft sheepskin material.  Australia and New Zealand are two of the largest ugg boot manufacturers. 

 

Image Source

 

Be careful not to be duped by fake ugg boots.  Their inner fleece are usually shiny and they’re only sheepskin lined which makes them made of synthetic material.  Synthetic ugg boots make your feet sweat inside and this will lead to moisture odor and bacteria build-up.

 

 

Authentic ugg boots are from natural material and they are thermostatic.  You know how thermostatic duvet works?  Those soft flat bags filled with down or feathers used as blankets (I love my duvet!)?  It’s the same with Ugg Boots.  They make you feel comfortable because they adjust to the weather, hence, thermostatic.  It’s warm in the winter/rainy/cold seasons and it’s cool in the summer.

 

Check out Blake Lively’s ugg boots.

 

 

It’s much better to invest on authentic ugg boots than the replica ones.  Whooga boots source merino sheepskin from Australia and New Zealand since they produce the best quality fleece.

 

 

The Whooga ugg boots will keep your digits toasty and comfy inside when you’re traveling abroad during winter season.  Pair them with leggings or skinny jeans and long cardigans and you’re all set! 😉

 

Romp the Ramp!  XOXO.

Foodie Club Series: Yabba Dabba Yoggle!

 

 

Last Tuesday night, Richard invited the “club” to the newest Yogurt parlor to hit San Juan, Yoggle.  It’s located at the new RONAC building along Ortigas Avenue near the corner of Santolan Road.  If you need a landmark, it’s rubbing elbows with the new branch of Charlie’s Grind and Grill.

 

 

Frozen Yogurt has been the latest food craze that hit Manila’s pop culture.  It’s probably in its sophomore year but I guess I’m one of the few who haven’t joined the yogurt bandwagon.  My old school self still sticks to the yogurt/brand that has become a favorite that I can easily buy off the grocery shelves.  I have only tried two brands at this time and have eaten frozen yogurt or soft-served yogurt three times. 

 

But I might just have to add to that count.

 

Yoggle, pronounced as yaggle since the “o” there stands for a German letter, started opening its doors about three weeks ago.  Their yogurt supplies/mixes come from the US which translates to really high quality yogurt –and Yoggle gives much importance to quality assurance that they guarantee their customers fresh yogurt every single day.  Leftover yogurts are disposed of each night.

 

 

 

There are 8 flavors available to its patrons at any given time and they change the variety of the flavors on a 2 week basis to keep the Yogurt fanatics interested.  The flavors available that time include plain tart (which is a staple flavor), strawberry, kiwi, banana, taro, watermelon, vanilla and mocha cappuccino. 

 

 

What makes Yoggle fun and interesting for me is it gives me the power of choice.  I can choose just one yogurt flavor for my base or mix different variants in one cup.  At the display counter, there are several choices for toppings that include fresh fruit slices (for the healthy buff), cookie chunks, tiny colorful marshmallows (my favorite), white and dark chocolate chips, wafer sticks, various nuts and graham powder. 

 

 

The choice is definitely yours what trinkets you want in your yogurt.  Pricing will depend on the weight in ounce of your order, regardless if its yogurt filled or topping filled or both.  The price per ounce is PHP20.

 

 

Bubba finished 2 cups of different Yoggle yogurt flavors with assorted toppings but he very much preferred his Taro yogurt cup.  I got the Vanilla variant and was happy with the right balance of tart and vanilla.

 

Lauren is sooo adorable! 🙂

 

Have you tried Yoggle yogurt?  Well, be one of the firsts to get the dibs of Yabba Dabba Yoggle fun and head over Ortigas Avenue.  It’s open at 11am and closes at 11pm.  I’m sure you’d also want to stop by the diner next door and grab a delicious burger or wings 😉

 

 

Yoggle Frozen Yogurt Bar

RONAC Bldg. Ortigas Ave.,

San Juan, Philippines

 

 

*Thanks to Richard Co of TalesfromtheTummy.blogspot.com for the invite!

 

Photo Credit:

Richard Co of www.talesfromthetummy.blogspot.com

 

 

Yoggle Album

La Tienda

 

 

May 29, 2010 –That Saturday was a productive day going around different furniture shops and looking (and measuring and budgeting) at different pieces to go with my living room project.  I didn’t realize how fun it is to talk interior design with Bubba –he’s so hands on when it comes to these things.  We went around Hemady, Pioneer, Greenhills looking at buffet tables, console tables, sofa sets, and other accent pieces. 

 

It’s been quite a long time since Bubba and I went around Greenhills and since we were there already, we took the chance to check out the “tiangge” stalls as well and shop.  Greenhills is near my place but traffic can get quite heavy inside the complex and parking is a strain, so we stay off the area.  It was a good shopping day as I was able to buy a tube top (PHP 500), black leggings (PHP 250), two ballet shoes (PHP 700), a nice dress top (PHP450) and Nike Free 5.0 running shoes (PHP 4,495).

 

It was a long day but Bubba wanted to end that day on a great note.  He’s been planning to take me out on a date and he finally decided to schedule it that evening.  I hesitated and suggested that we eat dinner at home instead since I was feeling a bit tired (besides the fact that my hair smells like the sun and shirt smells like sweat).  After a few more prodding, I gave in and off to Makati we went.

 

The car turned up at La Tienda’s parking space.  I hesitated to go out because I was wearing Fit Flops and shorts.  I know certain restaurants (like La Tienda) have dress codes especially on weekends.  I asked the doorman first and he said it was okay so I didn’t change anymore.

 

 

Walk into the front door and delight in the ambience of a dimly lit Spanish restaurant with red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and matching napkins, wooden accents, bull-fighting framed photos and decorative plates on the wall.  While waiting for Bubba to finish ordering, I took a quick trip to their in-house delicatessen

 

On the Table

 

Chorizo Frito PHP 210

Fried Spanish sausage –tasty but on the salty side, supposedly one of the better tapas to order at La Tienda

 

 

Escalivada con Achoa y Queso sobre Pan Tostado PHP 280

Roasted Vegetables: Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, Anchovies and Cheese –another tapa that you shouldn’t miss to order

 

 

 

 

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes).  One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse.  It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda.  I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings.  I think we had it cooked in medium doneness.  The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

 

 

Chuleton basically means “large chop.”  I was taken aback a bit that Bubba ordered 500 grams of Chuleton for both of us.  I would have settled for 300 grams since this wasn’t really a steak place.  But one bite after the other made me realize that I want more and more of the steak.  The natural flavor of the meat was truly incredible.  When somebody asks me where to get good steak in Manila, I’d be sure to include La Tienda on my list now of places to go to.

 

Paella Mixta de la Tienda PHP 575

Chicken, pork, Spanish sausage, seafood

 

Paellas (Spanish Rice)

La Paella was first prepared in the 19th century in the region of La Abufera outsde Valencia, Spain. The secret of the Paella lies in the unique texture of the grain after cooking.  The grain is loose, dry and soft at the same time. The next priority is the flavor from the huge range of ingredients, which puts a stop to any conversation.

 

 

La Tienda’s Paella Mixta de la Tienda was a bit runny for me but it was delicious nonetheless.  I like dry toasty scrumptious paella but even if La Tienda’s version was a little wet for my taste, I really like the generous topping of chicken, pork, sausage, shrimps, clams, squid, beans, egg, artichokes, fresh pepper and saffron.  And it’s a pretty huge serving –good for 3-4 persons.

 

Sangria x 2 (per glass) PHP 98

 

 

It was also nice to have live music from the Trio of gentlemen.  La Tienda is a surefire restuarant to go to for authentic and palatable Spanish cuisine.  Surely, there will be a repeat visit of La Tienda.  Both Bubba and I enjoyed the food and ambience tremendously.  And up to this day, I cannot forget about the steak.

 

 

 Thanks to sweetheart Bubba for this wonderful dinner.  HUGGY HUGSTER! 😀

 

 

 

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

 

 

La Tienda Album

 

Hollywood Buzz

 

 

The Appren-tease in Jesse James Blindsided Sandra Bullock

 

I really liked Apprentice Celebrity Season 1 a lot and loved the clever Piers Morgan and his biting (but objective) tongue in it.  I caught several reruns of Apprentice Celebrity Season 2 and was intrigued by it despite not having as many strategic players as the first one.   Jesse James, 40, had a cool stance during the whole season and maintained his stand on not using his wife’s connections to get more money for their team projects.

 

Sandra Bullock, 45, was freshly minted with the coveted Oscar best actress awards several weeks back.  Nowadays, she’s back in the limelight but not for her acting chops in Blind Side, but because of Jesse James’ infidelity.  Not only with one woman –but with FOUR others.

 

 

The news broke when Michelle McGee told In Touch, she and James had unprotected sex once a week during their 11-month romance.  Soon after, more women came out dishing about their affairs with James.

 

Sandra Bullock broke her silence to People Magazine and denied reports that there’s a sex tape with her and husband Jesse in it.  “There is no sex tape.  There never has been one and there never will be one.”  Other than that statement, Bullock has remained quiet about her current relationship status with James.  Many speculate that she will file for a divorce.

 

 

Meanwhile, Jesse James also denied Internet rumors of a sex tape.  He said in a statement, “There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me. It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way. This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them. I am truly very sorry for the grief I have caused them. I hope one day they can find it in their hearts to forgive me.”

 

His lawyer reports that James is struggling to get back into Sandra’s good graces.  “When all is said and done, he wants the same people who were living in his house before all this happened to still be living there,” his attorney, Joe Yanny, said in a statement Monday. “And he wants to save his marriage with the woman he loves more than anything in his life.”

 

Ricky Martin is Gay

 

After so many years of keeping his personal life private, Latin pop star Ricky Martin admits in his book that he is gay.  In his official Website, Martin says that writing his memoir and his twins are what made him go public about his homosexuality.

 

 

 “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man.  I am very blessed to be who I am.”  I think not a lot of people were surprised but it’s still a brave thing to come out in the open.

 

So Mr. PJ, when are you writing your book? 🙂

 

 

Status Magazine’s Yard Sale

 

 

Where are you doing your Christmas shopping?

Drop by Status Magazine’s Christmas Yard Sale for some interesting finds.

🙂

 

Power Plant Mall’s Big Sale

 

Reposting from Power Plant:

 

 

Power Plant Mall’s Mid-year Sale is coming up! 

Big brands and hefty discounts, go shop!

 

Fit Flop –Oprah Swears By It

 

 

Okay, if asked who is the most avid reader of Didi’s site, I know who to point to (Pointing ALL fingers to Bubba).  He sometimes goes, “did you read Didi’s blah blah…” and I will be totally clueless because he gets to read it first before I do.

 

One day, he started blabbing about this newest technology in flip flops –Fit Flop, that he read over Didi’s site.  He said it would really be good for my back since I have scoliosis and I always complain of back pains.  I said I don’t need the fit flops because nowadays you would always find me in sneakers anyway (even in the office, unless I have an important meeting with affiliates).  My white sneakers are pretty comfortable. 

 

He objects and says that Fit Flop is beneficial for this and that.  He goes on to drop the name of Oprah.  Oprah swears by it.  Right.

 

The next big question: how much is it?

 

 

 

When he answered that it was a whopping PHP 3K, I said immediately, “NO WAY JOSE!!!”  I am NOT going to buy flip flops that are that expensive.  It’s crazy!

 

I remember buying Havaianas some 5 years ago that are half as much and I have never used them.  It’s still in the box.  What do I need another pair of flip flops for?  I for one do not need an extra. 

 

 

Every time Bubba remembers Fit Flop, he keeps insisting that I get one.  He said he would buy it for me.  Even if he buys it for me, I don’t want IT.  It’s just a waste of hard earned money.

 

So the story goes, we were in Powerplant Mall last Saturday.  Bubba spots the Fit Flop stand and hauled me there.  I said I don’t want to try it on but he was so persistent.  Bubba got me try it on and it was pretty comfortable.  But I still wasn’t that sold.  Since he is really bent on buying me one, I let him be.  It’s for my “health” anyway.  It also supposedly helps you burn more calories as you walk on them.  Exercise while wearing flip flops?

 

 

The woman who turns everything she touches to gold backs it up.

 

Oprah swears by it.  And most importantly, so does Didi.

 

On June 22, 2009, I have officially joined the bandwagon of those in UK who are in this Fit Flop craze since 2007.  Thanks Bubba! 

 

 

PHP 2,900

Fit Flop Off White Suede Strap Sandals

Powerplant Mall

 

Related Post

Fit Flop Website

Candishhh Tales Fit Flop Post

 

Gold Glads

 

Lately, I am back to a shopping frenzy.

 

Surprisingly, it was me dragging Bubba to the mall instead of the other way around.  I don’t think I’ve had the shopping itch since three years back.

 

 

PHP 599 or PHP 699 (I forget)

Gold Gladiator Sandals (I’m not into gladiators but this one struck my fancy.  The gold is subtle and not overly loud)

People are People

Shangri-la Plaza Mall

 

 

 

Purple Flats

 

I have lugged Bubba to three shopping malls: Robinsons Galleria, Powerplant and Greenhills.  I hope this shopping frenzy ends soon.  It’s putting a dent in my wallet.  Where are the days that I don’t have the patience to amble around shops looking for goods? 

 

Actually, Bubba STILL takes longer to shop while I take 5 minutes to know I don’t like to fuss around their current line-up and jet out of the store.

 

 

 

PHP 300 (approx. USD 5-6)

Purple Flats with Belt Detail

Greenhills Tiangge (Open Area Bazaar Type)

 

 

Get Delicious at Dinelli Gourmet

 

The Inauguration and Press Launch of Dinelli Gourmet happened last Tuesday evening, 18th of November 2008.  Dinelli Gourmet is the latest addition in Manila’s gourmet and specialty foods market.

 

 

The newly opened gourmet shop is your new stop for the freshest and unique selection of gourmet foods.  More than the exclusive imported items and fresh cold cuts and wide array of cheese selection, the store also has a section for kitchen equipment from Australia, Europe and USA.  The husband and wife tandem of Anthony and Kristine Meehan, proprietors of Meehan Cellars Inc. decided to open a chain of gourmet shops in the Metro.  The Tomas Morato branch is the first of the three set to open.  The second branch is fixed to launch in December which location will be at the Fort.

 

 

The Amazing Race Asia 3 Philippine Team contestants (and hopefully winners!  We’ll find out tonight) model Geoff Rodriguez and beauty queen Tisha Silang hosted the event.  While cocktails and various wines were being served around since 630pm, the official ceremony started at 8pm with the formal ribbon cutting.

 

 

The Australian Senior Trade Commissioner Ross Bray, was the Guest of Honor and consequently presided over the ribbon cutting.  It was a well-attended event as local dignitaries, eminent businessmen, celebrities and models graced the event alongside the media cluster.  Representatives from Yummy Magazine (calling Fran Haw, where were you?) and Uno were also present. 

 

 

As the event kicked off, Geoff passed the floor to Mr. Anthony Meehan who welcomed the guest and thanked those who made the event possible, as well as the media partners.

 

I got to have a quick chat with Geoff and egged him to reveal if they won TARA 3.  It was after all, 2 nights away.  He was mum all the way.  I guess I had to wait for 48 more hours.

 

 

Whether you’re looking for a strong-tasting cheese or smooth creamy cheese, or even cheese studded with pimiento or chilies for that extra zing, Dinelli Gourmet offers a complete cheese selection.  Dinelli advises that hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, Manchego and Grana Padano are great for crumbling or grating texture.  Cheddar, Edam, Gruyere, Emmenthal are semi-hard cheese that have milder flavors and can melt quite easily.  For other cooking needs such as adding a height to your sandwich creations, semi-soft cheeses are available too, like Bleu d’Auvergne, Port Salut (saint Paulin), Fourme D’Ambert, Roquefort Societe, Gorgonzola Dolce, Feta.  For rich creamy variants, the popular ones are Brie and Camembert, followed by St. Nectaire, Mascarpone (usually used in desserts) and Cambozola Cheese Kaserei.

 

 

They also carry Moondarra cheese brand: ashed goat, chilli, creamy blue cheese, fruit and nut, garlic and chives, garlic and herb goat cheese, honey and pistachio, melon and mango, pear and vanilla bean, sun dried tomato (Mm-mm!) and herb, bruschetta cheese among others.

 

 

For those who have a discerning taste for the expensive, Castaing Fois Gras products are available in Dinelli Gourmet stores.

 

 

Refreshments and treats from the store’s gourmet selection and menu items were at every corner.  The food (cheese, meat, pasta, dessert) and wine were free flowing throughout the night –even at the time when we left, fresh batches were being brought out.  The treats were simple ingredients tossed together –but it definitely tasted like designer cocktails.  Seeing all the products, I had the urge to buy so many items off their racks.  A bottle of cocktail onions, brie, gorgonzola, manchego and fontina, grapes, dried apricots, walnuts, wine and I’m good to go for a cheese party.  There were Moroccan lamb stew and couscous on a microwave-able container that Bubba was interested in, plus a dish of Tortellini and cream cheese.  Whereas for me, my curiosity was more piqued with the individual ingredients I’ve only seen there.  That launch surely fired up a vanishing cooking passion in me. Getting an access to an assortment of distinctive ingredients inspired me to concoct new dishes.

 

 

Each guest also received a gift basket with a selection of gourmet foods to be able to sample the Dinelli gourmet lifestyle at home.  Dinelli Gourmet will surely change the landscape of Metro shopping and hopefully ups the ante of deli stores as well as Filipino home dining.  Get creative with Dinelli gourmet products and come up with the freshest dish ideas.  Dinelli Gourmet is located at 5 Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

 

 

Thanks to Christopher Pettersson, CEO of Kingpin Syndicate Inc. for the invitation.

 

Dinelli Gourmet Album