Anything Edible & Everything Random

1. 18
   Apr
   

   Sebastian’s: A New Haven for Ice cream Lovers

   Ice cream lovers, BEHOLD~ Sebastian’s Ice Cream Studio!

   If you love ice cream and you still haven’t tried Sebastian’s treats, then you are already missing one of the greatest things the sweet life can offer. But seriously, I can vouch for this one! Whether you like your ice cream, sweet, chunky or even liquor-tasting, Sebastian’s has a flavor that you’ll love.

   For P95 a scoop, you can already enjoy one of the most interesting flavors Ian Carandang (one of Sebastian trio) has invented. (Its price is quite higher than the commercial brands, but hey, P95 for a premium-quality ice cream is already a great deal!)

     

   I personally love Mango Sansrival, the perfect combination of sweet, creamy cashew-butter ice cream base with generous cashews, mango swirl and chunks of graham crust.

   A runner-up would be the Butter Pecan which has a really creamy and buttery taste that I like. The roasted pecans which were buttery-flavorful also added a really interesting nutty texture.

   Third on my list would be the Blueberry Cheesecake flavor which made me forgot that I previously like to eat the real blueberry cheesecake. The taste is a mixture of sweet and a little sour from the blueberries.

   Another runner-up is the Hazelnut Truffle. I just love the big chunks of chocolate truffles infused in the chocolate ice cream base. This is a real winner that could be my second favorite, if only the ice cream was not too over-chocolatey for me.

   I still haven’t tried the Cookie Dough flavored ice cream, but I’ve read a lot of raves about it, so I’m gonna try it soon!

   Aside from the scrumptious flavors of ice cream Sebastian’s has, it also just opened its Cold Comfort Ice Cream Parlor which offers a tad more sweetness to any sweet-tooth.

   Here’s a preview of what Sebastian’s offer in their Cold Comfort haven.

     

   Those three delicious-looking treats above are Mango Split, Dessert for Breakfast and Cold Pizza. They’re the ones I’m gonna try this weekend, and I’ll report on how I find them.. ;)

   To view reviews about Sebastian’s and pictures of its ice cream flavors and cold comforts, join their Facebook Page.

   Check out Sebastian’s at Alabang Town Center Mall, Podium Mall, SM The Block, Trinoma, Glorietta 4 Food Choices and at Cold Comfort Ice Cream Parlor in SM Mall of Asia.

   Taste - 5/5
   Presentation - 5/5
   Price - 4/5
   Value - 5/5

   • food
   • sebastian's
2. 3
   18
   Apr
   

   Chaikofi: A Place to Chill

   Chaikofi is a concept cafe with branches in Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Pioneer and SM North The Block.

   I am a very curious soul, that’s why when we first saw Chaikofi in RP Manila way back my college frosh years, we didn’t hesitate to try and dine in this very modern and hip-looking concept cafe.

   Upon entering, we noticed the novel and contemporary ambiance. The place is a feast of black and yellow for the eyes. The interior is very modern, possessing that “feel-good, chillax” vibe. But of course, first impression isn’t the only impression. The food and value for money is what matters more.

    

   On the several times we’ve dined at Chaikofi, we have already tried their Crab & Mango Salad (P125) which is a harmonious blend of shredded kani/crab, sweet ripe mangoes, lettuce and dressing. This one, I really really like! However, I think the serving size is a little small for its price.

   We have also tried their Panini Verdure (P130), Bavette al Pamodoro (P140), Beef Chai Rice (P115) and Chunky Chicken Sandwich (P105) - all of which taste okay, but are on the pricey side considering their small serving size. So these, I have to rate with mediocrity since there were nothing exceptional.

   However, I totally dig their Black Tea (P70) and Green Tea (P70) which taste good and were fairly-priced. They come in different fruit flavors or syrups which you mix in your chai tea.

   I haven’t had the chance to try their coffee yet, but I’ll try to order one next time I come across Chaikofi.

   THE VERDICT

   Overall, I think Chaikofi’s food offerings are more on the overpriced side. Most of those I’ve tried taste so-so. Maybe the reason why they are priced that way is because of the good presentation. However, value for food is not only measured by how beautiful it is on the eyes, but how it tickles one’s taste buds.

   Chaikofi’s edge though is on its chai teas and the cozy & modern feel it has. Maybe if you just want to sip a drink and have some light snack as you chat with your old buddy or read a book (ala Starbucks), Chaikofi is the place to be. But for a hungry stomach, maybe you might just want to pass.

   Taste - 3/5
   Presentation - 4/5
   Price - 2.5/5
   Value - 2/5
   Ambiance - 4.5/5

   • food
   • chaikofi