Casa Vallejo's HILL STATION

After we are done with the short photo session at Mt. Cloud, I got a bit hungry and I don't have to trod longer because Casa Vallejo offers another surprise within its doors. The Hill Station serves more than just the ambiance of Baguio City, it also provides delectable desserts that we have to try.

Stepping into the cafe gives a very homey feeling. The shiny wooden floors reminds you that you are in a great country getaway. Welcoming us at the counter is a shelf of yummy desserts and I said to myself that I have to stay and try one of those.

Exit Mt Cloud to the right and enter Hill Station's Cafe Area

The dining area is a great ballroom overlooking Session Road and when you turn around is a huge staircase leading to the quarters also available for tourists. Its walls are decorated by old photos by which if they can talk, you will learn more of the history of the place and appreciate the heritage it offers.

We stopped in Hill Station longer and ordered yummy desserts. It is not too pricey and I was really satisfied with my Chocolate Lemon Tart. The citrus kick at every bite is very interesting and smooth. Perfect to match with a steaming Cordillera Coffee.

Clockwise from top right: Chocolate Lemon Tart, Lemon Meringue, Cordillera Coffee and Chocolate Cake

After this break, we went back to Azalea Residences and we formally started our itinerary for the next 2 days. Please click here.

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Fast food summer desserts in the Philippines

Though the weather department doesn't officially announce summer, I can already feel the heat and it makes me crave for cold desserts. Good thing that there are available fast food chains around and all I have to do is to satisfy my cravings to beat the heat. I found 3 items from 3 famous food chains of the Philippines and are new experiments of the traditional items that we all love: ICE CREAM and HALO-HALO.

Now I would like to share to you (in case you haven't tried them yet) my opinions on these three desserts. First, I tried them because of the inviting food styling visuals that are presented at their counters.

Mang Inasal's Crema De Leche
Topping ice shavings, this babe puts sweetened bananas, macapuno strips and leche flan. Drizzled with milk. Each piece is soft, chewy and just the right sweetness that's why I loved it. Though it would be better if you mix it well first before you indulge. The leche flan is very delicious, probably made with just egg yolks that's why it tastes very special.

Tokyo Tokyo's Salted Caramel Snow Ice
Tried the Nutty Caramel variant. The ice shavings are so fine that you can almost feel like it's ice cream. It is also like the ice is made up of caramel already before serving. Who knows but the kitchen crew right?

Jollibee's Reese's Mix-ins 
Tried this because I just love Reese's. Only topped on your regular vanilla ice cream.

So what have you tried this summer?

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Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl Part 5: COCINA JUAN

We're almost done with our food crawl and yes we're still crawling to our next destination. We're still too early at what's supposed to be a dinner spree. We headed to Cocina Juan. We are really that full but still managed to leave some space of what's ahead of us.

A small space but it feels very comfortable. Interiors are quite homey like grandma's house. And then you'll more of their generous serving. Have these dishes with Cucumber Lemonade.

But what excites me more is their adjacent store called Cupcakes by Gremlins. The dessert area is different from other cupcake stores. They serve their cupcakes in a special wooden tray which makes the presentation more special.

This is Dulce De Leche cupcake, thanks for the complimentary for us to taste. It is not so sweet that is why I liked it so much. Plus price is very reasonable so you can order as much as you want and give to your friends or family.

Enjoy the posh Cocina Juan dishes using the Food Panda app. So far, delivery is only available within 5km radius from the place, I think. Available in Google Play or App Store. You can also order online, rate the restaurants or ask for delivery.

Cocina Juan is located at 100 Maginhawa St., Teacher's Village, Quezon City, Philippines. Open from 11AM to 10PM. You may also contact 4343911 for orders.

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How to make your own Gelato Affogato?

when we had our vacation in Puerto Galera this weekend, i just realized how Italian recipes are so easy to make. in my excitement to share you this yummy dessert in this hot weather, here is the recipe for Gelato Affogato:

you need the following ingredients:
Vanilla ice cream
1 shot of Espresso coffee
chocolate syrup
marshmallows (optional)

directions:
1. drizzle chocolate syrup in a goblet. turn the goblet like you're making a swirl.
2. get 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream.
3. pour espresso on top of ice cream.
4. drizzle again with chocolate syrup and top with marshmallow. serve.

see? it's so easy! i'm definitely doing this at home. thank you to my friend who showed us how to do it.

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Dezato lunch

it will be my first time to a place which is very near to our workstation. unbelievable that we don't go here often that's why it's a delight to finally check out that intriguing "mochi ice cream."

the place is called Dezato Cafe. it is at the humble area of Quezon City by Hemady St. in New Manila. with its very cozy ambience, i immediately felt at-home.

with matching colorful paintings really compliment the yummy desserts they serve.
and finally after feasting with the eyes, my stomach craved for something warm with the cold weather happening outside. i tried a pumpkin soup and pasta for lunch.
and for dessert, you can have their specialty, the Mochi Ice Cream at different flavors.

you can visit Dezato Cafe at 100 Hemady Street, New Manila, Quezon City

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Christmas dessert at Hyatt Hotel

i really love this time of the year. other than merry making, i also got to enjoy the food that i love. in a rare occasion like a business meeting, i'm so grateful to see a valued client and best of all, to treat us for lunch.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino is one place that i love because it is in the middle of the busy streets of Manila. when we had lunch at Market Cafe, i feel so at home with its cozy ambiance and well-lit room. and with the array of food choices, i still stick with my favorite Japanese cuisine with a platter of sushi and a sip of warm miso soup.

mussels, Thai Fried rice, Sinigang na Hipon, season vegetables

after digging into a sumptuous meal, i have to give in to my sweet tooth with the wonderful delights at the center of the buffet. panna cottas, ice cream, cakes are aligned in a manner you cannot decide where to start. but for me, i had chocolates, pandan French macarons, pineapple pie, and ice cream. never mind the calories, just enjoy the Christmas dessert

Market Cafe by Hyatt Hotel and Casino is located at the 3F Hyatt Hotel and Casino, 1588 Pedro Gil Corner MH Del Pilar, Malate, Manila, Philippines. follow them on Twitter @GrandHyattMNL.

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