Being a self-proclaimed adopted child of the University of the Philippines - Diliman, thanks to Dada and friends, I have some ideas regarding UPD's system and culture. The most favorite thing they taught me would be the eats! Aside from the famous isawan of Mang Larry’s and classic tapsihan of Rodic’s, there is also an underrated dessert place called The Chocolate Kiss Cafe, also known as “ChoKiss” by the students, which is also a favorite tambayan in the campus. The Chocolate Kiss Cafe started as a home business but eventually took the risk to share their passion for food to the society. Because of its promising taste, no wonder, Chocolate Kiss has been continuously making its legacy for over twenty years already. It even branched out into three locations now: Republic Avenue in Fairview, UP Town Center, and of course, UP Diliman Campus. ChoKiss is known for comfort food like cakes, one of the reasons why people love to come back here. It was six on a Friday evening when boyfie craved for ChoKiss. I wanted to eat in the first branch which is on the campus but we were already in UP Town. I tried to persuade him to eat there next time instead because I didn't bring my camera (see the resolutions of my pictures here? caught on phone camera! hehe), but he was so hangry already. So, fine then, fine. We had dinner in the newest branch of ChoKiss and here is our experience... Dada and I were able to choose our seats since there are a lot of vacant tables available. But after an hour, which is the peak hour because dinner time, the restaurant got loaded up. So anyway! The staff then handed the two-part menu. I thought they mistakenly gave four menus but no, it is intended that way. The menu for the main courses is called "The Good Stuff," while the desserts' menu is called "More Good Stuff." I then said to myself, ah okay (kasi me pahiya konti). Haha! I liked it because the menu cover is motivating. It also symbolizes that all the good stuff is what The Chocolate Kiss Cafe offers. And I know it is cliché but ChoKiss is really good -- Dada and I loved every food we ordered! Filipino favorite Vigan Longganisa comes with a sunny side up egg and sliced fresh tomatoes. Eating Ilokano food since we were young, we can confirm that ChoKiss serves the authentic pork sausages from Ilocos Sur. And yup, in Vigan to be specific. The entrée Salisbury Steak is made out of ground beef patty, which gives a chewy and soft feeling in the mouth. It is topped with velvety mushroom gravy and thin bacon bits. It can either be served with mixed vegetables and rice or with garlic mashed potatoes. I chose to order the latter and gosh, the best! We also had pasta: Carbonara, his favorite. Like the other carbonara we know, it is sautéed with ham, bacon, and mushrooms. But, what makes this different from others is its béchamel sauce that made the carbonara more creamy and tasty. As for the sandwiches, we had Kiss Club. I love this because we were able to eat three sandwiches in one. It consists of chicken asparagus, German frank, and tuna celery tucked on a piece of French bread. Fries and salad are part of this meal too. So-lit! And going to the most exciting part: desserts! Since every suki already knows that ChoKiss' Devil’s Food Cake is the best, Dada and I tried another. We had Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. It is a New York-style cheesecake partnered with real chocolate chips making sweet and salty taste at the same time. And as usual, as I wanted to try many food as possible, I also tried the Kiss Suite. This is a four-piece cake sample of ChoKiss' classics. Feel free to choose from Dayap Chiffon Cake, Carrot Cake, Prune Cake, Kahlua Butter Cake, Quezo Chiffon Cake, and Devil’s Food Cake. If the four are not enough for you, no worries since ChoKiss also offer the Kiss Suite in a box of 14 and 28. Before ending my review for ChoKiss, I just want to brag about ChoKiss also catering live music at Ang Bahay ng Alumni every 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Yes, this makes another reason to visit the place! Also, the works of art displayed in the UP branches are not just there for design. Those are actually for sale. So for those who got pleased with these paintings at ChoKiss, it's your time to go back and purchase it because yup, you can! :))))) The Chocolate Kiss Cafe Republic Avenue, Fairview, Quezon City 2nd Floor, Urban Turf, Katipunan Avenue, UP Town Center, Quezon City 2nd Floor, Ang Bahay ng Alumni, R. Magsaysay Street, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City http://www.thechocolatekiss.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thechocolatekiss/
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As a human goddess, I have this lawful duty to share the magic of my co-mystical creatures. Presenting: Under the Sea Cafe! *charaaaaan* After being swept away by the unicorns, there is a new mythical creature coming to our land: the mermaids. Satisfying Princess Ariel feels, kids and kids at heart can now dive into the aquatic bed of the first-ever mermaid-themed restaurant in the Philippines, Under the Sea Cafe! Being a sister of the established unicorn place in Maginhawa, you don’t need to go far because Under the Sea Cafe is only right around that corner. Literal! If Rainbow Dreams Cafe is located on the second floor of #80 Building, Under the Sea Cafe is just a level higher from this nook. No wonder, this dining spot also gives the same amount of cravings satisfaction and good fee(d)ling to the diners. Entering the fin-tastic place would transport you to an instant beach vacation. From the name itself, of course, the whole cafe, from the ceiling to the floor, is painted with all things under the sea. The murals are dominated with aquamarine colors, perfect for the ones achieving the blue and green (even the pastel ones actually) feed out there. The tables have a cute pot of plant that looks like coral reefs while the chairs have mermaid pillows. You know the scaly sheets that change colors when touched that iz so addicting? Yup, that. And also, stuffed toys like turtles and fishes are scattered all over the place! Indeed, there are a lot of props you can use to decorate your flatlays. Hashtag super Instagrammable! What makes the experience in this food joint more memorable is: the mermaid dream can already come to life as the management allows the customers to wear mermaid costumes for free. I repeat, for free. This is not a drill! So cute because it isn't just the tail that one can wear, you can also put on the bralette and headpiece to complete the look. Syemps, nag-effort na rin lang kaya sagarin na! Haha! It's also amazing that there is a provided corner in this aqua lair meant for picture purposes. The giant clam shall make you excited to have your photo-op. Sitting there, with a full-packed outfit, feels like becoming a mermaid for real! But take note that camera flash is not allowed in taking photos, alright? This is to avoid damage and preserve the delicacy of the paintings. If you think that would be all, wait, there's more! Under the Sea Cafe also upped the game when it comes to the menu and service. The food is always served fresh and fast, and I recommend them for that. It isn't only the ambiance that's in line with the theme. Expect that the meals are designed in fish-shaped, summer, and colorful platings too. The bestseller Sand Bucket Cheesecake gave me a big dilemma because it's sooooo cute to eat! It really looks like a sand bucket from the beach, asdsafsa! I thought it was too small for a hundred bucks but I was wrong. I didn't even finish it because it has too much layers. And uhm, I don't know but for me, the prices are affordable so going here is definitely worth it. Hello, fast service plus good food and free rental of a mermaid outfit? Just super! I can say that everything in this cafe is pleasing -- to the eyes, taste buds, feed, and wallet. From the outside world of the hustle and bustle of Manila, explore this mystical hole in the metro that would totally put you in another dimension. Unravel your little vacation in Kyusi and enjoy your stay Under the Sea. Yes? Yes. Sea ya then, mermaid friends! :) Under the Sea Cafe 80 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, Philippines https://www.facebook.com/UnderTheSeaCafe/ |
THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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