A Food Blog Is Born!

I AM SO HAPPY because finally, I have settled things right to open up a food blog which I always wanted to do over the last two years. Big thanks to everyone who crossed Adventurouslei.com. I am thankful to have awesome readers like you who score me overwhelming numbers of views and flattering comments.

Usually, things are made through inspiration and for the opening of my newest blog, I want you all to know that you, dear readers, are my inspiration. You all motivate me to create a Food Blog. Introducing FOODIECRAFT.COM - Food, Eating and Everything in Between! 

I will not elaborate more on the site because of course, if you want to know about it more, all you have to do is click the link and do the reading in the new page.

I hope that you will support my food blog the same way you support Adventurouslei. Also, I wish that you'll find reading my posts in Foodie Craft as enjoying and informative as Adventurouslei. Let's talk about food! Follow FoodieCraft.com now!

Leona Cakes & Pastries

Nobody has ever asked me which pastry house in the city is my favorite. Well, I don't need to be asked to tell you what it is. As for my close friends, they probably know. If you guess it's an ordinary bakeshop, think again. It's nothing else but Leona Cakes & Pastries.

Why Leona? In a word, delicious. Of course, there are several pastry houses you can find elsewhere selling delightful goodies but Leona's products are simply unique in taste and moreover, affordable.

One of Leona Cakes and Pastries branch is located at the second floor of SM City Cebu's The Northwing. The size of the store there is not enough for its numerous loyal costumers who always rush to purchase its goods. (that's what I always witness every time I visit the place)

A lot of racks dominate the area: two long racks placed at the center, around six plastered on the one wall and some by the counter- all holding containers full of pastries. If you're asking where are the cakes showcased, viola!

Leona Cakes are very delicious. All have their very own unique design that even at first look, you'll be mouth-watering. Unlike most cake shops, in Leona, you can purchase a cake by slice- suitable for those who crave for sweets but don't eat much.

Pastries are sold from a minimum price of Php 22.00. Yup! That affordable! When you go and have a quick snack in the place, you can also have some fascinating drink finds. Tea lovers, here's for all of you..

Not only tea, cold and warm beverages are present in the menu: softdrinks, coffee, blended drinks and hot choco to name a few. What more can you ask for to have an elegant, quick snack?

Simplicity is beauty, as they say and Leona Cakes and Pastries live that line when talking about their interior. There's nothing much to expect. The top counter's ceiling is graced with wood embraced by vines, leaves and colorful flowers- showing a fresh atmoshpere.

There are not much tables and chairs in the eating area. It's one of the down side of the place. Whenever I go to Leona, I have to wait for a few minutes to have a seat for a lot of  costumers fill the store time by time especially during holidays.


The chairs are comfy. It's brown in color paired with green fabric. Also in brown, the table size is enough for your stuff to be placed. I usually waste my time their (study/eat) and I haven't encountered space problems when it comes to the tables.


Another thing that's part of the down side of Leona is its cashiers and cake servers. They are all rude- seriously. They don't greet you. They don't smile at you and they talk too serious that negative vibes fall into you-I felt it! I personally don't like the people working there. But hey! It's not them that we're in the store, we're talking about the food so forget them! Ha!

If you're in SM City Cebu, don't miss the chance to drop buy and try some of Leona's cakes and pastries. Believe me! You'll love it!

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew

Today marks a level shift-up for Starbucks Philippines as it introduces Starbucks VIA Ready Brew. For sure, Starbucks patrons and coffee lovers will flock to their nearest Starbucks branches to try out the new product.

What actually is this Starbucks VIA Ready Brew?

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew is the powdered version of Starbucks brewed coffees. It is available in three tastes namely Colombia, Italian Roast and Decaffeinated Italian Roast. 

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew is not instant coffee as you know it. It is made with 100% natural roasted Arabica Beans. It is rich and full bodied like the fresh-brewed Starbucks Coffee a Starbucks Patron loves.

I frequently slack at Starbucks and buy their delicious coffees. A while ago, I had the chance to partake in the Starbucks VIA Taste Test with a friend. The result? The new Starbucks VIA is truly of the same taste with the usual Starbucks brewed coffee I order during weekdays.

Trivia of Starbucks VIA

• VIA is an Italian word meaning 'road'.
• Aside from Colombia, Italian Roast and Decaffeinated Italian Roast, Starbucks VIA Iced is sold in the market but it has not yet arrived in the Philippines.
• There is no one thing that differs our usual Starbucks brewed coffees with Starbucks VIA Ready Brew.

Wanna purchase Starbucks VIA now? No need to go out! Order below through amazon! It's a click away!

If you're going to buy through amazon.com, you could try out the new taste- Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Iced! Purchase below

What are you waiting for? Have your cup of Starbucks VIA Read Brew now!

Academy for International Culinary Arts (AICA)

Get ready Cebu! Get ready for a Primier Culinary Education!

The Academy for International Culinary Arts (AICA) wants you to indulge in Culinary Excellence! The Academy believes in the creative Filipino Culinary Talent. By providing a firm theoretical foundation through 100% hands-on applications, the school ensures that their graduates have the sharper edge to succeed in their careers.

I've always loved food and food creation. In fact, it was my second choice of college course when I was still in the process of choosing one. Being practical, I took up Information Technology instead.

My passion for cooking and baking has never changed that is why I really jumped for joy when I knew that I got the last slot of exclusive ten people to indulge in a culinary experience and food trip in the newly opened international culinary school here in Cebu. 

Ten fortunate people, mostly bloggers,  completed the list. It was already 2:00 in the afternoon and everyone settled themselves in the spacious lecture room of AICA. With me were John, John's Mom, Clarence, Rabsin, Debbie, Sinjin, Vernon, Novell and a friend from Pinoy World.

After being oriented with the basics and happenings of AICA through video-clip-watching, we were divided into two groups. The first group composed of Vernon, John's Mom and Novell. They were tasked to bake Churos under the teaching of Chef Marleen Ong.

On the other hand, the rest of the people were my group-mates. We were tasked to cook Quesadillas and make delicious Salsas under the guidance of Chef Nikko Mabugat and Chef Joe Mike Lontoc.

THE ART BEGAN!

The fun began after wearing Green AICA Aprons. The group were separated because there were different kitchens and facilities to use in the different foods to cook but only a big wall with a big open window parted us- we were all in touch with everyone the whole time.

Each of us had our own work station.

Happy cooking bloggers with Chef Nikko! :)

Even before the food were on its half way to be finished, they already looked and smelled so good!

The Chefs who made the delicious Churos!

 Munching out the Mexican foods, Quesadillas and the Churos! Yum! Yum! Yum!

We feasted our food after all the cooking lessons and talking tales.

Left to right: Cheft Marleen Ong, Chef Niiko Mabugat, Chef Joe Mike Lontoc

EVALUATION

The school is the best culinary school in town. I strongly believe that it's perfect for one who is eager to learn the basics and advances of food creation to study in the academy. With just the food party we had, I could say, everyone who is part of the school really live up their name and labels.

International. The people in the front desk attended the visitors professionally. In the first place, I made mentioned that we were divided into groups. Such act just showed that the Faculty Chefs specialized in specific Culinary Fields. During the cooking part, we were Taught with Premium Grade Ingredients. With what I have observed, the school is truly Equipped with Industry Standard Professional Kitchens and Facilities. Chef Nikko and Chef Mike made us work with our own hands with their eyes on the move of watching us in every cut and add we made- showing indeed, 100% Hands-On Learning Experience. What more could I say? The school limits its students showing Low Student Teacher Ratio- just the perfect way to highlight every detail in a lesson application.

I would like to thank the people who make up AICA Cebu most especially to Chef Nikko Mabugat, Chef Marleen Ong and Chef Joe Mike Lontoc. Big thanks as well goes to my fellow bloggers who made the event so fun and memorable.

CONTACT

Adventurouslei highly recommends you to take Academy for International Culinary Arts as your school this coming opening of school year. Remember always that the best utensil around the Kitchen is a SHARPER MIND. And sharper minds start at the Academy.

AICA will be offering more courses soon. Whatever you're craving, you can surely find it at the Academy for International Culinary Arts. Indulge in Culinary Excellence!

The Academy- Cebu is now accepting Enrollees for the June 2010 batch.  AICA is located at The Gallery, Juan Luna St. corner Golam Drive Mabolo, Cebu City. Visit aicaculinary.com for the latest news and events within the academy.

photo credits: Clarence Mongado
                           The Photoblogger

Frizberry Yogurt: Cebu's Newest Yogurt Store

SM City Cebu continues to offer delightful treats to its costumers -may it be from wardrobe to food to convenience and down to health. For the month of March, the mall opens up a new store for people of all ages- an enticing and healthy food stall one should frequently visit!

Introducing Frizberry Yogurt! Your one-stop-food shop for quick, tasty and healthy food.

Are you drained with school work? Feeling weak after a hard day's job? Stressed out with your performance rehearsals? Or sickened by overload of event participations? If your answer to any of these queries is yes, then you better eat nothing less but yogurt!

Experts say that eating yogurt everyday is very healthy for the body. For those looking for food to supplement their protein, calcium and dairy, yogurt is a healthy choice!

Frizberry Yogurt is a brand new frozen treat concept for the people who love to eat delicious food with great health benefits. It will open this coming March 8, 2010, Monday in SM City Cebu situated across Salon de Rose, third floor of the West Wing. Be there and start eating good food for a good health!

Drop by at Frizberry anytime! It's the best place to hang out with your family and friends this season!

Greenwich Cebu Levels Up!

I WAS THE first media blogger to arrive in the venue. Andoy and Kuya Rab who were my companions for the entire morning in the event were on their way. After registering ourselves in the entrance of the event area, we took pictures at the photowall.

Each of us were given media kits that served as our guides in the event. Minutes after all the invited media people including some writers from Sun Star, Cebu Daily News, the Freeman and us, the Cebu Bloggers Society settled ourselves in Greenwich SM , the program began.

Two hosts opened the program with humor. It was one good treat for us guests in starting the day right. After a short introduction the waiters distributed a sample of their new food product which is the new Greenwich Pizza Fries.

It's fries with a unique taste having a special sauce dip. The Pizza Fries is available in two delicious flavors namely Pepperoni and Garlic & Cheese. It is a very tasty snack!

What followed next was the welcome address that was delivered by one of the head of the Greenwich Pizza Chain Company. She elaborated the success that Greenwich has achieved in the year 2009 because of their "Greenwich Cheesy Campaign". She as well stressed out that everyone should be looking forward for a better Greenwich Pizza Chain for this year with their new catchphrase "Hanep! Nag level up sa Sarap!".

A video tape record (VTR) viewing prepared by the management followed. It showed how better Greenwich is compared to other pizza chain in the country. It was a very informative and well made video. What spiced up the event was the raffle draw. There were around 20 to 25 attendees of the event and only five lucky people took home awesome raffle prizes including a Php 1000.00 worth of gift certificate in Nike sports shop, a United Colors of Benetton bag and an eight gigabyte Ipod shuffle.
 

The Bacon Chicken Carbonara Supreme filled the tables of the press after the first round of raffle draw. It was the second dish served for us press. It was a tasty snack having tender bacon and small chicken slices smothered in white sauce with Mozarella and Parmesan cheeses that was topped with mushroom and parsely flakes. Olala! Mouth watering? It's as delicious as it sounds!

The second round of raffle draw was done. Most of the winners were newspaper writers. Another video viewing was shown to us by the managment. I could say, it was one very good documentation- a film every pizza lover or perhaps, every foodie guy/gal should see. The film showed the latest things of Greenwich from food to furnishing to to counter to wardrobe.

As expounded in the documented film, the new Greenwich Pizza Chain has improved everything. The order and counter station is now made small for the convenience of the costumers. The tables and seats are colored flesh, red and green- matching the logo of the company and the modern type of atmosphere for sheer comfort and style. All the uniforms are altered too! All are designed by renowned fashion designer Randy Ortiz.

Greenwich's Quarter-slab of pork ribs marinated in a special sauce made our stomach full. It was something every big eater would want to eat. =D Like Kuya Rab. LOL. All those dishes were paired with the delightful beverage Four Seasons. Yummy! Uber great food only in Greenwich!

The scrumptious food treats made our morning. We thought the Slab Pork Ribs were the last dishes to be served but we were wrong. The thick & tender pork chops with java rice and mixed veggies even more made our Monday Morning right! Perhaps, all those treats made our entire day fulfilling!

After a short talk from one of the heads of Greenwich Pizza Chain SM City Cebu Branch, another round of raffle draw was made. After which, a shirt-relay game was conducted and Kuya Rabsin and Upin were one of the six random picked press guests to participate! Wohoooo! And guess what? They leveled up! They won in the game! What's the prize? A barkada blowout package good for ten lucky people! \m/

In the last part of the event, the last round of raffle draw was made giving out the United Colors of Benetton Bag and the eight gigabyte memory Ipod shuffle. Gimme a wild guess who won the bag? LOL. Me! It was a very funny thing during the announcement of the winner of the bag because the host first cited that the winner is a girl and it came from the Cebu Bloggers Society. I happened to be the only girl in the group. We really laughed. 

 We brought home a goodie bag with a unique planner notebook inside before the event ended. It was a very informative and enjoying event with my friends. Straight from our hearts, Kuya Rabsin, Upin and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Miss Charo Baller for inviting us in the awesome event.Thank you so much! God Speed to you and Greenwich!

Starbucks Christmas Traditions 2009

WISH FOR JOYOUS TRADITIONS

Hello coffee folk!

Time flies so fast. November days are over. We are now in December- the most awaited month of the year. The month were Christmas eve is slated and for that, great preparations should be made. Preparations -may it be emotionally, physically and mentally. Today I won't be stressing any of those. What we will be talking about is about Starbucks Christmas Traditions 2009.

Christmas day is so near. Malls will have their year-end sales, schools program Christmas-related activities, television shows launch Christmas oriented station ids and movie shows, friends begin exchanging gifts and cards, and of course, most people would attend parties celebrating the joy of our Savior's birth. Okay- I think I'm going to far --As practiced annually in the start of Yuletide Season, Starbucks Company unites with the people who heartily welcomes the coming of Jesus Christ. In line with this, they launched the Starbucks Christmas Traditions a few years ago. How is it done? Here...

People who purchase Starbucks products will be given a red card. These red cards contain illustrations of small squares having some Christmas details and stuff that make it look good. The squares drawings/illustrations will be covered with a sticker of its size every time the costumer/owner of the card buys a product. A product is equivalent to one sticker. A red card contains a certain number of small illustrated squares.

Everything I cited in the paragraph above alters yearly. It may or may not be that every product of Starbucks Company equates to one sticker and it may or may not be that there is a consistent number of small illustrated squares [which corresponds to the number of products you need to purchase].

THIS YEAR, you need not to drown yourself with 24 drinks unlike last last year's. The owner/holder of the red card is only required to accumulate a total of seventeen (17) stickers:

NINE [9] of any of the Starbucks Featured Beverages

EIGHT [8] of any Starbucks beverage of your choice EXCEPT bottled
drinks, bottled water and fruit juices

STARBUCKS FEATURED BEVERAGES

Toffee Nut Latte (hot, iced or Frappuccino®blended beverages)
Dark Cherry Mocha (hot, iced or Frappuccino®blended beverages)
Peppermint Mocha hot, iced or Frappuccino®blended beverages

Promotion starts on November 4 ,2009. Stickers may be obtained from November 4 ,2009 to January 6, ,2010 Redemption of the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2010 Planner starts November 4 ,2009 to January 6, ,2009, at all Starbucks stores in the Philippines only.

STARBUCKS ONLINE

Starbucks Christmas Traditions 2009

WISH FOR JOYOUS TRADITIONS

Hello coffee folk!

Time flies so fast. The November Days we haven't passed are decreasing in number which leads us to the month of December- the most-awaited month of the year. The month were Christmas eve is slated and for that, great preparations should be made. Preparations -may it be emotionally, physically and mentally. Today I won't be stressing any of those. What we will be talking about is about Starbucks Christmas Traditions 2009.

Christmas day is so near. Malls will have their year-end sales, schools program Christmas-related activities, television shows launch Christmas oriented station ids and movie shows, friends begin exchanging gifts and cards, and of course, most people would attend parties celebrating the joy of our Savior's birth. Okay- I think I'm going to far --As practiced annually in the start of Yuletide Season, Starbucks Company unites with the people who heartily welcomes the coming of Jesus Christ. In line with this, they launched the Starbucks Christmas Traditions a few years ago. How is it done? Here...


By the way, I apologize for having my pictures in low quality. I only used a webcam for this because I left my camera in the house in Talisay (takes four hours for road trip back and forth)

People who purchase Starbucks products will be given a red card. These red cards contain illustrations of small squares having some Christmas details and stuff that make it look good. The squares drawings/illustrations will be covered with a sticker of its size every time the costumer/owner of the card buys a product. A product is equivalent to one sticker. A red card contains a certain number of small illustrated squares.

Everything I cited in the paragraph above alters yearly. It may or may not be that every product of Starbucks Company equates to one sticker and it may or may not be that there is a consistent number of small illustrated squares [which corresponds to the number of products you need to purchase].

THIS YEAR, you need not to drown yourself with 24 drinks unlike last last year's. The owner/holder of the red card is only required to accumulate a total of seventeen (17) stickers:

NINE [9] of any of the Starbucks Featured Beverages &
EIGHT [8] of any Starbucks beverage of your choice EXCEPT bottled

drinks, bottled water and fruit juices

STARBUCKS FEATURED BEVERAGES

Toffee Nut Latte (hot, iced or Frappuccino®blended beverages)
Dark Cherry Mocha (hot, iced or Frappuccino®blended beverages)
Peppermint Mocha hot, iced or Frappuccino®blended beverages

Promotion starts on November 4 ,2009. Stickers may be obtained from November 4 ,2009 to January 6, ,2010.

Redemption of the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2010 Planner starts November 4 ,2009 to January 6, ,2009, at all Starbucks stores in the Philippines only.

STARBUCKS ONLINE