Our family has a lot of foodie moments.  But, cute foodie moments are quite rare.  Our dining experience at Vanilla Cupcakery is one of those.


Vanilla Cupcakery has a very enticing facade and interior for the ladies. 


I don't think my brother would really choose it as a place to eat.  But, our excited dazzling eyes must have stopped him from hesitating. 

Somehow the ambiance made me recall our childhood day of playing barbie dolls and paper dolls. 
They have matching fancy gift boxes for take outs.  I noticed that many would simply drop by to make a takeout purchase.

There's a chiller filled with beautiful cupcakes. 

Seeing the ensaymada cupcake is the last piece, we reserved it and paid for it even before our dinner meal.  We also ordered the Tiramisu Cupcake together with our dinner.


Taking photographs and munching on the made waiting for our other orders pleasurable.  

Food

Starters

Garlic and Spinach Dip (150 php)

We were all very impressed with the Garlic and Spinach Dip.  The Spinach Dip is one of the best one we've had.

Soup

Potato Leek Soup (165 php)

Since they didn't have any other soup available, we had the Potato and Leek Soup.  It is very warm and soothing to the tummy.  It had the right blend too.

Pasta

Herbed Bacon Carbonara (245 php)

Creamy Penne Pasta (245 php)

Since we're prefer red sauce, we appreciated the Creamy Penne Pasta more than the Herbed Bacon Carbonara. 

Main

Chicken Parmigiana (265 php)

The Chicken Parmigiana is the most fulfilling among all our orders.  Look at that gorgeous cheese!

Salisbury Steak (265 php)

The Salisbury Steak is fried egg with burnt burger pattie underneath.  We were disappointed with this.

Beef Salpicao (295 php)

The Beef Salpicao is tasty and tender.  We loved how evident the garlic essence is here. 

Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy (295 php)

The Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy is one of their best sellers.  I have to agree with the majority that this is indeed a great choice.

Cupcakes

♥ Vanilla Signature Ensaymada Cupcake (75 php)

We had to wait 20 minutes for the Vanilla Signature Ensaymada Cupcake since they sold the last piece to someone else.  My hunch is they had to get this from the other nearby branch so it took a while.  This was served warm with a semi-melted cheese.  I liked it but it didn't pass the family's standards.

Tiramisu (75 php)

Drinks

Hot Cappuccino (115 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The cute interiors of Vanilla Cupcakery is really inviting.  Hanging out here will bring a pleasurable experience.  I think cupcake prices are reasonable but meals and drinks are slightly more expensive.

Cupcakes by Sonja is one of the pioneers of cupcake shops here in the Metro.  Its success has quickly paved way to many branches sprouting like mushrooms.  They cupcakes has also become one of the popular food items in a party.  

Mini Cupcakes
I recently attended a party with a mini cupcake buffet.  I was told by the host that the mini cupcakes are made to order at a minimum order of a dozen with 4 days advance notice.

I think the mini cupcakes are a good idea because it allows you to try more flavors and makes each cupcake easy to finish.

Dessert Comes First, ♥ Peppermint Patty, Vanilla Sunshine and Bunny Hugger Carrot

The  Peppermint Patty is a Valrhona dark chocolate cupcake topped with peppermint frosting. 

Bunny Hugger Carrot

The Bunny Hugger Carrot is a  moist classic carrot cupcake hinted with cinnamon and topped with cream cheese icing.

♥ Lemon Drop, Mocha Motion and PB & J

The Lemon Drop is a light vanilla chiffon cupcake covered in sour lemon buttercream frosting.  The Mocha Motion is a chocolate cupcake topped with a dollop of frothy mocha buttercream on top.

Chocolate Surprise

♥ Red Velvet Vixen

The Red Velvet Vixen is their best seller!  It is the traditional Southern Red Velvet cupcake made with Belgian cocoa and topped with luscious cream cheese icing.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Cupcakes by Sonja is sure to please guests in any party.  With so many flavors to choose from, I'm sure one will fit your sweetness preference.  They continuously make new flavors too.

The buzz for Slice Cafe High Street is still unfazed.  Pass by anytime and you'll see that it is one of the most popular establishments in Bonifacio High Street Central as it is never empty. 

Slice has a nice bright ambiance with beautiful drop lights, well-cushioned seats and printed lofts and photographs hanged on its walls. 


The chiller is filled with cupcakes and cakes.  

I'v never seen so many muffins, brownies and cookie jars in my life.  So enticing! =)

There is another chiller which are filled with healthy choices like sandwiches, yogurt, salads and drinks. 

Food

Cupcakes

Choco Yema (60 php)

The Choco Yema is a chocolate cupcake topped with yema icing.  The chocolate cupcake is faintly bitter-sweet.  It was moist and soft which I liked.  As expected the icing is sweet.  But, eating it with the chocolate neutralizes the sweetness.

♥ Oh My Ube (80 php)

I'm really a fan of ube for as long as I remember so this is Oh My Ube to me!  I love how the cream cheese and coconut shreds enhances the experience.
 

Very Berry (60 php)

 The Very Berry is chiffon cupcake topping with mixed berry frosting.  I found the chiffon to be a bit dry and dull but I enjoyed the frosting.
 

Red Velvet (60 php)

I'm rarely impress with the Red Velvet since I find it too sweet.  This one is just right for me.
 

Chocnut PB Cupcake (60 php)

The Chocnut PB Cupcake is an interesting and creative creation.


Muffin

♥ Nuts About Banana (70 php)

We all loved the Nuts About Banana muffin. =) 


Cakes

♥ Turtle Pie (220 php)

 The Turtle Pie is my kind of chocolate treat!  Perhaps, this is the best among the bunch.

♥ Lemon Coconut Meringue Pie (150 php)

For those who are not fond of a heavily sweetened cakes, the Lemon Coconut Meringue Pie is for you.
 

Yema Cheesecake (260 php)

The Yema Cheesecake is the heavily sweetened kind I'm referring to.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Slice Cafe High Street is not only for desserts, they have other dishes too.  But, I think it's their sweet creations that is mostly raved.  With so many variants, I'm sure you'll find one that will allure your taste buds.

One of our my best gastronomic discovery last year was Naci Comfort Food.  If you haven't tried Naci yet, you can now visit them at their new home at Fort with a more vibrant and lively atmosphere.  


Its high ceiling with white modern drop lights, multi-colored chairs, enticing LCD screen and cute decors gave off a light and cozy feel. 
Aside from the helpful and colorful menu platemats, they also use a tab for their menu which is pretty cool.


Food
Well, its been quite some time since The Foodies Circle got to dine again so we may have been a little been carried away. 

Appetizers

♥ Nat's Appetizer Sample: Beef Taco Springroll, Cajun Mozzarella Balls, Glazed Chicken Wings and Classic Salpicao (520 php)

I fell in love with the Beef Taco Springroll on my first time and its still the best for me.  The others are not that far behind either.  The Cajun Mozarella Balls is a fried crunchy ball with cajun spiced mozzarella cheese.  The Glazed Chicken Wings is tasty with a nice crisp.  I actually appreciated this more than my last visit.  While, the Classic Salpicao is simply nice and tender. 

Naci Specialties

Peruvian Chicken Rice (420 php)

The Peruvian Chicken Rice is a slow baked rice with chunks of chicken and suateed capsicum topped with aoli and slices of lemon.  I found the blend of flavors of this dish and tenderness of its chicken bits more appealing this second time around. 

Shrimp Jambalaya Rice (480 php)

The Shrimp Jambalaya Rice is slow cooked baked rice with curry, coconut cream and shrimps topped with fried eggplant, tomatoes and raisins.  This is different from other versions I've tried but it has its own flare.  

Soup

Tita Em's Chowder (260 php)

Tita Em's Chowder is thick, rich and creamy.  It's supposed to be served in a bread bowl which is not yet available since they just opened in last April. 

Onion Soup (180 php)

The Onion Soup is the classic caramelized onion soup topped with french baguette and generous amounts of melted mozzarella cheese.  

♥ Enoki and Soba Broth (240 php)

My favorite among their soup offerings is the Enoki and Soba Broth.  The seafood dashi broth is refreshingly addictive.  The enoki and seafood is cooked satisfactorily and the texture of the soba is perfect.  

Salads

Classic Caesar Salad (200 php)

If you havn't noticed yet, I always order the Classic Caesar Salad whenever available.  For me this is an old classic that never dies.  And, this version is what I expect of it.

Tofu Green Salad (220 php)

The Tofu Green Salad is something new to me.  It is a mixed green salad with crisp tofu crouton, egg and pepper calamari drizzle with Chinese vinegar dressing.  I like the innovation but it didn't leave much impact.

♥ Kani Mango Crunch (260 php)

I've loved the Kani Mango Crunch before and it has once again made my heart swooned with its layered greens, ripe mangoes, cucumber strips, crispy wanton and vermicelli.  The sasabi mayo dressing adds the final touch that leaves a brilliant sensation to the taste buds.   

  

Smoked Salmon Salad (280 php)

The Smoked Salmon Salad with onion rings, cherry tomatoes, mixed green, paermesan shavings and dill dressing is another must try salad from Naci.

Entrees

Seafood

Grilled Mahi Mahi (380 php)

I'm rarely impress with grilled dishes.  But, this Grilled Mahi Mahi is delicious!  There's something magical with the combination of the Grilled Mahi Mahiand the dill cream that makes it light yet flavorful at the same time.  

Poultry

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken (320 php)

The Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is succulent but I found the sauce too sweet for my preference.  For the price, I was yearning for something special.

Lites (Merienda)

Steak and Cheese Pizza (540 php)

The Steak and Cheese Pizza reminds me of philly cheese steak really.  Its got thin slices of beef tenderloin, fresh shitake mushrooms and cheese sauce.  Being a huge mushroom fun, I really enjoyed this.  But, I think the Pecking Chicken Pizza, I had last time is still a clear winner. 

Nadine's Adobo Cannelloni (360 php)

The Nadine's Adobo Cannelloni is a pasta roll filled with classic flaked adobo.  It is topped with Bechamel laced with Adobo Sauce and Mozzarella.  It is also served with foccacio break which makes it a complete meal by itself.  If you enjoy the salty taste of Adobo together with zesty cheese, you'll like this.  I'm still a fan of their Beef Caldereta Lasagna though.


Pasta

♥ Penne Al Fungi with White Shrimps (360 php)

I'm not usually a fond of white cream sauces for pasta, but the basil mushroom cream sauce of the Penne Al Fungi with White Shrimps is an interesting twist.  Plus, I love shrimps and mushroom so what a glorious meal it is for me.  

Mouthwatering Cakes
I description is 100% accurate!

♥ Chocolate Ganache Cake (165 php/slice)

The Chocolate Ganache Cake is on top of my list among their cake selections!  It is coated with thick, smooth and rich chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth in every bite.  And, its soft luscious moist chocolate is so heavenly that you just can't get enough until you finish the entire slice.

Red Velvet Cake (130 php/slice)

The Red Velvet Cake had a nice taste to it which is neither too sweet nor bland.  But, I found it a bit dry.

Pistachio Sanrival (120 php/slice)

The Pistachio Sanrival has wonderful delicately crispy, sweet, chewy, and nutty layers.   Being a big fan of the unique nutty taste of pistachio, I'm pleased that their topped with lots of them. 

Premium Cupcakes
Tip: If you buy a dozen, you get 30 php off!

Chocolate Ganache (90 php), ♥ Red Velvet (75 php), ♥ Caramel Cream (75 php) and Black and White (90 php)

I enjoyed the cake version rather than the Chocolate Ganache cupcake.  I found it a bit dry.  On the otherhand, the Red Velvet is surprisingly way better than the cake.  It's rich with the tangy cream cheese frosting and the cupcake is soft and moist.  At first, I had the impression that the Caramel Cream would be too sweet for my taste but I was wrong!  The light chiffon layer with vanilla cream neutralizes the caramel fudge so its well-balanced.  I used to be really impressed with the Black and White cupcake but now I'd choose the Chocolate Ganache Cake over it. 

Drinks

Fresh Fruit Shakes

♥ Black Grape Shake (165 php)

My friend ordered and loved her Black Grape Shake.

Smoothies and Shakes

♥ Strawberry Kiss (235 php)

The Strawberry Kiss is  not only visually appealing, it tastes even better with its refreshing mysterious subtleties.  But, the price will surely make you think twice.

♥ Mocha Java Chip (225 php)

Being a coffee lover, I tried the Mocha Java Chip and its amazing!  It had a smooth rich aromatic espresso taste that simply allures my senses.

Signature Iced Teas

Tamarind Iced Tea (120 php)

The Tamarind Iced Tea is a must try if you're want to try a new twist to iced teas. 


Update June 15, 2014: Relocated to their original location in Connecticut Greenhills as Cafe Naci.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I see a bright future for Naci Comfort Food in its new home.  Its a great place to consider when at the Fort Bonifacio area.  They have a lot of variety from breakfast to heavy meals.  They even have a Cohen Friendly menu.  I'd even vouch for their desserts and drinks.