I've never tried an Italian Ice and Frozen Custard before so I was really excited to find out that Rita's opened here in the Philippines.

I've been dreaming about this moment for a very long time...


They have a screen with the flavors that are available for the day.

There were so many flavors to choose from!


To add more to the complication, they also had many kinds of products.
 
Cups were displayed so we had an idea of the serving size.


As I glanced down to the chiller, I saw tubs filled with an assortment of colors and flavors.




I couldn't help but be excited as I ordered.

Aside from the storefront, there are more seating in the back. 

Soon, my name was called and I got my orders.

Sugar-Free Cherry and Mango Italian Ice Large (125 php)

The Sugar-Free Cherry and Mango Italian Ice combination had a nice tanginess from the cherry and a mild peachy flavor from the mango.  Yes, I find foreign mangoes to be a bit more peachy than our sweet local Mangoes.  Trying the Italian Ice made me realize that I prefer the Asian shaved ice counterparts. 
 

Orange Frozen Custard (125 php)

I had so much expectations... the color seemed enticing... But, when I tried my Orange Frozen Custard, I did not like it.  It was too sweet and somehow it felt too artificial.
 

Mint Oreo + Chocolate + Whole Cherries Blendini (130 php)

The only order that brought me happiness is my Mint Oreo + Chocolate + Whole Cherries Blendini.  The mint oreo and chocolate worked wonderfully.  And, the cherries made it even enjoyable. 

Custard Cookie Sandwich (89 php)

The Custard Cookie Sandwich is the cheapest item on the menu.  But, I can't help but compare it to the Dairy Queen's DQ Sandwich which is way cheaper at 39 php.  In terms of price, taste and texture, I prefer Dairy Queens.   Too bad they are not partnered with Oreo anymore though because I love Oreo.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Too much expectations is what I got from Rita's.  Well, it's still worth a try.  At least, I have found my preference for their Blendini's.

I've tried liquid nitrogen ice cream before so when I saw Kool Kids Ice Cream and Co while the family was strolling in SM Mega Fashion Hall. 
To my surprise, they have already tried it.  But, since I haven't tried this brand, we might as well make a quick stop. 

What's "Kool" about Kool Kids is that they have a different menu for every revisit. 

We ordered the Yuzu large for sharing.  I watched as they made the cream into ice cream. 

First, they would scoop or pour in the cream.  Then, they would whip it.  

And, to freeze it, they would add the smoky liquid nitrogen while simultaneously whipping. 

For a while, all we see is cold mist.

Finally, we recognized our ice cream as it is being scooped into our cup.  

Yuzu Large (130 php)

We were given a large waffle chip to eat it with.  We loved the rich and refreshing taste and the creamy texture.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Kool Kids Ice Cream and Co offers liquid nitrogen ice cream in unique flavors.  If you need something to "kool" you off, this is a great choice. 

Most addicts don't admit that they are addicts.  But, I'm really honest so I'll confess I'm an ice cream addict!   To prevent myself from stuffing up on too much ice cream (I used to eat a pint/s a day), I have a personal policy of not eating ice cream unless someone else invites me.  So one usual malling night, the family decided to try Swensen's. 

Of course, I was so excited! 

I quickly checked out the flavors at the counter even though all the diners are seated as they have a menu so no need to stand up lol.



As I counted, they have 16 different flavors available.
 
They had a large seating capacity but it was a bit crowded.

Food

♥ Apple Cranberry Sorbet (95 php) and ♥ Blueberry Cobbler (95 php) (Add 20 php for the Waffle Cone)

♥ Yogen Berry (95 php), Mango (95 php) and Blueberry Cobbler (95 php)

We really love that they have tarty options.  The flavors are also out of the ordinary.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Swensen's Philippines offers delicious ice cream that will cool you down anytime you need to chill.  They have lots of flavors to offer so you'll sure find one to your liking.  However, I find their pricing a bit steep. 

While enjoying our meal at Chilli & Ink, I tried checking in on Foursquare which hinted that Iscreamist is is nearby!  I couldn't restrain my voice from excitement since I've been wanting to go there since forever but I know it's far far away from home.  We were heard by the owner and staff at Chilli & Ink who told us to try it out since its very popular in the area.  They themselves have tried it too.  

Lucky for me, my good friend Sumi agreed to accompany me there.  I was like a little kid frantic to go there after our meal that I even forgot my bag at Chilli & Ink.  =/  


As we went in, there was a line alright.  As expect, the place was packed too.  


Seating capacity is only up to 15 persons max.  As soon as there were leaving customers, I reserved the seat while Sumi was still at the counter.

I guess this lists all their possible ice cream flavors.


But, flavors vary per day.  You can see the menu by the back of the counter.


Though limited in space, I loved the blue hue atmosphere of the place with blue orb lights.  It gives a scientific or futuristic or even out of this world kind of vibe.


The Making of Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
I got to watch how the make their Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream. 
Step 1: They pour the liquid nitrogen in the bowl of flavored cream.

Step 2: Mix fast and hard for a few seconds.

Step 3: Scoop out the Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream.

The Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream is priced at 150 php.  I really wanted to try it but we were really stuffed and we have a dinner after. 

Dragons Breath

♥ Dragons Breath S'Mores (45 php/4 pcs)

The Dragons Breath are snacks which you can dip on the Liquid Nitrogen and you'll literally breath smoke or mist.  They offer it in three variants: 

• S'Mores - 45 php for 4 pcs.
• Mini Macarons - 49 php for 2 pcs.
• Tiramisu - 65 php for 4 pcs.

We decided to go for their classic Dragons Breath S'Mores which was the cheapest option for the same experience.  The Dragons Breath S'Mores stuck in Popsicle stick and placed on what appears to me as an ashtray hehe.  It is also served with a Styrofoam half-filled with Liquid Nitrogen.  The staff told us to dip it in the cup for 7 seconds then continuously bite it so our tongue won't freeze.  


We recall reading this warning so we were quite cautious and unsure on what to do. XD

♥ Dragons Breath S'Mores (45 php/4 pcs)

Soon, the mist around the Dragons Breath S'Mores faded and Sumi decided to try it out first.

♥ Dragons Breath S'Mores (45 php/4 pcs)

She gently held on the end of the stick and dipped it into the cup counting 7 seconds as the liquid nitrogen bubbles.  

♥ Dragons Breath S'Mores (45 php/4 pcs)

This was the difficult part for us since we don't know how long to wait before we have to bite on it.  Sumi waited a bit and then bit it.  The Dragons Breath S'Mores shattered and felt into pieces unto the floor.  On the second try, she got it right already.

♥ Dragons Breath S'Mores (45 php/4 pcs)

 On my first try, it didn't fall nor shatter but I waited too long that it lost most of its mist.  Well, this is what Liquid Nitrogen frozen Dragons Breath S'Mores look like.



And, this is my second try caught on camera.  Now, I'm usually camera shy and keep my identity secret.  This is one of the extremely rare occasions, you get to see me because I really want to share the experience so enjoy!  I guess this is like Shisha except cooler plus you get smoke of your nose too haha.  



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The Iscreamist grants everyone an opportunity for a fun and thrilling ice cream and snack adventure with the use of Liquid Nitrogen.  It is a one of kind experience for a reasonable price.  To guys out there who want to impress their date, bring them here and I'm should they will love it.  I'll definitely be back and order their ice cream on my next visit!

When we were toddlers, our family used to frequent Magnolia Ice Cream house.  We were quite saddened when it closed down.  A few years ago, it opened again in San Miguel By The Bay in SM Mall of Asia.  We were able to eat there twice and then it also closed down.  We're been waiting for the come back of Magnolia Flavor House which has finally opened at its original location which is now Robsinson's Magnolia.  We eagerly waited in line just to try it out once more.

Magnolia Flavor House has a round structure of its own located in the outdoor area of Robinson's Magnolia.  With the scorching heat of the sun during the afternoons in our tropical country, Magnolia Flavor House has been a refuge for cold comfort and frozen sweet treats.  They also serve cooked dishes too in case you don't want to skip to dessert at once. 


Magnolia Flavor House has a cozy waiting area.  You'd have to stay there if you don't want to risk missing your turn when you're name is called.


Although they have a counter for take-outs of food and ice cream purchases, Magnolia Flavor House has staffs to take your orders at your table.


The place is brightly with large lamps.  There are also chillers of the usual flavors and the limited edition President's Tub which can only be purchased there. 

Food

Ice Cream Specialties

We noticed that their menu  has more variety than the previous stores.  We're glad the our old classic favorites are still there too.

♥ Peach Melba (240 php)

The Peach Melba is my mom's old time favorite.  She never orders anything else except for this.  I do agree with her preference on this though.  It does have an appealing taste with the peaches, nuts and light glaze of caramel syrup together with the mellow mango, strawberry and vanilla ice cream flavors.  And, it also has the classic whipped cream with cherry on top to enhance the experience.

♥ Amazing Batman's Brownie Overload (260 php)

The Amazing Batman's Brownie Overload has two scoops of chocolate ice cream and one scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate syrup.  It has three brownies that lay on whipped cream dividing them and then showered with small marshmallows on the side.  I'm quite surprised that the brownies where plain unlike the image on the menu which looked like fudge brownies glazed with caramel.  But, this dessert with whipped cream and cherry on top was still a delicious sweet treat. 

Crepe Parfait (180 php)

The Crepe Parfait has three scoops of ice cream: mango, strawberry and chocolate.  If you don't like the flavor, you can always request them to change it.  It has a frozen crispy crepe, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, chocolate wafer, chocolate coated candies and lastly, whipped cream with strawberry on top.  This is a pleasurable treat but I found it a challenge to eat with the crepe.

Flavor House Concoctions (Cold Stone Ice Creams)

The Flavor House Concoctions is actually something new to us so we decided to try one. 

♥ Citrus Vanilla Mango (175 php)

The Citrus Vanilla Mango is mango ice cream mixed with white chocolate chips with mandarin orange bits on the bottom and drizzled with caramel syrup.  I found it refreshing and enjoyable to eat.  But for the price, I'd rather order the specialties with three scoops than this.  My ice cream cravings can't be satisfied by this serving size.  On the bright side, this is a great choice for those who love waffle cones.  It also has whipped cream with cherry on top and a chocolate coated stick biscuit.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Magnolia Flavorhouse serves frozen sweet treats that's perfect for the summer!  Old classics die hard and this one will last for generations.  As a ice cream lover, this is one of my favorite places to go to when at Robinson's Magnolia.  I'm certain that I'll be bound to drop by here again especially this summer season.  I'll purchase and try their President's Tub on my next visit too.