We encounter so many relationships in our lives.  Among them, friendships are the most unique because we get to choose to form them...  My last visit at Dean & DeLuca is a celebration of such friendship...

a friendship which began from our common interest - food and blogging.  Nearly a decade has gone by and we have undergone a lot of changes. 

Though we all still love food, we don't go out just to food blog anymore due to our busy schedule or change in life priorities.  Yes, sad to say The Foodies Circle phase has gone.  But, our true and unnamed friendship remains. 

We had a heavy dinner elsewhere and was quite full.  But, we haven't seen each other for so long that we wanted to extend our chat here at Dean & DeLuca Tomas Morato.  It was almost its closing hours and yet the place was packed with a long queue.  The service was surpeb.  They entertained our orders even before being seated.  

Also, we were not ousted despite occupying our table past its closing time.  We couldn't help it.  The ambiance of the place made it quite nice to stay for a long chat.   Though I have to confess, because I am an introvert, I only recently discovered that most people find chatting as a stress reliever.  I could go on forever without talking and I'd be fine.  But, it was a fun night for me because I like to be around people I admire the most.  Even after a tiring day at work, I'd be recharged by their positive energy, outlook and wisdom.  

Apart from my family, these food buddies have the closest preference with me even with desserts!  Though we were all intrigued by the Purple Yam Hokkaido Cake, the girls were so considerate to order this because they all know my favorites and Purple Yam/Ube is one of them! (Arigato Gozaimasu Girls!!! \(≧∇≦)/ )

On its own stand as a cafe, Dean & DeLuca especially the Tomas Morato branch had quality food, service and ambiance.  It gave us an awesome tea time experience.  While it does not appear to be an expansive deli as it is known for in some parts of the world, it is certainly a cafe stop we'd consider when in the area.  The price is not stakingly high given the quality, service and ambiance that it provides.  Another additional factor to consider in justfying its pricing is that it is an international franchised luxury brand.

Every time we visit Fully Booked, there is always something new to learn.  This time however, it is not book-related.  For such a long time, we've been visiting Press by Fully Booked solely for its beverages that we buy before or after we check out the book.

To our defense, look at Press by Fully Booked's logo?  You see two things: a book and a beverage cup.  We'd also like to add that it serves really good coffee and lemonade. 

One of the distinct characteristic for us with Fully Booked is that although it is a mass-scale of a bookstore, you can still feel that it is inviting and has a personal touch to it. It's the kind of a charm of "The Shop Around the Corner", a small boookstore that is depicted in the movie "You've Got Mail" that was casted by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. 

We had the same feeling with Press by Fully Booked and its menu.  Aside from its regular menu, it also has seasonal offerings like the Christmas Holiday Meals. 

As far as cream-based soups, our favorite since childhood has always been cream of mushroom.  Press' Mushroom soup is one of the best we've had in years.

All the dishes we're tried like the Classic Caesar made use of the freshest ingredients.  Because of that, the price here is quite reasonable especially for this branch which is located in Rockwell Power plant.  

Variety is always well-appreciated in every potluck.  Can't decide on which cheesecake to bring?  Take the Four Seasons Cheesecake with Original, Caramelized Banana, Queso De Bola and Hazelnut and let your guests decide for themselves.  But for you, we highly suggest that your take from the Queso De Bola cheesecake part right away cause it is surely the first one to be wiped!  The Caramelized Banana and Hazelnut is also an interesting pick.  We were so surprised with the Hazelnut which delivered cute little crunchiness in every bite.  We rarely encounter a hazelnut product that makes used of fresh tiny bits of the actual nut itself so we were really impressed.

And, because variety is well-appreciate, there also a cookie and bar counterpart with the Cookie Sampler with Chocolate Chip, Cranberry & Raisins, Double Chocolate and Double Mint Chocolate Chip...  

Like every visit to Fully Booked, we found our visit to Press by Fully Booked to be a wonderful experience.  We found all the dishes we tried to be affordable and in generous portions.  We also found the bright yet solemn atmosphere which makes it conducive for reading, meetings and conversations to be a great consideration for dining here. 

It has been five years since I last posted about Amici!  That is a long time ago so a revisit and an update of its new menu is only proper.  

Since dishes are freshly prepared at Amici, its a wise choice to order their dips that you can munch on while waiting for your main course.  When it comes to dips, my favorite is the spinach and artichoke.  But, when I tried the Smoked Salmon Dip, I feel that my favorite has a new contender.  I may order this again next time.

The Creamy Tomato Soup is not a usual offering so I was really intrigued by it.  It tanginess gave a refreshing kickstart for the palette.  The warmth and creaminess was an instant comfort to the tongue.

I can imagine the Chorizo Puttanesca being a popular choice.  Its flavorful yet not overwhelming.

Salmon lovers rejoice!  The Salmone Alffumicato is the perfect salmon pasta!  The salmon taste was brought out wonderfully!

New Gelato Flavors

For those who crave for the sweet caramel bliss, the Dulce De Leche is for you.

The Vanilla is a classic.  Whenever I don't feel like trying out other flavors, I always go for Vanilla.  Wonder if others appreciate it the way I do.

If there's an Ube option, that's definitely my choice!  If on the go, I'd get a cup but if dine-in, the cake and gelato combo I shared about is the best!

Are you a planner or spontaneous when it comes to trips?  When I go on solo trips, I am quite am a planner.  But, the family is so spontaneous that when we got to Tagaytay, Cafe Vio La popped out in Swarm and we ended up checking it out.

After all, I haven't been back to Crosswinds for the past seven years.  It is the first time for the family to visit Crosswinds.  

Seeing beautiful things like this makes me grateful to have a spontaneous family.  Had I planned going here, I wouldn't be as pleased by this wonderful surprise. 

although the general theme is colorful and lively.

Even though we just had lunch, our eyes glittered as we saw a chiller filled with cakes.  

Even until now, my family surprises me.  They say they are are full and then they order pizza.  I'm glad they did because the Cafe Vio La Special is a really good pizza.  It was so fragrant and the cheese would stretch when you pull out a slice.  I also thought I was full but turns out I wanted more of this as soon as I tried it.  

The Key Lime Pie had a nice tartiness to it.  It's another rarity to find a dessert like this so I'm so happy we discovered this place.

I wanted to try a non-caffeinated drink so I ordered the Cantaloupe.