After my first visit at Village Tavern (see previous post), we've come back to try their new offerings as it celebrates its first year anniversary.  Since I've already share its luxurious and cozy ambiance, I hope you don't mind if I go straight to their delectable dishes.

Food

Complimentary Nachos

Small Plates

♥ Crispy Clam with Spicy Lemon Dip (375 php)

The Crispy Clam with Spicy Lemon Dip is a must try for those who love fried nibblers.  Each clam is perfectly coated in batter and enjoyably chewy and tasty.  I just love how the spicy lemon dip is able to perk it up to another level too.  This is also served with a small plate of salad.  The serving size is suggested for sharing.

Appetizers

Roasted Bone Marrow (295 php)

The Roasted Bone Marrow is served with salt, sourdough, parsley and apple cider vinegar dip.  Unfortunately, all the components when eaten together with the bone marrow was still too plain for my taste buds.


Salads

♥ Fully Loaded Romaine Heart (425 php)

The Fully Loaded Romaine Heart is a delicious salad with slices of bacon strips, rd onions, tomatoes, bleu cheese chunks and bleu cheese dressing.  As a fan of bleu cheese, I am totally captivated by this salad.  The bleu cheese dressing and the bacon creates a powerful flavorful balance.


Tavern Specialties

♥ Lamb Rack (675 php)

I liked how the Lamb Rack was cooked emanating with a fragrant hint of rosemary.  It was tender with a clean meaty taste.  It was laid on a bed of smooth mashed potatoes mixed with green peas and mint.



Fish

Cod Fish (525 php)

The Cod Fish is a pan seared Atlantic cod with Spanish chorizo, caramelized garlic and onions and salted potato slices.  The mixture of flavors is superb.  However, the cod is a bit dry.  Since it's pan seared, I expected the middle part to be a bit undercooked so the fish meat would be soft and moist.


Steakhouse Steaks

Tomahawk 35 oz (2,895 php)

The Tomahawk is not new but we wanted to see the size of it for ourselves.  It is big but the taste is no different from the smaller portion of the Angus Beef Steak we tried before. 


Homemade Desserts

Frozen Lime Souffle (295 php)

The Frozen Lime Souffle is beautifully garnished with candied lime and almond powder.

Frozen Lime Souffle (295 php)

I was expecting a souffle to be something between cake-like and custard-like but instead, the Frozen Lime Souffle had a frozen whipped cream texture and lime sorbet at the bottom.  The cool citrus concept is a good but it felt short in delivering impact to our senses. 

Beverages

Iced Coffee (120 php), Apple Carrot (150 php) and Dalandan (140 php)

Tip: They also have the Wednesday Night Out which features half off all wines by the glass as well as all cocktails and liquors. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
It's definitely a good move for Village Tavern to introduce new products.  I look forward to trying more of their offering in the future.  It's delicious dishes and cozy and elegant ambiance makes every meal a pleasurable one. 

Ever since I spotted Cold Stone Creamery being constructed in Serendra Bonifacio Global City, I've been a following their Facebook Fan Page for news when they would open.  Cold Stone Creamery is a super premium ice cream concept originating in Arizona and is now dominating the world with stores in over 20 countries outside the United States.

So you can't imagine my excitement when the girls at The Foodies Circle mentioned about being the first to try out Cold Stone Creamery and interview its President Micheal McGill.  Being an ultimate ice cream lover, this has definitely made it to my list of the best moments of a foodies' life. 


After the official opening of its Serendra branch (UPDATE  as of May 30, 2013:  It's open now!), Cold Stone Creamery will have its second branch at SM Mall of Asia by July.  It aims to open four branches by the end of the year.  They intend to open 10 branches in total and hire around 200 employees in the process.


Upon entry, we were welcomes with the jolly popular songs that were altered with "Cold Stone Creamery" lyrics.  It was fun to listen the songs as the entire crew (yes, even those behind the bar making ice cream) sing them with utmost energy. 

President Micheal McGill directs the crew

The counter is systematically arranged so you can create your Ultimate Ice Cream with ease.  You can watch the whole preparation through the clear glass too.



We were told to order whatever we want and so we did with glee.

Signature Ice Cream
These are the steps to make your Ultimate Ice Cream.

Step 1: Choose Your Size

Sizes: Lick it (3 oz  or 85 g), Like it (5 oz  or140 g), Love it (8 oz  or 230 g), Gotta Have it (12 oz  or 340 g), Mine, Ours and Everybody's

You can choose how much ice cream you want based on the size of the container.  


Step 2: Choose Whether Ice Cream, Create Your Own (Ice Cream + 1 Mix-in) or Signature Creations




You can opt for the plain Ice Cream.   They have 20 handcrafted flavors consisting of Cold Stone's Always Available Flavors, Seasonal Flavors, Local Favorite Flavors and Fruity Sorbets.

Always Available Flavors

• Coffee 
• Cheesecake 
• Sweet Cream 
• Chocolate 
• French Vanilla 
• Mint 
• Cake Batter Ice Cream 

Seasonal Flavors and Local Favorite Flavors

• Peanut Butter
• Pistachio
  
• Salted Caramel
• Mocha
• Dark Chocolate
• Cotton Candy
• Butter Pecan 
• Banana
• Cinnamon 
• Orange Dreamsicle 

Fruity Sorbets

• Raspberry Sorbet 
• Strawberry Mango Banana Sorbet

You can add a twist with the Create Your Own (Ice Cream + 1 Mix-in) or get a wholesome experience with their Signature Creations.  Since the Mix In's are priced at 35 php each,  I find the Signature Creations an affordable deal because they add at least 3 Mix In's in each creation and your assured that the components blend well together.


Step 3: Add Mix-Ins (35 php)


If you think they've got a lot of ice cream variants, they have more to offer in terms of Mix-Ins.  They incorporated local Mix-Ins like the Hany Milk Chocolate and Dried Mangoes.

Candy Mix-Ins

• Butterfinger
• Chocolate Chips
• White Chocolate Chips
• Gummy Bears
• Heath Bar
• Kit Kat
• M&M's
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
• Snickers
• Rainbow Sprinkles
• Twix
• Hany Milk Chocolate
• Jelly Beans
• Marshmallows

Nut Mix-Ins

• Roasted Almonds
• Pecans

Fruit Mix-Ins

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Dried Mangoes
• Coconut

Cakes & Cookie Mix-Ins

• Graham Cracker Pie Crust
• Oreo
• Brownies
• Whipped Cream
• Caramel

Watch the staffs as they toss your ice cream in the air several times until it lands on their icy workstation.  Then, they'll add the Mix-ins you requested and mix and mash it into your Ultimate Ice Cream Creation.

Final Step: Choose Your Cone or Bowl

Chocolate Coated Waffle Bowl (45 php), Plain Waffle Bowl (35 php) and Rainbow Sprinkles Coated Waffle Bowl (45 php)

If you want to upgrade your plain cup into a waffle cone or bowl, you can choose whether its Plain Waffle Cone or Bowl, Chocolate Coated Waffle Cone or Bowl or Rainbow Sprinkles Coated Waffle Bowl.

What We Had 

Cinnamon with Pecan, Roasted Almonds and Brownie (188 php + 35 php + 35 php)

I love anything cinnamon but I've never tried an ice cream version of it so I chose the Cinnamon with Pecan, Roasted Almonds and Brownie.  It was really good because the cinnamon flavor is subtle.  The Mix-Ins complemented it well especially the brownie which had a moist and fudge-y texture.
 

Salted Caramel with Pecan and Almonds (188 php + 35 php)

Sumi tried the popular Salted Caramel with Pecan and Almonds.  I was expecting this to be heavily sweetened like the local ones I've tried.  But instead, it was vanilla ice cream with a hint of salt and caramel.   I find this more enjoyable to eat!  This is now my favorite version.

Strawberry Mango Banana Sorbet with Blueberries (188 php + 35 php)

Berylle, who loves sorbet choose the one with the most combination, the Strawberry Mango Banana Sorbet with Blueberries.  It had a distinguishing consistency that is praise-worthy.  It was light, refreshing and fruity but still with a pleasant creaminess.  

Combinations
We just couldn't have enough so we went for a second round.

Pistachio and Mint in Rainbow Sprinkle Coated Waffle Bowl (188 php + 45 php)

The girls were suggesting to make a combination.  I dared to try and make one with the Pistachio and Mint in Rainbow Sprinkle Waffle Bowl which was hinted by Berylle.  It was surprisingly good.  It was dominantly pistachio with a cooling effect.  The Rainbow Sprinkle Coated Waffle Bowl was also delicious and crunchier compared to the Plain Waffle and Chocolate Coated Waffle. 


Signature Creations

Our Strawberry Blonde in Chocolate Coated Waffle Cone (180 php + 45 php)

Sumi tried the Our Strawberry Blonde in Chocolate Coated Waffle Cone.   It Strawberry Ice Cream with Graham Cookie Pie Crust, Strawberries, Caramel and Whipped Cream.  It wasfun to eat because of the tangy strawberry bits.  The Chocolate Coated Waffle Cone reminded me of our local chocolate stick snack called "Yan Yan" and the imported "Pocky".

Cheesecake Fantasy in Plain Waffle Bowl (188 php + 35 php)

Berylle who loves cheesecake tried the Cheesecake Fantasy in Plain Waffle Bowl.  It had Cheesecake Ice Cream, Graham Cracker Pie Crust, Blueberries and Strawberries.  Like the rest, this is also rave-worthy.

Beverages


Signature Cakes










After trying out their ice cream, I'm definitely looking forward in purchasing their signature ice cream cakes and cup cakes for one of our upcoming family celebration.

Other Related Posts About Cold Stone Creamery
It's Beryllicious Ultimate Cold Stone Experience
The Purple Doll's Cold Stone Creamery Experience

Now, I don't recall how it started but my family has a tradition to dine at the New Kamameshi House whenever one of graduates.  We've been doing this since kindergarten and now my youngest sister has graduated with her undergraduate degree.  From that, you can also discern how not "new", the New Kamameshi House is.  Don't you find it quite odd that they've incorporated the word "new" to their restaurant name?  I do. 

The New Kameshi House has its own parking space.  Though the sign says it has a valet service, we've never tried it.
The restaurant has a sushi bar which is rarely occupied.  They offer limited seating of a table for six on the first floor and more seats are available on the second floor.


Once you are seated, you will be provided with a complimentary serving of crispy dilis and crunchy beans sprouts which are our favorite. 

Food
We've tried a lot from their menu.  However, in the past few years, we've been ordering these same items which I think are the best among the menu for our preference. 

Nigiri Sushi A La Carte

Hamachi Nigiri (245 php)

The Hamachi Nigiri is a nigiri sushi filled with bits of fresh and raw hamachi or yellowtail. 

Maki Sushi

Spicy Tuna Maki (246 php)

The Spicy Tuna Maki is a mild one in my book but suitable for my little sister who fears spicy dishes.

Yakimono

♥ Yakitori (65 php/stick)

Their Yakitori is one of the best ones for me.  The sauce is not too sweet but quite tasty.  The meat is tender and succulent.  It's also affordable. 

Agemono Tempura and Kara Age

♥ Ebi Tempura (402 php)

You can always judge a good Ebi Tempura by its looks.  A light colored batter with course but not too rugged texture is a good sign.  The size is right too.  


Kamameshi

♥ Gomoku Kamameshi (198 php)

The Gomoku Kamameshi is always our main purpose for our visit. It is served in the special cookware.  The rice paddle used to be wooden but now I noticed they use the conventional plastic ones. 

♥ Gomoku Kamameshi (198 php)

The Gomoku Kamameshi has five toppings: shitake mushrooms, shrimps, carrots, beans and ground pork.  Whenever I crave for Kamameshi rice, I think of this.  I've tried a lot of others in the past but all of them are pale in comparison to this one.  This is by far the best Kamameshi in the Metro.  The taste, texture and even the burnt ones at the bottom will leave you wanting for more. 



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The New Kamameshi House has been our favorite since I've learned to chew and it will always be.  I've yet to try a Kamameshi that is nearly as satisfying as the one they offer.  This place is the best Kamameshi in the Metro for me.  Not convinced?  Try it out and taste for yourself. 

Last year, I discovered The Sandwich Guy (see review) which offers meals that are affordable and healthy that are conveniently packed for those who are in a hurry or on the go. 


Aside from a wide range of sandwiches, they also have pasta and other side dishes.

For you to try and experience dining at The Sandwich Guy, I'm giving away  1,000 php gift certificate to one (1) lucky reader valid at The Sandwich Guy Megamall Branch until June 25, 2013. 

Contest will begin on May 24, 2013 and end at June 2, 2013.  Winner must reply via email with his shipping WITHIN 3 days.  Otherwise, we will have a redraw.   Only residents of Metro Manila are qualified to enter.

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