Whenever I take MRT Ayala and pass by SM Makati and the first thing I notice is Bono Artisanal Gelato.  I've been meaning to try it but always find myself short for time.  So last month while waiting for my friends, I finally answered my curiosity and tried it. 

It's a simple gelato bar with white shiny tables and cushions seats.  The bar is bright with soft yellow-white light emanating from the balls right above it. 

As I browsed over its menu, I had a sense of gluttony wanting to try them all.  I had difficulty in deciding. 

They even offer flavors seasoned for the summer.  Some of them are mixed in with alcohol too.

Seeing my puzzled look, the friendly staff offered me to sample of their best-seller Movie Night.  It had tiny potato chip bits that was quite salty and caramel.  It reminded me of a lightened version of the currently trending Salted Caramel flavor.   Since I was looking for something unique, I settled for the Malted Cookie Dough. 

♥ Malted Cookie Dough in Cup (200 php/Double Scoop)

My Malted Cookie Dough in Cup had a rough waffle cookie on it.  I really love the smooth and creamy texture of their gelato.  They don't scrimp on the ingredients too.

The Malted Cookie Dough had sweet and chewy malted milk cubes, mini chocolate chips, cookie dough bits and walnuts.  I had a lot of fun with the playful mix of textures and flavors.  The sweet taste could get a bit overwhelming though so you'll enjoy it better if you alternate a spoonful with a bite at the waffle biscuit.


It's really delicious!  I finished my cup clean see. =)


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Bono Artisanal Gelato offers creatively delicious frozen treats that will surely win you over.  I like their concept.   Making new flavors regularly will surely entice people like me to try them.  In terms of price, I find it a bit expensive but it's worth paying for since what they make can't be found elsewhere.  Their place may not be as cozy as coffee shops but their have a speedy and reliable WiFi makes it a great hang out option.

I haven't met a single girl who is not a fan of Precious Moments.  When ever we pass by Precious Moments Cafe, Restaurant and Gift Shop, my little sisters would ask me when I'll take them there. 

So the day finally came when my friend Sumi and I decided to bring our little sisters along to check it out.

Though the storefront looks a bit humble, once you step in, you'll feel like entering a life-sized dollhouse with Precious Moments figurines and paintings. 

Precious Moments Cafe Menu

 The Precious Moments Cafe offers a variety of beverages, pasta, sandwiches and cakes.

Cakes and Cupcakes

The Precious Moments Restaurant is quite spacious it even has long tables and couches.  Each table is covered with white linen sheets with a table set up fit for a royalty. 

On the second floor is the area for private functions and this is also where all the Precious Moment Manila Club hold their meetings.  It is also a Gift Shop.

You can vieew and buy Precious Moments figurines here.  There are several shelves full of them. 

Precious Moments Collections

My little sister and I can't help but admire the cuteness of each figurine.  We really loved the Disney Figurines the most. 

My Favorite Picks

If only I don't have a tight budget, I'd buy my favorite picks.  But, instead I just took a photo of thm and made them a collage so I could look at how cute they are. 

Food
Precious Moments Restaurant is a full-blown restaurant with an extensive Chinese menu.

Soup (good for 3-4 Persons)

Hot and Sour Soup (230 php)

The Hot and Sour Soup is good for sharing.   It's suggested for 2-3 but it was just right for the four of us.  It was rich in ingredients but I'd prefer a hotter one.

Chicken

♥ Oriental Fried Chicken (210 php/half)

The Oriental Fried Chicken is their recommended best seller.  It was really good.  The chicken skin was golden brown and crispy while the chicken meat was tender.

Beef

Beef with 3 Kinds of Mushrooms (345 php)

 The Beef with 3 Kinds of Mushrooms is fully loaded with 3 kinds of mushrooms which I loved but the beef tenderloin was a bit tough to chew.

Rice

Yang Chow Fried Rice (235 php)

The Yang Chow Fried Rice is the usual fare but for the price, I'd say this is a bargain!  Around 5-6 persons can share this.
 

Cookies and Cream (125 php), ♥ Macademia Hazelnut Latte (125 php) and Vanilla & Caramel (125 php)

All their drinks were very good.  Though they are served in a tall glass, the flavors were rich and wholesome.  The Cookies and Cream had the fragrant taste of mocha with cookie bits.  The Macademia Hazelnut Latte has a soft froth followed by a mellow taste of latte with a hint of hazelnut syrup.  The Vanilla & Caramel was a bit sweetened compared to the rest but still good.



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Precious Moments Cafe, Restaurant and Gift Shop is a great place to visit when you're looking for a sophisticated and cute ambiance with a pricing that will fit your budget.  For guys, you can bring your dates here and I'm sure she'll be pleased.  This is also good for family and group gatherings.  Most of their dishes are good for sharing.   I'll probably come back and try their desserts.  We underestimated their serving size so we ended up bloated even without finishing all our orders. 

The intense heat just makes us crave for the nearest cold treat we see.  So, one summer night, we caught sight of Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo which claims to be the "Pride of Pampanga Since 1970".  Of course, we want to check it out for ourselves.


Ordering was easy since they have only two sizes to choose from: Small and Regular.   

Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo Small (70 php)

I've had a great curiosity over the "Pride of Pampanga Since 1970" and it resulted in puzzlement that it was unlike the typical halo-halo I've tried before.  The Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo has Pastilla de Leche, Sweet Beans, Crushed Ice, Creamed Corn and Carabaos Milk. Upon serving they told us that there's no sugar in it.  But, I actually found it sweet especially because of the chewy Pastilla de Leche.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo is worth a try and you'll probably like it if you're in for the sweet and chewy sensation it offers. 

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.