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.

In the food industry, many establishments come and go.  But, nothing as shocking and saddening for me than to hear the 15-year old La Cocina de Tita Moning closing for good on May 31, 2016.


The family decided to dine and remember the experience before we bid it farewell.  I encourage you to take the opportunity as well.
 
My mom invited her college friend who came all the way from the United States to join us.  We booked a week in advance.  The dining experience begins with a tour around the Legarda Home.











Our last stop of course, is the dining area where our table was already set up with a Murano Bird centerpiece and laden with rose petals.  The Murano Birds were purchased by Don Alejardo and Dona Ramona Legarda during their first trip to Italy.  And, were used as far as the 1920's.  

Food

Starters: Salad

Fresh Papaya Salad with Jamon Serrano, Fresh Basil, Carabao Cheese and Honey Calamansi Vinaigrette (350 php)

Roasted Beet Salad with Organic Greens, Torched Davao Goat Cheese and Caramelized Walnuts (350 php)

Between the two salads, I liked the Roasted Beet Salad with Organic Greens, Torched Davao Goat Cheese and Caramelized Walnuts more.

Starters: Soup

Sopa de Oro (Cream of Pumpkin Soup) (275 php)

Sopa de Molo (Native Pork Dumpling Soup) (275 php)

Main entries and side dishes were served individually by their servers. The Whole Baked Lapu Lapu and Grilled Eggplant Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette were light courses.  They go well with their Salsa Monja which the nuns used to make for the friars as meal acaccompaniment.  It is also found at the center of the table.
 

Paella Vallenciana

Then, we proceeded to heavier ones.
 

Lengua Cooked in White Wine with Sauteed Vegetables and Brown Rice

The Lengua Cooked in White Wine tastes so clean and so soft that it melts in the mouth.

Tita Moning's Slowly Roasted Pork with Its Own Cracklings and Candied Sweet Camote with Sauteed Vegetables and Brown Rice

The Tita Moning's Slowly Roasted Pork with Its Own Cracklings is so good!  It is a tastier, leaner and softer than Lechon.  And, cracklings is super crispy!

Desserts

Tita Moning's Bread and Pudding and Churros Con Chocolate-Eh with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and Calamansi Tart and Fresh Cream

We were all impressed with the Tita Moning's Bread and Pudding.

Drinks

Hot Chocolate

The siblings had Coffee and Herbal Tea.  And, they surprised my little sister with a birthday song and complimentary cake.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
La Cocina de Tita Moning offers an unforgettable and timeless dining experience.  It is so sad that it has to close its doors for good.

My friend Sumi lives far north (from Malabon!) so when she had an agenda in Manila, I invited her to chill at Cafe Travel.

Cafe Travel is a Korean Cafe located at the second floor of Archer's Nook (in front of De Lasalle University Manila). 

Upon entering, we saw the counter with a cake chiller.

The cakes are supplied by Angel N' Kiss which the family have tried in Blue Bay Walk before and disliked.  But it looks so appealing, so how can we resist right?

The cute room-like atmosphere actually reminded me of the SHP Bibimbap nearby.


But, this one has a second level and the air-conditioning is really cool.

They adopt a shoes off policy.


Because of the personal room system, every group had their own agenda.

There are plug available so many did their school group projects there together.  I even saw a couple having a movie marathon on their laptop.  You can stay there as long as you want.  But, there's a minimum of 1 drink per person.

Food
The white clean table made it very photogenic to snap shot our orders.  Unfortunately when I returned with the family, the tables have been full of permanent marker vandalism and tables had stickers of "Do not vandalize" so it wasn't as pleasing to shoot anymore.

Travel Special

Travel Mocha (180 php)

I got the Travel Mocha.  Although I'd prefer it to be less sweet, the strength of the coffee is just right for me.

Beverage

Green Tea Latte (155 php)

Sumi had the Green Tea Latte.  It was very milky but the matcha taste was still evident.

Cake

New York Cheese Cake Plain (190 php)

The New York Cheese Cake Plain was too rich and dense for us that we found it difficult to finish.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're in for food and drink presentation coupled with the cute ambiance, Cafe Travel is worth a visit.  However when the family visited, it just didn't feel as magical to me with all the vandalism.  Their drinks have somehow degraded for me too.  They are now too creamed and sweet.