OT: Serenitea Cebu

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You might not know but this tea shop is among the forerunners of the milk tea craze in the Philippines. They are said to be the first to bring milk tea from Taiwan here to the Philippines.

Their place is just along the hallway in Calyx. They have a green and white theme which is really relaxing.

We ordered large Hokkaido (P105) and wintermelon milk tea  (P105). I suggested the Hokkaido to the boyfriend since I've seen it featured a couple of times on TV. I ordered mine to try a usual milk tea flavor. Their Hokkaido tasted like a coffee and milk tea in one. I'm not really a fan of coffee so I didn't like it. Even the boyfriend disliked his own milk tea. Maybe those coffee lovers would enjoy Hokkaido. But, not us. Their wintermelon milk tea tasted like any shop's wintermelon. It was very much like Heart Tea's wintermelon. I just thought that Serrinitea was a bit pricey, being over 100 bucks.

I was really expecting so much from Serrinitea. I've watched a couple of TV shows featuring their milk tea so I have always been intrigued on how their milk tea tastes like. I was disappointed that they were a bit expensive. Those who are coffee lovers and like the variety of milk teas that they offer, may enjoy their freshly brewed teas.

UPDATE: Because of my day job, I was able to attend Serenitea's grand opening and meet the people behind Serenitea and the latest Cebu branch. They gave away free milk tea and a jumbo size at that. I got their Okinawa milk tea, which I expected to be a coffee-ish flavored tea, like Hokkaido. I was surprised that it was really good. It was creamy and sweet, just as I like it. I definitely loved their Okinawa milk tea. It was just difficult for me to finish everything up because of the size.

In three months time, they will also be offering some side dishes and snacks to clients , which is something I'd like to try soon.

Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino

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Well, I'm not really a fan of Starbucks. Whenever I feel like having a frap or chilling in a coffee shop, the Starbucks in Ayala Center Cebu is always swelling with customers. I dislike crowded places. If you spot me in Strabucks, I would usually order the generic java chip frap or grab a bottle of Tazo. 

When I heard about this cotton candy frappuccino, which is a big hit online (more in Canada and the US), I vowed myself that I had to try it. I thought that it won't be available here in the Philippines.

So, I took the boyfriend to Starbucks after dinner yesterday and I got myself the cotton candy frap. The boyfriend, on the other hand, got his usual caramel frap. I can tell you that I was super excited when the barista said they can whip this  for me.

Don't say you want a cotton candy frap because I'm sure they won't know. Do tell them you want a vanilla creme frap with a pump of raspberry. You would have to pay extra for the raspberry, though. 

cotton candy frap

I read in reviews that it really does taste like cotton candy. Mine wasn't as sweet as cotton candy, though. Maybe if I added one more pump of raspberry, it would be really sweet. My cotton candy frap tasted candy-ish, which was enough to satisfy my sugar craving. I'm just trying to whistle away the calories, like it never happened.

Cotton candy frappuccino is officially my favorite cold drink! I feel in love with the first sip. It's so heavenly! I'd definitely grab one again next time after eating healthy for a few days.

P.S. Comment down below if you want more of these new Starbucks menu and if you're bored with the ones on the counter. I think I'm getting a hang of this. ;)

OT: Pizzeria Michaelangelo

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The first time I went to Pizzeria Michaelangelo was work related. I had to interview the general manager, Chef Massimo la Magna, for their ad. He offered us some dishes and they were really heavenly. We tried their pasta and pizza and they were both so flavorful. I then vowed to go back again and try their yummy pasta.

So, I through of bringing the boyfriend with me to the restaurant next time. He's also a fan of pasta and I figured it would be a nice date.

When we got there, the place was empty. I guess we were too early for dinner. The staff attended to our needs right away. They were really nice and courteous. The ambiance was comfortable and cozy, as usual. I was glad that the boyfriend found the place charming. He's not really the type of person who's comfortable with posh places. So, I was really happy he liked the place.

Alla Contadina

Boscaiola

pistachio gelato

vanilla pistachio

We ordered Alla Contadina (P250), Boscaiola (P290), pistachio gelato (P85), vanilla gelato (P85), and some Sola. I tried the Alla Contadina when I interviewed Chef Massimo. I really loved it. So, I wanted to try it again. The sauce is made to perfection. The tomato sauce and the herbs complement each other. There's a strong "herb" kind of flavor with every bite. But, it's just sooo good. The boyfriend's Boscaiola is really sumptuous. The white sauce was just creamy and yummy. The boyfriend definitely loved and enjoyed his food.

I looove their gelato. It was delicious. Although the serving is a bit smaller than Gelatissimo's, it was definitely enjoyable.Vanilla tasted just how it should be. It was creamy and had some bits of chocolate that made it even more good on the taste buds.  My pistachio was just heavenly. I love pistachio and it was the best way to finish our sumptuous dinner.

I would definitely go back to Michaelangelo, if I have the time. The food and service is really worth that short walk from the jeepney stop. It really is the best Italian restaurant in Cebu. Thanks to Chef Massimo for taking care of us and for the complimentary drinks, as well. :)