Starbucks' Caramel Afogato and Belgian Waffle

Forget the calories and indulge yourself once in a while with Starbuck Coffee's Caramel Afogato and Strawberry Belgian Waffle.

Caramel Afogato is actually the cold version of Starbucks' signature beverage, Caramel Macchiato which is vanilla and steamed milk filled with espresso and topped with velvety foam and buttery caramel. Try the Caramel Afogato for a change when you visit any Starbucks branch nearest you.

I only accidentally found out about the Afogato when I asked if I could make my Caramel Macchiato cold. The barista then suggested that it is possible and that they call this drink, Caramel Afogato. The only catch is it is not in their menu list. I am actually baffled by this but since my discovery of this drink accidentally, I have hardly changed my typical order of cold coffee at Starbucks.

And while enjoying your cold or hot coffee, my favorite pastry to order at Starbucks is none other than their Strawberry Belgian Waffle. Topped with just the right amount of strawberry syrup and a hearty serving of whip cream, this treat is something work coming back for at Starbucks aside from their coffee.

Here is typical Starbucks branch here in Metro Manila. This picture was taken in Blue Wave, Marquinton In NCR alone, Starbucks has now over 50 branches. For their complete list of stores, pls. click here

Red Ribbon Online

Aside from finding out the location and contact numbers of Red Ribbon's more than 60 branches nationwide, you can also shop online at at website. The online shopping is a an added feature and is recommended specially for Filipinos residing abroad who would like to send treats and goodies to their loved ones in the Philippines as a surprise.

Complete information of all of their branches are availalable here.

On the other hand, if you reside in the Metro Manila area, you can call for delivery at 747-7777.

Yummy Chocolate Mousse from Red Ribbon

Of the more commercial, affordable and leading bakeshops in the Philippines, I've always preferred Red Ribbon cakes from Goldilocks. They pride themselves as offering light, moist heavenly cakes that are simply divine. True to their word, I recommend their chocolate mousse. It is not only very affordable but it does live to their advertising hype.

How to Find Max's Restaurant

Max's Restaurant official website is http://www.maxschicken.com/. But for some odd reason, I cannot seem to access it at this time.

Here are some other websites related to Max's Restaurant

Max's Restaurant in the US
Max's in Wikipedia

Max's Restaurant is so popular here in the Philippines that you can see their familiar logo in just about every mall here in Metro Manila. The restaurant is also a favorite stop over for peeps travelling out of town and a big hit for Pinoys with events to celebrate like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc. because of their available function rooms . For a complete list of it's branches visit clickthecity.com and type in the key word, MAX RESTAURANT.

My Other Favorites from Max's All Time Greats

The Crispy Pata is a hit and miss for me. There have been times when we have been unfortunate enough to have been served with re-heated Crispy Pata. However, when you've ordered it freshly cooked, it is surely worth the 30 minute wait! Here's a tip though....when you order it, don't have it chopped. It is more likely that you will be served with a re-heated Crispy Pata if you request to have it chopped as opposed to ordering a whole Crispy Pata which is guaranteed freshly deep fried when served to you.

The lumpiang shanghai reminds me of my mom's home cooking. Never forget to order this when you go to Max.

I remember the noodles of their pancit canton to be darker in appearance. Is it just me or did their pancit canton look more bland now? Well either way, don't be deceived by its bland looks, the pancit is still flavorsome and for one full order of P154.00, the price is certainly reasonable.

Max's Chicken

Their restaurant's slogan is "THE HOUSE THAT CHICKEN BUILT". Me and my family are actually regulars at Max's Restaurant. We consider ourselves regulars in the sense that even if we don't plan on eating at this restaurant when we go to the mall, somehow, one way or the other....we still end up eating here at least once every two weeks. Their all time favorites are definitely worth coming back to.

For P318.00, their whole regular chicken is truly the Filipino way on how the chicken is fried...minus all the coatings and bread crumbs. Eat it once it served though. I am no big fan of the white meat part of the chicken. The white meat of Max's chicken can be too dry for my taste specially when it gets cold.

Tasty chicken skin or "balat" the good 'ole Max's fashion way

FOOD! FOOD! FOOD!

According to Wikepedia, FOOD is any substance, usually composed primarily of carbohydrates, fats, water and/or proteins, that can be eaten or drunk by an animal or human being for nutrition or pleasure. Items considered food may be sourced from plants, animals or other categories such as fungus or fermented products like alcohol. Although many human cultures sought food items through hunting and gathering, today most cultures use farming, ranching, and fishing, with hunting, foraging and other methods of a local nature included but playing a minor role.

Most traditions have a recognizable cuisine, a specific set of cooking traditions, preferences, and practices, the study of which is known as gastronomy. Many cultures have diversified their foods by means of preparation, cooking methods and manufacturing. This also includes a complex food trade which helps the cultures to economically survive by-way-of food, not just by consumption.

Many cultures study the dietary analysis of food habits. While humans are omnivores, religion and social constructs such as morality often affect which foods they will consume. Food safety is also a concern with foodborne illness claiming many lives each year. In many languages, food is often used metaphorically or figuratively, as in "food for thought".

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By the definition above, the word FOOD sounds so technical isn’t it?! Well throw away the text book definition and enjoy the gastronomical feast that this blog has to offer. Share in the simple delights of a typical Filipina Mom like me as I explore all types of food available out there in the market from the most common to the least heard of.

In short, let's talk about FOOD, FOOD and MORE FOOD!