FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

It was at Dulgies a few years ago when I got introduced to the red velvet gastronomic phenomena. On their display then a was very eye-catching red cake that I instantly ordered. That's started a barrage of red velvet offerings from Dulgies - from the cake to cupcakes and now, red velvet sandwich cookies . Playing on the basics of red velvet - red "cake" and cream cheese/buttercream, Ms Allen Mae Borro-Pido concocted crisp yet chewy red velvet sandwich cookies with a delectable cream cheese filling. It was so inviting that I ate one piece even before my "photo shoot" started. Ms Mae suggested that the RV cookies are best eaten chilled to bring out the crispness and the chewiness of the cookies. But even if they're not (like the one I had during my shoot), it was just as a heavenly as it can be. Yet I even went a little further as I placed them in the freezer (the remaining ones are there as of this time ) and I also enjoy them - almost frozen.  ...

VALENTINE'S DAY. It’s the time of the year when love is felt all around; when red is the dominant color and how everybody is having a sweet tooth all of a sudden. Desserts and everything sweet play a major role during heart’s day, whether as gifts, giveaways or food around us. As the cliché goes, the way to one’s heart is through the stomach and yes, let’s talk about nothing but food - what to buy, where to dine and how to prepare … Sweets for my sweet! BUY AND BRING HOME Heart Cakes Tinapayan Bakeshop has a wide variety of special Valentine cakes and yes, they are all heart shaped. They do not only look good but also taste good as they come in different colours and flavours inside out. And you can personalize them for your sweet Valentine. Butterscotti A trademark of Rgies Delicacies, butterscotti comes from the words butterscotch and biscotti. They were remnants of butterscotch that stick to the pan after being baked but after being discovered to be deli...

You'll surely find yourself lost in gastronomic translation as this new corner at Dulgies Cafe is a very welcoming sight. In one spot of this sweet shop that started the dessert craze in Iloilo City a few years ago is one solely devoted to the (latest) yummy creations of Ms Mae Borro-Pido - indulgent cupcakes. Around 10 cupcakes were on display when I went there and I had the chance to have tasted every single one of them - now that's indulgent, so Dulgies! I love Dulgies nutty carrot cake and was glad (almost) the same recipe made it to this Carrot Chocolate Cupcake . It had no nuts if my taste memories serve me right so that makes it "almost" nonetheless despite the weird combination, it was one good bite, make that bites! More indulgent were the Cappucino Caramel Cupcakes . A rich cappucino frotsing smothered with caramel on a densed yet moist and rich chocolate based cake, what more can i ask for? Maybe another bite? Make tghat another cupcake. Anot...

It's unfamiliar name got me curious and when I got to see it, I wasted no time getting my first bite. And it was heavenly - the shortbread was just of the right hardness - strong enough to stay in shape yet soft to be almost melts in the mouth. The dulce de leche filling was of the right amount thus having a tamed sweetness but the powdered sugar gave it texture and sweetness that "once you pop, you won't stop". A very addicting treat from Dulgies Cafe and is a very perfect giveaway anytime of the year or just a perfect dessert partnered with coffee. It comes in packs of 20s and sold for PhP190.

It was my busiest Dinagyang celebration ever! For 5 days and 4 nights, it was all about food, food and food as I made my way around town joining in the festivities that highlights as the same time "sidelights" the festival. I've discovered new places, new dishes, new events and especially new friends who share almost the same passion. It was indeed an enjoyable and awesome celebration of Dinagyang 2012 . First stop was the home of one of Iloilo's most celebrated chefs, Ms. Maridel Uygongco . I tagged along through the invitation Ms. Regine Algecera , executive producer of two cable tv shows (for both Sky Cable and Cable Star). In her kitchen, Ms Maridel demonstrated the preparation of her YSL recipe she made during the My City, My SM, My Cuisine event. It was a very casual video shoot with all of us enjoying not only the designer ibos she prepared but also the fun of it all. I then rushed to Maki Japanese Restaurant where a friend celebrated his birthday p...