Khay's Desserts and Cafe

I arrived 30 minutes earlier for my appointment since we only had a seminar to attend to that Saturday morning in school. And because I already ate brunch with my classmates, I thought of looking for a dessert place where I can wait and satisfy my sweet cravings at the same time.

As I was going around the mall, I saw this ridiculously cute place called Khay's Desserts and Cafe.

Since I was the only customer that time, I was able to snap photos of Khay's dainty cafe. One will instantly fell in love with the freshly-baked and gorgeous-looking cupcakes neatly stored in the glass cake display cabinet. Did I mention that the entire cafe smells so good too?

What a brilliant Valentine's Day gift idea!

A bouquet of cake pops that will surely put a smile on your lovey's face!

I asked the staff at the counter which of the cupcakes is their bestseller and she recommended for me to try either Salty Albert (Chocolate Cake frosted with Dark Chocolate Ganache topped with Rock Salt) or Little Red Riding Hood (Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese frosting).

Little Red Riding Hood - Php75.00

I decided to go for the Red Velvet Cupcake since it had been too long since I ate one. I had high expectations with all the build up from the friendly staff but after one tiny bite (it was too pretty to eat), I knew my choice was wrong because it was too sweet! I like my frosting more on the cheesy side than all sweetness that its like eating sugar bite after bite.

Lychee and Peach Tea - Php75.00

Is it just me or everything tastes better with dainty cups and mason jars?

Just for the pretty chairs and friendly staff, I will be back to give Khay's another try. And this time, for the ultimate bonding experience with my girl friends -- Afternoon Tea with all the works!

~o~o~o~

Khay's Desserts and Cafe

The District Ayala Mall
4103 Imus, Cavite, Philippines

Tel.: (6346) 543-0573

Baguio Eats: Chaya Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

It was past two in the afternoon when we finally arrived in Baguio City after driving for about 5 hours, thanks to the newly-opened and free of charge (still on soft opening then) Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway that connects Central to Northern Luzon and significantly cuts down the travel time from Manila for about 30%.

After checking-in at Jack's Grand View Hotel, we went out to look for a place to eat. We had breakfast on the road courtesy of Coffee Bean but our tummies were looking for something heavier than Bagels and Croissants. Then I recalled bookmarking some restaurants I wanted for us to try on our short stay in the city on my phone.

First stop was Chaya Japanese Restaurant, the best in the whole of Baguio so I've heard.

The restaurant is basically a home that was converted into one of the most-visited restaurants in the city. We actually had a hard time looking for it since Globe's connection was so slow that we can barely get a decent update on my phone's map. Just as we were about to give up, we saw the logo hanging amongst the trees on our second attempt driving thru Legarda Road.

On the table

The place was packed mostly with tourists that we waited for forty minutes or so before a table became available. We chose to dine al fresco to really feel the Baguio breeze I've been hearing on the news since the holidays.

Our late lunch started with this complimentary Tuna appetizer and some pickled papaya.

Then our orders started coming out one by one as if teasing our eyes with the gorgeous presentation and our even more growling stomachs.

Futo Maki (Half) - Php220.00

Any Japanese meal of ours in not complete without a plate of Futo Maki on the table. Good thing we only ordered half since they were very generous with their servings!

Temaki Sushi - Php600.00

The much-raved Temaki Sushi instantly became the star of the table the moment it was laid in front of us. With huge slices of fresh Salmon and Tuna Sashimi, Crabsticks, Egg (Tamago) and Cucumber, you'll definitely enjoy rolling and inventing your own sushi!

Hiyashi Chuka - Php300.00

Last to arrive was my Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Noodles with Fresh Vegetables and Pork Chashu) in a huge plate that I had doubts if we can finish all our orders! But as expected, a good 30 minutes passed and everything was wiped down to the last piece. 

Yes, we're really a great tandem when it comes to Japanese food!

As soon as we got the bill, the staff gave us this complimentary Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream with Red Beans for dessert. I was already shivering from the cold weather since I left my jacket in the car but it was too good to pass!

My motto for this year: The perfect vacation always starts with good planning and delicious food!

~o~o~o~

Chaya Restaurant

72 Legarda Road, Baguio City
Benguet, Philippines

Tel.: (6374) 424-4726

Sunday Treats No. 30

Kimbap - Php130.00

~o~o~o~

Rolling Bab

Hobbies of Asia, Macapagal Avenue
PICC Reclamation Area, Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 511-1224

A Chilly Weekend in Baguio City

Baguio has and will always have a special place in my heart. Blame it on the cold weather, the bittersweet cup of hot chocolate at Choco-late de Batirol, the great finds at the ukay-ukay along Burnham Park, the freshly-baked Walnut Bread from The Manor, the sweet and plump fresh strawberries or just walking around the city in my leather boots with matching scarf. *wink*

So when we got the chance to travel to the City of Pines right after the holidays, I instantly became the happiest girl on the planet! It's like going home to my first love, or in my case, going home with my one true love. It was indeed the perfect way to welcome the New Year before plunging back into the realities of life aka work and school . Enjoy the photos for now, blog posts to follow.

Sunday Treats No. 29

Salmon Set - Php475.00

~o~o~o~

Yabu: House of Katsu

2/F Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia
Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 511-7202