Magnum Ice Cream: Luscious Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream

It’s been trending on Twitter. It’s been talked about both by popular celebrities and ordinary netizens. One wonders, what it is about Magnum Ice cream that made all the hype there is? Well, I got curious myself so one day I found myself looking for it. I asked around people, my friends and fellow food bloggers where I could find one or to purchase one. Alas! I finally found one at the SM Cubao Supermarket. It’s sold at P50 per Magnum Ice Cream stick. There were only two available variants: almond and truffle. I decided to try the almond one.

Well, to be completely honest, it tastes good. Although I must say it could easily be compared to Dairy Queen…Only this time, Magnum sells I think because of its honest-to-goodness Belgian chocolate coating. But more than that, I think Magnum is just your regular ice cream stick. It just makes the “royalty” feeling because you’re supposed to enjoy eating Belgian chocolates while the vanilla ice cream in side it tastes so ordinary.

If you guys would want to try it, go ahead and indulge. This one’s for you if you’re a Belgian choco fan. I get the “umay” factor eating this Belgian chocolaty ice cream. Perhaps if I had been a chocolate lover I would’ve loved eating this treat, and since I’m not…this one’s really not for me. But if you care to save some fifty bucks or you’d rather treat a friend to a chocolate covered ice cream, I would suggest that you head on to the nearest McDonald’s that sells P20 chocolate ice cream cone…that would even save you P10. True, Magnum Ice cream sells like hotcakes because it had luscious Belgian chocolate coating...

Well what more can I say but I guess it's just not my thing. 

Dampa sa Libis Food Review

 People looking for ambience may not find it here. Dampa sa Libis is actually a strip of carinderia-looking establishments all boasting of the fresh harvest from the sea. Who needs ambience though, when you have the unique experience of going to the market and ask someone to cook whatever meal or viand your heart desires? Yes, in this humble part of Libis, Security Blanket recently discovered why this place is a MUST visit for everyone.

Sure, the concept of Dampa (Al Fresco dining with an actual market) originated somewhere in Paranaque, but since it’s not practical to travel that far, other places had started their own versions but I guess nothing compares to Dampa sa Libis. Let me explain and justify my reasons: first, this is the only Dampa I’ve been to that has ample parking space that’s truly safe, not to mention it’s FREE PARKING. That only means, you and your family or friends could stay for as long as you want without the hassle of worrying about your car. If al fresco dining isn’t your thing, don’t worry; they also have function rooms (air-conditioned) for special occasions and huge groups. You could also rent a videoke (video karaoke) machine for only P500 where one could sing his hearts out for as many songs as he likes.

The menu says it all.

 Then, Dampa sa Libis also offers FREE Wi-Fi service to their customers, not every Dampa or al fresco restaurant has it. And nowadays, who wouldn’t want to stay connected with both virtual and personal friends as you put your Facebook and Twitter status or share a photo of the food you’ve just eaten, right? Your friends would surely drool at the sight of awesome food treats from Dampa sa Libis when you upload the pictures. And of course, what’s truly amazing was their market--it was truly spic and span. None of those foul odor one would find in other wet markets. But you can truly see that the market is well looked after. Another fascinating attraction in the area was the Tiangge or Kiosks that sells different wares: from clothes, toys, accessories and other trinkets. There’s something you’ll surely find for you.

Fresh crabs anyone?

A different kind of shell

Clams

Escargot and lots of them!

Assorted Fresh fish

More fish

Huge fish

Fresh Scallops

For our Chinese friends, frogs are also available.

Red snapper fish...or lapu-lapu...

Marinated meats are available

Sweet treats such as this lovely cake are on sale.

Mommies Goodies Mini Ensaymada cupcakes is perfect pasalubong.

Fresh Tiger prawns

Now let’s move on to the food tasting…Dampa sa Libis is a family or barkada friendly al fresco dining restaurant that specializes in seafood and other Filipino and Chinese dishes. But they also welcome other cuisines depending on customer’s request. Dampa sa Libis seemed like a winner among the noisy crowds happily chowing down their meals. There’s the usual seafood fare—scallops, stuffed and buttered garlic crabs, fresh tiger shrimps, a wide range of fish selection, clams, lobster, oyster, even native frogs for those looking for exotic ones—but when the waiter plunked down the plate of garlic buttered shrimp, it looked appetizing on its own so I immediately wolfed it down.

Buttered Garlic Shrimps

 That magic sauce had found its way through the natural umami flavor of the shrimp, and it was basking in a lovely yellow buttery glow and it tasted really phenomenal that I had totally forgotten my no-rice diet that I had since Christmas of 2011! Anyway, I figured I could always start my diet again…(Wish me luck!)

Singaporean Chili Crabs

 Hefty portion sizes of delightfully crunchy Shanghai rolls, soft and succulent meat inside that tasted pretty heavenly even without the aid of banana ketchup. The Pancit Bihon also held its own, despite the other sumptuous dishes (which were all wiped out) because it had a distinct sweet after taste. There was nothing that we didn’t finish off, (and I admit, I mostly did the eating part for which I am guilty.)

For meat lovers, they have USDA high grade Angus rib eye steak, especially marinated barbecue sticks, spareribs among many others.

Sweet tooth rejoice in this ref filled with sweets!

Chopseuy

Sinigang (Sour broth) of Fresh Tuna

Pancit Bihon

Shanghai Rolls

Stuffed Grilled Squid tops my fave list!

For those with sweet tooth, there’s also something for all of you at Dampa sa Libis. You’ll be glad to find Mommies Goodies, a selection of pastry, cakes, biscuits and chocolates in one store. I had tried their brownies, and as a pastry chef, I know it’s truly fantastic! It had that chocolaty moisture inside yet it seems a bit dry on the outside but with chewy goodness and a bit crunchy with nuts as toppings. The brownie was really affordable at P20 per bar. They also had cakes like Black Forest, Heart-shaped chocolate cake, Chocolate oatmeal cookies; cassava cakes (a bit sweet for me, but it’s really soft and tasty, I’m sure you guys would love it!) and a whole lot more. As I was saying, since I know a little bit about baking and other stuff related to it, I could say that Mommies Goodies did not scrimp on their ingredients and amazingly they were sold at affordable prices!

Mommies Goodies Cassava Cake

 We spent a good three hours tasting all we could possibly sample. I decided to forego dinner that night, instead shared my cassava cake with my entire family. If you haven’t been to a Dampa or haven’t eaten a Dampa meal, you owe it to yourself to give these a try!

Ah, Dampa sa Libis, it would be a pleasure to see you again…I vow to bring my entire family next time so that they too could experience that great food + convivial atmosphere you’ve just shown me.

My leftover plate

The author at the Picture Wall/Photo Opp at Dampa Sa Libis.

Special thanks to my fellow blogger Mr. Dennison Uy, Mr Jorge Santos of Dampa sa Libis, and to Ms. Jennifer Macarilay.  

Dampa sa Libis is located at 107 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (across Jollibee Greenmeadows Branch in C-5, just way past Eastwood City), Ugong Norte, Libis, Quezon City. For reservation, please call 395-5050. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this blog post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

xoxo,

Chowking's Honey Garlic Chicken Review

It reminds me of another brand of chicken that starts with the letters BC (Sorry, I don't want to mention them here). But it Chowking's Honey Garlic Chicken has a distinct taste of its own despite the obvious similarities than the other brand I'm talking about. Chowking's version is more affordable, bigger in size and considered a good value for one's money. It does have a twist on its own too..With a touch of Chinese cuisine, a bit of creativity, the bowl looks enticing and with a side garnish of veggies--it is indeed a winner!

Just a piece of caution though, kids (especially the little ones) may not like this dish because of its sweet tangy sauce. Think of fried chicken swimming in something that tastes between an asado sauce or char siu sauce. But it does have a kick, a bit spicy too. Nevertheless, I commend Chowking for coming up with this new dish. And for P89 as a meal, this is a pretty good deal.

I will try to find time to get hold of the other new offering, Oriental Beef bowl. I will try to feature it on my blog, hopefully soon. But for now, this Honey Garlic Chicken is good enough although I would like another sauce served on the side so that customers can very well adjust its taste according to his or her own palate.

Holy Kettle Corn Popcorns New Flavors Review

 Popcorns are said to be a better alternative for a healthy snack than the usual potato chips. For couch potatoes like me, nothing warms my heart more than the smell of freshly popped popcorns wafting in the air. It’s the perfect snack for everyone. With white cheddar popcorn having the most momentum in the cheese-flavored popcorn arena these days, I was surprised to find myself craving the caramel sweet and salty popcorn of Holy Kettle Corn while on my recent trip to Makati area. As I got off the MRT, I immediately smelled that undeniably sweet and salty popcorn goodness at the Holy Kettle Corn station in Ayala. 

Freshly Popped Holy Kettle Corn Popcorns

 My olfactory nerves had not given up on me until I got hold of its freshly popped Holy Kettle Corn bag. I learned to know they have new variants available aside from the usual or classic Sweet and Salty kind I’ve always loved. Holy Kettle Corn now has three new and exciting flavors: Sour Cream, Cheese and Smokin’ Barbecue! I figured I might as well make a review on these awesome popcorn flavors.

Holy Kettle Corn New Flavored Popcorn: Smokin Barbecue and Sour Cream.

 I eagerly bought bags of each, hoping to rekindle the memories of my childhood as a kid loving the cheese popcorn youngster devouring the bag of buttered popped corn my Mom used to make.  Here’s my Holy Kettle Corn Popcorn Review:

No preservative Holy Kettle Corn Popcorns

Cheese flavor: Holy Kettle Corn Cheese popcorn itself was good—fresh and crunchy—the cheese flavor or powder wasn’t too strong, nor too light, for me, it’s just right. The aroma smells great, nothing too cheesy unlike other local brands that smells really bad and had that’s way too tangy after taste. With Holy Kettle Corn’s Cheese popcorn, it’s really nothing fancy, but it’s fairly crisp, with a mild but a bit tangy cheese taste.

Sour Cream flavor: This popcorn has an even balance between popcorn and sour cream. I love the Sour Cream flavor. It bursts of exciting goodness in every bite. It’s a great companion to movie marathons in cinemas. This is the kind of popcorn flavor where I’d prefer to have my own bag or bucket as I wouldn’t want to share this with anyone, not even my own date! 

A huge bag of Holy Kettle Corn Barbecue flavored popcorn.

Barbecue—This one’s a bit strong for my taste, but is certainly good. If you’re up for a bit spicy and with stronger robust flavor, this one’s for you. It goes well with any beverages and it’s truly rich in flavor. My Mom enjoyed this so much, she kept bugging me to buy some more. 

Last but certainly not the least, Holy Kettle Corn’s Sweet and Salty variant—This is something I’ve always loved. It’s like experiencing the exciting taste of old fashioned popcorn goodness. And it’s always freshly cooked assuring you that the goodness will last up to three days. Very light, no cholesterol or butter and MSG free. The caramelized corn had a decent crispness, and the kernels were fairly large and nearly round, but the flavor was a toss between sweet and salty. The caramel sugar coating was more sparse than it could actually be but it’s really such a good thing—so you need not to worry about extra calories and all. After trying this, I can say I can snack on Holy Kettle Corn Popcorn for the rest of my life. I don’t think I’d ever get tired of it.

And for P40 a bag (small size) to about P70 (large bag)—no need to buy imported popcorn that costs twice its price. It actually costs somewhere between $6 to $12 in the United States. Holy Kettle Corn Popcorn is truly a must-try. Get yours at 7-11 stores nationwide or you could visit any of Holy Kettle Corn’s Kiosks for a dose of their delicious freshly popped popcorn. Truly, goodness in every bite!

Disclaimer: I am not paid for this blog post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.