Close friends would know how much I love coffee! Going out on a date with my then-boyfriend Mr. AMW always include a quality time at a coffee shop! I remember sharing to him my dreams of being an English Teacher in China, on learning how to cut hair, on being a professional makeup artist and fast forward to today, my dreams definitely came true!
So going back on a coffee shop with Mr. AMW always gives me a giddy feeling! That's why when I got an invite from our friends from ROAR Communications (thanks Jenny and Max) for an intimate dinner with fellow bloggers at the 26th St. Bistro by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, I had to clear up my schedule and ask hubby to go out on a date with me! *winks*
Who has seen and dined at the biggest Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch at Fort Bonifacio? I love how spacious the interior is and I immediately had the "fine dining" feel the moment I walked in.
What brought me back to my senses is the scent of wonderful coffee! And of course, the familiar CBTL counter with cakes I LOVE! My favorite is the Blueberry Cheesecake!
The kind server took our orders for drinks and as always, the AMW "partners-in-crime" would always go for 1 HOT and 1 COLD drink! We like to torture our stomachs that way! :P
Mr. AMW's Order
Mocha Latte
Php155.00 (approx $3.52)
My Order
White Chocolate Dream Ice Blended
Php185.00 (approx $4.20)
The fine-dining experience was complete with a wonderful table set-up! From all the stress I got from work the whole day and the additional job of being a mom, I was immediately put at ease.
And to add up the "romance" of a HUGE group date! *laughs* I love the #EverydayExtraordinary hash tag CTBL used that night, and I can't help but pull out my phone and share my own #EverydayExtraordinary experiences!
**All servings posted here are sample servings meant for Blogger Event.
Wild Mushroom
Php225.00 (approx $5.11)
A thick and flavorful soup made with three kinds of mushrooms:
Button, shiitake and portobello.
If you are a mushroom lover like I am, you will definitely enjoy the strong flavor of shiitake mushroom. Most mushroom soups I've tried are cream-based and I enjoy the change!
Salmon Fishcakes & Greens
Php345.00 (approx $7.84)
Pan-fried Norwegian salmon cakes served with smoked paprika aioli
and mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Salmon is a dish that could make or break a good dining experience. I have tried a couple of salmon dishes in the past and sometimes, I get a bit frustrated. As for CBTL's version, I love how flavorful the salmon fishcake was, with a hint of paprika aioli that tastes just right, even for a non-rice lover, I was imagining myself pairing this with rice or my favorite Ciabatta bread....I apologize, that's how imaginative and Filipino I am when it comes to good food! *lol*
Tiger Prawn & Shiitake Mushroom Linguine
Php395.00 (approx $8.97)
White sauce-based linguine pasta
served with seared tiger prawns and shiitake mushrooms.
Judging by the look of this dish, I had to say NO on top of my head due to my seafood allergies. But hey, I told myself I will be enjoying my night and seriously, the prawn is calling my name! So I took a slice and gave the rest to Mr. AMW, it did gave me allergies almost immediately! But let me tell you, it was all worth it! I am very picky when it comes to cream-based pasta, as I find some to be too thick or too runny for my taste. As for CBTL's version, the texture of pasta, with the right amount of cream on every mouth made me long for more. Unfortunately, until this very moment, I am still craving!
Hanging Tender Steak with Potato Gratin & Marsala
Php475.00 (approx $10.80)
Pan-roasted hanging tender steak served with potato gratin and marsala sauce.
Perfectly cooked steak! The beef almost "melts' into your mouth because of its tenderness! The Potato Gratin takes a bit of time for me to appreciate as they used spices that's new to my taste. I love potatoes that are sliced and layered like lasagna, it gives a different texture and unique experience in every bite.
Apple Crumble a la Mode
Full serving on photo: Php235.00 (approx $5.35)
Seriously, I am biased with the dessert portion, I'm not a fan of anything "apple" except when I was pregnant back then and I held on to apple like my dear best friend. For the sake of "trying", I gave the Apple Crumble A La Mode a try and it's not bad! Not my kind of dessert but I'm sure apple pie lovers out there will definitely have a feast!
Chocolate Lava a la Mode
Full serving on photo: Php235.00 (approx $5.35)
I LOVE this! I love how warm and moist the inside of this Chocolate Lava Cake and the melted vanilla ice cream on top is a wonderful "icing" on a cake! Guys, one tip, if your girlfriend or wife is on a bad mood, take them to CBTL and order this dessert! I'm sure, you'll get some TLC after! *winks*
Overall, the food tasting itself was already a wonderful experience worth mentioning in my "diary", yes I have one! But who would've thought I was lucky enough to win my own CBTL One Touch One Perfect Cup Contata??? I can't believe how lucky I was that night! All thanks to whoever chose my Instagram photos!
P.S. I just bought a couple of CBTL Coffee Capsules and I can't wait to play with this over the weekend!
And of course, I have to carry this huge hash tag that says #EverydayExtraordinary (photo taken from phone)
Readers ask me why I have such cheerful and positive attitude, to be honest, I don't have it easy, my friends can attest to whatever "hardships" I've gone and been going through, but because I always look at each day and find something that gives me inspiration to "survive", I stay strong for my loved ones that's why I totally believe in #everydayextraordinary! If you believe in each happening in your life as extraordinary, positive or negative, you'll learn to appreciate it!
What's your #EverydayExtraordinary experience?
Have you dined at 26th St. Bistro?
A little birdie told me you can order wine, beer and Coca Cola (Yay for Mr. AMW)
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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
All of this food is making me hungry.
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