The Munch Punch

For your daily dose of munching.

[themunchpunch]

Lunch of the day: Ham sandwich, saltine crackers, and fruit yogurt parfait.

[themunchpunch]

So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.

Franz Kafka

[themunchpunch]

REVIEW: Death by Shaved Ice

By Roviejoy Erecre

For a random week night, my friends and I want to try some dessert at a low cost. We heard about Ice Giants serving a huge bowl of iced sweet goodies that can feed 4-6 persons. It is just perfect since there are five of us that night.

Ice Giants is located in The Strip near the Capitol. It is easy to locate since it’s just beside the road. However if you are bringing your car, there is a slight problem with parking space because of limited area.  As for us, we were lucky to get one when we arrived there.

The establishment does not only serve desserts for there are wide array of meals and pasta choices. There prices were reasonable also ranging from P90-P200. My friend ordered there carbonara for P99, and I must say it was really good and tasty. If I haven’t had my dinner before going there, I would have ordered also.

We proceeded to order our dessert. There are two choices for their huge bowls. We chose the All-Out Chocolate for P480. The waiting time is fortunately short, after about 10-15 minutes, we got our dessert already. Well, we were not disappointed by how huge it was because it really is. Apparently, it contents were a disappointment. It just full of shaved ice and some chocolate flavored snacks from Oishi and 6 scoop of ice cream. And the taste was just okay.

After finishing everything, we can say that our dessert cravings were satisfied but we will not go back again. I would rather get a halo-halo for P49 pesos somewhere else rather pay P80 for shaved ice mostly. 

[themunchpunch]

We may find in the long run that tinned food is a deadlier weapon than the machine-gun.

George Orwell

[themunchpunch]

REVIEW: Behind the Bintana

By Roviejoy Erecre

In the quiet village of Elizabeth Pond Street in Camputhaw, you can find an establishment that grants you the sensation of tranquility every person needs in the middle of the chaos of the city.

Bintana, a Cebuano term for window, means to explore various possibilities as it operates both as a coffee shop and restaurant.

Inside Bintana, the walls are bare to act as a blank canvass where artists will be given the chance to exhibit their paintings. There is also space for musicians to showcase their talents.

Bintana is not just for foodies as it is also suitable for holding meetings in a relaxed environment unlike the bustle and noise of mainstream food establishments. It is also ideal for small private parties and for students to study in on quiet afternoons.

As you enjoy the artworks and performances, you can feast on their delectable dishes. Bintana’s food leans towards Filipino, Spanish and Italian cuisine. They offer as staples the most popular dishes and introduce new dishes everyday for variety which will keep customers coming back for new dishes to try out.

Bintana highlights its coffee servings which are manually brewed from freshly roasted beans. In their slow bar, the beans are ground upon ordering and everything is weighed and measured to produce the same end cup every time. Currently on their coffee menu are Costa Rica, Colombia, Kalinga and the special Civet coffee called Kopi Luwak. Depending on your brewing preference, you can choose from V60, French Press or the Vietnamese Phin process.

I tried their coffee special Kopi Luwak. If you watched The Bucket List, you will know what it is and where it came from. For an authentic coffee person, by that meaning a non-frappe individual, Kopi Luwak is really for you. It’s taste, smell and texture is just the right one for you.

[themunchpunch]

CHEAP MUNCH: Fruits for the Scorching Summer

By Roviejoy Erecre

With reports on cases of heatstroke and highest temperature rate listed in last year’s summer weather, try juicing up your system with immune-boosting fruits as summer 2014 is finally coming. Fruits are known to provide your body with fluids which could help you keep hydrated in this tropical season. Aside from that, it contains nutrients that help your body replenish your healthy needs.

So, instead of grabbing a bottle of soda to beat the blazing heat, why not try on going for a fruity taste. Satisfy your quench of thirst and have a fruit-filled summer season.

When you are in the city and is in the look for convenient fruits shop, drop by the Kasambagan Fruit Stand along Banilad road just before the Gaisano Country Mall. It offers you an array of assorted fruits which mostly came from Mindanao. The fruit stand consists of a number of vendors in respond to the increasing fruit demand during this time of the year.

The decreased of supply due to fruits that are not in season made the prices go higher by P10-P20. Still, the fruits are affordable attracting customers who pass by the road and regular buyers from near-by villages and subdivisions.

However, if you don’t want to struggle driving through Kasambagan for fruits purchases, you can always buy from the malls. As they say, you cannot pay the price of comfort.

[themunchpunch]

LIST: Comfort Zone, Comfort Food

By Jonna Mahinay

We all have our bad days, those days when everything we see seems to gloom despite how bright the sun is and despite how happy the vibes is around us. Whenever we feel that lunatic feeling caused perhaps by academic torture, unrequited love, family troubles and or PMS for girls, we always find something that would comfort us, something we can munch or drink! And yeah, it’s very helpful! So let me give you, my top 5 comfort places that give me the feeling of serenity and freedom!

Chatime

Location: Ebloc2, IT Park, Apas, Cebu City

The ambiance, the comfortable seats, the interior design and of course the powerful milk tea would surely removes all your stress. That’s why despite the noise, I still love to stay there and make my school projects.  Plus the wifi is user friendly.

Cafe Noriter

Location: One Acasia Place, Cardinal Rosales Ave., Cebu City

If you’re looking for a chic and cute place, this one’s for you. You can have a “little” privacy inside the bunk. You can either stay at the top or under the bunk wherein, it’s been designed with fluffy pillows and cute teddys. Of course, the post it, just like any other milk tea café, is present. You can leave funny, serious and even romantic notes. This place has free wifi as well and Korean music. Perfect for K-pop fanatics!

Fudge

Location: AS Fortuna Ave, Banilad, Mandaue City/ Ayala Center Cebu

Whenever you hear, FUDGE it’s always about the LAVA CAKE! The hot, sweet cake served with an ice cream at the toppings! Definitely, a try!

  Dulce

Location: Maracas, Lahug , Cebu City

If you want something romantic especially in an afternoon when the sun’s about to set then this place is for you! Situated in the hilly side of Lahug wherein you can have a better view of the city, this place offers among the best sweet cakes in the city. Much better if you’ll stay there up until the evening by which you can witness the bright, city lights. This place is certainly for lovers!

  La Vie Parissiene

Location: Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City

If your dream is to experience Paris for a while then definitely this place is for you! designed with artificial cherry blossoms that provides a purplish glow at night adds the romantic ambiance of the place. You have a lot of French choice except for the kiss! French macaroons, French bread and barrels of wine! This should be at the top of your list as the must try places in Cebu!

[themunchpunch]

LIST: Summer Stop-over

By Roviejoy Erecre

Here comes the season every beach bum is looking forward to. I’m sure your summer get-away plans are set already as in no time hellos will be said to the waning summer days. However, summer is not just for beach bums because (ears here!) foodies this is your time too.

See that newly opened restaurant near your place or try entering into that establishment you've been curious about. There are a lot of new treats the city has to offer. After all, summer is not all about going to the beach, isn't it?

  Milk Tea Street

Ever wonder what’s the fuss with milk tea? You must try it yourself. You've got a lot of choices since tea houses are sprouting around the city. Invite a friend and experience the extraordinaire vibe of milk tea.

  Ice cream Corner

Scream for ice cream, everyone! Find your own corner in the city; grab some ice cream from small stores or from ‘Manong’ who’s been pushing his ice cream stand all day. Admit it, ice cream will always be your all-time favorite, may it be summer or just those break-up days of the year.

  Cupcake Curve

It’s time to treat your sweet tooth! Every bite of this tiny delight will bring out the child in you. Its colorful frosting will give you sweet dreams all through your summer nights.

  Buffet Boulevard

Who doesn’t want to eat in a restaurant with unlimited sumptuous servings? There are various offerings of eat-all-you-can food around the Metro. Browse their menus and find which suit your taste buds best, and now you’re ready to stuff your stomach with those dishes. Just make sure to burn that excess calories after. You wouldn’t be comfortable having extra belly with that gorgeous summer outfit.

  Yogurt Counter

Go for a healthy treat this summer. Drop by a yogurt counter and indulge yourself into various mixing of a delightful creamy treat. After a hefty meal, a cup of yogurt is all you need to help in digesting your extra carbs intake.

  Halo-Halo Station

Nothing beats the traditional treat brimming with assorted ingredients that the Filipino culture is famous for. You can go for the expensive ones in the restaurant or get the one serve in a plastic cup at the sidewalks. Summer in the Philippines is not complete without getting your share of the halo-halo goodness.

[themunchpunch]

LIST: Online Eats

By Alya Simone I. Mongaya

With the onslaught of online fashion shops, its no wonder that online food shops are now in existence. Aside from fast food chains already having an online version of their delivery services, many people are choosing to establish their food business online.

Now we don’t need to leave the comfort of our own homes to treat ourselves with something yummy (perfect for those lazy days). Check out our list of awesome online food shops below that would surely satisfy your cravings.

Have fun munching!

Mcdo Delivery

Who could forget the classic McDonald’s?

When you don’t have time to cook or to drop by a nearby food establishment, you can easily order online from McDonald’s online delivery portal. Within 30 minutes, hot food will be delivered to your doorstep. Burger? Fries? Coke? Get rid of your hunger pangs quick and easy.

mcdonalds.com.ph

Boom Bites

Boom Bites make handy desserts served in jars and pots. How cool is having your dessert in a jar or pot? To add to the woah factor is the cuteness of their products. Sometimes its already satisfying just to look at it.

The only downside is you have to wait for 2-3 days for it to arrive.

facebook.com/boombites

Happy Blends

I know most of us are busy and do not have the time to whip up our own healthy drinks every single day. Good thing an online juice and smoothie bar recently opened up!

Home-based Happy Blends will ensure that you get to have a healthy drink daily. No more excuses!

instagram.com/happyblends