A Quick Stop at Paradis Natural Ice Cream

My mom was craving for a new brand of Ice Cream called "Paradis".  She she saw it being featured and TV.  So we went over there to try it out.  It was a normal hot Sunday, a perfect time to have cold treats.

When we came in, we observed that people hang out there while using their FREE wifi.  It seems to be a comfty place.  It is better than the crowded coffee shops, don't you think?  They also had a cozy second floor with window view.

Paradis Ice Cream Selection for the Day

Top 3 best sellers

Toppings 

There were a lot of choices.  Some of their flavors were unique like Red Beet and Oranges and Coco Vanilla.  We had some taste testing and finally decided on three flavors.  We choose the Wasabi, Chili Chocolate with Saffron and Strawberry Soybet.

All the flavors we tried were delicious.  Except for the Strawberry Soybet, I found the other two to be rich and flavorful that it is best suited for sharing.  I could normally finish a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting but somehow, I had a hard time finishing their small cup.

Strawberry Soybet

I liked the Strawberry Soybet the most because it was light and refreshing.  It had a hint of fresh strawberry sourness which I look for when eating anything strawberry-flavored.  I couldn't distinguish the soy in it.  It was really good.

Chili Chocolate with Saffron 

The Chili Chocolate with Saffron was rich and thick.  The blending is pretty good.  Although the chocolate tasted sweet, it was contrasted by the spiciness of the chili and the fragrant taste of saffron.  My mom loved it so much she ate to her heart's content.

Wasabi

The Wasabi was cremier than the others I've tasted before.  It was good.  What I like about it is that its not too spicy but enough to make you appreciate the presence of spiciness.  But the spiciness of the Wasabi has this nostalgic effect so you really can't eat too much.  

Overall, I like the simple yet comfortable ambiance.  Its definitely a good choice of hang out if you want to chill out with friends or surf the net with solitude.  The ice cream is delicious but I'll opt for lighter flavors next time so I could eat to my hearts content or maybe they should allow two flavors in a cup?  There are so many flavors which I want to try out especially their "Yolive".  I found its picture posted on their wall and it looked inviting.    Which one do you think I should have next?  The price was a bit pricey for an ice cream.  But it does serve as a good wifi spot alternative.  Sometimes, when you feel like having ice cream instead of coffee, then this place is your best choice.  They also serve food.

Paradis Natural Ice Cream

• 1st Floor Unit B, Kojack Bldg., 


• No. 184 Tomas Morato Ave.


• Quezon City, Philippines

Matsuri Eat all you can Japanese Cuisine at Tomas Morato

Last January, we were able to avail the Ensogo Promo of 50% off on Dinner all you can at Matsuri for only 295 php for each person.  As we have read in a newspaper article, the operated by the son of the Triple V restaurant owner so we were eager to try it out.  We were supposed to buy for many for my birthday but when I was about to purchase only two coupons were left.

On February 10, 2011, we decided to use the voucher.  We made our reservations at 6:00 p.m. and arrived on time.  We were asked for our vouchers upon being seated since they have to verify them first.  After being verified, we were given their Eat-all-you can menu.  This style was similar to Red Kimonos style of eat-all-you can.  It was ala-carte style with limited choices.

Salmon Sashimi

Aspara Kani Maki

Philadelphia Roll

Crazy Maki 

Chawan Mushi

Ushi Ebi Tempura

Sanma

Miso Soup

We begun by ordering appetizers Salmon Sashimi, Makimonos : Crazy Maki, Aspara Kani Maki  and Philadelphia Roll. The Salmon Sashimi was naturally sweet and freshly sliced.  I loved it!  (Kurt doesn't eat anything raw but we ordered this twice=p)The Makimonos were not that special but worth trying.  We then ordered Miso Soup.  I liked it because it had mushrooms aside from tofu and seaweeds.  Of course, let's not forget everyone's all-time favorite Ushi Ebi Tempura.  It was better than most out there so we ordered this twice.  Then we ordered Chawan Mushi (steamed egg).  Their version was topped with green onions and bits of mushrooms.  Usually, when Japanese Resturants serve Sanma (Seasoned Pacific Saury/Mackarel), customers expect it to be a little to expensive for its price.  So we were quite surprised that it was included in the menu.  This was the most disappointing dish for the night.  It was only a local fish called "Gigi".  It was mostly bitter because the intestine were uncleaned.

Kamameshi Mix

Tofu Steak

Chicken Teriyaki with Asian Pesto

Salmon Teppanyaki

Seafood Teppanyaki

Yakitori Teriyaki

Tartufo Spaghetti

Our Mix Kameshi came together with the tofu steak.  This marked the beginning of our sweetened dish adventure.  The Kamameshi rice had the usual ingredients and used authentic japanese rice which was short and sticky.  But it was overpowered by sugary sweetness.  The Tofu Steak had some cripsy batter on top and had a sweet soy-based sauce with mushrooms.  We thought the Chicken Teriyaki with Asian Pesto sounded unique so we had to try it out.  It was good.  The sweetness of the Teriyaki sauce was balanced out by a hint of asian pesto.  We then tried the Salmon Teppanyaki and Seafood Teppanyaki.  It was the usual teppanyaki but a little sweeter.  They were also a bit overcooked and dry.  They have failed to draw out the unique taste of the Salmon fish which we were longing for.   Next came the Yakitori Teriyaki.  It was chicken grilled with teriyaki sauce.  It was not too sweet and the chicken was tender.  At this point we were already full and all the Teppanyaki and Robatayaki dishes has already maxed out our sugar limit for the day so we decided to order just one last dish before desert.  Wondering why a pasta dish is included in the menu, we tried the Tartufo Spaghetti.  It tasted like ordinary carbonara.

Chocolate Ice Cream

Muscovado and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

For dessert, we ordered Muscovado and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee and Chocolate and Mango Ice Cream.  The Brulee actually tasted like leche flan with a hint of vanilla.  Although I usually like desserts, it did not appeal to my taste. 


Overall, the service was good.  Two waiters served us with out most attention.  They also made their recommendations and advised us on what to order.  The food came out fast except for our last orders.  But it was understandable since a large group of  people came and they became more busy.  We also noticed that they were attentive with our empty plates.  But they were very strict in terms of their no left  over policy since they do not collect our plates until we ate the vegetable side dishes.    We were also quite disappointed that some of the dishes in the menu were unavailable like the Manhattan Panko Roll and the Creamy Chicken Ragout.  


    This was our first time to use a voucher and it was worth it.  In fact, we couldn't believe that we don't have to pay for anything extra that we confirmed it with the waiter before we left.  


Matsuri 
233 Tomas Morato extension corner E. Lopez Street
Quezon City
(02) 376-6351