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

Arrival at Sagada and dinner at Yoghurt House (Day 3 Part 2)

• Route to Sagada

After a few hours, we finally saw a sign to Sagada.  We followed the sign into a dangerous dusty, rocky and steep path.  It was so narrow that I couldn't tell how it could be a 2 way road.  Outside our window, we could see how we could fall into abyss with just a slight mistake in driving.  After an hour, we saw a green wooden board sign "Welcome to Sagada" but it was only 20 minutes after that we entered the small town proper.

• St. Joseph Rest House

It was 5:20 p.m. when we arrived at St. Joseph Rest House.  We had already reserved our stay for two nights for two cottages (similar structure) with the capacity of 8 persons each (worth 7,000 php x 2) two weeks ahead.  They have been texting us since 1 p.m. and were eager for our arrival.  We immediately entered into the uphill vicinity of the rest house.  We went to the reception area and were told that we were just in time since the receptionist had to leave by 6:00 p.m.  

•  Stauton Cabin

We were guided to Stauton Cabin were we left all our belongings.  We were impressed how the cabin looked.  It was a two-floor cabin with four queen-sized beds.   It had a table on small dining area at the first floor.  It also had a sala on the second floor.  There was only one restroom but it was clean and the showers had heaters.  The cabin was cold even with the windows closed and without any airconditioner or fans.  

•  Sagada Tourist Register

        

We were informed that tourists should register at the Sagada Tourist Register so we went there.  We looked at there tour packages posted therein and decided we wanted to try the cave connection (duration 4 hours)  It was too late to try anything because it was nearly evening so we were advise to register and go on a tour the next morning.  

• Sagada souvenir shops

While my other companions searched for our dinner place, some of us went to visit souvenir shops.  All of the souveneir shops and eating places there were along the downhill road from the municipal hall and tourist register.  There were jams, caps, t-shirts, tea, peanut brittles, lengua de gato, wines, magnets, key chains, woven products and more.  I bought a T-shirt for Kurt for 160 php.   After having free tastes, we also bought large size of blueberry jams (worth 85 php) at "Gabay Fruit Wines".  We also passed by their market where my aunt bought fresh strawberries and passion fruits.  It looked like a an unfurnished two-story building.  We also passed by a cafe that says "Cosmic tea" and it got us curious but we never got to try it.

Do you know what is cosmic tea?

• Yoghurt House

We ate dinner at Yogurt House.  The place was busy and packed.  They even had to decline foreigners who come in to eat.  Some of my companions ate at the second floor while we ate at the first floor.  The place was nice and simple.  It has a cozy western feel to it.  Foreigners prefer to drink their tea at the second floor balcony.  They are very friendly and greet all those who pass by.  While waiting for the food, some of us bought first their souvenirs.  The orders took so long that even after others went shopping, their food still hasn't arrived.  We also had to go to the counter to have additional orders and do follow ups since the waitresses were too busy to pay us any attention.  

Chicken in Basil Pasta

I ordered chicken in basil pasta (worth 130 php).  First thing I noticed is that it had lots of cheese.  It was delicious since the basil was not overwhelming.  It was perfectly blended to add flavor to the chicken.  I also enjoyed the chunks of fresh tomatoes which gave a sweetish sour taste.      All of their dishes (average price of 130 php) were delicious.  They serve their local red rice and their vegetables are fresh. 

Beef Salpicao

Chicken?

Vegetable Fried Rice

Roast Chicken on top of Potato Rosti (potato hash)

Strawberry, banana and granola yoghurt

              

For desert, we ordered Strawberry, banana and granola (all the toppings possible) greek-style yoghurt (worth 90 php).  I really liked it.  It was sour and the texture was just right.  But my relatives didn't like it as much since they were unfamiliar with the sourness and the texture.  

Mountain Tea

The mountain tea (worth 40 php) is very good too.  The leaves are only available in Sagada.  It tasted somewhat lightly minted and herbal.  It was very soothing.  

      

Being tired from the long travel, I was so sleepy I wanted to go back to the rest house as soon as I finished eating.  I forgot my small blue bag hanging in the seat that night.  It had all of my essential belongings even my camera.  I only realized that I forgot it around 2 a.m.  From then, I had a hard time sleeping.  The next morning, I knocked (despite them being closed) and the store keeper opened the door and I asked about it and luckily it  was still hanging at the chair.  The keeper said it a good thing no one noticed and took it.  I felt so relieved as well.  

*Photos by: Jewellyn, Angeli and Krizia