Category: Coffee / Tea

Only the Finest Decadence from Van Houten Chocolates

Chocolates. I’ve always loved them ever since I was a little kid. I mean, who didn’t enjoy the sweet flavors of chocolates when they were children? Back then, I only knew how to chomp them all up ’til my nanay would tell me I’ve had enough. It was after over 2 decades when I learned how to enjoy chocolates the "right" way. And a few weeks ago, at Society Lounge in Makati, Van Houten reminded me of how I can truly savour the decadent goodness only quality chocolates can offer.

Van Houten chocolate bars

Van Houten has been around for 180 years. I remember having my first taste of it when a family friend who came from the US brought us a canister of their chocolates back when I was in my teens. I can still recall thinking that they were indeed imported, high quality ones because I haven’t tasted anything that good from any loot my nanay brought home whenever she goes on her bi-monthly sweets shopping for us.

Van Houten's Legacy and what Cocoaphilia is all about

Van Houten is widely available here in the Philippines and they now offer varying flavor combinations that would surely please the cocoaphile in you.

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Free McCafe Premium Roast Coffee at McDonald’s – August 8-12 Only!

For all my fellow coffee lovers out there, you can now enjoy a good cup of McCafe Premium Roast Coffee for FREE at any McDonald’s breakfast store nationwide. All you need to do is present your “FREE COFFEE” coupon from 4:00am up to 10:30am starting August 8th until the 12th.

Free McCafe Premium Roast Coffee only at McDonald's - CertifiedFoodies.com

This is definitely good news for those who need their dose of caffeine in the morning and can’t find a cafe that’s open really early in the morning. There are McDonald’s stores nationwide that are open 24/7 that you can visit from August 8-12 to experience the goodness of 100% Arabica coffee from McCafe.

The McCafe Premium Roast Coffee is made from 100% pure Arabica beans, which they claim are hand-picked from the best coffee-producing regions globally. It’s roasted and blended perfectly to give you that classic aroma and great brewed coffee flavor. You can add this to your breakfast meal or solo for only Php 25.00.

Wondering how you’d get your hands on a coupon? Well, they started giving away free coupons in offices, transportation terminals, colleges, universities and McDonald’s stores yesterday. For the complete mechanics or to find out where they’re handing out these coupons, check McDonald’s on Facebook.

Starbucks Mocha Frap Please!

I love enjoying a cup or two of coffee any time of the day. When I’m at home, I usually end up with instant coffee mixes and I prefer a hot cup of coffee. But, whenever I’m out with friends, Starbucks is my favorite coffee place. I love, love, love their Mocha Frappuccino.

My favorite Starbucks Frap - Mocha! - CertifiedFoodies.comMy Mocha Frap at Starbucks Gateway Mall, Cubao

I love the bittersweet taste of mocha, mixed with coffee and milk. I honestly haven’t tried their Dark Mocha Frappuccino yet, but I know I gotta try it real soon! It’s just that I keep on forgetting whenever I’m at Starbucks (I think I’ve been to Starbucks once or twice weekly for the past month). I think my mind’s programmed to always order their Mocha Frap. That’s how much I love it! 😀

I’ve tried and loved their Java Chip Frappuccino, too. The mocha flavors mixed in with chocolate chips, topped with mocha drizzle – just heaven! I don’t order this as often as the plain mocha Frap though ‘cause I usually prefer to drink my coffee straight up, without any chips mixed into it.

Everyone in my family are coffee lovers. Well, Ken used to be. But, after drinking too much coffee when he was studying for the Nursing Licensure board exams (which he passed with flying colors, by the way :)), he can no longer enjoy coffee as much as before.

So, he goes for Starbucks non-caffeinated drinks like their Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino.

Starbucks Strawberries and Cream and Mocha Frappuccino - CertifiedFoodies.comStrawberries & Cream and Mocha Frappuccinos at Magallanes

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