Brian Ong: Sweet Patti Cakes by Patti Grandidge-Herrera

Sweet Patti Cakes by Patti Grandidge-Herrera
by: Brian Ong

One of the more reliable go-to places to buy exceptionally good comfort food (and in my opinion, best desserts) are the kitchens and stores of the home-cooks and home-bakers. These "kitchentreprenurs," have a high standard for quality and taste, and are usually teeming with passion for their creations. That is why when I get to find them, I make sure to share these great finds to my friends.

One highly recommended recent find is that of Patti Grandidge-Herrera's Sweet Patti Cakes, which offers premium home-baked creatively designed cupcakes and treats that would tickle your taste buds and other senses. 

"No one can resist a box of playfully sweet and utterly enchanting cupcakes," its website describes of their heavenly cakes in a cup. Truly, with 12 existing flavors to choose from, you are taken into a play of taste and flavors, which marries well, and would not disappoint.

Recently, I chances upon Patti's Instagram post of a creatively designed cupcake topper, made especially for dog lovers like herself. Her dog, Truffles, was also celebrating her 3rd month birthday. I wanted to do the same for my mini dachshund, Kiwi, who, back then, was also celebrating her 6th month birthday. 

I messaged Patti right away because besides the fact that I really wanted to try her cupcakes for the longest time then, it was a timely treat for Kiwi. :)

Finally, when the box of Sweet Patti Cakes arrived in my office, I was excited to bring it home to Kiwi! Look how she was when she saw the treats. But more importantly, Kiwi's owners had the best time eating all the yummy cupcakes.

Now, Patti just released three new additional flavors of Sweet Patti Cakes (Vanilla Vanilla, Vanilla Chip, and Vanilla Royale) in celebration of her three delicious cupcake making years, satisfying every customer and cupcake lover coming her way.

Do check out Sweet Patti Cakes Website and Facebook page for more details and how to order.

Happiness In Cupcakes (H.I.C.)

Yesterday, I received a sweet surprise! Guess what this box contained.



This box was sent to Manila Foodistas by Meg from Happiness In Cupcakes. Happiness in Cupcakes, or fondly known as HIC, is a home baking venture selling cupcakes that are infused with alcohol. Yes, you heard it right!





It was the first time I saw a cupcake with a bacon topping! (Above)

Their cupcakes are available as either alcoholic or virgin. The former contains hints of alcohol like Cerveza Negra, Kahlua, Cuervo, etc, while the latter has no alcohol at all. It's funny how they have disclaimers that don't usually come with your ordinary cupcake box: "We don't sell alcoholic cupcakes to minors." & "Lightheadedness is a popular experience."


Here you go! In the box were 6 tasty-looking, unique cupcakes. Flavors are: The Elvis, Mojito, Car Bombs, Food For The Gods, Red Hot Choco Peppers and Margarita.




I got to share it with my friends, and they liked Red Hot Choco Peppers the most. It was spicy and chocolatey, a twist to your usual cupcake experience.



My favorite however, was Food For The Gods, which had a distinct walnut and caramel taste.



And yeah, here is The Elvis! It's peanut butter banana bacon-flavored goodness with bacon topping!



What's special about these cupcakes (besides the alcohol) is that their icing or cream are really delicious.

To order, you can contact them at 09175362770. Like their page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Happiness.In.Cupcakes.


One dozen's order is P650. 3 days lead time for orders!

Many thanks HIC!

Danne

Red Velvet Cupcakes by Sophie's Mom

Red Velvet Cupcakes by Sophie's Mom

written by Nicole | photos by Therese

I'll keep this post short since words will leave your mouth and your mind once you get to eat these. These are the cupcakes that changed Thea's life (she said so herself) :D

Red velvet cupcakes by Sophie's Mom
Php 50.00 each

When Thea (that's what we call Therese) came last week for a short vacation here in the pearl of the Orient seas, Philippines, I bought her these because I know there are no red velvet cupcakes as delicious as these in Taiwan. She agreed and so I'm sure she's missing these right now, aren't you Thea? Only if I could email you these ha ha!

Next to cheesecakes, cupcakes are one of the very few desserts I can never, ever resist (unless of course they're too sweet for my throat and taste buds). I love these red velvets by Sophie's Mom myself because the cream cheese on top is the BOMB! It's really, really, really, really, really, G-O-O-D! The cream cheese is the very reason why I always crave for these cupcakes!

There's a small chunk of chocolate inside which Thea really liked.

I can't really describe in words how yummy these cupcakes are so why don't you just try them yourself? Who knows it might also change your life, just the way it did to Thea ha ha! As for me, these cupcakes sure make me happy. :)

Sophie's Mom in SM Megamall
This is their second shop. Their first shop is located at 

• 8760 Santol St., San Antonio Village
• Makati, Philippines 1203

Sophie's Mom
SM Megamall Bldg. A, Ground Floor (Near National Bookstore)
Telephone: 856-4849 / 404-8165 / 0920 912 9952

Food Finds | Red Velvet Cupcake of Ienne's Cupcake Cafe

Food Finds | Red Velvet Cupcake of Ienne's Cupcake Cafe
By: Brian Ong

My friend John wanted me to try this cupcake in the Baker's Dozen and Pastry Fair in Rockwell Powerplant Mall. So last week, during my lunch break, he fetched us at the Board of Investments and we went straight to Rockwell.



There were a lot of flavors to choose from; but in the end, I got a Red Velvet cupcake (Php 55, $USD 1.17) - It was unbelievably good. The light chocolate cake with vanilla cream cheese frosting with a red star icing on top was elegant and at the same time very yummy.

It wasn't anything like Sonja's cupcakes. It had this homey feel and it didn't taste too sweet. It's also cheaper compared to most of the cupcakes in the market, considering its taste and packaging. And considering that it's a newcomer in the cupcakes scene in Manila, for me, it's one of the best cupcakes I have tasted. I'll surely grab some more.



Too bad, after the Bakers Dozen and Pastry Fair event, which runs on all weekends of May in Rockwell, you'll have to go to Alabang Town Center to get a hold of this rich, feel-good cupcakes.

They also have Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry, Blueberry, Mocha, Passion Fruit, and their newest flavor, the Chocolate Chai Cupcakes.

Ienne's Cupcake Cafe
Rockwell Powerplant Mall Bakers Dozen and Pastry Fair
For orders, inquiries or any questions. You can email them at iennescupcakecafe@yahoo.com or you may call/text them at 09195248958/ 09298004478; Tel. No. 466-7645; Ienne’s Cupcakes is located at 1st Floor, Commerce Mall, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City.

Review and Photography by Bong.