Bar.Tea.More opens

CEBU, Philippines - Peppermint tea slides down my throat - so strong that the welcome aftertaste lingers at the roof of my back throat, the scent of quality herb tea into my nostrils. Though I adore chamomile tea more, I couldn't help but flutter my eyelashes at Bar.Tea.More owner Frank Huang, a Taiwanese national, in approval of the combination of peppermint tea into my latte.

So this is what Jack and Son is all about, since 1979. Indeed, purveyors of quality herb teas and flavored oolong tea, to name a few!

Mr. Huang warms up to the bubbly, babbly businessman that he is, with 27 years experience as to how the local market thinks and acts. So after the soft opening of Bar.Tea.More on September 18 and a grand opening last September 28, he is now ready to move on the next tropical fruit cake formulation after successfully utilizing succulent mangoes Cebu is renowned for.

But here's really the take: pineapples are so abundant in this country and because such symbolizes "abundance, prosperity in business, and close family ties," he considers pineapple cake as a signature snack item in Bar.Tea.More.

The pineapple cake, to go with the peppermint tea, at P99 offers a golden filling made of locally produced pineapple. Unlike in Taiwan where pineapples are mixed with wintermelon fiber as extenders, the Bar.Tea.More pineapple cakes are made of 100-percent pineapple, stuffed in crumbly soft crust that melts in the mouth. Actually it's a palate journey as one delights in the feel of a tart, a cake, and a cookie all in one pastry item.

Pineapple cakes have already surpassed the popularity of the moon cake as down-home treats or aristocratic gifts, according to Mr. Huang. The pastry is a hit since the 50s in Taichung City, mid of Taiwan. He is bringing it in here, or beyond online/home-based order counters because he believes in reinvigorating local communities that produce these products.

"Party Seasons" is a scheme he has developed with the help of his wife, Teonie Huang (a Cebuana) who's the chief finance officer. "The products can serve as perfect giveaways in parties, weddings. Containers of from six to 16 pieces are available on soy-ink printed boxes or food-grade boxes, therefore safe for consumers," he shared.

Other stuff on the menuboard you should not miss out: fresh fruit juices and shakes, Dallah Coffee at P265 good for 3-4 cups, and the P99-ers: House Special Salad, Cheesy Mushroom Sandwich, Tomato Spag, and Crab Chowder.

Bar.Tea.More is at the ground floor of Sarrosa Hotel in Mabolo, Cebu City. (FREEMAN)