Making healthy choices

Considered more relaxing than a coffee break and healthier than  a cocktail, Filipinos are discovering what the Chinese have known for centuries — that tea is an essential drink with countless benefits.

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf recently hosted a tea appreciation seminar at their Makati branch with self-taught connoisseur and famed master tea blender David DeCandia as guest speaker.

“Understanding the art of tea making, including the complex details behind the way tea is grown, processed, brewed and served all adds to the production of the perfect cup” said DeCandia.

Marketing director Paolo Del Rosario and franchisee for Cebu Allen Arvin Tan said  that  efforts to directly source superior tea leaves and coffee beans from all over the globe is part of the company’s success complimented by an attentive service team, a chockfull of amenities, gourmet menu selections and delectable dessert choices..

And for the gastronomic experience like no other, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is truly the place to be, whether in Manila or Cebu where cult favorites, best-loved infusions and innovative new brews are available in every soothing cup. 

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Back in Cebu, the California Raisin, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture, recently held a cook-out at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa. Woven together by a common ingredient – California Raisins — the innovative dishes created by Chef de Cuisine Marc Martinez showcased the versatility of one of nature’s most nutritious dried fruits.  

Unique and original sumptuous dishes mesclun mix with California Raisin vin and seared salmon agro dolce sauce and toasted couscous were exquisitely prepared for the intimate gathering of media guests. The menu was capped with the sinfully delicious California Raisin and apple crostata.

California Raisins are also known as nature’s original candy. As snacks, raisins are healthy, cholesterol-free, low in sodium and totally fat-free. They also provide many necessary vitamins and minerals to our diet such as potassium, calcium and  iron.

“California raisin’s made from the green Thompson seedless grapes make an important contribution to a healthy diet,” said Richard Lieu of the California Raisin administrative committee. “It is really very fitting that they are sometimes called nature’s perfect ingredient.”