Freshly baked mooncakes at Luk Yuen

MANILA, Philippines - Mooncake lovers will find it hard to resist the mooncakes at Luk Yuen Noodle House. Baked daily to ensure its freshness, only quality ingredients are used to maximize its flavorful taste, with no preservatives added. Available in single pack (P98/piece) and box of four (P380), mooncakes are perfect gifts to family and friends as a gesture of abundance and togetherness on Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Oct. 3.

Luk Yuen has branches at Glorietta 5, Makati City (856-5199 or 856-2081), Greenhills (721-2620), SM Megamall-B (633-4396), Cash & Carry Makati (856-5778), and Alabang Town Center (772-4967).

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Chocolate and butter macaroons at Goldilocks

Goldilocks macaroon has a long and storied history.

The first macaroons were almond meringue cookies with a crisp crust and soft interior made from egg whites and almond paste, a far cry from the coconut confections which most of us grew up with.

The name of this tough but tender cookie comes from the Italian word for “paste” — maccarone.

Goldilocks’ take on macaroons includes the sumptuous chocolate and creamy butter varieties.

This complements the smooth coconut flavor of each bite-sized pastry.

For delivery, call Goldilocks Go-Delivery Hotline at 888-1-999.

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Giant mooncake at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel

In observance of Mid-Autumn Festival, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila recently showcased the country’s first and only giant mooncake, measuring 40 inches in width, 10 inches tall and is estimated to weigh over 100 kilos or 220 pounds.

Held on Sept. 9 (09-09-09), the event was highlighted by the cutting of the giant mooncake at the lobby lounge by general manager Sinan Yilmaz and Shang Properties, Inc. president and CEO Andy Bautista.

Guests indulged in dimsums as well as an assortment of mooncake varieties that include chilled mooncake in custard and pandan flavors prepared by Summer Palace chefs.

The mooncakes are available at the Edsa Shangri-La’s hotel’s main lobby from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily; at Summer Palace from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Celebrations at Shangri-La located at the second floor, Greenbelt 5.  For reservations, call 633-8888.

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Battle of the bartenders at TGI Friday’s

T.G.I.Friday’s brings back the battle of the bartenders in this year’s “Shake Rattle and Pour” Bartending competition on Sept. 24 at the Main Mall Atrium of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

True to T.G.I.Friday’s tradition, there will be non-stop bottle flipping, bottle tossing and working flairs that will once again wow the audience.

This year’s contestants are Ralph Emerson Daganio (Friday’s Mall of Asia), Harris Manlapaz (Friday’s Sta. Lucia), Celso Nino Naco (Friday’s Bonifacio High Street), Ruel Ramos (Friday’s Trinoma), Eric Esguerra (Friday’s Ayala-Cebu) and Sir Raminad Ong (from Friday’s Ermita and the defending champion). Not to be outdone are lady contenders Graziella Nieto (Friday’s Alabang), Flora Jaravata (Friday’s Glorietta) and Cristy Amor Avenido (Friday’s Quezon City).

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Coffee, bread and cakes at Desaato Pan

Dezaato Pan is the newest haven for dessert and coffee-lovers alike. The name of the restaurant is a direct translation of dessert breads in Japanese — desaato (dessert) and pan (bread). Dezaato offers four different food selections — breads, artisan cakes & pastries, café and fresh gelato ice cream.

“Dezaato Pan cakes are definitely our highlight product because it epitomizes what our restaurant offers — an unforgettable experience that captivates the customers senses,” said marketing manager Gene Lopez. “And the unique artistry of each cake makes it a perfect dessert gift for family gatherings and celebrations.”

A signature dish at Dezaato Pan product is the three-layered coffee concoction that blends three distinct beverage ingredients. The unique beverage offers coffee aficionados the flavors of rose café latte, matcha café latte and roasted nuts latte.

Dezaato Pan has branches at SM Mall of Asia, Banawe Ave., and Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

For inquiries, call 366-7384 or 367 3426.

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Frozen yogurt ice cream at Green Mango

Health-conscious diners who used to skip the dessert plate can now indulge in their sweet cravings with scoops of Green Mango yogurt ice cream.

“Our premium choices are created to bring out that authentic, ultimate dessert experience that is truly healthy and one-of-a-kind. And best of all, we offer the same functional yogurt ice cream at a much cheaper price than other brands,” said Martin Escalona, marketing director of Fruit Magic, Inc.

Green Mango operations began along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Today it has branches at SM Centerpoint and SM Sky Garden in North EDSA. Green Mango yogurt ice cream flavors are chocolate, strawberry, and sweet and creamy. The brand also carries yogurt smoothies and regular ice cream with choice toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate bits and candy sprinkles. Healthy-popsicle sticks are also available.

Green Mango yogurt ice creams are also available at the Fruit Magic Lounge Pizzaiolo outlets.

For information, call 364-6927, visit www.fruitmagic.com.ph or e-mail admin@fruitmagic.com.ph.

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Hong Kong mooncakes at Peking Garden

For the Mid-Autumn Festival, diners get to savor northern Chinese cuisine with available set menus at Peking Garden. For mooncake munchers, the famous Maxim’s mooncake from Hong Kong is also available. It comes in two original flavors: white lotus cream with two egg yolks and yellow lotus cream with two egg yolks that come in elegant boxes. For reservations, call 901-0502 or 901-0507. Peking Garden is located at the third floor, TriNoma Park, Quezon City.

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Italianni’s faves at Eastwood Mall

Italianni’s treats diners to its Grandioso Pizza made with fresh button mushrooms, pontabella oysters, shiitake mushrooms and onions all in a simmering broil of cheese bliss. Have a bite of this authentic Italian pizza at Italianni’s, second floor, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City. For reservations, call 709-22-47 to reserve.