Food Find: House of Polvoron (HOP)

We saw a stall of House of Polvoron (HOP) in Megamall (Manila, April 2013) but didn't get the chance to try it while we were there. Thankfully, I found four flavours of HOP at G&L Supermarket and Tong Li Supermarket two weeks ago. 

Polvoron is type of shortbread made of flour, sugar and milk. It's one of the most popular candies in the Philippines. It sometimes come in different flavours like ube and pinipig; and sometimes added with nuts.

Our favourite Polvoron is the one made by Goldilocks. I remember as a child, my Mom would always bring a bag of Goldilocks Polvoron and I'd giggle with happiness. Lucky that Goldilocks Polvoron are available at Asian supermarkets here so we never really miss them. Last year, we discovered chocolate-coated Chocovron. While I found it okay, the Husband didn't like it so I never bought them again. 

Having HOP here in Sydney is a good sign. It kind of changes the Polvoron scene in a great way. More brands, more choices. While I love Goldilocks Polvoron, I don't mind supporting other Filipino brands as long as they taste great.

HOP takes pride in their special polvoron because they are made of natural ingredients quality, does not contain artificial flavours and colours. Their polvoron has a delicate sweetness and crunchy texture. We've tried four flavours: Classic, Cashew, Pili and Cookies and Cream.

My favourite from all four is the Cookies and Cream flavour. It was sweeter than the other flavours but it's the kind of sweetness I can't get enough of. Its taste reminds me the Cookies and Cream cake I love from Michel's.

I found HOP at G&L Supermarket and Tong Li Supermarket. Try them if you chance upon them. 

Oliver Brown Cafe, Now Open in Blacktown

One of the chocolate cafes I like has opened a branch in our suburb.

Whenever I'm in Chatswood, I sometimes visit the Oliver Brown Cafe for coffee and chocolate. I'm glad I don't have to go too far for their sweets. They now have a branch on the 3rd level of Westpoint Blacktown. 

Oliver Brown is a Belgian chocolate cafe. They offer cakes, pastries, chocolate truffles, macarons, fondues, waffles, churros and drinks.  

Yesterday, we bought two slices of cakes and had them for dessert after dinner.

Chocolate Mud Cake satisfied the Husband's chocolate craving. It was rich and not too sweet. 

On the other hand, I chose the Swiss Roll and enjoyed the chocolate chiffon and mocha-flavoured filling.

Visit the Oliver Brown and have a try at their sweet offerings. 

Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe

Level 3, Westpoint Blacktown

17 Patrick Street, Blacktown

Ph: 02 8678 0628

More Food Discoveries at Senario Cafe

Whenever we're at Westpoint Blacktown, we find ourselves having meals at Senario Cafe. It opened early this year and we've been discovering more of their delicious offerings as time goes by. We usually stop by for brunch and coffee. 

Fluffy Pancakes with Bacon and Eggs. A sweet marriage of sweet and salty. 

Eggs Benedict with ham placed on top of a panini. They make the perfect poached eggs and the panini is a good change from the usual muffin. 

Burger Breakkie with Chips. Sausage patty in between a hash brown and egg. 

Big Breakfast. A meal good enough to share which consists of two toasts, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, eggs and hash brown. The Husband and I split this meal between us and left us filled and satisfied.

On Thursday nights, they close the same time as the end of late night shopping (9pm) and one time that I met up with a friend, we had dinner and coffee. My friend shared her Club Sandwich with me and I loved it. I enjoyed the sandwich because of the tasty chicken and added avocado. The wedges that came with it had a tasty coating which gave it a good crunch upon biting.  

My first try at their dessert was the Apple and Blueberry Pie. It came with vanilla ice cream and lots of whipped cream. It was such a beautiful dessert with lots of sweet apples inside the pie. 

The Husband and I are so glad to have a cafe near our place where we can have good-tasting meals and coffee. We're looking forward to trying out their other food offerings.

Senario
Level 3, Westpoint Shopping Centre 
17 Patrick Street, Blacktown NSW
Phone: 02 9676 7737

Sweet "Me" Times at Max Brenner

Max Brenner is another cafe that we frequent near our home. Lately I've been having my "Me" times here. On evenings when we plan to do grocery shipping, I wait for the Husband at Max Brenner and indulge in their desserts. 

Their Belgian Waffle is always a favourite which I always pair up with strawberries and a cup of coffee.

The Optimistic Trio is my latest cake discovery. It's made up of three layers of mousse: dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. It was sooooo good.

I ate it while enjoying a cup of Flat White. My coffee came with a small stirrer spoon; the cutest stirrer I've ever encountered.

My latest visit at Max Brenner was before we watched "Man of Steel" where I had a cup of one of their Winter offerings, Salted Caramel Storm. I tasted a hint of caramel in my chocolate drink but I hoped for more and felt underwhelmed. I guess I'll go back to ordered their normal chocolate drinks and coffee.

For good chocolate desserts and drinks, Max Brenner gives me my sweet "Me" time. It's a place where I get to feel a certain warmth all the time.