Evil, sinful, naughty, mischievous, playful and roguish - whatever and however you define the WICKED, I really don't mind now. Because by the opening of this new sweet shop in Shangri-La Plaza in Manadaluyong, nothing can change the definition of "Wicked" in my mind - which is sweet, delicious, sinfully good and playfully thought!
Led by Chef Christine Paredes of Cravings, and helped out by in-house chefs Ton Albasin, RJ Bernabe and Mac Reyes, Wicked is a place where one can have his/her sweets with a shot of their favorite alcohol. Exciting as it sounds, Wicked's menu is divided into three characteristics sure to tickle one's mind - the Wickedly Sinful, Wickedly Sexy, and Wickedly Intoxicating.
I had a wonderful time visiting the place on its opening day last October 15, and boy, the day that I thought I'll just be having some sweets turns out to be a wonderful time having a chat with Chef Christine, sharing some information about the place and how they've come up with such a "wicked" idea.
If you thought that Lucban, Quezon is all about Pahiyas Festival, Lucban Longganisa, Pancit Habhab or even the colorful kiping, you are missing a lot from this humble town. Because if you haven't met the Queen Baker of Lucban and her delectable Jardinera and Yema Cake, well, you are missing a lot and I think you should start considering to a pay to visit to one of Lucban's oldest bakeshop - Koffee Klatch.
Located just a few steps from Lucban Church, Koffee Klatch is housed in the one and only neo-classical structure in whole of Lucban, Quezon. Formerly known as La Casa De Dona Ana, owned by husband and wife Pedro Nepomuceno and Ana Maria Herrera, this building is considered one of the historical spots in the town of Lucban. Served as an orphanage during the World War II, the ownership of the house was transferred to husband and wife Marcelo Dealo and Eduviges Veloso after they bought it, and then passed on to their daughter Milada Dealo-Valde, who is behind the famous bakeshop.
We were lucky that when we visited the place, Mrs. Milada Dealo-Valde or Mommy Milada was there estimating their guests and clients. A simple yet very accommodating woman, Mommy Milada offered not only her food to us but as well as their town's and family's colorful stories that we find really humbling and sweet.
A few weeks ago, I have this huge problem. With only few days left on my hand to give my aunt a somehow lovely 60th birthday celebration, I still don't have a cake for her. My aunt, who is one of the best aunts in the world, deserves nothing but the loveliest kind on her birthday, and thankfully upon scanning every bakeshop page on Facebook, I stumbled upon Little Bites.
I've tried their offerings before when I checked out the Ultimate Taste Test 9.0 at Soderno last August, so I'm pretty sure that the taste would be great, but one of the many problems when it comes to ordering from reputable and in-demand bakeshops like Little Bites is their schedule. Thankfully, their owner, who is sweeter and lovelier than her goodies, accepted and granted my rush order. :-)
Cupcakes paved its way to the market back in 2009, and since then, the demand of these delectable and really cute pieces are that high, that's why no wonder a lot of people now turned their baking hobby into a business by putting up their own bakeshop online, and Little Bites is now one of them. Managed and owned by housewife and mom Cham Castejon Niduaza, Little Bites range of products runs from cakes, cupcakes, cake pops (cake lollipops) and crinkles.
I have a confession to make. I'm one of those people who can't have a great day without a piece of bread on my breakfast table every morning. And I guess, it is one of those Filipino traits that I inherited and will keep on doing til I die.
Anyways, enough with the drama!
I was invited last week to check out that latest innovation on the bakeshop that has been a good neighbor to all of us for the past 30 years - Julie's Bakeshop.
I honestly didn't know that they are celebrating their 30th year now - how time flies so quick - so when I got to meet the people from Julie's Bakeshop-Metro Manila, headed my Mr. Bienvenido Topacio or Sir Bien, as what he wants us to call him, he shared to us the inspiring story as to how Julie's Bakeshop managed to stay in the business for this long and keep on giving every Filipino fresh, out-of-the-oven goodies that's making every Pinoy's life complete and sweet! ^_^
