Sebastian's Limited Edition Valentine's Ice Cream 2017

While everyone else is posting about #Feb-ibig, here I am writing my first post for the year and it's about #Feb-kain.

Sebastian's is at it again with the limited edition flavors. This year we were able to taste all the four Valentine's flavors.

They now offer half scoop options for two to four flavor combinations per cup so you can try out more of their quirky flavors. We got two flavors per cup to share.


Let's start with these two Valentine's flavors.

Unresolved Issues
"Sa umpisa parang wala lang. Pero bitter talaga. As expected."

We got what we expected from this. Its was cold, hardly noticeable at first. But then came the bitterness. It really is. See the little candied ampalaya bits over there? That's where the unique (or weirdly cool) combo kicks in. I guess it's the same from the previous versions. Just like how the same issues keep repeating itself over and over again, leaving it unresolved every time.


Closure
"'Yung Closure masarap isabay sa Unresolved Issues"

This one has a hint of sourness from the lime and passion fruit, with calming flavor from the black tea. Just like how some sour memories exist but you already got yourself back up and things are finally just a memory now. It's not sweet, and there are no strong flavors, but it's something mellow that you can enjoy.


Moving on the original duo.

Matinong Girlfriend
“Cheesy, pero hahanaphanapin mo”

There is something addicting to this cheese ice cream. Salty and tart. The cheesiness is more alike to a bag of chips rather than the currently available quezo real variants of ice cream. Not really excited about the semi-soggy Cheetos bits, but it did give a little texture to the ice cream.


Matinong Boyfriend
“Gusto ko siya. Pero naaalala ko pa rin yung pinaka unang Matinong Boyfriend”

It's recommended for the dark chocolate lovers out there. This features an earthy deep chocolate ice cream with ribbons of raspberry sorbet for contrast of sourness and color. Don’t expect a milk chocolate sweetness to this flavor. There's no candy flavor to this either. All serious and not playing around.

I am a self confessed dark chocolate fan, and I like this ice cream that does not leave a throat itching sweetness. But somehow I still remember the very first version of Matinong Boyfriend, the one with Passion Fruit Sansrival Ice Cream. Maybe it's just that thing about first love.

Just an observation, there is no flavor which features sweetness as its main factor. Just proves that love isn’t all about the sugar.


Note: During the past few months when I wasn't able to write a blogpost, I have been doing mini updates in my instagram account. Follow me at: @thegastronomersdiary for up to date food photos.

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Rose and Violet Dark Chocolate: A Feast for the Senses

Chanced upon this treat while window shopping during last weekend's sale. This dark chocolate bar from Marks and Spencer is just a feast for the senses.

This pretty box caught my eye. Pink and violet is a favorite color combination (color scheme of this blog haha). It's chocolate, it's different, and curiosity made me buy it.

Upon opening the box, I immediately smelled the floral notes mixed with a hint of deep chocolate.

Taste test! Bitter chocolate, that classic profile is the first thing you taste. Then here comes the other flavor. You know that sensation when you eat wasabi and the spice goes up your nose? Change that spice with floral flavors and that's how I'd describe the unique taste of this bar. You really get to taste the rose and violet. I haven't eaten a rose nor a violet before, but I know what a flowers smells like. Now, I think I have an idea on what it tastes like. One might need a little getting used to the floral taste though.

If you are feeling a bit curious this item will stimulate your sense of sight, smell, and taste.


Item bought at Marks and Spencer, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Theo and Philo: Local Artisan Chocolate

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates offers quality local chocolates with interesting twists. These chocolates also have a nice packaging. Each flavor has its own design. Colors dominantly used are red, white, blue, and yellow/gold (colors of the Philippine flag).

Inside, the chocolate is wrapped in silver foil sealed with a golden Theo and Philo sticker. I noticed that one kind of foil was thinner with diamond patterns, and the other had no patterns but was a bit thicker.

They use local produce – they source their cacao beans from Davao and their sugar from Bacolod.

I bought three variants: Dark chocolate with Calamansi (local lime), Dark chocolate with Ginger and Mint, and Dark chocolate with Siling Labuyo (chili).

In general, I like their dark chocolate. It’s not really sweet but also not too bitter – and that’s how I like my dark chocolate.

Here are the three variants that I bought:

Dark chocolate with Calamansi (local lime)

This is my favorite among the three. It has a fruity citrus sweetness with hints of sourness mixed into the chocolate. You can occasionally spot the zest in the chocolate too. I also tasted some sweet crystals in it(sugar maybe?).



Dark Chocolate with Ginger and Mint

What makes this dark mint chocolate different from others is that it has ginger. The taste was dominantly mint but bits of ginger are there too that gives a familiar kind of spice in an unfamiliar setting.



Dark Chocolate with Siling Labuyo (chili)

Looks like a normal chocolate bar, yes? But unlike the other two, this one had an undeniable spicy kick. I like that it’s not the kind of spiciness that stays in your mouth (and hard to get rid of) since I am not a fan of super spicy food. It gives just enough hotness. Among the three, I think this one is the most unique.

I bought my Theo & Philo chocolates from the Team Manila store in Mall of Asia. Since they only had some flavors available when I went there, I’m gonna check if they have the Barako coffee, 70% dark chocolate, Pili nuts and Pinipig flavors on my next visit.