Delifrance (Philippines) just hosted a cozy get-together with us, bloggers, at a branch in Salcedo Village, Makati. This cafe is quite familiar to me.. there is one across my present office in UN Avenue, Manila. Delifrance is not as common as its sister company Jollibee though… maybe because the prices are at least three times higher here?
I’ve always complained, why is Delifrance more expensive?
Answer: because the shrimps in Delifrance’s seafood marinara actually taste like.. real shrimps! Plump and juicy (tell me if this is not the case with yours)
Coffee is always freshly-brewed (or else, the barista gets the bar)
The flour in their baguette and croissant are imported from the largest milling company in France, Grand Moulins de Paris.
In keeping with their classy, French image, Delifrance isn’t likely to introduce any rice dishes soon (you have to go o Jollibee for that)…. although their Premiere Roast Beef Sandwich looks like it will fill me for at least two mealtimes.
We found out that a must-try at Delifrance is their Flaming Chocolate Lava Cake, a flourless chocolate cake with a liquid center … greatness in every bite!
A highlight of our bloggers’ dinner was a chance to be in the same table with William Tan-Untiong, President of Delifrance Philippines. I was left in awe, considering that he’s younger brother of Tony Tancaktiong, the legendary magnate behind such fastfood greats as Jollibee! (first and foremost), red Ribbon and Chow King. Mr. Tan-Untiong proved to be very down-to-earth and sporty.
Here’s the transcript of our slum book-style interview with him:
How do you begin your day? I go to the office early. I answer my emails and do my planning. I will not be able to do these things when everybody’s around and we’re conducting all our meetings.
What’s your favorite coffee? To be honest, I didn’t drink coffee before, but when we acquired Delifrance, that’s when I started. That same night, I couldn’t sleep from the first cup of coffee I drank!
What’s your favorite food in Jollibee? The Chicken Joy
And in Delifrance? Our corned beef hash
What are your favorite places in the Philippines? Boracay. I hope I can also go to Batanes. It looks fun and exciting, from what I’ve been reading (blogger’s note: huh?)
Do you read blogs? Yes. (at this point , we wanted him to say, that’s why I invited you guys, did I?) They’re part of learning, and sometimes I read them even just for pleasure.
Do you blog? Well I tried to…on Multiply! My last entry was in September of last year.
What are your favorite restaurants in Manila? We grew up in Tondo so am used to street food, something that is not pretentious. Fried lumpia for example?
This reminds me now of the other Jollibee restaurant, Tio Pepe. What brought it about?
We felt that there’s a big segment of Filipinos that we’re not able to reach, even with Jollibee. It’s still in its developmental stage, but we will be open to franchising in the future.
Do you cook? Yes.. all kinds of pancit. Pancit bihon, pancit guisado, hahaha.
At this point, the publicist Brad Geiser approaches us and by his mere presence reminds us that we were supposed to talk about Delifrance. Huh? Okay!
From March 3 to 7, just right after the clock strikes 5, say “Naughty with my coffee” when a Delifrance barista asks for the password to taste Delifrance’s Spiked After 5‘s coffee collection with a twist.
On offer are Irish Kiss Baileys, the Mayan Passion Kahlua and Sputnik Vodka Espresso.
Irish Kiss Baileys, served either steaming hot or cold, is a rich blend of espresso, Irish whiskey, creme, and lemon-sugar kissed rim. This is my personal favorite from the line-up of drinks actually.
Mayan Passion Kahlua (in iced or hot version as well) is heavy and sweet liqueur mixed with intense espresso, whipped cream and lemon sugar.
Lastly, Sputnik Vodka Espresso is crushed blended ice, aromatic espresso, crystal clear vodka and lemon sugar – according to the Delifrance prez, the drink is guaranteed to take you to orbit.
Delifrance branches in Manila are at AIM Conference Center, Greenbelt, Insular Life Bldg., RCBC Plaza, SM Makati, Ayala Tower 1, valero Makati, Zeta Building, legaspi Village Makati, UN Avenue, Robinson’s Place Manila, Festival Supermall, Alabang Town Center, Mall of Asia, C5 Libis, St. Luke’s, Greenhills Theater Mall, Roosevelt, and Philippine Heart Center.
More pictures from the coffee party:
Man of the Afterhour Brad geiser with blogging lovebirds Rico and Sasha.
The Delifrance girls.
The blogging mother and daughter tandem of Noemi and Lauren.
Me and Nina’s photo-op with Mr. Tan-Untiong.
More bloggers in a huddle… winding up the party at this time, actually.
So, why is it, when someone says “naughty with my coffee”, all I can think about is an old Squeeze song? 😀
Ooooh interesting!!! I could have joined you guys pala since my meeting ended early. Oh well! I’ll just go “naughty with my coffee” soon then. 😉
Yeah Mr. Z.. the double entendre;)
Toni, sorry we missed you. Do try it! Barely two weeks to go 😀
I would have loved t have been there. I miss the PI so much. I was stationed there in 1979-80 Wallace AS San Fernando LaUnion.
nice meeting u again?! sorry i have to leave early. aheheh
So many things have changed in the PI John. For one thing, the city is now more..should I say the word… ‘cosmopolitan?’
Nice to see you too Eric. Hope you didn’t forget the swag?;)
i love the corned beef hash, too. sayang, the valero branch is just a block away from my office. thing is, i work at night. so 5pm is like 2am in my body clock :D. next time.