On a nice night, Nino and I enjoy sitting in the open air while enjoying our fare. (Photo Credit: Patty of Nonstop Babble)
There is this cute little cafe right down the road from my house. It’s easy to get to, easy to park, and Nino and I like to go there for dessert sometimes on date night. We can sit outside (when it’s not so hot) take in the fresh air, have a glass of wine (from Ralph’s next door) or even enjoy Sweet Bella’s Hot Chocolate and indulge in a mini cake.
Even their signature swirly breadsticks are a favorite with my kids.
I got to know one of the partner’s of Sweet Bella in Molito, through another gig I had which was super fun. Philips tapped me last year to give healthy living talks for their Mall Roadshow. It was very easy for me to say yes to joining the roadshow panel, because Philips has some pretty great innovations which help make my life (and the lives of others) easier AND healthier. The entire experience was another opportunity for me to grow, and of course to make new friends like Veron, Dinah, and Mary.
Thanks Dinah for this pic! (Photo Credit: Screen shot of Dinah Duran’s Twitter account)
When Veron and I became friendly during the Philips roadshows, she shared that one of her “day jobs” included running her cafe that is near to my house. When Nino and I finally visited Sweet Bella, we realized that it was so much MORE than desserts and actually, a great place for lunch and dinner too!
“We-fie” on the way to Sweet Bella. It’s only a few minutes from the house. Kiddos plus my NFF, Jane from Sugar and Spice.
Veron invited us for lunch so that we could share the love we have for her yummy dishes and delectable desserts. It was a nice treat to enjoy such a filling lunch with some new (and old) friends on such a hot day. The concept of Sweet Bella Cafe is the baby of Cristina Santiago Rivera. Veron, Tin, and Chef Carlo dela Concepcion are all so close (like family) that the idea took root for the three of them to open the third branch of Sweet Bella making the trio a team, which would open the third branch together.
We ate upstairs, which is perfect for small groups like ours. The kids took over one of the tables which left the Mommas to enjoy pleasant banter and adult conversation. They were completely entertained by their loom bands and each other, so it was totally fine.
We started with Seafood Chowder. Diego liked it so much that he asked for his own bowl.
I was super happy to see my favorites come to the table. Both the Truffle Pasta and the Gambas are dishes Nino and I order regularly. As many of you know, I’m a carb junkie (besides being an ice cream momster) and pasta and bread are something I find it difficult to say “No” to. Usually, I use the focaccia to mop up all that yummy garlic and oil.
Gambas served with freshly baked focaccia.
I’m all about changing up the flavor and the texture going on in my mouth so that there is a party. Perfect combination: Capellini Truffle Pasta topped with pesto and pomodoro, garnished with Panko crusted eggplant that is drizzled with a balsamic reduction. This dish is PARTY in my mouth.
I think the Capellini Truffle Pasta is my favorite dish. There are so many different flavors going on in this dish that it’s perfect for me. There is a little pesto, a little pomodoro, a little truffle, a little cream, a little crunchy panko, and a little sweet balsamic glaze. It might not sound like it all works-but it totally does. (Fact: I have ordered this each time I’m there for a meal.)
Did someone say Oysters? Oysters Rockefeller came to the table complete with oohs and ahhs from the ladies in attendance. I’m glad that this came a little bit after the other apps, because they say that you shouldn’t eat oysters on an empty stomach.
After we had all of these delicious dishes, came the main courses. The kids had already finished their Five Cheese Pizza and Pasta Carbonara, and were working on dessert, but apparently, the adults were just beginning!
Grilled Salmon served with mashed potatoes, fresh steamed veggies and a creamy lemon butter sauce.
Super Soft and Tender Beef Salpicao served with Steak Fried Rice. The fried rice had bits and pieces of crispy fried steak. I usually don’t indulge in dishes like this but MY GOSH…I couldn’t stop eating that rice EVEN after all the steak was gone! I was sopping up the oil and garlic bits to finish off the rice!
Angus Ribeye steak, grilled to perfection, with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and a brown gravy .
When we were finished eating, we gave our tummies time to rest, but Veron reminded us that we needed to tap into our reserves and make space for dessert. (Of course, I had no problem finding room for sweets.)
Strawberry Shortcake: Tower of strawberry cream layered with vanilla cake.
Mangotier: Sweet Bella’s version of mango cheesecake. Oven baked cheesecake layered with mango mousse and fresh mango coulis
Pearl: Light and refreshing Pink Guava mousse filled with flambeed Guimaras Mango (Voted Best Dessert for 2011)
TRIO: Layers of coffee mousse, dark chocolate mousse, and white chocolate mousse blended together for perfection
As you can guess, Sweet Bella is now one of our “go to” favorites in Molito. We are so happy that Alabang is becoming such a fun place to go out and eat. We really don’t have to go so far all the time to get great food, not just for date night, but even more importantly to take the family out for a nice meal.
To make reservations call: 556-4247 Or contact Sweet Bella thru Facebook.
Thank you so much for introducing me to the wonders of Sweet Bella, Michelle! <3 I loved everything on the table, and I loved the girl bonding & meeting your mommy friends who were so very nice to me. I miss you already. Mwah! :-*
Aw! Jane! I’m so happy you enjoyed yourself 🙂 Nino and I surely enjoy Sweet Bella and we are so glad you feel the same. I love making new friends and sharing them too! Yahoo for girl bonding and good eats!