Starbucks' new breakfast offerings and Creme Brulee coffee drinks!

I was surprised when I received an invite from Starbucks for a casual evening get-together at the JP Laurel Bldg. located on the corner of Pedro Gil and Roxas Boulevard. According to my GPS it's about 7.5km away from where I lived, which isn't so far... it's just that I'm not really acquainted with that part of town.

When I got there, I quickly realized why. Photo above was borrowed from Starbucks Philippines. :p

Apart from being the newest Starbucks branch, it's the first Heritage Concept Store here in the Philippines. Again, the photo above was borrowed from Starbucks Philippines. XD

Starbucks JP Laurel gives off that old city 70's vibe that makes you feel relaxed and nostalgic. Paintings and photos of old Manila adorn the walls. I felt like I was in a museum instead of a coffee shop.

Starbucks restored the space instead of doing a full alteration. The building itself is a tribute to the great works of Jose P. Laurel, president of the Philippines from 1943 - 1945.

We were given sample servings of Starbucks' latest beverage: Creme Brulee Frappuccino (ice blended) and Creme Brulee Macchiato (hot). I loved the distinctive smooth and creamy taste of Creme Brulee Macchiato. Creme Brulee Frappuccino was just too sweet for me.

...and then breakfast was served! These yummy breakfast offerings are actually available all day so it doesn't matter what time you drop by your favorite Starbucks branch. We started off with the French Toast (P85, pictured above) which is comprised of two BIG pieces of bread served warm and toasty. It's coated with an egg and milk batter then served with a small container of maple-flavored syrup on the side. It's sooo good, my kids loved it when I served it to them the next morning. Did I mention that they're ready in 5 minutes after you order? This is perfect with a cup of hot coffee!

Roasted Chicken Egg Cup Toast (P110, pictured above) is like a quiche (an oven-baked dish made of eggs, milk or cream in a pastry crust) except that the filling is baked inside a bread crust instead of a pastry crust. The filling is made of egg custard with chicken bits seasoned with Italian herbs.

Next up was Turkey and Chicken Ham, Egg White, and Emmenthal on Whole Wheat Cornmeal Bread (P110, pictured above). It's the typical breakfast sandwich, and for me it's reminiscent of McDonald's Egg McMuffin (which actually comes with ham and cheese inside). XD

Vigan Longganiza, Egg, and Mozzarella on Whole Wheat Pandesal (P110, pictured above) was everyone's favorite. Tasty slices of Vigan Longganiza, scrambled eggs, and tomato-onion salsa are combined inside a warm pandesal for a uniquely Filipino-inspired breakfast sandwich. :)

Spinach, Artichoke, Mushroom, and Mozzarella on Rye Bread (P110, pictured above) however, is my favorite. I know, it looks hardcore vegetarian but it's just so yummy for me. The combination of veggies, cheese, and juicy mushrooms are just divine. I love the bread too. Perfect, really. My son however, exclaimed that there's just too much vegetables and was hankering for meat as soon as he took a bite when I served it for breakfast the next day.

There's also Spam Classic, Egg, and Cheese on Cornmeal Bread (P110, pictured above). I wasn't too excited about this one since I can easily make it at home. XD

After the savory sandwiches came the sweet stuff. Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (P95, pictured above) is a baked pastry filled with ripe banana slices, chocolate chips, and Nutella. Turon with a twist? Maybe.

Then there's Chocolate Rhum Cheesecake. My favorite part is that round rich dark chocolate truffle on top. The good news is this cake isn't overly sweet and my kids actually liked it. :D

We also got to try the Starbucks Anniversary Blend 2011, which is described as spicy and bold. A pack of coffee beans like this costs P500+.

We were served some freshly brewed Starbucks Anniversary Blend 2011 in small tasting cups. It was quite heavy in the mouth. It had a deep and robust flavor that went well with cinnamon sticks and French Toast.

Hubby and I both tried Starbucks Chai Frappuccino with Coffee Jelly. Even at reduced sweetness levels I still found it too sweet but hubby finished his in a jiffy. I think I'll stick to hot coffee drinks and my favorite Soy Strawberry Frappuccino with just a single shot of everything except the strawberry. :D

All of the yummy breakfast offerings will be available at your nearest Starbucks branch (except Baguio, Boracay, Bacolod, Cebu, CDO, Davao, Iloilo, and Naga) starting Sept. 13, 2011.

I'm already looking forward to the yearly Starbucks Cheer Party this November!

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