Walking distance from our second home is Starbucks, Robinsons Summit Ridge. They have a nice alfresco area which begs a hot handcrafted beverage like this:
Hazelnut Machiatto (ma-ki-a-to)
The delicious, multi-layered Macchiato begins with milk steamed until it's stretched and smooth to bring out its natural sweetness and is topped by a dense, creamy foam. Then rich espresso is poured over and through the foam, where it mixes with the milk and creates a brown mark on top. Finally, the barista signs their work of art with a sweet drizzle made with a mix of brown sugar, butter, Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and a slight hint of salt.
It's not my usual drink (Green tea latte) but I wanted to try something new. Plus, instagram posts about it intrigued me, add the machiatto banners inside Starbucks.
For me, the machiatto is like a dessert and coffee in one. The "crosshatch" caramel on top of the foam is delightful. Especially when it gives you a foamy mustache!
Iced Hazelnut Macchiato
The drink below the foam is still serious in giving you a kick in the afternoon. It is challenging to find a dessert to match this already sweet & tasty beverage.
I also tried the Iced Hazelnut Macchiato and I prefer this over the hot version.
Suggestion to Starbucks: I hope they serve hot Machiatto in glass as seen on their posters. I asked for this from the barista but my machiatto ended in a mug.
This looks so much better! :)
For my Labor Day weekend Starbucks visit in Tagaytay, I discovered their new Salted Caramel Crunch Cake. Every hardworking person deserves a slice of this!
A sweet and crunchy meringue sandwiched between moist vanilla sponge cakes. Finished with salted almond butter cream and topped with a dollop of cream.
I happily asked for a slice to go, but my son ate most of it. All I can remember is it's similar to Sans Rival but so much better. So today, I returned for another serving which I'll happily enjoy after this blog post :)
Until the next long weekend!
