If there?s one thing I hate, it?s mess. And clutter. So, while weeding out photos that had accumulated in my phone, I came across some restaurants that have enthused me so far this year. None of them are new or obscure, but I think they?re all worth trying out.

White chocolate crème brulee at Bistro Manuel

There?s a slightly scandalous ecstasy at dining in this hushed, elegant space; the food is always on point and the service is impeccable.  I like the tables far from the entrance and I sit facing away from the other patrons. I do this so that I can swoon shamelessly over my meal and then unabashedly devour the white chocolate crème brulee. This is a dessert that?s so sweet it makes my temples throb, and yet, I can?t resist ordering it whenever I?m here. Sitting where no one can watch, agape, at my big mouth and bigger appetite, I spoon my way through a bowlful of this cool custard. Baked ?til just shy of a shimmy, I savor the thick lick of eggs and cream. Caressed with cocoa butter from the white chocolate, the sweet is enhanced with a whiff of vanilla and that crackly, torched top.

Peanut Dulce de Leche Bubble Waffle at Yo! Panda

It?s easy to find Yo! Panda in Megamall ? the intoxicating smell of flour and butter leads the way. I know they serve meals here but frankly, I?m not interested; those egg waffles have my name written all over their bubble bodies.
The spherical sweet that originated in Hong Kong and Macau is an egg-leavened batter cooked between two gri...