Mystery Solved: Rebecca's Room

I get so excited every time I meet someone game to try Mystery Manila.  My first experience was fun and I didn’t mind being a third wheel at all. The second time around wasn’t as fun though when we tried Sinister Sensorium as I was one of the blind players. (The blind don’t get to do much and I didn’t even know that the game was over!) But things were about to change when we tried Rebecca’s Room.

I just could not contain my excitement when I read the reviews about Rebecca’s Room. It is like being in a horror movie. (Exciting!!!)

I realized though that the mystery was not a joke when “Sherlock”, our game master asked if any of us have heart problems. (Then again, I thought that he was just trying to scare us.)

So we did the drill… read an article to have a background of the mystery and be briefed on what to do inside.

When we got inside, several furniture pieces were covered in white cloth. I had fun making a mess until… WHAT THE ****!!!  (I won’t tell you what I saw!)

A  few minutes later, the lights were turned off so we relied on the flashlight that I found and the cellphone R discovered.

Coffee Shop Love: Yardstick

My good friends know that one of the things that make me happy is coffee. I get so giddy whenever I'm in a coffee shop. 

My favorite Dragon Lady, T, and I went to Yardstick after having a filling dinner at Your Local. 

I have been here already when I tried the Mayura burger. But since I was in a hurry and was awkwardly alone (I was the only person without a companion for over 30 minutes when I visited) I wasn't able to try their coffee except for the Yard Shake which made my throat itch. 

This time, I tried the White Coffee (PHP140) and a slice of Revel Bar (PHP80).

They served the coffee without any sweetener and T encouraged me to taste it sugar-free and it was... eeek! Okay, I like my coffee sweetened. 

Restaurant Discovery: Corner Tree Café

A has been telling me that there’s this good vegetarian restaurant along Jupiter street in Makati. I never really bothered to visit the place right away as I’m not vegetarian and I was going crazy with the number of restaurants popping here and there in Kapitolyo. But I guess I was fated to visit the said vegetarian restaurant when I went to Mystery Manila the second time around.

Hello, Corner Tree Café.

The quaint café is located at a corner hence its name. The place is pretty small too and could accommodate perhaps 20 people maximum.

J and her friends were already there when I arrived. I then hurriedly ordered as we only have less than an hour to go to Mystery Manila. I went with Vegetable Dumpling (PHP150), Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna (PHP445), Chocolate Mousse with Dark Toblerone (PHP220) and a glass of Organic Lemongrass Iced Tea (PHP99).

Service was slow. I waited for over 20 minutes before my first dish arrived.

Restaurant Discovery: Your Local

Legaspi has transformed into another foodie destination. With quaint coffee shops and charming restaurants, this is one area I just have to visit. A few weeks back was my first trip in this area and I visited Yardstick and Local Edition. My favorite Dragon lady and I also planned visiting Your Local as it has been getting great reviews. It took longer than we planned but we finally got to pay the place a visit last week.

Hello, Your Local!

Since the place is usually packed, reservation is important. I made a reservation for two at 6 p.m. on (an apparently rainy) Saturday. Placing a reservation was smooth as after 3 minutes or so, I’m done. However, I got a call two days later telling me that my reservation is good until 7:30 p.m. only if I wanted a table (as they accidentally gave me bar seats). WHAT THE HECK? That made me upset as I don’t want to be constantly checking my watch while enjoying my dinner. But the woman assisting me was able to arrange things for me after I expressed my annoyance with the situation. [Case closed.]

The place was quite dark. I guess it sets that chill ambiance the young crowd wants.

We immediately ordered our food as we were both hungry. We settled for the Carrot Cake (PHP280) as appetizer, Torched Salmon Donburi (PHP390) and Chorizo Sandwich (PHP490) for main course. We also got Strawberry Lemonade (PHP190) and Sea Salt Lemonade (PHP160) for drinks.

MUST WATCH: Beauty and the Beast: The Original Broadway Musical Spectacular

Tale as old as time. True as it can be. Barely even friends, when somebody bends, unexpectedly… Yes, we’ll get to hear that song again LIVE next year here in Manila.

As a Disney kid, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the announcement that the Beauty and the Beast production included Manila as one of its stops. I-just-have-to-watch-this! I missed Phantom of the Opera before so there is NO WAY I will miss this one.

I am excited to see how they will recreate the whole cast, from Chip, Mrs. Potts, Lumière (and Fifi), Cogsworth, and of course the Beast. I bet the scene where Belle enters the ballroom wearing her yellow gown will be magical.

Prices though are quite steep.

Price Zone 1       PHP8,337.12

Price Zone 2       PHP7,228.32

Price Zone 3       PHP6,114.24

Price Zone 4       PHP5,005.44

Price Zone 5       PHP4,445.76

Price Zone 6       PHP3,336.96

Price Zone 7       PHP2,222.88

But I’m sure that this is WORTH EVERY PENNY. As a production that has been around for 20 years, I’m 100% sure that this is one play you should not miss.

So book now and see you next year! :)

Beauty and the Beast: The Original Broadway Musical Spectacular will be staged at the CCP Main Theater from January 8-25, 2015. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Promo Alert: S&R Members' Treat

Mark your calendars as S&R will have a treat for its members this September 24 to 28!

From appliances to grocery picks, you’re bound to get great deals! 

I’m hoping there will be a lot of chips and chocolates on sale. <3 (Oh, Crunch, Rice Krispies, M&Ms, Ferrero Rocher, Cheetos!!!)

Visit S&R's Facebook page for more details and announcements.

-Gluttonshopper

Puppy Love: Barkin' Blends

I love animals. Wait, let me make that more specific. I love furry and cuddly animals. I get so giddy whenever I see a puppy, kitten or just about anything that I could pat and hug. So when my colleague M mentioned that a puppy café called Barkin' Blends will be opening soon, I JUST HAVE TO VISIT IT ASAP.

My sister and I were super excited to visit the puppy cafe. Unfortunately, she was too busy with school work that she had meetings even on Sundays. (Eww.) And since my EQ drops to negative when I really want something, I went without her. (Sorry.)

Hello, Barkin’ Blends!

V was already there when I arrived and we hurriedly paid the entrance fee of PHP180 inclusive of one drink so that we could play with the puppies.

 

There were a lot of people so we were not able to have quality time with the puppies that much.

Team Galaxy: Shirts for a Cause to fight ALL

The Ice Bucket Challenge has made so many people aware of the still incurable Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) disease. As of August 25, the Ice Bucket Challenge raised $79.7 million versus $2.5 million last year. This proves that a bit of creativity and a touch of social media, possibilities are endless. And Team Galaxy hopes the same happens for ALL.

So what’s ALL?

ALL is short for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which is very common to children with age 2 to 5 years old. In the US alone, around 6,000 cases are reported. The good thing though is that cure is a realistic goal with 80% of the affected children cured. However, there is still the 20% who do not get a chance to live their dreams. But we could help them. We could change the statistics. We could act NOW.

 

The University of Asia and the Pacific’s IMC students have formed Team Galaxy with the single goal to “bring back the stars of hope to a young boy diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.”

 

You could be someone’s hope in two ways—join Team Galaxy by giving them a call at 0906 322 7500 or buy a Team Galaxy shirt where profits will all go to the medical funds of the young boy.

For more details, please visit Team Galaxy’s Facebook page.

-Gluttonshopper 

Restaurant Love; Avi

I’m so glad that some of my favorite people work near Kapitolyo. After months of planning, we finally get to have our schedules matched and agreed to have dinner at Avi.

Hello, Avi!

K was the first one to arrive as she is blessed to have 5 p.m. as her clock out.

She already ordered Clam Chowder when I arrived and I took a sip as I was famished. It was rather spicy and I was quite surprised as I never had a spicy clam chowder before.

Soon, K and I ordered our meals. K went with Papa Jack’s Crispy Chicken Adobo Overload (PHP210) while I ordered Basil in Red (PHP165) and Sous Vide Hanging Tender Steak (PHP330). I also ordered the Lover’s Limerick Cheesecake Lime (PHP150) and a glass of their House Blended Iced Tea (PHP75). We ordered Papa Rico’s Paborito Chicken Pesto (PHP210) for F. We also got the Seaside Samba Diablo Pasta (PHP300) for sharing.

The Basil in Red was a hit! I love it so much that we ordered another bowl. It had this tangy and creamy taste that would make it hard for you to stop.

Restaurant Love: Poetry & Prose Patisserie

I have never been fond of partying, clubbing or bar hopping. Some people say that I’m missing a lot. Maybe. But I am a-okay with that. It is just not for me. I don’t dance to *tugs tugs tugs* nor do I like to scream just to be heard. I am happy with being in a coffee shop or tea place and munch on some pastries and have a nice chat with friends. Fine, I'm a cat lady without a cat.

It has been a while since I last met my good friends A and I. I really enjoy being a third wheel when I’m with them.

This time, we decided to hold our bible study at Poetry & Prose Patisserie as A has been curious with its food and I have always wanted to try the pastries.

After a quick look at the menu, A went with the Baba au Rhum (PHP105) and a cup of tea (PHP125) while I ordered the Bread Basket (PHP275).  I ordered a cup of Café Latte (PHP105), Financiers (PHP85) and Mango Mousse (PHP255).

First served were our drinks.

My café latte was slightly sweet and the coffee’s taste wasn’t that strong. Perhaps I should have ordered cappuccino instead. However, I always order cappuccino. I wanted it to be stronger to have a better contrast with the sweet pastries.

Restaurant Love: The Nest

I am definitely not a South girl. I only go there to visit my aunt and occasionally visit ATC when it’s too hot in their lanai. However, I have been hearing a lot of good word about the restaurants in BF Homes and even those near my aunt’s place. Then N told me that he works for The Nest. After his sales talk, I was sold. Actually, the phrase “pesto stuffed salmon” was enough to convince me.

Two of my foodie friends and I agreed to have a mini South food trip to celebrate their birthdays. We all met at 9 a.m. along Pearl Drive in Ortigas and we were with a bunch of Korean kids who seem to be on their way to the beach. (Not our thing so we were not jealous at all.) After a quick breakfast, we were off.

After 30 minutes of driving, we made it to The Nest.

The place was practically empty with only two tables occupied. So we had all the freedom to take photos of the place. The view was spectacular!

It didn’t take us long to decide what to order. K ordered Pan Grilled Chicken and Garlic Steak (PHP380) while E went with the Salmon and Lapu-Lapu Duo (PHP670). I ordered Truffle Scented Tomato Basil Soup (PHP165) and Pesto Stuffed Salmon Steak (PHP575). I held back with the dessert as I felt shy since my two kuya/ahya/big brothers will pay for my meal. It made me wonder if I am now bound to treat them on my birth month. 

Restaurant Discovery: CO/OP Manila

I just love quaint coffee shops. It never fails to make my heart skip a beat. Well, that and too much coffee.

After a quick and blooper-filled S&R trip, V and I decided to have coffee somewhere. V recommended CO/OP and I recall M mentioned that place when I asked for food stops for my San Juan food trip (which became a White Plains food trip). I quickly agreed and off we go to San Juan.

The place was slightly hidden (or was it because it was dark?) so you need to be somehow familiar how to get there. A big CO/OP sign though will greet you so you’ll know when you’ve reached your destination.

I instantly fell in love with the place. A huge MANILA signage was at the porch which serves as a cute backdrop for a few tables and chairs for the al fresco diners.

The counter is the first thing you’ll see once you open the door. With a simple menu, it wasn’t hard to decide what to order.

Since we were still full from our pizza, chicken and fries, we opted to have the Dessert in a Jar (PHP175), Cappuccino (PHP110) for me and CO/OP Iced Tea (PHP80) for V.

While waiting for our orders, we checked out the cute stuff CO/OP carries.

At first, I had the impression that the items they were selling were NGO products. Apparently, these items are from other countries like US and Australia. Most are priced about PHP900.

MUST WATCH: Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter

I used to believe in fairy tales. I thought that every girl has a destined prince charming waiting for her. I had hopes that one day, I would meet my “one true love” and that we’ll live happily ever after. Go blame Disney and all those chick flicks aired on TV. But as I grow older, I realize that we do not live in fairy tales. There won’t be animals helping us clean the house or an evil witch with a gorgeous apple that is more powerful than Benadryl. Then again, I still can’t help be optimistic with love. Heck, that’s 1/3 of my name!

I have always wanted to watch the Palanca Award-winning play Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter play for years but I just couldn’t find the time to watch it as work always gets in the way. Luckily, they staged it again this year and I got free tickets! (Thank you so much, J.)

It was staged last August 9 at Third Cup, a quaint coffee shop along Rosa Alvero St. (near Shakeys and McDonalds right across Ateneo). 

Restaurant Discovery: Pan De Amerikana

Ever since the upside down bakery caught my eye, I have been bugging my mom that she brings me there. But I think I need to work on my charms. Thankfully, N was open to the idea of visiting the place with me. So off we go to the upside down bakery, or popularly known as Pan de Amerikana

It was a hot day when we visited Pan de Amerikana. And the place being an open space wasn’t something that we were looking for that time. Such made us order Halo-Halo (PHP50) with the hopes of helping us cool down.

We had fun taking pictures of the place as it is such a pretty place. They even have a minibridge as a pathway to the dining area. Soon, our orders were served.

Well, I actually forgot to take a photo of the Halo-Halo and I didn’t really mind as it was practically a bowl of ice. There were not much toppings. I didn’t get to taste any langka, saba or leche flan. I was hoping that there would be an ube ice cream but there was none. :(

Restaurant Love: Old Oven Art Café

As foodies who “somehow” plan, we plan half of the stops we’ll visit. N mentioned that she wanted to visit Old Oven so we made sure that we have enough space in our tummies for its risotto and it was one of the best decisions, ever!

 

The Old Oven Art Café was our fifth stop during our White Plains food trip so just imagine how full we should be. It may sound bizarre though as we weren’t really that full at all.

We had a hard time finding Old Oven as the numbers seem to be a bit messed up. But the place is fortunately just a few steps away from Pan de Amerikana.

We were greeted by a curved staircase and once we entered, it seemed like a chill hang out place for college students. With friendly prices, this place is actually perfect to be along a university district so N and I find it odd that the place is in White Plains.

 

We practically own the place when we were there. I took two jars with puzzles for us to enjoy while waiting for our food.