When in Guam: A Guide on Airport Transfer, Outlet Shopping and More (Part 3)

We were so happy that Mother Nature was on our side the whole time we were in Guam. With clear skies and short light showers, we got to enjoy frolicking on the sand for days. And to end our trip, we decided to go with one of the best resorts in town.

Hello, Guam!

Guam Reef Hotel is one of the highly rated resorts along Tumon Bay and we opted to save it as our last resort during our Guam trip. Located at the center of Tamuning, it is just a few steps away from several plazas, Duty Free Shops and UnderWater World. But more than its prime location, we were excited to lounge around its beach front and enjoy the view from its infinity pool. And we were surprised that this 45 year old resort has a lot more to offer. 

Little Denmark: Solvang

Going to San Francisco via bus is no joke. It sure was a looooong ride. Good thing N and I packed a lot of snacks to keep us… well, with happy tummies. On our way though, we passed by this lovely area that made us feel like we were in another country. Plus, The Little Mermaid was there to greet us!

Hello, Solvang!

Such a pretty pretty place!

 

It was starting to feel a bit chilly so out goes my first “shield” a beanie.

 

We were all given a few minutes to stroll around and have lunch but since N and I bought a lot of snacks, we thought of looking for a bakery instead for bread or something light to snack on. 

 

While walking, we (or at least me) can’t help but be thrilled with everything we see. There were a lot of nice houses, stores and even telephone booth! 

San Francisco Food Stop: Boudin

A trip to SanFrancisco would not be complete without visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf. Best dishes to try? Clam chowder and sour dough. And it was just perfect as our faces were turning into some stone figures due to the cold fall wind. (Note: FALL, it was not even winter then.)

 

Hello, Fisherman’s Wharf! I’ve heard a lot of stories about you!

 

It was past 12 then when we arrived and since we were part of a tour (meaning, there’s a schedule to follow), we decided to ride the ferry first that will go under the famous Golden Gate Bridge (which happens to be red and not gold… anyway) and Alcatraz. We got a great view of the skyline of San Francisco and got quite close (too close at times) with some seagulls.

Restaurant Love: House of Prime Rib

I had a blast during my US trip last October-November as I was able to visit San Francisco and New York. The San Francisco leg was tiring but lots of fun and I found one place that made my heart skip a beat.

 

It was already a bit past 7:30 p.m. when we headed back (from the Golden Gate Bridge) for dinner. J managed to reserve a table at the House of Prime Rib. I wasn’t really super excited as I have no idea of what to expect but I heard that it’s pretty difficult to book last minute reservations there. We just got lucky.

 

We arrived a bit too early for our 8 p.m. reservation and we were already famished. Actually, I was already feeling sick and feverish that time as well as the cold weather got me bad. Nonetheless, we distracted ourselves with some chit chat as it has also been a while since N and J last saw each other.

Take 2: Porto's

Give me a P! An O! An R! A T! An O! An S! Put them all together and what does it spell? Porto’s!!! I have been reunited with my all-time favorite love… Porto’s! But I was even more pleasantly surprised when we passed by a Porto’s branch I have never been to before and it was… bigger. *twirls*

 

Hello, Porto’s! It has been a while, a long while.

 

We went to the Porto’s branch in Downey and despite the fact that the place will be closing in about half an hour, the place was still very busy and packed with hungry customers, all willing to wait just to savor the yummy breads and pastries of this well-loved bakery.

 

N and I patiently waited in line while stretching our necks to see which ones to buy. Actually, I did most of the stretching as N had his tummy set for dinner.

Korean Love: Paris Baguette

Bread. I survived living in another country with bread as my breakfast, lunch and dinner (almost daily) for about 5 months. Did I lose weight? Uhh… next topic please!

I seriously miss Korea and I get excited whenever another Korean establishment appears out of nowhere. Did you know that there’s now a Yoogane and Café Benne here in Manila? I’m itching to visit these places soon!

 

I know that ever since the boom of KPOP in the Philippines, it’s inevitable that big Korean brands will be coming in (and of course, those in love with anything Korea, me included, will patronize these brands). But I was not expecting to see one of my favorite Korean bakeries to be in a mall in Cerritos, California. Not at all.

 

I was doing my last minute shopping with N when I saw PARIS BAGUETTE! *twirls, jumps, squeals*

The Stinking Rose: A Garlic Restaurant

“Where will we eat?” N and I have been asking ourselves that question a lot for the past month. N’s mom, Auntie J mentioned this restaurant that serves garlic ice cream. Weird. I like it already! But we can’t seem to find time to visit the restaurant which is in Beverly Hills. Till one night when we met up with T and K.

 

Hello, The Stinking Rose!

It was pretty dark inside and it somehow reminded me of this restaurant called Gayuma ni Maria. Despite it being a “garlic restaurant”, there’s not a single foul smell.

 

Thanks to N’s reservation, we have a sure table.

 

Service was also very quick for as soon as we got settled, the server gave us some warm bread and told us to put garlic garnish on top of it. And it was so good! Bad breath galore!!!

 

We waited for T and K to arrive before we ordered dinner. But while waiting and munching on the warm bread, we decided to order Popcorn Calamari (small: $9.95, medium: $14.95, large: $19.95) and Garlic Spinach Fontina Fondue ($9.95) as appetizers.

 

The popcorn calamari is your typical calamari but what made it a bit different from the rest is its dip. I love the tanginess of the tomato dip (which is quite similar to salsa).

 

The spinach fontina fondue was served really hot! It was gooey cheesy goodness and we just can’t help but put a lot on our bread. It was quite sinful as every bite was full of oil as well. But we just can’t resist it.