First Sip: Satinka Naturals

With wide variety of food and cuisine to choose from, it's so hard to stick on a diet or even eat healthy. I salute those who tirelessly eat clean and organic. I tried and failed (miserably) several times. As someone who loves every single sinful dish, I don't know how these organic restaurants charm me. It could be the great reviews I've been reading or its quirky interiors. This time around, I gave Satinka Naturals a try. 

Hello, Satinka Naturals. 

I've heard of this place a few years back when a former colleague of mine couldn't stop raving about it. She wasn't exactly a healthy eater so her raving about this place intrigued me. 

Foodie Alert: Noche Dine in the Dark Manila

It is absolutely fascinating how social media changed our dining habits. Back when phones are bigger than the remote control, we start the meal with a prayer. These days, we start with a flatlay. Just 5 years ago, we choose our meals based on taste; now, we choose base on appearance. We have been so concerned with how dishes look and if it'll generate a lot of likes or regrams. We take so many shots that we get used to cold food and lukewarm drinks. And in the age of digitalization, most of us simply have lost the ability to enjoy food the right way. And this is one of the issues Dine in the Dark aims to address. 

Hello, Dine in the Dark! 

I was so thrilled when P messaged one weekend informing C and I that we will be the looloo representatives for Noche Dine in the Dark's VIP Preview. I have been eying to try it out with R ever since I saw its teaser. Though I've tried dining in the dark before, I know that it'll be a totally different experience when you're with different company. 

Days before the preview, C and I had to choose among fish, meat, vegetarian and chef's surprise for our 3-course meal. We both chose chef's surprise because it sounds exciting!

And finally, it was 10.05.16!

Noche is located at the 4th floor of A.Venue Suites Hotel and before entering the dark realm, one had to proceed to the holding area where diners will be briefed. 

While waiting for everyone, several braille cards were given and we tried to learn how to read using it. I actually enjoyed memorizing each letter and I plan to master it soon. It was also a very engaging way to introduce us to the world of the visually impaired.  

First Bite: Din Tai Fung Manila

Din Tai Fung is probably one of the most talked about restaurants last year. Its huge "opening soon" banner has captured the attention of foodies and every one was on the look out on social media for the official opening day announcement of the well-loved Taiwan-based restaurant. It finally did last month with free Xiao Long Bao for the first 100 guests. I would normally visit on its first week (or even attempt to be one of the first 100 for free food) but since traffic was not very pleasant and knowing that this restaurant will have a blockbuster line, I decided to wait till I do visit SM Megamall. And thanks to the super delayed Christmas lunch with college friends, I braved the crazy Saturday traffic and giddily hopped towards Din Tai Fung. 

Hello, Din Tai Fung!

K was the early bird in our group and managed to get a number for us. However, for us to be seated, everyone from the group has to be there. Since some of us were late, we had to wait a bit longer for us to get a table (because our number was long been called). On a positive note, we could already place our order while still in line. At least that cuts down our wait for food. We ordered Din Tai Fung House Special (PHP155), Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHP315, 10 pcs; PHP160, 5 pcs), Vegetarian Mushroom Wonton Noodle Soup (PHP265), Sweet and Sour Pork (PHP245), Salted Egg Yolk Prawns (PHP375) and Shrimp Fried Rice (PHP210). 

When we were finally complete, we waited for a couple of minutes before we were assisted to our table. I think it wasn't that bad. (Then again, it was already 3 PM when we visited and the place was still packed. So just imagine how busy the place is during lunch.)

The Din Tai Fung House Special was served right away and it looks appetizing. I loved the slight tart of the dish making it very refreshing and a great appetizer. I also love the delightful seaweed texture and beansprout crunch.

The server also tried to upsell by offering the Stewed Spongy Gluten (PHP235) which we said yes to as we were really hungry. 

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.