Colleagues’ Choice: Watami

It’s always fun to bond with colleagues outside the office. You get to know them better and you get to freely talk about other things without feeling guilty of slacking off. And since one of my officemates will be leaving soon, we decided to have a team dinner. After a few suggestions here and there, we decided to dine at Watami.

Hello, Watami.

I was super hungry when I got there with one of my officemates who happen to live in the same area. Due to lack of self control, I ordered right away. I went with: Watami Salad (PH255 for half), Salmon Irodori (PHP195), Cold Soba (PHP225) and Shochu (PHP150).

The Shochu arrived first and it looked like water. Upon sniffing, I could definitely tell that it’s alcohol. It was pretty strong too.

The Watami Salad and Salmon Irodori were served next.

I noticed that the salad’s meant for sharing as it was served with tongs but… no. *sharing no likey* (Kidding! But I really didn’t share that night.)

Restaurant Discovery: Brown's Gourmet Chicken

Christmas season means lunch and dinner out with different groups of people. For my department’s Christmas dinner/party, we decided to try Brown’s Gourmet Chicken, a roasted chicken restaurant in Greenfield District. I saw it early December and it sure made me curious. Luckily, when I suggested that place, I got the department’s sweet yes.

Hello, Brown’s Gourmet Chicken!

The place is simply adorable. The wall décor is so warm and homey.

The second floor is equally charming. It’s also a great place for an intimate gathering for a group less than 20.

After appreciating the cute décor and kidding on stealing the wooden reindeer, we started to place our orders. I went with the 1/4 Roasted Chicken with 1 Rice and 1 Side (PHP170, but I changed my rice to eggs and leek which costs PHP45), Mushroom and Spinach Croquette (PHP120), Ginger and Basil Shake (PHP110), and Churros + Blonde Mocha (PHP120).

Service was quick as my appetizer arrived in less than 10 minutes.

The Mushroom and Spinach Croquette has a crispy batter. Unfortunately, they used too much of it that I could hardly taste the mushroom and spinach. It was an okay dish though for an appetizer.

It is also available in whole that comes with 4 side dishes and rice (PHP620)

Love at First Bite: K & L Café

I get flattered every time I get an invite from an establishment to try their food. It shows that they trust my blog and that they see me as an influencer. A few weeks ago, I got an email from Karen and Loren, sisters behind Blushing Cupcakes, inviting me to visit their newest venture, a restaurant named  K & L Café along White Plains, a few steps away from Pan de Amerikana. After two weeks, I finally got to visit the quaint café.

Hello, K & L Café!

The place is extremely adorable! It had a rustic and homey feel that I simply love. My eyes had a feast! J, the architect, noticed the super sweet sign Karen and Loren prepared for me. It sure made me feel so special! <3

While chatting with Karen and Loren, I found out that they both studied in St. Paul College, Pasig and University of Asia and the Pacific. They were my school mates in high school and college! Small world!

They recommended the following: Maple Caramel Latte (PHP105, hot | PHP125, cold), Famous Strawberry Calamansi (PHP95), Ultimate Red Velvet Pancake (PHP295), Daddy’s Bourbon American Ribs (PHP295), Ilocos Bagnet with Tomato Salsa (PHP265), and Apple, Brie and Baguio Honey sandwich (PHP227).

First served were our drinks. I didn’t get to try J’s drink as he didn’t offer. (Insert sad music here.) 

Long Time No Taste: Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen

I was so proud of my self control last week as after yoga, I just had salad for lunch and a light dinner after. I couldn’t really say the same is true last weekend for I ate… a lot. Oh well.

Hello again, Ikkoryu Fukuoka.

It has been a long while. The last time I visited Ikkoryu Fukuoka was during Black Day (April 14) with my 14^th of the month date J (of T3). This time around, I visited the Rockwell branch with another J, the architect.

I was quite hesitant to order as I know that the salt content of ramen is pretty much… wild! So to compromise, I started to look at the salad options. I was about to order the cold noodles when the server recommended their limited edition Ebi Hanadango Tonkotsu (PHP400), I gave in. (Darn you, “limited edition”!) I also ordered Kurogoma Ice Cream (PHP100) to somehow cleanse the palate.

Promo Alert: One Year Supply of Sumo Sam's Ebi Tempura?!?

I cannot count how many times I said the sentence “I love Japanese food.” I just love it so much! Salmon sashimi and teppanyaki forever!!! And things just got sweeter when I got an email about Sumo Sam’s wonderful 9^th birthday.

Happy birthday, Sumo Sam! (Well, happy birthday in advance!)

On its 9^th birthday, Sumo Sam will hold THREE interesting promos.

#1 PHP9 Ebi Tempura

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. It really is just NINE PESOS per ebi tempura! It’s a steal right? On the 23^rd of December from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., order as many ebi tempura you want! If this isn’t enough, diners who avail of this promo could also win a ONE YEAR SUPPLY of ebi tempura! Imagine this: tempura… every day… for a year! Sweet!

#2 9TH Birthday Treat

Know anyone named Sam and born on December 23, 2005? Celebrate your niece/nephew’s birthday at Sumo Sam and he or she could win a one year supply of ebi tempura! Nine lucky nine year old namesakes of Sumo Sam could win. All it takes is proof of name and age.

 

A Letter For A Special Someone

We all fear the end that we could never avoid. The frustrating part is, at times it plays tricks with us—with it coming naturally or as a total surprise. We could be happy just the day before and be in total shock the following day. They say that those who die naturally are lucky as they get to be more prepared. But how, how can we be truly be prepared for an end? The truth is… we couldn’t.

 At a very young age, I already feared the pain of losing someone. I recall an essay I once wrote in grade school saying that if I have one wish, I would love to wish to be the first one to go for I just couldn’t bear the pain of being separated from my loved ones… forever. And at that time, I do not even have the slightest idea on how much pain the word “loss” could inflict.

It hurts to see your loved ones in pain, not in their best shape. But we all have to be strong for them so that they would have an extra source of strength.

Never let them see your tears for that would bring them more pain than any sickness.

Yes, I had my moment of weakness. I tried to escape the pain by eating a lot (and drinking on Fridays) thinking it would make me happy, at least for a bit. I tried to be busier with work and friends to distract myself but thoughts get inside my mind and pierce my heart (and it gets deeper and deeper each time). The fear remains. It’s so powerful that all I could do is cry.

For the past 27 years, I could confidently say that my grandmother has been with me through thick and thin. She took care of me with so much love. She has supported all my ventures in life—studies, career, and even love. I still recall how we would spend a lovely afternoon together. She tends the garden while I play with my mini car while waiting for the Nestle lady to arrive.

I cannot imagine life without her because she is a big part of my world.

Seeing her sick, thin, and still worried for us is too painful that I can’t even describe it. How I wish asking for life is as easy as in Candy Crush. But life isn’t that easy. It is full of mysteries and challenges. And I would love to hold on MIRACLES. I want to believe that there are miracles. I want to believe that I could hold on her longer… so much longer.

---

Nanay,

I feel ashamed that I could not proudly call myself as a great granddaughter. I know I have a lot of shortcomings. I know I have disappointed you at some point. Please be strong… become much stronger. Please let me take care of you this time around. It may not amount to even a single percent of how much care I got from you, but I want you to feel loved just how you made me feel so precious. I want the world to know how lucky I am to have you. You are such a big blessing to me, to my sister, to everyone. Let me hold on you longer. Let me love you more. Please stay longer.

I love you so much.

Restaurant Love: Texas Roadhouse Grill

I always look forward to Friday nights as it always mean dinner out with my favorite girls—my mom and sister. However, because of the insane traffic (and scarcity of parking space in Kapitolyo), we often find ourselves stuck at Shangri-La. I really have nothing against the mall as it’s one of my favorite malls but I have visited all the restaurants there. I may be always hungry but my tummy is quite choosy. It wants something new every time. And sadly, there are no new restaurants at Shangri-La. So, we’re left to do a few repeats but I always make sure that I try something new.

Hello, Texas Roadhouse Grill!

I remember that the last time I visited Texas Roadhouse Grill was during the time there was a liquor ban. I wanted to drink margarita then but my order was turned down due to the prohibition forcing me to opt for a shake. This time though, I ordered a Long Island Iced Tea (PHP120). Our other orders were Crispy Chicken Tenders (PHP310), Chicken and Beef Skewers (PHP495), and Smoked Salmon Salad (PHP250, solo | PHP395 cowboy style).

The chicken tenders were indeed crispy. I also loved that they were able to maintain the juiciness of the chicken breasts while the batter was golden brown.

First Bite: Marketplace by Rustan’s Supermarket

I love grocery shopping! It’s one of my happy places for it gives me extreme happiness whenever I see a new products or my favorite snack that I haven’t seen in ages (such as Tronky). My all-time favorite supermarkets are Pioneer Supermarket (with its highly impressive selection of imported goods) and S&R. A few months ago, I noticed Marketplace, the deli area of Rustan’s Supermarket in Rockwell. I used to ignore it but I see more and more diners in the area so I thought that it might be a good place to have a meal. And a few Sundays ago, I finally got to visit the place.

Hello, Marketplace!

The first thing I saw when I got in was the man who was enjoying a tray of salmon. I circled the place thrice but I couldn’t find it. Oh well.

After a few more minutes, I finally decided to get the following: Pasta with Pesto Mozzarella Salad (PHP220), Bacon Cheddar and Tomato Sandwich (PHP199), Mozzarella and Chunky Tomato Sandwich (PHP165) and Quiche Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese (PHP99).

The Pasta with Pesto Mozzarella Salad was more on the bland side. My mom and sister didn’t really like it as it was cold. But it was meant to be cold and it was actually refreshing.

Love at First Bite: Dolce Latte

I find it fascinating how Manila became such an interesting place for foodies. Gone are the days where we’re stuck with just Jollibee, McDonald’s, Max’s, or Goldilocks as choices for afternoon snacks. Today, some people hate being asked, “Where do we eat?” as the choices are endless! (And foodies like me get grumpy when you choose an establishment I have already visited.) I am so fortunate though to live near some foodie hotspots. And with the malls bringing in more and more restaurants and whatnot, I get to try more dishes without traveling too far. And last weekend, I spotted Dolce Latte.

Hello, Dolce Latte!

I’ve heard of this place during the peak of the Cronut™ craze. I heard that Dolce Latte offers the best Cronuts™ in Manila (though some say that Wildflour deserves the title). However, I never got the chance to visit the place because the store’s located in Quezon City. It’s not exactly my territory and the only places I visit when I’m around the area are Teachers Village, Katipunan, UP, or White Plains. But here we are, a year later and I finally get to visit Dolce Latte. <3

Okay, I was originally planning to visit St. Marc Café but after staring at the Chococho, I backed out. It looked too sinful. Plus the place was packed. Not a single chair was vacant when I visited. So I went up with the intent to look for something less fattening. But I ended up buying the following: Valrhona Crunch Cronut™ (PHP120), Raspberry Cronut™ (PHP120) and Hot Chocolate Double Doughnut (PHP60). (What diet?!)

Love at First Bite: Juju Eats

I have to lose weight. Yes, reality slapped me in the face real hard this time. And I am more dedicated now to get fit. I’m actually surprised myself that I’m stricter this time. I guess the fear of continuing this unhealthy lifestyle might lead to a not so good future made me realize how much I have to be more careful. So, I signed up for anti-gravity yoga and started to eat healthy. I also happen to read somewhere that there’s a thing called alkaline diet which helps detoxify the body. I gave it a try and I’m now eating nothing but fruits and vegetables on weekdays. ONLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES! But weekends are my cheat days. Then again, I still strive to eat healthy food while pigging out. And it wasn’t that hard when you’re at Juju Eats.

Hello, Juju Eats!

I have been seeing (or should I say reading?) a lot of positive posts about Juju Eats. I am familiar with the Juju Cleanse which I tried once due to curiosity but I never had the chance to try Juju Eats. I was so delighted when I saw a JUJU EATS COMING SOON signage when I visited Podium. And I finally had a chance to try Juju Eats’ salads last Saturday after yoga.

I was famished! I only had a banana for breakfast and it was already past 1 p.m. when I got to Podium. Luckily, I was next in line.

I decided to go with the ones the staff recommended: Greek Salad (PHP250 regular | PHP165 half/wrap) and Korean Kimchi (PHP295 regular | PHP180 half/wrap). I also got a bottle of Green Bomb and Qcumber Quench.

A Sweet Delight: Sweetea by da.u.de

I love tea. Fine, I love coffee more but there’s something calming and sophisticated with tea that makes me want to have a little bit of tea time from time to time. da.u.de for one gave me a tough time. Every time I try to visit its Fort branch, it’s always closed (and sadly, it permanently closed a few months back). Luckily, the owner decided to do a rebranding and da.u.de is now… Sweetea.

Hello, Sweetea.

I was so excited to visit the place when Yummy featured it in its Instagram account. Since its newest baby is just in Megamall’s Mega Food Hall, I thought to myself that I could easily visit the place.

And we’re destined! While doing a few errands for work, I passed by the new food court of Megamall and spotted Sweetea near the entrance.

I decided to order Jasmine Mint with minimal sweetener (PHP120 regular | PHP130 large) since I wanted something refreshing.