Las Vegas Stop: Border Grill

Eating out in the US is pretty expensive so I never had the chance to really eat out as I normally do here in Manila. But it's okay. It made me learn how to prepare more dishes and even bake! I manage to try a few restaurants though while I was in the US and I will be sharing them one by one this month. Let me start with Border Grill (after a little story of our Vegas trip).

My good friend J went to California for a short vacation and we decided to visit Las Vegas to make her vacation worthwhile. The catch though was... we'll just stay overnight.

 

I was pretty proud with myself as I was able to learn Las Vegas 101 in less than an hour. Soon, I found myself securing our bus tickets (thank you Greyhound) and hotel (the farthest in the strip but hey, it is still on the strip!).

Soon, J and I found ourselves in a bus ride to Las Vegas and it sure was a long ride. 6 hours to be exact with a scent of Marijuana. Yes, weeds. For some reason, some passengers just can't wait. I found out it that it was the smell of weeds from an elderly. I guess I still have a lot to know about the "real world".

When we arrived, we tried to figure out how to get to the strip as the bus stop is a few blocks away. We had 3 options then, cab, bus or walk. I didn't consider taking a cab as an option as the fare is ridiculously expensive plus with the traffic, we'll run out of money in no time. So we decided to walk until we found a bus terminal. We got a day pass for $8 per person. It's not a bad deal at all. It's valid for 24 hours! Our hotel was about 4 to 6 stops away from the terminal and sadly, while inside the bus, I got squished. Yes, squished by one of the passengers. 

After an hour of stretching and resting, we finally decided to head out and explore Vegas. We first went to the observation deck at Stratosphere for the view then took the bus to go to the farthest hotel, Mandalay Bay.

Life Note: Live. Love. Laugh.

Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with food but with life. Quite serious tone will be used too (or at the very least, I'll try). 

It has been more than a month since I last posted an entry and there's a reason behind this. I have been through so many things in life that I find so overwhelming. In a span of less than a month, so many things happened that could make one go crazy. But the thing here is, you only become one if you are not strong enough. The state of craziness is seen as a form of incapability to handle things, a form of escape from reality. But we are created strong. We just need a bit of faith in ourselves. Because life is too beautiful for it to be ruined by mishaps. 

Cry. There is nothing wrong with shedding tears. We are human beings and we get hurt. You might ask, what about those who do not cry? Perhaps they have been through worse, they simply do not care, or both. Our family and friends would often say "Don't cry." But here's the thing, let it out. Crying is part of getting over something. Cry until you reach the point of not wanting to cry over it. 

Open yourself to comfort. I used to be the type who do not open up and keep things to myself. I don't let anyone inside as I find it hard to trust people. But when you face difficulties, it's best to get wisdom from people who have been through the same or worse. We should remember that we are never alone. There are so many people around us who love us dearly. Yes, words won't really change a thing, but it's comforting to know that there are people, at times unexpected, who would go out of their way to make you feel better. Treasure them.

Accept reality. There is no use blaming something or someone because sadly, it happened already and no one can reverse time and change it for the better. Yes, this is hard because we always find ourselves asking, "What if this happened instead?" or "What if I didn't do it?" But the thing is, we'll never know until we get there. There's no such thing as certain in life. All we could do is give our best in all the things we venture on so that we will have no regrets in the end. 

Forgive. We all make mistakes. More often than not, we have a hard time getting over the mistake because we blame ourselves. We think of the things we have done that have caused all these to happen. But blaming ourselves won't do anything. What we need is to first, forgive and relearn how to love, especially ourselves. 

Learn. The time will come when the next adventure comes and you are ready for it. In this journey, you should not bring with you any baggage of the past. There should be no resentment, no bitterness or hatred because these will be hurdles for you to give your best, to give your all once again. 

Live in the present. We've heard about it so many times from our family, friends, movies and even cartoons. 

Live. Love. Laugh. These three words have been used in so many quotes and yet many forget about these. 

We choose on what we do with our lives. I choose to be happy. So I will be.

A New Breakfast Lovers' Hotspot

I just love breakfast and I get grumpy when I miss the most important meal of the day. We Pinoys just love food that most of us eat 6 times a day (breakfast, brunch, lunch, merienda, dinner, and midnight snack). But nothing beats breakfast. A great breakfast is the perfect way to start the day. 

Another restaurant I would love to try is π Breakfast and Pies by Chef Ed Bugia. 

Photo from Pepper.ph

Yet another gem waiting to be flocked to by (since it has been discovered already), it has a lot of reasons why it should be your next breakfast destination!

Photo from isabelladepano.tumblr.com

Aside from the typical Eggs Benedict (called Eggs Benny in Breakfast and Pies), they have interesting gourmet waffles such as Salmon and Waffle at a very friendly price of PHP155! Topped with Salmon gravlax and fried capers, this will surely hit the tummy's happy bone! (Okay, that sounded weird and not just because the tummy doesn't have bones.)

Gluttonshopper on an L.A. (Mis)Adventure

If you're in L.A., a car is not a want, it's a necessity. Going around places is difficult without one. But the thing is, if you don't have one, you can't keep on relying on someone who has. You just have to brave it up and explore! And so I did.

During my first trip in L.A., I was with my mom and sister and we used to take the bus together. We have been to Chinatown, Glendale, and Hollywood via bus. And we didn't get lost at all thanks to the detailed bus route from one of my aunts. (Plus you are braver when you're with someone.) I also took the bus last year once on my own and I was confident simply because I know where I was going, my favorite mall, Americana.

From Beametrobusoperator.com

But yesterday was a different situation. I wanted to visit my Aunt's dad who got confined in a hospital in Glendale but I have no idea how to go there from Carson. And I have never tried riding the bus around Carson. 

 

So I did a bit of research and found some apps to use. I downloaded four but ended up using just one and deleted the other two since they were all MAJOR FAIL. I kept the other one for double checking routes and schedules.

A Milkshake Comeback: Once Upon A Milkshake

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard... What does that even mean?! Well, I know one thing, milkshake is L-O-V-E. 

Some of the best milkshakes I have tried before were the ones from In-N-Out and Shake Shack. Creamy, rich, and just so heavenly!

 

In Manila, the one I can recall is Peanut Butter Company's Dark Chocolate PB Banana Milkshake. Yummy and great for sharing (calories included).

But I'm sensing the craze will be back again with Once Upon A Milkshake. 

Ramen Girl Update: Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen New Dishes

I think I have already overly shared how much I love anything Japanese. From anime (I secretly want to cosplay... okay, it's no longer a secret), to the language (konnichiwa!), from the culture, to of course, FOOD.

I turn green with envy every time I see people post photos of themselves in Japan. It has been a dream of mine to go there. Authentic Japanese food!!! I heard that those hole-in-the-wall restaurants serve the best ramen! *Think Ramen Girl*

Luckily, there are some restaurants in Manila that offer really good ramen. One of which is my favorite Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen. I just fell in love with the Black Garlic Tonkotsu as it is different from the other ramen I have tried before. Plus, having the freedom to choose how hard you want your noodles? H-E-A-V-E-N!

A few days back, R of Ikkoryu Fukuoka emailed me that they have new dishes. I turned green again because I can't try it anytime soon. (Cue: TT_TT) 

Curious on what their new dishes are? 

Kettle: Fried Chicken Heaven?

What is torture for food bloggers? Seeing food shots and new restaurants we cannot visit because we're at a far away place. Daaaaaaaaarn!

Okay, what's happening? I left Manila for a few months and I see all these new establishments popping here and there! I am dying here! Since I could not do anything for now, let me share with you the food finds/establishments I can't wait to try or visit soon. (Warning: To help ease the pain of not eating these yummy dishes, I will do the listing in parts. Please bear with me. Oh and share your finds too!)

Kettle.

Image from Kettle

Why must you open just now? I read at Yummy magazine that your fried chicken is superb! I love fried chicken to the point that I ate it for one whole week! 

Image from Munchingaroundmanila.com

Since Kettle was featured by my favorite food magazine, I decided to check its menu and if I could just order NOW, I'd get the Oven Roasted Squash Soup (PHP249) just because squash is so delicious and that they don't have my other favorite... tomato soup. 

Image from Dude4food.blogspot.com

The Pork and Potato Strips (PHP339) which was described as a combination of crunchy pork belly and fresh potato chips is tempting too. Fine, irresistible!  

My First Thanksgiving (and Black Friday) Experience

It was my first time to experience Thanksgiving and Black Friday here in the US and it sure was TIRING.

Unlike the Philippines, most parts of the US do not celebrate Christmas the way Pinoys do. I think the only place in America that feels just like the bright Manila is New York. But I'm in California, 6 hours away from the Big Apple. Then again, they also have something quite similar to our Christmas where relatives come over to share a feast and that's Thanksgiving.

Foodie Alert: Butterbeer Frappuccino?!?

Harry Potter has been known as a  series of books and movies people of all ages enjoyed. My sister for one got instantly hooked to the movie adaptation when we were in a Harry Potter crash course appreciation program just so we could truly enjoy Universal Studios. Unfortunately, I wasn't converted into a muggle. But I do remember enjoying the 4D ride and the drink they call... Butterbeer.

Oh butterbeer! The last time I got to taste you was way back in 2011 and I miss you so much! I dream of the sweet taste, the little foam, the delectable aroma.

But great news! Starbucks is finally offering butterbeer. Well, sort of.

Image from Hypable.com

Thanks to Starbucks Holiday drinks, we can now request butterbeer from our friendly baristas. Just tell them these:

A Jolly Christmas Ahead?

Facebook has become my source of the latest news (and gossip). It never fails to give me interesting reads. Last week, one particular news that caught my attention was Jollibee's latest offering...

Jollibee's Dancing Doll.

Image from Jollibee's Facebook page

Okay, my initial reaction was, who would want that?! The doll looked creepy in so many ways. But I guess the picture did not give the doll justice as after watching the teaser, I want not one but three for myself!!!

Here's another video of a kid with her new toy. Apparently, it sings too! If you attended a birthday party at Jollibee, you'd recognize the song. It's the song Jollibee sings and dances to. *cute*

#ReliefPH

The typhoon Yolanda has created havoc in several  parts of the Philippines, specifically Tacloban, Leyte with an alarmingly high death toll.  

People have come together once again to reach out to these affected areas. Many have gathered to bring relief goods and those who cannot help financially gave their time to pack the goods and helped have it ready to be shipped to the affected cities. 

However, it has also been reported that there are some trucks that do not make it to the victims as these were attacked. A mall too was looted to the very last can of soup. It may have been a sign of desperation (or opportunity).  

Image from http://www.esperanzagarcia.net

I pray that peace and order will once again be restored in these areas. I also hope that the victims themselves work together to make things better again. It'll be hard for sure. But we Pinoys, as CNN may or may have not said, are resilient and strong. We will surpass this. Let us not use this calamity as an excuse to do something we'd regret in the future. Instead, let's build the cities again, stronger, and more prepared for the future. We can do this!

Click here to know more on how to help out.