Thursday, November 30, 2017

Night Cap: Makati Diamond Residences' Champagne and Tapas Buffet

I am a big fan of bubbly and I could drink it all night if paired with some good tapas. And a homey hotel in Makati seems to be my new favorite with its remarkably great spread perfect for a relaxing night after moving around the city to find the perfect gifts this coming Christmas. 

Hello, Makati Diamond Residences.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

First Bite: Fritöss

I usually grab popcorn or hotdog whenever I watch a movie. But I discovered a new alternative that could make my monthly ritual more interesting. 

Hello, Fritöss
This inviting quick bites place is part of the group that manages Barcino and Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen. As no stranger to the food scene, it offers mouthwatering snacks perfect for that in between meals treat.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

First Bite: Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen

I've been curious about Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen since it opened its branch in Katipunan. Seeing several mouthwatering photos of its dishes online made my taste buds excited. However, my schedule was so crazy these past months that I didn't get to find time to swing by the area. Thankfully, it opened in Greenbelt 3 which is a bit closer to home. 
Hello, Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen.

Monday, November 27, 2017

First Bite: Gelatofix Lifestyle Cafe

Looks can be deceiving and names do too. Who would have thought that Gelatofix offers more than gelato

Hello, Gelatofix Lifestyle Cafe!
Conveniently located near Seda BGC and High Street, I can't believe that I never passed by this dessert haven till last week. 

Friday, November 24, 2017

Stress-free Holidays: Sobremesa Christmas Packs

Christmas is just around the corner. Okay, maybe it is still a few blocks away. But it is better to be prepared than joining the whole city go crazy during the holiday rush. More than looking for presents, I find prepping potluck meals more time consuming and tiring. Thankfully, there are now several places where I could buy mouthwatering dishes. And one of my favorites is Sobremesa.

Hello again, Sobremesa.
This Peruvian restaurant is definitely more than its talked-about cellphone cages. It offers a variety of dishes catering to meat and veggie lovers or simply anyone who appreciates good food. 

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Now in BGC: Lumiere Skin and Spa

They say that aging start at the age of 25 and I believe it wholeheartedly. I have been religiously using sun screen to protect my face but it seems that it's far from being enough. As much as I would like to have regular facial to combat fine lines and spots, I find it time consuming and that I couldn't squeeze it in my busy schedule. But Lumiere Skin and Spa made me think otherwise.

Hello, Lumiere Skin and Spa.
It wasn't hard to find this new skin care clinic in Uptown Parade. Just look for the well-lit space with a big L sign. It is most visible from the bridge way between Uptown Mall and Uptown Parade.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Northern Eats: Fat Daddy's Smokehouse

Fat Daddy's Smokehouse is one of the well-loved Marikina restaurants that expanded to other areas of Metro Manila. I first tried its famous and pocket friendly ribs at its Forbestown branch and instantly fell in love with all of its cheesy dishes. I was heartbroken when I saw this branch close down as I hardly visit Marikina. Thankfully, Fat Daddy's Smokehouse opened another more accessible branch. This time, it's in Quezon City or U.P. Town Center to be exact.

Hello again, Fat Daddy's Smokehouse!

Friday, November 17, 2017

More than just Instagram-Worthy: Canada's Most Scenic Places

I’ve always wanted to visit what seemed to be known as one of the friendliest countries in the world. R has told me so many nice things about Canada-- from its culture to food and to scenic destinations. Since I can’t wait to board the plane and take that half a day flight, I’ve made a short list of stopovers I (and you) have to visit. 

Most Scenic Places in Canada

Canada, the world’s second-largest country, may not carry the geographical diversity of the United States, but the maple-scented land has everything that makes it the most spectacular and amazing. Whether it is the temperate Pacific rain forests of British Columbia or the Rockies there are plenty of geological oddities and some of the most scenic places that can be found here in Canada. The landscapes range from snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines to beautifully desolate prairies. And if you are worrying that accommodation could be a problem, lodging for tourists has never been an issue here as they can pick from the most high-end resorts to budget hotels. There is also a  wide range of cabins in Canada to suit every pocket and needs. 

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake lies at the center of the province’s wine region and is surrounded by superb wineries. Noted as one of the most well-preserved 19th-century towns, it is said that you should not miss walking through the town’s Victorian main street, where one comes across old-fashioned houses, vegetation and boutique shops. I can’t wait to visit some of the  lovely ornamental gardens and dine at the area’s sophisticated restaurants. But the one I look forward to the most is its outstanding Canadian theater event, the Shaw Festival.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Second Bite: Hello Kitty Cafe

My first Hello Kitty Cafe experience at its newly opened Uptown Bonifacio branch wasn't exactly love at first bite. In fact, I was disappointed with it. But it was hard to decline an invite from the well-loved Sanrio character. As a believer of second chances, I found myself back at this very pink place two weeks after my first visit. 

Hello again, Hello Kitty Cafe!
This time around, I was warmly welcomed by one of the staff who ushered me to my reserved seat, the most requested couches with what seems to be enclosed in a huge golden bird cage (with the signature Hello Kitty bow). Apparently, Hello Kitty Cafe do accept reservations, but only on weekdays. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

First Bite: Hello Kitty Cafe

The Hello Kitty Cafe in Uptown Bonifacio Mall has been one of the most anticipated restaurant openings to date. Though it is not a new concept as Hello Kitty Cafe has been around in the 90s, its sudden disappearance from the busy SM Megamall scene created a hole in my heart and tummy. And when I saw the board up of Hello Kitty Cafe in Uptown, the little girl in me squealed with joy. Fast forward to 2017, a year after seeing the signage, I finally got to set foot in the controversial girl in cat costume cafe. 
Hello, Hello Kitty Cafe.

Monday, November 13, 2017

The New Flatiron

Flatiron is no new name to me as I've visited the home of the famous 6-hour brisket a few times already. But it seems that I haven't dropped by for a long time as I didn't even notice the change in Flatiron's look. More than its interiors and new logo though, it also revamped its menu and added new mouthwatering dishes.

Hello, Flatiron.
I was greeted by a place with familiar look but different hues and a more vibrant vibe. As I moved closer to the private dining area, I spotted M who, as always, greet me with much warmth.