Archive for August, 2009

31
Aug
09

QUICK POST

By docgelo 16 Comments
Categories: EVENTS and whatever
Tags: , , , , , ,

september

We still have a day before September kicks in but my excitement to a lot of things is killing me! :D  

1. I’ll be turning a year older on the 18th and will be celebrating my 33rd year of existence.

2. September reminds us Pinoys of the upcoming Christmas as we’re known to enjoy it the looooongest.  We will soon hear Christmas carols on the airwaves and see decors and lights everywhere cheering up the happiest holiday of the year.

3. Last weekend, I received an email-invitation from Class 4H4 of College of Tourism & Hospitality Management of UST to be one of their foodie judges in their M.E.T.Ro Awards (Manila’s Exquisite and Trendy Resto Awards): A Moment of Glitz and Flavor at Le Pavilion, Pasay City on September 24, 2009.   The UST student-organizers found my blog amusing so they invited me for their event. Wow! I really appreciate this as I will grace the event with the fellow bloggers I religiously follow!  The fan and the foodie in me is extremely excited :D

4. This morning as I checked my inbox, Philippine Blog Awards notified me that this humble blog is now an official nominee for their contest.   I just wish I can make it as a finalist to be invited to their awarding event on October 09, 2009 in Meralco Tent, Ortigas. But if lady luck won’t be on my side, the fact of having blog buddies from most parts of the globe who frequent this site and constantly leave comments to my posts is more than enough for me to experience being a winner.

5.  My wife’s office dean decided to send her to BORACAY to attend the Philippine Nursing Association Convention from October 19 to 22.  Gabby and I can’t resist to tag along with Tina;  actually, we do have ticket reservations and I have arranged my work schedule already hehehe :D  however, until such time that Tina’s office issues her allowance for all of her expenses (I will pay for my own and Gabby’s of course) everything is still ON HOLD (Read: Tentative thrill).

6.  As the last quarter of the year begins tomorrow, I anticipate more blessings to share, more work load, more jobs, more bonding time with family!

Aren’t you excited too?

30
Aug
09

OUR PLATE LAST WEEK

By docgelo 2 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Last weekend, I was craving for an oriental dish but did not afford to go out and dine Chinese because of time restraint. I have been busy preparing for work-related things to meet its deadline. Anyway, I was lucky that my wife Tina found time and decided to prepare the food I’ve been wanting to eat few days back. 

She herself took photos of the ingredients and the result of her efforts.  Her gesture was sweet because she doesn’t cook on a daily basis because of her schedule at work.   And so I am sharing with you her recipe and procedure of cooking BEEF and TOFU with BROCCOLI in OYSTER SAUCE with the wish that you may try it too and let me know if it passes your discriminating taste.

Ingredients :  makes 5 to 6 servings

:D 1/2 kilo beef, thinly sliced

:D broccoli

:D 2 medium-sized square tofu cut into cubes

:D 1 can of button mushroom

:D garlic

:D flour

:D oyster sauce

:D carrots

:D ginger

:D onions

:D salt and pepper to taste

:D cooking oil

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Procedure :

1.  Boil beef until tender.  Set aside broth.

2. Saute ginger and onions, add garlic until golden brown. Add beef, broth, simmer.

3. Add oyster sauce.

4. Add mushroom and carrots, simmer for 2 minutes.

5. Add broccoli, simmer for 1  1/2 minutes. 

6. Add dissolved flour, continue mixing until thick.

7. Coat tofu with mixture of flour and powdered seasoning; the fry.

8. Add fried tofu then salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve it with your sweetest smile :D

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It’s more delicious than it looks on pictures. Try to prepare it and your comments will be valued.

PS :  I and my preschooler son wanted to become chefs one day.  As of now, I only have time to dine and taste whatever pleases my palate and still busy with something else and presently got nothing to be in front of a stove or an oven, neither read cook books. Yeah, lame excuse! Perhaps my son and I can be classmates in a culinary school in the future.  That would be a great bonding experience I bet. :D

30
Aug
09

AFFORDABLE INDULGENCE

By docgelo 9 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
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We needed to go back to our place before lunch time to freshen up after we enjoyed our son’s preschool activity a couple of days ago.  Then, we found ourselves in one of familiar restaurants that we learned to like love  because of its nonintimidating,  family-friendly, canteen-ambiance with delicious and reasonably-priced- but not-so-authentic Italian menu.  It’s none other than AMICI and CARA MIA !        IMG_3463PENNE   AL   SALMONE  AFFUMICATO, PhP 230+

This pasta plate is definitely a winner for us. My wife Tina, our son Gabby and I like its flavorful taste of smoked salmon that perfectly jived in unison with its creamy tomato based sauce.  Its serving is enough to be shared by two.

IMG_3465AI QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 290+ 

It was only our second time to order this Amici’s FOUR CHEESES pizza but it has grown in our palate. It’s our son’s favorite pizza!  Sans toppings and all, it stands out! I like its thin crust made really crunchy and quickly served because of brick-oven baking and the sumptuous taste of combined cheeses is just irresistable. 

A visit to Amici and Cara Mia would not be complete without those heaping scoops of gelato! As I’ve stated in my former post about this wonderful food place, the only difficult thing is to decide what to try- because everything is worth the drool, lol…

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Other than Cara Mia’s wide variety of gelato flavors, they also offer gelato cakes!

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Don’t they look so divine ?

After few minutes of looking at those delectable treats, we’ve finally selected our choices that noon…

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Gabby had Cookies and Cream Gelato cup and I tried Caramel Nougat cup, at PhP 50+ each. 

As if we’re not hyperglycemic yet, we dared ourselves and ordered more Cara Mia yummies…

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Tina’s choice : SPUMONI SURPRISE, PhP 80 per slice.  She liked it. A blend of chocolate and pistacchio with vanilla creaminess of that gelato cake. 

As for me, I finished a bowl of this gelato cake in a few minutes, lol…IMG_3487BANANA BLAST, slice PhP 80.  Who says nothing can be enjoyed less than a hundred pesos?  Presenting to you, the gelato cake that caught my discriminating gustatory sense.  OK, I haven’t tasted them all, but for that moment, I think this one’s superb of its kind. If you like flavors and textures, this one’s perfect. With chilled strawberries and banana-based Italian ice cream mixed with another chocolatey flavored gelato -Banana blast is simply fantastic!  

When we were just ready to go, the waiter asked Tina if she would gladly submit her palate to a free taste-test. Immediately after a nod, the waiter offered this…

IMG_3496PISTACCIOCCOLATO  (Choco Pistachio cake).  How can you resist such beauty? lol…

Her verdict based on APPEARANCE, SERVING SIZE, TASTE and TEXTURE/MOUTHFUL and my family’s smiles…

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It has a canteen-ambiance because of combined wait-staff servings and self-service.  I am not complaining.  I look at it as Amici and Cara Mia’s positive appeal and edge from the others.  Since one has to go to a corner with freezers of ice cubes and pitchers of water for you to bring to your table,  after paying at the cashier counter upon order, I see no complexities but simplicity in dining.  A similar experience we have in the comforts of our own homes.  

AMICI PIZZA PASTA GELATO and CARA MIA GELATERIA, Bellagio Square, Tomas Morato corner Scout Fuentebella, Quezon City.  Delivery (63-2) 818-4444.  

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28
Aug
09

MACHO GUWAPITO

By docgelo 12 Comments
Categories: EVENTS and FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The month of August in the Philippines is never complete without celebrating Quezon City and Quezon province day on the 21st and Linggo ng Wika in honor of one of our presidents, the late Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and the Filipino language.  And most schools nationwide do have annual activities to propagate the use of our own language. (Isn’t it ironic that I’m posting about these festivities when in fact I’m blogging using the universal language? lol)   The preschool of my son, Gabby is no exception. 

Last year, Gabby looked like a Katipunero when he wore this…

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This year, he was in his fighting form again for the parade and a performance on stage wearing this…

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Their school opted to finish their quarterly exams first before having the event so it was delayed for a week and was scheduled this morning.  My wife and I made sure that we attend this year’s together since she wasn’t able to fix her work schedule last year. My dad was ever present since his apo had started joining such extracurriculars.

The parade that was escorted by a mini band of drums started at around 8AM; it was a short walk  from their preschool to the next street where the baranggay hall covered court is.  

Look how parents prepared their kids for this…

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I don’t have a sister, I grew up with 3 brothers.  I am happy having a son now but of course my wife and I would like to have cute little chubby girl/s of our own  soon someday :D   Aren’t they too cute for their Filipiniana costumes?

My wife and I and Gabby’s lolo were all there to watch our son’s sing-and-dance performance on stage with his schoolmates.  They danced in pairs to the tune of Ang Pipit.  

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They also sang the song Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika in chorus… Some of the groups of grade school students recited nationalistic poems in Filipino but the performance that was applauded the most was a dance number from older grade schoolers to the tune of Rico J. Puno’s Macho Guwapito…. 

Gabby could have been perfect for that song, don’t you think ? :D

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Good job, Gabby! :D

After that morning activity, we trooped to Tomas Morato to munch on something that I’ll post next…

26
Aug
09

2 THUMBS UP 4 UP

By docgelo 13 Comments
Categories: Film
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

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I found myself laughing and giggling with my wife Tina and our son Gabby; at times, saddened at some scenes while watching the latest animation offering of Disney & Pixar in Gateway Mall this afternoon.  Up took us to a roller coaster of emotions;  humor was very effective -we definitely enjoyed it from beginning to end.  

It’s totally different from most cartoons we’ve seen on screen. We had fun watching Finding Nemo, Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Toy Story 1 & 2  (Toy story 3 is scheduled to be released 2010) that Gabby even has played several reruns in DVD at home.  The story, characters, and Up’s general appeal are all inspiring!

It’s a story of an old man, Carl who tried to fulfill his wife’s life long fancy of building their house on top of a mountain where Paradise Falls in South America is located.  But since Carl’s wife, Ellie passed away without experiencing her childhood dream with her husband and a lot of hassles came in succession as their house is about to be demolished as part of community upgrading; he was sentenced by the court to be in a retirement home  after hitting a member of the demolishing team in the head,  Carl had finally decided to go on with the adventure of flying to Paradise Falls by tying thousands of colorful balloons to their house.  Our imagination soared limitless with the plot. :D

In the course of the flight, a boy named Russel who only wished to complete his explorer’s award with an elderly assistance badge surprisingly joined Carl in his undertaking.  The rest of the story led to unexpected twists and turns that levelled down to a heart warming end. 

There’s this one scene when Carl finally browsed a page in Ellie’s photo album where she wrote the lines to him, “Thank you for the adventure, go find a new one.”  That was really sweet.   As a family man, I can relate.  It’s a running joke between me and my wife that I feel that I will die first before she does which is actually opposite with Carl and Ellie’s story. I usually tell her my wishes just in case it happens. I always want to see her reactions everytime I tease her about this.   

And when the movie showed that Carl finally let go of the things that would remind him of his wife and their dreams as he had fulfilled his promise to Ellie to bring their home to Paradise Falls, it reminded me that beyond material things, our memories and feelings we shared with our love ones remain to be the most important.  

And did I mention that Up’s first 20 minutes are the most moving scenes? 

Two thumbs up, for Up!

24
Aug
09

OMAKASE : IT’S UP TO YOU

By docgelo 11 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I don’t know about you but I love SUKIYAKI. I never missed to try having that warm broth everytime we eat Japanese.  That sweet soyed stock that fused well with tender beef strips and some veggies, glass noodles and the softest tofu, served with a fresh egg  is always a comfort food for me especially on a rainy cold weather.  And Omakase’s sukiyaki, may not be the best in the Metro, but was still good to satisfy my craving for that soothing soup :D

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I’ve read quite a number of posts about this Japanese restaurant in Intrepid Plaza, Libis, Quezon City called Omakase but it took months and for them to have another branch in Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato before we sampled some of its must-try goodies.

Omakase (お任せ?) is a Japanese phrase that means “It’s up to you” (from 任す, entrust).

The expression is used at sushi restaurants to leave the selection to the chef. It differs from ordering à la carte. The chef will generally present a series of plates, beginning with the lightest fare and proceeding to heaviest, richest dishes. The phrase is not exclusive to service of raw fish with rice, and can incorporate grilling and simmering as well.Customers ordering omakase style expect the chef to be innovative and surprising in the selection of dishes, and the meal can be likened to an artistic performance by the chef. Ordering omakase can be a gamble; however, the customer typically receives the highest quality fish the restaurant currently has in stock at a price cheaper than if it was ordered à la carte. From the restaurant’s perspective, a large number of customers ordering omakase can help in planning for food costs. —>SOURCE.

Last Saturday’s lunch was another new foodtrip experience for us.  My wife Tina, our son Gabby and I went to Il Terrazo again, to try the much-talked about sushi from OMAKASE.

Isn’t that maki made of kani or crab meat,  topped with fish roe or ebiko with sesame seeds and that so flavorful salmon skin just perfect ?  It might not be an authentic Japanese maki or it’s only a delicious fusion of East-meets-West cuisine, but heck, it now officially reigns supreme on my list! sarap! :D

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This is what they call JURASSIC MAKI, PhP 280+.

I was geared to order JCS : Jurassic, Crazy and Seabreeze Maki, a platter of combination of 3 specialties from Omakase but my queen begged off.  Tina thought that we might not finish everything on that monstrous servings and having sushi as to-go would not be a good idea as sushi and sashimi are ideally eaten fresh immediately once served.  So I obediently reserved the other makis to our furture visits.

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How can you resist those salmon skins on that Jurassic maki? IMG_3382

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To make it even more tasty, a plate of Omakase’s Jurassic maki is served with a thick sauce similar to soy sauce & mayonnaise consistency, but I am guessing it’s more than those two ingredients.  Sans this sauce, Jurassic maki is still superb.  6

And there’s my favorite SUKIYAKI, PhP 250+.  The best Sukiyaki I’ve tasted was from UMU at DUSIT THANI’s FAMILY SUNDAY BRUNCH but as I’ve stated, Omakase’s version does not disappoint.

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Our 4-year-old son Gabby was excited to add in the fresh egg to the medium-sized bowl of that warm Sukiyaki.  He really dreams of becoming a chef one day, lol.

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Gabby enjoyed 7 out of 10 pieces of these KANI TEMPURA, PhP 145+IMG_3368

I asked my wife is she wanted to try the rice bowl toppings of Omakase or the other entrees from the menu, but she decided to eat light (believe me, this was one of our lightest meals, lol) that day and settled for SEAFOOD DUMPLINGS, PhP 250+.

The  SEAFOOD DUMPLINGS are also a must-try from Omakase.  It’s a combination of fish and other calcium and iodine-rich ingredients wrapped in nori  deep-fried to its crispiest.  Its  sauce is different from that of takoyaki we sampled from Hana at Little Tokyo and from food stalls everywhere. IMG_3377

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It was indeed another satiating and heart warming food trip! :D

OMAKASE JAPANESE CUISINE, UG Il Terrazzo, Sct Madrinan, corner Tomas Morato.

23
Aug
09

DO YOU EAT KAMARO?

By docgelo 7 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Believe me, it wasn’t intentional.  We did not plan to eat  pig-out at a Pinoy restaurant on a holiday in honor of Ninoy Aquino’s assassination some 26 years back. But it was not that bad after all.

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It has been half a decade since we last dined at one of Cabalen’s branches in a mall. I admit that my parents are the ones who prefer it just as they like other food places that offer Filipino cuisine.  I and my wife are not fond of going out just to eat the same food that we have at our own dining table at home. In short, we’re not fan of home-style cooking, sorry.  But I have high regard with those establishments that made efforts in putting Filipino cuisine upfront. My wife and I with our friends enjoy CLASSIC CUISINE PHILIPPINES or C2  and CHEF LAUDICO’S BISTRO FILIPINO.  Both of these restos offer Pinoy food as gourmet and with nice twists and taste.  And did I tell you that CAFE ADRIATICO’s    Lola Ising’s adobo and Lolo’s pancit canton binondo are to-die for? :D

We could have eaten our brunch last Friday, August 21 at a pizza and pasta resto, or a fastfood perhaps, but for no particular reason, our feet were drawn to Cabalen’s all-day-buffet and there was no regret. 

My starters were a bowl of  beef stock with corn,  fried crispy kangkong with mayo dip, some mango and tomato salsa with bagoong and a slice of red salted egg, some onion rings and pork and tofu a.k.a. tokwa’t baboy…

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Not bad actually.  Even in Kamayan whenever we dine at Dad’s Ultimate Buffet that includes Saisaki and, yes, Kamayan, I do not miss to munch on those cripsy kangkong.  I also liked Cabalen’s mango-tomato-bagoong salsa. The green mangoes were chopped to bits, which for me was the best rather than having unriped mangoes in chunks.

One of the Pinoy dishes I cannot resist is Kare-kare or stewed beef in peanut sauce with bagoong (again).  I like the peanut buttery sauce and the VEGGIES : string beans and egg plants, cooked with ox tripe and ox tail …- Good Heavens, I am salivating now as I write this! :D   

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My second plate had Pampanga’s bests — from tocino ( I hope they don’t use salt peter), longganisa and atchara or pickled papaya.  I had Kare-kare too, and of course garlic rice.  I like the distinct taste of Cabalen’s longganisa, it’s so flavorful. Isn’t it obvious that I like local version of sausages? lol. From Vigan’s to Lucban’s, I like garlicky longganisa paired with tomato salsa!  Man, I can eat it any time of the day! 

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My wife’s plate had similar dishes from Cabalen’s buffet spread except she sampled their fried chicken which I avoided for I had eaten too many of them over the past weeks.

For our desserts, Gabby, Tina and I tried Cabalen’s guinataan and halo-halo.  What I like about the minimal dessert spread was the presence of a huge bottle of coconut milk or kakang-gata. It’s actually an ingredient of guinumis – local cold sweet treat of crushed ice with coco milk, gulaman and pininig or rice crispies.  You can also make your own guinumis from the spread at Cabalen.

Tina suggested we put coconut milk over halo-halo instead of the usual evaporated milk.  As an obedient husband and a food enthusiast, I surrendered to her craving.  She was right; halo halo’s better with coco milk as we enjoyed it! We just added syrup to taste.  

The guinataan was also great with those strips of jackfruit and sweetened bananas and generous amounts of small balls of tapioca. IMG_3367

Everything tasted OK except for the red gulaman of the halo-halo. It tasted like soap suds for goodness sake! I immediately called the attention of the waited and told him of our concern.  He immediately responded by removing the square bowl of red gulaman from the spread and I noticed he reported the incident to his manager.  We were in a hurry as we already paid our bills so we did not spend time bringing the matter to the manager. I appreciated the move of the wait staff.  

We did not plan to eat at Cabalen, but nevertheless, we enjoyed it.  What we intently did last holiday was honoring Ninoy and Cory’s ideations and contributions to Philippine democracy by simply wearing yellow that day. 

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Cabalen’s Eat  All You Can P298 per adult; half price for kids; located at most malls in the Metro.

But wait!  While I was getting my food from the spread, I noticed a distinctly Kapampangan dish that I learned from Kuya Kim Atienza’s report in TV Patrol World ( a local news ) that this was one of Ninoy Aquino’s favorites…

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Do you eat KAMARO or cricket ?  No offense to all Kapampangan, but I don’t.   I call myself a food enthusiast but not a dare-devil and an adventurous as you are.

To each his own.  :D

22
Aug
09

CELEBRATE !

By docgelo 9 Comments
Categories: EVENTS and whatever
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

In less than 30 days, I will be officially a year older; hopefully a year wiser and happier. 

Every single day, I am grateful for everything. 

I guess happiness and fulfillment do not come from the parties we have, but on how we share our moments with our love ones and how we inspire them and others.

This year, I thought of celebrating my day by putting more MEANING into it.   However, since I’ll be working 5 days straight on the week of my birthdate, and on THE DAY itself,  I’m skeptical if I can still push through with my plan.  Don’t you wish your birthday falls on a holiday?  Nevertheless, I still want to make this year a different one.  Is this a sign of maturity, literally? :D

Anyway, before I turn thirty three on the eighteenth of next month, I am sharing with you what I had last year.

I went to work as usual that day, but because I was on a budget and got nothing to treat my colleagues at work, I just bought some pastries from Le Couer de France on way to work and gave it to the staff.  I was surprised to see that my coordinator came to office that day earlier than expected just to set up a powerpoint slide on our LCD projector screen with birthday greetings for me.   That was sweet. :D  

Then at the table were our office T-shirt, and the biggest birthday greeting card I have ever received in my entire existence.  The card which I am keeping until now contained well wishes of my colleagues and my bosses. That was sweeter! :D  

The day went on with my usual lectures on Medical-Surgical topics but as I call for a lunch break, two of our nurse-reviewees then reported back to class late.  I was clueless that they were caught in traffic or something on way back to the center after they had purchased a cake for me. 

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Then after my lecture ended in the late afternoon, the entire office staff and our bosses came in with another chocolate cake, pancit, tubs of ice cream and cold soft drinks.  What a way to end a tiring day!  C’mmon, not everbody is valued at their office but in ours, everyone is regarded as special – not only on birthdays but on a daily basis.

My birthday last year did not end without celebrating it with the people I love dearest; who else but Tina and Gabby.  I met them in TriNoma mall early evening to have dinner after my long day at work.  We were with our two friends, Rob and LG who dined with us in T.G.I.Fridays…

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Sans party treat and other expenses, don’t you wish everyday is your birthday?

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How do you celebrate your birthday?

22
Aug
09

YOGURT LOVE

By docgelo 13 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My family (referring to Tina & Gabby) and I have glucose levels going haywire lately.

Good thing we know how to control it (referring to our craving, lol). :D

We usually dwell on Starbucks with venti cups of white choco mocha frappuccinos and caramel macchiato beside a slice of heavenly cake or corned beef pandesal and we still long for more cups and dose of caffeine, but our sweet tooth also desires for more sublime desserts…

We’ve been enjoying both the regular and Italian ice cream called gelato…

–>click on photo and view post about it.

GELATONE's GELATO

GELATONE's GELATO

AMICI / CARA MIA's gelato

AMICI / CARA MIA's gelato

Then, there was a day we began to look for great-tasting yogurt…

Golden Spoon : Yogurt that tastes like Ice Cream

Red Mango frozen yogurt

Red Mango frozen yogurt

RED MANGO's green tea and original frozen yogurt

RED MANGO's green tea and original frozen yogurt

Yoh Gurt Froz

Yoh Gurt Froz

Tina likes fro yo of YOH GURT FROZ over others for their CHILLED/FROZEN toppings that don't melt the yogurt quickly. :D

Tina likes fro yo of YOH GURT FROZ over others for their CHILLED/FROZEN toppings that don't melt the yogurt quickly. :D

Last weekend, we got to taste WHITE HAT FROZEN YOGURT from their branch at Shangri la mall.

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Our four-year-old son ordered regular sized yogurt from White Hat with KITKAT chocolate wafer toppings..

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I had blueberries, mandarin oranges and kiwi as toppings while our friend Rob, enjoyed heaping cup of cherry-topped White Hat yogurt.

The staff at the counter was sweeter than her yogurt when she handed me a discount promo card…

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White Hat staff should be trained more on how to properly topped those yummy yogurt so it won’t spill and would still be appetizing once served.  We also finished those cups and enjoyed till the last scoops, nonetheless.

Then this afternoon, we went to Il Terrazo in Tomas Morato for lunch (I’ll post it soon) and after that hearty Japanese pig-out,  Gabby asked his mom and I to buy him what else but yogurt, this time from FYI…

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Gabby had his favorite Kitkat-topped yogurt again!  Note that FYI’s kitkat yogurt was crushed to bits as against to The White Hat’s kitkat cut into cubes-toppings.  I don’t know with Gabby’s  but Tina and I liked what we shared…

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This is FYI’s yogurt topped with maltesers and almond chips, sarap!

Do you like yogurt too ?

HAVE A SWEET WEEKEND :D

20
Aug
09

BANAPPLE GOODIES

By docgelo 18 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Last Monday, Tina and I had a free schedule to fetch our son, Gabby from his 8 to 11AM kindergarten class.   We went to the school on the dot but the kids weren’t dismissed until after their 30-minute-rehearsal for their dance performance for the school’s celebration of Linggo ng Wika which was scheduled by their school on a later date, the 28th of this month, next Friday.  While my wife was happy to see Gabby dancing to the tune of a folk song,  I grabbed that waiting period to go to a nearest bank and settled our domestic bills. After which, I went back to them and Gabby was surprised to see us together instead of his yaya fetching him that day. 

After 10 minutes, we were at a mall called Il Terrazzo, along Tomas Morato in Quezon City.  I’ve been reading and hearing about this mall that has Rustan’s supermarket, and a number of affordable and upscale restaurants and food stalls.  One of those is BANAPPLE  PIES  and  CHEESECAKES . 

Since I did my Post-Medical-Graduate Internship at Quirino Memorial Medical Center along Katipunan Avenue  almost a decade ago, I’ve been passing along BANAPPLE’s original branch few steps from that tertiary hospital but for no particular reason,  it took years and a family and Banapple’s second branch for me to try and taste the goodies they serve. 

We only saw a couple of women dining outside Banapple at the second floor of Il Terrazo before noon last Monday.  But soon after we ordered, people came in troop. :D  

Tina noticed that wherever we dine, it always happens as if Gabby’s attracting more customers for the restaurant.  Is this an indication that he has to pursue his early inclination to becoming a chef for us to put up a restaurant years from now?  *wishful thinking*  

Bannaple in Il Terrazo is a small but with homey and charming appeal to families and friends.  Though with limited space, it has high ceiling and is well interiored that gives that welcoming ambiance.  This was the view from where we sat…

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A huge multi-layered glass fridge keeps the cakes fresh and a smaller one is used near the counter to display those delectable yummies.  

We occupied two round tables and it was delightful to see art on them!  Colored glass marbles were embedded in round cemented tables in different mosaic patterns. These simple details make dining experience remarkable! :D

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We had different cravings that day.  I ordered one of Banapple’s entrees, Tina only had sandwich and Gabby, pancakes.

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 ASIAN CRABSTICK & MANGO SALAD SANDWICH, PhP 100. 

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I was able to taste this sandwich; the salad dressing was OK, slices of mango were sweet, the toasts were nearly perfect but Tina and I were expecting that the crabs sticks are thinly shredded but were not, so it’s quite disappointing.  Another comment from my discriminating wife, lol, she didn’t like the cheese-flavored chips as sidings of her sandwich.  Plain salted potato chips could’ve save the entire plate.

While Tina was partly satisfied with what she ate, I enjoyed mine.

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PAN-FRIED PORKLOIN WITH HERB MUSHROOM GRAVY, PhP 160.   I like its sidings – freshly blanched and seasoned carrots slices. I have high regard to those carinderias and restaurants that prepare their own vegetable side dishes instead of the chilled-readily available carrots and corn packs from groceries.   The porkloin strips fried in olive oil were so tender and its thick gravy was flavorful.  I might order this again on our future visits. :D

Gabby, who was a little tired from their dance rehearsal, ordered pancakes… IMG_3320

BUTTERMILK  PANCAKES, PhP 100.  As expected, Gabby wasn’t able to finish this plate because it’s too much for him. But we were again disappointed with its consistency.  The menu says their fluffy but were not.  It has the poorest pancake consistency. Sorry :(

A visit to Banapple isn’t complete without tasting pies or cakes.  With the variety of flavors, it took us few minutes before finally deciding what cakes to order…

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BANAPPLE’S  BANOFFEE  PIE, PhP 70.   I love Starbucks’ Banoffee pie. But Banapple’s version at almost half the price of Starbucks’ is also satisfying, hands down! :D

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TIRAMISU, PhP 95.  It’s a multi-layered mocha-coffee cake with different textures that’ll stimulate your palate. Sarap!

We didn’t order pasta and only tasted two of the many cakes. With few flaws on what we ordered and with those uniquely delicous cakes that are different from those too-commercialized ones, we’ll definitely visit Banapple again soon.

IMG_3342BANAPPLE PIES & CHEESECAKES, 2L  Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato cor Sct Madrinan, South Triangle, Quezon City.  The other branch is located along Katipunan Avenue, Project 4 Quezon City.

19
Aug
09

HALF BLOOD JAPANESE

By docgelo 7 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
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With my usual craving partial to Japanese food, I wouldn’t mind being reborn even as a half-blood Japanese, lol :D

I noticed that my palate has been biased with Japanese food. I share this craving with my wife, Tina and our preschooler son, Gabby who favors kani tempura so much; he even enjoys eating it with bare clean hands and dipping it in tempura sauce.  Tina and I are partial not only to ebi and kani tempura but to sushi and sashimi and soups like sukiyaki and more.  

Over the past few weeks,  Tina usually comes home from work with 2-packs of takoyaki as her pasalubong to us.  And lately, if not Italian or Chinese, we’ve been dining out in Japanese restaurants – from HANA in Little Tokyo where we enjoyed sukiyaki plate, takoyaki and ramune or flavored ice shaving  to KAGURA also in Little Tokyo where we first tasted okonomiyaki.  We’re also loyal patrons of SAISAKI in Glorietta 3 and had tried ZENSHO  buffet in Tomas Morato.  Even fastfood stall like  KARATE KID did not disappoint my craving.  Of course, on the top of our list that we have tried is UMU in DUSIT THANI Hotel.  I swear, Umu’s one of the finest, that we have to experience it again soon.

Our last Sunday’s lunch was nevertheless, special.  We revisited KIMONO KEN; this time at the basement of Shangri la Mall in Mandaluyong City.  We first dined at this casual Japanese dining place a couple of years ago at SM The Block and since then, I’ve regarded it as one of those that offer best-tasting and affordable Japanese food.  

The pictures can only speak for itself, but the experience of tasting food and dining at Kimono Ken would be another story.  Service was fair, wait staffs were all attentive, courteous and quick.  Ambiance was always casual but with zen-inspired cleanliness and order.  With Kimono Ken’s great tasting food and value for money, without even charging extra charge for service,  they’re true to their tag line, Enticingly Japanese. For Less.

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KANI SALAD, PhP 160.   A  chilled plate of crunchy cut lettuce, thinly sliced cucumber topped with generous volume of shredded kani strips with fish roe tossed with flavorful dressing.  It’s simply a must-try!

I have been craving for a good-tasting seafood ramen for the past weeks now, and I was content with Kimono Ken’s GOMOKU RAMEN, PhP 200. 2

The serving was good for 2 to 3 persons; the salt-based soup perfectly blended well with the shrimps, boiled egg, some chicken slices and noodles.  The waitress even offered a small bottle of  chili powder as an optional spice.   Tina enjoyed this ramen too.  But I also liked her beef rice bowl served with fresh egg.

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GYUDON, PhP 195.  We both love eating Japanese rice.  It has thicker grains and sticky consistency when boiled; so flavorful when cooked or topped with dish like this.  Gyudon is a rice toppings of sweet-soyed beef with leeks and other ingredients that fused in that delicious bowl.  I’m lost for words to describe the wonderful experience of eating it. :D I can consider it another “I-can-eat-this-everyday!” -meal.

 Gabby ordered a glass of iced tea, PhP 40. And I’ve tried sipping KIMONO KEN’S SPECIAL, PhP 75.  

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KIMONO KEN’S SPECIAL is a slush mixed of orange and mango but the taste is more than that mango-orange; it’s not that tangy but sweet and refreshingly similar to four seasons.  I guess everything’s reasonably special in Kimono Ken.

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CHICKEN CHEESE ROLL, PhP 160.  With fried chicken rolls topped with melted cheese, how can you go wrong?

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MANGO TEMPURA A LA MODE, PhP 100.  This was Gabby’s plate.   He ate the ice cream but did not finish the mango tempura.  This was probably because  he’s used to crab tempura instead of mangoes, and he was also craving for his favorite fastfood meal – McDonald’s fried chicken happy meal that we gave him after eating at Kimono Ken.  Nevertheless, this dessert perfectly ended our hearty lunch last Sunday.  

Thank you God for another opportunity to enjoy Your blessings with my family.

How was the start of your week?  May we have great days ahead! :D

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KIMONO KEN, Garden Court LG Level, SHANGRI LA, Mandaluyong City.

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16
Aug
09

PIZZA + GELATO

By docgelo 14 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
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My family and I have been enjoying frozen yogurt and gelato, other than the usual ice cream these days.  We’ve tried some of them and the latest we tasted were few flavors of gelato from Cara Mia Gelateria which is also owned by people of Amici.

I’ve been wanting to bring Tina and Gabby to Amici and Cara Mia since I read good reviews of this Italian casual food places located under one roof from the blogs I follow;  the most recent post was from a foodie-blog buddy, mrs. lavendula .  Finally, we got to enjoy yummies from both of these two establishments 2 days ago.

Good thing we live 10-minute-away from Tomas Morato area where restaurants and fastfoods have grown like mushrooms. 

Since my wife Tina was planning to prepare pasta for dinner last Friday, we just ordered pizza and gelato as our afternoon snack.

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AI QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 290.  This is Amici’s four cheeses pizza.  Our preschooler son, Gabby wanted no toppings in pizza so this one was easy to choose from the menu. Despite its simplicity, this pizza rocks! :D It’s so flavorful until the last bite of its crust.  It’s so hard to resist that we finished its entirety in a flash and got no leftovers. 

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If you’ve been frequenting my blog, you’ve known that I am partial to anything with shrimps and riped mangoes. I never missed to try a slice of a cake called MANGO TANGO from Cara Mia; it was so affordable at PhP 55/slice that I’d wish even carinderia or little foodstalls at sidewalks would sell this reasonably priced delectable dessert, lol :D

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And of course, we’ve tasted Cara Mia’s gelato. The only hard part was choosing the flavor from the wide variety.

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The first photo on this post was my strawberry flavored gelato.  It’s PhP 50 per order and additional PhP 10 if you want in waffle cone or waffle bowl.  I never eaten an italian ice cream in a sugar waffle bowl yet in my 33 years of existence, lol, so the kid-at-heart in me kicked in again, lol. :D

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According to the flyer we got from Amici and Cara Mia,  Italian ice cream called gelato has more advantage than the ordinary ice cream.  As to fat content, gelato is made with more milk, and lesser fat, resulting to a richer and creamier taste not to mention its health advantage. With regards to air content, gelato compared to the usual ice cream contains 10% air resulting to denser volume and velvety texture.  We swear, gelato from Cara Mia took several minutes before it began to melt;  a proof  that it’s so dense compared to others.  As to temperature, gelato is kept in a warmer temperature of -14′C (ice cream at -23′C), making it perfectly soft but firm so it can melt in your mouth and its full flavor is enjoyed.  And with regards to quantity of production, ice cream is made in large batches and kept  frozen for long periods of time while gelato is produce daily in small batches ensuring its freshness.

Tina and Gabby chose to have their gelato in cups, she had sansrival flavored; it was also delicious!

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And Gabby  had Cookies and Cream gelato :D

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After that wonderful afternoon merienda, we have officially included Amici and Cara Mia in our family’s list of favorites :D

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Amici Pizza Pasta Gelato / Cara Mia Gelateria – Bellagio Square, Tomas Morato corner Scout Fuentebella, Quezon City other branches : Don Bosco Compound, A. Arnaiz cor Chino Roces Ave., Makati City and Level 3 Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.  Cara Mia Gelateria also has a branch in 101 Missouri Square cor Connecticut Streets, Greenhills, San Juan.

13
Aug
09

IT’S BEEN A FAVORITE

By docgelo 14 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Yesterday, we had another remarkable afternoon dining at Conti’s in TriNoma.  Tina, Gabby and I like their food so much that it has become one of our favorite restaurants.  The ambiance is simple, never intimidating;   their patrons- mostly family-oriented; the service is always fair;  prices of dishes-value for money, and the food itself -impeccably delicious!

We first asked Gabby of what he’d like to order and quickly browsing the menu, he pointed out to a cake and a tall glass of iced beverage.

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 Our preschooler son opted to only have desserts. And just like his father, ehem, I guess he has good taste! :D  He is sure of what he want, and he’s not “takaw-mata”.  He makes sure that whatever he orders whenever we dine out, he’ll eat it.  Yesterday at Conti’s he ordered for a glass of MOCHA FRAPPE PhP 110 and had a slice of a heavenly cake called BANANALICIOUS, PhP 80. 

Its crust is made of fine graham powder topped with soft cake and cream with slices of chilled bananas in between.  It’s simply hard to resist.

Since I’ve described what our son had for his sweet tooth, might as well continue with what Tina and I shared for dessert….it’s  a slice of my favorite cake from Conti’s…

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In my opinion, it’s a mortal sin to dine in Conti’s without having a slice of MANGO BRAVO, PhP 105. lol. :D   IT’S MY FAVORITE CAKE for few months now. And nothing had replaced its place in my heart palate, lol.  :D

Look how gorgeous those layers of lady fingers a.k.a. broas are! Perfectly fused with just the right sweetness of that cream and chilled slices of mango with minimal drizzle of chocolate. It’s just sublime!

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Prior to being hyperglycemic with those divine cakes from Conti’s, Tina and I enjoyed these plates…

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For our starter, we had RUSSIAN POTATO SALAD, PhP 115.  The plate was served with chilled cubes of potatoes, carrots and red beets that made it pink, sarap!

Tina had this CHICKEN BALLOTINE, PhP 195.  It’s a dish of chicken rolls with ham and cheese stuffing topped with white creamy sauce served with freshly blanched veggies. 

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What is BEST with Conti’s isn’t only the tastes of the dishes and of course their cakes and pastries but moreso, I like the fact that they don’t use commercially available packed corn and carrots.  Don’t get me wrong, we also buy it from groceries once in a while, but I believe that all restaurants should served freshly cut and blanched vegetables as sidings to their entree for the benefit of their clients of course.

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What I HATE about eating at Conti’s is the difficulty of deciding what to order.  It’s not our first time to dine there but  I still had a hard time again in choosing what to chow down.  :D   After several seconds of staring at their menu, pondering, lol.. I finally told the waiter of what I’d like and if the experience yesterday was a lottery, I think I hit the jackpot with this dish…

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ROAST BEEF in MUSHROOM SAUCE, PhP 270.  The beef slices were so tender; the mushroom sauce was flavorful and creamy, even the sidings as I’ve told you, were so pleasant not only to palate; it was just delightful.

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I wouldn’t mind eating at Conti’s on a weekly basis. :D

CONTI’S TRINOMA, P1 Level, TriNoma EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City, Tel # (63-2) 900-5013.

They also have branches at BF Homes, Parañaque, Connecticut Street in Greenhills and in Serendra in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.  Conti’s also have catering and food order services : tel # (63-2) 842-5265.

note :  Just the same whenever I feature other food places we enjoy, this post isn’t paid by Conti’s.  

13
Aug
09

PIG-OUT MONDAY

By docgelo Leave a Comment
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Oops, we did it again! :D

Three days ago, I brought my family to one of our favorite malls – Glorietta, to claim our free buffet plate from Dad’s,Saisaki,Kamayan Ultimate Buffet as we have completed another promo card.

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After completion of ten validations (one signature for each visit —> read : yes, we’re a regular patrons), a FREE CROSSOVER BUFFET PLATE  can only be claimed Mondays to Thursdays, lunch or dinner.  FYI, it was our second time to finished a ”Happy Diner” promo card.  As the cliche goes, the best thing in life is FREE. :D

Since I was off the whole day last Monday, and my wife Tina was done with her work around 2:30PM,  together with our son Gabby who’s more excited to eat his favorite kani tempura, we headed to G3 in Makati.

However, we came too early for dinner so we decided to munch on something light as late afternoon merienda before pigging out at Saisaki.  Tina wanted to have Taro Ice from Quickly at the Foodcourt of Glorietta 3 but it wasn’t available, so she and Gabby settled for Chocolate Ice also from Quickly.  While I’m not sure of what to eat, Tina suggested for us to have dimsums. Immediately I thought of President’s Tea House. 

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We only ordered Japanese siomai – a piece of crab stick wrapped in nori, Asado siopao and of course, Hakao or shrimp dumplings.  I eat anything with shrimps, lol. :D

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The Hakao of President’s Tea House does not dissapoint;  its moist-melt-in-your-mouth wrapper was just perfect to embrace those plump shrimps. And the Japanese siomai also is a must-try.  I can’t say anything bad with the Asado siopao; the dough was just finely steamed; its filling-delicious.

After that quick bite, we took a stroll around the mall just to burn those few calories (as if we’re too health conscious, lol), and awited for 6PM, dinner time at Dad’s, Saisaki, Kamayan.

This was my first plate from Saisaki, sushi and few sashimi :D   I like Saisaki’s Tamago rolls; I want to learn someday how those sweet fried eggs are rolled into its form :D

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Tina also had similar choice…6

Not too long, my wife came back from the spread with these deep-fried Ebi and Kani Tempura –yummy!

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For a buffet price of PhP 455 at the Ultimate Buffet (crossover from Saisaki to Dad’s to Kamayan), it’s already a steal compared when one orders Tempura as an entree from other Japanese resto.   We paid half price for Gabby.

Gabby was delighted munching his favorite Kani (crab) Tempura and sipped some of these bowl of creamy rich seafood chowder from Kamayan, while I didn’t pass the chance to taste Saisaki’s Sukiyaki again…(read : i like them both,lol).

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Just before we thought we haven’t had main dishes yet, we’re almost bloated.  But heck, we went there to pig out, so on with the deglutition, lol.

We had some fibers in between.  Then I got my turf and surf plate - I had few rings of calamari seasoned with pesto (it was overpowering and too salty, sorry.), a slice of roast beef with pepper mushroom sauce,  a thin slice of Dad’s original ham with sweet sauce, and my buffet in Dad’s isn’t complete if I didn’t taste lengua.  It’s only in Dad’s that I get to enjoy this dish. Dad’s lengua is always tender, flavorful with its mushroom gravy.

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I and Tina were not into Kamayan that much, as we’re into Saisaki and some of Dad’s dishes. Because we’d like to taste something different from home-style cooking whenever we dine out. But we cannot resist Kamayan’s puto bumbong at bibingka served with coconut shavings and muscovado… I don’t know about you but just like most Pinoy, we like it too! :D

While Tina and I shared the unbeatable tandem of bibingka and puto bumbong, Gabby was busy eating his plate of pasta with tomato cream sauce topped with bacon bits from Dad’s.

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Gabby ordered bottomless iced tea but more than the beverage, he was more excited with what comes with the drink.  He asked the waiter politely if he can choose from the many colors of those stuffed insects and he favored a red bug.

A satiating dinner would not be complete without a stimuli to my sweet tooth.  The scoop of mocha ice cream was sweet, but my family’s hearty smiles were sweeter. :D

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12
Aug
09

OUR LITTLE ACHIEVER

By docgelo 5 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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For the past few weeks since school started this year, our 4-year-old son Gabby has been consistently performing well in his kindergarten class. Proof to this are those stamp-pad-marks of “excellent”, “well-done”, “good work”; sometimes he brings home papers marked with ”fast worker”.  I’m sorry but you cannot fully relate to my joy whenever he comes home after his 8AM-11AM class with these remarks unless you’re a parent too.  “Tanggal ang pagod ko sa trabaho sa maghapon kung ganito ang salubong ng anak ko.”   These mushy petty things for some, commonly serve as an inspiration to parents like me to do more and aspire more for the good of our kid/s.  

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We’re so blessed to have him as our son. He’s not only smart and fast-learner but he’s kind-hearted too. I know all kids are angels but my wife and I are just glad to have Gabby as our own. 

At such an early age, he already showed talent in declamation when he won 3rd place over fifty-one Nursery students from their preschool last February with his 2-stanza-winning piece, ”For My Country.”  Click this to review the post about it with title—–>ONE PROUD DADDY  and I really am until now, and probably until I breathe my last.  I guess it’s innate with us parents to always LOVE their child/ren UNCONDITIONALLY.  

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Tina and I understand that as young parents, we have lots of things to learn and we’re so ready to absorb what needs to be imbibed. Isn’t it that living is always a long learning process?  As for now, what we pray for is to continue raising Gabby as God-fearing individual, healthy and happy kid.

We love Gabby so much not only because he’s an obedient and intelligent kid, but simply because we are a dear part of him. 

Whether his name will be included in the quarterly list of topnotchers of their class or not, in my heart, he’ll forever be my number one! :D

10
Aug
09

JAPANESE BREADS & MORE

By docgelo 9 Comments
Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

IMG_3111This was my tray of Japanese baked goodies that I brought and paid at the counter of Dezaato Pan located at the corner of Tomas Morato and Roces Avenues in Quezon City.  I had them to-go as pasalubong for my son & his mom.  

Dezaato Pan provides free wi-fi access to dining clients. Breads are on display at a glass-topped wooden shelves that somehow prevents contamination of microscopic and air-borne pathogens. 

IMG_3115This is their edge over Breadtalk that has their breads exposed to air.  Another Dezaato Pan advantage is their price; the cost of each bread is  a lot cheaper than Breadtalk’s.  But we love Breadtalk.  We like their bread called FLOSS especially that CHEESE FLOSS; it’s always a must-buy whenever we’re at Breadtalk.  Nonetheless, Dezaato Pan’s goodies also tasted OK but some were not.   I don’t know, probably because my wife Tina and I are too biased with Breadtalk so when we tasted Dezaato Pan’s, it suffered criticisms from my wife’s meticulous taste.

However, if there’s one reason for me to go back to Dezaato Pan, it would be this bread…. I honestly liked this soft bread topped with salty delicious KATSUBUSHI or tuna flakes. The marriage between the buttery bread and its toppings really worked for my palate. :D   This bread is called RYOUSHI OISHI, PhP 42.  Sarap!

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Our son Gabby and I also liked ICHIGO DELIGHT.  It’s like a danish bread topped with strawberry jam; reasonably delicious at PhP 39. 

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I don’t know about your taste, but for me, the next two breads were not that good.  I failed to finish them, and my wife disliked them too.  The one of the left is called KING NIKU PORK NORI SESAME, PhP 45 and on the right is KANI & CORN ROLL BREAD, PhP 39.

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Other than breads, there were cakes too…

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Tina, Gabby and I liked the cakes from Dezaato Pan.. I bought a slice of TRIPLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE, PhP 95.

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We also got to taste a slice of CARAMEL  GREEN CREPE, PhP 80.  It tasted and smelled like Jasmine flower; uniquely delicious.

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It has layers of different textures; predominantly soft and melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

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Surprisingly, Dezaato Pan also offers more than breads and cold & hot beverages. They also have gelato!!!   

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Those gelato are sold at PhP 70 per 100gms. Again, it’s cheaper than the other gelato but it will  have to wait until my next visit for me taste it.

The service staffs were friendly, and the wifi-ready dining area was comfortable enough to while away time.  There were lots of baked yummies that looked probably go well with coffee; i’ll try some more on my next visit. :D

DEZAATO PAN BREADS SWEETS CAFE, U-5 Thompson’s Square, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

08
Aug
09

SHAMELESS

By docgelo 8 Comments
Categories: HEADLINES
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

While most of us are busy sweating it out in our work places like carabaos in the fields, some people in the national government were spending USD 20,000 at Le Cirque in the US;  ordered the most expensive wines and munched in style.

For my blog buddies who frequent my site, you know by now that my family loves dining – from fastfood to upscale carinderias, lol.  I can relate to from the simplest food item to the most gourmet and well-prepared and plated dishes. But my eye globes popped out when I read this news item on page 6 of the New York Post dated Aug 07, 2009, Saturday.

How can these elected officials stomach to chow down almost a million pesos for a single dinner while most of their countrymen have nothing but instant noodles and or tuyo on their plates?

Here’s the link, CLICK IT NOW and read it for few seconds for yourself…—> EAT and DRINK.

Please tell me this news item isn’t factual otherwise, i’ll hum the tune of “NAPAKASAKIT, KUYA EDDIE!” :D

08
Aug
09

GABBY’S CHOICE

By docgelo 5 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
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A couple of days ago, we had to go to Landmark in TriNoma to buy stuffs to fill in the fridge at home.  But since it was half hour past 4 in the afternoon, we decided to munch on something as late merienda/early dinner before heading to the grocery shelves.  

I had a short list of restaurants in mind to satisfy my own craving for some delights but I became too submissive when our four-year-old son Gabby called the shots.  While walking towards the escalators, he told us that he wanted to eat a specific favorite at one of the common resto that we frequent.  Since we just weaned Gabby from bottle-feeding several weeks ago (I know it’s quite late but what can we do? we’re just parents) and is now still adjusting with the sipping cup that he uses whenever he drinks milk, Tina and I are always excited to give in to his personal food preference.

Look how he candidly expressed his excitement to order the food that he wanted…

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While I was wearing a blue shirt that day, they’ve conspired to wore politically-significant-YELLOW.

I think it’s a small hint of maturity for our kid that at a young age, he begins to have personal preferences towards food and starts to distinguish fastfood yummies from restaurant’s entrees.  I also consider this as a result of our brain-washing  motivating him to become a chef one day; which Gabby already disclosed since his mom allowed him to watch Iron Chef America on cable TV and of course, as we bring him to few hotel buffets and various restaurants, he developed his good taste for good food.  We wouldn’t mind if he becomes a chef one day; we’re actually excited with just the mere thought of having a chef or a restaurateur in the family.  Isn’t it obvious that we really love eating  :D

Last Thursday, our son was craving for a pan pizza of a particular pizza place…

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I like Pizza Hut’s pan pizza too.  Mahusay pumili ang anak namin!   But I was surprised with what Gabby favored. It’s 3-cheese pan pizza sans toppings!!!!  Not even a single chopped mushroom was seen covering those cheeses. 

It’s a cheese lover’s delight. A pan pizza of only cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan, family size costs PhP 429… Sarap, but my palate was looking for some toppings…

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I was happy that Gabby volunteered to eat on his own plate of his own preference but I did not allow the chance to pass without trying again my own Pizza Hut favorites which I know are Tina’s favorites too…

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CAESAR SALAD.   With crisp romaine lettuce, bacon crumble, parmesan cheese, and herbed croutons tossed in Pizza Hut’s own caesar dressing served in chilled plate,  how can you not start your meal right ?  The price too, was very reasonable at PhP 79 a plate.

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GARLIC BREAD.  Toasted bread with garlic parsley butter, PhP 55.   Happiness is affordable at Pizza Hut! :D

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Then we ordered one of our favorite pastas from their menu….

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GARLIC SHRIMPS and MUSHROOMS. Spaghetti tossed with sauteed shrimps and mushrooms, in garlic-butter sauce; PhP 119.   It’s so delicious that I can eat it everyday. :D

Gabby also ordered his preferred drinks- Iced Mocha.  Once in a while, we allow him to sip a small dose of caffeine and his other favorites are the frappuccinos of Starbucks.  Calories, calories, calories….

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After that hearty meal, we burned those calories by pushing carts at the grocery….

Till our next foodtrip. :D

07
Aug
09

KOMERSYAL MUNA

By docgelo 9 Comments
Categories: EVENTS and HEADLINES
Tags: , , , , , ,

Last Wednesday, my wife and I joined the entire nation and the rest of the Filipino communities worldwide in spirit of sadness as we’re deeply affected with the demise of the icon of Philippine democracy and freedom. We also rejoice and celebrate that she’s now with our Creator and is presently free of physical pain and sufferings.  She lived a full life that inspired most of us Pinoys to continuously value our faith and strong belief that the we are indeed worthy of all of their sacrifice; and with that we’ll forever be grateful.

But can you honestly spot what’s wrong with the photo below?  Please convince me that this was not done on purpose neither a SUBCONSCIOUS WISH of the many,  lol. 

Feel free to post your comment/s.  :D

05
Aug
09

A BOX OF HAPPINESS

By docgelo 25 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
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Few minutes after I woke up yesterday morning, I heard the door bell rang. Then I saw someone was at the gate asking for my wife.  As I approached him, I also saw a delivery truck; I knew it was the package from my in-laws that we were expecting.

I guess giving pasalubong or padala  from someone abroad to their families and relatives here in the Philippines is one unique Filipino trait that we had been used to.  And my relatives abroad and in-laws are not an exception.

Go to an arrival area of any airport and you’ll see a balikbayan box from a Pinoy definitely.  Only Pinoys aren’t satisfied with just luggages; there has to be those boxes!  In fact, some business-minded individuals have been so creative in producing zippered nylon bags that can cover and protect these balikbayan boxes.

I remember my aunt in LA used to keep balikbayan boxes in their garage that we saw when we were there several years ago. We’re told that she continuously add things to those boxes bought whenever they’re on out-of-season-sale from branded shops and factory outlets and in groceries in California.  A balikbayan box usually contains samu’t-sari – from clothes and toiletries to chocolates and cans of spam and corned beef, lol. :D    

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Upon seeing it, our preschooler son, Gabby became too excited to open this huge heavy box.  However he had to wait until the day’s over. 

After dinner time, as my sister-in-law came over to get her family’s share, my wife Tina and Gabby finally opened the box with the usual stuffs, properly labeled with the names to whom the things are due.  It has towels, T-shirts, pants and shorts, perfumes, make-ups and toiletries, a mobile phone, and yes, canned goods and coffee! :D   

It was the first time Gabby witnessed the opening of a balikbayan box and he was delighted with what he saw inside…

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These were just a fraction of its contents.  Of course, what caught my attention were the yummies that are enough to keep us hyperglycemic for few weeks  months, lol. :D  

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I know everything should be consumed in moderation otherwise, a visit to the dentist might be inevitable.  

I love pistachios (even as an ice cream flavor), so glad a big pack was included in the box.  I also like those microwavable popcorns; too bad our oven retired from its service that we have to buy another before we get to enjoy those snacks get to pop.

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I can’t blame my son for being so excited with all these sweets that he got from his grandparents… And have I told you that I like those Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Mini Chocalte bars?  :D

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It’s not that recipients of  a balikbayan box cannot afford to buy these stuffs here (defensive, lol), but the gesture of sending some things to your love ones and receiving gifts are sweeter than a box’s contents.

The package contained sweet candies and stuffs that anyone can buy, but my son’s joy that came with it was priceless! :D

 

02
Aug
09

PINOY ART & LRT PART 2

By docgelo 13 Comments
Categories: whatever
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Barely a month ago, I posted an entry about an art contest conducted by LRT Authorities that featured Filipino life inside the train that makes public transportation in some areas of Metro Manila readily accessible.  View my former post here —>   PINOY ART & LRT .

Unexpectedly, it was still on display; so I got a chance to view the exhibit again yesterday at the LRT Araneta Center-Cubao station as I went to Gateway mall.  I’ve clicked my cam to note the titles of the masterpieces and the names of the remarkable Pinoy painters. 

Take a peek at the entries and see the frame that championed the contest as you scroll down this post. Enjoy!  

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Daytoy Iti Biag Ko by Isagani P. Carlos, acrylic on canvas

If you’re a Filipino and you’re Catholic, you’ll surely admire how the artist of the painting below depicted our faith. 

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Last Trip ni Sante, Kalong Munting Bro by Godofredo F. Zapanta, Sr., oil on canvas

The next entry gave me a smile.  As a father to our preschool son, I can relate to this simple art work.      

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Kaagapay sa paglalakbay by Dean Mark Enoza, acrylic on canvas.

It’s nice to see Araneta Coliseum, the clock tower of Manila City Hall and Rizal monument in Luneta together in one canvas.  These places are reachable within 20 minutes via LRT…

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Ayan na ang tren! by Marvin D. Gonzales, acrylic on canvas.

I like the use of primary colors in this abstract…

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Sulong Pilipinas – Lalarga din Tayo by Patrick B. Fernandez, acrylic on canvas.

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Agos Enerhiya by Joseph S. Domirez Jr.,  acrylic on canvas.

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LRT, Kabalikat ni Juan sa Kaunlaran by Ronald L. Jeresano, acrylic on canvas.

And the painting that won GRAND PRIZE …

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Sakay na rin po kyo  by Mario B. Panis,  oil on canvas.

Hats off to all Filipino artists! Thank you for sharing your talents. Mabuhay po kayo! :D

01
Aug
09

SUPER FRUIT

By docgelo 4 Comments
Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you know that they are cousins of pistaschio and cashew?

You may have it in various ways :

:D FRESH

:D DRIED

:D JUICE

:D SHAKE

:D PUREE

:D FROZEN

:D IN BRINE

:D PRESERVES

:D SPREAD

:D CANDIES

:D CAKES

:D ICE CREAM

:D TOPPINGS

I came home the other day with a kilo of this fruit which happens to be my favorite and my wife’s.  I bought 3 huge pieces for PhP 100 and received a comment from my wife, “Great choice; it’s not too sweet, or too sour…”  The fruits were half-riped.  I like it yellow, she likes it green…

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I don’t know about you but they’re definitely the BEST compared to other fruits.  And the Philippine varieties are the SWEETEST!

“A ripe super mango emanates a sweet fragrance, reminding you of tropical summer breezes which sweep across warm, blue seas.  No other mango has ever looked this – bright yellow as blazing afternoon sun, smooth to the tongue, and leaves a persistent craving for a next one.  These are the images that only Philippine super mangoes can evoke.” —> source

The way my wife sliced its flesh for easy scooping reminded me of my late Lola. She used to prepare mangoes the same way Tina does.

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Isn’t it mouth watering ?  Who can resist its beauty ? 

“Mangoes are excellent source of vitamin A and C, which normally vary with and maturity of fruits.  A 100-gram of mango contains approximately 69 calories, 20.5 mg of Vitamin C, 14.1 g of carbohydrates, 2.1 g of protein, and 45.o mg of potassium. “—> source

I’ve been to California and Las Vegas before and tasted mangoes that were round in shape, reddish yellow in color but my palate has been biased with our very own. Nothing comes close to Philippine mangoes. 

There’s only one National fruit and I SIMPLY LOVE THEM!

How about you?  What’s your favorite fruit/s ?

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