desserts | beyond toxicity

Posts Tagged ‘desserts

Nov

HER SPECIAL DAY THIS YEAR

By docgelo 22 Comments

Mic test. mic test. mic test. Test 1. 2. 3. Test….

I’d like to dedicate this song to my beautiful & loving wife, Tina.

And I hope she’ll like it.

Ugh hem…*clears throat*

*inhale, sing*

“Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday….

Happy Birthday to you!”

25 November 2012. Sunday. It’s officially two days after Tina turned 36. She doesn’t look her age, does she? She’ll kill me for posting this. But heck, we don’t need to hide our age; at least we’re still young and have so many years ahead of us! And because her Natal day this year was a Friday, she wanted no fancy celebration at work nor at home. Honestly, I even volunteered to cook her pasta or buy her a cake but she chose otherwise. Yes, I had to ask her as she doesn’t like surprises. She wanted a simple family celebration the weekend after her special day.

Here we go.

Around 10AM, we walked from Jetty in Weld Quay in George Town, Penang to ChinaHouse. En route, we surprisingly saw one of the recently installed murals in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Must have photo-ops.

Taaaaadaaaah!!!

10: 20AM. ChinaHouse.

If you’re following this blog, you certainly know that Gabby and I already enjoyed ChinaHouse (I even won a 100-ringgit-voucher here via their photo contest recently). However, it was Tina’s first time so we’re all quite excited for her. We didn’t have any reservation but we’re quite early, so we’re lucky to avail a table for three.

Breakfast. What’s for breakfast?

After I quickly spotted my choices (plural!) from ChinaHouse’s menu, I told the two loves of my life that I’ll take some shots first. They absolutely know the drill so they didn’t mind me. :)

The table beside us. Lovely.

The painting above it. Lovelier.

Then I walked few steps, I saw this grills on the door. Loveliest.

More pleasant things you don’t see on a daily basis…

For the second time, I’m telling you –if you’re following this blog, you know I’ve featured ChinaHouse a couple of times already but it has more fascinating corners to explore.

Back to my family…. Picture!!!

The table behind ours has a pretty painting too. Picture!!!

Good food, nice art works, a wine cellar, a library, a coffee shop and a restaurant, a concert bar, a great chill out place under a Heritage roof!

Meanwhile, here’s a showcase of how beautiful my family is!

Then the FOOD. Glorious first meal of the day.

Tina and I agreed to share on a 10-ringgit pot of Jasmine tea. Soothing!

The birthday girl decided for a cheese omelet plate. She and Gabby liked it. I liked it too!

From the kiddie meal menu, our 8-year-old-wonder boy opted for spaghetti with cheese beef balls. He didn’t finish it. We had it as takeaway and we wolfed it down as dinner at home. It’s not your ordinary spaghetti. The beef flavor’s too strong for our palates. Must be Malaysian; I might be wrong.

While I chose Big Breakfast, I thought it’s a misnomer. I believed it should have been named Biggest Breakfast!!!

Boy, oh boy! McDonald’s version would look like less. Just so you know, I didn’t finish it too. I saved the bread slices which were really good, as takeaway too. Because I had a humongous plate, I passed up the desserts.

While Tina and Gabby were anticipating theirs. Here’s what they had.

Gabby’s choice : Eggnog Cheesecake. Sarap!

Tina went for a slice of Marjolaine. Mas masarap!!!

She sliced her cake into halves… et voila!

One more time, with feelings! LOL!

Packed everything for takeaway. Settled the bill and burp!

Then we went up the art gallery of ChinaHouse. Picture!!!

ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Around half hour past 1PM, we hopped on the bus and we trooped to Queensbay Mall. We did a little shopping for some necessities and off we went to another gastronomic feast. Well, not actually. We planned to drop by J.Co Donuts and purchase a box for takeaway. Yes, another takeaway. You know, for dinner, for breakfast and dinner again the next day. To fill in the fridge!

And so our bloodstream became hyperglycemic again with these donuts that FILIPINOS in Metro Manila are currently going crazy about (Read: They’re on queue for at least an hour for these J.Co Donuts. For real!!!)!!! It must be the donuts or my fellowmen or both. I cannot blame them; these donuts are indeed softer than Krispy Kreme, GoNuts Donuts and Dunkin Donuts; although I love ’em all!

In our more than two years here in Penang, I think it’s only second time we savored J.Co. And again, there was no long queues.

Here are those freebies that go with our drinks…

DELICIOUS!!!

Tina loved her Cappuccino and JCoccino donut!

While I enjoyed Berry Berrymore! (sounds like Drew Barrymore!)

More pictures…

And I cannot agree more with J.Co….

I love you, Tina & Gabby!

_________________________

Nov

7ATENINE

By docgelo 11 Comments

The quirky name of this restaurant-bar in one of the premier serviced apartments located at the heart of Kula Lumpur is enough for me to be interested. Who would not be enticed with 7atenine? I think it’s pretty neat name for a chill-out place. Glad I found time to drop by during my solo-3D2N-visit in Malaysia’s capital.

Before your imagination soars high, I didn’t drown myself into spirits nor alcohol at 7atenine. I passed up sampling one of their beverages because number 1, I think it’s too much as I already had from the other bar (blog post HERE!) and number 2, I’m not alcoholic anyway. I mean, I need not explain myself but I only drink on rare occasions and of course, during social gatherings (Now, I remember those days back home when I was frequently invited for events like wine & food pairing. Ahhhhh, the perks of blogging!).

“7atenine is an award winning International restaurant & supperclub where ‘you never know who you’ll meet’. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, her cool, stylish & contemporary ambience is accented by splashes of fuchsia & turquoise. 7atenine has 2 realms of recreation…. Sevenspoons dining on the mezzanine & the Supperclub on the ground floor. Cosmopolitan cuisine is complemented by a premium range of alcoholic beverages ranging from champagnes, wines, cocktails by our award winning mixologists to local & imported beers and liquor. pulsating retro remixes and house beats permeate the atmosphere cementing 7atenine as a firm favourite amongst chic night birds.” ~Sourced from their website : www.soulsociety.com.my/7atenine

Doesn’t it look like a great place to chill out, savor the good house music and indulge? With only my appetite in tow and with no reservation which I don’t promote, I brought my feet to 7atenine and enjoyed a couple of choices from their menu.

Linguini Seafood, RM39++ (USD 12.75++ ). Tossed with sautéed scallops, prawns, mussels & squid.

One word : DELICIOUS!

Despite a number of must-try-entrees from 7atenine’s menu, I knew I was craving for something like seafood pasta. And bingo! They have Linguini Seafood on their list. The pasta’s al dente; the dish was perfectly tossed with non-greasy oil and my favorites from the sea. The entire plate was wonderfully seasoned. I was a happy diner!

With nothing in mind to wash everything down but cold water, I also ordered a dessert. And I thought Lady Luck was really on my side because I spotted another personal favorite from the list of sweets.

Linguini Seafood + Mango Sticky Rice

Who says Italian and Asian favorites make a bad combo? Hell, no!

Mango Sticky Rice. RM19++ (USD 6.21 ). Steamed glutinous rice, served with mango & Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream.

One word : HEAVENLY!

Don’t let my photo deceive you; it’s a generous serving! I disregarded the petty fact that the mint leaves used as garnishing on top that irresistible vanilla-flavored Häagen-Dazs scoop had insect-bite-holes; it was never an issue since I removed it and didn’t munch it anyway. What mattered to me was my love for that tug-of-war between the cold ice cream, the piping hot glutinous rice cake soaked in coconut milk and the pleasant taste of mango slices (but not as great-tasting as Philippine mangoes!). For a while, I forgot all stress and hassles accompanied by living away from the comforts of your own country and simply I felt I was in cloud 9!

The service’s quick and attentive. The ambiance and overall appeal are laid back and almost impeccable! Thumbs up for 7atenine!

7atenine | The Ascott, 9 Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.soulsociety.com.my/7atenine

*This is NOT a sponsored post.

*This Luxurious Kuala Lumpur Blog Series includes :

_______________________

Nov

WE GOT FREE BRUNCH @ CHINAHOUSE

By docgelo 20 Comments

10 November 2012. Saturday. Between Victoria and Beach Streets, George Town, Penang.

Hats off and thank you very much to the 567 facebook buddies who voted for my photo entry at ChinaHouse Shoot and Win contest. Whether you clicked ‘like’ voluntarily or voted with force and coercion, hahaha! it became one of the 8 finalists! Maraming Salamat po! Congratulations too to the 2 Chinese-Malaysian winners!

Despite I didn’t win that Langkawi getaway, we devoured a FREE brunch at ChinaHouse and for that, I am so grateful!!!

It’s nice to indulge once in a while with your love ones and even nicer if it’s FREE!
Now, try to spot Gabby amidst that heavenly table…

Bingo! I felt I won the jackpot when I saw that spread again! Salivary glands and gastric acid secreting cells were all stimulated. Judgment on what to order was the biggest problem. It took us a while to decide from the menu. So while waiting for our food and having difficulty of choosing desserts, I cannot get enough of it and snapped my camera a countless times on that table filled with cakes and pastries! Here’s a few of my captures of that mouthwatering ChinaHouse spread…

Is it not happiness?

We texted and called Tina who opted to stay in our apartment to get some extra hours of rest and do motherly and wifely duties at home (read : household chores).

I noticed it didn’t take a while for our choices to land on our table. Let the pig-out begin!

Gabby ordered two plates. First was Toasted Banana Bread With Fresh Banana and Cream.

While I enjoyed the tasteful Homemade Beef Sausage & Scrambled Egg Muffin with Tomato Relish.

That tomato relish was the bomb! It complemented my breakfast plate so well that it made me forget about the importance of calorie counter. Got yah! I’m not on a dietary regimen (yet). In as much as I want to give importance to health as my license and profession dictate me to do so, indulgence ruled over those moments! I was too weak (again) to resist! Resistance is futile once more! LOL!

Gabby’s second plate was Yoghurt, Fresh Fruit Salad with Granola & Honey. Sugar and sweetness overload!

Our wonder boy didn’t finish everything he ordered; I guess like me, he was overwhelmed! No problem as it’s a part of my Daddy duties to finish the plate whenever needed *insert evil grin here*.

Before ordering desserts (yes, we still had room for sweet endings!), Gabby walked to the shelves and got some kiddie books. He initially browsed the very educational (kidding!) Pokemon!

then he shifted his pure and young attention to a more serious, morally uplifting hardbound, “Walter the Farting Dog”, LOL!

Not long after, our appetites were ready again! Gabby had few fork-dunks on Chocoholics’ Chocolate Cake; the rest of its slice was our takeaway for Tina.

Over and beyond those multiple cakes and pastries, I succumbed to the decision of having Tiramisu again. It’s really unforgettable the first time I had it, thus a repeat was a must!

ChinaHouse’s Tiramisu, now officially known as one of my kryptonites!

To wash everything down, I had Fresh Orange Juice while Gabby didn’t finish his glass of Strawberry Smoothies. Water in a cute capped tall bottle was provided free (FYI, other restaurants in Penang charge a few cents for iced water).

After our 112-ringgit-hearty-brunch, Gabby and I went to the first floor (yes, it’s ground floor first here in Malaysia) to see the art gallery of ChinaHouse.

Luckily, it’s opened as it was otherwise during my first visit. There’s an on-going-art-exhibits of various local artists of which one’s entitled, Circus, I think. Pardon me as I didn’t get the other titles of the show.

It’s almost past noon when we left ChinaHouse.

Gabby and I agreed that Tina will like ChinaHouse too. And with that, it’s a conclusion that it won’t be our last to dine-in at ChinaHouse; we shall be back one day with my loving wife.

Thank you so much, ChinaHouse! You’re one of our family’s best food finds in George Town, Penang!

*For my first blog post about ChinaHouse, click THIS!!!

_______________________

CHINAHOUSE | 153 & 155 Beach Street & 183B Victoria Street, George Town, Penang. http://chinahouse.com.my/

Oct

CELEBRATORY FEAST : GABBY’S EIGHTH BIRTHDAY

By docgelo 28 Comments

It was already late evening of Friday, October 5th, 2012 when I got a chance to view the attached photos on my Inbox sent by Gabby’s teacher & school owner taken using her iphone. I smiled and I appreciated the concern, love and care expressed to our son by his generous and thoughtful Malaysian-Chinese teacher. Thank you so much, Ms. Jasmine! The photos showed Gabby and his teacher’s son eating burgers and fries in McDonald’s after school; a simple birthday treat yet so special to Gabby and to us! Tina and I really found it so heartwarming!

OUR SON IS LOVED; WE’RE GRATEFUL!

Because his birthday falls on a weekday this year, Friday to be exact, we chose not to absent ourselves from work and school thus, another extraordinary weekend was brewed.

Little did we know that Gabby told his teacher the reason why he’s not having that ceremonial birthday cake candle blowing over the usual birthday song singing with party hats, some pasta and loot bags in school like what he used to have back home (If you’ve been following this blog, you’re familiar with Gabby’s SPONGEBOB THEMED 5TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ) it’s because we planned to celebrate his 8th birthday the way we know how : BUFFET!!!

Long before his big day, we already talked and decided where to spend it; and among the hotels and restaurants we’ve tried, a unanimous decision was made : G Hotel at Gurney Drive, Penang!

UNBIASED OPINION OF A NON-SPONSORED DINING

Among the few premier hotels and restaurants in Penang that my family and I have sampled, G Cafe in G Hotel has always been remarkably pleasant. We like its polite and quick service, great tasting dishes with a wide variety but not overwhelming, and its contemporary and edgy, elegant and sophisticated but non-intimidating ambiance. Not to forget its reasonable and affordable cost for an eat-all-you-want dining on lunch, high tea or dinner. They even made it more budget-friendly as we availed of the 15% discount offer that we got for being Rapid Penang Bus commuters. Best of all, G Cafe staff granted my request for a FREE birthday cake with a candle to blow for Gabby! They gave an instant nod without hesitation; many thanks to that!

There are other restaurants inside G Hotel and at G Cafe, there are two dining spots. It’s our third time to eat inside G Cafe’s airconditioned dining area and have not favored yet their open-air eating space.

So here’s where we sat and dined…

And here’s a portion of their eat-all-you-want-spread that evening…

I like their simple and minimalist display and fixtures that perfectly complemented the modern and somewhat masculine appeal of the entire all-day-dining-restaurant. I also think the use of BLUE tones in lighting and glasses excellent! It’s quite uncommon choice for restaurants yet so regal.

G Cafe offers different themed dining every night and it was our second time to try their International Cuisine-BARBECUE NIGHT!

There were grilled prawns, grilled lamb, grilled fish, and grilled squid…

Roasted lamb, anyone?

Tina and I tried a few slices from the carving station but honestly, we’re not fanatics of lamb unlike the others despite G Cafe’s version was tender.

Usually, it’s a toss between salad and soup for me, I went for the latter first and enjoyed every spoonful of sweet corn and chicken soup! It was thick and superb! Really tasteful!

But then again, I thought I am just a mere mortal and very weak to pass up on these yummies! Tee hee!

I did not! We did not pass up on the salads. We had a little bit of everything!

We liked the Smoked Duck Salad even though I was telling Tina how I missed G Cafe’s Prawn Salad (told you, they’ve variety every night!), the fusion of the smoked duck meat cut into strips and those mango and veggies in julienne cuts were an absolute match made in Penang!

How about Smoked Salmon Salad that beautifully blended with those avocado cubes?

Irresistible! Then you see more Hors d’oeuvre like different chunks and slices of cheese and biscuits…

And then there’s this crunchy and sweet and a bit spicy dried fish called IKAN BILIS ISTIMEWA which to me was one of the most appetizing appetizers I’ve ever tasted! Or is it an entree? Hahaha! FYI, istimewa means special! It reminded me of a locally dried fish back home called, Danggit, although it’s all salty and crunchy when fried, this Ikan Bilis Istimewa came with flavors and texture that burst every bite! Sarap! Sedap! It’s really something you’ll crave for! Delicious sans vinegar! I wish I had more servings!

Meanwhile, here’s my salad plate…

Tina’s seafood plate…

Everything was fine particularly the salmon sashimi except for the scallops; they were flat and disappointing!

While the birthday boy was certain of his choices…

Our palates savored the sushi rolls too! I always profess my fascination to Japanese dishes. It’s amazing that they’re both art and nourishment at the same time! My love affair with sushi and sashimi makes me wonder if I’m half blood Japanese, hahaha!

Tina tried the Chicken Shawarma and Roasted Lamb. I tasted their version of Shawarma before and it didn’t impress my tastebuds. I’m still partial with similar Mediterranean favorite back home.

Tina’s plate filled with grilled stuffs…

And here are my plates…

There were a lot more dishes on the spread and a noodle station that we failed to sample. Nonetheless, we made sure we reserved gastric space for desserts.

HYPERGLYCEMIA : REDEFINED

In our third time to dine at G Cafe in G Hotel in our more than two years of being expatriates in Penang, we’re loving the fact that we have experienced the evolution of dessert offerings. Let the photos do the talking. Sweet, sweeter, sweetest!

Who knew my family and I could enjoy an eat-all-you-want Baskin Robbins ice cream? I don’t know about you, but for jologs like me, it’s a big deal already! A BIG PLUS for this buffet actually!
So my sweet tooth became happier again with every scoop of Baskin Robbins included in the buffet spread. I had Mint Chocolate Chip and Vanilla which are two of my favorite flavors, I also had Strawberry Sherbet and Green Tea. I was content with just the scoops sans toppings and syrups. I’m a purist when it comes to ice cream or at least in this occasion.

While Tina was in bliss with her gummies toppings over her Baskin Robbins…

I wish all the sweets in the dessert spread had labels. Because there were none, I relied on my gustatory skills. These bite-sized cakes that tasted peanut butter at its creamiest earned my thumbs up!

Another must-try at G Cafe’s dessert spread is this beautiful pastry. Believe it or not, the filling inside those dark chocolate cream icings is a tiny strawberry –just imagine the tug-o-war of bitter-sweet taste of the dark chocolate against the sour-sweet taste of strawberry. The combination’s brilliant! Then each was sandwiched by a light chocolate meringue. Wonderful! The toothsome flavors and luxurious textures were so amazing! I’ll bring back my family there for these!

How about a munch-all-you-want macarons? Heavenly. Just heavenly.

The birthday boy loves cheesecake…We all do!

Mini Cupcakes, FTW!

I’m now lost for superlatives to describe these…*drooling*

One of Tina’s dessert plates… yes, one of them!

While here’s a shameless display of mine…

After a great and hearty meal, must have coffee.

And before you forget it’s Gabby’s 8th birthday celebration, here’s the documentation of that special moment…

G Cafe at G Hotel became uberly generous again in granting my request to provide a FREE birthday cake with a candle for Gabby to blow. Thank you so much, G Cafe! …And just so you know, Gabby held the bread knife to slice his birthday cake just like a CIRUJANO would do an incision; we didn’t coach him to do so.

The necessary family portrait…

Happy 8th Birthday, son! WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

___________________

*This is NOT a sponsored post for G Cafe at G Hotel, Penang. We wish!

Jun

AN EPISODE OF HYPERGLYCEMIA

By docgelo 26 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS and MALAYSIA
Tags: amateur photography, baskin robbins, beyond toxicity, blog review, blogger in asia, blogger in malaysia, blogger in southeast asia, buffet, cakes, chocoholics, chocolate, chocolate bars, chocolate buffet, chocolate fondue, desserts, dining, doc gelo, docgelo, docgelo.com, Eat all you can, Eat all you want, expat, expat in malaysia, filipino expat in malaysia, filipino expat in penang, fondue, food, food blog, food photography, foodie, fruits, g hotel, g hotel malaysia, g hotel penang, gastronomic adventures, gurney drive penang, gurney drive penang malaysia, hotels, hotels in malaysia, hotels in penang, http://docgelo.com/, ice cream flavors, indulgence, Life, life abroad, life is good, lifestyle blog, malaysia, mint chocolate ice cream, must do in penang, must try in penang, nikon, nikon D7000, penang malaysia, photography, photos taken using nikon D7000, restaurant review, restraurants in malaysia, sinful, soy restaurant, soy sesame restaurant, TRAVEL, travel blog

No, I am not diabetic yet, neither I have pancreatic insufficiency. Don’t fret; continue reading! Either you’ll learn a bit from the next few phrases or you’ll find this post ~~visually~~ gastromically stimulating. To simply put, hyperglycemia is descibed as elevated sugar level that occurs whenever we have excess carbohydrate intake, or when the hormone, insulin secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the endocrine pancreas becomes inadequate to catabolize carbohydrates into glucose for it to be deposited in the cells of the liver and muscles as glycogen that may be transformed into glucose again in times of stress and as the need arises. Persistence of uncontrolled hyperglycemia leads to diabetes. Enough of the rambling, you might be having epistaxis (nosebleeding); kidding! This post is all about the CHOCOLATE BUFFET at Soy Restaurant in G Hotel, the most stylish luxurious hotel in Gurney Drive, Penang, Malaysia.

Let’s begin this sinful but delicious blog entry with Baskin Robbins’ Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream…

One of the strongest reasons why anyone interested from Penang should troop to this chocolate buffet is the bottomless scoops of luscious Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. That alone made this sweet dining experience heavenly; its cost so sulit (value for money). I consider it a steal and extraordinary for we don’t have Baskin Robbins experience on a daily basis.

The chocolate buffet isn’t complete without a fondue. And having both white and dark chocolate fountains provides sufficient logic when one isn’t enough…

Of course, I tried dipping some mallows and tropical fruits from the spread onto these chocolatey goodness but in between indulgence, I had savored these fibrous fruits in their purest forms; they aid well in digestion.

At one point, this Soy’s Chocolate Buffet is deliciously challenging. Resistance to be overwhelmed is a must.

Another commendable thing is their provision of free-flowing tea in different variants (I opted for Jasmine Green Tea) to make every intake nice and easy. Thank God for Lipton!

One soothing sip and you’re on your toes again towards the spread.

Yes, it’s Chocolate Buffet so everything in there are chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates!

When I was asked to fill out the comment card by the wait staff, I cannot agree but to tick “excellent” in service, ambience, cleanliness, etc. However, those glorious cakes could have been presented better on top of handsome cake stands. Other than that, Soy’s Chocolate Buffet earns my two-thumbs-up!

Soy’s Chocolate Buffet is such a reason to head to this G Hotel. As they claim to have the most stylish adress in Penang; I cannot agree more.

Meanwhile, here’s a proof that my family and I are such a chocoholics. Tina and Gabby whipped up another no-bake-chocolate cake at home.

Tina’s not only a lovely wife and a caring mom, she also has this love affair with her gadget that she wanted to document some of Gabby’s wonderful antics. If I am into blogging, Tina enjoys capturing special fun moments on video. WATCH THIS chipmunkie-ala-charlie-chaplin-short-film on how the Chef Gabby made that moist cake… ENJOY! Let me know what you think.

Do you think our son has future in becoming a chef, a hotelier and a restaurateur? Only time will tell.

—————–

Enjoy Penang’s only all you can eat chocolate buffet of various delectable offerings of scrumptious chocolate desserts. Available every Saturday,8pm-12am, priced at RM45++ per person (USD 14++ or PhP 612++) at Soy Restaurant, G Hotel, Gurney Drive, Penang, Malaysia.

*Although the blogger and his blog are open for advertisements, sponsorships, invitations and blog reviews, this isn’t a sponsored post.

May

MOTHER’S DAY 2012 : SWEETNESS OVERLOAD

By docgelo 8 Comments

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS and MALAYSIA
Tags: araw ng mga ina, araw ng mga nanay, bouquet, cadbury, cake, carnations, chocolate, chocolate cake, dessert, desserts, family, filipino in penang, flowers, food, foodie, life with mom, love, mommy, moms' day, mother's day 2012, mothers' day, nanay, no bake chocolate cake

Bonding moments while preparing a no-bake-chocolate-cake-with-Cadbury-frosting.

An extra huge greeting card made by Gabby as his school project.

A bouquet of carnations (my mom’s favorite) from relatives in Abu Dhabi (my youngest brother, cousin & cousin-in-law & my niece).

A tub of COKLAT flavored ice cream.

And unconditional LOVE, GRATITUDE and my LOVE for our LOVE-HATE-relationship.

Thank You, God for creating MOTHERS!

May

BUKIT BINTANG, KUALA LUMPUR

By docgelo 10 Comments

If I have to narrow down my list of preferred places in Kuala Lumpur, other than the very iconic Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC-Suria Shopping Complex , I would definitely include Bukit Bintang in my personal must-visit-places-in KL-list. The first time we went there was during the Chinese New Year holiday this year and with so much fascination, my family and I promised to go back again. And every visit has been rewarding with tons of fun memories to cherish.

This upscale shopping and business district in Malaysia’s capital city is comparable to few favorites that I have been to. In so many ways, Bukit Bintang reminds me of Rodeo Drive in LA, Downtown Auckland in New Zealand, Shibuya and Ginza in Tokyo, Canton Road in Hong Kong, Orchard Road in Singapore and our very own Makati City back home. It may be on a smaller and simpler scale compared to those cosmopolitan places but overall, it’s such a vibrant and exciting venue to stroll, shop, dine around or simply while away time during a stay in Kuala Lumpur.

For someone who’s been living and working in a rather more laid back but utterly rich in heritage sites like Penang, a visit to Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur is and will always be refreshing!

***Photos were taken in the streets of Bukit Bintang and Pepper Lunch in Pavilion Mall where we savored our lunch last May 8th before heading to the 2012 Malaysia International Tourism Blog Awards. We wolf down Beef Pepper Rice (for Tina, Gabby and me-a plate each!) and Salmon Pepper Rice for my mom. Obviously, it’s not only Tina and I who love Pepper Lunch but it’s one of Gabby’s favorites -not only here in Malaysia (Can someone bring PL to Penang, please! The Pavilion Mall branch in Bukit Bintang is the only one in Malaysia as of the moment) but in Hong Kong and Manila of course! While the small slice of sublime chocolate cake from Lavander (which we opted prior seeing a branch of Bread Talk) was my celebratory dessert I had as takeaway in the hotel to rejoice this blog’s 5th anniversary.

Apr

PATCHI GOODNESS!

By docgelo 15 Comments

It’s incredibly wonderful when something pleasant happens to you in the least expected times. Who would have thought that exactly a day after we evacuated our 11th floor-seaside-appartment for a night, in response to Tsunami Alert issued by Malaysian Meteorological Department after that 8.9 magnitude earthquake on the richter scale and a strong aftershock with epicenter in Aceh, Indonesia and were immensely felt here in Penang, a courier man would be standing in front of our door at lunch time bearing a gift…

The Lord is truly the greatest and indeed the sweetest! After He has saved us and spared our location from unthinkable complications of that calamity, He continuously showed His extraordinary LOVE with a box of PATCHI chocolates from Abu Dhabi in UAE –it was a gift from Ms. Jo, of the blog, WITSANDNUTS who visited her cousin in Penang Island a few weeks back. However, unfortunately we failed to have a meet-up because as I learned from her email, she (and her family) only stayed over the Holy Week-Weekend and left Pulau Pinang on Easter Sunday. Despite the short notice, I so appreciated the thoughtfulness of her email.

It was a day of PAGOD, PUYAT, then PATCHI!!!

See, Gabby’s smiling ear to ear….

The chocholates featured postcard-perfect photos of Abu Dhabi’s scenic spots in every wrapper. What a charming and unique gift!

And even if @PatchiOfficial followed me on Twitter and RTed my tweet about this prior to this blog post which I acknowledged, allow me to mimic one of the usual lines I read from other fellow bloggers’ sites,

“This is NOT a sponsored post!” hahaha! *pun intended*

However, if someone from Patchi would read this and would send gifts over, I’ll be more than willing to feature their uber yummy chocolates in this humble site again! Seriously, sponsored or not, my family and I welcome blessings –big and small so bring it on!

Thanks again, Jo! My family and I hope to meet you when we get a chance. ;)

Follow her blog at http://witsandnuts.com/

And to God, YOU’RE the SWEETEST!

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Our unforgettable evacuation experience due that 8.9 magnitude earthquake posted here –> http://docgelo.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/the-day-gabby-learned-about-earthquake/

Mar

OUR HONG KONG DISNEYLAND TRIP 2012 : GLORIOUS DAY 2

By docgelo 33 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, HEADLINES, HONG KONG, TRAVEL and WISH LIST
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18 February 2012, Saturday. Tina, Gabby and I woke up early from one of our restful sleeps in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel and excitedly prepared for our Day 2 in the Happiest Place on Earth!

It turned out to be glorious!

From Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, we hopped on the resort’s shuttle bus and headed to Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. We had a table reserved under our names at Enchanted Garden Restaurant for our breakfast buffet and Meet and Greet with the Disney characters! Everything seemed so thrilling particularly for Gabby!

As we went down directly to the basement of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel where the Enchanted Garden Restaurant is housed, this beautiful space greeted us…

Enchanting, indeed!

We came in too early at 8AM (read : apparently excited!) and found from the Cast Member at the door of the restaurant that our table would be ready at around 9:30AM (so that’s the time that was reserved to us!). Without a hint of worry, we went out the door from the restaurant and spent time almost unnoticed in this perfectly manicured garden at the back of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

The gazebo looks inviting as a perfect venue for couples to exchange “I dos”. Imagine a wedding with all your favorite Disney characters led by no less than Mickey Mouse! Amazing!

A more interesting part of the garden is the hedge maze that Gabby, Tina and I tried finishing…

This is called, “Mickey Maze!”

Our kid totally enjoyed every second inside the maze…

Spot us in the Mickey Maze…

Let’s play “Hide and Seek!”

More cheesy but priceless bonding moments in Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel…

Must be so happy? You bet!

After almost an hour at the garden, it’s time to freshen up and hit the tables and the spread. On way to Enchanted Garden Restaurant, we spotted super cool and nice things.

Exhibit #1 : Wooden high chairs for kiddos. They made me smile.

Exhibit # 2 : A room near the Enchanted Garden Restaurant will surely entice parents and their little daughters…

In “My Little Princess”, little ladies may be transformed into a Disney Princess of their choice.

This was just a “one proud daddy scene.” The moment reminded me of our wish (I and Tina’s) to give Gabby a little sister. (read :If it will come, it will in His time.)

Exhibit # 3 : Spotted Cinderella at the lobby of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel with Alyanna and Mika (the beautiful daughters of Dennis and Thammie who were with our group in this HKDL trip).

Finally, a walk under those trellis! Splendid!

Being ushered to our reserved tables and seats felt surreal! Not that we’re excited to binge eat, hehe! but the ambiance exceeded our expectations!

The spread had Asian and Continental breakfast favorites. Everything looked tasteful and a must-try. There was more than enough for us to savor and be energized for another whole day at the park!

And then a thought popped out…

You don’t go to Hong Kong without sampling good bowl of noodles

and some tasteful dim sum and dumplings.

You just dont.

I just wished they had toyomansi (soy sauce + lime/calamansi) for the dim sums.

And because it’s Disneyland, Enchanted Garden boasts of Mickey Mouse figures in their waffles and pancakes! These made me stare at my plate for several minutes before I dunk my fork and knife at them. I had some of the goodies in pair, yum, yum!!! One of my plates had waffles, pancakes, hash browns and french toasts. Appreciate if you won’t calculate the calories! This is when my weakness in Math comes to be most useful! hehe!

The next set was mostly Tina’s and my plates. I had no chance to take photos of Gabby’s because he’s preoccuppied with excitement and huge appetite.

Known in local Filipino TV series, “My Binondo Girl as”Amethyst” that Tina religiously followed online (Malaysia has no TFC!) and more popular as a fashion blogger-celebrity and sister to Liz Uy, we met the charming and beautiful, Laureen Uy.

One Stellar Moment

More stunning episodes happened as some of the best loved Disney characters went to our table for us to take photo-ops! Diners of Enchanted Garden need not to queue to have memorable pictures with Mickey, Pluto and Goofy (and other characters). It’s another VIP treatment that we enjoyed in Hong Kong Disneyland!

Widest and sweetest smiles from my family as we posed with Pluto and Mickey…

Must have one more shot with Pluto…

After that one-of-a-kind-breakfast experience at Disneyland Hotel’s Enchanted Garden, it was time to explore and enjoy Hong Kong Disneyland Park again!

To those who are planning to experience HKDL for the very first time and have doubts if you can enjoy it in one whole day, actually, you can! But would you not wish to double the fun if you can be there on 2 consecutive days?

Weather forecast checked : 14 to 16 degree Celcius. We loved the climate; we didn’t have a downpour! God is truly great!

We wore various hats : A Cast Member volunteered to take our family pic just before a quaint door in one of the pastel-colored structures at Main Street, U.S.A..

Hot. Fresh. Delicious!

Then our feet brought us to Tomorrowland!

As Tomorrowland intends to give park goers a creative experience of being in the future, the moments became nostalgic to us.

Here’s how we looked five years ago…I guess only pounds and kilos of happiness were added!

Inside the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride, we have been warned.

We had FAST PASSES to this awesome ride! It was so cool when Buzz Lightyear himself introduced us to Astro Blasters!

Emperor Zurg!

Shooting robots. robots and more robots! We liked it here!

After that exhilarating Astro Blaster ride, we trooped to the largest restaurant in the theme park with over 800 seats, the Starliner Diner and grabbed a lip-smackingly good fried chicken and fries for lunch!

Over and beyond the food, what Tina and I liked was the fact that Hong Kong Disneyland’s Starliner Diner prioritizes sanitation and cleanliness by providing plastic gloves given inclusive of the food tray. You’ll find them folded and pack neatly with your tray. So eating chicken with hands was no-worries at all!

One more time on this car, Gabby!

2007 on the left ; 2012 on the right –Take a look at Gabby’s Then and Now photos and appreciate what 5 years have done!

Another ride within Tomorrowland available with Fast Passes is Space Mountain. We gave our Fast Passes to Laureen and her friends as we’re not fond of rollercoaster rides (read : Tina has Vertigo, Gabby’s still uncomfortable and cannot ride alone and I might throw up!). But if you’re adventurous and somewhat fearless, by all means, Space Mountain will surely give you the thrill!

We bid goodbye to Tomorrowland and strolled our way in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle to watch the Flights of Fantasy Parade for the second time! That 30 minute Hong Kong Disneyland parade really left us in awe!

Just before the parade started, Tina thought of a clever strategy. Since we didn’t have priority pass to the musical, The Festival of the Lion King, she suggested that together with Gabby while I am still drowned capturing the parade on photos, they will head to Adventureland just before the parade ends. In that way, while people are still busy watching the parade, they’ll be the first on the queue to that another must-see-musical..And true enough, it was a wise move.

The Festival of The Lion King at Adventureland

The scene became more fascinating after the stage lights were turned off. Let the show begin!

“It’s the Circle of Life

And it moves us all

Through despair and hope

Through faith and love

Till we find our place

On the path unwinding

In the Circle,

The Circle of Life….”

It’s visually stunning! The songs and their voices are overwhelming too. We have seen this musical at HKDL more than a couple of times already and performance gets better and better! My particular favorite was the gorgeous air stunt of this lady-bird character; the act was so graceful; almost breathtaking!

These live musical shows (The Golden Mickeys and The Festival of the Lion King) make Hong Kong Disneyland specially different from the other Disney Theme Parks!

Then, it’s Gabby’s time for some Mickey Mouse ice cream! Sarap!

Few more steps, we found oursleves in Liki Tiki…
These “leaky” tiki jungle poles squirts water like fountains; look how our little one enjoys the drizzling effects…

Playing with tribal percussion instruments entertained Gabby to the fullest!

Tina and I are the happiest when he’s happy.

OK, so we left Adventureland with a smile and moved on to Fantasyland with even wider smiles!

This Pixie Dust area where Tinker Bell usually drop by for photo-ops wasn’t existing yet way back in 2007 (Gabby’s first trip to HKDL).

Time for some Mickey’s PhilharMagic! This colorful 3D movie adventure about how Mickey Mouse lost his wizard hat and what Donald Duck has to do with it never fails to amuse us. You never get tired of great attractions in Hong Kong Disneyland!

3D glasses on!

Our last Fast Passes on our hands were for the The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh...Gabby was only 2 years old when he first rode the track to the story of Winnie.

Cinderella’s Carousel has 60 graceful, prancing horses!

I learned that last year’s celebration of the 5th Anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland, Tink had showered Sleeping Beauty Castle with her pixie dust… The effect is even more magical at dusk!

After Winter Must Come Spring… Is it Spring yet?

Smiles and blooms perfectly blend…

Ahhhhh… another stupendous day at Hong Kong Disneyland is about to end…

Thank You, Lord for another magical day!

We made sure we remember this trip not only through photos and video but mementos and souvenirs from HKDL shops itself. Other than the Disney character-hats that we bought, Gabby got himself a rubber Mickey Mouse wrist watch (When we got into the hotel room, he received a gift from one of our new friends in our group–a lego writs watch with Buzz Lightyear design! Thank You, Ms. Elizabeth for such generous gift!).

Before exiting the shop, Gabby called my attention, “Daddy, picture!” hence, this…

Before 7PM, we left Hong Kong Disneyland Park with almost a heavy heart. It’s our last day in the park and surely we’ll miss all the fun!

Thank you for the memories, HKDL!

We had our last dinner in Hong Kong at Disneyland Hotel’s WALT’S CAFE. I’m almost lost for superlatives to describe how great the overall gastronomic experience we had. First thing came to mind : The dinner was EXCELLENT!

I think diners of Walt’s Cafe can opt to enjoy their meals at the lobby…

I checked the reservation and we’re instantly led toward the end of the restaurant where everything seemed perfect.

This is the beautiful corner reserved to our group. Isn’t it divine?

Looking at my photos after the trip made me wish I have sampled a bottle of their wine…

The view from our table… The ambiance and the look of that by-gone era was almost ethereal!

The smiles to live for….

Now, let’s get down to business. We loved everything we chowed down; starting with this crusty bread that looked like a hot air balloon when you work your imagination; it’s baked to perfection and can be enjoyed sans butter.

Gabby favored one of Mickey’s Kid’s Meal -Oven Baked Ham and Cheese Macaroni with carrots and green peas, fresh fruit salad and a choice of drink; our kiddo got himself a hot chocolate.

For Tina, she savored, Grilled US Beef Tenderloin and Simmered Beef Short Ribs with Mushroom and Pinot Noir Sauce, HK$ 268.

Let me tell you, I had a great time from browsing the menu to having a taste of everything my family had. Here’s my preferences and recommendations from Walt’s Cafe..

Chicken Breast Fillet with Poached Crab Meat with Papaya and Mango Salad served with Honey Lime Scented Dressing, HK$ 128.

My palate was satisfied with its texture and flavors. The fusion of freshest and sweetest fruits complemented well the crunchiness of the greens. And the Chicken Breast Fillet? Heavenly!

I requested the wait staff to provide extra small plates so I can share my order with Tina and Gabby. I also sampled one Walt’s Cafe’s soups -

Double Boiled Black Mushroom with Kam Ha Wam Soup, HK$ 78.

The soup’s tasteful. I like the flavor of the Chinese ham and the black mushroom. Beautiful combo! The mushroom was shaped into Mickey Mouse’s head too! Amazing!

Then for my main entree, a huge plate was served first with one of the prettiest veggie side dishes I ever had…

To people who think amusement parks and their resorts only offer fast food junkies, think again! Hong Kong Disneyland’s Corner Cafe and Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel’s Walt’s Cafe proved it otherwise. Their menus are beyond sumptuous! The ambience, sublime!

Seafood Platter for Two. (Grilled or Poached. I wanted it grilled). Lobster, Scallops, King Crab Legs, Squid, Salmon, and Cod Fish with Lemon Dill “Beurreblanc” and Crustacean Sauce, Assorted Garden Vegetables, and Boiled Potatoes. HK$ 538.

One word : Outstanding!

Just take a look at that lime gorgeously wrapped with golden tulle and ribbon; wonderful!

The entree, Tina, Gabby and I shared….

We cannot be grateful enough!

Moving on to desserts…

My choice : Penny’s Bay Mango Pudding with Mango Puree.

Tina’s sweet preference : White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis

Gabby’s dessert plate was the most divine!

Oreo Cheesecake never tasted this great!

It’s one FUNtastic dinner to end one glorious day of everything that this blog gives reverence for :

FAMILY. FOOD. and FUN!

———————

I cannot help but marvel at the immense scale of blissful experiences we had in Hong Kong Disneyland! That 3-day-2-night vacation extremely gave us unforgettable memories that Tina, Gabby and I will cherish forever.

Hong Kong Disneyland spells H-A-P-P-I-N-E-S-S!

Thank you so much, Hong Kong Disneyland!

*Up Next : The concluding post of this Hong Kong Disneyland Series! Stay Tuned!

———————————

This Blog Series Includes :

Dec

RECYCLED GEMS

By docgelo 38 Comments

Never underestimate things from rubbish for you might find gold in them. I told Gabby this while we walked our way towards Armenian Street in George Town after alighting the ferry from Jetty. The little-big boy, at first was puzzled until I simplified what it means.

I was surprised when our 7-year-old wonder boy is already familiar with the triple R -recycle, reduce, reuse. Apparently, his mom and teachers have been doing their duties wonderfully. Our casual father-and-son conversation became more meaningful when we spotted several used bath tubs now serving as plant boxes lining the street. Whoever thought of that must have been so environmental-friendly.

As Tina usually wants to spend her Sunday at home whenever possible (for she thinks and I also agree that she deserves a rest before she begins another work week), it was only Gabby and I who went out to the Island primarily to run some errands (we needed to go to a money changer to have our ringgits changed to pesos as we’re going home to Pinas for the holidays, we also had to buy some ingredients for Tina’s home cooked siomai and a few more pasalubongs for our relatives and lastly, I was asked by my lovely wife to bring her old denims for a change of zippers in a repair shop). However before doing all this, I decided to drop by AMELIE CAFE and grabbed the opportunity to expose my kid to something totally different.

that gem in the mirror

Located in #6 Armenian Street beside a famous tourist spot, Cheah Si Sek Tek Tong that we have yet to explore some other time, AMELIE CAFE is a hole-in-the-wall cafe that serves quality Western food in the heart of George Town.

At first sight, one would not imagine that this tiny food place can provide a charmingly beautiful gastronomic experience. It actually looks like an ordinary carinderia outside, housed at the ground floor of a pre-war building except that its simple facade was made attractively beautiful by those lavish green potted plants and its unique hand-made sign boards express that there must be more than meets the eye.

Amelie Cafe is open from 10AM daily except Mondays

Having been an expat for more than a year here in Penang, I completely know that this Malaysian state, particularly in one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, George Town, offers diversities not only in race, religion and color but evidently in culinary department as well. Like mushrooms in the woods, hawker food stalls, restaurants and coffee shops are having healthy competitions despite they thrive side by side. Food in this part of Asia is more than substantial but a lucrative business too.

With the commercially available kedai kopi like Starbucks Coffee, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf including the popular local kopitiam and the like, AMELIE CAFE, in my honest opinion has greater advantage above all these giants.

It’s edge –the highly creative atmosphere out of recycled materials.

Take a peek at what we had enjoyed inside…

It’s like we entered a hole-in-the-wall eatery-slash-museum-slash-art-gallery. Amazing’s an understatement!

No corner was overlooked; even its humble ceiling deserves a glimpse.

On top of the door were tin plates displayed beneath those water plants (I’ve known them as celia as told by my old relatives; we have some at home in Butterworth cut from the jetty/ferry station) placed in old bottles of various branded fruit jams.

What’s great with all of these decors, I think they’re highly mobile as the owners can move them from one corner to the other making the interiors of Amelie Cafe uniquely different in a snap.

There’s only one ceiling fan without unusual look but nonetheless functional.

Must have that detail shot…

i want to take that dog & cat painting home!

On the left side by the door is a table and this wall…

Who says you cannot create remarkable things out of rubbish?

As we stepped inside Amelie Cafe, we found out that it only has 5 small tables filled with mostly foreigners dining their brunch. Fortune was on our side when we spotted an available table located at the end, just by the kitchen. No worries for Gabby and I because astonishingly, smoke from the frying pan is handled professionally. I didn’t mind being welcomed by the gentle wafting scent of the bacon at late morning; it was so welcoming actually!

The limited 5 tables with 3 to 4 stools each do not come in set. Even their plates, cups and saucers never look alike but when put together they contribute to ones’ fantastic dining experience.

Don't let the simplicity of the table and stools fool you; the total dining experience here is more than you can imagine.

The finish of the walls, floor and ceiling was not made perfect but it added to its enticing appeal.

We were greeted by Yen, one of the owners of Amelie Cafe. It’s only Yen and her husband, Hung run the entire show at their very quaint food place. The wonderful duo serve as wait staff, at the same time, do the preparation of food, do the cooking and tender the cashier counter and if chance permits, entertain their diners. Fantastic! I just failed to ask them if they have formal education in culinary or in related fields nevertheless, I think it’s no longer important as they’ve been managing everything at Amelie Cafe smoothly and successfully.

As Gabby and I sat down, Yen handed in the menu…

menu with hand painted cover, made out of cut-out cartons.

She told us, pointing with her thumb (the way Malaysians do it-not the common use of index finger or for us Pinoys, with a pouting lips, hehe!) to the uber artistic dessert menu board beneath the stairs.

After getting our orders, I asked if they have tandas (toilet), Hung pointed towards the back of the kitchen. The kitchen looks like this…

The Kitchen : Everything's prepared and cooked here. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn't it amazing?

These are some of the artworks located above our table. Other than the use of recycled materials, did you notice the recurrent theme? Mother Nature must be super happy!

Can you spot that solitary little fish inside the jar that was made into its aquarium and a plant vase too?

Humor in recycled art : Old wooden planks nailed side by side painted with fish spines and dog bone noted with “meow” combined with “oof oof !” ….Nice!

I believe the couple also did all those colorful pieces. And it looks like they’re also responsible designing the whimsical interiors of Amelie Cafe. How many businessmen do their work with complete hands-on?

With all those eye-catching things, waiting for our orders to be delivered and boredom inside Amelie Cafe didn’t become an issue. After 15 minutes, Gabby and I were already sharing these…

I gave him the liberty to go over the menu and choose whatever he wants. He selected carbonara, hazelnut chocolate parfait and chocolate banana milkshake. That was pure carbo-glucose fix!

After that candid shot, my boy asked me to dunk my fork and eat all those crispy cut bacon strips from the pasta because he doesn’t eat bacon and seldom he likes ham. Sure, I replied to him; I became easily submissive with his wish.

As Gabby continuously dreams of becoming a chef, a hotelier, restaurateur someday, I told him that putting up a carinderia as gorgeous and attractive as Amelie Cafe would do. Thinking of owning something like this is more than surreal!

Hazelnut parfait was a perfect ending to our mini-brunch. It came with fresh cranberries that Gabby wrongly thought of cherries. The pasta plate was also satisfyingly good, although minimal in serving and less creamy than usual–the taste actually made the difference. And the milkshake? Refreshingly delicious!

Honestly, the food doesn’t come that cheap compared to what you might expect. The price is comparable to Starbucks Coffee’s. A little more expensive than the common fast food joints. But hey, you don’t get all these visual treats from those commercial food places.

Then the moment of “must sample their coffee” dawn upon me…

The first sip of this cappuccino was for Tina. Yeehaa! I really wished she’s with us with this (another) extraordinary experience.

The table where we enjoyed everything…

Just before ending our meal at Amelie Cafe, Gabby told me that he liked everything he ate and appreciated all things he saw inside. Like me, he loved all the artworks, all the delightful clutter including the simple presence of that fish solitarily swimming in that old jar. The sense of recycling old things and turning them into great use rather than considering them as useless junks was reinstilled in his young mind. The ~~exposure~~ brain-washing, I guess was successful!

Nov

THE DAY WE HAD BIGGER APPETITES

By docgelo 16 Comments

A few months back, there was one weekend morning that Tina, Gabby and I woke up with a great drive for eating. You might be thinking that there’s nothing uncommon about it as my family and I truly have passion for dining (READ : Gluttony is far different from being self-declared food enthusiasts or foodies; spelling pa lang po magkaiba na!) but that day was totally exceptional. We oddly tried two Steamboat and BBQ buffet restaurants in a day.

The marbling of the meat says it all. Tender, moist and flavorful!

Lunch was at Asian BBQ located at Prangin Mall, George Town, Penang. It was less ordinary compared to Yakimix in SM Mall of Asia, Manila, more so with Don K! Yakiniku Buffet in Tokyo which absolutely earned a spot in my taste buds.

With its price less than 50 ringgit (PhP 700 or USD 15.63), Tina chose a package meal that allowed Gabby to practice his ”cooking expertise” (Consider this part of his chef-wannabe immersion).

This was our table. Clean and almost spotless however the grill isn’t smokeless.

But wait, I know we shouldn’t be complaining because grilling and barbecue are 2 different things. Agree? (READ : Muli, spelling pa lang po, magkaiba na!). To those who are still in the dark, allow me to enlighten you a bit (Violent reactions are welcome on the comment thread but you’re too much if you expect a reply…*biro lang!).

If you must know, I read somewhere that if and when there’s use of direct high heat, it’s grilling. And cooking meat, fish, or anything you fancy over a low heat slowly with a smoke is barbecuing. Ergo, what we had for this lunch was actually barbecue, not to forget the name of the restaurant’s Asian BBQ, hehe!

Res Ipsi Loquitor : The evidence speaks for itself.

Smokin' !!!

Despite we smelled like what we chow down, the fambam had fun!

After stuffing ourselves with that Asian BBQ package that came with cups of rice, we burned those calories by strolling inside the mall and another mall across the street and hopped on a bus to spend the rest of the afternoon at a public beach in Tajung Bungah, a coast line 12 km away from George Town.

Sunset signaled us to take dinner somewhere. And because it will take a while before we reach our home here in Penang, Tina gave her green light for us to pay Town’s Steamboat Buffet Restaurant a visit again.

A sight of a packed food place is always an indicator that we're in the right venue.

If you’re following this blog for some time now, you should be familiar with this food place in Jalan Macalister (Macalister Road) in George Town where (binge) eating is best just disregard the disturbing presence of those LPG gas tanks beside each table (If you’re suffering from paranoia, you’ll instantly entertain the thought that these tanks might explode while you munch and digest a feast–morbid!).

The fantastic and voluminous spread of this place makes up for its lack of proper ambiance. Food choices and value-for-money are the things that make us go back here once in a while.

Piping Hot Dimsum and Dumplings : Bottomless and Self-Service. YUM!

Tong tong tong tong pakitong kitong….

There are spreads of cooked and raw ingredients. You either barbecue or throw them down and simmer on a hot soup base. We always do both!

How sweet it is to end a day with sweets!

Not the perfect Portugese egg tarts but nonetheless can satisfy one's craving.

We never had dessert at lunch that day so I we downed cups of ice cream and ice drops for Gabby (not in photo).

The strawberry and chocolate flavors were mediocre however the coffee ice cream was excellent!

Food is and will always be a substantial part of our great appetite to engage in family bonding.

Until our next one!

Nov

SHANGRI-LA’S RASA SAYANG : A BLEEDING WOUND, A THOUGHTFUL STAFF, A DIGESTIVE FEAST PART 2

By docgelo 38 Comments

I have always thought that most of our priceless and happy moments together as a family are commonly shared over a meal. Either at home or whenever we dine out, great tasting foods have been essential in making the three of us more joyous. Most epicurean adventures that we celebrate, be it simple or otherwise have been a constant reminder too, that we’re so blessed on top of life’s challenges.

On a lighter note, I am a strong believer of my personal beatitude, ‘Blessed are the people who consider food as their kryptonite for they will continuously seek strength to fight cravings for more toothsome dishes!’ LOL!

However, I know most, if not all will instantly agree with me that resistance is remarkably futile if the spread includes the following….

Mont Blanc

Black Forest never presented this edgy…

Our 7-year-old wonder boy loves cheese and cheese cakes and so are we…

Gabby’s palatal exposure to wide array of digestive stimuli may hopefully contribute in his aspirations to become a chef, a hotelier and a restaurateur someday. So help us, God!

Paris Brest

Strawberry Flan

Apparently, Chocolate Dome Cake…

Pralinosa Bavaroise…

And of course, Tiramisu….

Reservation was done over a phone call a week prior to this dinner-buffet. Spice Market Cafe in Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Batu Feringgi, Penang is usually packed even on weekdays, as we’re told, not only because of their on-going promotion (Yes, if it’s not a buy-one-free-one we could have not afford it, haha!) but more logically for their delightful dishes.

No fresh floral arrangements, neither fancy balloons nor fruits. What could be more appropriate table centerpieces for Spice Market Cafe but mortar and pestle with dried herbs and spices.

Table for 3 please : Tina, Gabby & me

The three of us immediately became busy viewing the spread of the different live-cooking stations that represent a multi-cultural gastronomic feast : Continental, Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Malay. Even Gabby had several trips to the buffet tables on his own. And after getting our individual preferences, we shared plates generously.

Without a clue, Tina’s scarred wound at the tip of her left ring finger was already bleeding; her table napkin was inevitably stained with drops of blood.

me: Ano nangyari? Bakit dumugo? (What happened? Why did it bleed?)

Tina : Hindi ko napansin e. (I didn’t notice.)

Then out of nowhere, Norizah, a short-haired pleasant female senior wait staff approached our table with utmost concern. She asked what happened and offered something she can do.

Tina : (smiling despite bleeding) “My wound is bleeding but I’m OK. Nothing to worry. I am a nurse and my husband is a doctor.”

me : (smiled and nodded at Norizah)

Norizah : “You’re a nurse and he’s a doctor but you are my customers and I worry about you. Would you like me to bring something from the clinic? I’ll go get some band-aid.”

Right there and then, I wanted to give Norizah a “Natatanging Waitress Award.” (Outstanding Waitress Award) haha! Seriously, I could have told her that it’s our first time to experience such utmost thoughtfulness from a restaurant staff but Tina and I only thanked her for her impeccable service.

How many hotels, restaurants or any form of food places have thought of providing kids their own plates? Isn’t this gesture sweet?

Because excitement was difficult to contain, Gabby filled his first plate with chilled scallops that he topped with what else but parmesan and cheese dressing. Cheesy overload on those delicious mollusks. Takaw mata man, Tina and I were there to eat his leftovers. Sarap!

There’s a bar that has various cheese offerings; celery and carrot sticks made available for dipping.

How do you like blue cheese?

Or emmental cheese perhaps?

There’s no wine for obvious reasons but breads made a great combination..

Now, let’s proceed to shameless display of plates : I started with this few slices of cold cuts– chicken ham and that remarkably delicious smoked salmon, with bread and cheeses. We also enjoyed their thick and creamy corn soup.

Must have that detail shot, haha!

Second of my beatitude, “Blessed are the people who have no hypersensitivity, for theirs the kingdom of seafoods!”

I am a sucker for prawns and proof to this is the fact that I never miss out to buy prawns from the public market here every weekend (read : we’re lucky for it’s a lot cheaper here than in Pinas). Tina usually cook it either with garlic and butter or just steamed and we’re on cloud 9 already!

Mussels on the otherhand, aren’t as common as shrimps here. If you must know, the sweet taste and humongous size of mussels that we’ve eaten when we were in Auckland, New Zealand back in 2005 for our memorable 7 week family vacation there remains to be unforgettable! We’re fortunate enough that the buffet of Spice Market Cafe has mussels but not as close as what we had in Auckland.

Then there were those another family favorite which Gabby had singled out…

Have you tasted yabbies?

We could have wash our hands and enjoyed them to bits but I for one had no extra room in my gastric pit…some other time, I guess haha!

Here’s my seafood plate…

Pity those who must take anti-histamines when they eat these glorious foods!

Moving on, the Chinese section’s essentials were present like noodle station…

It’s an experience watching the chef make hand-pulled noodles live! The force in kneading that dough as he stretched and slammed it to have less air was already an entertainment while eating!

Noodle soup must have other ingredients…

But where are the dimsum and dumplings? Did we miss it out?

I was silently jumping for bliss when I saw that there’s a Japanese station. It has been months since I’ve last squeezed a sushi between chopsticks.

Although to our dismay there were no ebi and crab tempura which are also Gabby’s favorites, we were happy to have freshest tuna and salmon sashimi, and some sushi…

The little-big boy really had his time…

I can eat this plateful of yummies everyday, haha!

I just recently found my love affair with some Indian foods, so I tried some chicken tandoori (but too spicy for my palates), papadum and roti, and one of the famous local grilled goodies here, chicken satay with peanut sauce…

I like their chicken satay but had an aversion to eat it with fresh onions. Usually, it’s eaten with cucumber and onion slices. Don’t you love these brass wares? I do!!! I wish when the time comes that we need to leave Malaysia, there would be extra money to buy these as souvenirs (O marami nyan sa Divisoria? LOL!)

Do you like lamb? I don’t because of its usual-after-taste that leaves you wanting to gargle non stop, hehe! But the slices of roasted lamb leg from this buffet made me reconsider it!

Beef dishes, as I know it, aren’t easy to prepare. It needs slow cooking for it to become tender and the beef medalions with mushrooms from Rasa Sayang doesn’t disappoint!

Peking Duck and Char Siew Chicken were also sublime!

tastier and crunchier than it looks on photo!

Most foreigners and tourists would dig the local Malaysian favorites so for the desserts section, they’re offering ais kacang, cendol, ABC and more….(their version of our Filipino Halo-Halo!)

However, we didn’t try their version; perhaps, next time.

We've already tasted those green worm-like jellies made from rice flour and food coloring that are toppings of cendol from a hawker food stall in George Town before and we liked it! Grossly looking but will delight your palates!

Thankful to Gabby, he had the effort of going to the ice cream station to prepare a cup as Tina and I were already full that time.

Ice cream toppings and syrups never looked and tasted this great!

Chef Gabby’s plating of ice cream…

Local Malaysian desserts were satiatingly good; our own versions we call them in Tagalog, kakanin…

Skewered for dipping…

One of this blog’s valued commenters (convictstock from Australia) mentioned before that their stay and dining in Rasa Sayang was made extraordinary because of their chocolate fondue. I agree but it would not hurt for Shangri-La Penang to double it with white chocolate fountain too! We have lots of hotels in the Philippines who offer it and it’s twice the fun of course!

Melted dark chocolate : so heavenly but wished there was white one too!

Gradually, Gabby’s having big ideas of what his kitchen, hotel and restaurant will all look like in the future as he picks up beautiful things and notes those he must avoid doing by his decent exposures to all this. It’s like (positive) brainwashing 101 or more like an early immersion for our kiddo. Salamat na lang, lagi may promosi! (We’re always grateful for promotions as buffets in hotels are made affordable!).

These FUNtastic looking sculptures out of some ingredients I guess, made Gabby and Tina the happiest people on that dining area that night. My family's addicted to Angry Birds as they left me still enjoying Plants vs Zombies, LOL!

Thank you, Spice Market Cafe for putting up such dining decors for kids and kid-at-hearts!

Fresh fruits were also on the spread but not the same with fruit juices; you need to pay extra for a glass or two. It’s unlike other premier hotel-buffets we have tried here in Penang where beverages are included in their offering; that’s one little disadvantage for patrons of Rasa Sayang in our humble opinion.

However, they uplifted our spirits when we learned that coffee is included in the buffet, yahoooo! Tina and I are just simple coffee-lovers!

One week prior to our dinner when I had phoned them to make a reservation, they told me that the 250-sitting capacity of the restaurant is almost filled. I just took the chance in requesting that if and when some guests back out for whatever reason, I’ll appreciate if they can accomodate us in for consideration that I am bringing Gabby and I was surprised on the eve of our indulgence, they did! They allowed us to sit inside the buffet dining area instead outside where they have nipa huts and more tables for diners.

All in all, our first dining experience in Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa Spice Market Cafe was indeed, less ordinary. Admittedly, I personally had great expectations because of its name and reputation and they exceeded it, bar none! More than great tasting dishes, their friendly service to customers showed how they value their market over their business. And where else can you spot such impressive factors for the price of RM 185 nett (PhP 2,590 or USD 59) for the three of us (at RM 104+ : buy-one-free-one+kid’s half rate)? The cost is such a steal that one will be tempted to go back for more! Visit their website for more details of their rates and promotions (http://www.shangri-la.com/)

Until our next family bonding moments!

________________________________

PART ONE : Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Spice Market Cafe Buffet

Jun

DINING IN G CAFE, G HOTEL, PENANG

By docgelo 19 Comments

In the heart of one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where century-old structures fused harmoniously with modern and restored ones, a gorgeous hotel stands proud and celebrates its contemporary and stylish designs with non-intimidating ambience.

Saturday, 11 June 2011. When you’re living an expat life with your wife and kid and you both work 5 days a week with a daily routine that can be almost utterly boring (read : home-work-home-work routine), you strongly need to be creative in spicing up your weekends to break and prevent monotony.

Last Saturday, Tina, Gabby and I woke up at 5AM to go to an event that I will post next. After being sun-kissed, walked up and downhill and felt fatigued, we decided to reward ourselves by trying out the buffet lunch at G Cafe at the lobby of G Hotel located in Persiaran Gurney, Penang.

Tina, being modestly frugal as she is, reminded me to be conscious of our budget. So after we all went to the toilet to freshen up, I approached the counter at the entrance of the restaurant to inquire the rates of their buffet. We were keeping our options in mind in case the price is beyond our taste.

At around half hour before noon, a friendly and courteous banquet manager spoke to me and informed me that their International buffet lunch on a Saturday for adult costs RM 52++ (PhP 743++ or USD 17++) inclusive of free flow of fresh fruit beverages, coffee and tea, and kids of Gabby’s age eat for free. Well, that sounded like music to my ears! The price is definitely a steal and imagine, our little-big boy would eat for free! We gave it a nod and reserved a table for three at 12 noon.

The cool and edgy atmosphere at the lobby is spontaneous. Other than the use of various wonderful and comfortable seats, I like the air of having tall ceiling and the presence of glass walls to stimulate appreciation of huge trees and lush greens outside surrounding Gurney Mall. Yes, if you are familiar with Greenbelt Mall in Makati, Philippines, G Hotel in Gurney Drive Penang reminds me of home.

The interiors of G Cafe also boasts of simple lines, repeated circles and other geometric patterns which are also apparent in the use of modern yet ergonomic chairs and tables.

The use of those striking royal blue drop lights on the walls somewhat like echoes and matches with the drinking glasses of the same hue; isn’t it nice?

Who would not want a breather from the usual homecooked dishes, or worst, the repeated consumption of fastfood value meals? Luxury sometimes, comes reasonably affordable as we always keep in mind that our pocket dictates indulgence need not to be expensive.

Who would not want to dine under these lights?

Without idea of being rushed (as in quick bites every breakfast and that 1-hour lunch breaks at the office except on Fridays, 12-2:30PM) and most importantly, dining comfortably with your family with foods you love eating, the experience was truly divine!

And so Tina, Gabby and I took our taste buds to another gastronomic adventure at this sumptuous lunch buffet at G Cafe.

I started with their creamy corn soup; i like its light buttery taste with thick and textured consistency.

Salad comes next : My plate had prawn salad, cheese, mix salad (tossed with crab sticks) and one of my favorites, potato salad… everything was superb! the prawn salad’s flavor wasn’t overpowering; it wasn’t too spicy, neither too oily. Sarap! it was like a perfect prelude to this wonderful dining experience.

I tell you, I can eat this seafood plate everyday! hahaha!

Although there were no sushi and sashimi, which God knows I am biased with (Japanese foods are only offered every Thursday nights at G Cafe as of present), and notable absence of carving stations except for some Peking duck and smoked chicken, Tina and I concluded that when you enjoy every bite, everything seems to be complete.

At the spread, these burst of colors reminded me of my favorite season of the year, Christmas!

Defensively, we know buffet plates should not be stuffed with most from the spread to effortlessly look like you’re eating as if there’s no tomorrow, hahaha! but Tina had this plate because she wanted to share those dishes she preferred with me and Gabby, isn’t that sweet?

My wife recommends this Chinese prawn dish and comments,“It feels like eating in Ongpin (Manila’s Chinatown).” My palate dictates that it’s the sesame oil that makes most Chinese foods taste Chinese. I miss having some dimsum and dumplings, though.

You can never go wrong with Peking Duck and smoked chicken with honey syrup… Yum!

*unless you’re allergic to it*

Baked vegetables, spring rolls and calamares, anyone?

Delightful desserts!

Irresistible temptations!

Guinataan! Wow!

As I’ve always stated it, the world is so incomplete without ice cream, agree?

Fibers are essential, we know.

And coffee is a must to end our meals.

Above all, my family is happy. It was indeed, a happy weekend!

Tina and I were so impressed at their highly efficient wait staff. Our glasses were refilled with freshly squeezed fruit punch promptly, attended to our needs in a blink making their service almost impeccable!

I almost forgot to tell you that Amex credit card holders receive 15% discount on top of the reasonable cost of this lunch buffet.

We only paid RM102 (PhP 1,458 or USD 33.7) for two plates as Gabby ate for free, I know it’s the usual price of one buffet plate in some hotels when I left Manila last year, so it was truly a steal!

It won’t be our last time to dine at G Cafe in G Hotel, definitely.
I wish to bring back my family there to experience their room and amenities too someday.

After all, the view from their 300+ rooms include priceless sight of Penang bay and the tourist-famous Gurney boulevard. *wishful thinking*

——————————-

G Cafe, G Hotel

168A Persiaran Gurney 10250 Penang, Malaysia

Tel +604-2380000

website : G Hotel, Malaysia

Apr

COOLERS FROM PENANG

By docgelo 12 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
Tags: ais kachang, cendol, coolers, desserts, desserts from penang, desserts in malaysia, doc gelo, docgelo, food, foodie, george town, george town malaysia, halo-halo, hawkers, ice coolers, penang, penang malaysia, shaved ice, summer, sweets

This is our very first time to spend summer abroad; although Penang and Manila share similarities under one tropical sun, my family and I still miss some things about this time of the year in the Philippines – from going to Baguio or Tagaytay Cities, to our beautiful beaches, to taking a few week break from work (or for Gabby, from school) less the part of being diaphoretic of course (read : profuse sweating!).

We miss enjoying scoopful of halo-halo topped with leche flan and ube jam and spending some afternoon with dirty ice cream, carioca, turon, banana cue and camote cue from street vendors. Sarap!

To lessen our homesickness, I brought my wifey and kid to places where coolers are best served.

One of the biggest, if not the largest mall in the Island, Queensbay Mall has this kiosk in its food court on Level 3, that sells flavored shaved ice topped with slices and balls of tropical fruits in season. They call it Snow Ice Mix Fruits.

At RM 6 (PhP 84) per bowl, one is treated to a refreshing and nutritious delight that effortlessly beat the summer heat.

If you want to sample distinctly Malaysian dishes and desserts, hit the roads and find nearby hawker food stalls where one can savor unique flavors in colors…

Ais kacang (pronounced as ais ka-chang) is a Malaysian dessert. Traditionally a special ice machine is used to churn out the shaved ice used in the dessert, originally hand cranked but now more often motorized.

Formerly, it was made of only shaved ice and red beans. Today, ice kacang generally comes in bright colours, and with different fruit cocktails and dressings. In Malaysia, almost all variants now contain a large serving of attap chee (palm seed), red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly and cubes of agar agar as common ingredients. Other less common ingredients include aloe vera in one form or another (e.g. jelly) nata de coco, or ice cream in various variants of the dessert. A final topping of evaporated milk, condensed milk, or coconut milk is drizzled over the mountain of ice along with red rose syrup and sarsi syrup. To cater to the palates of the modern customer, some stalls have even introduced novelty toppings such as durian, chocolate syrup and ice cream. There are also versions that shun the multi-coloured syrup and are served with just a drizzling of gula melaka syrup (gula=sugar) instead. (Sourced from Wiki)

Cendol (pronounced /ˈtʃɛndɒl/) is a traditional dessert originating from South East Asia which is still popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar (where it is known as Mont let saung), Singapore, Vietnam, and Southern Thailand (where it is called lortchorng singapore ลอดช่องสิงคโปร์).

The dessert’s basic ingredients consist of coconut milk, a worm-like jelly made from rice flour with green food coloring (usually derived from the pandan leaf), shaved ice and palm sugar. Next to these basic recipe, other ingredients such as red beans, glutinous rice, grass jelly, creamed corn, might also be included. (Sourced from Wiki)

There are a thousand and one ways to celebrate summer and beat the heat. Ice cream and halo-halo still top my list. However we spend the season, the best is to enjoy the time being with the ones we love.

What are your best memories of summer?

Have a great ‘fruitful’ weekend, everyone!

Apr

CHOCOLATES ON GOOD FRIDAY

By docgelo 13 Comments

I am not complaining but as a Catholic, I consider working during Holy Week particularly last Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as one of my atypical experiences to date. The fact that I have been exposed to several activities like watching and at time, participating in religious procession in Marikina City, and to my wife’s family tradition of chanting the Lord’s Passion or pabasa during these Holy days for several years, and doing Visita Iglesia (visiting churches to pray and do Station of the Cross) with her and my immediate family before, I needed to remind myself that we’re now based in foreign shores amidst religious and cultural diversities therefore things like going to work on previously celebrated holidays in our own country are just mundane and ordinary. Resistance as they say, is futile. Acceptance is difficult at first but offers great relief.

The Altar of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, George Town, Penang on Good Friday 2011 where Holy Masses are celebrated in English, Mandarin, Tamil and Tagalog (every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month)

This year’s Holy Week has been personally different in the sense that the turn of events kept me grounded. I sincerely said my apologies to my Creator, and to those people I’ve wronged and received some sorries in return too. Admitting your fault and taking the blame may be a sign of weakness for some, but I believe otherwise. I feel, it takes tons of strength and courage to say you’re sorry about something and far from being arrogant. Humility in this day and age is still alive or at least, we take efforts in keeping it viable in our bloodstream.

Chance officially led me last Friday to leave work earlier to spend some time with my family and reflect. Before dusk, we attended the Station of the Cross delivered in English and Mandarin at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in George Town, Penang. This is one of the churches here where I find solace and peace of mind amidst uncertainties of living an expat life.

On a lighter note, just when every Catholic soul on Earth was fasting, my family and I only observed total aversion to pork for almost a week as our annual sacrifice; our appetite has been as usual

Sinfully, we indulged a little. Below are the proofs of my confession.

Although Beryl’s chocolate has been a favorite of most tourists who visit Malaysia, the diversity of choices from other brands is almost limitless.

We found this store called Cocoa Boutique located at Jalan Bagan Jermal, Pulau Pinang; it’s a stone throw away from Gurney Mall.

Vezzo Chocolate has wide unique variety : chili chocolate, curry chocolate, fruity chocolates (durian, banana, rasberry, apple, orange), tongkat ali chocolate, sugar-free chocolate, nutty, tiramisu, milk and dark and the list goes on…

I gave my wife and kid the liberty to choose their preference. We got (from top left to right) orange chocolate, tiramisu, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cappuccino, almond+white & dark chocolates (Penang and Malaysian mini-bars) and rasberry chocolate.

Exquisite. Exotic. Exceptional. These are the 3Es on the label of these sweet-tooth temptation. I have to state, these handmade chocolates are luscious enough to clear out your worries and make you feel stress-free even for a bit. Its texture and flavors are enticingly delicious.

The important thing about Lent is not giving up chocolates but it’s to give up sin.

How was your week?

Happy Easter, everyone! God bless!

Jul

FRO-YA : FTW!

By docgelo 28 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: dessert, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, family life, food, food blog, food blogger, foodie, fro ya, frozen yakult, Ice cream, parenthood, sebastian ice cream, sebastian's, sebastian's ice cream, sorbetes, sweets, trinoma, yakult

During most of our grocery shopping, Gabby would have his own smaller cart to push and usually gets his own stuffs from shelves once Tina and I give our mutual nods.

One of his favorite grocery items is :

Yakult (ヤクルト, Yakuruto^?) is a Japanese probiotic milk-like product made by fermenting a strain of skimmed milk with a special strain of bacterium, Lactobacillus casei Shirota. (Sourced via Wiki).

Now, imagine savoring Yakult as a creamy frozen ice cream.

Yakult + ice ceram = two of every child and kid at heart’s favorites.

Wonderful, isn’t it?

Sebastian\’s Premium Ice Cream has the edge over other cold delights; it has offered FRO-YA (Frozen Yakult) ! That cute little boy who happens to be my son, had enjoyed that tangy flavor of our old-time favorite drink on ice cream when we went to TriNoma mall in Quezon City this afternoon. He had it as dessert after our hearty dinner with my balikbayang-in-law.

Fro-Ya on the left for Gabby, and Sebastian’s Mango Sansrival on the right for me. Yum!

Yakult cannot be better than this!

An option to countless Fro-Yo (frozen yogurts) available in town.

———————–<@

Do you drink Yakult ? Have you tried Fro-ya?

Jun

A TASTE OF TUSCANY

By docgelo 19 Comments

Dear Gabby,

Remember when I went home last Wednesday afternoon with a wide smile and a pasalubong for you and your mom? It was after I went to Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. I had a pleasure of being invited to Oakwood’s A Taste of Tuscany, Italian Wine and Food Festival Press Lunch.

I met gracious and wonderful people whom I even talked to about you dreaming of becoming a chef someday.

Like their Spanish Wine and Food Festival last April, what we recently had was a supreme indulgence!

I know you’ll enjoy looking at these pictures again, son…

Basket of amazingly delicious breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip.

Believe me, Gabby, the photo cannot justify how good Oakroom’s breads are! I’m sure you’ll like those soft and crunchy bread sticks or that herbed bread can surely stimulate your palate.

But of course, you understand that I cannot bring you to this event because those glorious foods were paired with finest Italian wines. Time will come that you’ll mature and develop the appreciation for occasional drinking. Who knows, other than being a chef that you wanted to be, you might become a wine connoisseur too!

Meanwhile, here’s ALBIZZIA, CHARDONNAY 2007, 2008.

*ALBIZZIA, TOSCANA : Flowers, apples and pears on the nose are followed by a palate of ripe peach and apricot. Green apple notes at the finish make this a wine well balanced between fruit and acidity. A light and appealing Chardonnay, with no oak.

This Chardonnay was paired with ZUPPETTA di LENTICCHIE con GAMBERONI e CORIANDOLO or Lentil soup with king prawns and corriander…

You know your Daddy, anak. Anything with shrimps or prawns is delicious to me. The texture and flavors infused into this soup were certainly new to me but I liked it as it was best complimented by that light and fruity Albizzia, Chardonnay.

PARMIGIANA di MELANZANE e ZUCCHINE or Aubergine and courgette parmigiana.

Tasteful! It was paired with REMOLE, TOSCANA 2006. I learned that gone are the days of following hard rule of white wines should only be for white meat and red wines are only for red meat. That afternoon, we had red wine paired with greens!

*REMOLE, TOSCANA is 85% Sangiovese (red wine) and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon but very lightly pressed, giving gentleness and subtlety. Fermentation and aging in stainless steel accentuates the fruit. The aroma has violets, raspberries and red cherries. The palate has red cherry, with hints of tobacco and leather before a soft finish.

Look how Oakwood Premier’s Executive Chef Jerome Cartailler prepared this eggplant dish to perfection…

Ultra-thin layers of eggplant were somewhat grilled for that much needed taste. Sarap!

Main entree was MEDAGLIONI di FILETTO di VITELLO con CARCIOFI LIMONE e PROVOLONE or Veal fillet medallions with artichokes, lemon and Provolone.

The required tenderness of the meat was there. The risotto with provolone was one of the best rice dishes I’ve tasted. This delightful dish was greatly paired with CASTIGLIONI, CHIANTI 2007.

*CASTIGLIONI CHIANTI, awarded as “Oscar for value for money from Italy’s prestigious wine magazine, Gambero Rosso. A nose of cherries, red currants and raspberries, backed by cassis, leather and tobacco notes. A palate of stone fruits (cherries, black plums and blackberries), with a long lasting, well-structured finish.

Another shot of that lovely plate.

What’s a great meal without dessert? We’re almost satiated but can’t resist this temptation :

TIRAMISU ai FRAGOLA or Strawberry tiramisu…

Luscious! I just dunked my spoon on this sweet treat, it exposed generous strawberry slices!

And we nicely capped that excellent lunch with espresso.

It’s such a beautiful experience, Gabby! An exquisite Italian fare we enjoyed. This proof is only a slice to the fact that Oakwood Premier has been living up with its tag line of “Luxury defined by trust.”

I hope this inspires you more to pursue your dream of becoming an iron chef!

I and your Mommy Tina love you, anak!

Tatay-doc.

—————————————–<@

“A Taste of Tuscany” at Oakroom is co-presented by Future Trade International, Inc., distributor of Frescobaldi and Danzante wines in the Philippines. It runs from June 07 to 27, 2010.

For details and reservations, please call the Oakroom direct line at (63-2) 719-1160. Other phone lines : (63-2) 637-7888/ 910 8888 ext. 8118. Oakroom is on the 6th level of Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, located at 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Thank you, Ms. Genny Puno for the invite!

Regarding TASTING NOTES for WINE APPRECIATION, visit my other blog –>DOCGELO’S EYES .

Jun

NOT JUST ANOTHER YOGURT

By docgelo 25 Comments

Apparently, rainy season has arrived, but that doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy our favorite sweet cold treats. Other than the very Pinoy, HALO-HALO and those irresistible delights regardless of season— ICE CREAM; my family and I also love YOGURT.

Last Saturday, Tina, Gabby and I had our lunch at Pancake House in Bonifacio High Street. Pancake House is one of our family’s favorites and it was only last weekend that we got to try their latest offering : the GURTS, Pancake House’s Frozen Yogurt.

Gurts is creamy and cool 98% fat-free frozen yogurt.

I don’t know about you but my wife and I like our yogurt with tangy taste. For us, it what separates yogurts from ice creams and again, we like them both. Gurts frozen yogurts have this sour taste that we look for in a scoop.

Gabby was first to choose his Gurts. He wanted a D-I-Y gurts and pointed directly from the menu the plain regular yogurt (PhP 78+) and our “little chef” also selected White Chocolate Chips (PhP 20+) and Leche Flan (PhP 38+) as toppings for his gurts…

Then Tina and I first thought of sharing a medium-sized yogurt (PhP 108+) because the family-sized (PhP 150+) is bigger than our appetite, but we settled for regular Blueberry White Chocolate Chip Cheesecake (PhP 155+) because the medium for that flavor wasn’t available. Unlike Gabby’s yogurt that he got to choose his own toppings, ours was a straight-from-the-menu Gurts with cheesecake chunks, generous volume of blueberries, and white chocolate chips…

Yummy!

And I almost forgot what we shared for lunch, LOL! We had a family-sized CARBONARA (PhP 302+) and my personal favorite, PAN FRIED CHICKEN (PhP 189+). It’s one of those commercial crispy fried chickens that I like with its original gravy with smoky taste.

Yes, my family and I like home-cooked chocolate porridge or champorado with milk and tuyo flakes (dried fish), arroz caldo or goto with egg, hot delicious chicken mami and other wet season staples. It might sound weird to you but we also consider ice cream and yogurt as our rainy-day-comfort foods too. And why not, they never fail to brighten up those gloomy days.

May

BECOMING MORE SENSIBLE OF CHOCOLATES

By docgelo 37 Comments

How long has it been since you last enjoyed your favorite chocolate?

Although we have varied preferences, my family and I do not deny the fact that we all LOVE CHOCOLATES; who doesn’t? Either fruity, nutty or just plain, for as long as it’s DARK–bitter and mildly sweet, my day’s fine! While Tina and Gabby want their chocolates better with nothing. We’ve been eating, munching, drinking chocolates but haven’t taken any effort in appreciating its origin, the required processes before it becomes a candy bar, a syrup, a divine ingredient in cakes, pastries, ice cream, fondue and whatnot until we attended HEAVENLY CHOCOLATES’ Chocolate Appreciation 101.

I’ve been invited to this monthly chocoholics’ FREE workshop by fellow blogger and the chocovangelist herself, Ms. Marga (a.k.a. Midge) of SybDive several times since early part of this year but it was only yesterday that I got to bring Tina and Gabby to this fun but comprehensive event.

Tina who came from her work, met Gabby and I in a fast food along Tomas Morato at around 4PM where we had our early light dinner. Then we came to Heavenly Chocolates several minutes before the 6PM workshop (poster above with 7PM schedule was an erratum).

On the wall : Chocolate Facts–

The Aztec Emperor Montezuma drank nothing but chocolates -50 pitchers prepared for him each day (Just so you know, chocolate wasn’t sweet those days but SPICY!).

Cocoa beans were used as Aztec currency : 10 beans for a wife and a hundred beans for a good slave (no typo error here, just facts!).

Only Aztec kings and members of his court could drink chocolate. It was a drink for royalty.

It was Gabby who was really excited to sample one of Heavenly Chocolates’ yummies –cakes! So he went to the display bar and pointed to his mom his choice. The staff commented, “Marunong syang pumili!”

FRENCH DARK, PhP 100 per slice.

One of the most delicious chocolate cakes we’ve tasted; heavenly is an understatement! Price is reasonable and it surprisingly comes in a generous slice; bigger than usual servings in most coffee and cake shops. Thumbs up for this cake; next time we crave for this delectable treat, we want a whole!

After Marga met us briefly, she ushered us to THE LOUNGE, Heavenly Chocolates’ newest offering–a party space for intimate gatherings, with cool and casual interiors that can be booked for PhP 3000 consumable (that’s lot of cakes, drinks and more!) for 3 hours, FREE CORKAGE FEE so anyone can bring in potluck foods and drinks; the room upstairs has wide flat screen TV fit for videoke or Magic Sing moments, also with comfy couches, seats and tables, good for 20-25 people. It serves as CHOCOLATE APPRECIATION 101 venue.

The workshop started as Marga handed the attendees dried lavender. She instructed us to rub those tiny petals in between palms, then bring it closer to our noses to sniff and inhale. And in a blink, soothing aroma kicked in; everyone instantly became relaxed and in the right mood for the event.

The early attendees, including Tina, Gabby and I were lucky to sample GHANA AOX, a chocolate serving with nuts and raisins; the fusion of its flavor and textures was nice.

As the interesting lecture-workshop on chocolate history, trivia, differences between some chocolates we like, countries that produce and consume chocolates, manufacturing processes were relayed (it was our first time to see on slides those huge amazing refining and conching (uninterrupted stirring) equipments–from the old windmill-powered machines to the ones chocolate factories used these days), FREE TASTINGS of Heavenly Chocolates’ goodies came one after the other. It was indeed engaging!

SUMAN+MANGO SYRUP paired with SINGLE-ORIGIN DAVAO chocolate drink :

We learned that SINGLE-ORIGIN in chocolate terms means its beans were grown in one particular area or region. And this locally produced chocolate drink doesn’t disappoint. Sarap! Its taste is comparable to a chocolate tablea used in chocolate porridge. It perfectly compliments the suman with mango syrup.

SAO TOME :

“An island republic in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa, that is a prime growing area for the Amelonado subspecies of high quality Forastero. São Tomé cacao can be bitter with flavors of pure cocoa, sharp red fruits, cinnamon, and vanilla. It is a good base for blended chocolate.” Sourced via The Nibble.

SAO TOME jas thick consistency with smoky taste and richer aroma.

GANACHE which is actually an accidental discovery when a chef’s assistant poured cream into a chocolate mixture was also introduced. The velvety smooth combination of cream and chocolate can be dipped in chocolate and rolled in cocoa powder to make a TRUFFLE.

SACHI NAMA (left) was served; Tina liked it so much and TRUFFLE (right) with a light hint of rum was made on the spot by Marga:

Yum! And look how Gabby involved himself as the only kiddie participant amidst chocoholics :

We’re so glad we finally attended Heavenly Chocolates’ Chocolate Appreciation 101. It was truly more than a well-delivered live lecture and a fun workshop but a pleasant interactive event for everyone interested to be more appreciative of what we usually enjoy.

I was told that topics vary per month, so if you want to experience this FREE chocolate workshop and tastings or simply want to savor Heavenly Chocolates goodies, you may call them at (63-2) 6662208; they’re located at 127 Roces Avenue (near Tomas Morato), Quezon City. Click the map on the right to enlarge.

You may also ‘like’ and give thumbs up to Heavenly Chocolates via their facebook account and get loads of updates.

Special thanks to Ms. Marga and Mr. Benjie for making us more sensible of chocolates! The experience was indeed glorious!

May

CAFE BOLA

By docgelo 13 Comments

From the interiors…

to the tables…

everything in Cafe Bola is simple, delicious and refreshing…

Iced Tea has a taste of freshly brewed tea with a nice kick of lemony-pandan flavor.

Have you ever munched on TARO CHIPS after dipping it on garlic mayo?

Their CHICKEN LOLLIBALLS with PINK MAYONNAISE are well-marinated if not, tastefully seasoned…

Other than the fact the branch we tried was in the vicinity of Araneta Coliseum where Basketball games are frequently held, I’m guessing that the resto is called Cafe Bola because of those incredibly delicious meatballs on their pasta.

SPAGHETTI with MEATBALLS, Bolognese Style…

Desserts like MINI BOLA FLAN are just too pleasant for the palate…Gabby finished 2 1/2 servings on this plate! It was that good!

Our nagkahiyaan moment…

I’ve read from somewhere that the famous restaurateur, Margarita Fores who also put up CIBO which is one of our family favorites, and Pepato in Greenbelt which we have yet to experience, also owns and manages Cafe Bola. And one can easily tell the positive contrasts between her restaurants. Cibo offers great Italian favorites with awesome presentation while Cafe Bola combines Italian, Mexican and Pinoy cuisines that are reasonably priced.

The entire set we had (above photos) was on the promo rate of only PhP 700+.

Service is quick, food servers are courteous and friendly; ambiance is relaxed and food choices needless to say, are satisfyingly yummy.

On our future visit, we’ll try their Adobo Flakes with Kesong Puti and perhaps other dishes on their menu that gives a new twists in Pinoy taste.

I only see her on magazine and broadsheet spreads and read features about her on blogs and haven’t personally met, Ms. Gaita Fores yet; but her dedication to her work as a restaurateur and florist among other hats she wears, is indeed an inspiration for people like us who aspire to put up a food place someday.

Now, excuse me as I daydream of having our own restaurant too, with Chef Gabby leading the kitchen crew.

————————————<@

Cafe Bola, Araneta Coliseum Arcade, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

May

FOODIES’ WALK AT BGC WITH IVAN MAN DY

By docgelo 39 Comments

One doesn’t need any motivation to join a FREE food tour in Serendra, Bonifacio High Street and the Fort Strip with Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks. The event, which is a part of BGC (Bonifacio Global City) Passion Fest 2010 doesn’t happen on a daily basis at those upscale restaurants and bars so when I found out about it, I didn’t waste a minute and pre-registered on-line a week prior to the event and off I went to its second-day food tripping (the first was held April 24, 2010 that featured Cupcakes by Sonja, Zao, TGI Fridays, Pasto, Yoh-Gurt-Froz and The Establishment).

May 01, 2010, Saturday –It was indeed a glorious day! The sun was up and my excitement was high. I think I was the earliest foodie to show up at the Concierge booth of Bonifacio High Street at half hour past 10AM to claim my slot for the event! The 4-hour gastronomic tour started at around 2PM in Serendra. I am amazed at how the culinary walking guru, Ivan Man Dy gets to know his participants on a first-name basis (with full recall of my blog posts from Tokyo!) and be inspiring effortlessly.

“Food nurtures creativity” he said. With that statement, I know we’re all in for an entire afternoon of nothing but wholesome fun!

Our first stop was CUPCAKES by SONJA. My family and I have tried Sonja’s Cupcakes before; my palate has been familiar of what this hole-in-the-wall and quaint food place offers.

RED VELVET VIXEN -Traditional Southern cupcake made with Belgian cocoa and cream cheese icing (certain percentage of sales goes to Red Cross);

MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE – Dense Valrhona flourless chocolate with rich velvety texture dissolved in your mouth with pure sublime flavor.

VANILLA SUNSHINE -A classic and fluffy cupcake topped with either vanilla or chocolate buttercream.

CHOCOLATE OVERLOAD -Rich, moist Valrhona chocolate cupcake filled with creamy ganache and topped with velvety chocolate cream.

CHOCO CREAM PIE – Rich, luscious Belgian chocolate cream in Orea crust and topped with mouthful of whipped cream and sprinkled with Oreo bits.

A breath away from Sonja’s Cupcakes is MISS DESSERTS that also offers deliciously divine sweet treats.

ALMOND EXPRESSO CHEESECAKE -Almonds compliment the creamy with just the right coffee and caramel taste.

ULTIMATE BROWNIES -Rich chocolate brownies with a generous amount of walnuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips then drizzled with just a touch of caramel on top to make it the ultimate brownie.

BUTTER CAKE – Melt-in-your-mouth butter cake that’s good on it’s way or slightly warmed with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

I only sampled a couple of those bite-sized goodies from Sonja’s and Miss Desserts and saved room for more! I told you before, it’s not a problem for my appetite if sweets come first. *grinning*

Our second stop in this foodie wonderland was a Hawaiian-themed restaurant, POLU KAI GRILL.

“Inspired by the tropical island beach living, POLU KAI GRILL has made a mark for serving the best of Pacific Rim Cuisine. Generous slabs of ribs and the sweet freshness of seafood are best enjoyed in the laid back luau interiors of the restaurant.”

What we sampled : SPAM MUSUBI -Hawaii’s favorite snack! Spam sushi with Teriyaki glaze; SURF and TURF -Grilled Prawn and Sausage Skewers; FISH & FISH -Juicy, golden fried Cream Dory with Tartar Sauce; PINEAPPLE SHAKE -Fresh Pineapple Shake served in a pineapple fruit cup (but the resto ran out of piña cups so mine was in a glass; nonetheless refreshing and refillable!)

My attempt at plating those POLU KAI yummies :

Every dish was fine! The Cream Dory with Tartar sauce is more than a reason to visit Polu Kai again and again.

We had that required group photo shots every after restaurant stop which I wish to copy and post here; credit the photographer when they upload it somewhere.

Ivan and the organizers made sure that foodies can burn calories by walking about 2 to 10 minutes from one food place to another. From Polu Kai, we left Serendra and crossed the lane to Bonifacio High Street to head to our third digestive feast : ITALIANNI’S.

Italianni’s is also a common favorite. As you may know, it’s Italian in taste but definitely American in servings. I shared table with fellow young bloggers, Cher and Alex whom I’ve been with in other blogger’s event. We sampled CLASSICO PIZZA, SHRIMP MUSHROOM LINGUINI, DALANDAN JUICE and that herbed FOCACCIA BREAD.

One thing that’s remarkable with Italianni’s, other than the great foods they serve or at least with our experience with it, is the restaurant crew’s commendable service. A manager hopped from table to table to make sure everything’s being enjoyed at its very best.

Several steps from Italianni’s is our fourth delightful pit stop :

THE STOCK MARKET and ICE CREAM BAR.

My very first dining experience at The Stock Market was truly one for the books; I was invited to judge last year’s Century Tuna’s Bloggers Cook-Off where my family, Tina and Gabby got to joined in the fun.

STOCK MARKET FRESH HARVEST SALAD with PINEAPPLE VINAIGRETTE.

Fibrous fruits and crisp veggies don’t fail.

Tasting NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER and FORK-TENDER SHORT RIBS with sauteed BEANS & CORN RISOTTO :

What I like best with The Stock Market and Ice Cream Bar is its efforts in innovating dishes from natively grown produce that surely reaches table as fresh as you can imagine.

ICE CREAM BAR inside The Stock Market offered refreshing flavors out of several Pinoy favorites :

Three young male interns who are currently doing their Summer stint with the said restaurant served every table with these four samples to share : SUMAN at MANGGA flavored ice cream, CHAMPORADO and RASPBERRY flavored ice cream, SAGO and MANGO SORBET and FROZEN YOGURT. Ahh, what a way to spend merienda!

I particularly liked the Suman at Mangga flavored ice cream! I swear it has the lightest mango flavor in ice cream that I’ve tasted and the hint of suman served as a great compliment! Plus it was plated with one of the best-tasting suman+muscovado sugar which according to the owner, is made and supplied by a community in Batangas.

Second to the last food trip stop was TRIO located at The Fort Strip.

“Integrating the concept of a modern Italian bistro, pizzeria and wine bar, TRIO RESTAURANT specializes in classic Italian entrees, authentic thin crust pizza, homemade pastas, and freshly made desserts.”

CAPRICCIOSA PIZZA -Salami, smoked ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, basil, mozzarella and egg.

I’m giving my 2-thumbs-up for Trio’s CAPRICCIOSA PIZZA! If you want your pizza thin crust with simple toppings, this one is a must-try!

Other interesting dishes from Trio are :

TENDERLOIN and PORTOBELLO RISOTTO–Pan-seared tenderloin on a bed of portobello risotto drizzled with truffle oil and

CANNELLONI –Oven baked cannelloni with beef and spinach stuffing topped béchamel crème sauce and parmesan.

Our final food trip destination was fitting for Saturday chill out.

We had a few drinks at AMBER ULTRA LOUNGE where the ceiling and lights are sleek and funky and the music is surprisingly ear-friendly.

Care for a CHOCOLATE MARTINI ? It’s a Russian Standard with nutty liqueur and cacao with real CHOCNUT for garnish.

Does STRAWBERRY MOJITO appeal to you? Muddled mint and strawberries make this one an instant favorite from Amber…

If you must know, I’m not alcoholic. My wife and I rarely drink. But I’m definitely not a a party-pooper and would not pass the chance of trying these bottomless shots from Amber; remember it ain’t FREE on ordinary days!

Of the 3 drinks we’ve tried from Amber, I like this the most –COCO LYCHEE SMASH. It’s a stylish Asian delight, Coconut Vodka with muddled lychees, lychee liqueur and its juice. It’s the lightest in my taste.

Did I already tell you that we’ve tasted spicy BONELESS BUFFALO WINGS too?

Needless to say, it was one of my gastronomic adventures to remember!

Special THANKS to Mr. Ivan Man Dy for being a gracious host, fascinating food tour guide and a very inspiring person. Sa uulitin po! Thank you also to Bonifacio Global City for organizing this PASSION FEST 2010.

Here are photos courtesy of my bloggers’ event buddy, Cher (Thanks, Cher!)

————————————–<@

CUPCAKES by Sonja, I C 03 Serendra Piazza, BGC, Taguig, Tel No. (63-2) 915-2936 /856-0308.
MISS DESSERTS, I C 04 Serendra Piazza, BGC, Taguig, Tel No. (63-2) 856-1429.
POLU KAI, G/F Shops at Serendra, BGC, Taguig, Tel No. (63-2) 856-0355 / 901-1841.
ITALIANNI’S, Quadrant Bldg 5 1E14 BGC, Taguig, Tel No. (63-2) 856-4094.
THE STOCK MARKET, Bonifacio High Street, Tel No. (63-2) 856-6301.
TRIO, 2/F Fort Pointe Bldg.,BGC, Taguig, Tel No. (63-2) 884-1601.
AMBER ULTRA LOUNGE, Unit F, Fort Entertainment Complex, Tel No. (63-2) 887-6838.

Apr

MUCH ADO ABOUT SUMMER

By docgelo 20 Comments

I have a confession to make.

This may disappoint most of you but Tina and I are not fond of going to the beach during Summer. We prefer to soak under cold shower (together? that’s another story that does not deserve a blog post! LOL!) rather than bathe and immerse on water under the scorching heat of Philippine Sun.

Other than budget consideration during peak season, we enjoy sand, water and what beauty that nature has to offer when it’s not thickly populated. As you may know, my family’s recent beach adventure was last week of October 2009 when BORACAY was in its quiescence…

Tranquility echoed every morning during our days in the island…

Ah, Boracay! When do we get to enjoy your crystal turquoise water and powdery sand again ? It’s not only the beach that’s glorious in this island but digestive feasts too. Summer heat reminds me of spoonful cold treats we had from Boracay’s HALOWICH.

And since we’re not hitting the beach anytime soon, you may now have a clue of how we define SUMMER in our own way…

Yesterday, Tina, Gabby and I went to Iceberg in their Timog Ave. branch to have bowls of Halo-Halo.

What’s a Summer in Manila without it?

For only PhP 98, I enjoyed macapuno balls, slice of peach, sweet plantain, corn kernels, corn flakes, jackfruit strips, ube jam, gulaman on shaved ice topped with ube and strawberry-flavored ice cream!

While Tina and Gabby chose to savor Caramel Flan with Mangoes and Vanilla Ice Cream. Yum!

Summer for us, is a great excuse to devour on these cold gastronomic pleasures.

What’s your favorite food fit for Summer?

How are you spending your Summer? I bet most of you are busy treading on most shores of this archipelago.

Have fun!

Apr

FROM TROUBLED NERVES TO COFFEE BREAK

By docgelo 20 Comments

The other day I was so inspired to post about gratitude. My wife and I, even our little one, are thankful for a lot of things – big and small; and forever we’ll be.

However, things are different when your surrounding gets scary and disturbing. You become more conscious of everything and extra-caring for your family and friends–here and abroad.

Headlines about that raging volcano in Iceland with a name I cannot pronounce.

A CNN news video that I’ve viewed this afternoon with a title that says IS MANILA READY FOR AN EARTHQUAKE?

Scorching Summer Heat… I left Tokyo last March 30 with a temperature of 2 degrees Celsius; arrived in Manila after more than 3 hours of flight with nearly 36 degrees. … Para akong nasa fridge tapos pumasok sa oven!

Annoying loud campaign jingles of local candidates trying to win your vote even if you’re a registered else where! LOL!

And yes, Tina and I are also concerned of our electric bill that soared highest this month. Regardless of the fact that I understood that the raise in the generation charges from power suppliers and the increase in customer’s consumption are the 2 contributory factors; still our main concern is to settle the bill before March 29, that reads PhP 4,520. 75 from usage of 359 total kWh; way above our last month’s P2,900 statement. What about you? How are you dealing with yours?

Luckily, Tina and I got a real bundle of joy…

Gabby : Daddy, ano yang hawak mo?

Me : Meralco bill natin, anak… Tumaas… sobra!

Gabby : Ahhhh… Starbucks na lang tayo, I want Choco-frap!

I & Tina thought : *nice idea!*

….And since Starbucks in the Philippines offers PhP 40 off on all coffee blends on dates April 22 -23, 2010 in celebration of 40th Anniversary of Earth Day for patrons who’ll use TUMBLERS instead of paper and plastic cups, we hurried to our favorite coffee shop to forget about those irksome issues even for a while and re-focused on family bonding…

Gabby’s absolutely right; we need to breathe and chill out… Our 5-year-old son’s presence always reminds us that we appreciate simple things like coffee breaks even on top of overwhelming hassles.

And so Tina had her Expresso frap, and our little one had his Choco-frap and I ordered Java chip frap double blended; all on our tumblers

My worries about the environment, politics, money matters and whatnot were all forgotten when I dunked my fork into these heavenly goodies…

It’s our first time to taste these Top Pot Doughnuts which are now offered at Starbucks : Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut, Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut, Top Pot Apple Fritter. We all shared and tried them all I like them all, actually. The Apple Fritter has a hint of cinnamon while the 2 other Top Pot doughnuts have sublime flavors that are far from being irritatingly sweet.

Tina and I thought that they’re better paired with hot blends rather than frappuccinos. Anyway, there’s always a next time., haha!

Have you tried these Top Pot Doughnuts? Which one is your favorite?

How do you deal with daily stressors like mentioned above? We may not be saints but the 3 of us always pray together, with Gabby as our usual prayer leader.

Oh btw, don’t forget to recycle, reduce and reuse for Mother Earth. We’re trying our best to do that too. HAPPY EARTH DAY EVERYONE! Let’s pray and be easy on stress, OK? haha!

Oops, did I already tell you that Gabby also had a slice of this Oreo Cheesecake?

He finished the entire plate!

Apr

NOTHING BUT CHOCOLATES

By docgelo 24 Comments

“There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles” -Anonymous. LOL!

It’s a sin to think about and post this at almost midnight and I know that there’s more to life blog than chocolates but not right now, LOL!

One of the things I always welcome is receiving BOXES of SURPRISES.

In one of my voice calls via YM with Tina when I was in Tokyo few weeks ago, she told me she received a package in my behalf, delivered by a courier. The box came from her aunt who works and resides in Europe. I used to prescribe her aunt medication, so from time to time, she sends us chocolates without me asking her. Sweet!

This was also the reason why I resisted temptation of buying ROYCE at Narita Airport near the PAL boarding gates even if ROYCE chocolates there are only sold for as low Y660 (PhP 330); cheaper than its cost in TriNoma and Greenbelt 5.

Forgive me, I can only share photos with you; you know I practice “Family-First Policy“, LOL

Just take a good look at them; they really melt in your eyes; err mouth!

Forget your diet, LOL!

Go ahead, indulge!

What are your favorite chocolates ?

Sweet dreams, everyone!

Mar

SEBASTIAN’S

By docgelo 25 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: amici, amici caramia, caramia, cold treats, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, food, food blog, foodie, froyo, gelato, gelatone, Haagen-Dazs, Ice cream, ice cream flavors, sebastian's, sebastian's ice cream, selecta, summer, the white hat, yogurt, yoh gurt froz, yummy

My family and I have been keeping our love affair with gelato, yogurt and ice cream. Perhaps with different intensity but we love ’em all. Personally, they’re few of my comfort foods. I always say that the world is incomplete and unhappy, at least for me, without these cold treats.

We may have forgotten the brands but the tastes were so remarkable that even after 5 years had passed, my wife and I can still remember how rich and creamy ice creams in Auckland, NZ were.

Locally, we’ve only sampled a handful of delights. We like GELATONE, AMICI + CARAMIA for gelati. GOLDEN SPOON , RED MANGO , YOH-GURT-FROZ, THE WHITE HAT, FYI FROYO for yogurts. SELECTA GOLD SERIES, ARCE DAIRY (Have you tried their Atis / Sugar Apple flavor?), MAGNOLIA and of course, HAAGEN-DAZS which tops our favorites for ice cream.

Last Sunday, another would-be-favorite has been added to our list. We’ve finally tasted premium ice cream from SEBASTIAN’S…

Try hard not to drool blink and feast your eyes on the 3 flavors we enjoyed…

CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE

BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH

They all taste great! Tina, Gabby and I give Sebastian’s our two-thumbs up! And definitely we’ll come back soon for more flavors!

Can you match those 3 flavors to us as to who had what? Katuwaan lang.

Special thanks to one of my blog-buddies, Ingrid who suggested for us to try Sebastian’s.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Feb

CHOCOLATES ARE LOVE

By docgelo 27 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: chocolates, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, family life, food, food blog, foodie, grocery, hershey's chocolates, landmark grocery, Landmark Supermarket, sweets, trinoma

Sometimes, things we do unplanned turns out to be a pleasant one.

Last Sunday morning, immediately after we heard mass, Gabby asked Tina and I if we can go straight to grocery. Since it wasn’t scheduled, we asked him why. He only wanted us to buy him a box of his favorite cereals. How can you say NO to an innocent request ? So we went to Landmark supermarket in TriNoma to buy his cereals and some supplies for our fridge.

As I was pushing our grocery cart, Tina spotted this…

Despite the fact that we still have our stocks of chocolates in our fridge that mostly came from our relatives abroad as their pasalubong last Yuletide season, Tina still thought I’ll like it; for I am a sucker for Dark Chocolates. She kiddingly told me that it’s already her early Valentine’s Day gift for me. I took her statement in a jiffy and smiled my widest. I also asked her to get one for herself; I know other than the love for chocolates, she also likes tin cans. Yes, she casually collects tin cans. In a heartbeat, she also got this from the grocery shelf…

Packaging was so nice! It’s a slide-on tin can with embossed illustration of what to expect inside…

Luscious chocolate pearls! How can you go wrong with Hershey’s ? For only around PhP 80 per pocket-sized tin can that has approximately 20 -30 choco-pearls, it’s definitely easy on the budget!

Heavenly sweet!

Oh, and we didn’t forget to buy Gabby his request.

Do you like chocolates have sweet tooth too ?

What’s your latest grocery finds ?

Jan

SEVENTH HEAVEN

By docgelo 9 Comments

Despite the mild U.R.T.I. (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) and a ton of uncertainties I’m experiencing, God knows how grateful I am to Him and for all the love and support from my family and closest friends that Tina, Gabby and I are getting; it’s just overwhelming.

Allow me to keep my hopes high and let’s all start the new week with wonderful things.

On the last quarter of 2009, my family and I were invited to HAAGEN-DAZS BRANCH OPENING in ROBINSONS PLACE MANILA where we received GCs. We enjoyed and shared with you via this blog our first experience with HAAGEN-DAZS FONDUE. Then weeks after, it was followed by MORE VELVETY ICE CREAM MOMENTS. And this will be the third but definitely not the last of those heavenly pleasures.

Have you been to Seventh Heaven?

Well, we haven’t too, but not long ago, we’ve tasted it at least…

SEVENTH HEAVEN, PhP 680+. Seven scoops of Haagen-Dazs ice cream of your choice, fresh seasonal fruits adorned by sweet strawberries and rich chocolate sauce, served in a mist of indulgence.

Scooping those balls of ice cream with little spoons and looking at each other’s faces while enjoying the plate together spelled another family bonding moment for us.

The only difficulty lies on the selection of the flavors.

My wife, Tina, our son, Gabby and I chose our 7 :

Vanilla,

Dark Chocolate Orange,

Cookies and Cream,

Macadamia Nut,

Vanilla Caramel Brownie,

Choc-Choc Chip,

Cappuccino Truffle.

This ice cream creation was just too divine for words. I actually ran out of superlatives to describe the slow-melting-process and the delightful taste of each flavor, LOL

Sure, we like yogurt and gelato but cannot resist ice cream temptation, can you?

Worries are forgotten when moments are shared with the family especially with ice cream!

Have a great week everyone!

God bless us more!

————————————————

Haagen-Dazs SM Megamall Atrium, 2nd Level Mega Atrium, SM Megamall Complex, Ortigas Ctr.

Dec

MORE HAAGEN-DAZS MOMENTS

By docgelo 5 Comments

We only have a few more breaths before we welcome a NEW YEAR! And I thought of posting my backlogs something to delight your senses!

The love for ice cream runs in our blood! Few weeks ago, we trooped to Mega Atrium of SM Megamall and spent an afternoon of nothing but family fun (read : INDULGENCE!).

We’re still in awe and have been savoring our HAAGEN-DAZS FONDUE experience more than a month ago and thankfully, we’ve sampled few of their heavenly treats again. What’s best with these velvety-ice-cream moments isn’t only enjoying it with my lovely family but having all of them for FREE! No, we’re not HD afficionados but we’re only lucky to receive HD’s GCs from an event we attended.

We’ve tried their branches at Robinson’s Place, SM Mall of Asia and recently, Mega Atrium in SM Megamall. And there are 3 common things we like in these Haagen-Dazs stores :

1. They know how to value their clients. At least with our few dine-in experiences, we’re satisfied with their service. Staffs aren’t only friendly and nice but know their goodies so well!

2. Clients have the luxury of finding flavors that are truly inspiring! Indulging in HD ice cream is such a pleasurable way to end a very tiring day or to start a new week fresh!

3. And Dine-in customers have the freedom to MIX, MATCH, INVENT, COMBINE, CREATE & most especially ENJOY scoops and spoonfuls of Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

Now allow me, Tina and Gabby to give you the license to drool, *pun intended*

The B E S T BANANA SPLIT I’ve tasted to date…

BANANA SPLIT, PhP 380+. Haagen-Dazs classic Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry Ice Cream, fresh banana and crispy almond flakes topped with maraschino cherry. But as I’ve mentioned, in HD, there’s the liberty to MIX, MATCH, INVENT, COMBINE, CREATE and ENJOY; I chose variation of its original flavors…

For my BANANA SPLIT, I had :

1. CHOC CHOC CHIP : a velvety blend of milk chocolate ice cream with a generous handful of dark chocolate chips. FYI, I like dark chocolates!

2. STRAWBERRY : Sweet, summer strawberries are introduced to pure cream and natural ingredients.

3. VANILLA CARAMEL BROWNIE : The elegance and sophistication of vanilla mixed with bits of chewy tasteful brownies with caramel drizzle.

Gabby had his own share of a BRUFFIN, PhP 60+ and a scoop of COOKIES AND CREAM, PhP 150+.

While Tina also opted to have her own choice mix and match moment…

My wife had two scoops of ice cream :

1. DULCE DE LECHE : A delicious combination of caramel and sweet cream, swirled with ribbons of golden caramel.

2. STRAWBERRIES CHEESECAKE in what Haagen-Dazs called BELGIAN WAFFLE DREAM, PhP 350+.

She opted for that second flavor rather than Macadamia Nut Brittle which is also a bestseller; her plate was served with warm Belgian waffle and freshly whipped cream.

*Expect more Haagen-Dazs Moments from me and my family next year!

Do you also indulge in ice cream?

What’s your favorite flavor?

What do you eat with ice cream?

Dec

PLANS AND PLANNERS

By docgelo 19 Comments

On the late afternoon of Christmas Day, soon after we left our paternal Lola’s house in Calumpang, Marikina City, I with my wife, Tina, our son, Gabby and my brother JC went to Eastwood Mall…

Gabby asked for a grande cup of Chocolate frappuccino and a slice of Oreo Cheesecake from Starbucks. He finished the entire decadent while I shared the Banoffee Pie (one of my favorites!) with Tina. I also enjoyed Dark Cherry Mocha frap and she had a hot grande cup of Toffee Nut.

Then after several weeks of caffeine indulgence, finally I got my 2010 Starbucks Coffee Planner. It’s probably one of the most expensive planners but one cannot purchase it directly; and can only be redeemed via a completed promo sticker card.

Each Starbucks Planner Promo Card requires interested patrons to collect 8 stickers (at 1 sticker per cup of any size) of Holiday blends (Toffee Nut, Peppermint Mocha and Dark Cherry Mocha) and another 8 stickers (or cups) from the usual Starbucks beverages.

I’ve been religiously using the planners from Starbucks for 3 years now and found it so functional to jot down schedules, appointments, small notes and whatnot. I am the type of guy who needs to write down important things in order to avoid missing them. Are we the same who need a pen and paper most of the time ? FYI, I sometimes suffer from selective amnesia, that’s why, LOL!

One of the unique features of the 2010 edtion is its coffee bean shaped marker which I wish to keep and hope would not be lost throughout the year.

For the 2010 planner, the collector can choose from 3 cover designs –coffee beans, coffee blender and coffee roaster which I like best.

The planner also comes with different discount coupons with specified dates.

Now that I’ve claimed mine, I’m just glad to have another partner (other than Tina,LOL!) that can aid me to be more organized.

Come to think of it, I have no plans yet for January 08… Hmmm… do you have any clue what’s worth anticipating with the eighth day of the first month of the year? Abangan!

Who does not want to plan for wonderful travels and awesome dining pleasures all throughout the year?

What are your biggest plans for next year ?

Can you keep schedules efficiently or do you also need someone or something to put everything properly ?

Dec

BOXES OF SURPRISES

By docgelo 27 Comments

What’s the BIGGEST box you received as gift ? Have you received a gift box that weighs 25 kg ?

It felt like Christmas came more than a week earlier to my family. I got 2 wonderful boxes as presents from our relatives and remittances in USD from my parents and in-laws.

Last Monday, 14 December 2009, on my way home from an appointment in Makati, I received a text from my wife, Tina that a box with my name was delivered at our door steps; it came from her aunt who works in London. The generous sender happens to be one of those few clients who received prescriptions from me. She was in town perhaps for the holiday break and was too sweet to give me this 3kg box of sweets!

As usual, our son, Gabby was more than excited than me to open the package! The box has 400 grams of Toblerone, and 2 assortments of chocolates in reusable tub and carton pack; they’re called Celebrations and Nestle Quality Street, all purchased from UK.

It was indeed a pleasant surprise to end my very tiring day!

Of course, I’ve been sharing it with who else but Tina and Gabby. :D Those mini bites of maltesers, snickers and truffles are my favorites (other than the local chocnut, hehe).

Another box of chocolates called Nestle Quality Street packed in recyclable carton box was included in the box. I was amazed that even the colored outer wrappers can be reused for compost where they’ll decompose and be use to grow plants. What a greener way of getting rid of them after enjoying the goodies.

We haven’t sampled all of them until now. It has Toffee Deluxe, Milk Choc Block, Toffee Finger, Orange Creme, Orange Chocolate Crunch, The Green Triangle, The Purple One, Vanilla Fudge, Toffee Penny, Coconut Eclair, Caramel Swirl and Strawberry Delight. Whew! So many chocolates, so little time, LOL

Then the second box we got this week was unbelievable!

It was an early Christmas present from my in-laws in San Leandro, California. They sent USD for Tina to purchase this at an appliance store in a mall.

If the first box weighted 3kg, the next one tipped the scale at grossly 25 kg!!!

It was a perfect gift to replace the ‘jurassic’ one.

We cannot thank them enough for everything…I am just lucky to have good relationship with my in-laws and I’m keeping it that way. What about you?

We don’t get washing machines as gifts every yuletide season. :D Now, that makes it one of unforgettable tangible gifts we received; and we’re hopeful for more blessings to come, THANK YOU!

Life is so much easier with this twin tub!

Nov

MERRY SPOONFULS

By docgelo 40 Comments

One of the perks of being a father that I enjoy the most is having kiddie moments with my own child. I’m such a kid-at-heart, so dealing with my preschooler son’s cravings isn’t a big deal especially if it concerns his appetite for ice cream….

Can you imagine a world without ice cream? :(

We may have different views about it but you will surely agree that this is too hard to resist…

HAAGEN-DAZS FONDUE, PhP 790+.

Share a luxurious Haagen-Dazs FONDUE created from molten DARK chocolate sauce combined with an assortment of mini scoops, fresh seasonal fruits and patisserie…

Pieces of chocolate chip cookies, wafer sticks, marshmallows or a heavenly soft pastry….

Selection of fresh tropical fruits : perfectly thin slices of bananas, apples and strawberries…

Every Haagen-Dazs Fondue comes with :
- four mini scoops of Macadamia nut,
- four mini scoops of Strawberry,
- three mini scoops of Cookies and Cream
- three mini scoops of Choc Choc chip

The extra regular scoop of Hazelnut Chocolate isn’t part of the Fondue but an extra order, PhP 150+.

My wife, Tina, our son, Gabby and I met up with my youngest brother, JC at SM-Mall of Asia last Sunday (after hearing mass and eating breakfast at Greenbelt, we mall-hopped to MOA!) afternoon and experienced this elegant taste bud-stimuli.

My wife’s guilty pleasure was also apparent on her serving plate…

I personally prefer dark chocolates over other variants and because this Fondue comes with dark chocolate sauce, it makes the experience more sinfully delicious!

Every dip dunk is like a piece of heaven!

Go ahead, feast your eyes… Haagen-Dazs is such an irresistible temptation. Each layer of velvety creamiest ice cream comes with layer of taste, sensation and pleasure…

Our son, Gabby can make himself a good endorser, don’t you think so?

Oh and I almost forgot to tell you that we enjoyed this finest ice cream creation without spending a cent…

I still believe in the saying, “The best things in life are FREE!” …

Forgive me, I am only sharing these GCs with my family; I know you also agree in the saying, “Family First Policy!”

Don’t worry, I’ll let you peek again at our next Haagen-Dazs intensely rich experience.

Haagen-Dazs is truly a pleasure in its purest form! Go ahead, inspire your senses…

If indulgence is a crime, then my family and I are guilty as charged!

PS : We got the GCs from here

And will you agree with me that HD Fondue in the Philippines is better than HD Hong Kong’s? view here

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HAAGEN-DAZS. 2/F 203-204A SM MALL OF ASIA, PASAY CITY / Tel No : (63-2) 556-1111

Nov

MORE THAN A GRILL PLACE

By docgelo 15 Comments

Other than great-tasting food, enticing ambiance, impeccable service, location and figures on the menu, my wife and I always look for family-friendliness in any food place.

Because we love our Kindergarten son, Gabby so dearly, he’s our topmost priority of course, particularly in choosing a place where we can chow down; either in a turo-turo, a fastfood joint or a restaurant in hotels or somewhere, there should always be something for Gabby to munch and/or to keep him busy.

Before heading to the Century Corned Tuna Bloggers’ Cook Off at The Stock Market where I was invited to be one of the foodie-judges, we had our late lunch at TEXAS ROADHOUSE GRILL in Bonifacio High Street last Saturday. It was our first time to eat there and you know our expectations.

We’re really really ready to grab a bite at something for it was past one in the afternoon already. As we’re quickly ushered in to our table; we immediately browsed the menu and we’re offered dried peanuts as appetizers while waiting. Luckily, not too long after we ordered, the cowboy and cowgirl wait staffs of Texas Roadhouse Grill brought to our table these…

WILD CHEESE FRITTERS, PhP 200 but we got it for FREE because we have a coupon stapled at their flyer valid until 15 November. KIDS also EAT FREE every weekend at Texas Roadhouse Grill but since we availed of this promo already; we only got one freebie. No worries, for cheese sticks are one of Gabby’s favorites. It’s a bunch of fried mozzarella sticks in marinara sauce. It’s a really good starter!

While Gabby was enjoying his wild cheese fritters, Tina had this…SWEET SOY MARLIN, PhP 385+. It’s a great serving of grilled Blue Marlin drizzled with melted garlic butter, served with Texas rice and fresh veggies. I, of course tasted what’s on Tina’s plate and like her, I was amazed at how they grilled the fish into almost perfection! It was so flavorful I almost forgot it wasn’t my plate, LOL One thing that I like best with most restaurants is when they serve freshly blanched veggies that they cut and sliced themselves. I am so partial to those who try to avoid using instant corn and carrots that are readily available at most supermarkets.

It was definitely a late lunch for us without red meat because I also chose seafood to pig-out.SHRIMP and SALMON SKEWERS, PhP 420+ . Three skewers of juicy shrimp and salmon, grilled and seasoned with Roadhouse herbs and spices. Served on a bed of Texas rice and fresh veggies. The cowboy-server was so compelling that their dishes are best served with sauteed mushrooms, so I requested an add-on; but little that I know it’ll cost me PhP 95+, a price that’s equivalent to 3 cans of button mushrooms already! Ayos lang, it really complemented my plate well.

If you’re a frequent reader of my posts, you know by now that I do love almost anything with shrimps. I like it buttered, steamed and yes, grilled. This plate of shrimps and salmons + veggies and lemon butter sauce was my HAPPINESS last weekend! It may be pricey yes, but a sure treat to someone who likes seafood so much.

Of course, a better way to cap a nice meal is to have a sweet ending.

Gabby’s choice for our dessert-to-share : COWBOY CHOCOLATE CAKE, PhP 220+. This is described in their menu as the most decadent chocolate cake in the West. Rich, moist chocolate cake; you’d ask for more! It’s topped with vanilla-flavored ice cream coated with melted chocolate. It was so heavenly! (that my wife told me its price sky-rocketted to 7th heavens! She meant was there are some who offered almost the same kind of dessert for less) :D Good thing about this was the fact that Gabby liked it.

The place is cozy; we like the tavern look made up of wooden planks and swaying doors to the kitchen and toilets. One side of the resto has the bar where one can enjoy a good drink while watching a nice play at their flat screen TV.

The wait staffs clad in plaid long-sleeved shirts with scarves and in boots were commendable for being courteous and smiley.

We dined there at Texas Roadhouse Grill with other families who were also enjoying their weekend. It’s enough proof that it’s a good place not only to hang out with friends but a venue where wholesome family fun can be enjoyed.

————————————–

TEXAS ROADHOUSE GRILL, Bldg 1 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Tel # (63-2) 856-1547 / 856-2499. Other branch at Ruby Road, El Pueblo Real de Manila, Ortigas, Pasig City. Tel # (63-2) 635-6715.

Oct

BORACAY SERIES : A FOODIES’ PARADISE

By docgelo 45 Comments

This is my 4th post in a series.

I felt I gained 10 pounds kilos after our brief family break in BORACAY last week. You can’t blame me, the island itself is an epicurean paradise; there are tons of gastronomic temptations…

Can you resist this?COUPLE ICE, PhP 260. This is one of Red Bean Halowich’s refreshing delights. Thinly shaved ice available in 2 flavors- either milk or mango serves as the base. We chose mango ice.

Toppings include corn cereals and red mung beans and a ton of tropical fruits -slices of bananas, pineapples, mangoes, watermelons and cherries with a huge swirl of vanilla soft ice cream.

The moment we walked through D’mall in Boat Station 2 and saw Red Bean Halowich’s window display, we never had second thoughts of entering their airconditioned restaurant to try their iced sweet treats. We only ordered that big bowl and a glass of iced tea for Gabby. Couple Ice, second to their biggest serving, is huge enough to be shared by 2 to 3 people. The bowl reminds me of Red Mango’s, except that Halowich’s is more enormous in size and contains ice, not frozen yogurt. Nevertheless, we love it. Ask my family.

While Halowich offers the best alternative to the famous Pinoy Halo-Halo, ARIA for us (my wife Tina, our son Gabby and I) is another must-try restaurant in the island. A vibrant and relaxing vacation in Boracay is never complete without tasting the best pizza and best pasta from ARIA CUCINA ITALIA.

The fast and friendly wait staff who attended to our table told me that Aria is owned by an American restaurateur with some foreign partners; they also co-own Cafe del Sol, a coffee shop beside Aria and a Japanese restaurant located in the middle of D’Mall.

This was my plate from Aria…

Gabby was asking for pizza on our second day at the beach. As we try not to eat anything that can also be found in malls and Italian restaurants and fastfoods in Manila, we sat in Aria and gave in to our son’s request. We ordered…QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 475 +. It’s hard to overlook Aria’s finest woodfire oven-baked pizzas. Aria’s version of four-cheeses pizza is light yet satisfying and flavorful. The amazingly delicious crust is topped with four different cheeses : pecorino, feta, parmesan and mozzarella. Gabby had his smile up to his ears when the pizza arrived at our table.

BOSCAIOLA, PhP 370+. A creamy sauce of mushroom, ham and parmesan cheese on pasta of your choice. We had the white sauce on penne. Wow, sarap!

There are many choices in Aria’s menu that are worth a try. There are insalata or salads, meat dishes, antipasti and other flavors of pizza and variants of pasta. Did I tell you already that Aria has wine selection too ?

What to have for dinner in Boracay ?

A few meters from the shore, as dusk comes to the island, beach front restaurants transform the coast line into a seafood and meat buffet, al fresco dining.

What’s a BORACAY VACATION without sampling the freshest catch from the sea? The spreads, which include fruits and some desserts, mostly cost PhP 250 per pax nett, excluded of drinks. While the price of the buffet is so affordable, would you believe that a 1.5 liters of Coke regular costs PhP 140 (regular Manila price around PhP 37 to 40 only). But heck, we have to try the seafood buffet here even for a night.

On my plate…

On Tina’s…

The gluttons in us had two rounds of the spread and a plate of watermelons and few servings of maja blanca and other kakanin and that’s it. Yes, the crustaceans are fresh; there were garlic and boiled rice even some pasta and fish dishes include Lapu-lapu and Tuna; there were grilled pork liempo and fried chicken too; there were adobong pusit (squid), crabs, baked oysters and mussels and shrimps which I like the most but sorry there were the usual “lutong-bahay” taste. In simplest terms, there’s nothing special about the buffet we had.

My wife and I have this ordinary rule of thumb when dining out : we try to eat something reasonably priced, that can’t be prepared easily; something gourmet, or unusually present at our table at home. And even though we’re satiated after that seashore pig-out, I still felt a bit disappointed. Perhaps, I was expecting more from the spread. At any rate, try it as well, you might like it. As what I usually post here, ‘to each his own’.

What’s best with our eat-all-you-want- dining in Boracay or elsewhere (including hotels in the Metro), our 5-year-old son still eats for FREE Although he only ate soup and few servings of fruits, we’re still happy that we didn’t pay a cent for his plate.

Another must-try in Boracay is LEMON i CAFE located at the heart of D’Mall in Boat Station 2. This resto boasts of all-day-breakfast ala carte menu, delicious entrees and of course, desserts.

On the afternoon of our first day in Boracay, Gabby was looking for McDonald’s or Jollibee for his favorite staples. To no avail, I and his mom asked him of other food he wanted to chow down. Thankfully, he pointed to a cake on a glass window display from Lemon i Cafe.

TIRAMISU, PhP 120+. This is one of the best Tiramisu I’ve tasted, hands down. Gabby’s picky palate likes it too.

For most travelers like us whose budget isn’t sky’s the limit, finding affordable food places that offer combo-meal that also doesn’t disappoint is so comforting.

D’Mall also has ANDOK’S that offers budget-friendly meals like… PORK SINIGANG, PhP 69. Andok’s big bowl of sour soup of pork and veggies is surprisingly delicious! The string beans, kangkong and tomatoes are fresh. FYI, we haven’t had anything from Andok’s in Manila other than its grilled chicken + gravy + atchara or pickled papaya. Now, we know that there’s more of it than lechong manok.

SIZZLING SISIG, PhP 145. Lipid-rich Sizzling Pork Sisig is one of Pinoy food favorites. Since we don’t eat it on a daily basis, I guess having it on a plate during a (self-declared) holiday is logical enough (*defensive*). Tina and I like this, malinamnam! (tasteful, compared to other restos’).

We also sampled Andok’s PORK BARBECUE, PhP 22 per stick and Gabby was delighted with Andok’s LECHE FLAN, PhP 34.

And I almost forgot, our brief stay in the Boracay was made special each morning with FREE breakfast inclusive of the package we availed from ESCONDIDO BEACH RESORT. A plate of toasts, fried egg, butter and strawberry marmalade plus a cup of coffee is quite simple but good enough to start our days in the island.

When you have a chance (again) to be in one of the world’s best beaches, take your vacation to the fullest by defining your digestive pleasure. If without dietary or health restrictions, go ahead, by all means, INDULGE!

Up next : More Boracay posts…

Oct

GLUCOSE FIX

By docgelo 12 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: best crepe, coffee shop, crepe, crepes, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, family and living, food, food blog, food place, foodie, mango, mango crepe, philippine mangoes, Philippines, restaurant, sweets, trinoma, trinoma restaurant

DEFENSIVE FOODIE My family and I love to eat veggies, fruits and drink liters of water a day (especially me, I always think I’m an marine creature on my past life if there is such, for my great love for fluid intake). We try to balance our meals AT HOME but whenever we go out on a simple family bonding, say inside a mall or in a stone-throw away fastfood or convenient store, can’t resist when our cravings go haywire sometimes most of the time, LOL. Resistance as the say is futile… I say particularly when food is notably delicious!

I always wanted to try CAFE BRETON but only had a chance last weekend (yes, just before we had our panic buying preparedness-grocery shopping in Landmark, TriNoma, in Quezon City).

The comment posted by one of my blog buddies, Ingrid of Urban Mudra in my earlier entry about desserts to try this quaint food place was really compelling! I brought my wife, Tina and our son, Gabby to have our glucose fix which was perfect before we hit the grocery shelves.

I was surprised that Cafe Breton’s menu is so reasonably priced and that we only spent less than PhP500 for everything we’ve tried. Times like these, families have to be extra conscious of domestic budget and luckily, this homey Mediterranean-Grecian inspired resto will not make you spend too much on dining, at the same time, there’s no compromise with the quality of food they serve.

Gabby was so delighted that he had a handful of yummies…

He and his mom shared on those tall glasses of sweet refreshments.

STRAWBERRY COBBLER, PhP 107.14 + It has generous servings of plump soft-chewy strawberries and whipped cream. Gabby, who loves strawberry-flavored anything other than chocolates, unsurprisingly liked this!

He also tried the smoothy mango shake, although I like it more than he did. In case you don’t know yet, I’m a sucker for mangoes.

MANGO SHAKE, PhP 84.82+. It’s near velvety consistency and taste of real ripe mangoes makes it different to other commercial shakes and smoothies.

I now believe that a visit to Cafe Breton isn’t complete without trying a plate of their heavenly crepes!

LA PINAY, PhP 142.86+ This perfectly thin crepe was filled with ample volume of riped mango slices, topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle. I swear, this has been the most delicious crepe I’ve ever tasted. Can’t wait to revisit Cafe Breton for another plate!

While my son and wifey were enjoying their sweet moment together with their orders, I felt satiated after finishing my plate and sipping a cup of coffee…

CAPPUCCINO, PhP 75.89+. Foam’s just right…a nice way to end a sweet treat.

We like it here. Definitely.

Cafe Breton, Level 4, TriNoma Mall, North EDSA, Quezon City.

Sep

DESSERTS BEFORE MEAL

By docgelo 14 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: desserts, filipino restaurants, food, food blog, foodie, foodie blog, halo-halo, iceberg, iceberg's eskimobob, mega atrium, megamall atrium, Philippines, Pinoy, sm megamall, sweets

Have you ever made desserts as your appetizers ? LOL.

I consider myself as someone who can be flexible to a lot of things especially when it comes to eating. I can chow down desserts first before the main course, I call it pure talent, LOL Some, like my wife, Tina just can’t; or at least, finds it difficult to reverse the scheme of dining. She believes everything should be done in proper order. I am not contesting. I am also systematic but when opportunity presents itself, I can easily adapt. Last Monday afternoon was an exception to my wife’s as we had sweets first prior to dinner.

As we’re strolling around Megamall as typical mall rats while waiting for our friend, Rob to attend to his early dinner invitation, we decided to fill in our tummies with light snack or merienda. After several minutes of roaming at the Atrium choosing what food to munch, we found ourselves seated at a table inside a familiar ice cream place : ICEBERG’s ESKIMO BOB.

Irregardless of the weather, ice cream and halo-halo for me are always a winner. So I was so sure when I ordered this…

CARAMEL FLAN, PhP 108 +.

With its cheap price, I was expecting a small bowl but the serving was good enough to be shared by two or even 3. I was glad to let my wife and our kid enjoy it too.

I always prefer super thin crushed ice when it comes to halo-halo or its variation. I hate one local fastfood chain that previously served pebble-sized ice on their halo-halo for the longest time until they recently innovate and changed for the better. This Caramel Flan from Iceberg doesn’t disappoint. Over the ice shaving were toppings of chewy macapuno balls, sweetened plantain (saging na saba), a scoop of ice cream and a cherry, with two of my favorites - riped mango cubes and generous amounts of leche flan slices. To complete the halo-halo experience, milk could never be absent.

While I was enjoying my bowl of sweet treats, our son Gabby was also busy with his…

At a young age of nearly five, Gabby is gradually developing his own preference toward food. He knows what he wants and his choices are not bad. Just like this SWISS CHOCO ICE CREAM, PhP 68+, that delighted his taste buds

Tina was craving for a crepe so she readily ordered this…

STRAWBERRY CREPE, PhP 168+. The price was again, never intimidating. However, it only looked better than its taste. This was the disaster of the three desserts we sampled from Eskimo Bob. It fell flat to our standards!

Both Tina and I love crepes particularly with blueberries, straweberries or with mangoes of course, wrapped in almost paper-thin pancake. This version did not live up to our expectations. The scanty little strawberries were chilled and never fresh, the pancake was nearly bland and to make the plate worse, the strawberry and chocolate drizzles were far from being sublime. The only saving grace was the ice cream topping and some whipped cream… Sayang! my wife didn’t finish it at all…

Despite the fact that Tina was disheartened with her plate, we still enjoyed the moment that was sweeter than our desserts!

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ICEBERG’S ESKIMO BOB, Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Aug

AFFORDABLE INDULGENCE

By docgelo 9 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: ai quattro formaggi, amici, cakes, cara mia, chocolates, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, food blog, food blogger, foodie, four cheese pizza, gelato, Ice cream, ice cream cakes, pasta, philippines restaurants, pinas, Pinoy, pizza, tomas morato, tomas morato restaurants

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 ! PENNE 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.

AI 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…

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

Don’t they look so divine ?

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

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…

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…BANANA 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…

PISTACCIOCCOLATO (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…

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.

Aug

BANAPPLE GOODIES

By docgelo 18 Comments

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.

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…

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!

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

ASIAN CRABSTICK & MANGO SALAD SANDWICH, PhP 100.

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.

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.

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

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…

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!

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.

BANAPPLE 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.

Aug

IT’S BEEN A FAVORITE

By docgelo 14 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: cakes, conti's, desserts, dining, doc gelo, docgelo, eating, food, food blog, foodie, pastries, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, potato salad, quezon city restaurants, trinoma, trinoma restaurants

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.

Our preschooler son opted to only have desserts. And just like his father, ehem, I guess he has good taste! 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…

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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. 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…

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.

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

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.

Aug

JAPANESE BREADS & MORE

By docgelo 9 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: cafe, cakes, chocolates, coffee shop, desserts, dezaato pan, dezaato pan breads sweets cafe, doc gelo, docgelo, family fun, food, food blog, foodie, gelato, Ice cream, japanese bread, Japanese food, restaurants, sweets

This 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.

This 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. This bread is called RYOUSHI OISHI, PhP 42. Sarap!

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

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.

Other than breads, there were cakes too…

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Aug

A BOX OF HAPPINESS

By docgelo 25 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: balikbayan box, cargo, chocolates, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, Filipino, food, food blog, foodie, padala, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, sweets

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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.

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…

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

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.

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?

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!

Jul

GELATONE’S GELATO

By docgelo 14 Comments

I don’t know about you but regardless of the weather, ice cream is always one of my comfort foods.

Half hour before we went to Greenbelt Cinema 3 to watch Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince yesterday (scroll down below for the post), our son Gabby was begging us requesting for ice cream. My wife Tina and I, as usual, were too weak to resist, we immediately gave in to his want.

Our immediate choice was to try Cold Rock Ice Creamery (from Australia) located at level 3 of Greenbelt 3 and it could have been our first time there. But when Tina was about to enter, I saw a posting at its glass doors prohibiting cameras inside. Why Cold Rock? Don’t you want free advertisement without frills on my blog? Well, whatever your reason for such regulation I wouldn’t care less, and it wasn’t our lost but yours…:) One establishment’s loss is another’s gain…Cest la vie!

So we had to go a level down the escalator and settle for an incomparable ice cold treat BETTER THAN ORDINARY ICE CREAM - what else but gelato from GELATONE!

It wasn’t our first time to try Gelatone but it took us a while to go back. We already tasted some flavors of this Italian frozen dessert (called gelato) a couple of years back with our friends of more than 16 years who then were back in Manila for vacation. Gelatone since then, serves cold yummy treats but their small dining place is warm and perfect for small conversations between friends and families

Even though I didn’t notice any apparent change in its interiors, it remained simple and comfy all these years.

Fair service + best gelato = more than enough reason to keep coming back to Gelatone!

Customers have options in Gelatone - Order gelato outside on a cup or cone and off you go, or to have it as dine-in, just choose the flavor from the frozen glass stall outside and a wait-staff will bring it to your table. If the order is for dine-in, a choco-stick will be served with the scoops on cups, but if it’s a dine-in gelato on a cone, the cone is also served with the cup. Get it? Of course, LOL. BTW, they also serve pasta and some sandwiches.

The hardest part in Gelatone : selecting from the wide array of flavors of gelato! Looks like everything is a must-try!

Don’t get me wrong because I still LOVE regular ICE CREAM even YOGURT too. I can’t imagine a world without them For a kid-at-heart but a huge man-at-stomach like me, these desserts mean HAPPINESS! I am not bias with any of them however I’ve learned long before that gelato has less air than ordinary ice cream, making it more compact so what you’ll get is more of its delectable goodness compared with regular ice cream; it’s just all in the process of making this yummy dessert.

We tried these flavors for dine-in yesterday….

Gabby had his scoop of BUBBLE GUM….

Our son enjoyed this flavor he even licked drank its last drop! On the opposite table where we were seated inside Gelatone, a kid with his European-looking mom, was also savoring the same flavor. Does it really has that appeal on kids? It tasted like, well, Bazooka-bubble gum the way it should be. At least the bliss that it brings to our own kid is priceless.

I ordered a scoop of this gelato of HAZEL NUT with DARK CHOCOLATE called BACIO NERO. Pangalan pa lang ng flavor, ang sarap na! Excuse me, I’m drooling as I post this, I need to wipe my keyboard, LOL.

I like chocolates so much that I wouldn’t pass an opportunity to enjoy it. There was no regret in ordering this, it’s a superb palatal stimulus but I was happier to taste Tina’s choice…

FRUTTI di BOSCO or MIXED BERRIES SORBET was a winner among the 3 scoops we had. It can deliciously clean your palate. I love the berry-flavor that’s neither sour nor sweet; it was just heavenly, lol.

Each scoop of gelatone costs PhP 100 inclusive of VAT if ordered in cups and + 10% service charge for dine-in.

These are proofs of how my family happily spent our thirty minutes before we headed to Hogwarts yesterday

GELATONE, Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Jul

ANOTHER FIRST INDULGENCE

By docgelo 10 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: cafe, cafe mary grace, carbonara, chocolate cake, coffee shop, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, family, food, foodie, iced teas, pasta, pastries, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, Pinoy food, quezon city restaurants, restaurants, seafood pasta, trinoma

Last Sunday, my wife Tina, our son Gabby and I went to TriNoma mall in Quezon City to have our almost-weekly grocery shopping. But before pushing those two grocery carts shelf after shelf, we enjoyed our lunch at this small but very charming cafe.

One thing that I and my family share and enjoy so much is our own passion towards eating good food. It doesn’t need to be pricey although I personally developed the preference to that flavorful and appetizing dishes; it must be deliciously stimulating not only to the palate but to the senses too. I guess my wife was severely infected. I am also bias with good plating and nice presentation of food combined with fair ambiance. And surprisingly, all of these we found in CAFE MARY GRACE in TriNoma.

It was our first time to dine in this quaint food place and it was far from being unpleasant. I like the homey atmosphere and that very inviting interiors. With the use of well-polished wood furnitures and interesting tables with notes and wonderful comments from diners written in different stationaries and some in colorful cards adorn the glass table tops. One may easily notice that no table is alike in CAFE MARY GRACE because of this well-thought-of concept.

Tina and I were delighted that our preschooler son, Gabby was beginning to feed himself with adult food. He’s still picky on solid food and usually prefers chicken from Mcdonald’s. But last Sunday, he asked for two dishes – a soup and a dessert. So we ordered SEAFOOD CHOWDER, PhP 137 for him…

While I had my own plate of SPICY LEMON SCAMPI, PhP 268.80. I like it, sarap, but I certainly wish that they have a BIGGER SERVING to satisfy my HUGE APPETITE. Nonetheless, it was really worth a try!

SPICY LEMON SCAMPI is made of fresh pan-seared shrimps atop linguini noodles in a sauce made of lemon juice, chili flakes, minced garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

I found this pasta so delicious that I can probably eat it everyday. LOL It’s not irritatingly spicy and has the ingredients that I like best – SHRIMPS!!! My plate was wiped off in a few minutes.

Each plate of pasta and starters like salad (which we’ll try on our next visit) and soup comes with toasted bread. Unfortunately, Tina had preference to her order, and disliked mine. She had this CLASSIC CARBONARA PASTA, PhP 202.68.

CLASSIC CARBONARA is a creamy pasta with mushroom and lots of bacon bits.

For our drinks, we tried Cafe Mary Grace’s home-made iced teas. Tina had her glass of PEPPERMINT and FRUITS, PhP 75 and I had RASPBERRY ICED TEA, same price.

These tall glasses of iced teas were refreshingly bubbly that made me want to try their other concoctions – SANGRIA and HIBISCUS soon.

On the list of desserts, Gabby singled out MANGO BENE so we ordered it, but few minutes after, the waiter came to our table, apologetic that he admittedly did not inform us that they ran out of that cake. Sayang, it looked gorgeous on its picture at the menu. I appreciated though, the courtesy of the wait staff. So Gabby settled with his second choice – a slice of CHOCOLATE CAKE, PhP 80.

It was perhaps a blessing in disguise that we’ve tasted Cafe Mary Grace’s version of the usual favorite chocolate cake. It has the right amount of sweetness, with caramel filling and that richly thick chocolate fudgy icing that would make you crave for more.

These moments are priceless…

My family’s showing PDA (public display of affection) @ Cafe Mary Grace…

Cafe Mary Grace, TriNoma Mall in front of National Bookstore, North Avenue cor EDSA, Quezon City.

Jul

SMILEY AFTERNOON

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: 6 dozen years of Krispy Kreme, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, doughnuts, food, food blog, gateway mall, krispy kreme, Krispy Kreme 72nd anniversary, krispy kreme doughnuts, krispy kreme gateway mall, snacks, sweets

Won’t you smile if you’re offered a FREE original glazed Krispy Kreme Doughnut at the counter as you pay for your order and upon reaching your table, a barista offers you FREE FLOWING brewed coffee? We just have that nice experience an hour ago at Krispy Kreme, Gateway Mall, Quezon City where we live one-LRT-station away. And since it’s a Monday despite the promo, we were lucky to find a seat inside KK. Ang saya!

I don’t know about you but I am one of those people who enjoy discounts and freebies. I found out from my usual blog hopping last week that Krispy Kreme is celebrating 6 DOZEN YEARS of baking sweetest doughnuts around the globe… 72 years of business is really something, so as KK shows their simple gratitude to their loyal patrons, it was noted that there will be surprises on this date (13July’09) in most branches (if not all) of KK as they celebrate their birthday.

I brought our four-year-old preschooler son Gabby to Gateway Mall and met my wife as she came from her work. We had our afternoon snack at KK and ordered an Original Glazed doughnut for Tina, Lemon Cheesecake and a bottle of Sola Iced Tea for Gabby and Chocolate Glazed Sprinkles for me. :) As I pay at the cashier, the barista asked me to sign a sheet of paper and offered a FREE Original Glazed Doughnut. And as I bring my tray to our table, another barista followed me to offer cups of brewed coffee. I asked her as if I’m clueless, “Is it ’on-the-house’ ?” , she replied with a smile, “Yes, sir, kasi po birthday ng KK!”. I and my wife, being coffee-drinkers addicts were happiest We requested for extra sachets of cream and sugar, and another refill, the same friendly barista was just glad to serve us with such. Nice

While Tina and I were busy clicking our cam to our doughnuts and to our son, the same barista came to our table and asked if she can also take a photo of Gabby. Of course we’re soooo delighted.

Happy 72nd anniversary Krispy Kreme! May you bake more doughnuts for another six dozen years and beyond!

Jul

DESSERTS & MORE

By docgelo 15 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: cakes, cheesecake, cheesecake etc, cheesecakes, chocolate cake, desserts, doc gelo, docgelo, egg, egg salad, etc, food, food blog, foodie, ham sandwich, pasta, rice meals, salad, sandwiches, soups, tomas morato

What a better way to celebrate weekend is to have a restful day and to give in to one’s craving…

Since he woke up early Saturday morning, Gabby repeatedly asked for a cake until he had his piece this late afternoon when we trooped to one of the restaurants along Tomas Morato in Quezon City. How can we say NO to our only son’s request when he became so studious the past week in his preschool. Besides, my wife and I were also too weak to resist (I always say that, LOL…it’s true anyway).

This wasn’t Gabby’s but my choice. It’s called LOW-FAT FRUIT MEDLEY (PhP 135), lovely, isn’t it? Tropical fruits mixed in light and creamy cheesecake mixture topped with slices of fresh fruits in season – thin slices of kiwi, grapes, and mango made into petals. Appetizing to the senses, made me crave for more.

My wife Tina shared generously ofcourse, her dessert – one of the premium cakes called BERRY TEMPTATION (PhP 135). It’s a strawberry cheesecake layered with raspberry swirled cheesecake, it was really tempting indeed.

Now this is CHOCO DOME CAKE (PhP 160), Gabby’s own slice. Actually, he had hard time choosing his cake from the wide variety at the counter but the friendly smiley lady-wait staff named Val suggested for us to try this Choco Dome Cake which is one of their delicious cakes (a bit pricey than the others) included in their Selections menu.

We availed of their sampler (PhP395)- choice of three cakes for a plate cheaper than per slice.

It’s been a while since we last dined at Cheesecake, etc. We’ve tried their branches in Greenbelt 3, Eastwood City, and in Greenhills but it was our first time this afternoon at their cozy restaurant in Tomas Morato. The staff were just great; they rendered service with a smile which is one of the satisfying-factors that I always want whenever I order from a fastfood, a restaurant, or a carinderia, LOL. It’s always satiating when the wait staff are smiley and the area clean.

Gabby loved the slice of Choco Dome Cake. He enjoyed it so much that he didn’t even bother to taste his parents’ cakes. Tina and I were happy to see Gabby eating real food. He’s still choosy when it comes to solid food, just like most of his age of would-be five, who usually still prefer milk, we’re trying hard to introduce to him some adult meals.

Spoiling the sweet tooth once in a while isn’t bad, right? Other than cakes which we had as desserts of course, we were first busy enjoying these plates ….

I liked my sandwich. It’s called HAM IT UP! (PhP 165). It has toasted wheat bread with lettuce, tomatoes and onions, with mayo-mustard spread in two generous slices of forest ham. It has this tasty sidings of egg salad that reminded me of what my late maternal grandmother used to prepare as my baon and merienda during those school days before. It’s done with chopped boiled eggs mixed in mayonaise, spiced with pepper, sugar and salt. I don’t know about you but it’s one of my favorite palaman or sandwich spreads in the entire planet. I swear I’ll make this egg salad again as my sandwich spread for my baon to work.

Tina opted to have the MELTS (PhP 95). It’s a plate of two slices of toasted wheat bread with pizza sauce and quickmelt cheesy toppings. Sarap! Also served with egg salad on lettuce.

Other than the many cheesecakes and sandwiches Cheesecake, etc has, they also serve soups and salad, rice meals that include Beef Stroganoff (PhP 185), Boneless Bangus (PhP 185), Chicken Pork Adobo (PhP 175), Pork Sisig with Egg (PhP 165) and Chicken Ala King (PhP 165). A wide variety of Pasta also are a must-try from their menu, among which are Seafood Pasta (PhP 195), Aligue Pasta (PhP 195) – a must-try next time we dine! and a lot more…

By the time I asked for the bill, Val gave me a promo card that entitles me to avail of a free cup of brewed coffee plus a 5% discount on my next visit. How good was that?

CHEESECAKE, ETC. / Tomas Morato, Quezon City / Tel # (63-2) 929-0725.

Jun

ONE BUBBLY AFTERNOON

By docgelo 2 Comments

When it comes to dining out, my wife and I would often want something that we haven’t tried before, unless we’re not in the mood to be adventurous on food, we’ll just play it safe with some of our favorites. Browsing the the net to scan reviews of food places is always helpful especially when we’re on a slightly tight budget. After all, good food need not always to be pricey.

Some of our favorite comfort foods are sushi, sweet desserts such as cakes coupled with iced-cold beverages or coffee. And all of these we found in one place called Bubble Tea – Tokyo Milk Tea Place.

Bubble Tea, as of present has two branches at the Metro- one in SM Megamall and the other one that we’ve tried is located at SM The Block. Bubble Tea offers a fusion of Japanese and Italian/continental dishes all in one place. Here’s a few peek of what we’ve tasted from Bubble Tea’s menu.

I liked this Bubble Salad Sushi (PhP 125). Since my wife was already satiated from our lunch with another resto, she only tasted one and I ate all remaining 3 sushi, hehehe…sarap! It has glutinous Japanese rice, slices of mango and crab with chopped cucumber pieces wrapped in nori and topped with mayonaise-like dressing and fish roe; it appeared and tasted like an improved version of California maki.

We were provided a huge cardboard menu by the friendly wait staff but we also went to the counter to check out other things to try. Then our son Gabby pointed at his preferred cake at the counter so we ordered. He’s a bit choosy when it comes to solid food so we usually give in to some of his requests. He liked this Choco Royal (PhP 80).

The Bubble Tea’s Choco Royal’s filling has soft-melt-in-your-mouth consistency from different textured chocolates. Gabby’s happy with it, he almost finished the entire serving.

Ofcourse, what’s a visit to Bubble Tea without sampling their Milk Tea or shakes. They’re called Bubble tea referring not to the frothy beverages but to those chewy tapioca. My wife ordered Taro Milk Tea (PhP 85) with extra egg pudding (Php 15) while I tried Choco Milk Tea (PhP 75) with extra egg pudding as well. We both liked the Taro Milk Tea for being flavorful and I personally prefer it over what I’ve ordered since it has that Jasmine tea aroma that came in perfect blend with the egg pudding and tapioca; it was really refreshing and offered a twist from similar taro pudding and drinks that we’ve tried before.

Gabby looked excited to sip those two tall glasses of bubble milk teas..

Other than the varied choices of milk teas and different flavors of iced cold beverages, Bubble Tea’s menu also has Oishi pizza, some choices of pasta and Japanese rice bowls. The service was quick, the staff were courteous and friendly with ready smiles to their clients and didn’t forget to bid us good bye as we left their resto that weekend afternoon.

Bubble Tea -Tokyo Milk Tea Place. G/F SM the Block, North EDSA, Q.C.

Jun

TATAY-DOC’S DAY!

By docgelo 4 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: bibingka, buco pandan, cakes, dad's, Dad's Ultimate Buffet, daddy's day, desserts, father's day, Filipino, Filipino food, food, food blog, foodie, Glorietta, glorietta 3, ham, Japanese food, Kamayan, makati restaurants, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, Pinoy food, restaurants, roast beef, Saisaki, sashimi, sushi, tempura

Warning : This post contains gastronomically stimulating photos and you may want to have a glass of water with you while you view. Enjoy…

I celebrated Father’s day with my wife, Tina and our son, Gabby for two consecutive days at two different venues. Needless to say, I’ve got the happiest stomach last weekend!

After Gabby and I got sick of mild viral infection last week, this year’s Daddy’s day out had more meaning by being thankful that we both regained our health as if nothing happened. It’s but logical to enjoy the weekend and savor another family bonding moment. We attended anticipated mass last Saturday afternoon at Greenbelt Chapel (that I’m posting after this entry) after our hearty lunch in Glorietta 3. Amidst the countless restaurants in Makati, there’s one spot where Gabby loves kani tempura the best… yes, our 4-year-old son already prefers crab tempura better than hotdogs and burgers! So we usually have buffet brunch or dinner at one of the affordable buffets in the Metro, where else but…

That’s my first platter of sushi, tempura and few slices of sashimi from Saisaki. Dad’s Ultimate Buffet includes Saisaki and Kamayan that offer Japanese and Pinoy food spreads respectively (and continental for Dad’s). We always have these blue plates which also mean cross-over buffet or access to those 3 buffet sections.

And just after finding our table at Saisaki, the manager on duty (ispooting na ispooting in tux, LOL) asked us if we would like our Ebi tempura to be served at our table (so as to avoid stampede at the buffet spread-JOKE!), he got my approval ofcourse! I was too weak to resist, LOL.

Then I walked through the open kitchen where I found my favorite Japanese soup Sukiyaki (I’m not a fan of miso soup, sorry), while Gabby opted for the thick and creamy seafood chowder from Kamayan. Take your pick…

Surprisingly, SAISAKI was having a theme of SUSHI IN THE CITY (a delicious spoof of sex and the city series) so the spread of sushi and sashimi improved a lot better since we last dined there few months back. The yummies were presented more stimulating to the palate and to eyes. If you like these Japanese starters, feast your eyes on this spread… (I repeat : these plates were at spread, not on our table, LOL)

There’s an art in every roll…

It’s advisable to call and make a reservation for table/s or at least to be early before the doors open at 11AM for lunch or at 6PM for dinner buffet. We were just on time for lunch last Saturday and I’ve clicked my cam on those gastronomic delights. Those tamago rolls (egg) are one of my favorites, with California maki and other sushi. The tuna and salmon sashimi were just right at every slice, without that fishy after taste, they were really perfect for soyed wasabi!

By mere posting this I’m craving again for those yummy sushi! Tina had her own preference, this was her plate…

I like that shredded crab sticks with Japanese sticky rice and generous slice of ripe mango wrapped in nori; my wife shared it to me and it was really sarap!

Now if you don’t fancy those sushi and sashimi, I can’t blame you but you should know you’re missing the world, LOL, anyway, you might be interested with the other spread most especially the desserts…

Before those delightful sweets, let me show you the plate I didn’t finish… well, almost. I just stuffed and hid the few slices of left-overs with tissue papers and used chopsticks … This was my carnivorous-protein-rich platter from Dad’s and Kamayan… While on the right was my surprised gift from Enervon prime adult milk given by a promo lady.

The roasted pig’s skin was crispy as expected. I also enjoyed the salty sweet ham from Dad’s but I was surprised that the staff in the carving station put 3 slices of ham on my plate when I only asked for one. I didn’t notice it because my eyes were glued to the other dishes, LOL. So I failed to eat them all, sayang. The roast beef was not that tender. I asked for 2 slices from the medium well-done part but still it didn’t pass my expectation. But the Lengua from Dad’s is always a winner for me. The slices were far from having gum-consistency and the mushroom gravy was also perfect. Tina also had ceasars salad from this spread which she shared with me. It’s healthy to eat fruits and veggies in between during buffet dining…

There’s so much more food in Kamayan but we only had few bites of bibingka with muscovado and puto-bumbong…

On with those desserts : This was Gabby’s plate after he munched on those kani tempura.

His mom got those for him from these plates at the buffet…

Tina and Gabby got scoops of ice cream in strawberry, mocha and chocolate flavors. The scoops were also bottomless however we only had these cups and tasted other favorite sweet treats…

While Gabby was enjoying these bite-sized cakes and pastries, I got some fibrous fruits from Saisaki and Tina had Buco-pandan from Kamayan…

When I paid the bill, I asked the manager to validate my DAD’S HAPPY DINER card (which they hand in to customers after dining) and by doing so, we’ve completed 10 required signatures thus we’re already given one FREE BUFFET on our next visit (Mon-Thurs) before August 19. Count few weeks and we’re off to Dad’s again, LOL.

After each buffet in Makati, whether it’s on Dad’s Saisaki Kamayan or in hotels (we’ve tried Dusit Thani and Shangri La’s Circles Events Cafe, you may want to hit my search engine here to view those posts) we always try to roam the entire Makati shopping district, LOL, to burn those calories and cholesterol we ingested. So after that “ultimate” lunch, we strolled Landmark, Glorietta and Greenbelt which I’ll post next…

BURP!

————————–

DAD’S ULTIMATE BUFFET include KAMAYAN & SAISAKI -GLORIETTA 3 MAKATI – (632) 892-8898.

Ultimate Buffet costs PhP 590 for adults, half price for kids.

Jun

MERIENDA

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: desserts, docgelo, doughnuts, food, foodie, glorietta 4, krispy kreme, krispy kreme doughnuts glorietta, makati malls, snacks

Right after I’ve deleted my photos in my digicam accidentally (see post below), I knew better and learned my lesson well. We walked from Greenbelt to Glorietta in Makati and had an afternoon snack that helped me somehow to forget my negligence. We had some doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. It helped me move on, LOL.

I had Classic Peanut Butter and Striped Cream doughnut and paired it with Cappucino. My wife Tina had New York Cheesecake doughnut which for me was irritatingly sweet, sorry.

Gabby had his favorite Strawberry chiller which he generously shared with his mom, and ate Chocolate Custard Glazed doughnut.

Do you like doughnuts?

Me? Depends on my mood, LOL.

And yesterday’s afternoon called for a sweet nothing.

Jun

FROZEN

By docgelo 18 Comments

Yogurt is such a hit nowadays here in Manila since most Pinoys are already conscious of healthy living. Well for me and my wife Tina, we just like to enjoy it so we’ve tried two of the many available brands here (RED MANGO and YOH-GURT-FROZ) and we can’t help but to compare it with ice cream.

Considering its nutritional value with lesser calories and fats and its taste ofcourse, usually served with fresh fruits and/or nuts, we certainly like yogurt. But I can’t imagine a world without ICE CREAM! It’s one of my comfort food. There’s always that kid-in-me who craves for ice cream every now and then. Who cares if it’s summer or rainy days? Ice cream for me is always in season. Although I already avoided eating dirty ice cream (sold by street vendors) after watching a TV documentary on how it’s prepared and done, I settled for the commercially available sorbetes.

I also like ice cream cakes. I grew up having few of my birthday cakes were ice cream cakes bought by my parents from Magnolia Ice Cream House in Aurora Blvd in Quezon City. Just a few months ago, we tried FIVE COWS in TriNoma that serves frozen desserts such as ice cream and ice cream cakes. We also liked it. View my previous post about it –>HERE

The last time we’re in Greenbelt 3 in Makati, we tried GELATONE, a small restaurant that serves GELATO, or Italian ice cream. Gelatone has so many flavors and variety of gelato dishes to choose from. I just failed to bring a cam that time. So what makes gelato different from ice cream? I heard it’s the lack of air - gelato has less air, or none at all, compared to ice cream.

Yogurt, gelato, or ice cream, I like them all and can’t have one over the other. All of them are delectable!

Yesterday, I and my son Gabby walked to the far end of our street where a convenience store is (what else but 711) to buy what else but ice cream. I was sure of what to buy.

Since we’ve tasted all of the 3 flavors already (Hazelnut Brownie, Chocolate Truffles and Berry Strawbery), we have singled out our favorite. All of those 3 Selecta Gold ice cream flavors are decadent, but we like Berry Strawberry so much. Perhaps we had so much of chocolates (we usually got tons lots of them sent by my in laws from the US and it takes us few months to consume them all unless we give some to our siblings, nieces and nephews which we do actually) that we deviated our preference to something fruity and creamier….

With generous amounts of strawberries and richness of its cream, I’d say it’s just perfect for my palate, for the lack of a better word to describe it. We finished the tub in two seating.

So what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

I have to stop blogging this, I’m craving for another scoop.

Now, please excuse me, I need to indulge….

For more info on ice cream and other frozen desserts, click this–> SOURCE

Jun

YOH-GURT FROZ

By docgelo 8 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: desserts, docgelo, food, food blog, foodie, fruits in yogurt, quezon city restaurants, sweet treats, tomas morato, yogurt, yoh gurt froz

Life is damn short and sweet. Do you agree?

As I maximize time to enjoy it, I found myself torn between two kinds of yogurt, LOL.

If you’re frequenting this site then you have probably viewed this post —->CLICK THIS!

And just the other day, my wife Tina and I enjoyed YOH-GURT FROZ at Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Do you like fruits in yogurt? Blueberries, slices of mango and kiwi perhaps ?

The plain yogurt of Yoh-gurt froz was thick and frozen. It took more than a minute of air exposure before it began to melt. We just stared at it for a moment, scrutinized its edge over the rival brand that we’ve also tried and delighted with the experience (twice and counting).

Although Yoh-gurt froz has a little space for its diners, and they use frozen fruit toppings, which according to my wife are better for it lessens the moisture compared to the fresher fruit toppings of other yogurt brands, I say I will not say no to it at any season – summer or not! Refreshingly healthy!

May

RED MANGO PART 2

By docgelo 8 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: desserts, docgelo, food, foodie, Ice cream, megamall, megamall restaurants, red mango, red mango yogurt, restaurants, sweet treats

I told you, it can be so addicting!

Left : Original frozen yogurt, medium (PhP 115) + 3 toppings (PhP 40) : Blueberry, Kiwi, Peaches.

Right : Swirl Yogurt of Original & Green tea, medium (PhP 120) + 3 toppings (PhP 40) : Mango, Kiwi, Peaches.

It was only 48 hours and one blog post when I first tried Red Mango yogurt in TriNoma mall. It’s a healthier alternative to ice cream and other sweet treats with less guilt on the caloric-sugar-fat-counters. I so like it that I brought my wife Tina and son Gabby to Megamall this afternoon to visit Red Mango’s branch there and for them to enjoy my present cravings. Expectedly, they love it too! Who can resist fresh fruit toppings of choice (or you can opt for nuts or choco chips) on an all natural-frozen yogurt ? It has reasonable price, friendly service, nice comfortable interiors – an option to coffee shops that we also frequent.

One of my blog visitors posted comments on my previous entry on Red Mango and suggested for me to try green tea yogurt on my next visit. And so I did have a swirl of original frozen yogurt and green tea! Not bad at all! Sarap pa din! LOL…

Here’s a photo of the variety of toppings one can choose from. Slices of fresh fruits or do you fancy nuts or chocolate and candy bits ? You can have it as one, two or three toppings! It’s cheaper when you have 3 toppings; plus it’s appetizing & visually appealing.

The staff was so pleasing and politely answered my querries. She told me that they have been operating for few months now (where was I during those days? I’m always late on what’s new! LOL). After their branches in TriNoma, Eastwood malls in Quezon City, and their branch in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Red Mango will invade the malls in Makati soon! Yipee! We live in Quezon City but we like Glorietta and Greenbelt malls. They are my son’s stroll places.

Look how nice Red Mango’s serving bowl is! It has the store’s logo at its bottom- a little surprise for the kids and kids-at-heart. This was my bowl, emptied after 3 minutes!

RED MANGO MEGA MALL. Ground floor SM Mega A, SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong City.

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