Misohana

I love spending holidays with my family and friends. People now a days are often too busy to even breathe and check up on themselves. Some are often tired from work that they just prefer to stay home alone and relax. But I've never been the "home buddy" type. I've always loved hanging out with my friends. Out as in out or till the mall closes out. Holidays are never complete if I don't get to hang with the people closest to my heart, it leaves this empty empty void in my heart. It wouldn't stop until I get to see them.

Since most of my loving friends are still in med school or still in school. I barely get to see them. But distance was never an issue. True friendship can stand the test of time.

Since it is now the perfect time to be with my loved ones. We decided to hang out even just for a while since most of them are gonna be going abroad or spend the rest of the vacation someplace else. But where to go? Since Robinson's Magnolia is the new 'IT' place. Since it is new. The place is so clean and cold. It's new alright, but did you know that there are several new malls just around the corner. In the near 2014 or so..

There are several great places to eat at at Rob Mag, but my friend and I were brave enough to try out Misohana. We actually patrolled around other restaurants to see if we were craving for something. Nothing came to mind except RAMEN! Poor old Mr. Nissin. Nobody thinks of him whenever craving for hot noodles.

There are actually several other places like Ramen Bar or Miso Ten. But since Misohana is the new Ramen place. We decided to try it out!

We checked out Ramen Bar before dining at Misohana and saw that the former had a lot more variety to their menu as compared to Misohana. But it was not that bad. I actually loved their salad. I am never a salad person but whenever I am with my friend Sel. We always order salad. I really don't know why. I never asked why. But I love having great adventures with this girl! Best friend the world ever gave :)

Misohana has a simple modern welcoming ambiance. I don't know if it's just me. But orange seems to be around lately. All day long I can see orange bags, orange shoes, orange chairs. Who knew orange would one day be cool! I remember when I was a child, people would always ask you your favorite color and the usual colors would be pink, blue, yellow, red.. I seldom hear orange, and if someone said that they like orange, people would react funny.

Come to think of it. It is really eye catching and I really like oranges, as in the fruit. :) I can never have enough fresh orange juice! Mabuhay ORANGE!

Have you heard about HANUTA? Read about it here!

     I am the crazy chocolate lady. I even have my own little fridge in my room to keep my stash away from prying eyes and unwanted strangers. I practically save or spend half of my money for food alone. I was taught not to be stingy when it comes to food, good food to be exact. You can live without so many material things, but you cannot live without food. So to every waking day, most of my problem is "what am I gonna eat!". Even on my sad days where I have no appetite to eat, I would turn to chocolates for comfort. No chocolate is too expensive for me. Chocolates are said to have a special effect on people and they really do. Think about flowers on Valentines day, they have always gone hand in hand with chocolates. 

     Can you imagine your life without chocolates!? I can't!! That would be my world gone mad! I love sweets so much that I just felt like I am close to diabetes. Had to go to the doctor to get my blood fasting glucose checked! We can never be too careful especially when it comes to our health. My dad says that everything should be in moderation. But I just can't stay away from my little joys. How about you guys? When have you had your last check up? With all of us foodie people out there eating their hearts away. We mostly have no idea how much junk we eat. How much calories we ingest, how much sugar we gulp. I suggest that if you had not visited the doc for a while now. You please must go visit him right away just before it's too late, visit him now, now that you have the time to because it's the holidays! and people are on vacation, I hope some doctors are not. :) I heard they are workaholics! haha Imagine the hardship they go through med school. If they aren't workaholics, I don't know what they are. I wouldn't even last a minute inside. Good thing I never dreamt of being a doctor.

     Back to our sugar-y business.

     So hanuta is one of Ferrero's babies. But let us save that for a little later. Let us talk about how Ferrero practically changed most of the ladies life today. Every Valentines day girls would receive bouquets of flowers with a pack of 3 pieces or more if the guy really really likes you. It has been like that ever since I can remember it or a heart cake from the canteen of our school. I don't think anybody has really eaten that cake to be honest. I never did. It looked nice as a gift but not to eat. SORRY!

     So, who doesn't love Ferrero products? To be exact Ferrero Rocher. I have no idea what kind of person would not love it. Not unless you have allergies or what not. It has been used time in memorial for special occasions like Valentine's day, Birthdays, Christmas, etc. It is just so "gas-gas" but still very yummy! It hasn't lost its touch and I doubt it will any time soon. It has been such a big deal that it has been made into bouquets substituting the flowers that will wilt and die with in a week vs. yummy edible chocolate balls you can keep to yourself or share. I go for the latter without a blink but only to keep it for myself!

     Ferrero has a variety of chocolates to choose from and I hope the collections grows bigger. The famous Nutella is also made by Ferrero and it is all the rage now too. From tiny, small, medium, large, LARGE containers. I even saw a pack of 7 mini nutella container that is designated for each of the 7 days a week! There is this new contraption called nutella-go. Basically like our famous "school snack" Yan-Yan. Chocolate dip and stick biscuits. Some people just eat nutella straight from the jar and lick it off the spoon like it's a lollipop. Crazy but I've seen people do it. But Nutella-go is not worth the money for me. It is better to buy a nutella jar, and go buy bread or biscuit sticks separately because paying P100.00 or $2.00 is a bit too much for such a tiny tiny, did i say TINY THING?!?! I was so disappointed with nutella-go :( For the others out there who has tried it, did you feel the same as I did? or not?

     Ferrero also debuted their coconut flavor "RAFFAELLO". Great for people who like coconut, but definitely something not for me. I hate coconut for some reason. The smell makes we wanna vomit. I can smell it from miles away. Anything that has coconut. I will pass. Even if it is coated in chocolate-y goodness. It can't mask the taste of the evil coconut!

     But my ultimate favorite is Kinder Bueno, Kinder Surprise, Kinder Chocolate they are also made by Ferrero. Pricey but I love Kinder products. They are just so creamy and yummy! Top to bottom. Inside and out! and to be honest it is not crazy sweet but just right for the taking! I love putting it in the freezer before eating them because I don't like it melting inside the plastic when I am eating it (savor every last bit) and the coldness adds this crazy icy sensation that is delectable.

     Last but not least. HANUTA! HANUTA! HANUTA! But what is Hanuta?

THIS IS HANUTA

Magic Red Velvet Powder to spice up your holiday from CBTL

     I am not a coffee coffee person. Not unless I had to stay in the coffee shop to do some work or study. I know it is crazy, but I can never finish work inside the library, it is just too quiet. I always end up sleeping or staring at other people who are drowning in their work and not getting any of mine done. One problem that always troubled me was that just when I was drowning in my work inside the library, I always end up hungry and have to leave to grab a bite else where. 

     So I like how the coffee shop makes everything work for me. I know a lot of people think that it is crazy how can people focus when it is so noisy there. But trust me, it does work. I have no idea why too. Maybe less pressure, better ambiance? I don't know it just really depends on the person's preference. I prefer mine not too quiet and not too noisy. What's great about the coffee shops that I hang out at is that 75% of the people there are also studying. So the noise isn't too loud. It is just the right amount of sound to keep you concentrated on your work, and not too quiet that you would fall asleep.

     One of the drinks I am crazy about and I have been going gaga about is the red velvet frappe from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. For some time now I just can't stop thinking about their Holiday basket. Not really a basket, more of a cup. I have no idea how long they have been there and how long it is gonna be there but I am glad that I discovered it when I did.

     I decided to get myself an early present when I visited CBTL in Rockwell. Even if I purchased this set, I still decided to get myself a large cup of Matcha Frappe,even if it was freezing cold there.

P 599.00

51% OFF on Las Paellas at ENSOGO

I have been blabbing about online shopping for a while now, it may be a little late but better than never! Saving money especially this Christmas season is a must! So deals are everywhere.

I have been so busy filling out orders for my customers that I barely got the time to write or do some shopping myself. So I would just like to share to you what I have found last minute, it may save you a couple of bucks for a special occasion or two. Your birthday treat to friends and family, a date with your girl, or just a nice quiet meal for yourself. 

Sometimes planning ahead can save you big bucks. Imagine the extra change you get for the same quality and amount for half the price or sometimes more! I admit to hoarding coupons for my favorite places and it truly saves me money since I know that I would be visiting the place over and over again!

Special doesn't always have to extravagant or expensive. It may just be a simple well planned out blue print.

 DEAL Ends TONIGHT or atleast it says that there is one day left. Grab the chance now, you don't know when you will be craving for paella but it is a great thing to have a coupon on hand "JUST IN CASE". Since I had the time today to do some browsing on online shopping sites, I saw that my favorite ENSOGO had a deal on my recent blog article LAS PAELLAS, which is located at Greenhills Shopping Center.

They have 2 different offers for us.

if you haven't been there.

get a taste of LAS PAELLAS for an amazing 51% OFF!

the deal would be great for you and your date, or you and your family.

deal ends TONIGHT!

  

They are offering 

 

Set meal for 2 for only P 489.00 (valued at P980.00)

1 Paella

1 Main Course

2 Iced Tea

Set meal for 6 for only P1199.00 (valued at P2420.00)

2  Paella

2 Main Course

6 Iced Tea

deal can be used on January 16-April 16, 2014
*max voucher is 2 coupons per person per visit/redemption, but unlimited purchase
*reservation is atleast 1 day prior to redemption

by the way coupon can only be used at Greenhills shopping center branch :)

Visit

 ENSOGO.COM.PH

RIGHT NOW!

SAC People, eco bags with personality!

     I may not be mother earth's best child, but I do love her and I do what I can for her. Eco bags were not the best solution for some just because back then it was PLAIN and BORING. Some of them were and is still BULKY and are NOT "BAG" FRIENDLY. Can you imagine putting this in your bag?

     I can't! Not cool. So I was really happy when I started seeing very colorful and fun shaped eco bags! They looked too cute that they didn't seem to look like reusable bags. When in storage of course! Some of them are shaped like cupcakes, animals, flowers, etc. Take your pick, they have it.

Magic Bin. Can you spot the ice cream? :)

Muy Bien : Las Paellas Cafe

     OLA!!!!

   

     In the busy streets of Greenhills shopping center. With dozens of restaurants to choose from I believe that LAS PAELLAS CAFE is one of the best Spanish restaurants I've tried. I have been here a couple of times and the food never disappoints. As you can see the restaurant name is Las Paella, therefore we must assume that they serve paella there. They do! They have 4 different paella's there, I am not sure if other Spanish restaurants have this too. But as of what I know they usually serve 2 types. The NEGRA and SEAFOOD. I know that sometimes a long wait is worth the wait. But for now I would say PASS to paella. I am just so hungry that I could eat a horse or not (that would be weird).

Breakfast at Ling Nam

    I am not ashamed to admit that I am an addict. A sugar addict. I love everything sweet. Even my coffee tastes like sugar and not coffee. I have to admit that I am pretty scared of getting type 2 diabetes. Even my thesis had something to do with Diabetes. Everything has got something to do with sugar. So after a long while that I haven't gone to the doctor, I finally had the courage to face the fact that I need to check my fasting blood sugar (FBS) level looked at. So it was early in the morning around 8 am. God I hate needles. Even after 3 strikes of Dengue, I am still not used to the needle prick. Went there with clean dry palms but left there like I had just washed my hands. Sweaty.

     After the dreadful blood taking. I can finally eat a decent breakfast. It was too early for our usual time. But I didn't want a Mcdonald or Jollibee breakfast. I want something warm. Since I got my FBS checked at Hi-Precision in Del Monte, QC. We were near Banaue and what good way to start the day with noodles. Or so I thought!

     I love Ling Nam, whenever I am sick or just feeling sad. I crave for noodle soups, I don't know why, but there is this warm fuzzy feeling they bring to me when I eat. Kind of a warm embrace of a different kind. My go to sick food. If it is clam chowder for some. This is mine. What I love about it is that I have grown to love this food. Been eating at Ling Nam ever since kinder I think. I remember the time when we ate at Ongpin, and the place would be jam packed. You would have to share tables with people you don't know and feel as if you know them. No awkward feelings. It was the perfect place to eat that morning. With the sun shining and with the super blue sky.

Rosemarie's Red Velvet this, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Red Velvet that

ROSEMARIE'S

   
     It may be a little late, but since red velvet's are popping out everywhere! I can't help but give in. Even if I had no idea back then that there was cream cheese in it. I loved it the first time that I've tried it, or was it just my luck that my first red velvet cake was from Rosemarie's. Tasted nothing like cream cheese. I have been craving it like crazy ever since. I would even eat it like it was the last piece on Earth! Savoring every bite. Eating just 1 whole slice for 3 days. Talk about 'tipid-tipid'. The first thing I do when I reach the mall is purchase the cake because at one time they ran out of cake! BOOHOO. At one weekend I would buy 4 slices just for me for the in  coming week.

     Ever since then I have tasted quite a few red velvet's from different bakers, let me tell you this. Some of them are GROES! Really! I mean did they even taste test the thing before selling it?? Breaks my heart that they could even sell them at that rate.

     If you love Red Velvet Cake, I bring to you one of the world's yummier creation by ROSEMARIE'S. They have these perfectly baked fluffy, creamy red velvet! Every slice is heaven. For only P 85.00 per slice!

Carol's Texan 5 : My Ultimate Comfort Food

After a days work. Everybody deserves a good meal. But good isn't the best! It has been a while since we ate here and since my dad and I are finished running around Greenhills Shopping Center. I told him it would be a great idea to eat at Carol's Texan since it was just a 5 minute drive from where we are.

WELCOME TO CAROL's TEXAN 5!

     This is how it looks like from the outside, it is kinda hard to find restaurants who are located at the 2nd floor or above if you are not really looking for it or looking out from the car. 

Address : 2F 713 J. Abad Santos St. Barangay Little Baguio San Juan, Metro Manila (when you are on Wilson's Street, take a right turn when you see Alex the III and it won't be far and it will be on your right side)

Telephone number : 727-3843

Cell number : 0922-485-0154 ; 0917-817-1525

or you can go to their website : www.texan5.com

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen : Just gotta have some more

     When you had something great. You can't help but go back for more. It is not only applicable for love but also for love of food! When I went back to Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen and I was flipping through the pages. I am not one who will miss out something good from the menu page. So, I wondered what those 2 new photos are. New flavors??! I asked the lady and she said yes it is new. My first thought was that it is fitting for the coming Christmas season. Green and red! I went ahead to ordering the two. She said they are both spicy but seeing that they had the chef's recommendation beside them. I can never go wrong with either ramen.

Wasabi Mayonnaise + ___ = Heaven

     I love food a lot and whenever I see something I haven't seen before. I wanna try it and I just hate it when other people say what if it is no good!? If you say that to me. I will definitely tell you. How the hell will we know if we don't try it. And I sure am right! Right? If it is not good, well at least I would know and tell everyone "don't try that!" Talk about bad publicity! But there are times when I feel like the food looks good but is insanely bad, gah! those are the times that I just wanna strangle myself. Waste of money! Haha I should have gotten myself a sure thing. But this is how we get to discover new favorites, by going beyond out comfort zone and into the unknown.

Catch "The Food Bin" at 4 different locations this Oct 11-13!

WHAT'S THE FUZZZZ

     Since everyone is so frantic to buy Trader Joe's Cookie Butter I cannot say anything bad because it is good, but here is another contender Mr. Lotus Biscoff. I personally like it more. I am not really sure why, but I think it might be because it is insanely smoother, and no matter how much I put on the bread, it doesn't have the ERR feeling. So just like in Trader Joe's I prefer the crunch one over the smooth one. There is just more punch to it! We have been eating the smooth Biscoff spread for a few days. Luckily The food bin is having a weekend sale for Biscoff for only P399.00!! and ooooh!! If you love bread spreads! They have this 2 things that are rolled into 1!!! Ask for the White chocolate peanut butter spread. Imagine chocolate and peanut butter! It is like PB and J!!! for P395.00. Looks good! Taste good! I cannot express myself enough!! If you can hear the joy I am feeling, you would be deaf by now! So you really have to go one of their outlets this weekend!

ZAP TAG : Your best friend whenever you dine, shop and relax. Now with over 200 partners!

photo taken from their website

     

     Curious about ZAP TAG, what it is for and what it does? Looks like a credit card at first but it isn't. It is actually a smart sticker (It is the size of your regular credit card but can be toned down to half its size)! 

     It may be placed in your wallet, at the back of your phone or ID, basically anywhere you want to place it.

     It is such a cool thing because it uses NFC just like your super smart phone! No need for swipper swiping!

     There are a lot of credit cards that have specific companies tied to them giving you rebates every time you use them, down side is that it is usually for one company only. 

     So here is the coolest thing! Zap allows you to have the same privilege but not just for one company. Their rebates are not only 5% but it can even be as great as 20%! 

10 steps to online shopping with ease care of JOHNNY AIR CARGO

     I love love love online shopping. But there comes a time when the thing I want is out of reach. Literally! So I was left with the dilemma on how am I gonna get it!? Since the thing and I are worlds apart, I am loosing my mind thinking of how how how will I be able to get it?! But in a blink of an eye, comes this beautiful prince to save my life! Mr. Johnny Johnny Air Cargo also known as JAC EXPRESS or JAC. Saved my life and saved me money at the same time.

     I was planning on buying a book but it wasn't available in any local bookstore here. Down payment for ordering the book alone costs way too much than what I was expecting and to think I have to wait about 3 MONTHS! Not worth it. With the money I was about to pay them, I need to get my book ASAP! Unacceptable for me. I was a little worried at first to buy online from Amazon, and to think that they would be shipping it Internationally, I was thinking what if it gets lost in transit!? What am I gonna do now. I was left to gamble, thing is I WON! whoooo :) When I saw JAC online. I was like TAKE MY MONEY (with an insane persons voice)!!!!! JAC is seriously a really great shipping company if you want to buy things from the USA and have it delivered here to the Philippines, isn't that great?! NO! because it is even better! They can ship it directly to your home, saving you all that trouble of picking it up and carrying it around with you.

ONLINE SHOPPING WITH CREDIT CARD

1. Buy something from Amazon, Ebay or any online shop (in this case I bought my book from Amazon)

    JAC is your typical shipping company : which means that you pay whichever is higher volume or weight.

-Minimum of 2 pounds : $5.99 per pound + $5.00 handling fee

-Branded/Cultured bags, electronics, commercial quantity, metal, aluminum and taxable items : $6.50 per pound + $5.00 handling fee

Art Madness : Not your kiddie marker

     I have always wanted to be an artist. Of some sort. But the course I took definitely had nothing to do with art. So I was left with an empty heart, buying all the art crap I can see. It definitely started way back, back to my childhood days. Whenever we go to the ever so grand National Bookstore I just have to buy something. Something to write on, something to glue on, a pen, glitter, etc. Kind of like a bottomless pit, you can never really fill it up and now I present you with the surviving, yet still growing members of my wanna be artsy life.

     These are just some of the pens and coloring materials. But the reason why I am blogging this is that I want to share to you my new addiction. Markers. But they are not your ordinary childhood markers. These markers are the "adult markers" they truly costs a lot more and has a diverse color selection, and I mean by the hundreds! Do you have any idea how much these costs!? I for one was shocked. But if you are studying something related to art like Interior design, Architecture or fashion, you might actually need this. So if you are new to it here is an idea of how much they go for and where you can get them.

SEVENFRIDAY Boutique now open at Greenhills Shopping Center Promenade Extension

     I was surfing the web looking for a new watch just because I have an empty spaces in my watch box, and it is a NO NO! So I found SEVENFRIDAY. It caught my attention because its face was square and it looked sporty yet classy at the same time. It also reminded me of my favorite Nike watch that retired a few months back. Seriously, who doesn't like Fridays!? It means rest day for most people but not all, and to have 7 of it?! Immaculate! But reality check. NOT HAPPENING!

     I went to their website to check out the different models that they have and guess what I found. It is certainly more than what I expected. When looking at watches online you have no idea how big they are, and how they would fit your wrist. So here is something new. They have this PRINT AND TRY tab. So I clicked it and to my amazeballs. You can print the watch and try it on! KUDOS to their advertising strategy. BRAVO!! I found it really cool and if you like what you see. Then you might actually get the real deal. But it doesn't come cheap. Well for a pretty watch like that who wouldn't cash out!

     I know it is stupid. But just because I am bored and just for fun, I am actually gonna try the paper watch so that their advertisement won't be in vain. When you print the watch make sure to uncheck the fit to page option and in no time you will have a watch that is totally flat and won't even tell you the right time. Which tells you that you need to go now and buy the watch! :)

     So here's how the paper watch looks like when printed on a short bond paper :

P1 model

Betty's

     What I love about being lakwatchera is that I get to discover the wonders of my world. There are a lot of restaurants who are not in the food zone. Most of them are hard to get to, especially if you are not familiar with the place. But, sometimes these hidden places are the wonders one is just looking for.

     Good food and great dessert goes together. At Betty's you can have both worlds for a steal. Food is really great and definitely very affordable. They can also cater to your party needs whether it be for your baby's baptismal, your birthday, debut, weddings, etc..

     Instead of eating at our beloved fast food chains, which I like by the way, why don't you go down to Betty's and grab lunch for just P108.00 where you already have your main dish with free ice tea and soup!

     Their main entrees range from P98.00 to P198.00 only! They also have all day breakfast, appetizer, salad, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and piadina ( it is an Italian flat bread folded in half, it looks like soft taco).

     They also have brownies, food for the Gods, sans rival and choco revel bars per slice or in small/big box to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Sans Rival quarter box (6 slices) : P255.00

Ozaki for IPad

     If there is one thing I love about Apple products, it is that they have countless number of protective cases to choose from. I have bought several different brands and types of cases for my precious Ipad 2. OZAKI was the best for me. I love how creative and versatile their products are. They have designs for different types of personality and colors you would certainly like. Their products are well crafted and certainly worth the money for me.

     I have been scouting stores for a new case for my Ipad, but I can't seem to like any of them. I went on the internet thinking that I might find something that I would fancy. I did! I found OZAKI. But it seemed to me like they don't have it here in the Philippines. All the cases I found at the stores were boring and out of date. I decided not to buy, but when my old trusty Ipad case seemed to be in the verge of death. I went back to the mall and when I spotted the Ozaki Icoat (Slim-Y+) it costs around (P3,495.00), The collection has 7 different colors, each with a different design. When I saw the Baroque in pink, I knew she was the one!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich from Starbucks Coffee

     On a cold rainy day like this, everyone would grab a coffee or a hot chocolate to warm them up at home or at work. Since it has been raining for a few days now, I hope that everyone is safe and sound. Do not go out anymore if not necessary. 

     But I am so cold now that I suddenly wanted coffee and I thought of Starbucks new creation that is perfect with coffee for this gloomy weather. If there is a fire place in our house somewhere, I would sit there and cuddle up with my blanket! Starbucks has done it again! Their Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich (P80) is made up of 2 awesome chocolate chip cookie with melted marshmallow in between, and with a few seconds inside the microwave. PERFECT! Oozing with its chocolaty goodness in every bite!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich (P80)

Tacklings Bite Size Taco

     Mexican food is always a delight to eat. Oh how I love taco bell, but it seems to me like it is not that much of a hit anymore. Branches are closing down. Philippines is down to 2 branches : Trinoma, Gateway. PLEASE SAVE TACO BELL!! They don't have taco bell at Sm North Edsa, so I had to grab the next best thing.

     I first got to try this cute little creation at a Bazaar in World Trade Center. This bite size treat is really addictive, I can't seem to have enough of it. TACKLINGS is located at the 2nd floor of Sm North Edsa near Seiko watch center. are bite size taco's that comes in 6 (P60) or 12 pieces for (P110). It may be in Beef or Tuna flavor. But what really gives it its marvelous taste is the Garlic dressing and tomato topping. It looks pretty simple and easy to make. But where to find that exact dressing and the mini taco shell they used?! Oh did I mention that they also have a Malunggay taco shell for those who are health conscious??

Tacklings Bite Size Taco (6 pcs for P60)

SAMURAI killed all other Takoyaki

     Whenever we go to the grocery at Sm Supermarkets, I would always look forward to reaching the cashier. From there, there would be several picka-picka foods to choose from. SAMURAI would always be my first choice. My big brother was the one who introduced Mr. Samurai to me. It never really occured to me that was a takoyaki, I only knew it as Samurai balls. I feel like there is this special bond between me and my childhood favorite foods and this is one of them.

     I was at Cash and Carry last night and when I got there I immediately went to the food court located at the 2rd floor because I was craving for some. It is really affordable it only costs P35.00. It has been a while since a few of their branches have already closed down. If you like takoyaki and has never tried Samurai. This is the perfect time!

Samurai's Takoyaki (P35)

Mrs. Kreme and Mr. Joe

     It is now late, but I am hungry. I don't feel like eating junk food. I was snooping like a rat and guess what I found!!! Original Krispy Kreme in the refrigerator hohoho!! But I also felt like eating the very famous Trader Joe's cookie butter or CRUNCHY cookie butter!  I decided to make do with what I have and go with the Crunchy version.

Trader Joe's

     Seriously I felt that there are a lot of people who are hoarding Trader Joe's goods. Great for them. But please do leave some for the hungry. :)

This was how I made my awesome snack!

Kichitora perfect for the cold weather

     RAMEN RAMEN RAMEN. There are a bunch of ramen places popping up everywhere! I have a weakness for Japanese food! So when I see a ramen place, I wanna bring out the chopsticks and start munching. I find that there are some Ramen restaurants limit their menu to their special ramen and their usual gyoza that when you eat with other people who aren't in the mood to eat noodles it would be a big problem. Still it hasn't stopped me from drooling over their menu.

     I was craving for ramen. So I asked GOOGLE for a great ramen place that I haven't tried out yet and I found Kichitora, it is located at the 2nd flood of SM Mega Mall (Mega Atrium) and another Glorietta 5,

     I am such a ramen freak that I have my own expectation of what my ramen should taste like and it hitted the spot perfectly! They have their usual ramen and tsukumen-which has the noodle at the side and a few rice topping dishes for those who aren't in the mood for noodles.

     They also have 7 toppings you can add to your ramen if you think that whats in your bowl isn't enough (Which I always do!). When I order, I would always want to go for the house specialty. If that food doesn't deliver, how would their other food meet the people's expectation, right?

     So let us start of with their Paitan Ramen Zenbu no Se (P420) which is similar with their Paitan Ramen (P360) that salt or soy based white chicken soup with 24 hour chicken broth topped with either chicken/pork chashu, bamboo shoots, green vegetables, spring onion, fried garlic bits, only difference is that the Zenbu no Se has dried seaweeds and tamago. Ooooh how I love that tamago, you can never go wrong with it!

Paitan Ramen Zenbu no Se (P420)

Kumain parati sa MESA

     I think I am quite a picky person when it comes to food, but I think my dad beats me big time. It won't be often that you would hear him complement restaurants that they cook good food. So when my dad says that they cook good food. THEY DO! I was somewhere busy with my life when they first tried MESA at Tomas Morato. One day we were at Trinoma and he told me that he wants to eat at Mesa, so I teased him and said we always eat at mesa a.k.a at the table. There was a Mesa available at Trinoma but it is their sister company "La Mesa". We ate there and food was not bad. We ate there a couple of times. But whenever we go out, he would always want to eat at Mesa.

     At first glance, it looks like an expensive place to eat. Talk about ambiance. It seems like the perfect place to take your date, especially with that half circle table. I wanted to sit there but since there were 4 of us at that time, I had to sit at the normal table. Too bad! But what struck me most is that they have managed to make natural bamboo look pretty expensive. I took a seat and immediately took at the menu.

     After a long wait I am finally dining at MESA located in Tomas Morato. At the first glance of their menu the Shrimp with century egg & chilled tofu salad (P255.00) stood out. "MAMA!! We are ordering this." True enough the picture delivers. We all love it! There were 4 of us, and 8 pcs. of it, how I wish there was more because I think I can finish the plate myself. I was so bitin!

Shrimp with century egg & chilled tofu salad (P255.00)

Adobong Pusit (P250)

     Back in La Mesa (Trinoma), my dad kept looking for something pata like and crunchy, but the waiter said that they don't have it there. So I was like daddy, this maybe it! The boneless crispy pata (P550) is the one you are looking for. Yummy! But how do you eat crispy pata without rice? Here comes the bagoong rice (P150) it was also delicious and was enough for the 4 of us, it actually isn't good for 4 but we all claim that we are on a diet so we made it work.

 Boneless Crispy Pata (P550)

Bagoong Rice (P145)

     I am a dessert person. So, I always want dessert after a good meal, but I always end up too full. This time I can't help myself I know they have turon with langka and ice cream and that was that! I was surprised when it came! It looked and tasted different from the turon with ice cream from La Mesa, because it had a fried wanton as its wrapper. Full or not, everyone had a bite! and it was delicious :)

Turon with Langka and Ice Cream

     La Mesa from Trinoma and Mesa from Tomas Morato definitely have similar menu but not all. Mesa has more options and a sweet ambiance. I am definitely looking forward to my next visit to try their other menu.

Ramen madness at Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen

   If you haven't been to Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong for a while now. You will be in for a great surprise, because the long awaited east wing is finally open, but the stores aren't completely open yet, but horay for people who love to shop because there are a number of new stores to choose from.

     After a long stroll around the main mall, I finally spotted the "hidden entrance" to the new wing or at least that is what I call it because it wasn't easy to spot. It was so cold thanks to the new air conditioners! So, I thought of eating something hot. While walking around I saw several new restaurants. What caught my eye was Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen. It is located at the 5th floor of their east wing. JACKPOT!! Hot soup and compared to the restaurants beside it which were totally deserted, there were loads of people inside, we even had to wait a couple of minutes. I was thinking that food here must be great. As always I went with the Chef's Recommendation. Good thing about this place is that there are several specialties. Since my dad wanted the normal ramen, he ordered their special blended soy sauce base topped with special half boiled egg known as Ajitama Tonkotsu. It was superb! Dad was happy :)

Ajitama Tonkotsu (P380)

Pandora's Box

My mother isn't a compulsive buyer but when she saw this ring that was designed like a crown. I tell you, her eyes lit up and I never saw her so happy. 

On my part, I was so "inggit". I wanted one for myself. No, actually I want one for every finger I have.

So ever since that day I have been dying to have a crown ring of my own. So whenever we go out, I would hunt down jewelry stores for the crown ring. (My preeeeeeecious!). 

Finally when my chinky eyes laid eyes on PANDORA's Fairy Tale Collection. I saw "THE" ring and I fell in love with it and just like my mom I wouldn't let go. She had no choice.

My Awesome Crown Ring!! whaddaap :D