Typhoon Glenda and Preparedness

I find it a little strange how people can celebrate escalating winds and storm signals just to have work suspended or canceled. I appreciate holiday from work and would likely do cartwheels every time I get some bit of separation from it, but not at the cost of dangerous weather forecasts since a degree of risk, whether to us or other people, is always attached to it. PAGASA is always scrutinized being a work in progress (aren’t we all) but shouldn’t we all be silently praying that the storm changes direction and never hit any part of the country? Or do we just find satisfaction in proving someone wrong?

PAGASA reports that Typhoon Glenda as of 12pm today is at 40km northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar.

PAGASA advised the public to prepare and take pre-cautionary measures.

PAGASA urges public to constantly monitor weather updates.

PASAGA expects typhoon Glenda to intensify further with likelihood to raise storm signals to Signal #3.

Check Typhoon Preparedness Advisory from time to time.

Below are some practical preparedness tips we sometimes overlook, time to double check:

Keep all your mobile phones, laptops, and other communication means fully charged.

Disseminate information on weather and warning advisory to your family members, friends and colleagues. Check on them and ask them to go home already soonest possible time.

Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare food that need not be cooked.

Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.

Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.

Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, water, among others.

Typhoon Glenda is expected to hit Metro Manila this afternoon.

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Caught Bread-handed at Harina Artisan Bakery Café

In an urban environment, quite a number of restaurants try to separate itself from the clutter. They go spending top dollar on PR agencies for their launches and mentions in the dailies or glossies. Sometimes many great finds come about through wandering aimlessly, away from the usual commercial spots – or for easier reference, checking out this wonderful website called Between Bites (ahem!). Self-indulgence aside, almost every time, the food just has to speak for itself.

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Deep in White Plain’s neighborhood is a bakery-café that serves lunch, dinner and all-day breakfast menu. Inside it is airy and spacious, designed to be homey, relaxed and casual, with pale wooden display providing a gallery-like backdrop of its tasteful assortment of breads. Harina Artisan Bakery Café opened in November 2013 but the owners have been occupying the space as Monsee’s prior to Harina.

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Both brands are visible in the signage, with Harina fronting as its retail arm / café operations powered by Monsee’s, which focuses on the institutional business of supplying bread and pastries for airlines, hotels and other restaurants.

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At Harina, products are created with labor of love. The baking is done the traditional way, without shortcuts and chemical additives. Without additives used, the flavors of each ingredient are fully developed.

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The breads are hand rolled. Breads are baked in small batches rather than on a vast assembly line. A dedicated corner serves as their open baking area, allowing customers to see how some of their products are freshly made.

On the Table

Harina’s Bloomin’ Bread (for sharing) P320

Crusty pull-apart Italian loaf filled with basil puree and an assortment of melted cheese. Served with a dip of balsamic vinegar & extra-virgin olive oil

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Initially hesitant to order this, all doubts left me when I pulled apart a piece of the bread, dipped and took a bite. It had a beautiful crusty exterior yet inside, new pillowy levels that have alternating flavors of light basil and cheese. It’s possibly the best bread you could eat on its own or repeatedly dunk in a balsamic-olive oil dip with the sweet acidity interplaying delightfully with the basil and cheese.

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I could always sacrifice my low-carb diet for Harina’s Bloomin’ Bread. This round Italian pull-apart bread is nice to share with a group.

Grilled Watermelon

Outside their regular menu, Harina recently came out with a healthier menu addendum which would be perfect for those who want to lower their cholesterol level as a lifestyle choice or just fit in that skimpy bikini for a beach getaway.

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It smelled wonderful, a block of watermelon have grill marks formed on its edges. Cutting into it and taking a bite of the crisp piece of watermelon saturated with sweet juice was like eating the Angus ribeye of fruits. Fortunately, it’s 92% water so my clothes still fit fine. Caramelized parts give that slightly smoky flavor, enhanced by the cheese and repressed by the minty bitterness of the arugula. The garnish of alfalfa and chopped walnuts adds speckles of taste and crunch.

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This is the perfect summer dish that’s savory, light and refreshing.

Adobo Pulled Pork P265

Pulled pork adobo with fried kesong puti, lettuce and tomato on baguette

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The Adobo Pulled Pork had brilliant and intense flavors broken by the mildness of the fried kesong puti, fresh crisp lettuce and sweet tomato.

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Boon Tong Kee Philippines

The first time I tried Boon Tong Kee was in Singapore sometime 2010.  It started as a small chicken rice stall in Singapore’s Chinatown in 1979 and since then has grown into an international franchise with branches in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.  There are 7 successful branches in Singapore but the branch I dined at is their first full-service restaurant at Balestier Road, which opened as far back as 1983.

 

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Summer Beach Party at Ibiza Beach Club Cebu

Summerrrrrrrrrrrrrr is here!  And Ibiza Beach Club is making things a little hotter.

DJ Daiki Wakabayashi and his friends of celebrity DJ’s from Japan returns to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu to perform for a one-night beach party experience at the hotel’s ultimate party venue, The Ibiza Beach Club.

Organised by Cebu .20z, this luxurious event scheduled on March 8, 2014 is set to impress with exhilarating performances, creative cocktails and stunning ocean views. Think sand, surf, beautiful people and famous international DJs in one spectacular evening. Arrive early and take advantage of buy one, get one free cocktails and sunset beats from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Back to back DJ performances will begin from 7.00 pm onwards.

 

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7107 International Music Festival, Spectacular Now

We missed Dau by a split hesitation whether to take it or not.  He knew he read it in the driving directions and location map in the Survival Guide but asked the sleepless lady on the passenger seat to verify with a nod, but received head-shaking instead and a know-it-all answer that SCTEX will somehow lead to Clark.  Of course, she is wrong since there were no rice fields and a small bridge.  We took the next one, Mabalacat, and finally found our way to Global Logistics City in Clark Pampanga without any hitches.

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Arrived 430ish at the venue just in time to catch a little bit of Up Dharma Down, who closed their set with Tadhana.  Found a sweet spot with the rest of his crew and pitched our humble camp.  The cool weather was just perfect, like everything about this music fest was aligned with the stars, a light breeze and the sun setting slowly.

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Red Jumpsuit Apparatus opened with Face Down and I wanted to run away to the middle of the moving crowd and just get lost –“get pushed around, fall to the ground.”  “Well, I tell you my friend one day this world is gonna end…”  I squeezed in and jumped in between mats like a little mousy to make my way to the front-mid part but the big man trailed behind and before we could make our way to the crowd, the song ended.  Retreated back to camp.

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Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kendrick Lamar and Empire of the Sun got the massive crowd’s energy going all the way until the stage was set for Red Hot Chili Peppers.  RHCP unlocked their set list with Can’t Stop.

“The world I love

The tears I drop

To be part of

The wave can’t stop

Ever wonder if it’s all for you

The world I love

The trains I hop

To be part of

The wave can’t stop

Come and tell me when it’s time to”

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February 25, 2014 is EDSA Revolution School (only) Holiday

I think it’s only moms, mostly full-time moms or maybe full-time dads, who will sort of have a non-working holiday on February 25.  It’s a special holiday but only for schools.  Students rejoice since you don’t have to wake up early on that specific Tuesday.

February 25, Tuesday

EDSA Revolution Anniversary

Holiday for Schools

Since it is towards the end of February, don’t forget that it’s also the Malasimbo month!  Malasimbo Music and Art Festival happening in Puerto Galera from Feb 27 to March 2, 2014.

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A Home in Paradise at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island Cebu

 

I’m a Manila girl.  I envy friends who go home to their provincial town and celebrate regional fiestas since I’ve only known the capital city for most of my life not having relatives to visit elsewhere in the Philippines.  Evident of my countless short and long trips to this place, it is obvious that Cebu has become a hometown to me.

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I have had many returns enough to sing this song this way, “Cebu, Cebu, I keep coming back to Cebu.  There’s no place like Cebu.  Cebu, I’m coming home.”  And home is exactly what it felt like checking in at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island for four days.  Well, my home in paradise that is.

 

I’ve been flying in and out the past two months but I was only able to find rest in the last leg of my 2013 travel chronicle.  It was towards the final days of November and I was traveling with four gentle-but-not-so-gentle-men.

 

Our plane touched down in Cebu.  Moevenpick Hotel Cebu offers airport to hotel to airport transfers in style, with a huge air-conditioned jeepney-looking mini-bus.  Our chauffer assisted us with our luggage and 10 minutes after, we were welcomed by a beaming staff at Moevenpick Hotel.

Touchdown Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel located on the lush and tropical island of Mactan.  Surrounded by culturally rich points of interests, the hotel boasts an exceptional location ideal for both business travelers and visitors set to explore the city or nearby islands.

Refreshments were offered and as fate would have it, we arrived during chocolate hour (3pm-4pm at the Lobby).  A male staff with a tray of wonderful chocolate eclairs was going around offering these luscious treats in gratis.

My friend Richie of www.thepickiesteater.com teased the staff not to stray far away from him.  We almost shadowed him but eventually headed to one of Moevenpick’s restaurants Sails for a late lunch.

Filling our tummy with an afternoon delight, we headed to our rooms to settle in and take a short siesta.  Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu covers 245 contemporary guestrooms and suites.

I walked into my room and was glad to see where I’ll be camping in for the next few days.  I love white as it feels clean and relaxing so I am happy to report that the guestroom’s interior is in white and shades of blue.

All the guestrooms come complete with LED television, wireless internet and a fully stocked mini-bar.  Wireless internet is what makes it such a functional room.  I could work, blog and keep in touch with my friends and get connected to my social networking sites in a jiffy at no cost.

I could receive Viber calls too.  Moevenpick also offers high-speed internet at a nominal fee but I was pretty much content with their free Wi-Fi.  It did remind me though of the exorbitant internet fee I paid for at the Four Seasons Hotel in Langkawi, Malaysia in late September so yeah, free-of-charge Internet is glee!  Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible in all guestrooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel.

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Forever 21 BIG Sale This Friday

 

Good news shoppers!  Forever 21 is having a big sale this coming Friday, June 28, 2013 in all of their stores.  Check it out and share your good finds!

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Optimum Beauty and Wellness at Vietura, Aesthetic Lifestyle Center

 

Early morning of May 13, Wendy and I trooped to our different precincts, casted our ballots and got our index finger inked.  We made our votes count that day and we also made that day count by getting some needed RnR and lady love bonding.  Parked our cars about the same time at Sofitel and walked towards Vietura, an acclaimed aesthetic medical institute with every bit and feel of a relaxing spa.

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After layers of make-up and the harsh effects of camera lights while shooting until wee hours of the morning, Wendy looked forward to decongest the skin and I did too, my non-celebrity corporate slave work hard play (Frisbee) harder lifestyle casts me looking and feeling tired by the end of the week. Leading very active and dynamic lifestyles, it’s not startling that we get fatigue on full throttle.

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Hillside Ranch, In the Meat of the Moment

 

I stepped into Trellis restaurant last Thursday and walked into a restaurant that’s older than me. Trellis has opened its doors to clients since 1980.  That evening saw me and the foodie bunch led by Spanky, hovering around the corner where the carving station is.  Spotlight was on two celebrities breaking into the scene, who did their cameo at the Salcedo Market and during the Ultimate Taste Test. 

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Trellis has that easy atmosphere making it a steady place to dine and chill.  The acoustic band was terrific crooning Dave Matthews Band and Bob Marley songs.  Trellis famous for its pork sisig let this sizzling dish make its carpet entrance and it’s visible on almost every table at the restaurant filled with drinking corporate folks. 

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However, the real stars were the Beef Belly and the Corned Beef Brisket during dinner time and I was so stunned I almost asked for an autograph.  Guess who’s the management behind the talent?  The brand Hillside Ranch.

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Hillside Ranch began when the young husband and wife tandem, Atoy and Chay Tayag of Angeles City, Pampanga, decided to finally put their years of expertise into meat entrées that rival what restaurants can dish out of their kitchen, but theirs make gourmet meats available right at the comfort of your home.

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“Atoy’s family owns a meat processing business called Mother Earth, which make beef franks, tocino, longganisa, and sisig,” shares Chay, whose family runs the Kapampangan restaurant, Binulo while she manages the catering arm of an American restaurant, Rumpa.

 

Hillside Ranch is uniquely suited to the challenges of serving restaurant-quality food straight from the freezer and making it as delectable for home consumption without compromising its quality.  Hillside Ranch only uses USDA beef for that premium consistency and only specific cuts to be able to withstand reheating process whether pan fried or via microwave.

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The Beef Belly was unveiled in its full glistening glory, studded with pepper in that beautifully cooked brown color.  The knife swiftly cuts into the meat with barely any pressure and tenderly limps on the plate.  Sharing the limelight are side dishes of Garlic Rice and Polenta.

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It’s a stunning meat that can get me squealing in delight, minus a shot of Johnnie Walker’s Black Label –my first time to try it in my life.  It got me to shut up the whole night with Spanky teasing I’m too anti-social.  I couldn’t tell if it was Johnnie that got me standing crookedly or my knees buckled in sheer enthusiasm over the mouthwatering meats laid in front of me.  I kept stuffing my mouth with the sandwiches and the meats without a care that I’m slowly growing an inch or two on my belly… a happy belly at that… and every pun intended.

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Follow the Road to the Yellow Chicken at Wee Nam Kee

 

Remember that Last Song Syndrome (LSS) after watching The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, one which Dorothy kept singing as she used it as a guideline to lead her to Emerald City.  Follow the Yellow Brick Road?  Well, my version lately is Follow the Yellow Chick Road.

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After Anti-Gravity Yoga class at Beyond Yoga BHS Central, Isis and I walked the road that led to Wee Nam Kee, where we anticipated finding an emerald of a dish.  The imported Yellow Chicken, deemed as the Wagyu of Chicken, that can get anyone fixed on a new high with Hainanese Chicken Rice.

 

I find myself back in the modern and clean interiors of Wee Nam Kee but this time, at their Serendra branch.  From entering Manila shores some 2 years ago, the restaurant has already expanded to 6 branches.  There are only two branches that serve the highly acclaimed Yellow Chicken, Wee Nam Kee Serendra and Glorietta branches.  For something as good as this, it has every right to be a bit elusive.

RELATED POST:

Wee Nam Kee, A Slice of Singapore

The restaurant’s interiors give off a clean-cut contemporary feel with beautiful bird cage drop lights, but more than the comfortable setting to bring family or close friends to, it is what’s placed on the table that’s the main highlight and loyal patrons keep coming back for.  On a late Sunday lunch, the place was packed.

On the Table

Chili Crabs with Fried Mantou Bread (4pcs) – Price varies on weight

Wee Nam Kee has an extensive menu but we had to stick with its house specialties like their Singaporean Chili Crab and Cereal Prawns to accompany what we targeted for that day – Yellow Chicken.

 

Isis had her eyes set on this dish as soon as she opened the menu and even if I had crabs the day before, I did not back down.  Wee Nam Kee serves a mean Chili Crab dish that has all that sweet spicy mixture of garlic, shallots, sesame sauce, ginger, oyster sauce, tomato and of course chili sauce that I don’t mind getting my hands dirty on.

By now, you know the drill, soak up the chili crab sauce with the fried mantou bread and if there’s a drop on your plate, mop it off and place it in your mouth.

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No wasting that red sticky goodness that strikes just the right punch of sweet and spicy.  I also love that the good-size crab had hefty meat inside that’s not overcooked but tender and still retained its integrity.  I could finish heaps of white rice with this or a basketful of fried mantou.

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Red Buffalo Wings and Pizza

The Gilmore area is a burgeoning commercial area, especially with the launch of Greenhills Town Center there.  Bubba and I have visited the commercial complex and have dined at Ha Yuan.  Another trip there and we spotted this American-looking diner with high ceilings, spacious dining area, and red/white motif interiors.

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READ the Story below on other Gilmore restaurants:

Mien San Noodle House

Thai Dara

4 x Force 

The bright lights look so inviting and add some coziness in the place.  We couldn’t help but be ushered in and claim a table before ordering at the counter.  Red Buffalo Wings and Pizza opened last December and offers diner-style food with Burgers, Pizza, Milkshakes and Wings heading their menu.

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Diamond Hotel’s The Cake Club at Bonifacio High Street

 

The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel is one of the many things that make the hotel’s name sparkle among foodies with delight.  Diamond Hotel made it even more accessible to its patrons by opening The Cake Club in Rockwell Powerplant a few years ago.   

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Now, city dining in Bonifacio High Street has become exciting as Diamond Hotel Philippines opens The Cake Club in the area.  Located at the posh Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City near the same location as Aria Italia Cucina, guests are welcomed by the restaurant’s cozy and sophisticated interiors matched with Diamond Hotel’s signature cuisines and delicacies – providing 5-star dining experience in a relaxed setting.

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RELATED POSTS:

Yurakuen, A Teppanyaki Feast

Corniche Steak Nights, More than a One Night Stand

Aria Italia Cucina

Mad Dash to Diamond Hotel for the Culinary Flavors of Indonesia

Wine and Raclette Buffet at Astralis  

As mentioned in this blog a few times, I’m a big fan of Yurakuen in Diamond Hotel that’s why I’m always open to what other offerings they still have in store for us.  Set to satisfy discerning taste buds is a sublime selection of savory dishes at The Cake Club.  Starters include Red Beet Soup, Truffle Fries and the much-loved GM’s Salad.   

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I’m not a huge desserts person and before we go to the sweet part of the subject, I’ve lined up the signature must-try dishes below.  Other than various cakes and sweets, the Cake Club also offers savory dishes that can whet your appetite.

 

On the Table

Truffle Fries PHP 180

We’ve seen truffle fries creep up in restaurant menus more and more in the recent years with the growing exposure and awareness of truffle.  Some can get it right and The Cake Club did with its packed finger-size cut fries served in a modern “steel” cone that emits the enticing truffle aroma.  I feel it’s such a steal at P180 when most are pricing the same over P220.

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Between Bites TOP TEN Best Date Places 2012, 2nd Edition

 

I’ve received a lot of emails and responses regarding the Between Bites Top 10 Best Date Places (2010) entry and have had many requests on an updated edition for quite some time.  It took a while but it’s never too late to make every Saturday or whatever appointed date a LOVE day.

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Between Bites Top 10 Best Date Places, 2nd Edition 

 

1. Savoy Bistro

Savoy Bistro sits in the middle of East Asian Art Gallery along Kalayaan Avenue.  East Asia Art Gallery features carefully selected pieces of art by various artists from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Cambodia and Indonesia.  Other than ogling at each other for dinner, stimulate the eyes and mind first with artwork and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces before getting enthralled with Savoy’s savory dishes.

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On the Table

Mussels and Co PHP 270

Since we were almost full from the amuse bouche from the Chef, we decided to get something light for a starter.  There is a choice between White Wine and Cream or Tomato Basil for a bowl of freshly cooked mussels.

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Forever 21 Makati on Sale March 2012

 

Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!  All ya ladies and gents in the house who love shopping at Forever 21, listen up!

It’s that time of the year again, when Forever 21 SM Makati goes on sale.  Ding ding ding ding!  YES, that MAGIC word… SALE!   Are you shivering up in excitement as I am?  It’s a 3-DAY SALE starting March 16, Friday and ending March 18, Sunday.

 

On March 16: Present your F21 Mastercard AND SMAC/BDO Rewards, get 20% off on regular items with a minimum purchase of P5,000 until 12nn only.

Present your SMAC/BDO Rewards OR SMAC/BDO Rewards, and get 10% off on regular items, until 12nn only.

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Savory European Cuisine at Savoy Bistro

 

During the prominent Greek times, Plato and teacher Socrates exchanged philosophical dialogues laying foundations for Western philosophy and science.  While that has greatly shaped the many schools of thought at present time, the only discourse that gets my full attention is an exchange of dibs on latest discovered restaurant, the best places to eat at a budget, specialty dishes that can’t be missed and will soon be the talk of town. 

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Such was the case when Bubba and I set out to Makati to find this Savoy Bistro.  The pursuit of Savoy can be ascribed to our friend, Joel Yaptinchay, who we frequently text for random food talks / restaurant updates and exclaim some sudden “oohs and aahs” right after a “fantastique!” meal. 

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Savoy Bistro sits in the middle of East Asian Art Gallery along Kalayaan Avenue.  We didn’t have reservations and decided to just wing it.  Unfortunately, it was full on a Saturday so either we wait or skip.  Swedish-born Chef Robert Lija sweet-talked us into staying with a glass of wine or two.  Bubba and I weren’t in a hurry so we obliged, plus the red wine was really good. 

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East Asia Art Gallery features carefully selected pieces of art by various artists from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Cambodia and Indonesia.  Bubba and I roamed the 2nd floor for a feast for the eyes.

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After 10 minutes or so of waiting, the wait staff brought hors de oeuvres to our table, compliments of the Chef.  Another 10 minutes gone by, Chef approached us with another plate of hors de oeuvres and a plate of Jamon Serrano, multigrain bread and goat cheese.  I had not a better waiting time elsewhere. 

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Finally, Chef ushered us inside and into a special dining area amidst different collection of furniture and a wine cellar.  It looked like a family dining room back in Scandinavia in 1900 but we had the whole room to ourselves.

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The restaurant and gallery are both owned by Jonathan Torph, who approached our table that evening to check if everything was okay.  He also happens to own the boxing gym next door and after finding out that Bubba is into that “thing,” both left me while I photographed the food to walk over to the gym.  

 

On the Table

Mussels and Co PHP 270

Since we were almost full from the amuse bouche from the Chef, we decided to get something light for a starter.  There is a choice between White Wine and Cream or Tomato Basil for a bowl of freshly cooked mussels.

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Joel swore by their Mussels and Co and even if I love tomatoes, we heeded.  It was served with Savoy’s own sour dough multi grain bread which we also finished dipping it into the left over cream on the bowl.  This is a definite repeat order for me plus maybe I’d order the Tomato and Basil too.  We can’t have too many mussels especially if it’s THIS MOUTHWATERINGLY GOOD.

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Tournedos Rossini PHP 980

King of Steaks served with Pan Fried Foie Gras and Truffle Sauce

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I still can’t get over the Mussels and Co appetizer when the Tournedos Rossini arrived on the table.  The interest did shift right after a bite or two of the medium cooked steak that had a bright pink color in the inside and perfect sear outside.  Foie gras –always the perfect comrade for this meaty mouthful and all brought together in an exquisite truffle sauce.  Bubba did look for more of that enticing fragrant truffle aroma but I agree that we only caught quiet hints of it.

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Modern Tapas Terrific at Relik

 

A good memory might not just be the result of what you put in your eyes and ears but what you put in your mouth as well.  I have been looking for a great Tapas Bar in Manila since August last year –after I came back from Spain and tasted the most delicious tapas with wine and cocktails.  I can still remember how divine the tapas were as if it’s still inside my gaping mouth.  There aren’t that many in Manila but the food landscape is starting to look promising with the newly opened Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge at the Fort.

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The dining interior of Relik has a casual yet sophisticated vibe.  The unfinished ceiling with vintage touches like an old radio, typewriter and refurbished turntable-turned DJ booth is somewhat like an extremely posh diner meet a jazz bistro meet a gentleman’s underground cigar club.

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Confirmed LA Galaxy in Manila on December 3, 2011 versus Azkals

It’s confirmed!  LA Galaxy will be having a special game versus Philippine Azkals on December 3, 2011.  And David Beckham has promised to play at least 45 game minutes!

 

Philippine Azkals vs. LA Galaxy w/ David Beckham

  *Bekham to play at least 45 mins

December 3, 2011, Saturday

Rizal Memorial Stadium

Tickets are available at Ticketworld.

 

Dec 2, 2011, Friday

9am-11am Open Practice

Tickets are available at Ticketworld

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Forever 21 SM Megamall On Sale this October 2011

Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!  All ya ladies and gents in the house who love shopping at Forever 21, listen up!

It’s that time of the year again, when Forever 21 SM Megamall goes on sale.  Ding ding ding ding!  YES, that MAGIC word… SALE! 😉  Are you shivering up in excitement as I am?  It’s a 3-DAY SALE starting October 14 and ending October 16, Sunday.   

 

Get 20% off on regular items (with a minimum spent of P5,000) for the first day until 12nn when you present both Forever21 MasterCard and SM Advantage card/BDO Rewards card.  Get 10% off on regular items for SM Advantage card and BDO Rewards card.

 

Those who are holding a Forever 21 MasterCard, you will get 10% off on regular items (with a minimum spent of P5,000) for the whole weekend with your Forever 21 MasterCard.

Some of My Forever 21 Stash 

During E! Channel Launch at Establishment

With Carlos Celdran for Awesome Hunt @ Republiq, Resorts World

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Lechon Degustacion Private Dinner at Pepita’s Kitchen

 

How I wish this is some sort of a storytelling with a deep emotional resonance –one that can inspire and stir or fire up passion in you to take a step towards your dreams or your life goals.  I’m afraid, my brethrens, that even if that’s what I intend to do with this lifestyle blog that breathes an appetite for the good life, this particular entry is a wicked attempt to reveal all things tasty and wonderful about a Private Dinner I had not so long ago at Pepita’s Kitchen. 

 

World-changing?  Probably not.  But it is a whole new perspective on our local lechon (roasted pig).  Watch what Pepita’s Kitchen does as Pinoy lechon goes global.

 

This exclusive private dinner in Magallanes was dubbed Lechon Degustaction.  Let’s break that down a bit.  Degustacion is a culinary term that entails sampling small portions of all of a chef’s signature dishes or a window to his / her new innovative kitchen experiments in one sitting.  This brings you to at least 8-course-journey of a careful and appreciative tasting of various foods that merge tastes, senses, and high culinary art.  Of course, good company is never taken out of the equation.

 

Mere mortals like me have high dreams of dining at The Fat Duck of Chef Heston Blumenthal in England.  There, the degustacion experience takes 4 hours with a lot of molecular gastronomy involved.  Pepita’s Kitchen also provided 4 HOURS of dining ecstasy in a slow, trance-like fashion. 

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