I got to try something new today thanks to Charles's great idea. The only downside was waking up early in the morning to make it in time for my first ever cooking class by 9 AM! But hey, even though I'm so not a morning person, I managed to make it on time. The focus cuisine for the day was Thai Food. Reminds me of my sister in Bangkok! (Miss you Kay!) I got to cook Tom Yum Goong, Green Curry with Pork, Sticky Rice with Mangoes, Satay Chicken, and don't forget the all famous Pad-Thai!!! The class kicked-off with a round of introduction among the participants followed by a cooking demo by our multi-awarded and well-traveled Chef Mike Navarra. I was amazed by the diversity of folks who were interested to learn how to cook. By the time we were ready with the basics, we wore our chef's hat and apron, familiarized ourselves with the recipe and procedures, then headed for the kitchen to see whether we actually had potential to cook or otherwise. We were divided into 6 groups of 3. I was groupmates with Charles and Anne. Our group rocked of course. I was surprised how the class was able to make cooking Thai Dishes seem relatively doable. It was really more effort on the preparation versus the actual cooking. It sure was a confidence boost for someone like me who was traumatized with fire during my childhood years. Hehe. I even got to meet new friends who also enjoy food/eating. LOL. After we cooked our dishes we got to eat them as a class. We even got the chance to taste and compare the finished product of the other groups against ours. (There goes the competitive me!) Thai lunch was wonderful. The sting or kick of spice was just right for the dishes we made. I applaud myself and my fellow classmates. I recommend the experience of learning something new such as cooking if you haven't tried it. Personally, this session got me excited and made me realize that this is only the beginning... :) Magsaysay Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts
5th Floor Walter Mart Makati, 790 Chino Roces Ave. Corner A. Arnaiz Avenue Makati City, Philippines 632-887-5329
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Part of my new year's resolution last year was to visit a new place at least once a month! I was able to nail 50% last year by flying to Toronto, Seattle, Kansas, Gatlinburg, Chicago. Did some repeats in Cincinnati, Bangkok to visit my sister! and Singapore with Family for Universal Studios. For the Philippine trips, I was able to hit off Palawan, Ilocos Norte and Sur, Pagudpod, and Boracay. Now that I began enumerating all these places, I realize they're quite a lot. This 2011, I thought of retaining this resolution. January is just beginning but looks like my trips are kinda lined out for the first quarter. For January, I checked out Resorts World Manila known to be the Casino destination. A new establishment of Mega World near the airport terminal. It's looking very much like my second home, Eastwood! =) Since Chinese New Year's comin up, we got those red lanterns all over the place. Charles, King, and I were supposed to watch Love and Drugs. Unfortunately, the movie folks didn't want to believe my brother was already 13 ! So we ended up with feel good Yogi Bear which was surprisingly not bad at all! Environmental just like Wall-E. :-) Basically the new mall housed loads of restaurants plus the movie house. They also got the stage for musical theater performances. I didn't watch since my reliable cousin said it wasnt that good. I'll wait! We were happy to discover the high end version of Old Vine! :-) Someone had his Venison while the other feasted on Tenderloin. The carnivores enjoyed their dinner while I had my foie gras pasta which hit the spot. It can compete with Goumand's version at an affordable price! I'm going for the salad on my next visit! I thank the boys for helping me put a check to my January travel to a new place target. Now it's green! :)
I have a Cebu offsite with GIA-ers to Alegre Beach Resort this February and a trip to Davao with P&G-ers (the new place) I'm looking forward! The week just went by real fast. Had a kinda rough morning. Not feeling really well. But thanks to these people at work. They can make you forget about your physical pains. I'm really grateful for them. This is a picture of us in UCC just having good times. Too bad Jo left already. Celebrating Chris Birthday in advance since he's off for a week long break. HAPPY BIRTHDAY COACH! :)
The restaurant where you can try Swiss food options. Originally first seen in Cebu but currently still surviving in Eastwood Mall. Not the best alternative when it comes to the price I would say. But it's worth a try.
A great way to celebrate mom's birthday was to look for some place unique. I thought Chateau 1771's ambience would meet her criteria. Guess what? It did! Thanks to my best bud Shox for recommending this place to me. We had a blastful afternoon just talking over good food and loads of dessert options. =) Sometimes the design, look, and feel of the place can affect the overall assessment of the restaurant. I took photos so you can see for yourself. Mom wanted to go back and bring my sister and dad to try after that day.
Lugang Cafe (pronounced as Lu Kang) just opened for a week yet it is already very much talked about. Restaurant comes from Beijing and Shanghai but the food is more of the Taiwanese Cuisine. While I was in the office last week, Cher told me about how this was a must check out because of the nice ambience for a typical Chinese Restaurant. I thought why not give it a try. But before I even got to tell my folks about it, I had my mom talking about it already. She was describing how she went to this Chinese food place in Connecticut Street with my aunt where they both enjoyed themselves. She was insisting how we should all go and try it for ourselves. It was only after a few minutes when it hit me that this was the same place Cher was recommending. The lines were intense. Parents waited for more than an hour. The ambience was modern Chinese. No more red chinese stuff. Not bad at all. Sadly. I wasn't able to bring my cam. Good thing my iPhone served its purpose when I needed it. Here are the stuff we feasted on. Dessert was unique. They had bubble milk tea as well. I wouldn't mind going back to take my sister there when she comes home this December. Lugang Café
116 Connecticut St. Northeast Greenhills, San Juan, Philippines (632) 721 9100 / (632) 570 9011 Not a bad place to visit and dine in while in Tagaytay. Offers a taste of diverse European Dishes. The owner / chef is Austrian and has been living in the Philippines for over several years now. Chateau Hestia is a way cheaper alternative to Antonio's. Around half the price I would say. Food was overall good & unique enough so I wouldn't mind going back. =) The interior of the restaurant was simple (wooden) yet it had good lighting and ambiance. There's a garden where people can eat as well right outside. It was a friend who told us about this place. :) Thanks Mitch for the recommendation.
A colleague of mine, Wells brought me to the Grand Finale for dinner and truly it has lived up to its name. One of the best desserts I've ever tasted. The crisp puffs topped with chocolate fudge came in alternate layers with vanilla ice cream and was surrounded with fresh strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries! The seafood crepe I ordered was also a blast. I had to share the joy of eating it with Wells cause it was just soooo good! :) I also like the ambience of the place. Check out my pictures for proof. When I get the chance to fly there with my Manila friends, I'm definitely taking them there even though it's a bit farther than our usual eating destinations. Grand Finale
http://www.grandfinale.info/default.htm 3 East Sharon Road, Glendale Ohio, 45246 Greyhound happens to be my sister's favorite restaurant ever since she moved to Thailand. She practically eats there more than once a week since it's located in the same building as the P&G Office (Emporium). I'm fortunate to have been given the chance to taste and experience the good stuff in this restaurant. The place had a classy and minimalistic feel. This was my last lunch during my Bangkok Trip last weekend. Great Vongole. Excellent Dessert. No regrets. Greyhound exceeded my expectations. :) I could see myself going back there the next time around.
Greyhound Cafe Thailand http://www.greyhoundcafe.co.th/ Life is a journey, full of pictures, places, stories, and good tasting recipes. I wanted to know how the actual fruit tasted. So I bought one for myself from Jungle Jim's :) Not really a fruit I would buy and eat on a regular basis. I wasn't even sure whether I was suppose to eat the seeds or get rid of them. Juice was more sour than sweet with a weird consistency. The dried ones I like though. :)
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Welcome!All about the traveling Queen who wanted to share with the world the little and great discoveries that have brought her joy.
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