Korean Buffet @ Don Day

As a prequel to Ate Faye's birthday, we decided to try one of the many food stops at Maginhawa Street, Q.C. We originally planned to go to Van Gogh is Bipolar but it's closed during Tuesdays so we went to our 2nd choice, Don Day Fresh Restaurant.

First impression: The place was smokin' (literally!) from the grills. We humbly suggest they do any of the following:
a. Place more/better exhaust units, b. Use smokeless grills, or c. Make it open-spaced as I've seen in many Koreanovelas. Personally, I'd choose option C. I'd love to dine in the streets with perhaps just a tent above me, eat authentic Korean barbecue to my heart's content, and drink *soju.

For the meat lovers. :)

Their meat-all-you-can and buffet are priced at ₱299 (pork only) and ₱399 (pork and beef). Drinks are not inclusive so there's additional ₱50 for bottomless iced tea. Frankly, once cooked, you can hardly tell the difference between the beef and pork so I guess the pork package is the smarter way to go.

The buffet items were fewer compared to other eat-all-you-can chains such as Yakimix, Dad's, etc which I attribute to them sticking to the Korean theme. The number of appetizers, condiments, and desserts tasted average. What we did love is the *samgyeopsal itself. I liked pairing the meat with kimchi and veggies. Really good.

Be prepared to go home smelling like grill-smoke so you might want to think twice about wearing anything too dressy. What mattered though is at the end of the day, we were full, and we had fun with many photo-op moments courtesy of their cheerful servers. The concept of the restaurant is nice and there's still plenty of room for improvement.


Rating: 3.25/5

-Martha

*samgyeopsal. noun. Korean dish consisting of thick slices of non-marinated pork traditionally grilled by diners themselves.
*soju. noun. Korean vodka.

Clueless

The culprits with my birthday cake and bottles of vino

I've been involved in throwing surprise parties a few times but I've never been at the receiving end of it. That's why when Martha and a few friends from work threw me one for my birthday this year, I was completely flabbergasted.

I was confused and befuddled at first then humbly touched and very happy. I knew what it entails to prepare a party, let alone a surprise one. My heart swelled when I learned of how they pulled it off, without me having the least bit of clue.

The theme could only be described as Disney Princess Slumber Party. Every girl should be made into a princess at least once in her life, right? They even made me wear a tiara! :) I'd say that's one night I'll forever look back with fondness. Thanks, girls! <3

-Faye

Spice It Up at Chili's

Lately, I've been hooked like a seven-year-old to this online food-serving game called Papa's Taco Mia. So I was living the dream when we decided to go to Chili's for a night out with the girls. 

Chillin' with Erika, Lei, and Ate Faye.

It's easy to spot with its plump red chili sign outside their doors. The place is young and bright with all the yellows and reds. We had a long time choosing from their menu which offered a variety of salads, steaks, desserts, and yup, alcohol. Eventually, we passed up on the enticing margaritas and settled for the ff:

As shown clockwise in the picture, we had the Bottomless Tostada Chips (₱340) which were very addictive paired with their house-made salsa. We only had one refill since we had a lot (and I mean, A LOT. Their servings are huge!) going on our plates.

Ate Faye had the Country-Style Pork Belly ((₱425). It was tender and served with vinegar-and-garlic dipping sauce, giving that homey vibe. Lei ordered the Chicken Enchilada Pasta (₱430) which was an interesting Southwestern take on penne pasta with grilled chicken, chipotle* cheese, pico de gallo*, and crispy tortilla chips. Erika's Grilled Pork Chops ((₱450) were similar to Ate's except for the sauce and meat part.  

Muy delicioso!

I guess it's safe to say that I had the winning dish that night. Their Chicken Club Tacos (₱385) covered my taco-gaming fantasies. Three taco wraps with juicy chicken breast, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, bacon bits, rice, and black bean chili. Seriously. What more can you ask for?

Chili's may be on the pricey side but it's totally worth it. I love the Mexican flavors and the pleasant servers. By the end of our meal, we were stuffed. Burping. Immobile. We had a lot of take home leftovers. Here's a well-learned tip: SHARE. The portions, as I said, are huge so order a few things, split it, and enjoy!

Rating: 4/5

-Martha

Location:

Chili's Bar and Grill - 199 Sct. Fernandez, cor Tomas Morato Ave., Laging Handa, Quezon City

*chipotle. noun. smoke-dried jalapeno.
*pico de gallo (Spanish). noun. aka "salsa fresca". fresh, uncooked salad made from chopped tomato, white onion, and chili.

There's Something About Maria

Ever wonder why February's the shortest month of the year? It's because my zero love life says so. ^____^
Kidding aside, it actually has something to do with being the 12th month in the original Roman calendar. Not to geek you out or...

Anyway, for single peeps out there like me, why not celebrate the month of love through food? I found the perfect place to set the mood. Gayuma ni Maria has old rose walls embellished with quirky quotes, flowers, and fairy lights. There's even a 'naughty nook' where you can buy or have a laugh over aphrodisiac novelty items. For their menu, they have fun, creative names. My friends and I ordered their best-sellers.

We had Kiss Sabay Hug (₱165) as an appetizer which is chicken pork adobo and crisp lettuce to wrap it with. Nice one, I think. The lettuce did the trick, balancing the sweet-salty-sourness of the meat. Mia's Rock Me Baby! (₱285) was good. This hickory bbq pork ribs dish is typically served with macaroni salad but she asked to switch it for rice instead. Grace's beef caldereta called Secret Lovers was very flavorful.

Secret Lovers (P265)

I wasn't delighted with my choice: Afternoon Delight (₱195), an oil-based pasta with fresh tomato and chili pepper flakes. It tasted outright bland. On the other hand, Arianne and Erika said their Please Be Careful with My Heart (₱240), twice-baked garlic chicken, were too salty. I didn't really notice since my pasta left me yearning for any sort of taste.

So there were hits and misses with the food. And it's a bit pricey since their meals do not include rice yet. Concept-wise, Gayuma is spot on. I like that it's very Pinoy. I really wish they'd improve their menu and then it'd be perfect. That said, I enjoyed the experience. We had a lot of laughs and photo-op moments. It doesn't matter if you don't have that special someone. Bring your friends and family as your date and share the love.

Rating: 3.25/5

-Martha

Location:

Gayuma Ni Maria - 123 V. Luna Extension (near Maginhawa St.) Sikutan Village, Quezon City

The House You Want to Live In

Some things are just aptly named. Kudos to the owners of House of Lasagna... Just hearing it makes me crave the layers of goodness it promise. I want to sneak in their kitchen and hide there forever. Haha!

Lately, I've been frequenting the place (legally, mind you) with my best friend Mia. The ambience is simple with neutral palettes and warm lighting. The lovely smell of garlic and herbs as you enter is what lures you in. Just as expected, they specialize in lasagnas. So far, they're offering 10 different kinds. We've tried five and all are really good. Each one is served in sharing portions and served with a complimentary basket of unlimited garlic bread to wipe your plate clean. Yey!

Carbonara Lasagna and Lasagne Frederico

If you want to go classic, try their Beef or Chicken (₱200 each). They do not disappoint. The Lasagne Frederico, their priciest one for ₱400, is larger than the others. Mia and I agree, it somehow reminds us of pizza.

Our top marks go to their Seafood Lasagna and Carbonara Lasagna (₱250 each). Their Seafood has chewy bits of shrimp, clam, and fish in red sauce while their Carbonara is filled with bacon bits, mushrooms, and white sauce. I like that no matter which one you order, their pasta's cooked to perfection and stacked with generous helpings of flavorful sauces.

Their menu also has other pasta and non-pasta dishes like soups and steaks. You can also try their desserts such as cheesecakes and caramel flan. Personally, their lasagnas are enough to keep me coming back... Best ones I've ever tasted.

Rating: 4/5

-Martha

Location:

House of Lasagna - Eton Centris Walk, Quezon Ave., EDSA, Quezon City

Rise and Shine!

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I can't agree more. And who says it's only good in the morning?

After a spur-of-the-moment zumba session (whew!) with friends at work, we went for lunch at this little heaven that serves breakfast all day long. Breakfast in Bed has the cutest interior with fancy headboards and plush chairs to give the diners literally the 'breakfast in bed' vibe. 

Longanisa rice meal. 108Php.

Each of us ordered a silog meal served with garlic rice, 2 eggs cooked however we wanted, atchara, and our chosen meat of tapa, tocino, longanisa, and chicken adobo. The overall taste of it was fine. We wished they gave a more generous serving of the yummy atchara though. We also tried their strawberry pancake with scrambled eggs for ₱108. It's a bit on the dry side and could've used more syrup and perhaps some real berries.

L-R: Me, AJ, Arianne, & Shiela

We all thought the place could improve their food further but ambience-wise, it's superb. It's dreamy, conversation-friendly, and relaxing. My friends and I had a great time dancing a few calories off that morning then re-gaining some a short while later. Haha!

I wouldn't mind waking up, leaving my real bed, and going back there.

Rating: 3.5/5

-Martha

Location:
Breakfast in Bed - California Garden Square, Mandaluyong City

Music of the Night

My friend's invitation for a 'night out with the girls' couldn't have come more timely. I've been working non-stop and needed a breather. We met last Friday at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La to catch a performance of Alona, a high school classmate and member of a singing group called the Music@ts*.

Standing: Kat, Jo
Seated: Weng, Alona, Che

Dinner was composed of Caesar Salad, Roasted Mediterreanean Vegetable Panini (Yum!), Shangri-La's Triple Decker, and Pancit Guisado (a bit salty). Oddly, no one opted for cocktails. I guess we wanted our wits about for our impending gabfest.

The show started at 9pm, opening with a medley of classics including my all-time favorites Nearness of You and Moon River. Followed by songs from Broadway musicals: All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera), Memory (Cats), and I Don't Know How to Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar). I was pleasantly surprised when they closed the 1st set with some animated movies' soundtracks. They made Circle of Life (The Lion King), Go the Distance (Hercules), and When You Believe (Prince of Egypt) sound, well, classy.

The highlight of the 2nd set for me was the group's rendition of Tonight from West Side Story and Pink's Just Give Me a Reason. Didn't know it could sound even better. I also liked their Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin.

For the 3rd set, they sang more OPMs like Ikaw, Bakit Ba Ganyan, and Kahit Isang Saglit. I thoroughly enjoyed their Sun and Moon (Miss Saigon) and I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables) numbers. I wish they sang A Little Fall of Rain. Maybe next time.

There is no doubt that this act is brilliant. They perform harmoniously, blending well when doing a group number or duets and shining on their own when perfoming solos. Needless to say, I had a memorable night chatting with the girls and enjoying the talented Music@ts. Another reason to say: TGIF! :)

-Faye

*Music@ts members:
Lawrence - piano, vocals; Alona - vocals; Kim - vocals; Jerry - bass

Going Bananas @ Banapple

I've always wanted to eat at Banapple ever since I drooled over pictures of their decadent pies on the net. It took years to finally realize that dream (I dunno why). And when I did just a week ago, it was everything I expected.

The ambience is very inviting. It is quaint and cozy with mosaic tables and a heavenly cakes display. It set the mood for a perfect dinner with my friends and Ate as we shared childhood memories and laughters.

The food is great from Jen's Bacon Fried Chicken Steaks with Milk'shroom Gravy (₱190) to Erika's Terrific Tuna Sandwich (₱140) which they kindly let me taste. ;) Ate Faye's Hickory Smoked Country Barbecued Ribs (₱200) is tender and moist. Its sweet, smoky bbq sauce marries well with the meat.

Lasagna Roll-ups ♥♥♥

I had the Lasagna Roll-ups (₱195) which, frankly, is good enough for two (which goes for all their entrees, really) but I happen to finish it anyway since it's so darn delicious. The tang of its cream cheese filling fights with the meaty (I suspect a hint of anchovies) tomato sauce and subdued by the delicate pasta wrapping. A mouthful of this is like a happy explosion of flavors. This made my favorite list, a worthy contender to Tender Bob's Baked Ziti.

Team Bacon

For dessert, Erika and I had a slice each of the famous Banoffee Pie (₱105). The layers of cream, toffee-drizzled banana slices, and crust are perfect. I like that it is sweet but not overly. Jen had something quite similar, the Praline Banana Cream Pie (₱110) but the bananas on hers are sweeter ergo the praline. Ate Faye was enticed by the Maple Pecan and Candied Bacon Holiday Cheesecake (₱130). It's both festive to the eyes and the stomach. I was skeptical with the 'bacon' bit but it turns out to be yummy! The nuts and sugared bacon adds crunch to the smooth and yummy cheesecake. A must-try.

We stayed there for hours, savoring our meals and chatting happily. You could say we went bananas. But hey, who could blame us?

Rating: 4.25/5

-Martha

Location:
Banapple - 2F Il Terrazzo Mall, Tomas Morato, South Triangle, Quezon City

Brunch at Fleur de Lys

T-B: Sweet Chorizo Hamonado, Garlic Tapa, Crispy Bacon

Strictly speaking, Fleur de Lys is a patiserrie and we (Erika, Lei, & I) came here to sample their cakes and pastries. But since we haven't had breakfast or lunch yet, we opted to have their 'Rise & Shine' menu first. A choice of breakfast-styled meat served with egg, garlic rice, and tomatoes. I tried the Sweet Chorizo Hamonado (₱178), Erika and Lei, the Crispy Bacon (₱163) and Garlic Tapa (₱168), respectively. All of us agreed that the meals were deliciously prepared but the serving was small and not one would call extraordinary. We shared a bowl of their Clam and Potato Chowder (₱135) as we are trying to make room for dessert.

Frankly, I'm not sure how we end up choosing our sweets because all of them looked mouth-watering. I'll try to do this justice:


Dulce and Gabanana (₱130mini)
Fresh banana tart with chocolate dulce de leche filling on gingersnap crust topped with whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate. Now, that is a mouthful. We all liked this but Erika (this was hers) concluded that the filling was good but Banapple's Banoffee Pie has a better crust. 

The Next Best Thing (₱135)
Warm chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Lei finally settled for this one. I don't know what it's supposed to be next best to because it's a star on its own. The chocolate cake is this warm, melt in your mouth thing accentuated (if that's even possible) by a creamy French vanilla ice cream. 

Nuts About You (₱125/slice)
Macadamia nut tart topped with pistachio ice cream. I had an easier time deciding than my two companions. I just went with the dessert with the most nuts. Nut lover that I am. One word to describe this: YUMMY! or maybe NUTTY! For me, this dessert alone is worth the trip. Definitely, a must try.

So, if you find yourself on a lazy Saturday with nothing to do, why not drop by at Fleur de Lys and have your taste buds awakened by these heavenly desserts? Happy Eating! :P

Over-all rating: 3.75/5

-Faye

Location:
Fleur de Lys - FLP Bldg., 305 Tomas Morato, South Triangle, Quezon City

Kabab around the Korner

Last weekend a couple of our friends asked Martha and I to have dinner at a restaurant they frequent. Willing to try something new, we agreed. It's called Kabab Korner, a middle-eastern themed place that specializes in kebab dishes. The place was airy and spacious with Arabian styled motif. It can accommodate about sixty people or more. We were easily seated as the place is not too crowded for a Saturday night. Here are some of the dishes we tried:

Baba Ghanouj

Grilled eggplant pureed along with garlic and tahina (a thick paste made from ground sesame seeds) and served with hot pita bread. This appetizer is superb. I love the mild but flavorful dip. Goes well with the simply prepared bread. A must try.

Price: ₱70.00

Special Kabab Plate

Beef chelo, grilled tomato, veggie salad (cucumber, onion, and tomato), over buttered rice. You also get to choose from a selection of kebab (beef, chicken, squid, shrimp, lamb, or fish). I chose their chicken while my companions, their shrimp. The chicken was tasty and well-seasoned. The shrimp was a little bland according to Martha. Because of the salad it doesn't feel too rich even though the rice is buttered. Well balanced dish.

Price: ₱165.00

Yogurt Milk Shake

Plain sour yogurt blended with milk, sweetener (I'm guessing here), and ice. At first I was not so sure about this but as we eat and have the shake wash our meals down, it made sense to have this as the complimentary drink.

Price: ₱60.00



We didn't order much the first time but I look forward to sampling their other exotic sounding dishes next time. :-p


Over-all rating: 3.75/5

-Faye

Location:

Kabab Korner - 33 Matalino St., Brgy. Central, Quezon City

Let's Go To The Beach

Based on a review I read about Villa Navarro, I wasn't too thrilled when I learned our company summer outing will be there. But when we arrived there last week, we were greeted by a friendly staff and quickly checked-in our rooms. Since we were sixteen in the group (including children) we occupied three executive rooms and a family cottage. Though rooms were a bit small and sparse in decorations they were clean and basic amenities were provided.

Lunch was already waiting for us after depositing our bags. It was simple but delicious. We had inihaw na porkchop, pritong bangus, and monggo with bagnet. They served ripe mangoes for dessert that were very sweet. The servers were attentive to our needs.

Afterwards, we changed into our swimsuits and took a dip in their pool where a watchful lifeguard supervised us. This was comforting esp. with kids around. The drawback was that they only let us use the pool until 8pm. This I believe was because the lifeguard gets off at 8pm, too. We were a bit disappointed but took consolation on the fact that we can swim in the beach which is a few yards away from the resort. However, that afternoon, the waves were just too big for us to enjoy it much.

Enjoying the scenery and having a blast with friends

At dinner, they served us sweet and sour fish fillet, beef nilaga, and diningding. For dessert, juicy watermelon. They were tasty and plenty to go around. We ate at the nipa hut near the beach. It was so relaxing to hear the waves crashing on the shore and feel the wind on our skin. This was what I came here for. 

A videoke machine was also set up in our nipa hut and we sang 'til the wee hours of the night. I hope we didn't bother anyone. Their bar also served us drinks like beer, gin, and cola.

The next morning, we took a stroll on the beach and watched stray dogs play. At some point some of them approached us but I didn't mind because I'm a dog lover. I also think it added to the appeal of the resort. 'Probinsyang-probinsya' comes to mind. They served us fried egg, longganisa Vigan, and garlic rice for breakfast. Fresh pineapple as panghimagas (dessert).

All in all, it was a great stay at this resort. The furniture could be improved/updated, the place/look could use a bit of sprucing up, and maybe longer hours on use of pool. I liked that the place is kept clean, has lots of trees, good food, polite staff (very prompt and accommodating), and its quiet and simple ambience. I also like that they seem animal friendly (I saw a guest check in with his dog).

I was apprehensive at first but now I could see myself coming back there.

-Faye

Location:

Villa Navarro Resort - Caba, La Union, Philippines

My First Beach

I've never been to the beach before. There, I said it. You see, I don't know how to swim because I have the biggest fear of the water. In my 22 years of existence, each pool party meant lurking on the edge of the pool hanging on for dear life or staying on land manning the grill while my friends splish and splash.

So last October, my girlfriends Ate Noime, Badz, Kat, Wendy, and I went on a trip. It was also Ate Noime's birthday. We stopped by their home and met her family in Bataan. Then, we headed north to see the beach. It was nearly dusk when we arrived at Elmolina Beach in Olongapo, Zambales. As the salty air whipped on our faces along the jeepney ride, my friends excitedly pointed out, "Martha! Look!" and I swear, I'll never forget what I saw... The orange sky, brown sand, palm trees, and sparkling blue water... It was breath-taking.

After eating a hearty dinner, we went for a night swim. Although my friends were a bit scared (I was very scared), we eased up upon finding the beach safe since it was structured to gradually, not suddenly, deepen. When they taught me how to back float, I was a painful student but my friends were patient. Bless them. It was only when I actually relaxed and let myself go (and let God) that I finally did it! After all these years! It felt amazing just floating and looking at the moon and the stars.

The five of us played Icebreakers  before going to bed. We swam again in the morning, soaking up the sun this time. We all got darker skin but we didn't really care. Like Ate Noime said, our tan lines are our battle scars. When we went home, it all still felt surreal to me. I'm so grateful to those four ladies and I'll cherish how they made what I feared my entire life into one of the happiest experiences I've ever had.

-Martha

A Sweet Gathering

A few Saturdays ago, we and some friends went to this cute place called Love Desserts in Banawe, QC. We instantly liked the ambiance upon entrance... Who wouldn't be enticed by a room filled with cakes, chocolates, and ice cream, right?

We availed their dessert-all-you-can promo for only P199 and made a joke about teaming up and sort of 'competing' on who's going to eat the most. Team#1 is Jho, Jen, and Tom who called themselves 'Team-bah'. Team#2 'Pata-Team' is yours truly. Last but not the least, Lei, Nicole, Erika, and of course Aprielle who named Team #3, 'Pata-Thin'!

Since there are literally so many goodies to choose from, we'll break it down per station. First is a smorgasbord of pastries, cakes, short breads, muffins, sylvanas, and creme brulee in shot glasses.

At the crepe station, a staff prepares your order while you watch and try to keep your mouth from watering. Haha! You can customize your filling from banana, apple, blueberry, strawberry, and peach. Then you can spread peanut butter or drizzle it with caramel, strawberry, or chocolate sauce! Don't forget to dust it with powdered sugar.

Their ice cream station features eight selection from the brand Big Scoop. Next to it is an assortment of marshmallows, sprinkles, M&Ms, and chocolate chips which can top your crepes and ice creams. There are also fresh fruits if you want to make a banana split (like Jho). We're a bit lost with their chocolate fountain though; There are no skewers so we guess you just have to improvise on how to catch that silky cascading chocolate. :))

The  beverage station is an oasis of red iced tea, milk tea, and ice-blended vanilla, chocolate, taro, and buko pandan. They also have a DIY halo-halo area.

For those who don't have a sweet tooth (like Tom) but would like to try this experience, despair not for this buffet also offers some savory dishes. Almost everyone in the group loved their version of nachos (fried lumpia wrapper with beef, tomatoes, onion, and cheese). They also have lugaw (congee), tuna and chicken empanada, singkamas and green mango (with bagoong), and cheese-stuffed green finger pepper rolls. We can't imagine anyone ordering from their a la carte but they do have it.

So here's the group's Top Five Choices:
1. Nachos
2. Ice blends
3. Pepper rolls
                                                                    4. Avocado ice cream
                                                                    5. Sylvanas

A fun-filled afternoon thanks to our Ms. Organizer, Erika.

Of course we can't possibly sample everything and lost track of the scores, anyway. But in the end, everybody won. And Nicole sums it up for us... I shall return! ;p

Rating (average): 4/5


-Faye & Martha

Location:
Love Desserts - 915 Banawe St. Cor. G. Roxas St., Quezon City

One Fine Night

Posing with her Blizzard

Last night my friend Che and I met for dinner. We decided to eat at Recipes by Cafe Metro, a restaurant that serves Filipino dishes. We shared an order of Chicken Sotanghon Soup and Lechon Kawali with Kangkong. The food was okay. Nothing sensational or anything but the servings were big and the place nice and quiet. The price on the menu ranges from  ₱110 to ₱280. I'd rate it as 3/5. For dessert, Che bought Dairy Queen's Blizzard. Hers was Double Dutch and Butterfinger for me.

In between bites and slurps, we discussed family, work, future plans, and juicy gossips. We didn't see each other for about six months so there was quite a bit of catching up to do. I had to remind her of the time because her sons will be waiting for her. She said she ordered a present for her father. Someone will deliver it to her in half an hour and asked if I could I wait with her for a while. I said, 'Of course'.

Book-inspired cupcakes

 I was delightfully surprised when Che handed me one of the bags the delivery person gave her. It was a dozen of Alarma's cupcakes decorated with books on top. Her 'Belated Happy Birthday' or 'Happy Belated Birthday' gift, she said. I didn't know what she told the baker but I truly liked the design concept. Very creative. It didn't hurt that the chocolate-banana cupcakes were delicious. What a fun way to end the evening. Thanks, Mare! Sa uulitin! ;p


-Faye


Location:
Recipes - 2nd Level Trinoma Mall, North Ave. Cor. Mindanao Ave., Quezon City
Dairy Queen - 2nd Level Atrium Trinoma Mall, North Ave. Cor. Mindanao Ave., Quezon City

Caught Sushi-Handed

Last June, my best friend Lou bestowed me the honor of being his 'partner in crime' as we celebrate his birthday. That lunch slash dinner, we pledged guilty to sushi hoarding and diet-breaking. Lol! You see, he treated me to Sakae Sushi's sushi-all-you-can promo for P399/head at SM North Edsa- Annex.

Upon sitting at our booth, our eyes feasted on the conveyor belt or Kaiten as they call it, bearing various kinds of sushi and sashimi on different colored plates. Like children trapped in a candy store, we started grabbing plates excitedly! If we didn't go buffet-style, we would've paid a fortune since plates were priced per color:

Red/Purple- P99

Green- P79

Yellow- P59

Blue-P39

We enjoyed most of the items we picked such as the california mini maki, *tamago nigiri, *kani salad inari, and crispy fried fish. (Okay, so we didn't know how to call the things we ate then but I researched them for ya.) There were plates we kinda regret taking like their salmon sashimi. But we had a laugh trip watching each other's reaction as we chew and barely swallow it! I'm not a sashimi-fan anyways but Lou said he had better ones elsewhere. 

There were also items we avoided from the Kaiten like the alien-looking sushi topped with neon green fish roe. Their promo comes with bottomless green tea and miso soup. Lou didn't like the soup but I did. It's like a palate-cleanser after we got weary by all the sushi we devoured.

I still relish that day as I reminisce through this blog. Not only did I taste good food, I also got to bond with one of the best people I know. Thank you, BFF! More crimes with you soon! ;)

Lou and me. So Kawaii. :))

Rating: 3.5/5

-Martha 

*tamago nigiri (Japanese). noun. hand-formed sushi topped with sweet egg.
*kani (Jap). noun. crab stick used as sushi ingredient.
*inari (Jap). noun. pouch of fried tofu filled with rice and others.

Oh Happy Day

The holiday season gives a good feeling all-around. That's why when I met a couple of girlfriends at Ristorante Bigoli last Tuesday, I was in a good mood. This early dinner also served as our sort-of Christmas party for three. Though we didn't play any parlor games we did bring gifts and exchanged them with each other.

Che and Christian have two active, growing boys each. Over our meal, they shared their 'techniques' from how to discipline a kid's naughty behavior to keeping one's composure on a rascal's funny antic. I was entertained by the stories and was laughing the whole time. I guess a mom's life could be difficult at times but apparently, never boring.

Me with Christian and Che

After dinner, Che suggested we watch a movie but Christian had to go home right away. So after we said our good byes, I went and walked around for a while. Well, actually, window-shopped. Fine! I bought a few things for myself. I wasn't planning on doing it but I was enticed by the mall's festive decorations; twinkling lights, grinning Santas, colorful displays and deceptively labeled sale signs. Or maybe just my recently acquired happy disposition.

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." -Norman Vincent Peale

I say 'tis really the season to be jolly. :D


-Faye

Location:
Ristorante Bigoli - Cinema Level Trinoma Mall, North Ave. Cor. Mindanao Ave., Quezon City