Samosas in Apartment 1B Gourmet Comfort Food

My visit: July 21, 2011

Apartment 1B Gourmet Comfort Food

One La Fayette Square

132 LP Leviste corner Sedeno St.,

Salcedo Village

Makati City

8434075

Two weeks ago, DH and I braved the traffic going to Makati just to meet with friends who love to eat good food! We seldom go to Makati because it's far from where we live. But who can resist dining with super friends, right?

 crabcakes PhP330

It was Ryan who recommended the crab cakes. When DH and I arrived, he told us that he and his wife had just finished eating the cakes. We ordered another one as one of the appetizers. It has bits of crab that you can taste as your bite into it. We ordered 4 of these crunchy crab cakes over green leaves, cucumber and cherry tomatoes.

Home Improvement: Wall Candy

Wall Candy

wallcandymnl(at)gmail.com

09473084456

When I got an email from Valerie of Wall Candy asking me to choose a sticker design from her 5 collections, I immediately said, YES! Checking out her website, I was surprised to see so many designs to choose from. This makes it hard for me to choose only one hahaha I asked the assistance of DH who chose - Black Goldfish.

Black Goldfish PhP850

It was a really good choice since my bathroom have "Under the Sea" theme. It's a spin-off from my wedding theme hehehe 

Tilapia in Banana Leaf Asian Cafe Promenade, Greenhills

My visit: July 19, 2011

Banana Leaf

L3 Lower Level, Promenade

Greenhills, San Juan

7063888

It has been awhile since I ate in Banana Leaf. I remembered before when DH and I were still dating, we ate one whole crab in Banana Leaf. We can't do that anymore. DH has since been allergic to crabs. Don't ask me why, ok?!

deep fried tilapia with sambal sauce PhP238

When I saw the restaurant in Promenade, Greenhills, memories of good food came flashing back! I was with my parents during my visit. The restaurant was empty save for a lone guest when we came in. The server was quick to usher us to our table and handed us the menu.

We ordered tilapia with sambal. This order came out last but we ate it with gusto. The sambal taste sweet and much like a shrimp paste. The fish meat is filleted and cut into rectangular shapes. The meat is then placed on top of the fish.

Sambal is a chili based sauce made vegetable or fruits and spices.

Hair Color Experience at Hair Asia

My visit: July 23, 2011

Hair Asia

35 Judge Jimenez St.,

Kamuning, Quezon City

9269480 415ASIA

DH and I have passed by the humungous facade of Hair Asia several times in the past. A huge tarpaulin ad is placed outside with services and corresponding rate written on it. When my friends and I were on our way to Trinoma and passed by the salon, I told them that the salon intrigues me and how I wanted to check it out. 

I was persuading DH to try the salon's PhP100 hair cut because even if he goes to a salon with a   PhP500 price tag, the style and cut remains the same. One night, DH came home sporting a new hair cut. I learned that he had his hair cut at Hair Asia for PhP200. Apparently, the PhP100 hair cut is done by a junior stylist. DH went with the senior stylist, Raymond.

my mahogany brown hair

If you have been following me over FaceBook or Twitter, you know that I have been thinking of coloring my hair ever since I was told that I have white hairs sticking out of my head. Yikes! I have been researching about products and inquiring rates in several salons. It cross my mind to apply my own hair color at home but that would be scary for a first timer like myself. My gawd! I can't imagine I even think of strawberry blond as my new hair color! hahaha Well, my hair color turned out exactly the way I wanted. Read more after the break...

Alamid Coffee is now brewing at The Frazzled Cook!

My event: July 20, 2011

The Frazzled Cook Restaurant

916 Luna Mencias St.,

Addition Hill, Mandaluyong City

Have you heard about a "coffee toast"? I have experience one recently. A coffee toast is in order to commemorate the partnership of The Frazzled Cook (TFC) and The Alamid Cafe Xpress. For seasoned coffee drinkers, you can now enjoy a cup of the rare and exclusive Alamid Coffee here in the metro because it is now brewing in TFC.

Civet coffee cherries

Civet coffee, locally known as Alamid, are undigested coffee cherry dropping from civet cats. Civet cats are nocturnal creatures, and its diet consists of only the ripest ad most aromatic coffee cherries. Grassroots farmers handpick the droppings in the early hours of the morning. These cherries are processed using several meticulous stages of cleaning, roasting and packaging.

Cookies, Apple Squares & Food for the Gods from Estrel's Caramel Cakes!

Estrel's Caramel Cakes

54 Sct. Tobias cor. Sct. Limbaga Sts.,

Laging Handa, Quezon City

3722965   3717938

It is very rare that I get to go with DH when he meets with his clients. When he asked me if I wanted to go with him to meet with Estrel's owners, I said yes. It was on a Saturday afternoon, I was thinking I could get some snack in their shop while he meets with two of the owners of Estrel's. 

chocolate chips cookies (pack of 5) PhP60

Upon entering the store, I saw a counter on one side and a display of chocolate chips cookies, Food for the Gods and Apple Squares neatly displayed on a multi layer rack. There were no tables and chairs though. People come and go with boxes of goodies in their hands. 

OMG! Amy Winehouse found dead at 27!

Amy Jade Winehouse, born September 14, 1983 was found dead yesterday- July 23, 2011, in her home Camden Borough in London. Popularly known as Amy Winehouse, the talented British Pop diva debuted in 2003 with the album FRANK. Her song "REHAB" was voted as Best in Contemporary song in 2007.

Idolator

Died at age 27, she is now included in the list of growing number of 27 Club - artists who died at this supposedly "curse" age along with US guitar wizard Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain, Rolling Stones founding member and guitarist Brian Jones, singer Janis Joplin and The Doors singer Jim Morrison.

Celebrating My Parents' Anniversary at Heat EDSA Shangri-la!

Last Wednesday, July 20, my parents celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary at Heat, a restaurant inside EDSA Shangri-la Manila Hotel. I was the designated driver for the day so I get to eat for free hahaha

surprise wedding anniversary cake from EDSA Shang-ri la

I asked one of the staff if she can write the words "Happy Anniversary" on a plate with a slice of cake for my parents. I was informed that the kitchen will just give them a round cake which is way better!

Sexy Boot, Skinny and Straight DNM by Plains & Prints

Hold your breath because Plains & Prints now includes denims in their collection this July! Plains & Prints, known for fashionable tops and dresses, launched this new collection called DNM.

DNM by Plains & Prints

Who doesn't have a piece of denim in their closet? My top picks are skinny and sexy boot cut. Plains & Prints has these and more! DNM collection also has straight cut, harem pants, cropped cigarette pants and wide leg pants to boot!

The White Hat Yogurt Experience

My visit: July 15, 2011

The White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt

Trinoma Mall

Pag- Asa, Quezon City

When my friends and I go out, we try as much as possible to use up all our gift certificates and charge slips for more shopping money ; p

 regular yogurt from The White Hat PhP90 each

We always meet up late with just enough time to shop before the stores closed. I have to eat a little or else I am going to faint from hunger hahaha One of my friends, Reggie, has a PhP250 gift certificate from The White Hat. I know this is not real food but I needed to eat, ok?

Beauty Loot: The Body Shop Kajal EyeLiner in EverGreen!

The Body Shop

G/F Greenhills Shopping Center

San Juan 

Last Tuesday, I had so much time in my hands that I get to roam around Greenhills Shopping Center. I spotted The Body Shop on sale! I was not able to go to their recent Warehouse Sale and I want to make up for my absence lol

 The Body Shop Kajal Eyeliner (shown fully extended) PhP695

Looking around the center aisle where everything is on sale, I found this last piece of Kajal eyeliner in evergreen. I asked the SA to apply the tester on one of my eyelid. She told me that this eyeliner can give me a smoky eye effect. After she applied on one eyelid, I tried applying it on my own.

What's In My Bag: Whistle

Ever since my friends told me about keeping a whistle with you at all times, I became obsessed. Initially, I bought 3 whistles in black, red and blue colors. Two whistles are now attached with the car keys and the other one is now with my set of house keys. 

 whistle PhP30

I bought 3 whistles from Toby's Sports in SM Megamall for only PhP30. Today, I bought two more in Toby's Sport Greenhills. I gave one to my mom. 

Fashion Find: People Are People Jeggings in Black and Blue

My visit: July 17, 2011

People Are People

Level 5, Shangri- la Plaza

Mandaluyong City

6345357

SPOTTED! Kim Chiu, a local movie and TV actress, shopping inside People Are People, Shangri- La Plaza Mall last Sunday. While my mom, sister and I were busy fitting several clothes, Kim Chiu was piling up dresses, blouses and other clothing garments in the cashier area. After fitting several blouses and pants, I ended up buying 2 jeggings- one in blue and the other one in black. Both in size SMALL lol 

black jeggings PhP399

Originally priced at PhP699, I got this on sale for only PhP399! Some of the items are discounted at 50%. Everything else found inside the store is at 20% off.

Top: GAP
Jeans: New Found Happiness
Shoes: Taiwan

Robin Padilla and Cherry Mobile's Shockproof Phones

My event: July 14, 2011

Cherry Mobiles Newest Brand Ambassador Press Conference

55 Events Place

55 Scout Rallos St., 

Quezon City

Rough, rugged and tough that's TV personality and action movie star Robin Padilla! Together with Kim Chiu and John Lloyd Cruz, Robin is the latest brand ambassador of Cherry Mobile. 

Cherry Mobile started operating in 2009 with only four phone models, it is now boasting over 60 handsets and counting. It is one of the leading players in value-for-money mobile phones in the country. The company, Cosmic Technologies, Inc. introduced innovations such as  Superion- the first Android Tablet and Trident- the first triple SIM handset and Orbit- the first 3G dual SIM Android SmartPhone. 

When I attended the Robin Padilla/ Cherry Mobile press conference, there were only a handful of bloggers, I only counted 2 that I know of. Most of the attendees were local showbiz reporters. 

Robin Padilla

I captured this photo of Robin as he enters the venue. He looked very suave. The ladies were naturally very eager to pose for a photo with him. I was sidelined and never had the chanced to have my photo taken with him.

Sunday lunch in HK Choi by Choi Garden

My visit: July 17, 2011

H.K. Choi by Choi Garden

2nd floor Mega Atrium

SM Megamall

4704233   3827757   3941070

DH and I usually go to the gym on weekends. After punishing ourselves on the treadmill and StairMaster for a good 1 to 2 hours, naturally, we have to reward ourselves after. H. K. Choi has always been the favorite choice of Chinese restaurant in SM Megamall by DH. 

The restaurant is always teeming with people. I think it was two weeks ago that we occupied one of the tables set up outside of the restaurant. We were luckier last weekend because in spite of the reservations made by others in this restaurant, we were able to seat inside. 

House Special Taho small PhP140

Taho has to be ordered way in advance to allow the restaurant to prepare it. Upon seating, we always order this and just ask the waiter to come back for our main entree. 

Taho is a Philippine delicacy made of silken tofu topped with sago (pearls) and arnibal (caramelized brown sugar). 

The consistency of the brown sugar varies each time we visited the restaurant. Sometimes it is lacking in sweetness but yesterday it was perfect. An order can serve up to six people according to the waiter. We were only two but we still managed to finish everything lol

Tiffa Body Butter from Kanebo

I love scented body butter! When I went to Taipei last December 2010, I didn't leave the country without buying one. A Watson branch is just a few minute walk away from where we were staying. I would sneak in and take a peek at what is in store almost every single day every other day.  The store has many make up collections on display. I found Tiffa under Kanebo brand of make up. I was supposed to buy only only a few Kate My Color Pencil- a retractable eyeliner but ended up buying a Tiffa Body Butter as well.

 Tiffa Body Butter 50g NTD180

From Kanebo's Tiffa line, this rose scented body butter is a great moisturizer. It contains Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water and Rosa Gallica Flower Extract.

FOTD: Coral and Emerald Sea

It has been awhile since I posted an FOTD. I have been going crazy over anything orangey as of the moment so I have created a make up look based on it. 

Face Of The Day: Coral & Sea Green

How do I look? I sure hope I don't look like a sea creature hahaha 

Dandruff-free with Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment

It all started when DH's dermatologist prescribed Bioselenium shampoo to control his itching and dry scalp. Bioselenium shampoo is pretty expensive. I used to hoard bottles of it and even gave some to a relative of ours but all good things must come to an end. The dermatologist suddenly shifts to another brand of dandruff shampoo. We tried it but it was not as effective as Bioselenium not effective at all. 

For a dandruff shampoo to be effective, it should have Selenium Sulfide in it. DH started researching for an alternative shampoo with Selenium Sulfide as one of its main ingredients. When we went to a Duty Free shop in Subic, he found one! It is Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment. 

head & shoulders Intensive Treatment (Selenium Sulfide Topical) 400ml PhP400

Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment has a similar scent and orange color as Bioselenium. I was able to buy a bottle from Unimart and one time at SM Hypermarket in Pasig but recently there was no stock everywhere.

New find: Golden Leaf Hong Kong Fine Dine Restaurant

My visit: July 9, 2011

Golden Leaf Hong Kong FIne Dine Restaurant

83 Genmar Building 

Roces Ave., Laging Handa,

Quezon City 

4131479   4131502

My friend, Cherie, has been raving about a new restaurant in Quezon City called Golden Leaf that serves good food at inexpensive price. I got curious and decided to head down to this restaurant for my Saturday date night. Since we were there a little after 5 in the afternoon, we were able to park right away.  I think the parking space can accommodate 5 to 6 cars at any given time. I don't know if they offer valet service or if they have other parking spaces aside from the ones in front of the restaurant. 

Prince beans with Chinese sausage PhP220

Similar to King Chef's French beans but with a twist- chorizo! The Chinese sausage (chorizo) is a bit salty. Try to eat it together with string beans and a spoonful of rice to balance the taste. At the later part of the meal, I was eating the chorizo by itself because I find it so addicting!

Chinese sausage is usually made out of pork and a bit of fat. 

Home Improvement: Malaysian Wood Stool

July is the start of the sale season here in the Philippines. Last Sunday, July 3, 2011, we were in SM Megamall. We got there pretty early so we were able to park right away. Just a tip, if you are going to SM Megamall on a weekend, make sure that you go there by 10am or else you will have difficulty in finding a parking slot.  

wooden stool Made in Malaysia PhP1, 495 each

Every time we visit SM Megamall, we go to the Furniture Section. We have been eyeing the stools above for a few months. The last time SM Megamall was on sale, only one stool was left and it has some missing parts and a couple of minor scratches. It was selling at a discounted price. I just can't remember how much. Even if it is on sale, who would want to buy a stool with missing parts, right? We went back a couple of times after that and it turned out there was no stock available.

Recycling in Quezon City

Since transferring to Quezon City, I have been made aware of segregating our trash. Every now and then, our barangay sends out a notice reminding us the schedule of collection and proper segregation of our trash. At first, it was a bit difficult to adjust but then our house hold staffs and I were able to manage. 

2 of the four trash bins you need PhP2000 each

Don't get excited! These trash bins were not sold by the barangay to us. DH and I bought it in one of the plastic distributor in Malabon, BJMP Plastics (distributor of Zooey Plastic), where bulk purchases are given appropriate discount. Color choices are blue, green and yellow. A bigger trash bin costs PhP2600. 

Celebrating Nivea's 100 years of Skin Care!

Founded in 1911, Nivea is a trusted global brand in skin care. The most sold moisturizer worldwide is now celebrating its 100 years of skin expertise!

 Nivea Creme 60ml.

I have tried and used so many local and imported brands of body cream yet it is my blue tin that stays by my bed side. Yes, it's true! As a matter of fact when Nivea sent me a Creme a few weeks ago, I said to myself that it arrived just in time. Why? My Nivea Creme is already half- empty!

First bite in Sango Rockwell

My visit: June 17, 2011

Sango Rockwell

The Burger Master

Unit 103H  R1 Power Plant Mall

Rockwell

Once in awhile, DH and I have a date night where in we dine out and then watch a movie after. This is one of those nights. After getting a movie ticket, I think it was for Super 8, we searched for a place to eat. DH would usually suggest Oliver's Sandwiches if we are out of time but we have plenty of time on our hands that night. 

I saw a huge tarpaulin banners at the center of Power Plant mall advertising Sango Burgers. We were a bit lost because the ad says that the location of Sango Burger was in Lower Ground Floor. We searched the whole floor and back. We were getting irritated because we couldn't find the restaurant. Thank God for security guards who directed us to the place. It turned out that it is located outside just beside Starbucks. 

okonomi hotdog PhP155

The okonomi hotdog shown in the photo is just half of the order. I have made the mistake of telling the waitress to sliced both of our orders in half. When presented to us, our orders were separated already in different wrappers. It looks kind of small in the photo but it was very filling nonetheless.

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese pancake/pizza consists of different ingredients. Okonomi means what you like/ want. Yaki means grilled/ cooked.

The hotdog contains lettuce, onions and dancing fish flakes also known as katsuobushi.

A quick lunch at Taibun Bakery and Coffee Shop!

My visit: June 16, 2011

Taibun Bakery and Coffee Shop

331 P. Guevarra St.,

Little Baguio, San Juan

6558155

When my parents were looking for a place to eat for lunch, I suggested Taibun Bakery and Coffee Shop along P. Guevarra, San Juan. There are 2 parking spaces in front of the bakery. You can also opt to park on the side of the road adjacent to the bakery when the parking slots in front are already taken. It is a walking distance to Serenitea.

Once we entered, I can smell freshly baked breads. It reminded me of the quaint bakeries I used to frequent in Taipei. A few pieces of each kind of bread were displayed on the shelves. Cakes were also on display next to the counter. There was a separate room for dining area. If there is a dining area then this restaurant must have more than bread and cake to offer. I was right! Next to the counter, I saw a laminated menu. There were a couple of sets to choose from. We ordered a set of chicken and another set of pork meal. 

light cheese PhP60

Light cheese is just that! It is very light in texture. Recently, I went back with DH to Taibun, I ended up ordering another serving of light cheese for take out. I put it inside the refrigerator and tried portioning it so it can last me for several days. I ate the last slice last night ; (  I can't wait for my next purchase of light cheese!

House of Minis Revisited!

My visit: June 12, 2011

House of Minis

104 E. Rodriguez Jr.

Ugong, Pasig City

6723448

We don't eat beef in our house because I don't buy beef in the supermarket anymore. I seldom eat beef when I am dining out but every now and then I miss the taste of it. 

How long I have not eaten a beef? Hmmm, way too long! That's why when one of the members of my family suggested to have Sunday dinner in House of Minis, I could not agree more. 

We don't have any reservation but we were given a table right away. The server knew my family because he saw us grow up. Yes, we have been coming back to this restaurant since we were kids. We used to go to their Greenhills branch inside Greenhills Shopping Center when we were still younger. Lately, my family has been accustomed to the ambiance of their Pasig branch so this is where they have their favorite steak. 

porterhouse steak mini PhP400; regular PhP470

We had two orders of porterhouse steak. One mini for my brother and one regular to be shared by my mom and my sister. Porterhouse steak is a large steak from the thick end of the short loin containing T-shape bone and large piece of tenderloin.

The steak is served on a cast iron plate. Once the plate is served on the table, the sauce is poured. The result is a sizzling hot steak! Thick slices of potatoes and buttered vegetables are on the side.

A delectable find at Lola Idang's Pancit Malabon

My visit: June 13, 2011

Lola Idang's Pancit Malabon

23 F Sct. Ybardolaza cor. 

Sct. Fuentebella St.,

Kamuning, Quezon City

9277590

We usually pass by this restaurant on our way home. It pique our curiosity because it is always full of diners. We decided to give it a try one Monday afternoon after work. Upon entering, you will see different sizes of bilao (round tray) displayed on the wall. Each representing the different sizes for pancit malabon available to go. 

Lola Idang's Pancit Malabon (good for 4) PhP230

The prices start at PhP100 for 2 persons up to PhP820 for 30 persons.  Each bilao has slices of egg, squid, shrimp and chicharon bits on top of the thick pancit. 

The one we ordered is actually more than enough for 4 persons. It's simply delicious!

Affordable date at Chicken Inato

My visit: June 11, 2011

GT Chicken Inato 

Ang Inasal ng Negros

184 Tomas Morato cor. Sct. Castor,

Quezon City

Luck must be on our side because we have an affordable lunch and dinner date. So far, you have read all about our lunch date at Hong Kong Noodles in NS Amoranto. Now, I want to tell you more about our dinner date at GT Chicken Inato.

 chicken inato leg and thigh PhP90

Size of a spring chicken, this leg and thigh combo with unlimited rice serving has a crunchy skin that you would think it is deep fried first then grilled. Best if paired with soy sauce and chili. Also available Breast & Wing combo for only PhP95 with a choice of Regular or Hot & Spicy flavor.

Experience Hong Kong Noodles Bistro in NS Amoranto

My visit: June 11, 2011

Hong Kong Noodles Bistro

529 N.S. Amoranto Sr. Ave.,

corner Pao St.,

Quezon City

7084751

DH is very familiar with Banawe area. When he spots a new restaurant, he would sometimes dine alone. If I am lucky enough to be with him that day, I will be able to take photos of the food we ate and share them with you. I guess this is one of my lucky day!

Hong Kong Noodles Bistro is a fairly new restaurant. A signage along N.S. Amoranto is not that visible and you might just pass by it without noticing that its there. I suggest that you eat here if you are a big fan of noodles like DH or if you are addicted to lamb like me.

house special beef ramen PhP188

The house special beef ramen is filled to the brim with beef, noodles, adobo egg and Taiwan pechay. The beef is not as tender as DH wants it to be but the quality of the noodles made up for it. He didn't know that this order has an adobo egg already. Sigh! When will men learn how to ask? Anyway, he ordered one extra adobo egg for an additional PhP18.

An upside down experience with DQ Dairy Queen Blizzard!

My visit: May 20, 2011

Dairy Queen (DQ)

Atrium

SM Megamall 

6376998

Can you start shopping and not eat? I know I can't! I really need to fill up my tummy before me and my friends can start with our shopping escapade. Reggie has several BPI charge slips, she offered to treat us in Dairy Queen DQ. 

2 DQ Blizzards with PhP5000 BPI credit card charge slip

Cherie and I got 1 cup of DQ Blizzards each. I ordered Rocky Road while Cherie got a Double Dutch. Each DQ Blizzard 9 oz. costs Php69. But with Reggie's BPI charge slip, we got ours for free! You have to have a single receipt BPI charge slip worth PhP5000. 

Hangin' out at Cajun Red Rock

My visit: May 20, 2011

Cajun Red Rock

Mega Strip B

SM Megamall

Ortigas Center

6388387

My friends and I love to shop. Well, they shop and I just window shop haha On one of our shopping trips, we went to SM Megamall. We initially agreed to go to Trinoma but because of the horrendous traffic along Tomas Morato, it's payday Friday, we rerouted and ended up in EDSA going South... waaaah!

ribs and jack wings treat PhP395

Reggie and I shared an order of ribs and Jack wings treat. An order consists of 3 pieces of chicken wings, slab of ribs, rice and corn on a cob!

Chronicling our third day in Boracay!

My visit: May 18, 2011

Boracay

On our third and last day, we woke up a bit late. We were supposed to watch the sunrise but we slept like babies haha

back in Jonah's

For the nth time, we bought fresh fruit shakes at Jonah's after having our breakfast in our hotel. It is strategically located a few minutes from where we were staying.