Newly Renovated Gloria Maris in Greenhills

May 12, 2013

Gloria Maris Restaurant
Greenhills Shopping Center
Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
5700885   7159525   4661998

To officially celebrate my first official Mother's Day, we had dinner at the newly renovated Gloria Maris Restaurant in Greenhills. We invited my side of the family as well as my SIL to join and celebrate with us.

Assorted Combination 4 pax PhP 1750

We didn't expect the shabu-shabu area would be full at half past six in the evening.We also didn't have any reservation so we ended up waiting a good one and a half hour just to get a table. We opted for two tables positioned side by side unless we wanted to wait a bit longer for the people seated at the round table to check out, ok, not going to happen ; p

At around 8 in the evening, we were comfortably seated and ready to order with our happy, smiling faces : ) The picture shown above was the order of table #1 which consists of my parents and brother. They decided to order a set menu instead of ticking off ingredients one by one. 

In a large serving plate, there's chicken, pork and beef. That's not all, there's also squid, tiger prawn, meat balls and kani sticks.

On another large bowl were the other ingredients like tofu, veggies and noodles which completes their shabu-shabu experience, you can view the photo after the break....

Spareribs Rice at Le Ching Tea House in Greenhills

January 28, 2013

Le Ching Too
Ground Floor, Shoppesville 
Greenhills Shopping Center

I can't believe I have not blogged about one of my favorite comfort food in the metro!!! When my siblings and I were younger, we often dine in Le Ching. I think I even influenced a few of my college girl friends to hang out in Le Ching if our school load permitted it.

 Spareribs Rice PhP 148

I almost always order Spareribs Rice. It still tasted the same - juicy and meaty. I always feel that I am eating healthy food because I think the spareribs were steamed. Oh, just correct me if I am wrong lol

Read what my parents ordered after the break...

Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover Review

Remember my post about Shiseido Makeup Workshop with Ms Angela Boh? When I got home from the event, I found a 30ml sample bottle of Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover included in the press kit.After a couple of use, I am ready to share my experience with the product.

Shiseido The Skincare Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover 125 ml PhP 2,150

Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover is:

• A gentle dual-phase makeup remover that immediately dissolves waterproof and long-wearing eye makeup and lipstick
• Formulated with Xylitol to retain essential moisture in the delicate eye and lip areas

Read about my verdict after the break....

New Find: Cafeteria Verde The Better Option

January 18, 2012

C'Verde by Big Chill
Ground Floor, Promenade
Greenhills Shopping Center
San Juan

I'm a vegetarian... not! But once in a while I want to eat something healthy like vegetables ; p I still can't give up red meat... argh! I don't know why, hmm, maybe because it tastes deliciously good.

Anyway, I discovered Cafeteria Verde by Big Chill when I watched a movie alone for the first time in Promenade. I liked what I had and so I ask my parents to join me a few weeks ago to dine vegetarian style ; p

 Layered Beancurd with Rice PhP 99

My mom ordered Layered Beancurd with Rice. It's a tofu and veggie rice topping. The teriyaki sauce is the key ingredient to this dish. I liked it so much that mom and I ended up sharing a bowl hahaha It was just supposed to be a tikim because I have a separate order ; p

To know more what else we ordered, read after the break...

PabDer Donna... My First Italian Shoes!

For full article, visit my new blog---> http://www.xoxomrsmartinez.com/2016/06/pabder-donna-italian-shoes-review.html

Some girls are crazy over watches and clothes, well, I am crazy over bags and shoes! To prove my point... a few weeks after I received a pair of Aldo Lemert and a few days after I bought a Yosi Samra fold-up ballet flats, I bought my very first Italian hand-made shoes from a brand called PabDer Uomo Italy.

The brand started in 1985 with a line entirely for men (Uomo in Italian) but in recent years, it has expanded its reach, thus, the women line (Donna in Italian) was born.

 Pabder Donna TW2209-2 Orange Loafers PhP 3,080

After months of saving, I finally bought a pair of PabDer Donna ; p Before that, I visited almost every PabDer boutiques I saw in the malls I frequented to. I was actually eying for this pair of loafers but when I went to PabDer Greenhills (Shoppesville) last November 8, I chanced upon this orange PabDer Donna (shown in the photo above). I squealed with delight, ok, that happened only in my head ; p The color seemed to match my Tod's D-Styling Bauletto Mini so I am really interested and focused on purchasing one. Full review here... double yey!

The downside with anything handcrafted is that the store has only a limited number of stock. More often than not, there is only one stock per size. The smallest size (35) is the one usually on display and that's my size. Hmmm, there has to be a remaining stock somewhere ; p

I reiterated that I wanted a new stock so I left my contact details to the SA. In return, SA called other branches and found another pair in stock. I was told that the shoes will be arriving at 12nn the very next day... yipee!

For my shoes review, please proceed to my new blog---> http://www.xoxomrsmartinez.com/2016/06/pabder-donna-italian-shoes-review.html

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Dad's 61st Birthday Celebration at Kimpura Greenhills

My visit: February 23, 2012

Kimpura Japanese Restaurant
Greenhills Shopping Center
San Juan, M.M.
7218816   7218869   7210581

My dad celebrated his 61st birthday in Kimpura, his favorite Japanese restaurant. I figured we don't need a reservation because it was a weekday but when we arrived, several tables were already occupied and the teppan-yaki table was already full.

Kimpura staff singing a birthday song

DH and I arrived earlier than the rest of my family. I gave the birthday cake to the receptionist for safe keeping ; p

In the middle of our dinner, the waiters and waitresses sang "Happy Birthday" song to my dad ; ) The restaurant gave a free ice cream dessert- the one with a lighted candle in the background.

McDonald's Reopens 4 Stores on its 30th year!

My event: September 29, 2011

McDonald's

Makati Cinema Square

Makati City

8-MCDO

For the very first time, four McDonald's stores will simultaneously open today, September 30 at 8am. Collectively known as The Anniversary Stores- McDonald's Makati Cinema Square, Greenhills, North Avenue and Quezon Avenue commemorates the opening of it's very first store in Morayta in 1981. 

McDonald's 30 Years of Magic

These four stand alone stores differ in design concept yet still offer the same McDonald's experience- great tasting food and excellent service!

McDonald's Makati Cinema Square- as seen in the following photos after the break, offers neutral yet savvy design that's distinctly modern.

McDonald's Greenhills- calls its design LIM, short for Less Is More, a very playful interior that focuses on fun and casual dining.

McDonald's Quezon Avenue- a bullseye that is prominently displayed on the wall is just one of the graphics that separates one section from the other.

Mc Donald's North Avenue- a contemporary cafe look provides customer with warmth and comfort.

All four stores bear the signature red blade and white ribbon at the store's exterior with pylon carrying the Golden Arches.

Flapjacks Blockbuster Favorite- It's Back... Better... Best!

Commercial break!

Flapjacks 

Greenhills Theater Mall

San Juan City

Flapjacks is bringing it all back! Presenting the comeback of Flapjacks' blockbuster favorite! I was given a voucher to sample the items on their "Back... Better... Best" menu.

mango exotica (lunch) PhP195

My parents and I used the voucher last Tuesday after my work out at the gym nearby. I know what you are thinking! Don't judge me, ok? At least I work out before I eat ; p

I gave the voucher to the manager and he immediately acknowledged it. As I browsed through the menu that was handed to us by the waiter, a salad called Mango Exotica immediately caught my eye. 

Mango Exotica is made up of romaine lettuce topped with slices of mangoes, croutons, California raisins, grilled chicken and tangy mango vinaigrette. Dried cranberries replaced the almond slivers. 

My mom could not stop raving about the salad. I caught her saying "Hmmm ang sarap!" as she was munching on it lol Crunchy veggies and the cranberries really made the difference. Mango Exotica is also available in Regular portion for only PhP325.

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. 

Razon's of Guagua

My visit: March 18, 2011

Razon's Of Guagua

One Kennedy Place Inc.

Club Filipino Ave.,

cor Ortigas, Greenhills,

San Juan 7268727

OMG After eating numerous times in this restaurant, I can't believe that I have not written a single post about Razon's. I checked and double checked under my label and found nothing. When CML and I went looking for a merienda place, I suggested to dine here. It was a simple dining place with a few parking slots. I suggest that you park in Greenhills Shopping Center and just walk across it when the parking is full. 

Razon's halo-halo PhP90

A trip to Razon's is never complete without ordering its famous, halo- halo! If you are used to eating 10-12 ingredients in a halo- halo then this is not the right place to go to. Razon's has only 3 main ingredients- saba, macapuno and leche flan. It's not what we locals are used to but it tastes really good and sweet haha The shaved ice and milk make up for it's version of halo- halo which I find very creamy- a plus factor! And yeah, I can finish one tall order lol

Afternoon Tea at Bizu

My visit: March 9, 2011

Bizu Patisserie

The Promenade

Greenhills Shopping Center

San Juan

7242498   7262496

March 9 is my dad's birthday. But until recently we don't celebrate it on March 9 anymore. He wanted to celebrate his birthday using the Chinese calendar which we all know falls on a different day when viewed on the western calendar. Anyway, my family have been talking and raving about how Bizu serves good food especially their lamb. I know it's a patisserie, a shop where French pastries and cakes are sold, but they have extended their menu and are now offering real good food aside from cakes. Since we went there in the afternoon, we decided to have our own private tea time!

Perusing the menu, I noticed that the price is not cheap. I guess diners have to take into consideration the ambiance this restaurant has to offer. 

For starters, we ordered a personal salad that can be shared by 2 persons. There is also a family sized salad which can be shared by 4 persons for PhP445. 

Waldorf salad personal PhP225

The presentation of the salad is quite nice. The salad includes mesclun, grilled chicken slices, apple, mango, orange and grapes, toasted walnuts topped with shaved parmesan. Nothing much to rave about but I like that it has a mix of veggies and fruits. I guess the difference lies in the honey orange yoghurt dressing that they use which was kind of citrusy and sweet at the same time.

Happy Lemon

My visit: December 6, 2010

Happy Lemon

Promenade Mall

Greenhills, San Juan

Are you tired of reading about my Serenitea posts? Well, I have good news for you! I have discovered yet another tea place called Happy Lemon, a brand originated from Hong Kong!

With over a hundred outlets in China and Hong Kong, Happy Lemon offers milk tea, rock salt cheese, lemon series, mousse spin, cocoa & coffee and fresh tea. 

Matcha with Adzuki Bean 0% sweetness level (large) PhP100; Roasted Milk Tea with Adzuki Bean and Pudding 50% sweetness level (large) PhP100

My parents shared a drink under mousse spin called Matcha with Adzuki Bean. I had a taste and I liked it! My mom experienced a brain freeze after a few sips hehe But she liked it nonetheless. The Adzuki Bean rocks! 

Roasted Milk Tea with Adzuki Bean and Pudding was my order. My drink has lots of pudding, more than Serenitea's portion which I love! The combination of Adzuki Bean and pudding was delicious! What I don't like is my tea base which is roasted and taste toasted haha It rhymes!

I would still got to Serenitea for my milk tea fix hehe But I will definitely go back for Happy Lemon's Rock Salt Cheese which I haven't tried and their Mousse Spin!

Glitter Eyeliner Starlight from The Body Shop

Fancy the sparkle in my eyes? The secret is my new Glitter eye liner, Starlight from The Body Shop! I bought it last week. I can't have enough of it since I tried it on during TBS' Christmas Party 2010!

Glitter eye liner 04 PhP695

Happy Cotton Buds

I am happy with my current cotton buds. First, it's paper stem. The cotton is securely spun around the tip so it won't slip off.  Don't you just hate it when the cotton easily detaches from the tip? Some cotton buds   have thin cotton tips making you use twice as much cotton buds. 

Happy Cotton Buds paper stem PhP18.10

I use it to clean my belly button and ears. I also use it for removing my eye make up together with Ponds Cold Cream Deep Cleanser. This product is available in Unimart, Greenhills Shopping Center.

Lastly, it's proudly made in the Philippines!

Crystal Jade Greenhills

My visit: November 18, 2010

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Unit 117- 121 Virra Mall

Greenhills Shopping Center

5706910   5706912

Since its opening, people were lining non stop for this restaurant. After two months from its opening date, I was finally able to try this restaurant with my parents. 

There were a few vacant tables when we went in. An over eager waiter approached our table and started to talk us into ordering almost everything in multiple of two. Whoa! I told him jokingly "Tatlo lang kami, ano kami... baboy?" ; p And he continued on to tell me that the people on the other table ordered quite a lot. I countered that we can only eat so much. 

Here's what we have ordered:

sauteed chicken with cashew nuts in spicy sauce (served with pancake) PhP288

The order is smaller than what it looks like in the photo but was good enough for all three of us. It's not overly spicy. It has just the right kick in it. I wrap mine with the pancake included. The pancakes are much like the ones Chinese restaurants serve with a Peking duck order.

Peaches

2pieces @ PhP180+

Omg! I just bought the most expensive fruit in my entire life! A kilo of peaches in Unimart, Greenhills  costs PhP588. I picked up only 2 pieces, to my surprise when weighed it costs a little under PhP200!

Cook your own: Tomyao with Shitake Mushroom

tomyao with shitake mushroom

This was one of the dishes we ate last night, tom yao with shitake mushroom! It's pretty easy to make in under 10 minutes, preparation included ;p

Omakase Japanese Cuisine

My visit: July 18, 2010

Omakase Japanese Cuisine

Ground and 2nd level

Connecticut Arcade,

Greenhills Shopping Center

It was a Sunday! DH and I almost never go out on a Sunday. Well, I do but he stays home haha We never go out together that's what I mean lol But there is always an exception like if he really needs to buy something or in this case we didn't go out on a date on Saturday.

It has been awhile since we last dine in Omakase. In fact our last visit, if I am not mistaken, was in their now closed Tomas Morato branch. It was our favorite Japanese restaurant for a time. But the last few times we have been there was kinda forgettable, to say the least, that's why it took us awhile to go back.

The restaurant was filled with family diners. We were lucky to be able to get a table but not lucky enough because we were in the middle area where waiters would pass by our table frequently. 

We ordered our favorites like:

miso PhP45

Meet Kitten!

aka Kitten and Zakumi

I hope your nephew enjoys playing with Zakumi! Congrats for winning the Adidas Zakumi promo and nice to meet you, kitten! Oh, and thanks for the taho! *shy*

Yoshinoya's Buy 1 Take 1 Misono

Beef Misono bowl PhP115

Call it gut feeling, I went inside Yoshinoya's Grenhills branch without any coupon and asked if they have a Buy1 Take 1 promo that day. Luckily, they do! And even without a coupon on hand, they let me avail of the promo and was given numerous coupon after my order transaction lol You get a PhP115 saving!