Dinner at Sushi-Ya

Hello! 

We know that during WW 2 Japanese Empire sided with the axis power (Italy, Germany) and with bombing of Hiroshima, Japan forced itself to isolation.

Kamikaze - Military tactic used by the japanese forces at the latter time of the war. These are pilots that do suicide attacks toward their enemies (as see above)

Who could forget the very famous anime that made our imagination filled with fantasies: Doraemon.

Iconic, magnificent and glamorous Geisha. Listen, Geishas are not prostitutes. They are considered celebrities / artists at that time, although the maikos (apprentice geisha) perform the mizuage it is abolished during the 50s / 60s

Gong Li as Hatsumomo in Memoirs of a Geisha

Mt. Fuji and Cherry Blossoms

Besides the wonderful and rich culture, Japanese cuisine is something that many people like. Btw, Sushi-Ya is not authentic as the japanese restaurants that sprung up like mushrooms here in Manila but Sushi-Ya is affordable and close to authentic japanese food :)

California Maki (P85) Not bad for it's price (if your looking for affordable maki) but of course if you are able to taste high quality sushi from some fancy restaurant, you will know the difference. I have to commend the rice though, it's sticky and smooth but short in taste.

Tempura Udon (P145) noodles are firm and okay. Tempura is okay. The soup is not that tasty, lacks that umami taste of a ramen soup. But then again, given it's price no complain. 

Ebi Tempura (P148) crispy, medium sized deep fried prawns in japanese flour. It's quite nice actually, the shrimp is not that small and you can taste it's meat but the negative side of this is that the tempura are a little oily. 

Dinner at Yellow Cab

Pizza!! 

Pizza and Pasta are two great dish that Italians introduced to the world. Many of us loves eating pasta and pizza whether meaty or vegan. 

A little bit of history.

Pizza takes us early back during the AD period however it is unclear when and how it is formed. While pasta is documented as early as the Ancient Greeks (BC) in Sicily, Italy.

Pizza and Pasta went trough a lot of changes and re-inventions that made it interesting which makes the people loving it more.

Chicken Alfredo (P250) Creamy, white sauce with chicken fillet. It may not be as fancy pasta dish around the metro but it is definitely one the tastiest. If you really love heavy white creamy pasta, then yellow cab's alfredo will hit the spot. 

Charlie Chan Chicken Pasta (P270) Spicy, nutty, and yummy. I'm not a fan of whole nuts in a dish so I just scrapped off the nuts and concentrated on the spiciness of this dish. I really love the flavor of the pasta especially the mushrooms. it's a little sweet but it's still great.

Dinner at Corazon

¡HOLA! Come estas? 

Me llamo John Contreras. Vivo en la cuidad de Pasig. Tengo veinte y _____ anos. Estudio en la Universidad de santo Tomas.

We often take for granted the things that are so close to us and sometimes we forget these and take no importance of it.

A little bit of history.

Philippines is a former spanish colony in the far east which was Re-Discovered by Ferdinand Magellan (a Portuguese explorer). Magellan carry the flag of Spain because the Queen and King of Portugal at that time didn't believe that the world is round and so Magellan went to the King and Queen of Spain for blessing. He traveled towards west until he is able to cross the pacific and thus arriving to the shores of Cebu.

"Re-Discovered" 

Historians (Including myself) presented evidences that Philippines before Spaniards arrived have a organized government system, clothing, art, trading system, etc. and at that time, Islam is introduced from the south which spread out in many parts of the archipelago.

Food

Food is also a source of history. It's something that historians and archaeologists take into account aside from text, oral traditions, and visual art. Although it is not common, I like this method especially when I made a paper about the Indigenous People of Ibaloi in the North.

So what thus this means? Sadly many Filipinos do not know the origin of our local food, all we know is adobo, sinigang, dinuguan, and many more. 

Fast forward to the present. Filipino-Spanish cuisine is somewhat hard to find here in Manila, it's always Filipino or Spanish rarely on Filipino-Spanish fusion. 

Corazon (Co-ra-thon) 

corazon means heart in spanish.

My Dad is a food lover as I am he's more adventurous in food tasting than I am. One day, he brought me to Corazon and bragging how good their Paella Valenciana. 

(grabbed from their website)

(grabbed from their website)

Picture this, the resto has that filipino-spanish-mediterranean ambiance and funky artistic visual pieces.

Chorizo Filipino (w/o egg) P 310. Normally I don't like oily and fatty dishes but this chorizo dish is an exception. I like how the chorizo is not salty and chewy. This chorizo is very nice and I would say it's not the usual chorizo that you eat at many restaurants and buy at some grocery stores.

Lunch at Cibo

Ever wonder why sometimes you get so excited for a thing and suddenly when it's in front of you all the excitement disappear?

In this case, It's Cibo.

I may not eat at expensive restaurants all the time but I certainly know what good and authentic food is. I grew up dining out all the time (that only proves my weight haha) but I tell you, food is something that is a blessing and a connection. 

You get excited because you feel something great and good will happen just like when harry potter defeated lord valdemort or when anakin skywalker is darth vader or when darth vader in his deathbed confesses to luke skywalker that he is his father yada yada.

Sorry I wasn't able to get the names of the dishes but you'll figure it out when you dine at cibo they have pictures.

Pesto with mushroom. Pasta was hard, it's like chewing a gum in which I didn't able to taste the full flavor although the texture is good, and the pesto sauce is generous, I had a hard time finishing this dish. This one costs around P270.

Pollo Arrosto Limone (P340-360) Looks great and appetizing

Breakfast at Cafe 1771

I always wanted to eat breakfast outside the house or outside the office. I'm not a morning person but I certainly love breakfast food. I love fresh egg, ham and orange juice in the morning. Cafe 1771 is open 7am and gain numerous award for their excellence. 

I love the old-spanish style facade of their building and their very pleasant staff. 

Croque Madame (P370) 

It's a croque monsieur topped with sunny side up egg. The egg was fantastic and fresh,it was perfectly cooked (no bubbles on the side) The bread was soft and crispy which is weird but very very delicious (addicting actually) the cheese and ham were nice as well. A total breakfast meal!

Fruit Parfait. Sweet and yummy. The green apple balances the sweet taste of all the fruits which makes this parfait better than ice cream.

Lunch at Florabel

 

Uneventful day for me. It's 8 am and the cab I was riding bumped to a jeepney and it was shocking terrifying. It's the first time that I experience such accident. After that I was nervous and shaking, it kinda ruined my day.

I heard a loud bang! scary but thankfully nothing serious.

Fast forward to lunch time. I was in podium, ortigas to look for a place to eat when I walk across Florabel and I got curios. I must say their menu is appetizing and very unique.

not a living soul was dining here,only me.

A special dip that I don't like. It's weird, salty and too oily.

Lunch at Almon Marina Sandwich Bar and Deli

What I love about this resto is that it's affordable, so yummy, and best of all: amazing staff. 

It's so funny to see the reaction of some customers faces how I am so spoiled by the crew especially the waiters. My water glass never went empty, I always get my spot in the restaurant, They know what I will order and always reserve my favorite newspaper! Gosh I'm so spoiled!!

Pasta Ala Osso Buco (P195). Penne Pasta cooked al dente with tender and very savory beef with mushroom and very very yummy sauce. I don't know how they cook it or how they managed to prepare this dish but I tell you, this is a must order.

Neptune Submarine (P255) never forge to order neptune submarine if you happen to dine here. The all good sandwich will dignify that Almon Marina is top of it's product. It's a sandwich with lots of meat, egg, tomatoes, vegetables, etc. It's a one good sandwich with less guilt. =) 

Ever tasted a chocolate cake that is not too sweet nor bitter? Almon Marina's Chocolate Cake is quite thick and yet soo blissfully good.  

Lunch at Cafe France

Finally!! I  bought myself a rubber fold able keyboard that cost only $4 / P300. 

Anyways, my entry starts again with lunch at cafe france which my parents love. It's a restaurant and a cafe at the same time. All pastries looks and tastes insanely delicious with very affordable price. It's still the same delifrance as before.

I was ecstatic to see all the pastries! It's love at first sight.

Birthday Lunch at Yabu, House of Katsu

It's my Birthday!! I woke up around 9 am and feeling great about myself! I realized how blessed I am and how I am loved by many people. I went to the dentist (my cousin is a dentist) to have my teeth cleaned and do some sot of fixing. 

After the dentist, I went straight to SM Megamall to eat lunch at YABU. It's my second time at yabu and their food never fails to satisfy one's craving!

Seafood Set (P545): Salmon, Black Tiger Prawn, Oyster, and Crab. Everything is such a bliss! everything is so yummy! Cabbage was a delight! Rice was white as snow! I ended up asking for 4 service of rice and 3 service of cabbage. =)

Yummy!!

Choco Lava. (P155) So chocolate-y and so yummy! sweet ending! :)

Aftermath. 

Yabu Webstie

2/F Atrium, SM Megamall

Mandaluyong City

631-1192

After Yabu, I went to church to attend Mass and I felt the love of all the people around me, my friends, family, colleague, and especially God. I realized how lucky and blessed I am. 

As I grew older I become wiser, responsible, and priorities are changing. It's such a nice day to celebrate alone (not to emote) to realize things, and to know yourself better. Of course, a small dinner gathering after with my family!

Happy 23rd Birthday to me!! :)

After lunch coffee at Le Coeur de France

Le Ceour de France is totally different from La Creperie although they are bought french restaurant but they differ in menu. La Creperie is mostly more upscale and crepes, Le Coeur is mostly breads and baguettes. I forgot why i have ordered sandwich with pasta after i had my lunch. 

Oh yes it's Palm Sunday in the Catholic calendar before i forget to tell you guys. I went to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig where I'm totally admire and devoted to. It's a miraculous church which i have experienced over the past years.

Anyways, Le Coeur de France offers buy 1 take 1 on breads and pastries so if your crazy about bread and especially croissant, then go to the nearest le coeur (by the way, practically they have a branch in every mall)

Sandwich and Penne Pasta (P 220) 

Tuna Turnover. Non-Flaky, fresh, hot and yummy! Best partner with coffee.

Breads!!!

Yummy!!

Dinner @ Johnny Rockets

It's my first time to eat at a diner and it's a lot of fun! 

The first time johnny rocket's caught my attention when the waitress and waiters danced the songs during the 60s/70s i think. 

Anyways, johnny rocket's isn't cheap actually, it's quite expensive but size is big and taste quality is good. It's an all american diner which serves mouth watering burgers.

Menu

 Bacon Cheddar Single w/ Fries: It was mouthwatering and delicious! the whole burger can be for sharing. the beef patty was excellent, it was so tasty and juicy! the bacon and the cheese was a divine combination. I just don't like the thick slice of the tomato and the onion. the fries was crispy and hot.

Bacon Cheddar Single w/ Onion Rings

Unlimited Fries

 Mac and Cheese: It was creamy and very cheesy. The macaroni was firm and good to eat. 

Dancing Crew

Iv'ed been cheating my diet since I was on low salt and high fiber diet as prescribed my doctor. I have to watch my diet.

Fine French Food at La Creperie

I never thought that french food can be so good. I thought it was just an exaggeration from movies, I'm so in love with this restaurant. 

I love the variety of their menu from breakfast, lunch, crepes, pastas, french toast, and especially luxurious tea. 

I ask the waiter if they sell those tea at the rack, and thank God he said yes. He recommended the Silvermoon Tea w/c i find so fragrant. I'm eyeing for the Moroccan Mint Tea, and the 1837 Black tea when i go back for another Coq Au Vin and Ratatouille. 

My refillable Teacup 1837 Black Tea. TWG tea is lighter than any other strongly brewed tea at some japanese and chinese restaurant. TWG cam from singapore. for a box set of P990 you have 15 cotton bags (I bought the creme caramel)

Menu

Interior

Coq Au Vin costs around P365 but it's worth the price. 

There was mushroom, carrots, thin strips of beef, and 2 chicken part. The chicken was so soft, moist and so so so so so tasty. the carrots and the mushrooms were soft. the sauce was not sweet and not salty, it's something i have never tasted before. It was a fine french cuisine. 

Ratatouille. It was totally different from what i saw from the animated movie ratatouille, It looks like a local filipino dish called Pakbet. The taste was very very unexpected, It was like eating a pizza. Ingredients were: Eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, green & red pepper, parsley, olive oil. 

Strawberry Jubilee = Bliss  

will go back to try more of their food and buy other tea flavor.