Pia Y Damaso Favorites

Pia Y Damaso is a restaurant with a quaint old-world feel right in the heart of Makati. The dishes are inspired from the pages of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. I find it nice that there's a restaurant wherein you can reminisce about reading Rizal's famous novels aside from just talking about how good the food is.

FOOD FINDS: Eric Kayser's Salted Caramel Eclair

We happen to visit Powerplant Mall after avoiding the place last December due to traffic and was surprised to discover that Eric Kayser was already open. Maison Kayser turned traditional bread into a work of art. He opened his first store in 1996 in Paris and has expanded to major cities around the globe including Hong Kong, Japan, and now in Manila.

The store in Powerplant Mall is located beside Rustan's Marketplace. I would have passed it by if not for the big orange sign. That's when I saw the eclairs!

It was already passed 7pm when we saw the shop so most of the breads were sold out already.

We were going to watch a movie so daughter chose the chocolate croissant (I think she got the dark chocolate one), and I got the dark chocolate cookie for hubby. The cookie was just okay but daughter was singing praised about the chocolate croissant. I had a tiny bite and it was good. The cookie and croissant costs P85 each.

Salted Caramel Eclair. This is mine, all-mine! lol .. Ate this at home. Really, really good and its worth the P120 price. Note to self: go back to Powerplant asap and hoard salted caramel eclairs. :D

PS. The store is still on its soft opening so they're still fixing things there. But that's okay since you'll be after the cookies, eclairs, breads anyway. :)

FOOD FINDS: Bronuts

We haven't been frequenting Power Plant Mall lately so I'm about a decade late when it comes to Bronuts but I'm glad that daughter and I got to try it last week. Of course, our trip to the mall won't be complete without going to Fully Booked. Daughter's been crazy over "Manga" lately and she's starting to collect Pandora Hearts.

But let's talk about Bronuts first. They can be found at the Baker's Dozen in Power Plant Mall somewhere near Mercury Drug and McDonald's. They don't sell anything except Bronuts. Well, a bronut is a donut shaped layers of flaky sweet dough, coated and filled with flavorful treats. Got that from their FB Page. Also, I was a bit apprehensive because I've heard about the long lines and the out-of-stock sign. Luckily, the shelves are still half full when we went there.

Belgian Chocolate. This is my favorite. Well, anything chocolate (most especially Belgian chocolate) is a sure winner for me. Also, I like that its chewy and not really flaky and oily. It has a generous coating of chocolate too. And I love the cream filling because its not that sweet but just right. As for the toffee bits on top, its not love at first bite.

FOOD FINDS: Yamato Bakery's Croughnuts

Several months back, we've witnessed the croughnuts (cronuts) craze and everyone just can't seem to have enough of them. I wrote about my first croughnut experience here and that was like ages ago.

And because daughter and I happen to have dinner somewhere near Yamato Bakery along Jupiter (not the planet) Street in Makati, I told her we need to check the croughnuts nearby.

There are about 4 to 5 croughnut selections that night but we just bought one each. Mine's the green tea (of course) and daughter got the vanilla.

Green Tea Croughnuts, P130. I can't say its love at first bite and what really comes to mind was flavored "bicho-bicho." Hahaha. But the green tea on top tasted good however, the green tea filling was just too much for me to enjoy the croughnut. I needed to scrape some off.

Brunch At Outback Glorietta

Just last week, about two days before my trip to Hong Kong, I met up with C and J in Glorietta for a brunch get-together. Also, J recently celebrated her 18th birthday so this is a special brunch for us.

I can't remember the last time I ate at Outback but I'm pretty sure that it was at the Glorietta branch also.

We were the first ones inside since the restaurant just opened its door for the day. I wanted to sit near the window but was voted against it because the sunlight might ruin our photos. Haha.

Ceasar Salad with Spicy Shrimps. I love the romaine lettuce and the dressing and the slivers of cheese. Perfect blend! The shrimp was not too spicy, thankfully and it tasted good with the salad.

Seafood Pasta. No need to rave about this. I just love seafood. ;)

Buffalo Wings. I almost didn't eat this because I've already eaten more than my usual amount of chicken but I can't resist especially when C and J mentioned that it was delicious. So I had about three helpings of chicken wings and a stick of celery. And my friends were right because the chicken was indeed delicioso. The chicken's hint of spiciness will make you crave for more bite instead of asking for water. Amazing!

Dark Bread. So good with the chicken and the salad that we asked for an extra serving. This comes free, by the way. Crunchy on the outside and chewy inside. Alas, the second one that was given to us stayed too long in the oven and tasted burnt. :(

That's J with her molten chocolate cake ala mode. Happy 18th Birthday !!! Cheers !!!

And that's us- looking full already even if we haven't touched our food yet. ;)

Mr. Rockefeller

Had dinner here with my family, including a cousin and her family. But since it's my cousin who's picking the tab, I let her order for us (bad mistake!). Not that the food didn't taste nice but because she ordered the same meal for all of us. Oh my! So there's not much photos-- hahaha.

Mango Tree BGC

We haven't been to BGC for ages since its really far from our place but during those times that we did, there's always a nice discovery.

And its Mango Tree this time where I had a sumptuous lunch with old and new friends.

Yum Som O or Pomelo Salad. This is a staple in Thai restos. Very good! The pomelo was juicy, the shrimp and dressing was well blended so the burst of flavors is not hard to miss. I won't tire of eating this all day.

Nua Phad Gra Pow (L). A spicy beef dish with basil and chili peppers. Phad Thai (R). Another well-known Thai dish made with rice noodles and scallions and beansprouts. I love both, I don't know why. ;)

Talai Phad Prik Thai Dum (L). Its mixed seafood with capsicum and black pepper sauce. Phad Phak Bung Fai Daeng (R) or stir-fried morning glory (kangkong), with garlic sauce, chilies and soy bean sauce. Had several helping of the seafood but skipped the veggies. Hehe

Chicken (L). Po Pia Goong (R). Deep fried spring rolls served with chili sauce. I think I skipped these two dishes also. Blame the beef and seafood dish. ;)

Sakoo Nam Ka-ti. Sago (tapioca) with coconut cream. L-o-v-e.

Mango Tree
7th Avenue, BHS
BGC, Taguig City

Earle's

At last, at last ... I was able to meet and dine with Earle. 

It was not really a planned trip since me and my friend, Jean, were craving for some cream puffs and meant to go somewhere but for some unknown reason, we ended up at Earle's Delicatessen at The Columns. But I'd like to thank, Uncle J for meeting us up first in Starbucks Columns because if not for him, we won't be ending up at Earle's.

And ang daming choices --- ***hyperventilates

But since Jean and I were still full from lunch, we ended up ordering only this ... ang sarap!!!!! Bought some for hubby and daughter.

Stuffed Breadsticks are also available and being sold for P19/pc and there are several flavors to choose from. Bestseller daw ang Chicken Pesto but daughter and I loved the Beef Taco. A pack of 10 costs P160 but single flavor lang. This is like Mantou Breadsticks. And is a great snack / baon idea since its almost the beginning of SY 2013-2014. 

Lovely Beef Day

Daughter and I have been craving for some beef strips lately that a cancelled movie date at RWM means that we can enjoy grocery shopping at Lucky Chinatown Mall. You see, it is only at the Metro Gaisano Supermarket where I can find this particular beef strips that hubby and daughter enjoys. I don't know why it is not available in other groceries or if they have, it doesn't look just right. We also love steak (who doesn't? please raise your feet!) and they're always available in that grocery. So okay lang na its far awar from where we live as long as maraming grocery haul.

So when I received an invite last week to join the Media Launch of Angus Cow Beef Tapa, I didn't think twice about it. I mean, a-n-g-u-s beef. Go go go!:)

And it made me happy to know that this beef tapa is not just any beef tapa but an angus beef tapa, and this particular one is synonymous with Chef John Cu-Unjieng of JAM Foods and Company. I've been hearing buzz about this yummy beef tapa from several foodie friends but I still haven't tasted it-- wawa naman ako. So today's my lucky day.

PROMO: Circles Event Cafe Lunch P800 +++

Saw this on FB a few minutes ago and I know I have to share this with you ...

"Enjoy a scrumptious feast from Circles Event Cafe for only PhP 800+++ from May 6-9 and May 13-16 when you book your lunch reservations through our online reservations page."

Book now as there are limited seats available.

Makati Shangri-La FB Page

Happiest Hour At UMU

Because we were craving for some Japanese food after our reservation mishap at Midas, we ended up at Umu Japanese Restaurant in Dusit Hotel. Also, we were on a budget since Christmas Season can really put a strain on your pocket. After making reservations at Umu, we were told that we can avail of the Happiest Hour Promo at P950 nett/head. Inclusive of unlimited beer and sake. Wow!

Shi Lin

Daughter and I just included this on our list of favorite restaurants. Not only is the food great, but the place is nice also (sorry, forgot to take pic of the resto).  Also, and the best part about Shi Lin, prices are not heavy on the pocket. Yey! :)

Happy Birthday and Late Dinner at SOMS

P is celebrating her birthday today and since I made some ice-cream the previous night, I'll name the ice-cream "Merry Melon" in honor of her birthday. Gave P some ice-cream and got feedback that its yummy. Yey!

Pardon the photo, though. Earlier, I was asking my friend- N, to teach me the basics of food styling so let's wait and see. :)

Attended Fashion Week early this evening at SMX. I thought that there's a cocktail party but nada! Oh wells, glad that C mentioned SOMS. So after watching the fashion show and being introduced to Xian Lim, Gerald Anderson and Sam Pinto, off we go to SOMS near Rockwell. Luckily, its still open when we arrived which was around 10pm.

Haven't eaten at SOMS for a very, very long time and was excited to order a lot but C and I have been sensible with our orders lately. We avoid ordering too much. Besides, the servings at SOMS are good for sharing.

 

Thai Milk Tea. A bottle is good enough for 2 glasses. Tastes good. However, I find it lacking in sweetness. Or maybe I'm just craving for sugar?

Catfish Salad. This is my fave. Crunchy and sour at the same time. Excellent!

 

Yellow Seafood Curry. So good! Generous serving of squid and the 2 pcs of shrimps are not that tiny either. Thumbs up!

Dutch Dinner At Italianni's

Dinner date with my Aunt W and Dutch uncle, and Aunt B and cousins- L and L, and daughter at Italianni's in Greenbelt. I love family dinners!

Pomodoro. Comfort food at its best! Daughter and I shared this while waiting for her fish. I'm on a diet-mode tonight because I'm looking forward to dessert! :D

Kulinarya

This resto is one of the few that I like to frequent especially if we happen to be in Powerplant Mall. Food here is L O V E.

Salmon & Capers Pizza


Baked Fish