Series I'm Loving Now: Grey's Anatomy

Seriously! Another series I love. I don't enjoy it as much as I do House but it's 'medical' enough for me! What I do find to be addiciting here as you may have very well guessed already is McDreamy. I want to have my very own McDreamy!!! Kidding aside, I do love this show because it not only portrays medical situations well but also the drama that life has to offer which I think House does not really have to employ to get their ratings.
Grey's Anatomy shows real life medical problems and decisions we all will have to ask ourselves in our lives. I like it cause they are able to keep the show grounded, yet pull on my heart strings hard!
An unforgetable moment that really made me cry was when Denny still died even after all the trouble Izzy went through. How more human can you get than that??! Honestly, I think I like Addison's character than I do Meredith's. I like how she's so strong and decisive, a complete opposite to that of Meredith's character; and I do find her much much prettier.hehe... But of course, as expected, I still tend to root for Meredith more and sometimes find myself hating Addison. Can't wait for the next season, and I do hope that Meredith finally finally finally picks McDreamy. That's a no brainer you know!

Series I'm Loving Now: Lost

I just finished the second season of Lost, it wasn't quite as addicitng as the first season which I 
finished right about this time last year. In the first season, they battled against jungle monsters and adjusting to their new found way of like but in the second season, they were against some kind of mind experiment or something. Not as interesting, but interesting none the less. Not to mention the hot Dr. Jack and bad ass Sawyer who are enough to keep me watching. I can also say that I have fallen deeply in love with all these characters. Lost is probably 
the show with the most number of main characters and yet I love them all. Somehow, I feel like I 
can relate to all of them.
I have to say that I love everything J.J. Abrams touches. From Alias (which I dearly loved and was devoted to) to Lost and even MI3 which I really think was the best of the 3 in the series.
And as always,  Lost gives us a hanging ending that really makes no sense...Makes me wonder what season 3 (now showing elsewhere) will have in store for me. Maybe aliens or dinosaurs this time? I don't really care as long as they keep it interesting and addicting, then I'm in!

More Cakes for a Birthday...

Oreo Cheesecake from Cheesecake, Etc.

 

Cerealicious

Simple stuff really. Just mix and match what you think would taste good together. Instead of milk however, they add an ice/milk thing to the concoction. These are what I have tried so far:

Erin Broeko Peach Php 40

It has frosties, peaches and graham crackers. This one was refreshing on a hot hot day.

Nutting Hill Php 40

It has Koko Crunch, mini chocolate kisses, nuts, marshmallows and chocolate syrup. For some reason, I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the other one.

As you may notice, my cup is onyl 3/4 filled in both times.  I don't know why that is... I feel so 'luge' tuloy... Hmph. 

Cantina

Enchiladas Php 189
 
Cantina has long been open along Katipunan but it was only yesterday when I decided to try it. I used to be turned off by it because I thought the only seats they had were the ones outside where everybody was smoking and drinking. Turns out, they have an airconditioned, no smoking, more discrete and subdued place at the back. Surprise surprise!!
I thouroughly enjoyed the food here a lot. The soft quesadilla was oozing with its cheesiness and has just the right amount of filling that wasn't over bearing. But the cheese flautas were my favorite. Perfectly fried to extreme crispiness while still keeping the cheese inside soft. I also liked the kind of cheese they used for this one. It was very salty and had the perfect bite for me anyway since I like my cheese to be that way.

it's starting to feel like christmas

It was my friend's birthday. We decided to celebrate it later on when we were more free and less stressed from school. But to at least lighten our spirits up, we headed off to Starbucks, the only 'okay' place left open at that time...

Peppermint Mocha Latte

All I can say was that I felt like I just had eaten several Mentos candies prior to having this drink.

Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Php75

This was not as disturbing as the drink was. Enjoyable enough if you don't have it that often.
In general though, I don't really think that mint-chocolate combinations are for me...ever.... :)

Pancake House

Salisbury Steak Php 165

This was fair. The gravy was a little bit sweet but very typical for 'diner' type of restaus. The bacon bits was a good complement.

Roast Beef Combo Php180 with iced tea

hmmmm....Toffee Nut Latte

Okay, so it's obvious I desperately want that planner...hehe... Anyways, of their 3 Christmas specials, I would have to say that I like the Toffee Nut variants the most. I just love the toffee sugar  crystals on top...I could eat those by the spoonfulls!

Movie I'm Loving Now: Casino Royale

I've only seen 4 Bond movies ever. Three of which were the ones where in the totally gorgeous Pierce Brosnan starred in. Unfortunately though, I was extremely bored in all three of those... But with this one however, I was mesmerized. I never thought that Daniel Craig would be able to live up to the name, but he did! and with flying colors at that! It was very obvious that he trained and researched well for the part. I must say however that his "bond-ness" was not apparent when you see him doing nothing when he starts to beat up somebody for example however, he oozes that signature "Bond" aura. Not to spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it, but what I liked most about this one was 'humanness' of James Bond. His fragility of falling in love and getting hurt. Must see for fans and non-fans alike.

Cakes for a Birthday...

Strawberry Cheesecake from Cheesecake, Etc.

This was okay. Not as cheesecake-y as I had expected but okay. The strawberry taste was very subtle for me. A bit overpriced I think.

Super Moist Chocolate Cake (I think) from Jack's Loft

If someone knows what this cake is called, please do to tell me about it! Thanks.

More of the cakes to come!

the worst dessert/dining experience in history

Bed Room Bar in Eastwood City, Libis has always made me curious. You could supposedly eat, party, dance, drink and whatever there. They supposedly have comfortable couches/sofas where you and your friends could sit on and roll around in and party the night away. One night some friends and I decided to go there. To relax, enjoy and have some fun.

We wanted to get a table upstairs because the area below was really small and full of drunk people already. We were told that the 2nd floor was not yet that occupied and so we went up. When we got there, this waiter kept on bugging us to just stay downstairs because the air-con on the 2nd floor was supposedly broken. We decided to stay in the 2nd floor nevertheless. Turns out, the aircon was not broken. As we took our seats, I was grossed out by how sticky and dirty the couches were. To think I was wearing a skirt that night! I really really could not for the life of me, bare to come in contact with the seats!! As I looked around, I noticed that there were pink and blue curtains that divided the tables from one another. Again, to my utter disbelief, the curtains were 'butas-butas'!!!!! And not small holes ha, big fat ass holes!!!!!! As big as my fists!!!

We were shy to walk away and so we decided to at least get a drink and maybe a dessert then go elsewhere. Since I had vowed to stop drinking alcohol, I got a mocktail instead and a kahlua creme brulee. We were forced to get the kahlua creme brulee because even though they had about 15 dessert choices, that was the only one available. They were really starting to tick me off.

While waiting for our order, the chef! the chef no less, started mopping the floors right in front of us!!! Hello!!!?!?! How more gross and dispicable could you get!!!!

A few minutes later, the server got back to me and said that they couldn't make my mocktail because they had run out of ice cream. Ok. Fine. Just the dessert then. When it came, oh my, when it came, I knew right away that is was going to be gross and horid. Yuck. We took a bite (a small teaspoon bite) each and refused to touch it further. It was really gross! I can't even begin to describe the taste!! I shudder thinking about the taste! So we asked for the bill and got ready to leave (finally). After we had paid the bill, I suddenly realized I was thirsty and so I asked for a glass of tap water since I didn't want to have another transaction with them and have to pay for bottled water. The server told me that their tap water was not advisable to be drunk because it was contaminated. Um, hello???? I don't know if he was just being lazy or something but if that's the case well then I hope they prepare their food using mineral water!

A really horrible and unspeakable experience! But we love to relive just to get a few good laughs from it. Wouldn't you?

JT's Manukan

Ever since I was a child, I've always enjoyed chicken inasal . I specifically like the Chicken Bacolod branch in BF Homes, Pque. I recently heard of the opening of JT's Manukan and the thorough research the owners went through to look for the best 'timpla' of it all. I was so enamore to try this that right after reading about it, I dragged my friend to Eastwood because we were told that there was a branch there. Alas, after about an hour and a half of looking and asking around for it, we gave up and ate else where. Two months later, we were happily doing some shopping when we stumbled upon a gigantic banner saying that JT's Manukan, among many other new food stalls had just opened in Eastwood. We had already eaten when we saw that and decided to just come back later on. Many exams, projects and oral defenses later, we were finally able to eat there.
Verdict:I indeed truly agree that this is the best chicken inasal I have ever tasted. The marinade was different from the ones you've already probably tasted and yet it was still able to retain that inasal taste. The chicken was perfectly cookes, all juicy and tender. The chicken piece (pecho in this case) was generous and meaty (malaman). Their garlic rice had so much garlic, and not the nasty burnt kind I hate, I was really euphoric. My friend and I did not speak much during that meal. We just huffed down our food.
Down side though is that the eating area for this branch is quite small and hot. Maybe I'll have this in their actual restaus instead....Ah... I'm salivating just thinking about it.

Pecho Php80
Garlic Rice Php20

Jack's Loft 3

Ate here again very recently. Just wanted to share new pics I was able to take.

Onion Rings Php108

I've tried this before (and blogged about it before). Same comments, very thinly sliced andwere stuck together. I didn't mind that now as I did the first time. The dipping sauce (not pictured here) was a little bit different I think.

Mango Mousse Php88

hmmm...just an okay...I'm starting to lose faith in their desserts. The mango layer on top was as thin as paper! Really! The crust was ordinary. Very basic. Well, I probably get my money's worth at 88pesos.

Fishbowl Iced Tea Php 98

At first I thought "kulang yan! lakas namin sa iced tea eh" but we surprisingly had a hard time finishing this drink! It actually has more iced tea than it looks! The taste of the iced tea is close to the taste of the ready to mix iced tea that we are so accustomed to, but this one has the slightest hint of actual brewed tea in it. So maybe they're not really using the ready to mix kind. I'm not sure...

Pho Hoa

Had Vietnamese again. This time in Pho Hoa, Alabang Town Center branch. This are what we had:

Goi Tom Buoi (Pomelo Shrimp Salad) Php 155

This was more generous in serving than what I recently had in Hue. This one however is more simple with only cucumber, carrots, crushed peanuts, pomelo and shrimps with a light dressing, very typically Vietnamese. Hue's salad however had a lot of other herbs in the salad (cilantro among many others I think)which made its taste unique.

Chien Dau Hu (Tofu Steak with Mushroom and Red Pepper Sauce) Php 155

What I liked about this was that they were able to keep the outside of the tofu crisp and crunchy while keeping the inside soft but not mushy. I love tofu that is fried that way! The sauce was a bit too spicy for me but it was very pleasant with the simple taste of the tofu.

Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) Php 205 for the large serving

Simple. Tastes best when you add some lemon juice, chilies and basil leaves. This one had thinly sliced preboiled beef and a few slices of fish balls. Good and filling.

Cerealicious

It's just your everyday cereals, only they mixed and matched it with some fruits/nuts/chocolates/syrups etc... to come up with a whole new taste. It's so cool!

Only branches are along DLSU and UST.

Bizu

The only things I've had so far from Bizu are these cakes. I'd like to sit down and dine in their cafe one of these days. I wasn't able to get much details from what I ordered, but I'll be sure to go back ang get them. In the meantime, enjoy!

Charlotte


Naomi (Sugarless) Php 175

Described as "a combination of sugarless milk and dark chocolate mousse in between layers of chocolate cake sprayed with cocoa liqueur."

Sugarnot!

The sugar replacement they use is not aspartame as one would think right away, they actually use isomalt which is from beets. I visited the newly opened branch in Westgate, Filinvest and although they were still in their dry run, service was good.

Last Temptation Php 128

This is a dark chocolate cake with a truffle filling. Not really for my taste but it was good. As usual, I love that it is so chewy and not spongey.

Strawberry Shortcake Php 78

This cake looks too good to eat. I could stare at those strawberries forever! At first I thought it was a mousse kind of cake but after furthe inspection, I found that it had several layers fo sponge. I don't like shortcakes in general but that strawberry gelatin is irresistable!

Caffe Zuppa

An ordinary and simple cafe in Eastwood. It's quite cheap, perfect for an ordinary meal.

Hungry Hungarian

Totally not what we expected. The sausages were not toasted and it kinda tasted different from hungarian sausages we're accustomed to.

Salpicao el Toro

This was good. Great for easing a famished stomach. Big, lean chunks of meat with newly toasted garlic halves. Yum....

Burgoo Again

Here are some more food I was able to try in Burgoo. The food was good, typical, nothing special worth mentioning about. I enjoyed the linguini more though.

Seafood Linguini


Shrimp and Ribs Platter

Dayrit's Halo-Halo

The best halo-halo in town for me. I thas finely shaved ice with lots and lots of sweetened ingredients. I can't even name them all! Try it for only Php80!!

Amici's Gelato

Our third tub of Crocantina (rhum with assorted nuts). Php 350 for one kilo.

Max Brenner 2

Crunchy Chocolate Cheesecake

This one is worth trying at least once.

Chocolat Cakes

This has a branch right beside my school but I've never been to it. From what I tasted in the MOA branch however, I know I'll be visiting the Xavierville branch very soon. They have great cakes that are not sponge like in very affordable prices!

Orange Poppy Seed Cake Php 45

This was new to me and have fallen in love with it already. The orange flavoring in the cake was not over powering, just enough for you to enjoy its presence. What I like most about this cake was that it was extremely moist for a sponge cake. It had an orange candy on top as well.

White Chocolate Cake Php 65

Moist! Nothin new really. I must say however that the cake wasn't too sweet unlike most cakes which tend to be over powered by the chocolate. This one was just right. It has almond slivers on top. Perfectly moist! yum yum yum.

Starbucks' Holiday Creations

I've been buying coffee from Starbucks like crazy. Want that planner. Anyway, I thought I'd share my insights on their new flavors.

Christmas Blend
Dark and bitter. I found out that these were Indonesian beans that have been aged.


Gingerbread Latte

A basic latte flavored with Gingerbread syrup, and topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.I could slightly taste then ginger in the coffee. I like this one and I know I'll be having more of this.

Peppermint Latte

Latte flavored with peppermint syrup, whipped cream, and red sprinkles. May take a little bit of getting used to.

Movie I'm Loving Now: Marie Antoinette

I really love this movie! I do! My friend who watched it with me got bored, but not me!! I was so enthralled to see their culture, the clothes, the food, the way they carry themselves and the history of it all! I honestly liked the way that Kirsten Dunst portrayed the main character. I can understand why this movie was booed at the Cannes Film Festival for it somehow justifies why Marie Antoinette became the way she was. Beware though, this is a true blue art film and may not be enjoyed by all.

On a side note, if you're going to watch this movie, come early. A queue tends to form outside because they make you surrender cameras (not camera phones). Hassle. I was late for the first two minutes of the movie because of this. They ensure safe keeping of your items anyway.

Only in Ayala Cinemas.

Cascada

Went to Cascada in Greenbelt 3 for dinner while waiting for our movie to start. Cuisine is a mix of Asian and European (mostly French dishes I think).

Grilled Pizza in White Cheese Php 200

Described as "grilled middle eastern pizza topped with homemade sauce and fresh sauce." Mouth watering. This was so good. From the moment I smelled the cheese in the pizza, I knew it was already going to be super tasty. The crust was really thin yet this pizza was real filling. I could eat 50 slices of this pizza. It's just so good.

Sage and Rosemary Porkchop Php 240

Described as "pan grilled sage and rosemary porkchop with light beer gravy and buttered vegetables." Hmm... Nothing spectacular to say. It was grilled properly and well cooked. I could slightly detect a hint of the beer flavor in the gravy.

Gram's Diner

Located by the Seaside Area of Mall of Asia, this restaurant offers a whole lot of those 'creamy/ creamed up' dishes typical in most diners. One thing noticeably missing from their menu however was the milieu of pancakes and waffles. All they had were the plain pancakes which you could add cheese or chocolate to.

What We Had:

Roast Beef Belly Php 205

The beef was very 'malitid' but not gummy, in fact it was tender and easy to chew. The gravy was basic. The mashed potatoes however were great! They were authentic and not your run-of-the-mill ready to mix kind. This dish comes in a meal set which includes salad or soup, iced tea, vegetables and coffee or tea.

Go Go Mango Php 155

Deboned chiken grilled in a mango sauce. It was okay, you can slightly taste the mango in the sauce. Can be paired with either rice or mashed potatoes.

Cibo

I just want to share my all time fave dish in Cibo, Farfalle ala Genovese



It's actually your basic pesto but this one has loads of fresh basil and walnuts aside from the usual pine nuts. It's also based on a light cream sauce not oil.

Cafe d' Angelo

Garlic Shrimp


Startling to be paired with rice. I thought it would come with bread. Shrimps were fresh. Sauce was tangy. Lots of garlic chunks. I liked it. Big serving too!

Amici di Don Bosco

I've eaten here many many times. First picture post though. I think that by now, it is safe to say that all their food are yummy without a doubt. I bet you could randomnly pick anything forom their menu and still enjoy it. I highly revel the people behind this place. Kudos to you....I swear everything is yummy!!! It's so simple to order and they're quick to serve. If that weren't enough, their gelato is also to die for. Every flavor is good at only Php 35 per cup you have so much to choose from. My fave would have to be Toblerone, Pistachio and Crocantina.
Pizzas are all at Php 240 and pastas are from Php 150-170. Very affordable



Like I said, I have no favorites here since they're all sooooo good. But here are some of their dishes to give you an idea:

Margherita Mafiosa Php 150


Spinach Lasagna Php 150


Pizza with Artichokes and Mushrooms Php 240