more and more with Aya

Quick date...

And we are some girls who really spend more on food more than anything else.

After seeing Samurai X in the big screen, we went straight to Yabu for lunch. And I'm claiming my free tonkatsu meal since it's my birthday! Yabu is awesome like that. And well, we didn't get to take a photo of our food. Too busy swooning over the movie and chitchatting on what we are missing doing together.

Stayed a little longer than necessary, just because.... we ate many and we are enjoying the place. The little noise of other people talking and people watching as well while we do our own chattering.

We are full and happy, but what is a meal without a mouthwatering dessert. I so  love desserts it is a crime not to indulge in it once in a while. But then we thought of finding a cup of coffee first. So, she heard of this place, Mochicream Café, having a yummy mochi cream. Mochicream Café it is then! And being the big sister who is a lost cause when it comes to directions and maps, we roamed the lot of SM Megamall in search for the café. It was located in the new wing - Fashion mall.

And then, walking around.... we came across this! Would this day be any more sinful than it is now?

The answer?? Please don't judge! hahahaha cause, we head out and found this....

St. Marc's Café's Choco Berry Celebration

All in all... well, the sweet-tooth monster in me is doing the happy dance! The mochi cream was awesome but then pick your flavor carefully. If I may just say, really, all things fits differently. And then another frozen delight at St. Marc's - totally nice! But I certainly cannot finish the whole servings alone. As pretty as it is, it is for someone who fancies freezing goodness. It's like the Japanese version of a complex halo-halo. Not your regular concoction though! No wonder it's popular at all. I like it all the same anyway, and will certainly be back for more... soon, I hope so.

Happy and satiated,
♥A

Birthday ni Bibian

It's mom's birthday and of course it's a must that we dine together. This time we opted to check out Mom and Tina's Bakery Café located in Makati. This was decided because mother needs to check out the Holiday Inn located in Makati for some errand.

The place was cute and the staff were really nice. We had a great time to ourselves since there were only a few of us dining at the time. Personally, I am not really impressed but it wasn't so bad. We had a yummy selection of food and it was good and relatively affordable.

For starters, we tried their queso de bola spread and salad. And being the picky one in the family and the only one that don't do dressings and mayonnaise, we had requested the dressing to be separated on the side, which the staff happily accommodated.

Queso de Bola spread

mango kani salad

Then.. it's the fish and chips that is usually loved! lol

We also tried their steaks.

And this... Mom loved their Callos A LOT! That she decided to cook her own version of it the next day. *see how impulsive my Mother is?*

And finally, my favorite part. Desserts!

chocolate cake

mousse

strawberry cheesecake

apple streusel

blueberry cheesecake

banoffee pie

All in all, it was a pretty good dining experience. We had fun taking pictures and we had a delightful meal shared together. 

Happy ~th birthday Mother!! 

lots of love... ~♥A

Spa date!

Mom coaxed me to join them for a massage and some pampering..

Even if I hate to admit it. It felt really nice especially at this time of the year. My tensed muscles can't take the stress anymore and this is just what I needed. And the meal right after! =D

We did pizza and ribs in Uncle Cheffy's branch around the corner. But as always, it is the dessert I loved most! I can't move on from the cheesecake.

Maginhawa St.

I need to see Ms. Tech before she leaves for Seoul, hence, the date today. We are going to explore Maginhawa St. on a weekend... *thrilled*

First stop for lunch is at Friulli Trattoria for pasta and pizza. Don't expect something fancy of the place, it is small pizza place and is presenting a very casual dining experience. Great for comfy hanging out with friends for the afternoon I think. Somewhere you can eat good food without the hassle of the need to look very much presentable. I like that its ambiance is so comfortable that if I live nearby I feel like I can drop by any time of  the day there even without taking a shower! lol We had an all meat pizza and a plate of pesto pasta. Awesome! Well done pizza and al dente pasta. It's affordable and worth every penny.

Full from lunch, we looked for a dessert place. Walking along the street almost all of the establishments were closed for the day. Then we spotted Sancho Churreria.

Truth is we came in to try the Frozen Brazo de Mercedes it was just unfortunate that the said cake ran out of stock. The staff said the owner only bake one whole cake for a day and that's it. So sad. We just tried their churros then some cold refreshments for them and coffee for me.

We stayed for a bit then walked again.. we spent the afternoon eating, walking, eating and now walking once again. We really don't know where to head next because it seem that most of the restaurants were closed on weekends. Really unlucky!

We're not ready to end the day yet then Tech and Mariel thought of Gayuma ni Maria.. and off we go!

This one really intrigued me. We came in and I did not expect the interiors to be so interesting.

혼자 여자 - pose
(translates as single woman or alone girl)

It's really interesting how the place was put together. And really, not everything is in order which gives it a different appeal. It's like a restaurant and kinky shop all in one. Well, you'll only notice the kinky stuffs if you'll take a look at that specific corner. =P

We're not really here to eat, we're here to talk some more and laugh some more. But we needed to order something so we can stay. We don't want to be rude you know.

And I forgot to take a photo of Tuliro (nachos mixed with lettuce, fruits, meat and cheese) we had and was only able to take a snapshot at the Lumpiang Barako (dynamite in some other restaurant, if you're familiar).

We sat around, talk as much as we want, laugh at everything we can think of and more photos...

It was a nice day.. and I'll surely miss Ms. Tech badly. She'll be taking up her masters in Seoul and it'll take her two years at the least. Anyhow, at least we had this day. It was a fun one and something I'd love to do again once she's back.

Au revoir Labs! see you in Seoul as soon as I can fly there! xxoo

With love~ ♥A

Post EOQ.. splurging! ♥♥

Aya and I have been planning for this date weeks ago.

Since Ate is away and Mom and Dad is on a 5-day trip to Palawan (yes! I bought them a trip to Palawan and Aya signed up to share the accommodation and tours expenses but for now I'll have to pay for everything.), we decided to splurge a bit.

Aya loves food and she usually check out blogs and the likes when searching for restaurants. She heard about Lolo Dad's Café (Lolo Dad's facebook) somewhere that made her curious and being a tag-me-along sister she instantly told me about it. We then fantasized dining there and decided to fix our schedules which brought us now here. The restaurant is listed as one of the most romantic dating place here in Manila so we opted to dress for the occasion even if it's just the two of us. Aya and her make up is spectacular, as for me... well, I'm not much into dressing and make ups. =D I wear what I can wear and feel like wearing and try to get away with it the whole time. So far it hasn't failed me yet, heels and stilettos makes wonders and magic!♥

The disaster was we can't find the place.. And we rode with an annoying cab driver so instead of turning around and trying to locate it we got off the cab and tried to walk our way in heels. We did try you know. But after almost an hour of walking and still no success in finding it, we hailed for another cab. Adventure it was! This cab was certainly nice and kind. He didn't even ask for an additional fee on top of our taxi bill. He dropped us exactly in front of the café. Thank heavens for this kind mister.

Sweaty and haggard we came in the restaurant. We were greeted by the Maitre d' and asked if we had reservations. I didn't call?!!! *panic* I thought we're gonna be kicked out. lol (I'm exaggerating! XD) It didn't happen that way, instead he seated us near the bar. No, actually we lead him there and settled there.

Fresh rolls + herb butter

And because we were excited..really really excited about this. We already planned out what we'll be ordering. XD

For Starters...

Seared Duck Liver and Paté de Foie Gras Asian Pear Confit, Mesclun salad and Red Onion Marmalade

Soft Shell Crab Fritters on Gribiche Sauce with Dungeness Crab, Mango and Cucumber Salad

Gourmet Salad of Langoustine and Prawns Mushrooms, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives and Sundried Tomato Vinaigarette Tossed Salad Leaves

Double Espresso of Mushroom and Tomato Soup

I can't think of anything. Both of us think it's really great. We love the place, we love the food and we've only been starting! =D

And between the starters and main course they do serve Citrus Sherbet on the house to refresh you palate and prepare you for the next course! This must be love!

For the main course..

US Angus Beef Tenderloin, Eye of Rib eye and Corned Ox-Tongue
Soft Potatoes and Cepes Mushroom Sauce

Herb de Provençe Crusted Rack of Lamb Three Cheese Risotto (Roquefort, Gruyere and Parmesan)
Forty Melted Garlic and Tomato Confit

I'm so preoccupied with eyeing my food and excited to taste it I didn't care what the photos would look like. It looks crappy now, pardon me. Lol

and lastly for Desserts...

Dark Chocolate and Almond layered cake Vanilla and Almond Ice Cream

Mango terrine with Declension of Mascarpone cheese Parmesan Ice cream

"Sampler of Chocolates" : White chocolate brûlée, Dark chocolate terrine,
Chocolate mousseline and Chocolate Praline Ice cream

Espresso shots

The dining experience was superb. Appetizers were nicely put together. I'm not really a fan of salads and certainly not of vegetables but I was able to eat some of it. The meat were neatly cooked and lovely! And the desserts were heavenly I must say. I love it and I really fell for this restaurant. My sweet tooth urged for more and is swooning and moaning to the moon and back. My favorite was the Dark Chocolate and Almond Layered cake, a must try!

It was really a wonderful treat for the palate. Everything is tasty yet not too overpowering and it's a plus that they serve generously! The staffs were really really nice and they do try to explain everything you don't understand. Impressive that the one who wait our table knew the menu so well. oh! I'm singing praises~ and I don't mind spending with this quality of food and service.

Will certainly come back and now I'm done of dreaming of how wonderful this place would be. Expectations were exceeded. We need to head home fast because Ate is coming home today and Mom and Dad is still away and not due back until Monday. By the way, Happy birthday Daddy!  xxoo

Ciao!! happy tummy and happy heart...

with love ~ ♥A