Aya's birthday = Food tripping

It's Aya's birthday and well.. I have a suspicion she'd plan the whole day to be spent in a food induced coma! Oooppss! Not that I am complaining.

Starting with this soooooo adorable siopao. I just can't get over it.It's so cute it took me forever to decide whether I'll be able to eat it or just look at it. Along the way to visit Lolo and Mama's resting place we munch on these cute little stuff along with some other junks (peppero, cookies and chips). Not quite an ideal berakfast, I know.

So anyway, Aya has planned to dine us out for her birthday. We head out straight to SM Mega Fashion Hall to check out the Spanish restaurant Boqueria, only to walk rounds and rounds in the mall and finding nothing. And just then, we decided to just head on to Alqueria Restaurante that later we were informed was the former Boqueria! *oh fate! lalalalala* hahaha

Look at the evidence!!! =P

 

Food wise, everything sounds nice from the menu and looks better once served.

pulpo a la gallega 

ensalada

Chicharones

Paella queso Manchego

Paella Seafood

While, it is pretty good, I must say it is a bit on the pricey side. But nonetheless, I think you get your money's worth with the quality of the food. We took our time eating and did not notice the time. While it's already in the afternoon, we can't leave without having a dessert. However, we decided to get it from St. Marc cafe.. I'm a happy girl today!!! Lol

Party - Work - Lunch date

Talk about work-life balance.

Let's start Friday night when we headed out to a family friend's birthday celebration in Bentekwatro Restobar Grill in Pasig. Well, the place is a typical restobar. Some place you can hangout after a long day at work maybe, somewhere you can hangout and loosen up. It's not fancy but a casual and a comfy spot to get a drink. And please don't expect a smokeless grill! Lol

A buffet spread of several delicious concoctions were offered in the party. The celebrant was one of the owners of the place, he knows good food and we all appreciate good food! The tuna was really awesome and it is included in their real menu. Well, everything was nice and better with drinks, you know what I mean.....

It was a short affair for me since I needed to head on for work then but not after I had my fill! I'm feeling a little bad tonight because my sister and I had a few drinks before I left for work. Hope no one get to notice it. But really, I do think I look better after a few drinks. jk!

Anyway, from work... I met with the girlfriends for another Japanese buffet. Off to line up outside Genji M in Makati. We did not expect the crowd lining outside the restaurant for the buffet. Anyway, we did get in. It was okay, the food was not bad or maybe I just lost my appetite after all those time that we lined up outside and waited for our queue.

birthday and news...

Turning another year older! Wow! just like that.. I'm half excited, a quarter thrilled and a quarter scared.

I don't have that money to blow off and throw a party since.. hmm.. I'm saving for my dream vacation booked on November that's why I decided to just treat the family to Banzai - Japanese buffet restaurant located at SM Mall of Asia. I've read a couple of awesome reviews about this restaurant and since I love Japanese food, why not treat myself too. Besides, it's my birthday so I should get to pick where to celebrate.

The restaurant is huge that it can accommodate a real crowd of say more than hundred for sure. And yes, prepare to feast your eyes for the food selections. There are a wide variety of food and drinks to choose from and most of it is all Japanese. It was really confusing where to start because you may want to try all of it.

What can I say? It was impressive and everything looks appetizing. I gazed at everything and it made me more confused, so I did try what I love to eat first (rolls, sushi and sashimi) before checking out the others. But most of the time, I would just stick my fork to my sisters' plates. Lol I really have a lazy ass sometimes, and given that I am seated in between my sisters.... I get to say "Please get me some of those as well..."

Photo credits to my sisters since I am too busy eating and thinking of ways on how to inform my parents on my up coming vacation. I am too absorbed with myself today but I did enjoy my dinner. The food was nothing less spectacular. I think you get more than what you pay for - food choices, good service, great food. I wasn't able to try everything but then there will always be a next time.

And I skipped being the privileged birthday celebrant to be serenaded with the birthday song by the restaurant staff . Even if my family insisted, it's a NO! I wouldn't be able to live after. I just can't and I don't want the attention. I'll die! Maybe dying from it is too much to say.. but still.. It's a huge no, ever! Oh and about my vacation, the parents did not like it very much but I hope they warm to the idea eventually. It's only for a week and I don't think it's that far.


Forever the 'shy' birthday girl,
♥A
 

family date - Todd English Food Hall

Initially, it was planned to spend the whole day in Tagaytay, but seeing it after the mean storm the past days we discovered it is still recovering from the damages brought by typhoon. So instead, we just headed back to Manila and decided to have dinner at Todd English Food Hall located in SM Aura.

Dinner time indeed. The restaurant was buzzing with people and since we did not reserve a table ahead of time we were asked if it would be okay to sit by the salad bar because it was the only available spot at the moment. And we're just fine with it. I, personally, was really curious having a non-buffet restaurant with different food stations on display.

Greek Salad

T.E. Slider

Mac n Cheese with Truffles

 Comfort food baby!! I can't just stay away from the Mac n cheese ensemble and this one's no joke with shaved truffle on top. It is my first with the truffles and well, it tastes subtle so I really can't describe it with all the cheese and rich flavors in it. Gah! I just plainly love it.. the cheese and all that stuff maybe even without the truffle in it. *sigh*

Vongole

 That is not mine to judge! I don't really do seafood, I just don't know why. But family says, it's all good and yummy.

Fig & Prosciutto

 Fig & Prosciutto was nice but not my cup of tea..just because I don't like scallions. haha I need to find some healthy bone in me first!

The Classic Todd's Signature Flatbread

 This classic is not the regular classic! Babe it's cheese.. a flatbread oozing with cheese! *Sold*

Two way Duck confit

OMG Chocolate cake

 My favorite part as always is the dessert. Ever wonder why their OMG chocolate cake is declared as one of the must try chocolate cakes? Go head out there and try it for yourself! It's really worth the trip, effort and money. And I am being biased now. Chocolate-lover.. sweet tooth.. yes..seriously biased with this.

 No really.. just look at that? The sweettooth monster in me wanted an out! *happiness* ♥♥♥

Hmm... I am out of words.. Everything I tried was nice and I can't argue with what's the rave on this restaurant is all about. I am in a state where let's just say I'll be back for more and I need a date to come back for more with me!

 ♥A

Hatch 22

Out of curiosity and because the menu list sounds awesome, we had dad's birthday dinner in Hatch 22 located in Rockwell Powerplant mall.

Chicken Quinoa salad

NYOB

Blueberry Ricotta waffles

Signature Burger

Steak Frites

Drunken pie

Although we waited a lot.. the food was great and was tastefully plated with no frills which is great cause you won't be guilty eating an art of plate. And really, their bread was awesome that mom bought some more to take home. I also love their coffee selections that I could probably stay in for the whole day feeling cozy while filling myself with it and good food. And although it is not that cheap, I believe it is not that expensive as well relative to the quality of the food you get. 

Happy with full tummy,

♥A