April 10, 2008: Jem’s birth date.  The birthday dinner was spent at In Yo restaurant, which she frequents with Fidel.  This restaurant has been on my hit list since early this year but I haven’t had the chance to visit the place because I thought it was far.  I was surprised that only after a few blocks from Bubba’s place, we hit the long street where In Yo is located. 

The staff is very attentive and well versed in all the menu items. 

Jem recommended the grilled salmon.  I hesitated since she was ordering the same but went for it nevertheless.  Amusingly, Aunt and Bubba had the same orders too.  They ordered the US Hanging Tender Steak on Mushroom Risotto.   On the Table: Amuse Bouche: Cheese Pimiento Bread served with butter (with chives?)Bread was served warm which is the best way to serve it.  The bread in itself is good without the butter (how many “freebie” breads can disrespect butter?)

Raspberry Romaine Salad

The raspberry romaine salad was a delicious jumble plate of egg slices, beets, Romaine lettuce, onions, cherry tomatoes dressed in raspberry dressing.  I think it also had watercress (because I see watercress on my notes but I’m not sure which dish I got it from.  No I do not have the actual leaf staining the paper, but yes I’m a messy eater.  I scribbled watercress with a question mark and I do not remember now why)

It was dressed with a Miso citrus sauce that gave a slightly sweet taste.  This is the first time I almost mistaken a salmon for an actual meat steak.  It was tender but it didn’t easily break apart like any usual salmon would.  It had volume like cutting through beef but swiftly and with so much ease.  In Yo’s salmon is now competing with Café Verbena’s salmon for a place in my heart.  The brown sauce that accompanied it made fish look more macho than beef.  As for the wasabi potato salad, I wish I were able to order another serving.

I had only a piece of the steak but that one bite made my eyes dilate.  This is what I’m going to order next time.  Bubba grades the mushroom risotto as so-so.

As for the sweetest portion of any meal, it was ended on a sweet and satisfying note.

What a delicious meal we had.  I imagined myself going to the other room and plopping myself to bed.  That’s how comforting the ambience and the food make you feel… (okay, okay, my sister who eats and sleeps take after me.  I’m so unladylike that sometimes right after eating, I lax on the seat or couch and even rub my tummy after eating! Gross huh?)

On our way out, we saw big fishes swimming about underneath the wooden-glass porch.  There were fish feeds in a ceramic bowl in front of us so we couldn’t help ourselves (we didn’t eat the fish feeds!) and fed the fish with the minuscule red fish food.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/405/08_0410-_In_Yo    

The newest Ice Cream store in town is located at the 3^rd level of Robinson’s Galleria, West Wing.  Yoshi (without the “noya”) presents a Japanese character on its logo.  Interestingly, they have a variety of ice cream blends, sprinkles and flavors.  The look and feel of the store is also fresh.  I was going to try it but I was turned off by the cupcake store next to it who had a rude staff.

I haven’t seen my friend Kenny Flake (I love his name) in 8 months!!!  Good thing he called me up two weeks ago to schedule a dinner date with me, courtesy of him.  Is Bubba tagging along?  As Kenny said, “of course that’s expected!” 

Four-Cheese Pizza with Arugula salad PHP395++

The crust was not as crunchy and there were barely any mushrooms on the pizza.  But this was way better than the chicken letdown.

There were lesser vegetables for sure on the plate than last time.  I didn’t taste the rosemary and lemon at all (unless you actually eat the julienne cuts of lemon –but that’s bitter instead of tangy) and the vegetables didn’t integrate its flavor with the chicken.  The veggies were soggy and didn’t have a bite at all.  The worst part was, the chicken looked overcooked because it was dry.

It never arrived.  We were halfway through our pizza and chicken when I remembered the soup.  I asked one waiter where it was and he said it wasn’t in the order list.  I checked with the waiter I ordered it too and he gave me a sheepish grin.  I said it was okay since we were almost done.

Star World Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/421/08_0426-_Star_World_American_Idol_Contest

Brazil Brazil was a favorite of mine back in college days.  The first branch ever put up is located is Powerplant Mall and I would travel from DLSU Taft to Makati just to have lunch here.  I remember bringing Padi, a visiting friend from General Santos, at this Rotisserie and he really enjoyed the experience of getting your meat served to your table freshly grilled. 

Not only are Brazilian girls well liked in the country, Filipinos have also embraced Brazil Brazil, the popular Rotisserie restaurant, with so much gusto.  First, Pinoys absolutely love buffets.  2^nd, it gives a totally different dining experience.  The restaurant dropped its echo so now it’s known as simply Brazil.

Brazil serves different kinds of meat: porkloin, hanging tender, frankies, squid, spareribs, etc.  They even have grilled banana and pineapples –which is my favorite!  Grilled fruits are really delicious!

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/420/08_0425-_Brazil_Treat_for_Ma

I’ve always been a frequent visitor at Red Crab, but since they are all the way at Greenbelt.  ClawDaddy, who is conveniently situated in Shangri-la Plaza Mall, has already clawed its way to my heart.  My last visit at ClasDaddy Crab and American Grill was on April 11 with Bubba, my mom and sisters.  My mom invited us out for dinner at a restaurant of my choice since she was treating me for the Nokia Wireless Adventure event.  Isn’t she just the sweetest?  (My answer to that is –not all the time haha.  But I extremely love her to death!  I’d like to believe that I’m her anchor.)

Since it was a celebration, then it had to be a feast… more so that my sister Joyce is eating with us (she is pudgy pudgy and has one of the biggest appetites I know).  I decided to get two big platters to share among the five of us. 

On the Table:

Amuse Bouche:  Grilled Corns

Caesar Sald PHP250++

ClawDaddy King Sampler PHP895++

Crab and Lobster Boil PHP1183++

Dirty Rice PHP185++

ClawDaddy Crab is located in Shangrila Plaza Mall.  For reservations, please contact 6365679.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/406/08_0411-_ClawDaddy_Crab  

The happiest person on earth isn’t always happy.  In fact, the happiest people all have their fair share of low moods, problems, disappointments, and heartache.  Often the difference between a person who is happy and someone who is unhappy isn’t how often they get low, or even how low they drop, but instead, it’s what they do with their low moods.  How do they relate to their changing feelings? 

Most people have it backward.  When they are feeling down, they roll up their sleeves and get to work.  They take their low moods very seriously and try to figure out and analyze what’s wrong.  They try to force themselves out of their low state, which tends to compound the problem rather than solve it. When you observe peaceful, relaxed people, you find that when they are feeling food, they are grateful.  They understand that both positive and negative feelings come and go, and that there will come a time when they won’t be feeling so good.  To happy people, this is okay, it’s the way of things.  They accept inevitability of happy feelings.  So, when they are feeling depressed, angry, or stressed out, they relate to these feelings with the same openness and wisdom.  Rather than fight their feelings and panic simply because they are feeling bad, they accept their feelings, knowing that this too shall pass.  Rather than stumbling and fighting against their negative feelings, they are graceful in their acceptance of them.  This allows them to come gently and gracefully out of their negative feeling states into more positive states of mind. 

One of the happiest people I know is someone who also gets quite low from time to time.  The difference, it seems, is that he has become comfortable with his low moods.  It’s almost as though he doesn’t really care because he knows that, in due time, he will be happy again.  To him, it’s no big deal. The next time you’re feeling bad, rather than fight it, try to relax.  See if, instead of panicking, you can be graceful and calm.  Know that if you don’t fight your negative feelings, if you are graceful, they will pass away just as surely as the sun sets in the evening. 

(Photo courtesy of http://www.modistabyelle.com)

“It’s not the right size!” is the common fashion dilemma of Pinays since our sizes are usually categorized as only small, medium or large.  Can you imagine the number of sizes in between small and medium or between medium and large?  That’s why it’s so much easier to buy international labels as they have specific sizes that fit your actual frame.  Sizes vary from 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and so on…  To make things worse, sometimes local labels only have one available size –the free size!!!

Tube tops shouldn’t be exposing half of your breasts.  You shouldn’t need to wear an inner blouse to cover the really low neckline of your dress.  One shouldn’t keep folding the cuff of his pants because it’s just too long.  In fashion, there shouldn’t be such a thing as one size fits all.  Clothes should be made to fit your body.  Modista By Elle is the one answer that fits all size problems.

 Modista By Elle Client Guide (4 easy breezy steps!) 

1. Select a style from their collection

Their current collection is divided into five distinctive designs: New Jersey, Vanity Blueprints, Blocks Unprinted, Checked Republic and Work and Play.

2. Select a fabric
3. Get your measurements
4. A style made to fit.  Once it’s done, you can pick it up from their store location or have it shipped.

Now you can choose your favorite style, have it done on the fabric of your choice and something that fits you like a glove –if that’s the fit you want. 

They offer free shipment nationwide for a minimum purchase of PHP1500.  Definitely frees us ladies on the go from the hassle of going to the location or the payment of additional shipping fees.  Sweet!

I totally love their chic designs.  I’m itching to go to their store and check out their other pieces.  I hope they are open on May 1!

Visit their website at http://www.modistabyelle.com for more details or contact 09178338283. 

It was a regular after-work-hit-the-gym day.  It was going to be just me sweating it out in boxing or running at Red Corner.  Bubba was coming from a 7pm meeting at work so it was just the perfect timing to set out my plan.  Right after workout, I hurriedly ran from Crown Plaza to Tater’s at Robinson’s Galleria to order all the Tater’s grub that we can carry. 

Like a Taters maniac, I chanted 2 big orders of their fried potato chips in nacho cheese flavor, one order of their munchers (which are nuggets of potato and other fillings) with sour cream, steak burger with cheese, and nachos with everything on it.

I also made a mad dash to Magoo’s to order pizza since it’s been a year since we last had Magoo’s pizza on biscuit dough.  I ran out of time in preparing everything before Bubba arrived.  I had to go back to the gym to prepare my gym bag and meet him there.  I asked the Taters guy if I can just get the food I ordered later and instructed him to place the placard among the yummy eats I bought.  He willingly obliged.

I sprinted back to Crowne Plaza (I had a better workout doing the errands going back and forth.  I shouldn’t have showered after gym after all) and met Bubba, huffing and puffing, like I just stepped out of the lockers.  All the sweat played into the role that I was at the gym this whole time. 

We were right in time for the 10pm screening of 88 Minutes that stars Al Pacino.  He went to buy the tickets and I excused myself to sprint back to Magoo’s, which is all the way to the other wing of the mall.

Finally, all the food was laid on the table all for Bubba to see and enjoy during the movie.  

Huff-puff.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/425/08_0416-_Bubbas_Taters_Treat

I first fell in love with John Herrera… ‘s collection back in 2006.  I first saw his designs during the Fashion Week in April of 2006 (Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/100/YDG_Fashion_Week_2006 )  Many local fashion creators of the Young Designers Guild paraded their extensive design lines.  John Herrera was one of the few designers that really shone big during the fashion night.

John is now an instructor specializing in fashion design in Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) where he was also once a student –then he was only but a beckoning designer, a jewel about to be discovered.  John’s twin on the other hand, Paul Herrera, is also making a name of his own in the accessories department.

John Herrera is tremendously gaining popularity in the field and rightfully so I should say.  Backstage, one of my favorite boutiques nowadays, houses John Herrera’s collection and as well as other local designers.  Dean and Trent and Team Manila are also available at Backstage.

John Herrera Black Gray Jacket PHP 1450 Original Price is PHP 3,000

Ming Ong -Jewelry-Sculpture Artist

Mobile: 09209521479

Tel: 9426219

http://mingkathangkamay.multiply.com

Email: minet_ph@yahoo.com 

Logic

www.logicclothing.blogspot.com 

JC Ulanday.  Managing Director.  09178198081 

Anthology: Second floor, Rockwell Powerplant

Backstage: Near in Different Books, Second level, Bonifacio High Street (but it’s actually in Serendra)

Top and Bottom: Nakpil St. Malate 

Fashion Week Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/100/YDG_Fashion_Week_2006

Backstage Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/422/08_0426-_Backstage

Soms was a favorite go-to-dinner of mine when I was still staying in Makati.  It’s so easy to just past by Alger Street (parallel to Rockwell Drive) and get a quick order.  Parking is not a problem and food is served fast.  The usual favorites are red curry chicken, bagoong rice, catfish mango salad and of course, my utmost favorite from this place is their Tom Yum.  I’ve tried their chicken pandan but I can cook a meaner chix pandan at home for lesser the price.  The fried spring rolls are ok.  But nothing beats their chicken curry and Tom Yum.  Soms is the really the home for quick and cheap Thai food. 

Soms Noodle House is located at 5921 Alger St. Poblacion, Makati (Near the Powerplant mall).  Contact them at 7578079 or 09179227648.