May 31.  Bubba likes Takoyaki so much.  I don’t understand the big deal but I like this one better than the others.

Since I was still smittened over our Beef Fondue dinner at Old Swiss Inn the night before, I made reservations at Restaurant 101 on Thursday night to prolong my good food high. We abandoned the plan to hit the gym and instead turned the corner to Emerald Avenue for an evening of dining pleasure.

 

 

At the very heart of business bustling Ortigas Center stands Restaurant 101, which is at the same venue where Le Souffle used to be located. That Le Souffle transferred to Rockwell Club, where my friend Anthony is now busy being an Operations Manager or something (show yourself!!!) Enderun College has an academic affiliation with Les Roches, one of the three schools that Bubba was eyeing to study at before. Enderun extends the practice of providing international level of hotel management education from serving quality gourmet food to a casual and warm restaurant. Restaurant 101 is Enderun’s take on a ritzy culinary laboratory. Whichever table you dine in, the food comes from the same wonderful kitchen where flourishing Enderun students are cultivated.

 

As you enter the glass door, an enthusiastic staff is waiting to serve you with their brand of cuisine. Picture yourself in a serene and elegant setting. White flowers in a square glass vase set on the tables. Carpeted floors, lighting fixtures with blue lights add to the dramatic setting. Their experienced wait staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly (they were employees I learned and not students). From fresh ground pepper (4 rounds!) to knowing where the word Bascaoila comes from, to a black ball pen, they will cater to your every need. Sporting spanking ties and gray suits, the debonair servers courteously and swiftly attended to our tables with perfect ease. You glance at the diverse menu that may not be what you expect (reasonably priced and all) and you get the feeling that you are in for a special treat. The impressive menu features great entrees that include Butter Chicken Biryani, Smoked Duck with Cranberry and Peppercorn Sauce, Hoisin Baby Back Ribs and Grilled US Ribeye.

 

 

 

On the Table:

Amuse Bouche: Bread and Whipped Light Butter

2 kinds of bread were served in a basket with whipped butter that tasted light and unsalted. The bread with the white and black sesame seeds was served warm and I liked it. Bubba ate the other kind and said the first one was better.

 

 

Gratinated French Onion Soup PHP 90

We ordered two soups and an appetizer for our starters. The French Onion soup was served in a decent bowl with melted cheese covering the top. Rich dark broth with smothered onions at the bottom was really done well.

 

Cream of Butternut Squash PHP 90

Lovely taste of pureed squash and cream cheese served in a cup with a tiny chunk of BBQ Chicken in a flower-shaped puffed biscuit. I don’t know if the BBQ chicken matched the soup. I didn’t quite get it. But the soup, it was rich and fabulous. The thickness of the soup was perfect. Now, Chelsea’s squash version has competition in my heart.

 

 

Baked Gnocchi Florentine PHP 220

Gnocchi are a good alternative to pasta and risottos. It’s actually an Italian name for dumpling and comes in different variations. It is good for a first or second course. Some are even made as desserts. Resto 101’s version is Baked Gnocchi Florentine, which are spinach dumplings in Gorgonzola sauce. Gnocchi are supposed to be light and tender, their version however was otherwise. The dumplings were scrumptious but I wish it were a bit softer. As to the sauce, maybe they added a pinch of salt to the cream sauce, which is a negative because Gorgonzala is already salty as it is. As you take more bites, the saltier it got. I wonder if they used tomato sauce instead of Gorgonzala cream, would it be better? Overall, we still finished the dish and it wasn’t a major disappointment. Bubba actually loved it and I enjoyed it too. It was thoroughly bursting with flavors.

 

BBQ Hoisin Baby Back Ribs PHP 350

Hoisin glazed baby back ribs served with grilled corn on the cob and veggies (although the menu said yellow rice). Hoisin is popularly known as a Chinese sauce usually an accompaniment to duck dishes. When it was placed on the table, I was happy to see that it had two small racks. I looked at Bubba with astonishment and said, “for the price, good serving size!” I spoke too soon as we realized they were very few meat in between the bones. It was also a struggle to get the red meat as it was tough and dry. Rubbing the ribs with Hoisin sauce was still a great idea as the flavor of sweetness and sour and spiciness urbanized the ribs.

 

Penne A La Bascaiola PHP 250

With mushroom, parma and mascarpone cheese. Al dente penne served on a white plate with mascarpone cheese cream and a sliver of parma ham. Just a note of advise, do not order this pasta if you ordered the gnocchi because you’d get overload on heavy cream. This was nicely done because the cream was on the sweet side than the salty side.

 

 

Restaurant 101 offers a relaxed and elegant evening in a romantic posh urban-classy setting, which is an oasis for dining. Whether it’s a superb dining experience in a beautifully designed environment, or an intimate private venue for entertaining guests, 101 should be your restaurant of choice. They have themed menus for your perusal if you are a member. Room capacity is about 40 people. If only I can find the time to get formal education on cooking, I would enroll at Enderun in a heartbeat. Restaurant 101 is located at the 2^nd floor of Wynsum Corporate Plaza 22 F. Ortigas Jr. Road (formerly Emerald Avenue), Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Please book your reservations at 6385555.

 

 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/461/08_0529-_Restaurant_101_Enderun?replies_read=2

 

Since we were passing by Yagatyat (Joyce’s version) or Tagaytay, on the way to Batangas, and we were hungry, we decided to stop over at Carlo’s Pizza for a late dinner.  The first time I tried Carlo’s Pizza was about 3 years ago when Paolo and I ate at their branch in Tagaytay after coming from the Open House in Playa, Calatagan.  The second time was within the same year but it was at their branch in Baguio.  I was surprised they already had a branch in Baguio.  Anyhoo, Carlo, who is now an ex of my friend Ann, owns it.  The first time I met Carlo was during a gig at Manila Polo Club, where he picked up Ann, after the stint. 

On the Table:

Soft Taco PHP 89

Soft flour tortilla with ground beef, salsa, lettuce, and cheddar cheese, which was bland and lifeless

Chicken Fingers and Fries PHP 185

Chicken strips in their special seasoned breading, deep fried to golden brown, served with gravy & ranch dressing and slim French fries.  I liked it, crusty and tasty that I can finish the whole basket on my own. 

Quattro Formaggi (Half) PHP 395

Sardinia (Half, 12”) PHP 375

Carlo’s Sampler 2 PHP 150

Chicken fingers, spaghetti and garlic bread.  This was Mher’s order. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/451/08_0523-_Carlos_Pizza_-Tagaytay   

Carlos P.Romulo Auditorium – June 1, 2008 7:00PM

VDAY MANILA 2008: THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES The New Voice Company, producer of the highly acclaimed The Vagina Monologues in Asia, is set to mount an unforgettable evening on June 1st – with a special back to back performance of Eve Ensler`s THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and VDay’s new work – A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER at the RCBC Theatre at 7pm. This one night event is part of the global VDay celebrations for 2008 and will raise funds for the Filipina Comfort Women Group – Lila Filipina. THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES is Eve Ensler`s award winning international hit play. The New Voice Company productions in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo have been a huge success, and hundred of actresses have performed in either a commercial run or a fundraising event since 2000.

A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER – Writings To Stop Violence Against Women and Girls, is a groundbreaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. The monologues feature men for the first time. These diverse voices of men and women rise up in a collective roar to break open, expose, and examine the insidiousness of violence at all levels: brutality, neglect, a punch, even a put-down. The volume features such authors and topics as: Edward Albee on the “perfect marriage”; Dave Eggers on a Sudanese abduction; Carol Gilligan on a daughter witnessing her mother being hit; Susan Miller on raising a son as a single mother; Howard Zinn on memories of his father; Mark Matousek on growing up with women and learning to love and care for them; Mollie Doyle on her “first kiss”; Nicholas Kristof on being a male journalist and witnessing sexual slavery in Cambodia, and many more. These writings are inspired, funny, angry, heartfelt, tragic, and beautiful. But above all, together they create a true and profound portrait of how violence against women affects every one of us. THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER are a call to the world to demand an end to violence against women. V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues. 2008 marks V-Day’s 10 year anniversary.

The show stars MONIQUE WILSON, CHERIE GIL, TAMI MONSOD, LYNN SHERMAN, CYNTHIA ALEXANDER, JOY VIRATA, LILY CHU, JUNO HENARES, DULCE ARISTORENAS, MADS NICOLAS – with JAMIE WILSON, RODY VERA, MICHAEL WILLIAMS and BART GUINGONA, among many others.

NVC Executive Producer Rossana Abueva, with Direction by Rito Asilo and Monique Wilson, produces the show.

Ticket Prices:
P824.00
P618.00
P412.00
P257.50

Link: http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/events/default.asp?event_name=The%20Vagina%20Monologues

In a city like New York, where moving on is a fact of life, is it really possible to revisit the past? And if we do, will old friends and situations still be as dear to our hearts?

 

 

I watched the Premiere of SATC last night at Mall of Asia and really enjoyed every minute of the film.  I only got disappointed with the clothes that SJP was sporting (And of Steve cheating, what the heck were you thinking Steve??)  Even if I heard oohs and aahs from girls sitting beside me, I’d have to say that in my POV, Carrie’s ensembles fell below expectations. 

 

 

That royal blue number with superfluous sleeves was something I would have wanted to wear 2 years ago.  Not today.  Since Carrie habitually wears kitschy vintage finds, the feather hairpiece worn on the wedding day is forgivable.  I actually borrowed (or stole) one from my friend Kenny, that looks similar to it and I wore it during a hat party.  BUT it just doesn’t jiggle with the Vivienne Westwood gown.  It’s too over the top!  The wedding gown was already out there… a smaller hairpiece would have been better in my POV.  The Christian Dior gladiator shoes are not typical wedding footwear but that’s Carrie for you.  I find the touch of a blue hairpiece as a good couture-ish addition but maybe not 4-inch feathers pointing to the sky –had a feel of being costume-y.  Oh well, I’ve also been fashion forward to my detrimental at times.  What do I know?  *Shrugs* The movie stylist, Patricia Field, is a professional and a popular one at that.   Every scene is filled with enough labels to keep many fashionista salivating.  And you become really attuned with the art of fashion.  Overall, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte’s wardrobe better were better than Carrie’s in this film.  Even, the color choices of their gowns during the wedding fit the glove. 

 

 

Among the fabulous foursome, it is with Charlotte that I identified the most last night.  Carrie would have been totally me when I was in college.  Miranda when I was in law school and initial working years.  Boring as it seems, but I identified the most with Charlotte’s expressions and habits.  I still have bits and pieces of Carrie within me but that girl has definitely left the building. 

 

With SATC characters now 40 and older, story lines no longer hinge on getting into the VIP list at the latest happening bar or obtaining the “it” bag of the moment.  The movie now revolves wisely about matters of the heart.  After finding true love – as all four women had in the finale of the hit HBO series – what comes next?  The story definitely does not end there.

 

 

Miranda and Steve reach an impasse in their marriage as Charlotte worries over her miracle pregnancy and happy marriage.  In Hollywood, Samantha can’t seem to reconcile her love for Smith with her unease at being absent from the city she drew adventure from.  The lady quartet hit their stiletto-shod strides and sashayed together through thick and thin, in clubs, Mexico and abandoned moments at the wedding venue.  Throughout, the four women turn in sensitive, solid performances.  This does not diminish one ingredient that made the show provocative –a lot of sex talks.

 

 

(Love Charlotte and Carrie’s outfits with the Benz background)

New York writer Carrie Bradshaw and Vogue freelance contributor, who was the star of the season, follows quite a performance in the movie.  From where we left off in the season finale Carrie was still very much in love with Big.  The movie starts off with nostalgia as the film showed snippets of the past seasons’ highly influential events.  From the early beginnings of 20s girl bonding in shopping, cocktails and men to the growing up transitions of the 30s ladies to now 40s women who face life head on and value the matters of the heart.

 

 

Carrie and Big were looking for the perfect Manhattan apartment where natural light can fill the rooms.  With all the skyscrapers in NY, this really becomes a hunted treasure.  Carrie breaks to friends the news of finding a model abode for her and Big that he volunteered to pay for.  Miranda, being very independent minded that she is, informs Carrie that if worse comes to worst, Big can easily throw her out and she becomes a homeless person in her Manolo Blahniks.  Carrie said that Miranda should stop worrying and just feel what Carrie wants her to feel… Jealousy.

 

 

 

I really liked that part because a girlfriend should really be upfront with a tad of jealousy and envy instead of keeping the feelings inside letting it surmount to being unhappy for her friend.  Being jealous of a friend’s vacation to Paris or her successful opportunities is inevitable.  But it all boils down to knowing how to handle it and being happy for her without being bitter.  Bitterness eventually leads to backbiting.  So be happy, happy, happy!  If you’re not as successful or hasn’t been presented with certain opportunities, at least your friend is experiencing it.  You have felt it close enough to make it partly yours.

 

Back to the story, Carrie then confronts Big surreptitiously implying that marriage should be in place.  Marriage, however, never entered the equation with Big.  Big wants Carrie.  Carrie wants wedding.  Wedding bells chimed.

  

 

 

Meanwhile, Miranda settled in Brooklyn with dormant husband, Steve, and 4-year old son Brady.  Lawyer Miranda, struggles to balance work and being a mother, while neglecting for 6 months that she is also a wife to Steve.  Funny moment (but not new since other movies had a sequence like this also) when Miranda and Steve were having sex and Miranda blurted out, “Can you just get it over with!”  Later on, Steve betrays Miranda with a one-nightee, and Miranda briefly separates with Steve but in the end forgives him.

 

 

Upper East Side rich kid Charlotte is mom to adopted daughter Lily.  After several years of childbearing activities and adoption, she finds out that she’s pregnant.  All the while, with so much chaos around her, Charlotte is overly worried about her seemingly perfect life and wondered where it was going to go wrong.  Thank heavens that the writer decided to include an almost flawless and high fidelity marriage because it is still possible to have that.

 

 

The ever lustfully empowered Samantha has relocated to glitzy LA and spends her time managing the publicity for boyfriend Smith, a hot young model making a name in Hollywood.  There’s also the sexy neighbor Dante who is ready to test Samantha’s monogamous state.  Their love story is also one for the books and I really liked the angle and how it played out.  I remember one scene in the season where Samantha went up to the PH suite with her old ex-boyfriend and told Smith off.  Samantha, “play with your friends and I’ll play with mine.” Eventually had sex with her ex, went down the lift, the lift opens and voila, Smith was waiting patiently for her.  Smith then brings her home.  (Choke)

 

 

Jennifer Hudson’s role as an assistant was brilliant as it brings a fresh character to the all-so-familiar drama.  I just wish that her role were developed more instead of it just being sprouts of personality.  Her acting seemed dry compared to her performance in Dreamgirls.

 

 

The wedding hype buzzed throughout Manhattan landing on Page 6 and getting sponsored by a highly celebrated designer.  From an intended 75 guests to a whopping 201, Big’s 2 previous failed marriage woes, and getting way ahead over their heads, the Big D finally arrives.  Instead of it being Carrie’s big day as a blushing bride, Carrie was dropped, took the part of a flushing bride and the wedding day became a BIG day.

 

  

The real beauty of “SATC” as a movie lies in the return of all those things that were too familiar to us… the tacit sexual moments, provocative language and wardrobe (or the lack of it…), the unabashed love of human frailty and outright feminism.  CW whispers to me and tells me, like a parent lecturing a little child, “don’t emulate them okay?”  Haha.  I heard real concern in his voice –for himself.

 

 

I’ve always loved the snappy, verbal sparring between the girls and their men.  Laughed often through the wacky behaviors of each lady and loved a few shed-a-tear moments.  I was especially moved by the drama when Carrie got out of the car and ran to Big.  I felt so much for her and felt so much for Charlotte as a friend.  Charlotte moved me in that scene. 

 

 

Similar to any great night out with girlfriends, our 6-year loved series cum movie is drenched with so much love and reality that it lingers long after the last Cosmopolitan runs dry.  It is hands down the sassiest movie of the summer that gives us fabulous, fun frolic, sometimes weak, but big heart moments.