Saturday at Shangri-la Plaza

Dippin’ Dots and BTIC are good accompaniment to shopping for make-up!

Bubba, on the phone with Darlene, leans over and lands a soft peck on the lips as my right hand closes the car door.  I surreptitiously whispered that the Coke Vlogging Awards was transferred to Greenbelt instead of MOA.  He mouthed, “why” and casually my shoulders shrugged, “Maybe because of the rain?”

“Yea, but Jane says the Coke’s blogger event was transferred to Greenbelt,” he says on the phone.  I was squirming in my seat, debating whether to blurt out my plan or just remain quiet at the passenger’s side.  I didn’t want him sending Darlene or anyone else to the wrong venue.

I had to keep my lips closed.  I made a reservation at Myron’s for a dinner date with Bubba.  Our initial plan that evening was to attend the Coke event but after lunch I decided to take out Bubba for a date.

With a glowing review from Lori of Dessert Comes First (http://dessertcomesfirst.com/?p=739), Myron’s was the choice in mind (as the place to celebrate the opening of the Beijing Olympics…) to take an ordinary evening and celebrate my relationship with Bubba.  It’s been a while since we last had a romantic dinner.

 

Myron’s is a handsome sophisticated restaurant located at the corner of Greenbelt 5.  Gray tables and brown and orange chairs fill the room, including a funky couch with green polka design.  On their tables stood a short yellow flower parked in its own solitude.  A leopard candleholder catches the eye and casts a warm romantic glow on the dining experience.  Carefully arranged square mirrors adorn the wall as well as an abstract painting at the far end.  Get transfixed in the enormous wine display that houses their reasonably priced wine collection. 

Owner Mon Eugenio, a seasoned restaurateur put together an irresistible menu with a wide range of dishes from grilled steaks to creative appetizers and pasta. 

On the Table:

Prawn Bisque PHP 190

Pumpkin soup is always the favorite –that or clam chowder.  Ordering something new started the mood right.  The prawn bisque was split into two and served with slender toasted garlic “crouton” with bacon bits.  One slurp of the soup opened our disposition to greater things to come.  The essence of fresh prawns was evident in the thick creamy soup.

Bianca’s Cut PHP 900

My carnivorous side is on the prowl lately (http://www.janedchua.com/2008/08/01/deliverance-mamou-home-kitchen/) although it’s been daunting the pockets.  Roast “1855 Brand” Premium Black Angus Rib Eye of Beef.  I was eyeing the 400 grams (which looked better priced at P1575++ than Mamou’s P1680++) but opted to go for the smaller cut.  Served with a bulb of roasted garlic and vegetables, the 240 grams rib eye was perfectly grilled as ordered.  It came with 2 sauces, a strong Shiraz demi glaze and a flavorful Peppercorn sauce.  The meat was tender and bursting with flavor –the only grievance is the slice of meat that was slimmer than anticipated.  Steak has to be buffed, one where the mouth gapes wide open for a bite.

 

All steaks come with a choice of starch, baked potato, mashed potato, French fries or garlic/steamed rice.  Baked potato with Ementhal cheese was very tempting but conventional side kicked in with the order of fries.

US Angus Black and Blue Burger PHP 450

There was no description of the burgers but the choice of US Angus Black and Blue burger was made prior to reading the menu.  Kubiertos and Dessertcomesfirst both ordered this bolstering my selection.  US Angus Beef burger with mushroom and peppercorn served with towering onion rings –the best I have tasted and fries.  Not a big fan of onion rings but this one proved to be the exclusion as it converted me to an instant admirer.

Service is knowledgeable and efficient by a friendly young staff.  An excellent dinner at Myron’s was enjoyed tremendously and I was glad that among the three choices I had that night, Myron’s delivered.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/540/08_0808-_Myrons  

Our discussions mostly revolve around work nowadays.  Yapping about work in the car, over dinner or while at events.  We are too tired to even think of anything else aside from work.  On the side, I have to attend to a lot of responsibilities at home too.  After weeks of us both being overly worked at the office, Bubba suggested that we should take a day out just for the two of us.  He asked me to block my Sunday.

Sunday, I thought we were going malling, which other than last Sunday afternoon, we haven’t done in quite a while (months!).  You know, go to a mall, window shop, people watch, eat whatever.  It’s quite mundane but I was pretty excited about it.

He called me just about before he picked me up and told me to bring a jacket because we were going to Tagaytay.  I asked if he was serious because it was raining.  The drive was short and fun, singing (other people would categorize it as shouting) along with the iPod.  We arrived at 12nn in time for our lunch reservation at Buon Giorno.

The rain has stopped (the snow has passed nyuk nyuk).  Sitting comfortably at the Opium area, we studied Buon Giorno’s extensive menu.  Celebrity spotting: Geli de Belen and Ariel Rivera with family. 

On the Table:

Focaccia Bread (Free)

Zuppa di Zucca Arrosto (split into two) PHP 134

Thick and creamy roasted pumpkin soup complimented the cold weather.

Tini Vino (1 bottle)

Semi-sweet Spanish wine which is cheaper to order by the bottle than glass.  Joel, our table attendant, was kind enough to check the different wines available.  Other than the food, his accommodating attitude and earnestness make me want to go back that afternoon to snack on pizza. 

Pescatora alla Puttanesca PHP 286

An assortment of seafood on spicy and peppery tomato sauce served with linguini pasta.   

Carre de Agnello Con Salsa Al Vino Rasso PHP 554

Herb-crusted roasted rack of lamb with red wine sauce.  4 racks of lamb that was done medium well as arranged were cooked perfectly.  The mashed potato that was served with it can use a little pepper but we were very happy with the lamb.

 

Halfway through our meal, we had to transfer inside the restaurant because it started raining.  The direction of the rain was towards the veranda.  After our lovely Sunday lunch, we stopped for Quezo ice cream the Fruit in Ice Cream shop next door.  FIC serves the best quezo ice cream in Manila and Tagaytay.

Sonya’s Pampering Salon

I’ve visited Sonya’s Garden Restaurant a few times already but never tried any of their spa services.  I’ve read one review about it online.  Their services range from facials to body scrubs to full body massages.  I conservatively decided to get the Swedish massage (PHP 675) while Bubba had the Tuina (Chinese) massage (PHP785).  The couple’s room is an extra PHP100 for the hour.  Additional charges apply for additional stay.

The couple’s room is about 20 sqm with two beds and a shower.  Bubba had a male masseuse this time, Fernan.  The hour felt short.  I guess we’re used to 1 hr 30 mins to 2-hour massages.  Bubba was very much happy with his masseuse.  Fernan didn’t apply force but he knew which target points to hit.  Tuina was more on point pressure and Fernan applied it to the right spots and new spots according to Bubba.

While drinking the tea served at the receiving area, we saw familiar faces.  Carlo and Mika of Ahavia!  Bubba finds those two really cute and sweet.

Sonya’s Garden Restaurant and Country Bed and Breakfast is located at Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite 4123, Cavite Philippines.  Contact them at 09175335140/09285073300.

Manos Greek Tavern

After our massage, we were hungry again so we decided to get a little snack before heading to Manila.  We tried to look for Sanctuario Tagaytay that was supposed to be near 7-11, but we didn’t find it.  After passing by, Mile Hi Diner, Bag of Beans and Manos Greek Tavern, the car made a u-turn and stopped at Manos, where we had lamb gyro PHP110 and baked macaroni PHP 160. 

We reached Manila by 7pm and heard Mass in Magallanes, St. Alphonsus Church.  After mass, we decided to stop by Greenbelt to watch a movie and grab dinner.  Since the movie schedule starts at 930-950 for the Mummy, we decided to go home and watch it instead the next day.  At Greenbelt, we saw Tee Dee with a new boyfriend and she looks happy.  And we are happy for her.  God has blessed me and Chris with this relationship we’ve always prayed for and our hearts wish the same for everyone.

Link: http://www.sonyasgarden.com

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/536/08_0803-_Buon_Giorno_Tagaytay

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/537/08_0803-_Sonyas_Pampering_Salon

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/538/08_0803-_Manos_Greek_Tavern

“I’m on a diet so I really do need the exercise to walk that extra mile 

to the grocery store and replenish our supply of chocolates.”

Thanks Karen for granting me a chocolate fix! 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/532/08_0801-_Truffles

One of Bubba’s high school friends, Charles Lu, is leaving for New York to study photography.  Eric asked Bubba to ask me if I had any suggestions where to celebrate Charles despedida dinner.  They wanted to meet somewhere around Fort and since I meant to give Mamou’s steak another go, I suggested to bring the party of 15 there. 

 “Mamou mia, here I go again, My my, how can I resist you?” Other than the steak blip on my first visit with my high school friends, everything else satisfied my appetite.  My biggest appetite that night though was for their famous steak, which was overdone (http://www.janedchua.com/2008/06/23/mamou/), thus the letdown.  Jorge Fores, the husband of Malou, said that it is the restaurant’s policy to replace any dish that does not satisfy the guest. It was really classy of him to offer a steak replacement on my next visit. 

July 30, 2008.  As customary, I sent an SMS confirmation to Annie on the number of party in the morning.  The group’s reservation was the 2^nd dining time at 830pm.  Manager and host, Annie will have you feeling welcomed and comfortable with her accommodating attitude.  She greets a warm hello to each patron that walks through the doors.  Service from the staff is professional and gracious.  Notably, Rome and Jov attended to our table pleasingly. 

Their menu is a list of tempting dishes like the roast pork and chicken, citrus rubbed pork and chicken served with helpings of buttered onions, red or white rice, cinnamon plantains, and black beans.  Made, Eric’s pretty girlfriend, who was seated next to me, checked what I could recommend.  I pointed to the roast pork and chicken.

The cozy dining room is very simple, decorated with warm tones of beige and rich brown wood.  Framed magazine features of Mamou adorn the subdued colored wall.  The restaurant is not stuffy and pretentious.  It was warm and welcoming reminiscent of a family friend’s dining room. 

On the Table (Our orders only):

 

Various breads and butter (Free)

While munching on the buttered wheat bread, I deliberated on what to order.  I decided to get the steak again and an appetizer.  I asked Bubba what his order was and he said the Beer Battered fish with a tone of finality.  He knew I’d suggest something new to try, like the lamb venison (Woo’s order), but with the look he had on his face, I knew that the BBF (Beer Battered Fish) is his newfound BFF (Best Friend Forever).  Finally, we settled on our orders of Melba Chips, 17lb Angus Steak, Beer Battered Fish, and Frozen Mojito.

Melba Chips and Vegetable Mushroom Dip with Truffle Oil PHP 185 ++

Fran suggested that I get this when I told her last Tuesday during the Healthy Shabu Shabu event about a Mamou revisit.  I promised to try it.  It is a starter plate of crunchy but soft Melba chips paired with a mushroom dip drizzled with truffle oil.  Like no other, the smell of truffle can delight the senses.

Angus Prime Steak PHP 1680 ++

US Angus Prime rib-eye served with your choice of siding.  Since the two sidings we previously ordered hit a home run, we ordered in a single breath the same sidings of corn pudding and red steak rice.  It was served earlier than the 20-minute mark and what good timing because I could not contain my excitement to sink my teeth in the red meat.  Rome came to the table and announced that it was complimentary.  Cheers!!!  The steak Bubba and I ordered this evening was the replacement of the steak we previously ordered.  

A great charred outer layer forms crust of the meat.  Steak cooked in medium this time had a pinkish red middle part while the outer portion was pinkish brown.  The Angus steak is moist and flavorful.  For sheer indulgence, I drizzled the fat oil on top of the cut steak.  One bite and I was in steak heaven, this time chewing delicately.  I was liberated from the disappointing memory of the initial steak we paid for.  I definitely now know where to point to when craving for steak.

My primal urge to grab the meat with my bare hands had to be contained.  Oh don’t you just wish to be back in the Paleolithic era where fork and knife were unreal?  The steak was so good that Charles loutishly grabbed more than a few pieces of steak (more than what I had) from the plate.  I wanted to defend the plate with my fork and say, “Hey be decent and order your own.  This is my only food!” 

 

Beer Battered Fish and Potato Wedge PHP 255

Satisfied Bubba’s palette as much as it did last time.  It was served with malt vinegar.

Frozen Mojito PHP 145

The greenest mojito drink I have ever laid eyes on with purplish brown salt on the glass.  It was a big drink and as much as I’d like to finish the whole drink, I couldn’t.

Woo gave us the story behind the name of Mamou, who is Malou Torres in paper, sister to the very successful restauranteur and caterer, Gaita Fores.  Her nephew/niece had a hard time saying the name Malou, which sounded to them as Mamou and the name stuck. 

Fresh Maine Lobsters are available sometimes and must be pre-ordered.  Mamou also offers a selection of French and Chilean wines at PHP 550 per half glass.  Mamou offers casual but fine dining, serving fresh, high quality food in large portions.  Show of humility to call this restaurant only as a home kitchen while the dishes illustrate the taste of elegance and the after taste of comfortable home-cooked dishes.

 

The family behind Mamou takes great pride in operating this delightful and splendid restaurant that constantly strive for perfection.  Mamou combines the sophistication of modern day cuisine and a home kitchen.  The results are sublime. 

Mamou Home Kitchen is located at Unit 1C-15 G/F Serendra Fort Bonifacio Global City.  Please make your reservations at 8563569/09178162668.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/530

Link: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/06/23/mamou/

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/484/08_0621-_Mamou   

July 27, 2008.  Sunday afternoon was spent shopping for clothes.  It was Bubba’s agenda to go shopping because he needs new clothes.  Good thing a lot of the shops were on sale:  Zara, Celio, Mango and GII.  After shopping to his content (he likes shopping more than I do), it was time for some refueling.  We have been eyeing to snack at Bigoli since we read the article at CTC. 

The term Bigoli refers to extruded rough spaghetti pasta traditionally made with buckwheat flour, using duck eaggs into the mix.  Pasta is long, thick and tubular originating from Venice, Italy.  The menu, yellowish interiors, pizza and pasta murals on the wall very much gave me the same vibe as Fazoli’s. 

On the Table:

Pasta Pizza Combo PHP 125

The famous combo of Spaghetti Bolognese and Pepperoni Classico Pizza served on oily black plate.

White Pizza Bacon PHP 70

Baked Ziti PHP160

Stromboli PHP 115

 

Iced Tea PHP 45 

Bigoli is located at the 4L of Trinoma, near the Cinemas.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/527/08_0727-_Bigoli

June 25, 2008.  If you can’t go to Tagaytay (http://www.janedchua.com/2008/05/30/carlos-pizza-tagaytay/) and want to eat at Carlo’s Pizza, you can always go the branch in Metrowalk.  No fresh air and scenery though –just a view of Burger on the Run stall.   

That is where we went when Bubba had a craving for Carlo’s Pizza.  Yes it is him whose hankering I had to appease this time around.  Wait, I actually agreed to appease him when by the mention of Carlo’s Pizza, my craving started for their Chicken Fingers.  So immediately, he appeased me in return.  Whose turn is it next to appease the other?  Moving on….  

On the Table: 

Potato Wedge

Soft Taco (No photo)  

Half White Cheese Pizza

Half Sardines Pizza 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/520/08_0625-_Carlos_Pizza

  

Pebbles of Asian Food Channel is in town!  And you’d know she’s in town when I’m munching on Royce premium products.  This time, she brought chocolate covered marshmallows, both in dark chocolate and milk chocolate.  Ooh yummy!!!  Breakfast of chocolates is my kind of energy upper.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/529  

What better way to miss the Chris Daughtry Live in Manila concert happening in Libis?  Attend the Healthy Shabu Shabu event and engage your appetite to healthy and delicious food!  That is precisely what I did this evening.  Looking for something to warm me up for tomorrow and a good bowl (or more) of hot soup absolutely did the trick. 

When one hears Shabu Shabu, one thinks no frills cooking.  Dump everything in hot water without using an iota of brain cell.  One only needs a drop of brain juice to realize not to stick the searing beef from the hot pot straight to a salivating mouth… I ran out of brain juice.

Now my tongue is numb from scorching it with hot spicy yummy broth.  But before it went numbed and stricken with oversized dots, it was a very happy digestive organ.

Candy Hwang, the woman behind Healthy Shabu Shabu, developed the art of eating Shabu Shabu.  The process begins with choosing the items on your Shabu Shabu platter –veggies, seafood, beef, and lamb as the main options. 

Nutritious veggie platter is always a staple in most shabu shabu meal along with 2 different servings of fresh homemade noodles, the fat and thin of noodles, vermicelli and egg noodle.  This includes Taiwan and Baguio petchay, beancurd, yam, black mushrooms and carrots.  For meat options, chicken, thinly sliced lamb and Angus beef are available.  A healthier alternative is a seafood platter that includes shrimps, fish cutlets, abalone and oysters.

The second phase centers on the soup base.  A small gadget under the right side of the table shows temperature options.  Place the temperature to the boiling point of 150 degrees.  When the water starts producing big bubbles, it signifies the start of the cooking process.  It is vital to know which ingredients go in first.  The sweet corn, yam and fat noodles take the plunge first since it takes longer for them to cook.  For the sauce, Healthy Shabu Shabu provides a special barbecue sauce, chopped garlic, onion, chili, special sauce base and spices.  Simply mix the sauce, chili, garlic, and onion into the special sauce base.  Diners may opt to add egg yolk in the special sauce to make it richer.  You can opt to put half of the spices in the soup.