Aren’t these the cutest munchkins?  They’re also very yummy!

Mini-chocolate and butter cupcakes in Christmas fashion

Even if the Christmas season is over, these are perfect dessert treats for parties of different occasions –as well as wedding or party giveaways!  For orders and inquiries, contact Alex Gregorius, the very pretty Weekend Baker.

The Weekend Baker

0917 826 2539

–

Don’t ask me why Berks.  It’s just is and the name stuck

Flashback:  Berks Christmas Dinner December 27, 2007

Although I was forced to file a leave for December 21 and my last day of work was supposed to be Dec 18, I was still working until Dec 23, Wednesday.  I wanted to cook for the Christmas dinner but I didn’t find the time because I was still in the office until 6pm.  Bubba and I just ordered food for the potluck.  Made looked for my pasta (*meblush*  tee-hee).

What makes this Christmas different is, the group was complete!  Alex has moved back to Manila after a long career stint in Singapore. 

As customary, dinner was potluck and the table was filled with so many delicious food!  There were just too many dishes on the round table that it was hard to find space to put everything in.  Alex brought 3-way duck from Luk Foo and it was delish.  I don’t remember who brought Nathaniel’s Buko Pandan but it was also a hit with the group.

Andrew brought Tequila Rose to which I chided Anne to drink the first shot.  Anne is pregnant with their second baby so she couldn’t go anywhere near the alcohol.  Hee-hee!

After dinner, we all gathered near Eric’s beautiful Christmas tree for our exchange gifts.  This year was a bit funny because most got each other gift certificates!  Er-hem, I didn’t start the fire

We’re thinking of doing 2 themes next year, one is White Elephant while the other is the regular exchange gift.  That should be fun.

Year Ender Photos!

Toast to Friendship and a Happy Christmas!

Cheers! 

Xmas Celebs Album

Related Post

Potluck Dinner and Poker Night 4/14/09

One Fun Saturday Night: Dice Game

In Crumbs: July 2009

Good Vibes This Weekend

Fely J’s

LazerExtreme Laser Tag

Addicted to Ristras

Christmas is in the Hearts

Turning Two: Being Young and Lovely

Zipline in Tagaytay

–

Other than Monday, midweek is usually the busiest time of the week.  But you just got to make time for dinner when you get an invite from Arpee to meet the Greenwich brand and PR execs –the folks who got us laughing watching the “sobrang cheesy” advertisements.  Smiling at the thought of Bubba giving his “sobrang cheesy!!!” remark with that cheesy facial expression of his

(Azrael of www.azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com with Lace of www.styleandrelax.blogspot.com)

Now, the Greenwich team is back with more power and more supremacy.  The country’s favorite pizza chain, Greenwich, who gives the most scrumptious blend of delicious and exciting pizza (remember Sisig pizza? I was a fan!) and pasta innovations, recently launched the new Ultimate Hawaiian Overload –declaring it to be the best Hawaiian pizza in the country today!  Why?  Because it has double the Hawaiian toppings you love –double the flavor, double the fun!  Definitely, nag-level up na sa sarap!

Other Greenwich favorites!

We got an exclusive (hot off the “editing room”) viewing of their new campaign.  See local movie stalwart John Lloyd Cruz like you’ve never tasted seen him before!  Ibang level talaga!

The New Ultimate Hawaiian Overload is available at close to 250 Greenwich stores nationwide.  Metro Manila Delivery hotline is 5-55-55.

Dine in/ Take out prices:

Rolled Edge double, family                P265, P419

Thin & Crispy double, family                P225, P379

Party Square                                         P455

Even their pizza boxes leveled-up!!!! Check out the design from Team Manila!

Photo from Azrael: http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com

Your regular pizza flavor is not so standard anymore –so upgrade your bud’s expectation and level-up your taste to the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload!!!

Related Post

Style and Relax

Azrael’s Merryland 

Fritzified

–

When I woke up, Kate was already at the desk clicking on her laptop.  She was hard at it, working fervently at a career she loves.  She used to be based in Singapore for work but she realized that there’s no place like home and eventually left the Singaporean company to go back to the Philippines.  A few months later, the Singaporean company hired her back –this time, she is working home-based in the Philippines and the emails are her attendance at work.  What a really great break!

She was almost done and she asked me my plans for the day.  I said I had no plans and was thinking of a trouble-free last day in Singapore.  She said she was going to IKEA and invited if I would like to join her.  She wants to buy some stuff from IKEA and meet friends she made in Singapore.  I was suddenly ecstatic!!!

You see, I wanted to go to IKEA that I was harping about it the night before in the cab on the way home with Chrissy, Ivy and Jonel.  Since I had no one familiar with the city to go with, I decided against it.  I heard it was a bit far from Link Hotel.  Thank goodness for an angel like Kate, my beloved roomie, and suddenly my Sunday was looking less bleak.  

Another thing I like being bunked with Kate is, without having to speak, our movements are in such great tango with each other.  She had her space and I had mine and timing in the bathroom between us was seamless –both productive and relaxed. 

What made this departure day different though is I usually have my luggage packed the night before and clothes to wear and everything else ready.  But after a fun night with the group much laughing and walking, I plunk-ed on my unmade bed with my water bottle.  I wasn’t able to pack at all –a first in my book actually.

Good thing I was able to make haste and packed in 20 minutes (I usually take a leisure hour), just in time Kate finished packing too.  We checked out and placed our luggage in the lobby.  We were crossing the street when I checked my phone and saw Jen’s text message.  I replied and said we were on the way out but will wait for her if she’s ready.  She was all set and 5 minutes later the three of us were on a bus going to our IKEA date.

IKEA

IKEA was a good 30 minutes from our starting point.  It wasn’t so difficult to get there by commuter bus since Kate was familiar with Singapore.  At one point, it took a while to figure where the express shuttle is but both Jen and I were still at ease with Kate at the front.  We took a train, 2 buses and we were finally at IKEA.

IKEA was like an enormous warehouse that offers a wide range of well-designed functional home furnishing products at prices so reasonable, both Jen and I did quite some shopping.  We only had an hour before we meet up with Kate again so we really maximized our time –checking only items that really caught our interests and consulting with each other on the price and usability. 

$1 Breakfast

I bought a few items (lamps, rags, photo frame, 1kg Swiss meatballs, chocolates, etc), while Jen’s big purchase was two white fur shrugs for her favorite chair at home.  I ran out of Singapore dollars and my only complaint about IKEA is that they don’t accept US dollars.  Jen and Kate had to lend me some SG money for my purchase.

It was time to relax when we had lunch at the huge IKEA cafeteria.  Of course, both Jen and I tried the meatballs everyone was raving about.  We also bonded with Kate’s friends from Singapore and asked them about life in the cosmopolitan country.

Going back was so much easier although we were running out of time because we were supposed to reach the hotel lobby by 3pm.  Stopped by quickly at a money changer shop, had my US changed and paid my dues.  We had a good 20 minutes to spare and since Kate knows I wanted to try Ya Kun Kaya, we looked for it at a nearby mall.  Time is gold and I decided to just concede to trying Singapore’s Toastbox at the ground floor.  Both Jen and I ordered food to go. 

I also appreciate how easy I got along with Jen.  I’ve been reading her Sexy Nomad site and like her steady positivism and travel spirit as well even before meeting and working briefly on a film project together.  Just the day before, we bonded over breakfast and waiting time at Selangor.

We hailed a cab and finally reached the lobby on time.  We were one of the early ones there.  The bus actually left an hour later.  No complaints since Jen, Kate and I had to repack our luggage and hand carry bags to fit in what we just purchased.

After repacking, we still had 30 minutes to enjoy leisurely the soft-boiled eggs and kaya toast combination we bought.  Yummy!!!  It wasn’t Ya Kun but it satisfied my kaya and egg craving!!!

All aboard the bus, we hit our airport destination.  Because of the items I bought from IKEA, I was over the limit weight by 7lbs!  First time it happened to me too but since we were in a big group, I wasn’t too worried.  Not until the ground officer said we couldn’t do a big group check-in, which was a bit weird.  I was getting really concerned… Being quite independent, I was timid to ask people if I could share their weight limit   I checked how much it would cost me to just take in the extra weight -PHP 7,000!    Gosh, I didn’t want to pay an extra 7 Grand for “pasalubongs.”

After much scurrying, (big thanks to Alodia, Ashley, and Jonel as well as Frances and Fran who tried to help out), Jonel shared my luggage weight and checked in my bag under his name.  *BIG HUG to Jonel*

Whew, trouble-free huh

—

Looking for a nice stylish Christmas gift for girlfriends?  Look no further.  Luxe Prints recently launched its 2010 planner collection.  Different cover styles for every fun, loving friend of yours!  Choose from four covers to suit your style: Party Girl, Beach Babe, Rockstar, and Fashionista!  SRP PHP 450 each.

Get all 4!  They have a special discount for bulk orders, 4 pieces and above.

I have yet to buy a planner.  I’m thinking of switching from my BDJ Planner to this one.  As mentioned before, I love my BDJ 2008 planner but the 2009 I bought I barely used (only got to 3 months) since I find it a bit too cluttered.  The 2 other persons I gave it too also barely used it   I have yet to see the BDJ 2010 edition but this Luxe planner intrigues me a lot and I might just get one for 2010  

Each 5.5″ by 7″ inch planner comes with a pair of specially designed monthly dividers and 4 alternating color page themes per month.  Beach waves, stars, zebra prints, paisleys and pastels: absolutely stylish all year round!  

Flip the pages:

Personal Information: This planner belongs to YOU

Goals for 2010: Plot your goals and never lose sight of them

All About Me: A fun quiz of your favorites

Weekly spreads: 2-page spread per week to write down all your action items, thoughts and highlights for the day

Birthdays: List down the birthdays of your loved ones

Key Contacts: Quick info on your speed dial crew

Random Notes: For all forget-me-nots and out of the blue ideas

Contact Luxe Prints

Mobile Number: +63-905-4022032
Email Address: info@luxeprints.org 

Payments available via GCASH or bank deposit

–

I love watching plays but I wasn’t so keen on braving Makati traffic in December.  Braving the heavy traffic is after all for the… brave ;)  The tickets were free so there was not much hesitation to just can it but Jen said she and hubby Stan (my poker buddy) enjoyed the show.  I decided to choke up my laziness to travel to Makati and watched the play. 

December 04-13, 2009
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Building, Makati
Directed by Bobby Garcia
WHAT’S THE BEE ABOUT?

In the Broadway Musical Comedy, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grownups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

This hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicles the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. A quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld.

Thanks to Jen, both Bubba and I had a great time.  It was fantastic!  It made me remember how I love watching plays –it can be quite inspiring.  You can really observe how the thespians are passionate about their craft.  It is quite hard to make people laugh –good writing and comic timing are key factors.  That’s exactly what the play had since the audience were laughing out loud last night.  I enjoyed my time and it was worth the short trip to Makati –I wouldn’t have mind if it were longer.  I really love seeing Joel Trinidad on stage.  The lady teacher was pretty hilarious too –with her improv description of the “spelling bee contestants.”  Besides, I’ve always liked looking at Carla Guevarra’s face -she’s so pretty and reminds me eerily of my friend Dianne/Nina, who looks like her missing twin.

After watching Spelling Bee last night at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Bubba and I were both famished.  Our tummy muscles worked up an appetite laughing. 

Persia Grill

Despite the restaurant being a bit small, the interior was pretty cozy with upholstered chairs. 

On the Table

Ox Brain PHP 90

Best Ox brain I’ve tasted in the Metro.  It’s toasty but still retains that milky egg-y taste and texture but not so soggy and raw like the one in “B” –the one that we usually frequent.  It wasn’t so oily either.  Yummy!

Chelo Kebab Kobideh (2) PHP 199

Two sticks of charbroiled ground beef prepared with Persian spices served with fresh grilled tomato and steamed long grain rice.  All their kebab meals are served with Persia Grill’s eggplant and yogurt dip.

The Kobideh is noticeably packed with more meat than the usual fare from other Persian restaurants. 

While chomping on our food, I was immediately texting Chaifer (another Persian food fan) to try Persia Grill.  She beat me to it haha and we both love how reasonable the prices are.  She claims she even finished two cups of rice with her Kobideh and grilled salmon.  Yum!

I definitely know now where to head to for my Persian cravings.  Please open one in Ortigas because I don’t like going to Megamall –it’s just too huge.

Persia Grill (Across Greenbelt)

Legazpi St. Corner Dela Rosa St.

Makati City

Persia Grill Album

–

In the aftermath of the destruction left by typhoon Ondoy, some of us may have been affected by it.  For those Samsung products that were flooded, here are some tips on what to do that are advised by our Technical Support team.

Refrigerator

Please clean the refrigerator with cloth (take extra care in doing so).  Let it dry.  And let it stand for 2-3 days before turning it on.  If timer / control was drained or submerged into water, need to render SVC.  Contact CCC at 580-5777.

Washing Machine, TV and other Brown Goods, IT Products ASC

Need to check-up.  DO NOT PLUG.  You may bring the unit to the SVC Center or contact CCC.

HHP

Do not turn on the mobile phone.  Bring to the nearest SVC Center for check-up.

–

Charlie’s Grind and Grill is a stone throw away from the office that that has been the perpetual excuse to have lunch breaks there.  It’s always at least half full –full when we dine there.

Bubba invited out for lunch that Wednesday, which is a QC holiday (he still went to work though), and by 12nn was already at the lobby area to pick me up.  I got in the car and after a few seconds of dead air, a hooded person sitting at the back surprised me that made me shriek out loud.  It was my sister Joyce.  Bubba went to pick her up since QC schools were also on holiday.

On the Table

Black Angus Burger with Fries (2) PHP 175

Bubba and Joyce both got a burger set each.  Juicy meaty hamburger patties that make you want to come back for more –grilled to perfection.  Get it with fries and you add only PHP 20.  Burgers can’t get any better than this especially when priced only this much.

Clam Chowder PHP 150

I had a heavy breakfast (Read: probably almost 2 cups of rice) so I decided to get something light.  Clam chowder served in a bread bowl was creamy and tasted fresh –had generous amount of clams.

Key Lime Pie PHP 200

It was too sour for my taste that I didn’t get to finish even half.

This was also the time Bubba surprised me with the Nokia N95 Soul of Manila Wireless Adventure Race Part 1 televised video!  2007, Moi was fatty fat then but yay!

Even if it was a holiday, Bubba wanted to go back to ABS to work so I brought Joyce to my office instead after lunch.  She had her own space, table and desk.  She was so behaved and cute!!!  Karen loved her and gave her many items to tinker with.

Other stuff to try at Charlie’s (ordered in previous visits):

Panko Crusted Deep Fried Cheese Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Black Angus PHP 350

We ordered this the last time we were at Charlie’s.  That’s a mouthful of a description!  And indeed it was.  The cheese stuffed portabello mushroom was deliciously stunning in appearance and taste.  You get a bite of layering flavors and textures leaving you hankering for more.  The burger’s name is a mouthful but the taste can leave you mouthwateringly speechless.

Filly Cheesesteak Hungry Size PHP 220

The white bread was topped with local sirloin meat and charged with loads of tasty caramelized onions and green bell peppers.  It was as good as the Black Angus burger –it will be quite difficult to make one a favorite over the other.

Fish and Chips PHP 180

Generous serving of dory fried to a golden crisp.  Add malt vinegar.

Next on my list are the Meatballs Marinara and the Pulled Pork Sandwich.  I can just hear my stomach grumble in anticipation.  Executive Chef Rob Goco really knows how to tickle our fancy with great food from Cyma, Ristras to Charlie’s.

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

16 East Kapitolyo Drive,

Pasig City.

(632) 635 4857

Charlie’s Album

Charlie’s Panko Crusted Portabello Album 

Charlie’s Fish and Chips Album

Related Post

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

Addicted to Ristras

Bribing the Chaperon 

–

Previous to the discovery of Ristras, Pasto was frequent in the call log.  Bubba and I were reminiscing the other night how much we crave for Pasto before.  Pasto was our favorite go-to-restaurant for DVD food.  The Greenhills branch is rung ahead of time to order 2 batches of crostinis with chicken pate and pomodoro salsa dips.  Grab, pay and off to home movies. 

I also like eating at home since Bubba finishes most of the salsa, so I have to replicate with a homemade one.  Diced tomatoes, diced red onions (nominal), fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, (mmm-mm!) I can have as much as I want.  Soon, we were pairing our Pasto “to-go” order with Sandy’s Pizza’s buffalo wings, which we also got quite akin to.  Interestingly, we only order the wings (they deliver for 2 orders) and not the pizza.

Another favorite in Pasto is their Romano entrée (PHP345).  Romano is crusted chicken breast with spinach and roasted mushrooms in a Gorgonzola cream sauce served with fettuccine.

On the Table

Zuppa di Pomodoro PHP 95

Pasto has the best roasted-tomato cream soup in the Metro.  Its semi-smooth thickness is exactly right without making it appear like a tomato puree.  There’s a hint of Parmesan and cream taste in the roasted tomato soup. Garnished with fresh basil on top that adds a minty flavor perfect for that hot soothing spoonful.

Crostini, Pasto’s famous version of Italian crostini served with your choice of “dips.”  One order is equivalent to 8 pieces of crostini shaped like a pizza slice –thin, toasty and crispy.  Price of crostini depends on the dip.

Chicken pate PHP 125

Pomodoro Salsa PHP 105

En Route to the Perfect Bite

1. Spread the chicken pate on the crostini
2. Put a bit of the tomato salsa on top with a drip of the balsamic olive oil dressing

First layer of taste is good enough for me.

    3. Add another layer of flavor by adding grated Parmesan cheese.

    4. To add some heat, add the chili flakes

Before Ristras’ burritos and nacho chips, this was our comfort food.

Ortaggi PHP 225

Spaghetti cooked with artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.  The usual order is Romano, Vongole or Frutti di Mare, but we took a detour and ordered a pasta dish we haven’t tried –Ortaggi.  It was a tad bit on the sweet side (probably from the sun-dried tomatoes which I really love) that I wasn’t expecting.  We only finished half of the pasta, partly because we needed to run off to watch GI Joe.

Pasto

Greenhills Theater Mall

Unit F&B-5, Greenhills Theater Mall

Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan

(632) 722 4992

El Pueblo

Julio Vargas Ave cor. ADB Ave

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

(632) 634 0157

Paseo Center

3^rd Floor, 8757 Paseo de Roxas

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 893 0588

Related Post

2 Italians in One Night

Amici

Buenisimo by Café Ysabel

Thursday Club: Pizzeria Toscana

Marciano’s

Addicted to Ristras

Wet Your Appetite at Ristras

Thursday Club Series: Ristras

Sandy’s Pizza

Buffalo Wings at Sandy’s Pizza

 –

After Butch and Marie’s wedding reception, it was time for some good poker action. 

We were able to play two full games.  First game, Eric won while Jim placed second.  2^nd game, a come-from-behind win was secured by Woo, while I lost my chip lead and placed second. 

4 hours of poker and we were famished.  While Eric and Made headed to SM North to look for a toy gift, Woo, Bubba and I headed to Amici for dinner.

I first tried Amici at its original location at the Don Bosco canteen in Pasong Tamo.  Salesian Italian missionary Fr. Gianluigi Colombo founded the Amici di Don Bosco Incorporated in 2001.  The original set-up was canteen-style, self-service and fast food.  Its claim to fame is the homemade Italian gelato that is relatively affordable.  It has since expanded to 4 branches (Makati, Timog, Greenhills, and Megamall) when the Red Ribbon group bought the concept and brand. 

The recently opened Amici branch in Greenhills still holds the concept but with a more modern polished look.  The host at the door directs you to the table and hands you the menu, but it’s still pretty much self-service as you have to line up at the counter to order and pay for your food.

On the Table

Tutta Carne PHP 290

Meat lover’s delight in a pizza includes Italian sausage, ham and pepperoni.  The thin layer of soft crust with nominal amount of tomato base and meat is good enough for its price.

Canneloni Agli Spinaci PHP 195

An Amici classic favorite!  Pasta tubes filled with spinach and ricotta cheese topped with creamy tomato sauce is a must have order when at Amici’s.  It’s pasta rich in creamy ricotta cheese and spinach that melts in your mouth with such smooth goodness. 

Spaghetti White Vongole Gamberetti PHP 215

Our famous sautéed mixed seafood on al dente spaghetti in olive oil.  Amici’s version that evening was a little bit salty for my taste.  I like the generous amount of seafood and garlic that coats the al dente spaghetti pasta.

Roast Chicken PHP 190

Rosemary half chicken baked to perfection and served with vegetables.  This is the highlight of the meal on the table.  The chicken was good to share for three people. Take a waft of the rosemary aroma, as the dish is place on the table.  The chicken was moist and tender at the same time that it’s flavorful with every hint of rosemary.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio E Pepperoncino (Woo’s Order)

Mild spicy pasta dish with a rich flavor of smoked salmon

More and more people are drawn to Amici as a go-to-place for Italian dining especially with their semi-family style dishes.  Food is relatively enjoyable and the price decent.  Their gelatos can brighten up any gloomy day even if it’s raining cats and dogs.

Amici

(632) 818 4444

Connecticut, Greenhills

–