After gushing with much gusto about my Cav experience in May, a lackluster dinner last month proved that first impression does not last.  I made dinner reservations for two at Cav sometime end of October but because of the Conquer Zambales race, had to move it to another week.  Following the great dinner I had in Cav the first time around, I wanted Chris to experience it for himself –so I planned a simple “dinner date” for him. 

November 7, Friday, traffic going to Makati/Fort was startlingly light that day.  We breezed through EDSA with no hitches and had enough time for our 8pm reservation.

Terrible service really cramps the mood and this actually set the theme for the whole evening.  The wait staff taking our orders had his head towards the other direction while we were ordering.  His uninterested attitude didn’t bother me at that point.

When Chris’ main course was being served, the attendant wasn’t cautious about the knife he was holding and almost carved through Chris’ nose while he placed the plate on the table.  This is when my radar got alerted.  We still didn’t say anything trying to ignore the service mishaps in order to save our supposedly amorous dinner date.  Freshly ground pepper took another summon before request was heeded.

We ordered wine after the first course and told the waiter but he left immediately after hearing me say wine without even asking how many glasses we were getting.  Wine was served only during the main course when I requested for it as early as for the 2^nd course.  Water was late, on our main course when it finally arrived.  You beckon to waiters and they try to avoid your direction –pretending they didn’t see.  This evening was what I call a total wreck.

Chris’ Set

First Course

Classic Beef Steak Tartar with Sweet Potato Crisps, Quail eggs, and organic greens

Second Course

Homemade Lemon and Parmesan Tortellini with Prosciutto di Parma

Main Course

Slow cooked Moroccan spiced Lamb Shank with Roasted Vegetable Couscous

Between Bites’ Set

First Course

Heart of Organic Baby Romaine with Jamon Crisps, Caper Berries, and Truffle Aioli

Second Course

Three Mushroom Soup with Champagne Foam

Main Course

US Striploin “double cut” with Potato Gnocchi and Porcini Truffle Essence (Add PHP 550)

The total cost of the entire dinner for two was close to PHP 4,000.  With that amount of money, I didn’t expect a lesser service than fastfood chains –where I’ve had better service actually, wait staff are more careful, respectful and client-friendly.  For the money that was burned, I could’ve opted to go to many other places than be disappointed minute after minute at Cav.

For months, when friends asked me restaurant recommendations, Cav was always in the list.  Perhaps I should revisit my list again… because I definitely don’t find Cav too sexy anymore.

Cav Album

Related Post: Cav Excites the Senses

Today can’t be any brighter despite the gloomy weather outside albeit our office AC is giving me brain freeze.  This morning, I chatted briefly with Fay and Aris, friends of mine who said they follow the blog regularly, which for little me is always a BIG reward to hear.

I always like receiving something from the mail and usually they are good surprises.  Writers Edge sent me today a copy of Challenge –the Honda magazine and I see at the back page the short piece I wrote regarding Paul Calvin.  Yay!  Small things make my day.

XOXO,

Jane

Related Post:  Let’s Go Sago First Article Mag

With You

I need you boo, (oh)
I gotta see you boo (hey)
And there’re hearts all over the world tonight,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight [x2]

[Verse 1]
Hey! Little mama,
Ooh, you’re a stunner
Hot..little figure,
Yes, you’re a winner
And I’m so glad to be yours,
You’re a class all your own
And..
Oh, little cutie
When..you talk to me
I swear..the whole world stops
You’re my sweetheart
And I’m so glad that you are mine
You are one of a kind and..

No Air

Tell me how I’m supposed to breathe with no air

If I should die before I wake
It’s ’cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
Oh

Forever

Intro:
1, 2, 3, 4..
Hey (eh)
Forever
Hey (eh)
Forever

Verse 1:
Its you, and me
Moving at the speed of light into eternity (yeah)
Tonight is the night
To join me in the middle of ecstacy
Feel the melody and the rhythm of the music around you, around you

Bridge:
Ima take you there, Ima take you there
So dont be scared, Im right here,you ready
We can go anywhere
Go anywhere
But first, its your chance
Take my hand
Come with me

Chorus:
It’s like I waited my whole life
For this one night
Its gon be me you and the dance floor
Cuz we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double your fun
And dance forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever (forever)
Ever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever on the dance floor

Verse 2:
Feels like were on another level (ohh ahh)
Feels like our loves intertwined
We can be two rebels
Breaking the rules
Me and you
You and I
All you gotta do is watch me
Look what I can do with my feet, baby
Feel the beat inside
Im driving, you could take the front seat (front seat)
Just need you to trust me (trust me)
Girl girl girl
Its like I

Chorus:
Its like I waited my whole life (oh)
For this one night (one night)
Its gon be me you and the dance floor (dance floor)
Cuz we only got one night (ohh)
Double you pleasure
Double your fun (yeah)
And dance forever ever ever (ohh)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever (forever)
Ever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever on the dance floor

The Inauguration and Press Launch of Dinelli Gourmet happened last Tuesday evening, 18^th of November 2008.  Dinelli Gourmet is the latest addition in Manila’s gourmet and specialty foods market.

The newly opened gourmet shop is your new stop for the freshest and unique selection of gourmet foods.  More than the exclusive imported items and fresh cold cuts and wide array of cheese selection, the store also has a section for kitchen equipment from Australia, Europe and USA.  The husband and wife tandem of Anthony and Kristine Meehan, proprietors of Meehan Cellars Inc. decided to open a chain of gourmet shops in the Metro.  The Tomas Morato branch is the first of the three set to open.  The second branch is fixed to launch in December which location will be at the Fort.

The Amazing Race Asia 3 Philippine Team contestants (and hopefully winners!  We’ll find out tonight) model Geoff Rodriguez and beauty queen Tisha Silang hosted the event.  While cocktails and various wines were being served around since 630pm, the official ceremony started at 8pm with the formal ribbon cutting.

The Australian Senior Trade Commissioner Ross Bray, was the Guest of Honor and consequently presided over the ribbon cutting.  It was a well-attended event as local dignitaries, eminent businessmen, celebrities and models graced the event alongside the media cluster.  Representatives from Yummy Magazine (calling Fran Haw, where were you?) and Uno were also present. 

As the event kicked off, Geoff passed the floor to Mr. Anthony Meehan who welcomed the guest and thanked those who made the event possible, as well as the media partners.

I got to have a quick chat with Geoff and egged him to reveal if they won TARA 3.  It was after all, 2 nights away.  He was mum all the way.  I guess I had to wait for 48 more hours.

Whether you’re looking for a strong-tasting cheese or smooth creamy cheese, or even cheese studded with pimiento or chilies for that extra zing, Dinelli Gourmet offers a complete cheese selection.  Dinelli advises that hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, Manchego and Grana Padano are great for crumbling or grating texture.  Cheddar, Edam, Gruyere, Emmenthal are semi-hard cheese that have milder flavors and can melt quite easily.  For other cooking needs such as adding a height to your sandwich creations, semi-soft cheeses are available too, like Bleu d’Auvergne, Port Salut (saint Paulin), Fourme D’Ambert, Roquefort Societe, Gorgonzola Dolce, Feta.  For rich creamy variants, the popular ones are Brie and Camembert, followed by St. Nectaire, Mascarpone (usually used in desserts) and Cambozola Cheese Kaserei.

They also carry Moondarra cheese brand: ashed goat, chilli, creamy blue cheese, fruit and nut, garlic and chives, garlic and herb goat cheese, honey and pistachio, melon and mango, pear and vanilla bean, sun dried tomato (Mm-mm!) and herb, bruschetta cheese among others.

For those who have a discerning taste for the expensive, Castaing Fois Gras products are available in Dinelli Gourmet stores.

Refreshments and treats from the store’s gourmet selection and menu items were at every corner.  The food (cheese, meat, pasta, dessert) and wine were free flowing throughout the night –even at the time when we left, fresh batches were being brought out.  The treats were simple ingredients tossed together –but it definitely tasted like designer cocktails.  Seeing all the products, I had the urge to buy so many items off their racks.  A bottle of cocktail onions, brie, gorgonzola, manchego and fontina, grapes, dried apricots, walnuts, wine and I’m good to go for a cheese party.  There were Moroccan lamb stew and couscous on a microwave-able container that Bubba was interested in, plus a dish of Tortellini and cream cheese.  Whereas for me, my curiosity was more piqued with the individual ingredients I’ve only seen there.  That launch surely fired up a vanishing cooking passion in me. Getting an access to an assortment of distinctive ingredients inspired me to concoct new dishes.

Each guest also received a gift basket with a selection of gourmet foods to be able to sample the Dinelli gourmet lifestyle at home.  Dinelli Gourmet will surely change the landscape of Metro shopping and hopefully ups the ante of deli stores as well as Filipino home dining.  Get creative with Dinelli gourmet products and come up with the freshest dish ideas.  Dinelli Gourmet is located at 5 Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

Thanks to Christopher Pettersson, CEO of Kingpin Syndicate Inc. for the invitation.

Dinelli Gourmet Album

Finally, after a few months of planning, the plan to play Laser Tag pushed through at last!  And the hunger to play made the world conspire to get us playing two days in a row.

November 15, 2008: Made, Eric, Shirley, Marie, Butch, Andrew, Jim, Jane, and Chris

November 16, 2008: Carlo, Shiela, Martin, Camille, NA, Jem, Fidel, Jane and Chris

Weekday rate is at PHP170 while weekend rate is at PHP 190.  If you’re 9 in the group, one is usually free.  LazerXtreme Laser Tag is located at 4/F Market Market, near Healthway.  

Laser Tag Album

Life is good.

I had a pretty rough Friday afternoon (more details soon) that really made me feel bad the whole Friday evening.  Someone was being harsh over something that is supposedly not a “BIG” deal to her.  In fact, another person (AP) initiated this BD (big deal) even if I raised a concern about it.  My bad was I still went with AP’s idea despite my uneasiness (having to always be the “taong bahay,” I thought this one time wouldn’t hurt).  To make matters worse, I found out that AP didn’t relay a message that was supposed to be relayed to her early this week that somehow confirms her theory that I don’t give “advise.”

Anyway, I’ll “advise” readers on that soon… maybe during the weekend.  I’m hesitant to expose my personal feelings on this (since negative vibes are not welcome on this site), but I owe it to my online journal (and my health) to have a release… and writing has always been my stress buster.

I digress.  As my offline plurk announced last weekend, God always finds a way to turn things around for me, without me having to ask.  First was the blast I had bonding with CW fam (particularly lil’ sister) during a late night dinner at Bellini’s,  I wish I get to spend more time with them.  2^nd was my friend and ex-officemate Martin telling me that he’s bringing me to Armiin on November 21.  In the Sabi group, I’m the least who appreciates house music (heef haf all the way baby, hippity hippity hop! ) but being on this guest list means being able to spend time with my friends at the event they enjoy –and that makes me happy.  3^rd, I also had a great Saturday with the berks, tagging my first LazerXtreme Laser Tag experience, a successful hole-in-the-wall recommendation at Soms, and winning poker night @ Eric’s house (or hotel whichever is more appropriate.  Goodness, I soooo love ERT’s house!  I dub that my dream house! –with only a few minor adjustments). 

Sunday, I had another Laser Tag schedule (yes, two days in a row –only because I cannot turn down any of the two groups.  Plus it’s loads of fun!).  This time it was with the Sabi group and supposedly some from the Photoholic group (shout-out to Madz!).  Bubba’s sister, Jem, and Fidel joined too.  Fidel got his hands on 2 free Platinum passes for the Chris Brown Rihanna concert  that day so Jem bestowed us their Gold tickets –an instant upgrade from our Silver tickets.  Monday night, a small investment quadrupled!

God protects my choice to be happy.  Keep the faith!

Life is good. 

*These items are available at the biggest Bratpack store in Greenbelt 5.  I’m eyeing the beach football and a new Frisbee!

Sunday morning, Bubba, Tabs (Joyce my cutesy sister) and I drove to Fort to walk Chili, Jam’s beloved dog.  We played catch at the same vacant spot where we played Frisbee before.  It started to drizzle so we transferred to Bonifacio High Street.  When we got there, the drizzle stopped.  Since the two are heavy lumbers, I was the one who ran with Chili.  We kept running and running until she had enough exercise (although Chili is a she, I was referring to myself). 

Krispy Kreme was our stop for our morning breakfast.  Sweet sugar loaded doughnuts early in the morning and steaming hot chocolate –that’s what you call power breakfast?  So powerful that 2 seconds into the rush, Bubba had sugar crash.  We ordered the usual of original glazed and Bubba’s favorite Hershey’s treats while we also tried the new Reese peanut butter doughnuts.  I am a total Reese girl, but the peanut butter taste was a bit milder than expected.

Around lunchtime we headed over to CPK Greenhills branch.  I got a Chicken Adobo Pizza coupon from Blog Bank that I decided to use that day.

On the Table:

Spinach Artichoke Dip PHP 625

Spinach and Artichoke dip served hot with blue and white tortilla chips.  One of the usual appetizers ordered whenever at CPK.  The chips this time around were quite smaller than what’s served in their Shangri-la branch.  This appetizer was one of our conversation pieces on the table that day.  We were trying to figure out what’s artichoke in Filipino.

Mediterranean Salad PHP 355

A chilled salad of cucumber, red onions, fresh tomatoes and greek olives.  Tossed with crisp Romaine leaves in lemon-herb vinaigrette, served on a bed of creamy hummus.  Topped with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Tzatziki sauce.  Served with 2 slices of pita bread.  This is the dish the majority agreed on that day –tug of war on portions. 

Goat Cheese with Roasted Peppers PHP 515

Mild goat cheese with roasted red and yellow bell peppers, grilled Japanese eggplant, Mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, Italian parsley in tomato-based pizza.  Goat cheese and roasted peppers on pizza –what can go wrong? 

Kung Pao Spaghetti PHP 255

A classic Kung Pao sauce with garlic, green onions, peanuts and HOT red chilies

Chicken Adobo Pizza

I didn’t get to try this but my sister Joanne and Bubba seemed to like it better than the goat cheese pizza.

Sunday Album 

Related Posts:

Definitely Amore at CPK

The Comedy Event of the Year

(Image from Ticketworld website)

Stand up comedian Russell Peters will have a show this Friday at NBC Tent.  He’s better known for comedy that speaks to immigrant communities around the world –Indian, Arab, Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian communities.  Russell Peters is an Anglo-Indian who grew up in a white Canadian society.

Bubba has been insisting that we watch RP’s show on Friday.  Tickets as I can remember are at 5K and 3.6K.  You can catch some of his acts on You Tube.  Visit Russell Peters website for featured photos, videos and more at www.russellpeters.com

Thanks Zarah for this info.

Adidas King of the Road happening on October 11, Fort.