It was a long long looong day Tuesday starting with a lunch meeting at Kaya, a Nat Geo presentation and Fox Crime meeting afterwards.  By 7pm, I still haven’t had the time to check all of my emails at work but I had to be off to Abbondanza for a much-anticipated dinner with fellow foodies and bloggers.

It was a woman pow-wow as Bubba was the thorn among the roses.  We first arrived at the venue followed by Didi.  Didi, Bubba and I hit it off with a URCC conversation and how much we are all excited to catch URCC XII Supremacy.  It was fun to see another female as hyped up as I am about watching these Mixed Martial Arts athletes toughen it out on the mats.  Soon after, Fran and Sabs almost arrived at the same time. 

My mind was really flying most of the time but good food saved most of my conversational skills.  Chomping is my perennial escape for not having to open my mouth to talk.  Even if I had left the office at 7, my mind was still at the office sitting on my desk thinking.  I’m glad this night Bubba took over the chat aspect of dinner for both of us and I was happy to take the role of an audience.

Abbondanza can easily be compared to Amici as the owner’s cooking roots can be traced back to the latter.  I like the atmosphere in Abbondanza better because it has a more cozy and warm vibe.  The staff has a cheerful aura too, readily assisted us when we needed someone to take a group photo.  I find the prices here more affordable too.

Didi chose the flavor for pizza.  Napoli is also one of the flavors on my list whenever at a Pizzeria.  Tomato based pizza with oregano, capers and anchovies.  Like Didi, I’m a fan of capers.  I also liked the thinness of the pizza and how it remained crispy throughout the dinner.  I drizzled spiced olive oil over the pizza to complete the taste.  I had to fight the urge to get a third slice.

This happened to be Sab’s choice, which is pasta spaghetti generously charged with shelled shrimp, mussels and clams in white cream sauce.  Aside from the pizza, this was the next popular dish on the table.

I didn’t get to touch this at all.  When it was cut open, the spinach inside looked a bit dry.  Check Fran’s site (http://frannywanny.blogspot.com/) for her take on the Cannelloni.

It is basically a mushroom risotto.  The risotto was a bit overcooked as the rice grain looked bigger than usual and it dried out fast.  Taste wise, it was flavorful and mushroom is really highlighted in this dish.

Read BIAS.  Since all the girls were busy with the Abbondanza dishes, Bubba and I enjoyed the familiar taste of my pasta dish.  Abbondanza was sweet enough to heat the food I brought for the group.

I learned from Sophia Lee of Abbondanza that she is also a foodie and that their entire family lives for food, which prompted them to put up their very own restaurant.  Their love for food is now known as Abbondanza, which is turning one this coming Monday, July 7, 2008.  Blog about your Abbondanza experience and get a free dessert!

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/496/08_0701-_Abbondanza

I promised Bubba that I’d treat him to lunch Thursday.  He dropped by the office around 12nn.  We walked to Pearl Plaza and dined at Sango.  We ordered our usual, Master Burger and Master Cheeseburger and Fries.  Since Bubba felt like eating a lot, he also tried their rice meals. 

On the Table

Master Burger PHP 120

Master Cheeseburger PHP 149

French Fries

Katsudon PHP 220

That evening we decided to have dinner and watch a movie at Podium.  We wanted to try something new and Chinois looked interesting.   

On the Table

Grilled chicken served with Indian spices.  I wasn’t happy with my order because the chicken fillet was small and dry.  All I tasted in the sauce was cumin.

Bubba was luckier with his order.  Thick slices of porkchop pan-fried covered in red and white sauce and topped with a layer of melted cheese.

We watched Kung Fu Panda after dinner.  It was a ball of laughter!!!   

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/482/08_0619-_Sanggo_Chinois  

A busy Tuesday morning it was starting with a Eurocup meeting and an anti-piracy meeting afterwards. The meeting was about to begin when Mean called me and asked me if I ordered Krispy Kreme. I said no. Krispy Kreme Galleria Branch sent over a box of 12 melt-in-your-mouth original glazed donuts!!! I was surprised when they said there was a delivery of Krispy Kreme at the reception. I thought it was Bubba sending me 12 goodies, but it was actually from the branch!

Thanks so much! What a perfect way to ease my Tuesday and prep me up for the SATC premiere. Good vibes, good times!

Between Bites

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/462/08_0527-_Krispy_Kreme

Since Cafe Juanita was fully booked, I decided to troddle to Texas Roadhouse in El Pueblo.  Texas Roadhouse is officially my go-to-family restaurant.  I have never been disappointed (Link: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/03/07/cowboy-eating-at-texas-roadhouse/ and http://www.janedchua.com/2008/04/07/texas-roadhouse-again/) in any of my visits.  Servings are huge and coherent with the price.  Best of all, customer service in Texas Roadhouse is supreme and their thrust to building customer relationship is commendable.  Even on full house, wait staff is quick, efficient and serves with a smile.  On Mother’s Day, with no obligations, they gave away long-stemmed roses to mothers who dined in their restaurant to celebrate the occasion.  In other restaurants, you actually have to buy their Mother’s Day special or promo prior to getting any perks.    

I gave my mom a scrapbook with some of our memorable photos of recent times in it and a dedication, which made her a bit emo.  My sister, who feels our heartbeats, started to break down too.  So we tried pacifying her but she really became emotional.  The photos of her crying are heartwrenching but are too cute!!!  My beloved cartoon character.

On the Table:

Santa Fe Nachos PHP 330

We cannot eat at Texas Roadhouse and not order this.

Parmesan Crusted Fish PHP 370

Same as our favorite appetizer, we cannot dine at this family restaurant without ordering this.  It is rightfully their bestseller.

Wrangler Pork Steak PHP 350

2 pieces of pork chops with Swiss cheese in top

Baby Back Ribs PHP 445

Half rack of baby back ribs

Quezo Salsa Dip PHP 80

Related Post: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/03/07/cowboy-eating-at-texas-roadhouse/

Related Post: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/04/07/texas-roadhouse-again/

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/436/08_0511-_Texas_Roadhouse_on_Mothers_Day

Texas Roadhouse is now included in my list of comfort food.  There’s Mom and Tina, Café Juanita, Shakey’s, Pasto to name a few.  Texas Roadhouse has become that feel good food for me.  After checking out at Makati Shangrila, we headed to Texas Roadhouse in Ortigas (since the one at the Fort is always full!).  Our body was still tired from the adventure race we participated in from 8pm-2am (more on that on a separate post).  I actually slept around 5am already.

 On the Table:

Nacho and Cheese PHP 250 ++

This is the first time Bubba tried this dish and I was right!  It was really up his alley.  He enjoyed the chunky layer of cheese on top of the nacho, garnished with a coin of Jalapeno on top.  He even discovered that there’s a layer in between the cheese and nacho that’s ground beef.  Ultra yum!

Parmesan Crusted Fish PHP 340 ++

A favorite of Bubba and mine.  Parmesan encrusted fish has a crunchy coating but the fish meat remained fresh and juicy inside.  It had Alfredo sauce poured on top and Marinara sauce on the side.  I was tempted to order this too but it doesn’t make sense to have two plates of it when we can try a new dish.

Shrimp and Salmon Skewer PHP 350 ++

Served with vegetables and pilaf rice. I wasn’t able to finish this but was a bit disappointed that the shrimp tasted bland.  It didn’t have any grill markings.  It was like steamed shrimp pierced by a skewer.  The salmon was dry. 

 I was stung by the heat of Tabasco (Bubba claims I had a spoonful of the spicy condiment) and couldn’t get my bearings.  I asked for sugar from the wait staff.  The manager saw what happened and was so nice to get me a slice of Mandarin to ease my tongue on fire.

 (Disclaimer: Prices are as my memory serves me.) 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/393/08_0330-_Texas_Roadhouse_Yet_Again#

Related Post:  

Texas Roadhouse Grill

Bonifacio High Street, Ground Level Bldg 1

McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio Global City

8561547 

El Pueblo, Ortigas Center. 

Dec. 27, 2007. Only 3 days before they flew in, we got information that no-holds barred specialists are hitting Manila. I didn’t believe it at first until I actually saw the posters plastered near Crowne Plaza Hotel. I called Red Corner Boxing and Fitness Gym to confirm that they have arrived and actually doing their training at the same gym I work out at!!! Isn’t that crazy???

Since I was in a long meeting in the morning, Mitch was nice enough to do me a favor. She went to the local photo center in our building, Digiprint, and had several photos printed with my instructions. 5×7 photos of Christian’s action shots during his last fight back in URCC 7 were in glossy and matte sheets.

During lunch break, I dragged Mitch with me to Crown Plaza to see them and get their autograph (I have never asked anyone for an autograph. When Ethan of Survivor Africa was here, it was my friend King who got the autograph for me, other than that, I have never asked for autographs) so it took a lot of guts for me to ask for one. I’m glad Mitch was there to support me. My nerves were essentially shaking and I was too excited to get my words out right. Good thing that all of them were actually nice, although I find Ken Shamrock too arrogant even in person. Before I came up to him, he was actually making fun along with his group some Taiwanese guys who came out of the pool area.

“Babalu” even invited Mitch and me out for lunch, but we declined because we had to go back to the office. Besides, I heard from the grapevine that this guy is kind of a loose canon. After getting the enlarged photos signed as my surprise for Chris, we hurried back to the office totally forgetting that we haven’t eaten anything.

Dec. 28, 2007. Weigh-in and fighter’s orientation. Since Chris wanted to go, I conceded. I wanted to practice shooting anyway. My Canon 350 D DLSR is just collecting dust.

While people were scramming to get the fighters’ autograph, (I was at ease because I got the signatures the day before), Babalu spotted me with Chris and said hello. He asked if Chris was my boyfriend or brother. Chris and I gave each other a meaningful look and smiled (inside info/joke). Richard Lasprilla replied on my behalf and said boyfriend.

One by one, the fighters step in the weighing scale. Team Gracie had a problem with Rico Rodriguez’ weight because it exceeded the range. (Moment of silence) Ok, let me just say that seeing Rico Rodriguez strip is not a happy sight. It was a moment I won’t forget though (grin).

Dec. 29, 2007

Platinum Fighting Productions brought in one of the biggest Mixed Martial Arts event in the country, Ring of Fire. MMA fans were in fits and thrills to watch some of the world’s leading MMA fighters at the Big Dome of Araneta Coliseum. After the Manila show, Platinum Productions will host fights in Korea, Japan and hopefully back to Manila again.

A friend gave Chris a patron ticket to the show. One. But we managed to get another one from another source. On the day before the event, Alvin also gave us tickets (lower box) and we were able to invite Chris’ cousin and his friend. On the day itself, we were handed a couple more and we had a surplus of Patron tickets that we didn’t know what to do with. I invited friends from High School who are UFC fans and they were able to make it and saw the second fight. The selling price of the tickets were too high, the Patron ones selling at almost PHP 10 grand. I guess this is one of the reasons why the crowd gathered to watch was smaller than expected, aside from the fact that promotions might have been a bit late. It didn’t create that much buzz about the event. I was even the one who spread the news to friends, who had no idea at all.

4 teams participated in this event namely Team Gokor, Team Shamrock, Team Barnett and the favorite haling from Brazil, Team Gracie. Team Gokor pitted to compete against Team Barnett while Team Shamrock against Team Gracie. The winning fighters advanced to the finals in Macau China. The fights as seen on UFC was staged in the circular enclosed shaft called the Pentagon.

Kudos to Platinum Productions because mixed martial arts enthusiast like me got to see legends like Royce Gracie, my ultimate crush, Royler Gracie and Ken Shamrock. Mario Yamasaki, one of the better-known referees, officiated the fights. Among the other popular stars are Jeff Monson, Renato “Babalu” Sobral, Rico Rodriguez, and Heath Herring.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/303/07_1207-_Team_Gracie_in_Red_Corner_Ortigas#

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/304#

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/305#

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/308/07_1209-_Ring_of_Fire

Don’t you love it when your birthday falls on a Friday?  I had a birthday lunch at Mom and Tina’s then dinner at Sugi with my family and Christian. Fast forward to Sunday. 

I spent Sunday morning eating Astoria breakfast with Chris, Carlo and Shiela.  Meanwhile, I treated CW’s family to a dinner in Choi Garden.  We ate Shabu-Shabu (which should always be fun right?  But we were all hungry that it kind of ruined the mood esp. since the place was so jammed packed!) and also tried a few other dishes like Curry Beef, Salted Fried Rice, Yang Chow Fried Rice (we were supposed to order the Baked Seafood Rice but they ran out of it.  Most of their dishes were almost out!), Sweet and Sour Pork (by forced since these are the only ones left), and Salted Garlic Squid.    

Saturday, I spent the morning with a doctor’s check-up since I’ve been sick for weeks.  The rest of the day was spent resting since Chris was supposed to be at their farm in Bulacan.  Little did I know, he was already preparing a surprise party for me. 

830 PM.  The idea was to drop by Gelo’s place in Astoria before heading to Vivere for our dinner date.  I wasn’t in the best mood since I was extremely hungry and he was really late. The door opened to a dark room.  I don’t remember if they said Surprise or Happy Birthday or F* You!  But I’m sure they did say something because all of a sudden it was really noisy.  I planted a kiss on everyone –and two on Shiela’s.  I was that dazed. 

Most of the guests were former officemates from Sabiclub.  Mark and Ezra from PIQC were there but stayed only shortly.  I missed a few groups close to me, JICA, PIQC (Sean, Grace, Brenda and Ann), St. Peter, PS… King wasn’t able to attend either.  Kenny too.  Even if it was a busy weekend for most of my friends, I’m so glad that Sabi group and CW’s siblings were there.  Too bad I don’t have photos of all of them.  I was too stunned to do anything.

We played games which Carlo took charge of.  He went grocery and brought stacks of chocolates and chips that I love as prizes.  He made the games “jane-centric” as he coined it.  There was a game, “who knows Jane best” with questions like how many pairs of shoes do I own?  How many are pink?  The player has to get three straight correct answers.  Then there was the Jane v. 100 game.  Lastly, there was charades, which he programmed in his mobile phone.  What a techy genius eh?  Chai, on the other hand, with the help of Lorenz, made this beautiful AVP for me.  Chris was all over the place taking care of everyone, the food, music, refreshments, liquor…

In the middle of it, the lights went out again and Chris appeared with a round cake with illuminated candles.  Everyone sang Happy Birthday and I blew the candles.   Chris got a 2-bedroom suite with all the works.  The bigger bedroom had a “Shoe Stop” sign (designed with the help of Mon) similar to the one I had before.  Details are really everything.

At the end of the night, Chris handed me a box, which was his last gift of the night.  In the box were letters from my family, which brought another stream of tears. I’ve had bigger parties several times before.  But this has to be the best one of all –simply because I celebrated it with Chris.  He makes everything to me more meaningful.  And even without this surprise party, I’m always overwhelmed by his love for me, my family and his family –by the greatness of his heart.   

He inspires me to be my best in all things and still loves me at my worst.  

Album (Sugi): http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/354/08_0201-_Sugi_Birthday_Dinner

Album (Choi Garden): http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/358/08_0203-_Choi_Garden_CW_Fam

Album (Surprise Party): http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/356/08_0202-_Surprise_Birthday_Party               

Album (bday ‘05 we were only friends): http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/28/Cushees_Birthday_Bash  

Related Entry: http://cushee.multiply.com/journal/item/44/Cushee_Partee