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Munchtown, Everything’s Waiting For You

March 13, 2014 by Janey

Idle time is something I can’t stand. I’d rather be eating than be idle. That’s why I’m game, set and match to try any new activity, learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. The only time I can sit still is when I’m watching a movie. And even then, I’d still be eating.

Growing up exposed to all kinds of films available to me at my Tita’s video store, I became a movie fanatic. In college, I would not let a week go by without watching at least one or two movies –if not, all that’s showing. My boyfriend (MB) then also loved catching the latest flick. Greenbelt 3 Cinema was our favorite for a number of reasons but firstly, the concessionaires can deliver food inside the theater.

We’d get lemon grape juice and corn dog from Muscle Beach, some Wrapwich (which I think we’ve tried all variants), Wasabi popcorn and Wasabi Tofu Chips (and almost everything on their menu) from Taters, burgers from Sliders, and potato skins from Tender Bobs with cheese sauce and sour cream.

He’d even walk to Segafredo just to get me my Margherita or Napoletana pizza with a request of a slightly toasted crust. Yes, I eat pizza inside the cinema. One whole box. And yea, even rice sometimes. I simply cannot let dimness get in the way. Others follow their heart, I follow my craving.

Munchtown opened at the Cinema level of Greenhills Promenade and I got pretty excited since a brilliant mind is behind it, Chef Robby Goco. I can’t deny the fact that I’ve frequented (became my 2^nd home) the restaurants that have opened with him at the helm.

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On the Table

Munchtown Fries P195

Fresh Igorota Idaho potatoes with rock salt, black pepper, bacon bits, paprika, chili flakes, sour cream, dill and cream cheese

Love the fresh French fries where each is covered fairly with the wet ingredients. The specks of red from the paprika and green from the dill add a bit of appeal while the meat candy, that is bacon bits, added the charm.

Sensei Sushi by Chef Bruce Ricketts

March 11, 2014 by Janey

A tip off can lead to the arrest of a high-powered official or it could help the most venerated African nationalist leader be seized by agents of South African police special branch in 1962. This valuable tip I got came from Sanju of Table for Three, Please. The website is one of my top favorite reads when I need to enliven my passion for glorious food or writing. Sanju is the same guy who had me seek out a restaurant specializing in octopus dishes and consume a moving, partially-live octopus in Korea. That was quite an experience.

While dining at Elbert’s Best of the Beast dinner in July 2013, Sanju and the rest of us prisoners of fantastic food exchanged notes on the latest in the Manila food scene. And he talked enthusiastically about Sensei Sushi. Eugene and I looked at each other and knew, we’d pay top bill to be there. The three of us set a date and ended up with 2 more in tow.

No undercover agent was placed in the inner circles of influential gatherings. And no, this tip didn’t lead to any covert ops. It piloted to a spectacular culinary journey.

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Sensei Sushi is quite a drive for us Northerners but the 20-seater restaurant in BF is worth that early Saturday drive. Our 6-man group reserved ahead and went for the Degustacion (P2,000 per head).

We arrived at the restaurant and got welcomed by Chef Bruce Ricketts. I’ve met Chef Bruce very briefly during his stint at Robot in Makati and now, he has opened his own. Sensei Sushi’s interiors are very simple with their ala carte menu written on a blackboard for the walk-ins.

The degustation menu is omakase-style. Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “I’ll leave it to you” which also means to entrust. Don’t you worry child, we are not talking about love. On this front, everything about the degustation menu is left entirely to the chef who creates the dishes based on what is available fresh in the local market and on his culinary thrust or creativity that very moment.

On the Table

Tuna Soy, Pineapple with Kangkong Tempura

The dish came out looking like a garden patch freshly watered and kissed by the sun. The tuna cuts seared on the sides with roasted brown sugar and pickled scallions are brimming with brightness, freshness, some nuttiness and a sweet citrus taste.

The black sesame seeds make it reminiscent of Japanese cuisine but it’s not entirely pacific rim. The kangkong tempura adds texture to the somewhat melting tuna with all the stark flavors sweating in your mouth.

Salmon Belly Kushiyaki

The second dish was the salmon belly cubed, skewered and grilled skin side down, then finished with Jap mustard fusion and touch of truffle oil, garnished with bonito flakes that looked like wood shavings.

I snatch a bite of the light-orange-pink salmon –delicately plump, juicy and moist, and the grilled skin almost peeling off of it –crispy, salty and smoky.

Ebi with Flour Tortilla Aligue

Another beautiful looking plate and structural dish with two shrimp heads standing on guard while peeled shrimps balance on the tortilla bridge with a drizzle of aligue cream. The shrimps were cooked in chili oil, infused in glaze with chili bean paste. The shrimp, ever slightly undercooked, allows it to disappear almost instantly after a bit of munching, except when you use the tortilla as spoon, it gives you a textural crunch after the fragile shrimp.

The shrimps’ curled up flesh is creamy yet scuffling with some heat. I pursued that spark of intensity hunting it down the shrimps’ heads sucking what delicious fat I can. Unrestrained, I bite off the soft parts of the head where all the superior flavors are – and scrape the caramelized glaze with my teeth until it’s cleared off it.

Hokkaido Scallops

B&P Just Like Home

March 4, 2014 by Janey

“Morning has broken, like the first morning. Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.” I love that song but even Cat Stevens voice cannot make me wake up that early on a weekend. I only do that for special people and, nothing else but, food.

Nats invited to have brunch and try newly opened B&P restaurant along Shaw Blvd. B&P, Just Like Home, is a casual dining concept restaurant from Cravings Group that serves all day breakfast, mains and desserts.

I walked in and was delightfully surprised that instead of a one-on-one date, my Victory group actually set up a belated surprise birthday brunch for me and Val.

B&P has homey interiors with couches and wooden shelves displaying books and cutesy colorful accents. The dining area, whether indoor or the al fresco veranda, is perfect for a Saturday brunch. You get a good view of the compact kitchen from where we were seated.

Curious on what B&P stands for, Ria asked the wait staff and she told us that it stands for Bea and Pia, daughters of the brains behind B&P.

On the Table

Creole Style Eggs P290

Two poached eggs guarding a beef patty swimming in a spicy buttermilk cream sauce with melted Swiss cheese. The velvety cream sauce is light, delicate yet invokes an attitude with the slightest tinge of spice.

It’s a great no-carb breakfast with mostly protein from the well-seasoned patty and delicious poached eggs.

Food Bites: Wildflour’s Kimchi Rice with Braised Short Rib

February 26, 2014 by Janey

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiild. I can never pull off my no-rice diet whenever I’m dining at Wildflour. I love quite a number of items in their menu but there’s simply one dish that I cannot NOT order. When it was just the Fort branch, its stage name was Steak and Egg. Kitayama Flat Iron Steak is served all sliced evenly served atop kimchi rice and poached egg. I got this thing with kimchi rice – fatal attraction.

I’ve visited Wild Flour constantly especially when it opened its branch at the Podium. Like many other things (because I have been ridiculously busy), I have failed to blog about Wild Flour until this food bite. Well, you know, for those who follow me on Instagram and Twitter, I’ve been ridiculously busy… eating. 22-lb gain, check!

Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken

February 24, 2014 by Janey

After a long work week, you just want to make Friday evening count and a simple dinner sometimes ought to do it… coupled with a good meaningful conversation or just ridiculously silly “it’ll keep you laughing until your dreams” banter. Drove to Kapitolyo to hunt down Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken. Peri Peri or Piri Piri or Pili Pili is the Swahili word for “pepper pepper” which is what is included in the marinade that wraps the chicken before grilling. This pepper is African bird’s eye chili blended with garlic, lemon, herbs, paprika and brushed onto the meat.

Gostoso wasn’t so hard to spot as it is near the line of restaurants where Poco Deli, Lia Cakes are. Same street as Charlie’s Grind and Grill. The interior has a simple industrial but polished look, quirky and red.

I made a beeline to the loo as soon as I entered since my water bag was held for what felt like an eternity in the car. Their washroom has this funny sign which wouldn’t have been the least bit amusing if the door was locked when I turned it and someone was inside. I would have kicked it open. It was that kind of urgent.

When I was more relaxed, I perused the menu on the LCD screen atop the counter where you place your order. Time to tackle another pressing matter… hunger!

On the Table

Half and Half P750 (good for 2-3)

Instead of ordering ala carte meals, the shorter route was to not think and just eat so we got the half and half instead. No, this is not what I order in Starbucks to use the rare times I drink coffee, which is half heavy cream and half whole milk. Gostoso’s Half and Half is their 2-mains platter option that could either be Half Chicken or Slab of Pork or Shrimp Skewers.

Kimukatsu, Changing Your Katsu Experience

February 24, 2014 by Janey

Ramen bars aside, Katsu restaurants have been opening left and right in the Metro. One can easily drown into a void with all the places that can offer the fried pork cutlet set. It can plainly become boring at some point, unless it is brought to a higher dining experience.

That’s what can set a Katsu place apart. A unique proposition can effortlessly make foodies spot the difference. After walking around shopping shoes and clothes in the new East Wing of Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Isis and I entered Kimukatsu beside Ikkorya Fukuoka.

Kimukatsu is one of the most famous pork cutlet restaurants in Japan, with multiple locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Sendai, among others. It’s now in the Philippines, opening its branch in Shang last December.

Kimukatsu sets itself apart from the normal tonkatsu importing select pork loin from Japan, slicing it into 1mm sheet of pork and stacking it into 25 layers before encasing it in Japan-imported panko.

They take on a meticulous process before bringing out the dishes from their kitchen that can only ensure a juicy and tender 25-layered Mille-feuille-style Tonkatsu.

On the Table

Kimutaku P110

Kimukatsu offers different starters in their menu. One of which is Kimutaku which is Japanese tako pickle mixed with Korean kimchi. This was very tasty and I love the vinegary pickled vegetable with fermented spice. The sesame seeds add the little nutty crunchiness.

Ebi Mayo P210

Breaded shrimps tossed in sweet mayo. It had ample number of shrimps with a nice tinge of spice and sweetness.

Diamond Hotel’s The Cake Club at Bonifacio High Street

May 11, 2012 by Janey

The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel is one of the many things that make the hotel’s name sparkle among foodies with delight. Diamond Hotel made it even more accessible to its patrons by opening The Cake Club in Rockwell Powerplant a few years ago.

Now, city dining in Bonifacio High Street has become exciting as Diamond Hotel Philippines opens The Cake Club in the area. Located at the posh Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City near the same location as Aria Italia Cucina, guests are welcomed by the restaurant’s cozy and sophisticated interiors matched with Diamond Hotel’s signature cuisines and delicacies – providing 5-star dining experience in a relaxed setting.

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As mentioned in this blog a few times, I’m a big fan of Yurakuen in Diamond Hotel that’s why I’m always open to what other offerings they still have in store for us. Set to satisfy discerning taste buds is a sublime selection of savory dishes at The Cake Club. Starters include Red Beet Soup, Truffle Fries and the much-loved GM’s Salad.

I’m not a huge desserts person and before we go to the sweet part of the subject, I’ve lined up the signature must-try dishes below. Other than various cakes and sweets, the Cake Club also offers savory dishes that can whet your appetite.

On the Table

Truffle Fries PHP 180

We’ve seen truffle fries creep up in restaurant menus more and more in the recent years with the growing exposure and awareness of truffle. Some can get it right and The Cake Club did with its packed finger-size cut fries served in a modern “steel” cone that emits the enticing truffle aroma. I feel it’s such a steal at P180 when most are pricing the same over P220.

Mad Dash to Diamond Hotel for the Culinary Flavors of Indonesia

August 19, 2011 by Janey

Last Tuesday, I sauntered to Corniche like a mad woman to catch the Indonesian feast happening at Diamond Hotel. I fell in love with Indonesian food after my Bali trip sometime March last year. I heard though that there are more I have to discover about Indonesian food from other parts of the country. What I have tasted in Bali, I already have thumbs up for but I’m also curious about other dishes outside Bali.

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Indonesia, as a tropic country, is abound with various spices across its islands and is known for their unique and colourful culture marked by their delectable dishes. From August 16-28, Diamond Hotel Philippines features the vivid flavors of Indonesia’s cuisine as it continues its remarkable series of food festivals with Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best.

Corniche will be featuring the finest of Indonesian cuisine as this period coincides with the celebration of Indonesia’s national day. The event showcases authentic culinary masterpieces prepared by master chefs from Bandung, Indonesia to be served at the Corniche restaurant’s lunch and dinner buffet.

Basically, the many stations of Corniche famous buffet spread are still available but they have thrown in Indonesian dishes into the irresistible mix.

Three of Hilton Bandung’s most talented Indonesian chefs were flown to Manila to recreate their nation’s flavors at the Corniche buffet and I was really happy to meet and talk to Sous Chef Ovan Prahoro, who heads the team. He is a master chef who has an extensive background in cooking, not only from his native land but also from other countries such Riyadh, Dubai and Bahrain.

The Indonesian flavors are present in the curried meat and vegetables to indigenous samplings, from mild to intensely spiced up fares that includes Beef Rendang (Beef Stew with Sumatra Sauce), Mie Goreng (Stir-fried Noodle Dish), Sate Ayam and Sapi (Skewered Grilled Chicken and Beef), and Gado Gado (Mixed Vegetable Salad with Peanut Dressing).

Photo Credit: Abet of http://foodalphabet.blogspot.com/

Gado Gado became a favorite for me in Bali –one of the local dishes that I truly appreciated other than the Nasi Goreng Campur. Mixed veggies are shredded or roughly chopped tossed with this light and tasty peanut dressing that plays on sweet and nutty.

Photo Credit: Abet of http://foodalphabet.blogspot.com/

MORE THAN 1 WEEK LEFT!! Satisfy your Indonesian cravings and all other cravings for steak, fresh seafood, appetizers and mounds of desserts until August 28, 2011 for only Php 1,588 nett per person. This much anticipated festival also gives each guest a chance to WIN roundtrip tickets for two to Jakarta, Indonesia, courtesy of Cebu Pacific Air!

Particular to Corniche that other hotels cannot offer is the slow-paced cozy ambience that doesn’t feel stuffy and crowded. I distinctively like their high ceilings and warm modern interiors.

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulevard cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila

For inquiries and reservations, (632) 528 3000 local 1121

www.diamondhotel.com

http://www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

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1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis restaurant, August 2011 promos, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Contest, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

Astralis by Diamond Hotel

June 13, 2011 by Janey

Astralis was supposedly inspired by an expensive wine of the same name. Astralis in Latin means stars or anything relating to stars, which translates to high standards of service –aptly named as such since Astralis is under the same management as Diamond Hotel.

Prawn Napolitana 🙂

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The first time I was in Astralis in 2008, I thoroughly enjoyed their wine and raclette night. They have changed most in their line-up and introduced a recently launched menu. I was with Spanky, Richard, Glenn, Yedy, Jonel, Melanie and Lian last week to uncover the new digs at Astralis in Powerplant Mall.

READ MORE:

Wine and Raclette Night at Astralis

On the Table

Pan fried Chicken Quesadillas PHP 415

Grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream

We had two plates of this and it was a goner in a matter of minutes. The Quesadilla was gorgeously toasted that it gave a crunchy exterior. The filling of grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese and diced tomatoes never fail to satisfy, especially when scraped with pico de gallo and sour cream.

Lobster Bisque PHP 275

Generous slivers of succulent lobster with lemon foam

This was my order but had Richard take a spoonful while I took a spoonful of his order of double-baked wild mushroom which I liked more, it turned out. Richard also preferred the taste of the lobster bisque which was on the salty side for me. The pureed lobster is good but I really prefer the saltiness toned down a bit.

Double-baked Wild Mushroom PHP 255

Served crowned with phyllo crusts and Gruyere cheese

If you’re thinking of soup, I suggest you go right ahead and order the double-baked wild mushroom soup. It’s fool-proof for me. I love the semi-thick creaminess of the soup and the evident woodsy taste of the wild mushrooms that complements the nuttiness of the gruyere cheese.

GM’s Salad PHP 285

Sautéed fresh mushrooms, Mesclun greens, cucumbers, fresh basil, and sweet coconut-lime dressing

The GM’s Salad is named after the General Manager of Diamond Hotel who likes this salad a lot. It arrived sexily inside a parmesan crisp bowl with sweetened balsamic dressing on the plate. The broken leaves of Mesclun provided a soft-crisp texture and a distinct leafy taste to the cluster of cucumber and mushrooms.

Caesar’s Salad PHP 255

Fresh hearts of Romaine, shaved Parmesan, bacon and croutons

The Caesar Salad was much tastier than its presentation.

Seafood Risotto PHP 495

Shrimps, Mussels, Blue Marlin and Calamari in Spanish Saffron

Creamy seafood risotto was cooked right, had the right bite and yet softness flavored by Spanish saffron and probably seafood broth.

US Choice Porterhouse Steak PHP 1,195

14 oz. With grilled asparagus PHP 75

This was my choice of entrée. Yes, I’m a man-eater… I mean, meat-eater. A BIG meat-eater at that! My preferred doneness was medium and the kitchen got it perfectly with the most geometrically paralleled grill marks! BRAVO! The meat was soft, juicy and flavorful – the three words IMPORTANT to me for any steak description.

I love my grilled steaks with grilled asparagus on the side. I was a happy camper.

The porterhouse was huge, while the earlier dishes were filling, so I was able to finish the tenderloin part of the cut and 1/3 of the strip / rib steak.

The rest was polished off by Richard, who is a great dining partner, especially that night. We were 2 seats apart across the table and still can communicate when it comes to sharing delicious food. Foodies unite!

Roasted Norwegian Salmon PHP 435

Crusted with fresh dill sauce and rice mélange

Glen ordered the salmon, which I was eyeing too while perusing the menu but told myself, I got to be true and order what my heart beats for. Har-har.

Prawn Napolitana PHP 615

Spicy, crushed tomatoes, and grilled buffalo mozzarella

This was Jonel’s order and it looked yummier in real life more than this photo. I’m probably ordering this next time I’m at Astralis.

US Choice Rib-eye

Spanky’s order I think

Lamb Shank Kaldereta PHP 545

Braised in tomato and liver sauce with carrots and sweet red capsicum

Lamb Shank Baby!

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Very interesting. I also saw lamb shank kaldereta in another restaurant a few days before this Astralis dinner. Chefs seem to like making our Pinoy Kaldereta stew with lamb shank.

Australian Baby Lamb Chops PHP 1,145

This was Ricardo’s order. He gave me 1 or 2 chops which I finished in a sec. The lamb chops had intense flavor without the gamey taste. I’m sure Bubba would have enjoyed this too.

Trio Sorbet PHP 195

Mango, coconut and strawberry sorbet

I was so full towards the end of the dinner that I almost couldn’t move. When Melanie and Ricardo asked if I wanted to have dessert, I almost declined. YES, ALMOST! At this point, Spanky Spanx already skipped the scene for a drinking sesh so I was spared any additional teasing.

Richard and I decided to share the Trio Sorbet. I prefer sherbets over the more refined sorbet and only liked the mango sorbet in this trio roster.

Overall, Astralis still provides consistently quality service that is inclined to your needs and dishes that echo equally high quality ingredients and cookery. Whenever at Powerplant Mall and you want a quiet dinner that doesn’t fall short of satisfaction, Astralis should be your stop.

Astralis by Diamond Hotel

R1/Lvl. Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Dr. cor. Estrella St.

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 890 7124

Astralis Album

Wine and Raclette Buffet at Astralis

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Corniche Steak Nights at Diamond Hotel, More than a One Night Stand

March 4, 2011 by Janey

The last time I was at Diamond Hotel was when I attended a wedding of a former colleague about 2 years ago but I’ve been to their Astralis restaurant in Rockwell more recently than that. When I visited Diamond Hotel last week, it was a good surprise and refreshing to see that they have renovated their lobby level.

Located at the same level is Diamond Hotel’s restaurant, Corniche, which welcomes guests with its chic contemporary interior design. It’s hard not to catch the chandelier springing “migrating birds” concept suspended over the central area.

There are other elements in the interior that exudes both a Zen ambience and luxury. The full height windows draw attention to the lush landscaped garden while the scenic view that includes the picturesque rock formation with a cascading waterfall completes the stunning restaurant design.

Corniche is a French word that refers to a roadside of a cliff or ledge, attributing to its location beside Roxas Boulevard parallel to a waterfront promenade.

But more than its elegant interiors, Corniche showcases an exceptional buffet spread that is a class of its own. I used to frequent different hotel buffets in the past but since late 2008, buffets have lost its charm to me somehow. Too many dishes cooked altogether in big batches and most left sitting for long periods exposed to breathing people.

I’ve probably grown more finicky about my food (or its preparation). In the past 2-3 years, I only visited 2-3 buffet-concept dining spots. However, Corniche’s spacious interiors coupled with carefully prepared stations (and of course, glorious steaks) invigorate my lust again for a limitless range of scrumptious eats.

This hollow oven is where freshly made Naans (Indian bread) are baked.

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Corniche’s lay-out is evenly spaced, with enough breathing room that avoids accidentally knocking off the dormant person in front of you staring at another “cuisine” station deliberating whether he/she had enough hands to carry 4 more plates.

That could be me, by the way.

More notable is the several on-the-spot cooking stations that guarantee your food is freshly cooked as ordered. One of the things I truly appreciated about Corniche. I also liked that some dishes are presented in small amounts to shelter quality assurance.

Richard started with fresh oysters. If you want your oysters anything but boiled, Corniche can cook it based on your cooking preference. I think more Pinoys enjoy baked oysters than the fresh ones. You can also get the oysters or other seafood tossed in butter, sautéed, lightly seasoned, or anything that will please the eating mood.

I started with sushi and sashimi from the Japanese cold bar. And I also got a plate of different cheeses on the cheese board on the way back to our table. I had substantive lumps of brie and goat cheese on my plate side by side with dried apricots, dates and nuts.

Obviously, the goat cheese is no longer in this photo 🙂

I went nuts with the goat cheese. It was so pristine white and had this crumbly texture that was specked with a dust of saltiness, creamy, ever so slightly sweet, and tangy taste that made me speak in softer tones.

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Corniche’s Indian selection was surprisingly really good!

Savory and good taste of authenticity

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I couldn’t help NOT to get pizza.

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I loved the pasta cooking station 😉

Pick the ingredients you love. Create your own

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Richard and I hovered by the steak station, eagerly anticipating… and I restrained to rub my hands together and chuckle an evil laugh like how movie villains do it just when they are about to conquer the world. Unique to Corniche, they offer different cuts and kinds of beef for your meat-ing pleasure.

Get a limitless fill of steaks grilled to your delight with a line-up that includes US Strip Loin, US Rib Eye, US Hanger Steak, Beef Tenderloin and Roasted Prime Rib. The huge blocks of meat on display are chilled, ready for your favored thickness, whether ends, middle or fatty portion.

Richard and I picked Rib Eye because good marbling was evident from the raw beef. For our second steaks, my good friend and I went alternate routes when he picked Beef Tenderloin and I went for the Porterhouse.

These Savoring Steak Nights (PHP 2,285 nett/head) at Corniche happen every Thursday night where you get a mouthwatering line-up of appetizers, entrées, desserts and an all night free flow of robust red wine ON TOP OF the infinite number of grilled succulent choice cut steaks you can have. The buffet price is already inclusive of 10% service charge and local government tax.

Salmon Pizza with Capers

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This is the real fountain of youth… CHOCOLATE! 😉

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It makes me want to belt out an MJ song, “Don’t stop until you get enough. C’MON! And you don’t stop… you don’t stop ‘til you get enough…”

Interestingly, there was a bigger crowd than I anticipated that particular Thursday night but the place was still manageable and service was still top-notch minus the clang and clatter. I guess the crowd probably caught wind of the newest buffet scene to invade and there they were.

Ring them up for a reservation especially if it’s during weekends, just to be sure. When steaks this good come at a value price like Corniche’s, I’d start my love affair with steaks once again. And it definitely would be more than just a one night stand.

Corniche

Lobby Level, Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulevard. cor Dr. J Quintos St. Manila, Philippines

(632) 528 3000

Corniche Album

Photo courtesy:

Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com

Thanks Spanky Spanx for the invite! 🙂 I missed you kiddo!

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11 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis restaurant, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Things About Bali

November 2, 2010 by Janey

I had reservations when I first set out in Bali. What could be more exciting to see in Indonesia that didn’t already excite me here in the Philippines or elsewhere? Our beaches in the country are definitely beautiful and almost non-par with what the rest of the world can offer but there’s something about the verve in Bali, both easy and vibrant, that melted memories of chasing deadlines and working hours… and created memories of delightful bliss.

This Indonesian Island noticeably caught my interest from Day 1. There is a good mixture of different things to do, eat and experience in Bali –each place has its own personality and it’s only within each other’s striking distance. Ubud is a place full of things to love. There’s a lot of splendor to be found in Ubud –from food to talent. Below is a list of things to do, spots or sites to visit, and reasons that made me have an affair with Bali.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Things in Bali

10. Pura Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot Temple is located in the coastal side of the countryside which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes ride from Ubud. Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea” while Pura means temple, this temple sits atop a large offshore rock being shaped continuously over the years by the ocean side. It’s located in Tabanan, about 20km from Denpasar.

Image Source: Wikipedia

For divers, Tanah Lot would resemble a coral reef near a coastal lip. Catch a spectacular view of the sunset behind a dry reef minus the swimming fishes. This is also considered as a “holy place” where some locals worship the Balinese sea gods. Check the corners around the Tanah Lot Temple and notice that holy tame snake in black and white color surrounding it as a seemingly guard of the temple.

9. Going Around

Going around Bali is as easy as 1-2-3. One has at least 3 choices of transport. If you decide to travel to Ubud and other parts of Bali, it is best to contract a hired vehicle with driver, which can approximately cost PHP 1,600 –a group of four friends can break this amount down to only PHP 400 per head. That’s 9 hours of touring around at your own disposal –without worry of getting lost, carrying your things/shopping bags around and flagging down cabs. That includes a trip to Tanah Lot Temple and Ubud which are at least an hour away from the central of Bali.

Other than taxi cabs, tourists can also flag down motorbikes for a cheaper ride (something similar to going around Boracay). Get the actual thrill of gusting wind on your face while speeding up when you rent a Vespa instead. If you can’t afford to own a Vespa in Manila (at least 300K for brand new) like me (I seriously want a vintage one with a basket in front), then renting it in Bali is the next best thing.

And of course, wandering aimlessly by foot gets you to see the heart of Bali.

8. Ubud, the Art Village

Take a short 1-hour drive to Ubud, the art village of Bali, and soak in the creativity and visions that unfold through dozens of art galleries in the area. Almost everyone seems to be an artist in Ubud and they rightfully have a knack at it.

Antonio Blanco Museum is one of the more famous art museums in Ubud. Antonio Blanco was born by Spanish parents who settled in the Philippines in 1911. He moved to Bali penniless, befriended the King and became the confidant of many powerful folks in Indonesia. His museum displays most of his paintings and artwork that involved baroque pornography, mostly women with exposed breasts. It has a wonderful garden patio that also has a corner for petting bird station.

Image Source: Blanco Museum Website

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There are a lot of other galleries to go to in Ubud. It’s such a groovy artist village with numerous stores showcasing the Balinese creativity. Paintings/sculptures are not only a feast for the eyes –they also stimulate the mind and sometimes spark the heart.

7. Outlet Stores

Shop until you literally drop! There are dozens of outlet stores scattered all over Bali! A lot of those include surfing brands like Billabong, Surfer Girl, Rip Curl, etc. Head to the Billabong Factory Outlet to get the best discounts since the prices are cut by 30%, 50% and 75% depending on the items!!! What a steal!!!

6. Nightlife

The Night Life in Bali is pretty happening too. The energy varies where you choose to spend the evening. The Legian area has a much tamer crowd while Kuta, on the other hand, is the actual epicenter of night life in Bali. Eventful clubs and bars are lined up along its streets. Think of Boracay’s party center and that’s exactly what Kuta is. Sky Lounge is one of the popular bars in Kuta, Bali. They have several levels for different type of music and crowd. The party never stops here.

Since Kuta is party-bustling until midnight or past it, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and shops nearby also close late. Drop in a massage parlor for a Balinese massage that will kneed your tired muscles after a long night of dancing. Balinese massage is on the hard side that concentrates on pressure points on your feet.

5. Ubud Botanical Garden

Botanic Garden describes itself as a palace with the sky as roof and many different rooms, secret chambers, galleries and staircases. It is a lush and tranquil sanctuary just 1.2 kilometers from the heart of Ubud. The Garden serves as a unique tourism destination as well as a retreat for Ubud’s residents.

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Men like Bubba would probably find the need to snooze here but I appreciated the live paintings of beautiful flowers, greenery and flowing water that energized my chi that perfect cool morning.

Botanical Garden

Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (80571), Bali, Indonesia

Phone: +62 (361) 970951

Email: info@botanicgardenbali.com

4. Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner

Anthony Bourdain featured Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner in his show No Reservations. Bebek Bengil opened in 1990 and has made the restaurant a popular spot for tourists to visit.

They are quite known for their Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck IRP 68,000 (PHP 340), which is half a duck steamed in Indonesian spices and then fried for a crispy finish with choice of sautéed potatoes and a side salad or steamed rice and Indonesian vegetables.

The brown fowl with glistening crispy skin and very lean duck meat was served with rice and vegetable side dishes. It has to be the crispiest duck Bubba and I ever tasted. Bubba almost didn’t want to share as he kept pulling at the meat, one bite after the next. Quite primitive with his bare hands but goes to show how much he enjoys the duck. Savor a decadently rich skin where taste is divine and almost melts in your mouth.

Bebek Bengil Restaurant

(Dirty Duck Diner)

Phone: 62-361-975-489

Padang Tegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Anthony Bourdain’s Bali Special on No Reservations

3. Surfing

Bali is the best spot to learn surfing for beginners. Odysseys Surf School is a surfing school supported by the Academy of Surfing Instructors Australia, Hard Rock Cafe, Surftime-Surf Mag and has a reputation for its open, fun and friendly atmosphere. It offers surfing lessons for beginners and intermediate.

Look at the waves

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I didn’t think I could do it

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Gearing up for a second run

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I had reservations about surfing since I am not a strong swimmer (I’m not a swimmer period) but Odyssey’s surfing instructor was really attentive and I felt safe under his watch. Their school is conveniently located in front of Kuta Beach, a beach very famous for its white sandy bottom, breaking waves and waist deep water, making the school the perfect and suitable place to learn surfing. It pumped the adrenaline and is one of the best activities I did in Bali.

Odyssey’s Surf School

G/F Mercure Hotel Arcade, Kuta Beach, Bali

2. Naughty Nuri Ribs

Naughty Nuri is a hole-in-the-wall resto with the exterior looking like a small unassuming shack fronted by a smoking barbecue grill and an unmistakable queue. No matter how intimidating the ribs might look like at first or how full you are, a person will be able to finish a plate of full slab barbecued ribs in New York minute –that’s how fantastic their ribs are.

My Love Shack

Naughty Nuri’s Barbecue Ribs, priced at IRP 85,000 (PHP400), give you three choices, pork, beef or lamb ribs. The perfectly smoked barbecued ribs exude sweet, smoky and piquant flavors. I didn’t fight the urge to grab it with my hands (more primitive than Bubba actually) –staining my small fingers with the barbecue sauce and charred flakes.

The ribs were well-coated with their special barbecue sauce from meat to the bones. Fall-off-the-bones tender ribs… it seems like my barbaric hunger for it will never end.

Oh and you might also want to order that with a dry dirty martini. New York Times claim they have the best in the world… along with those ribs. I’m willing to go back to Bali in a heartbeat if only for those mouthwatering and dream-inducing ribs.

Naughty Nuri’s Warung and Grill

Jl. Raya Sanggingan (Across the road from Neka Museum), Ubud, Bali

Phone: (361) 977547

Open Daily: 8AM-10PM

http://www.naughty-nuris.com/

1. Jimbaran Sunset

Jimbaran is known for the seafood restaurants along the long stretch of stunning white sand. The sky is painted with red, pink, orange and blue hues. It was literally the BEST sunset I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a few… in the most beautiful places in the Philippines –Boracay, Anawangin, Calaguas, Bantayan, Malapascua, etc. I don’t think my photo serves it justice but the actual sight keeps me in awe.

In accord, the heavens seem to expose more of its beauty as its palette change from gray and blue tone… to gray and pink tone with a stroke of blue… to an orange pink and off-whitish hue… magnificently whipping fragments of mixed shades making me think an invisible painter is standing close by.

The crab and chicken dishes at Aroma restaurant are delicious and inclined service is adequate and friendly. Don’t miss out in trying out the corn that vendors sell on the beach. It’s grilled corn on the cob basted with an Indonesian gingery spice that’s delightful tasty.

This was the most relaxing part of the trip. We stayed in Jimbaran for almost 3 hours soaking in the evening’s quiet breeze and the sea’s lovely presence.

Are you ready for a Bali trip? 😉 Armed with these must-visit places, I think you definitely are. Take me with you? I can fit in a 30-lb luggage mebbe? 😀

READ MORE:

A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’

Memoirs of the Affair

My Love Affair with Bali

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21 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: 2010, accommodation, account, address, ancient stone relics, Antonio Blanco, art gallery, artist village, Bali beach, Balinese paintings, Balinese spa, bathing pools, Beach, beach blog, beaches, Bebek Bengil, best food, best foodie blog, best grilled smoked barbecue ribs, best hotel rates, best Travel blog, best vodka martini in the world, Blog, blogger, Breakfast, bridge, Bridgette, Bubba, budget, cheapest, chicken kebab pepper rice, clean, cocktails, contact numbers, country, Crispy Duck, dining, Dirty Duck Diner, dirty hands, Dollars, duck skin, Elephant Cave, Elephant Temple, entrance fee, Experience, experiences, famous, Filipinos, food tour, Goa Gajah, Good Service, grill, grit, guests, history, Hotel, houses, how to get there, Indonesia, IRP, Jimbaran, Kuta, Kuta best bars, Kuta party scene, Kuta Town House, landmark, landmarks, list, location, Love, lover, Made's Warung, Madz Alsola, Manila, Map, Massage, menu, Monkey Forest, My Love Affair with Bali, Naughty Nuri Warung and Grill, Naughty Nuri's, Neka art museum, official, owners, painters, patrons, payment, Philippines, point pressure, price, private car, private driver and can, Pura Goa Gaja, rate, recipe, restaurants in Bali, review, Rexie Alsola, room rates, rooms, Rupiah, safe, safety, sex, sex appeal, Siem Reap, sights, Singapore, smoky flavor, stretch, surfing, Temple, temples, thai, theme song, Tips, Top 10 best sites, TOP 10 best things to do in Bali, Tour, tourist sites, tourist spots, tours, travel blog, travel review, travel tips, traveling, traveling on a budget, travelogue, Ubud, Ubud Botanical Garden, Ubud Street cocktail drink, Vilarisi Hotel, Warung Made, website, White Sand

Walk the World: Between Bites Asia Travel Omnibus

August 11, 2010 by Janey

Get a piece of my travel adventures from the compiled list of links below.

Listed according to my favorites! 😉

Singapore – Bali, Indonesia Series

Oh Hello Again Singapore (1^st of 3 Parts)

Sentosa in Singapore (2^nd of 3 Parts)

Singapore Sistah Lah

My Love Affair with Bali (1st of 3 Parts)

Memoirs of the Affair (2^nd of 3 Parts)

A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’ (3^rd of 3 Parts)

Sneak Peek:

Wow.

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Zipline over the forest then over the beach is MEGA-adventure!!!

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Songs of the Sea

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Cambodia

Watering grounds at the Temple

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Art Museum in Ubud art village

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Stretched! My first time surfing!

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Get swept away!

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Ribs that didn’t make me sleep. DROOL!!!! I want to go back for this!

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Best sunset ever! Sweet, romantic meal I will never forget.

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—o—

Vietnam – Cambodia Series

Ho Chi Minh City’s Hidden Charm

Traveling to Cambodia

My Tuk Tuk Moment

Angkor Wat: Journey to the Lost City Begins

Inside Angkor Wat and the Beauty of Rain

Moving to Angkor Thom Aboard Big Feet

The Bayon

The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King and Phimeanakas

Back to the Roots: Ta Prohm

More of Angkor Wat in Stills

The Afternoon After Angkor Wat

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Stay Tuned: The Last Leg of the Cambodia Series

Returning Home to Vietnam. Coming Home to Manila

Day 4: Living La Vida Local

Sneak Peek:

Great Steak at 3rd World Price! 😉

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A Kiss at the Ta Phrom

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I think I like you.

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Unleashing energy by the ruins 😉

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—o—

Macau Series

Peanut to Acorn (Teaser)

The Sun Shines Bright in Macau (1st of 3 Parts)

The Sparkle of Macau (2nd of 3 Parts)

After the Jump in Macau (3rd of 3 Parts)

Sneak Peek:

Venetian Macau at Night

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Guess what we are doing? Haha

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Getting crazy randomly in the streets of Macau

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Where we stayed, Venetian Macao Hotel

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Highest SKY Jump ever! 🙂

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I love you.

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—o—

Singapore Series

Singapore and the Nuffnang Blog Awards

Day 2- Tour de Singapore Lah

Singapore in Lights

Singapore Day 3- IKEA and Connection

Indulge in Uniquely Singapore Experience

Sneak Peek:

Makasuntra Glutton Bay is the best hawker center at night!!! 😉

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Singapore Flyer

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At Chinatown Chinese Museum

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At Nuffnang Blog Awards Asia Pacific (thanks to Nuffnang for flying me here!)

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

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Singapore at Night

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Thailand Series

Bangkok Day 1

Thailand Day 2- Reclining Buddha, Siam Niramit and the Ping Pong Show

Sneak Peek:

Temples and seeing a Monk’s passage

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Muay Thai dance ritual

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After Muay Thai Competition at Lumpini Stadium

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Foot Massage before the best Thai massage ever

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—o—

Malaysia

Malaysia Truly Asia

Sneak Peek:

First dinner in Malaysia. Indian resto, super yum!

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Clubbing in Malaysia

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Tandem Parasailing at Kota Kinabalu

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Hong Kong Series

Hong Kong Day 2- Ocean Park

Hong Kong Day 1

Sneak Peek:

Cute Panda

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I still can’t believe I rode this at Ocean Park

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Streets of HK

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Japan

Japan and Jane- The Kooka Boora Tales Begin

Reminiscent- Icy Cold Japan

Reminiscent- Kagawa Perfecture Japan

Reminiscent- NTT Docomo Japan

Genky Umby Contest of Anton Diaz

Sneak Peek:

At Universal Studios, Japan

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With Nino at Universal Studios

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with Ronald making some Udon

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Narita Airport with other exchange studes

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Mount Fuji at the background supposedly. Gangsta style!

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Biggest Koi Pond I’ve seen

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Having fun with the kids of my “adopting” family

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A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’ (Bali Series: 3rd of 3 Parts)

March 30, 2010 by Janey

Secret revealed… my new lover, Bali, has taken a space in my heart. The hush-hush connection continues…

The Sun Disappears So Beautifully in Jimbaran

The plan was to catch the sunset in Kudeta. However, the cab driver we talked to earlier that day suggested Jimbaran instead of Kudeta. Looking at the clouds, he said it would be cloudy in Kudeta that afternoon, besides Kudeta was pretty expensive. We didn’t mind spending more in Kudeta since it was the last night anyway but I had a feeling Jimbaran would be a better choice that day.

Our Usual Postcard Shot 😉

The cab reached Jimbaran around 6PM. Jimbaran is known for the seafood restaurants along the long stretch of stunning white sand. The cab driver suggested Aroma restaurant, saying it was cheap. It was not THAT cheap actually, but I would have paid double for the food, service and view we had. Orders were placed. The sun started to set…

The Left Side

The Right Side

The Center

The sky is painted with red, pink, orange and blue hues. It was literally the BEST sunset I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a few… in the most beautiful places in the Philippines –Boracay, Anawangin, Calaguas, Bantayan, Malapascua, etc. I don’t think my photo serves it justice but the actual sight keeps me in awe.

I keep gushing about her. There’s something about her that’s so appealing. Or maybe I’m just easy to please… but like any lover, Bali is also eager to please. Bali keeps on enthralling me.

On the Table

Crab Szechuan

Deep fried crab appetizingly browned and loaded with garlic sautéed in partly sweet partly spicy brown Szechuan sauce.

The Vegetable Siding, Basket of Rice and Sauces

Grilled Corn Cob Rp10,000

I bought this from the corn stall nearby. There are quite a few selling –probably 10 meters apart from each other.

Garlic Fried Chicken

This was Bubba’s order and frankly I don’t remember getting a taste because he finished the whole quarter of a chicken.

More Photos:

This was the most relaxing part of the trip. We stayed in Jimbaran for almost 3 hours soaking in the evening’s quiet breeze and the sea’s lovely presence.

The Allure of Bali

Bali noticeably caught my interest from Day 1. There is a good mixture of different things to do, eat and experience in Bali –each place has its own personality and it’s only within each other’s striking distance. Ubud is a place full of things to love. There’s a lot of splendor to be found in Ubud –from food to talent.

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There are a lot of galleries to go to. It’s such a groovy artist village with numerous stores showcasing the Balinese creativity. Paintings/sculptures are not only a feast for the eyes –they also stimulate the mind and sometimes spark the heart.

How can I forget the very first time I touched tongue with Bali… the crispy duck skin that crackles as one breaks it from the meat… and dissolves deliciously inside the mouth? That first hello was still pretty timid. Things get down and dirty at the sight of Naughty Nuri’s ribs and smooth martini. The charred barbecued ribs emit a distinct flvor that leaves more to be desired. Several hours later we still can’t get it off our mind –like how one can still taste a lover’s lips even after a dozen kisses.

Ibu Oka Babi Guling, running out of roasted suckling pig 5 minutes after we arrived, teased and left me hurting a bit –a reality check that a lover is not here to stay. It’s very elusive and always teases “catch me if you can.” My desire for the tasty pork continues to yearn, almost begging me for another secret rendezvous someday.

Tanah Lot, shopping, surfing and Jimbaran –the list of reason to like her goes on. Bali is a food haven so irresistible that one can’t help but give in to sin.

There is always something about Bali that leaves you with… a lingering effect. I can actually still feel her on my skin. I cling to every warm memory of Bali that has opened my heart anew.

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