Sip and Gogh, Paint and Sip Studio

October 10, 2013 by Janey

The last time I ever held a paintbrush was in high school. My favorite Chinese teacher (well, I’m mighty surprised to even have one), asked me and my good buddy Sean to do a series of paintings for a small exhibit in school. We got exempted from some Chinese classes to paint eclipses, full moons, dark clouds and an outer space view of the earth. We’d spent time at the library trying to mix watercolor paints and learning how to do shadows. I had no idea how to start but I followed the pictures that we had to copy. I knew I wasn’t gonna do a good job, Sean is the artistic one (he’s now an architect). I was just all too happy to be out of class… in a sort of legal way, contrary to the usual.

I enjoy going to exhibits and art museums, even if I have zero idea which of which is realism, expressionism, impressionism and surrealism. Ah, abstract, I might be able to tell that with one eye closed. I’ve heard too many abstract reasoning that it’s too familiar -that type that don’t make any sense yet some try to push the logic of it to get something or get out of something. Funny how creative people can get. 🙂

The interest to learn how to paint came up again maybe 3 years ago but I never got around to it. Early this year, I thought that trying my hand in painting would be a good distraction or medium of expression. I was sort of running out of words to say something without saying it. Har-har. I’m very open but there are words that you restrain yourself to say. You know, like diet. That word I don’t like very much. But yea, I wanted to paint. I wanted colors.

Picket Fence, Milk and Ice Cream Bar

December 17, 2012 by Janey

White picket fence is probably one of the illustrations of an American dream. Traditional decorative fence made out of wood and painted white or whitewashed that surrounds a house where your family can live daily, sectioning your front yard where happy and bouncy children can play. I’m proud to be a Filipino and be part of nation-building efforts so I’m not sure if I have an American dream lurking inside.

But as mentioned in previous posts, I don’t mind getting sweet dreams. While I anticipate that, I’ve been sweet dreaming my way to ice cream, pastries and cakes lately –healthy sweet options if available. As opposed to a quarterly crave or less often, my palate is opening up to more sweets. A few weeks ago, instead of an American dream, I’ve found sweet satisfaction behind Picket Fence.

Drove to Katipunan looking for the landmark, which is Yellow Cab. Parked in front and walked inside the building and just behind the marker, I saw picket fences lined up painted on its glass frontage. I entered the bright, cheery looking Milk and Ice Cream Bar, whose ice cream and gelato are imported from Australia, the land down under.

On the Table

Cheezy Fries Php 140

Before we get our hands and mouth sticky and sexy with ice cream, had to start with a savory dinner first. For starters, we ordered the cheesy fries which are thin cut fries dripping with sour cream, cheddar cheese sauce and dotted with crunchy bacon bits. This was good enough to be shared by 3 people. I nibbled on my cheese-sour cream glazed fries until my order arrived.

Picket Fence Burger or PF Burger Php 199

Marked as the signature item on their menu and I wouldn’t argue. Top bun off and I placed it on another plate (to cut down the carbs) and there staring back at me are double patties stacked with fried battered onion rings on top and crispy bacon.

1950’s Pan de Amerikana, Upside Down Restaurant with Cheap Chirpy Eats!

April 2, 2011 by Janey

To get your fill of crusty yet packed pandesal (Filipino bread buns) like how they make them in the 1950’s with a tinge of salty and smoke-like taste, people will point to 1950’s Pan de Amerikana’s bakery.

Pan de Amerikana (PDA) was first recognized as a concept restaurant slash bakery in Marikina City in 2004, with its chess-inspired theme that the owners actually imported from New York. With its success, it has become a tourist and must-see landmark in Marikina and was given the award of “Ambassador of Tourism.”

–

They soon after opened another themed restaurant along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, within the White Plains area. It is such an attraction with an upside down vehicle, a 4×4 jeep, fronting its façade. Inside, the ceiling is covered with upside down furniture that makes for an interesting topsy turvy view.

On the Table

Corned Beef Pandesal PHP 35

Big pandesal with mounds of delicious corned beef

Crispy Mushroom Appetizer PHP

I initially ordered button mushrooms but it was not available so I got this instead. It’s deep fried, crispy, a bit on the oily side but quirky texture that you might want to try.

Everlasting (full llanera size) PHP 100

Called everlasting because of its ever presence in gatherings in Marikina, this dish looked like an “embutido” shaped like a leche flan llanera but it’s actually minced meat with pickles and carrots.

Bangus Sisig PHP 110

Yummy bangus sisig that we would definitely order again on the next visit

Liempo Kinilaw PHP

Bubba’s order that we also finished in haste

I want to grab lunch here again soon. The prices are so cheap while the food is averagely good that it’s such a treat to dine at 1950’s Pan de Amerikana.

1950s Pan de Amerikana

131 Katipunan Ave.

St. Ignatius, Quezon City

Pan de Amerikana Album

—

10 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 1950's Pan de Amerikana, 1950's Pan de Amerikana bakery and restaurant, 2010, address, best, best pandesal bakery, blogger, Cheap Eats, cheap manila restaurants, chess restaurant, contact number, date, discount, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, Fort, giant chess game, how much, Katipunan, land rover, landrover, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, ortigas, Pan de Amerikana, Pan de Amerikana menu, Pan de Amerikana white plains, Pandesal, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, Quezon City, restaurant, Restaurants, review, Taste Manila, time, upside down car, upside down restaurant, where

Casita Xocolat Makes You Lick Your Lips

July 1, 2010 by Janey

June 1, 2010 –Friday night, it was such a busy week as any busy bee can be. We were off to La Union the following day but we had a great Friday night stop at Casita Xocolat.

Casita Xocolat is located near Calle Industria in Libis, Quezon City, somewhat a hideaway from the usual commercial complexes that people frequent. If you want a good break from all the crowded places, Casita Xocolat is your breakaway from the city’s rush and people stream. And not only is it a café for a quiet chat, it’s also a watering hole for all good things about chocolate and surprisingly, savory dishes.

I’m such a big fan of chocolate. I used to be a bigger fan but decided to cut down a bit… check out the chocolate traces on this site:

Chocoholic Evidence 1

Chocoholic Evidence 2

Chocoholic Evidence 3

Chocoholic Evidence 4

Chocoholic Evidence 5

Chocoholic Evidence 6

Chocoholic Evidence 7

Chocoholic Evidence 8

But I think Casita Xocolat will get me started again with a happy habit of eating chocolates. Xocolat Cacao Mixes are made only from carefully selected premium cocoa beans harvested from around the world and they have incorporated the premium chocolate taste in different variety of drinks and dishes.

On the Table

Taza de Xocolat PHP 115

Rich dark chocolate

Hot Xocolat PHP

Chocolate chips in a tall glass poured with milk. Bubba wanted a second glass immediately.

–

Croquettas PHP 115

Potato fingers with ragu and choriqueso sauce. Soft potato mash fried to perfection. Combine the quezo and salsa dip together and it’s a pleasant appetizer to start with or munchies for merienda talks.

–

Xocolat Chicken Pasta PHP 175

Xocolat reinvents chocolate through new approaches of presenting them in savory dishes like their Xocolat Chicken Pasta, which are chocolate-rubbed chicken strips tossed in a light cream sauce topped with chocolate shavings. Bubba just had to make room for this dish.

–

Pork Belly with Cacao Bagoong PHP 185

Partly crispy, partly tender pork belly served with potato gratin and cacao-bagoong sauce. This is definitely one of the must-try dishes for me. Imagine a spoonful of your favorite pork belly with white rice and smidgen with semi-salty semi-sweet bagoong or shrimp paste with a faint trace of chocolate that takes out any fishy taste and makes the flavor to a degree –rich and with a different layer.

Spicy Tuyo PHP 165

You’d be happy to know that Xocolat also has a Breakfast Menu for you folks who start your day early or those who just want to feel the start of the day with a breakfast meal. Spicy Tuyo in olive oil with capers and garlic rice topped with scrambled eggs is a breakfast winner –or at any time of the day for that matter (we had it for dinner). The sun-dried fish is mildly spiced and soft.

Xocolat Sunset PHP 125

Dark chocolate and cointreau

Service is fast, efficient and friendly. Prices are affordable while flavors are simple but interesting. I’ve already scheduled a next visit to Casita Xocolat this July. I can’t wait to try the cacao bagoong again and the spicy tuyo and I’d surely be licking my lips once more in delight! 😉 July 15 is the date in fact to celebrate Marge’s pre-birthday dinner. And Casita Xocolat is our destination.

Casita Xocolat

Topy’s Place, Economia corner Calle Industria

Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City

(632) 470 7563

Many thanks to Spanky Enriquez, Rosanna Unson and Tricia Avecilla for the invite! 😀

Directions: Along northbound c5, turn right to calle industria (after nuvo city), then left on the first corner (before gas station), 1st big gate on the left is casita xocolat (with signange). It’s across the karinderyas with tents on the other side of the street.

Other Xocolat Branches:

Casa Xocolat

172 B. Gonzales St. Loyola Heights

Katipunan, Quezon City

(632) 929 4186

Xocolat

Serendra

Fort Bonifacio, Global City

(632) 856 2146

Café Xocolat

Promenade Greenhills

San Juan City, Metro Manila

(632) 514 3862

Casita Xocolat Album

—

3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, best, best chocolate in town, best chocolate restaurant, best fondue set, blogger, branch, Casa Xocolat, Casita Xocolat, choco-holic, Chocolate, chocolate addicts, chocolate fondue, Filipino, food blog, Greenhills, hideaway, Katipunan, Libis, Lick your lips at Casita Xocolat, Manila, menu, Metro Manila, off the beaten path, Philippines, photos, Promenada, Rosanna Unson, secret dining places in Manila, serendra, Spanky Enriquez, Tricia Avecilla, ultimate hot chocolate, Xocolat, Xocolat branches

In Yo

April 30, 2008 by Janey

April 10, 2008: Jem’s birth date. The birthday dinner was spent at In Yo restaurant, which she frequents with Fidel. This restaurant has been on my hit list since early this year but I haven’t had the chance to visit the place because I thought it was far. I was surprised that only after a few blocks from Bubba’s place, we hit the long street where In Yo is located.

Upon seeing In Yo, I was enthralled. The garden that serves as the garage and parking lot was huge, big trees herd around, and the old house covered with illuminated vines was enchanting. As you enter the door, you will notice that the old house also has a Japanese element to it with the water and glass detail. We made our way to the second floor where two small rooms were converted to two private dining areas for more intimate dining or for small parties. The room that we were occupying had green walls but one wall was covered with banig wallpaper, which is quite inventive. Three quirky Inday paintings decorate one wall while old and contemporary furniture pieces are placed at the corners of the room. Our table was neatly dressed with a red knitted cloth that looked old and used. The candles give that romantic vibe to the room.

The staff is very attentive and well versed in all the menu items.

Jem recommended the grilled salmon. I hesitated since she was ordering the same but went for it nevertheless. Amusingly, Aunt and Bubba had the same orders too. They ordered the US Hanging Tender Steak on Mushroom Risotto. On the Table: Amuse Bouche: Cheese Pimiento Bread served with butter (with chives?)Bread was served warm which is the best way to serve it. The bread in itself is good without the butter (how many “freebie” breads can disrespect butter?)

Raspberry Romaine Salad

The raspberry romaine salad was a delicious jumble plate of egg slices, beets, Romaine lettuce, onions, cherry tomatoes dressed in raspberry dressing. I think it also had watercress (because I see watercress on my notes but I’m not sure which dish I got it from. No I do not have the actual leaf staining the paper, but yes I’m a messy eater. I scribbled watercress with a question mark and I do not remember now why)

Grilled Salmon with Wasabi Mashed Potato (2)

It was dressed with a Miso citrus sauce that gave a slightly sweet taste. This is the first time I almost mistaken a salmon for an actual meat steak. It was tender but it didn’t easily break apart like any usual salmon would. It had volume like cutting through beef but swiftly and with so much ease. In Yo’s salmon is now competing with Café Verbena’s salmon for a place in my heart. The brown sauce that accompanied it made fish look more macho than beef. As for the wasabi potato salad, I wish I were able to order another serving.

US Hanging Tender Steak on Mushroom Risotto (2)

I had only a piece of the steak but that one bite made my eyes dilate. This is what I’m going to order next time. Bubba grades the mushroom risotto as so-so.

What a Dessert!

As for the sweetest portion of any meal, it was ended on a sweet and satisfying note.

What a delicious meal we had. I imagined myself going to the other room and plopping myself to bed. That’s how comforting the ambience and the food make you feel… (okay, okay, my sister who eats and sleeps take after me. I’m so unladylike that sometimes right after eating, I lax on the seat or couch and even rub my tummy after eating! Gross huh?)

inyo4

On our way out, we saw big fishes swimming about underneath the wooden-glass porch. There were fish feeds in a ceramic bowl in front of us so we couldn’t help ourselves (we didn’t eat the fish feeds!) and fed the fish with the minuscule red fish food.

This delightful contemporary Japanese-French restaurant has generated quite a buzz in the Katipunan area, not only because it makes you feel transported to a Spanish era, but also the much talked about dishes that they whip up should really be talk of the town.

In Yo Fusion Cuisine

66 E Abada St. Loyola Heights , Quezon City

4260301/09209607202. Tuesday – Sunday 11am-2pm. 6-10pm

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/405/08_0410-_In_Yo

7 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: In Yo, Katipunan, Katipunan restaurant, Nino Laus, Quezon City, restaurant, Romantic dining

King Kebab

October 28, 2007 by Janey

October 27, 2007. It was a day of violence as we watched a group of chaps spar with each other. After watching the 1^st taping of Mano Mano at ABS-CBN Studio 10, we went straight to Elorde’s gym at Katipunan to survey the Fight League Philippines event.

All the hurly-burly got us exhausted and we stopped over King’s Kebab to grab some refreshments.

On the Table:

King’s Kebab PHP 329

Described as the specialty of the house. A platter of beef tenderloin kebab, ground beef kebab, chicken kebab and pork tenderloin kebab that includes 2 basmati rice, grilled onions and tomatoes. The basmati rice can be changed to pita bread instead.