Monday, October 14, 2013

Dencio's at Capitol Hills, Quezon City

I was flattered when my hubby brought us ( the kids and I) to Dencio's in Capitol Hills, Quezon City. It's a restaurant at the top of a building where you can watch the setting of the sun. Its a hilly place overlooking some portion of Metro Manila and a golf course.  The surroundings sparkled in the evening which added loving mood to the venue.


The ambiance was supposed to be nice, cool and romantic but I was worried that my very active children might fall down the open space where some people were more likely to drink than to dine. So we opted for the non-smoking secluded and secured area .

We ordered for a sizzling mushroom (Janjan's favorite) and chicken but it was not savory. It was not exceptional. I cannot appreciated its flavor.

I also find the staff unorganized. We waited for the food longer than was expected. And as we leave the adorable site, there were messy tables in the open and smoking area. It must be that the restaurant was under staff on that day.






Saturday, September 28, 2013

A visit to Crab N' Crew Restobar.

My daughter's teacher in her Cooking class is one of the Chefs of Crab n' Crew Restobar in Visayas Ave. Quezon City. I cannot reject her plea as she bombard me with her request to try and visit it. 


So, one late rainy afternoon we dropped in on the site. It was a small place with unpainted walls but with picture frames of different people including the cooking teacher/chef, who happens to be a look-a-like of her Tito Glen, my husband's brother.


It was homey, casual and comfortable, except for its heavy metal chairs. Neat and tidy too! Unpainted walls usually disturb my daughter but theirs had some wood that made it look like a peaceful cabin near the beach. It emphasized their theme about crabs.


We were given a free appetizer - roasted corn, as we waited for the food to be served. A very unusual and unique gestures of the management.


For our order, my husband and I had Tinapasta and my daughter had her Fish Fillet with Pesto Sauce and Garlic Rice. The former was oil based pasta with Tinapa as one of the main ingredients of the sauce. The taste was good and the noodles were al dente. I tasted the latter, tried a spoonful of the fish fillet and it was delicious. It had soft and fine textures and I could tell that it was fresh. 


We also had a different kind of Leche Flan for dessert, with  sweet whipped cream and cherry on top. The taste was rich, creamy and the texture was smooth and fine. The custard, whipped cream and the cherry complimented each other. My daughter said that "The whipped cream tasted like ice cream!" She also stated that it was her favorite part of the dessert. "Its taste isn't as pale as its surface. It tasted as pink as the cherry!"

It was a charming visit to the restobar and I thumbs up!


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

"Lunch Meeting" at Johnny Rockets.

We usually held our meetings at the four corners of our conference room, but not in this particular day. We wanted some variation and so, one lunch time, we went to Johnny Rockets in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, a choice more convenient and a new place to visit.

The diner has an American county ambiance. I was naughtily looking for a cowboy. But, of course, found none. The food ordered was more on meat and so I decided to just share with one of my officemate since I am not into meat and the servings was more than what was expected. 


We ordered for Philly Cheese Steak, Crispy Chicken Club Salad, Chili Dog, a burger which I forgot the name, Original Shakes and the regular cola.  I sink my teeth into the Crispy Chicken Club salad, which I like the most and bite into some burgers. 

The atmosphere was more of the 50's were jukeboxes and a couple of pictures of American celebrity form part of the interior design. It was huge and some folks also had their lunch there.

For their added attraction, we were entertained by their dancing waiters and waitresses to the tune of a lively music. We were informed that the ambiance is more bubbly in the evening where a lot of people frequently visit the place.
It was good "lunch meeting" which broke the monotony of our constant office life. We went back fully satisfied and delighted.



Saturday, September 14, 2013

We Love You TIMBERLAND HEIGHTS!

We got crazy over Timberland Height! It was already past 6:00pm when we headed the Batasan Road going to Timberland Sports and Nature Club. We were supposed to be there at 2:00 pm. Hannah, my youngest daughter was already freaking out! We do not know the condition of the road to the mountain, so I told Eric, my husband, to take it slow.

The road was dimly lit when we started the climb and I already got text message from the club staff asking me the time of our arrival. I told her that we're on our way. I had to admit it I was getting a little bit scared... and I know my husband was getting upset... the car was on first gear can't make it to the second gear. And the road was getting difficult and steep.. the children are getting fidgety and nervous too. 


After 10 minutes of grueling mixed emotions and anticipation of unfamiliar sight, we all felt relieved when we saw the huge gate of Timberland and were greeted by the guards and gave us more instructions on our way to the main club. We were still driving down--more like driving up--the road when our worried faces completely shifted to the look of amazement... we were welcomed by the majestic sight of the glittering lights of Metro Manila.




Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and I said, "Nakakatakot pala pumunta dito." and one of them answered "hindi lang po kayo sanay, Ma'am". They accompanied us to the reception hall and our vacation begun...

Facing the door of the hall was a majestic sight of dazzling radiance of the San Mateo in Rizal,  Metro Manila and of Laguna.

The room we had was clean and enough for the five of us. A cable TV was there and so with packs of complimentary coffee and mineral water on the table.

Food were not allowed and our stomachs began to rumble so we headed to the restaurant and ordered Pork Sinigang and Sizzling Pork Chop with mushroom. For dessert, banana split requested by Hannah and Janjan.


Our activity and images at night...
We had a good night sleep although Hannah Banana had fallen off her bed. The children were glad that we had this break.

At 8:00 am the next morning we had our breakfast and as the stub indicated Filipino Breakfast, we ordered Tosilog and Tapsilog and coffee.

After the meal, the children hurriedly changed for their swimming suits except for Janjan, my eldest, who enjoyed watching the transition of the weather which we fully captured.

We took pleasure watching which part of the metro was raining and sunny. We even saw a captivating sight of the Ortigas and she called it The Modernized Version of King's Landing (for those who watch Game of Throne) because the tall buildings were like castles and the fine yellow effect by the sun and clouds made it look like summer. The buildings were surrounded by small rooftops that she called  Even Messier Flee Bottom.

....and the vacation continued... the children enjoyed the infinity pool and my husband's favorite was the spa, where sauna and steam room were located. He spent most of the time at the jacuzzi.

...and at day.

We had a great time at Timberland. But due to time constraint there were some other activity that we were not able to do but wanted to do so--like rock-climbing and working-out at the gym. The food was great, the service was professional and the staff were accommodating.

We have no regret visiting the scenic place but we suggest that you go there before the setting of the sun. Why not try it? See it for yourself and enjoy!!!






Sunday, September 8, 2013

A not appealing experience in Kowloon, West Ave.,Q.C.

We were hungry... yes we were!... my friends and I had a challenging adventure of shopping in Divisoria. Since the food court was full of people, beaming with people actually, we had no choice but to left it  starving, gloomy and grumpy. We were traversing the West Avenue in Quezon City when we spotted the Kowloon Restaurant



We ordered for pancit bihon, fried chicken, sweet and sour pork and the sinangag. However, we did not find the experience enticing... it was not our best of luck. The sweet and sour pork was so hard to chew. The taste of what we opted to gobble was not that exceptional too.  It was very uncomfortable eating such food. Each one of us was not satisfied.  It's difficult for me to recommend such place to my friends.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Anniversary Date at Army Navy, Greenhills.

My mother-in-law had a surgery due to brain tumor last January 9, 2013 which coincided with our wedding anniversary. The operation was successful and we visited her afterwards. 

On our way home, we decided to celebrate our anniversary in a very modest way like teenagers dating in a tight budget. We came across the Army Navy in Greenhills and ordered for two of their burger sandwiches. It was crunchy, full of oozing ingredients and fresh...


... it was heavy, flavorful and deliciously cooked. We were full and satisfied... 

The place was small, petite, cute and clean. We felt like real teenagers. :)


Early Morning Bonding at Ces Garden Cuisine in Quezon City Memorial Cicrle.

Hi there! One early morning we went to Quezon City Memorial Circle for a family bonding. We have never been to the place for a very long time, and to our surprise, aside from the usual folks who were regularly been doing their exercise or aerobics, there were additional attractions like the rides and the zipline. My children got crazy over the later and enjoyed it so much. I, however, had the trembling knees over the heights. Did not try it even for once. wheeeh!

But as we go along, our tummy started to rumble and complain, it was already 10:30am and we have not even eaten our breakfast yet. We happen to saw Ces Garden Cuisine along the way and decided to have our brunch there.




My children had some creamy pasta and I decided to add sizzling sisig and pork sinigang which was served hot and steamy. The taste was lutong bahay or luto ni lola. Strawberry and pineapple shakes was tutti and fruitidelicious. We had a great time and felt re-charge and refresh. 

The ambiance was well ventilated since it was like a cosy veranda or balcon. It was homey and relaxing. My children who haven't got enough of their experience also played in the spacious park in front of the garden, bantered and chased doves while we had our fill. We just notice that the pipe in music was not good for the children. So, we asked the staff to change the song. The price was affordable. Try it someday.



Saturday, August 31, 2013

REIGN OF FOOD AT CITY BUFFET SM CITY FAIRVIEW

Hello! So sorry to keep you waiting for my next review. Well, I happen to be at City Buffet in SM City Fairview one monday evening. And I had another whirlwind romance with various cuisines. The City Buffet serves European, Asian and other international cuisines.


Since it was a rainy monday, few foodies were around enjoying not only the food but also the new found place to have sumptuous dinner. I was able to more or less tasted all the food that captured my scrutinizing eyes. We had a great night of indulgence. 

The venue was huge and lots of various cuisines were so tempting to ignore. Some customers were on a dinner date, others were having family bonding/reunion and several groups were having birthday celebrations, who can not notice with the staff's vigorous singing.

Kudos to the staff who were accommodating and friendly which gave me reason to smile while I feasted my eyes on every item. Since, I have sweet tooth, I stayed must of the time on the desserts station.
I was able to talk with several of their staff who gave me some food info and assisted me in taking pictures.  They even showed me how to make a crepe with filling of your own choice or with different combinations. The most requested filling was the blueberry and since my husband loves strawberry I requested for a combination. The result was awesome! 

My husband and I were planning to come back with our daughters and son.


Saturday, June 15, 2013

A Wedding Reception at Alex III

When your daughter is included in a wedding entourage, you become "fidgety". Call me a "stage mother"...

It was the wedding day of Mike and Donna, our couple friends, and it was modestly prepared. Their union were lovingly officiated by a friend priest in a small chapel attended by their respective families, relatives and friends.

The reception was held at the comfortable, simple and spacious Alex III in Matalino St. Quezon City. 
   


We had some creamy soup and fish fillet with rich white sauce, which I like the most. But, the savory and soft beef tenderloin was irresistible to the last bite. There was also the traditional crunchy lechon and flavorful pansit bihon. It was the leche flan with such fine texture and the right amount of sweetness that captured my sweet tooth. Lovely taste! But the downside of this dessert was, it was serve smaller than I expected. Bottles of red and white wines were, likewise, distributed for each table.

         


I cannot help but commend the friendly, accommodating and professional service rendered by their staff and suggest this place to my other friends.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Everyday is a Mother's Day!


Every mother in the whole wide world knows that being one entails a lot of love, sacrifices and patience. However, delving on its hardships is not a good idea especially if you can see the favorable results of it. Let me show and tell you some of my eldest (Janjan) child’s works which I took pride on.

One of her project in her 5th grade Painting Club was the subject “Three Trees” and her submitted project in Technology and Livelihood Education was the Four-Leaf Clover Thread Art. They comprised our house decoration, the painting hanging in our living room and the thread art in our bedroom.

Last year, in her 7th Grade,  she was the News Editor in their school paper and one of her feature article was about their Intramurals .Here it goes:
________________________________________________________________________

Title: School Intrams: Why It Is Home in My Mind

The best thing about the Intramurals is that everyone is supposed to have fun.

Well, almost everyone.

This year, I forgot how to have fun… as usual.

I have always hated the Intrams. Since Grade school in fact. No, it’s not because this is the time when most kids get injured. It is because the event I’ve always wanted to join in has always been taken. So, I have to find other events… EVENTS THAT I’M NOT GOOD AT!

The event is Badminton. My father is a badminton player. He was good. Before he got injured, that is.

May be because of his frustration that he can no longer play like he used to, or for whatever reason only known (or unknown) to him, he wanted me to take up the sport. (a familiar story of parents passing-on to their kids their eternal hope). I, on the other hand, know that I am not the player he wants me to be. I never was and I knew that I never will be…

I still wanted to play that sport though. I felt I had no other option.

“Why not join Cheering?” everybody else would ask me.

To be honest, and young as I am, I’ve grown tired of Cheering. I’m kind of certain that I would feel even lonelier if I join that event. It’s just shouting behind the players and proving that that’s the only thing you can do. No offense but, Cheering makes me feel weak.

On the day when we were to decide which event to join in, I hesitantly announced to the whole class and to my adviser that I shall try-out for Badminton. At that moment, some of my classmates tried to discourage me, saying, “Mag-cheering ka nalang.” I’m not sure what transpired in me but at that moment, my initial reluctance turned to conviction. I stood firm in front of my seat and replied, “My decision is final.”

While returning home to spread the news, my father was very proud, and suggested that I should practice with him at once. He seems to have recovered from his injury really quickly when I agreed to practice with him. I had mixed feelings as I remember my classmates’ resistance to the whole idea. Some people just do not know how it is to be treated like a kid who has no potential.

At the supposed day of the try-outs, I was riding on a rather fluctuating series of luck: my opponent was absent; good luck for me as the coach said I was in the Badminton Team. Then again, I felt that winning by default is another way to prove I am weak.

The next day, my opponent showed up, and when she heard that I won by default, she demanded (yes, demanded) a try-out. I wanted to prove that I am not afraid so I agreed, win or lose.
I lost.

The teammate who befriended me the previous day shifted allegiance and decided to hang out with the one who won instead. The moderator gave me two options: to join another event, or to be a substitute member of the Badminton Team. He expected me to feel good about myself. Would anyone in my situation feel good?

I sat on the bleachers for that whole day, afraid of what my detractors would say once they hear that I lost and was only a substitute.

During that thought, I heard a classmate of mine shout in joy, “Yey, talo si Jana” which caused a tear to stroll down to my cheek. I wanted to make my dad proud so I told the moderator that I prefer being a sub. He was like, “You decide” anyway. I had a terrible headache then and spent my day in the clinic.

The next day, I felt too insecure even to practice. I sat on the bleachers, fiddling my racquet like some kind of keyblade [for the fans of Kingdom Hearts]. An acquaintance of mine parked her bags beside mine. I asked her what her event is.

“Oh, mine? I don’t have an event,” she answered. Surprised and confused at the same time, I asked her what the wanderers (that’s what I call fellows without events) are supposed to do. “Wait for Ms. Casimiro in the ice station. She might have something in store for you.”

I immediately went to the ice station and chatted with a few chaps that I have been acquainted with the previous school years. When Ms. Casimiro arrived, I asked her for a task. “Go and get some cartolina from the maintenance office. When they ask what those papers are for, answer them, ‘Ms. Casimiro requests them.’”

I did as she told me and returned to the ice station to find her and some other friends already making art stuff in the podium. I joined them and Ms. Casimiro said to make some banners. And I did. I had fun doing all those things.

Sometimes, I practice. But most of the time, when I had nothing to do, I would hang out in the ice station. I would help them make pompoms for their team,  guard the station when they all had to leave to eat, to buy something, to watch a game and others. I kept comparing myself to stories in which the character couldn’t decide where he really belongs but in the end, he knows where his home is. I felt comfortable in that little green tent. I feel safe and at home.

For an epilogue, let me just say here that to this day, my father is training me to become a good Badminton player. He says that in one year’s time, I will be able to play good. He says that I can make a difference. I, on the other hand, keep telling him that having fun does not come only from being good in a particular endeavor. In that little green tent, amidst the noise and all those activities during the Intrams, I found home.
___________________________________________________________________

To all mothers, make your everyday a Joyful Mother's day! 



  

Sunday, April 7, 2013

A Review for Primero Casa Filipino

I was invited by a friend of mine, Marra, to join her visit Primero Casa Filipino (PCF), a dining place offering an eat-all-you can buffet, to make a review.   

Primero Casa Filipino
The establishment is located along Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez in Quezon City.  It was an ancestral house before it was converted into a restaurant. We met some of the personnel who were all friendly and accommodating. Ms.  Edy was in charge of the reservation, Sir Arnold, was one of the pioneers in the said establishment and Sir Justin, was the General Manager. However, we were not able to meet the busy chef.

   The place was huge and has ample parking space. Every corner of the house was converted into a dining area each with different themes. The outside portion facing the parking space was a veranda where you can have a drink or two with your friends or officemates.
The inner part was a bar with various wines and spirits.
The main entrance of the buffet area was in the right side of the house and it was simply fascinating. And you will be welcomed by charming staff.

Primero Casa Filipino offers Modern Filipino Food.  And the desserts corner will be the first to allure you of all the sweet stuff it offered in a conspicuous manner.

The main courses were placed in the middle portion of the beautifully lit room where some works of arts were also placed to give added splendor to the room.

 

On the second floor was a spacious room which can be converted into a conference room depending on the number of participants.  

       

The whole place was clean, homey, comfortable and well-designed if not at all elegant.

For the starters,  there were the following:
Egg Salad
Mustasa Wrap
Steamed Tofu Cake
Fried Lumpiang Shanghai

Karnevorous Pizza
Baguette Canape
Hawaian Coleslaw
Sisig Shooters





























Likewise, a Pinoy Salad Station was place where the different vegetables  and fruits  of your choice for salad was presented.

For the main course, there were the :
Roasted Angus Beef
Steamed Mayamaya

Crispy Pork Belly Lechon

Seafood Kare-kare
Chicken Pastel
Fritata Vegetable

Fried Tilapia 

Braised Pork Ribs
The carbs were :
Pasta Tomato Cream
Garlic Fried Rice
For their dessert, close at hand were the chocolate muffins, banana pudding and choco marbles which you can spread with chocolate fondue. Native kakanin like palitaw and buchi were also offered and so with some fruits like chunks of watermelon and pineapple.


Their special ice cream of various flavors and halo-halo will only be served upon request.

Since there were a lot of customers, I was not able to taste some of it. However, the appetizers that caught my attention was the Mustasa Wrap which has a pleasant taste and the Sisig Shooters but it was a little bit fatty to my taste. My favorites were the crunchy and tasty Fried Lumpiang Shanghai. I had some servings of the Pasta Tomato Cream, Roasted Angus Beef which was flavorful and soft to the last bite, Fried Tilapia, Stir Fry Vegetables which was my favorite. It tasted fresh, crunchy and sweet. The pasta tomato cream was good for those who watch their diet. The taste was not so creamy.  I am a dessert lover and I was not disappointed with their taste. My favorite was the choco muffins and choco marbles. I love choco... I had a sumptuous dinner and it was great.  I will definitely be back with some of my other friends and relatives.

For only P398.00 for weekdays and P498 on weekends, it is sulit na sulit talaga.

By the way, we were informed that Primero Casa Filipino (PCF) do not serve the same menu everyday, except for the Roasted Angus Beef and the Crispy Pork Belly Lechon. So, before you do visit PCF, we suggest that you call Ms. Edy and inquire on their menu for the day at 921-2448 / 921-1850. Happy eating!!

To Mr. Kim Marcelo. Thank you for the opportunity of "getting to know" Primero Casa Filipino.