Marina Oysters Seafood Grill in SM North Sky Garden

One of my most closest pals in the blogging community and I were scheduled for a facial spa session at Zen Institute in Tomas Morato, Quezon City last January 3. Taking care of oneself thru a simple skin pampering is one of the best ways to celebrate our new year together. After more than an hour of rejuvenation it is quite expected that we'll be craving for something different to eat that is also worth blogging as well. Since we could not grope for the right diner to try along Timog or Tomas Morato, we considered riding a cab to take us to the nearest mall where we can do unending window shopping, restaurant hunting and run some errands.

Until such time that we reach the SM North Skygarden that presented us unlimited opportunities to take our most sought-after dinner date. In no time, we found ourselves inside the Marina Oysters Seafood Grill that she had been raving about during our cab ride from T. Morato to SM North. I cannot place the last time I've sampled their offerings in Metrowalk so never complained about the idea of spending the last main meal of the day in here.

Arce Dairy Pinipig Crunch

After having our Koren fix at Kogi Bulgogi, my gastronomic buddy and I went for a stroll around Eastwood to discover new great finds and stuff. I rarely go with him on this side of the city for it is more of my girl friends that I get to hang with in this area especially at night for some perfect tasting coffee or out of this world binge hours. So I find it fortunate that we spend the time together on a weekday sunny afternoon where Eastwood City is not that crowded and there is more room for contemplating about various things in life. Since it is 2013 and we are beginning to open another chapter of our lives, it is but proper to look for something new that could reflect living the good life. ^_^ 

Kogi Bulgogi in Eastwood

It was an official date day with my best gastronomic partner and we seriously scheduled our very first lunch date for the year 2013. We planned to meet in Eastwood Mall and finally try the Kogi Bulgogi Korean Restaurant at 11AM sharp but sadly that was not possible for we each had our sudden household chores. But eventually we still  managed to be there at 1PM and the rest was delightful chowing down on Korean dishes.

It is impressive to take note that this restaurant has an ideal number of lunch crowd that we need to queue for like 20 minutes before we secure a table good for two. We were starving but we challenged ourselves to study the menu well before firing up our orders. Great to know how reasonable the prices are and that there is no service charge. Another good thing about the place is that thought it was full house, servers are always on floor to assist guests accordingly.  I noticed that most of the guests are of Japanese, Korean and Chinese races.

CONTI'S Bakeshop and Restaurant in Robinsons Magnolia

Tell me, what is the best way to spend the first few days of 2013 aside from shopping, reunions and watching great films? I bet the answer would be eating at a fine dining restaurant that brings back sweet memories. I have known Conti's since I was a kid who was having regular summer vacation in my aunt's house in BF Homes Parañaque City where I think the first ever Conti's Pastry Shop and Restaurant was established. I remember during my childhood how frequent my aunt would bring home some pastries for her little angels and how much we enjoy indulging on those sweets. 

It was the second day of the year when my dear girl friend Nessie and I unquestionably met at Robinsons Magnolia after more than a week of not seeing each other, for we were so engrossed with our holiday vacation with loved ones. We spent the first few minutes with window shopping until we are dead tired and wanted something to fill our monstrously hungry tummies before jumping into a coffee shop for more stories and experiences to share. I suggested a place in which she never knew ever existed on this side of Hemady Street. The lifestyle mall is so near me so I kinda memorize which way to go best. Yes, there are fine restaurants which you might opt to wine and dine the next time you reach this posh mall in Quezon City along Aurora boulevard.

Adobo Connection in Robinsons Galleria: Our First Restaurant for 2013

If there is one Robinsons mall that is closest to my heart that would be Robinsons Galleria for I am a regular mall-goer on this side of Ortigas. Not only it is too accessible for me but in here I can find fantastic shops and restaurants that I can try on weekends especially after hearing Sunday mass at The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (better known as EDSA Shrine). 

1st day of January when my best gastronomic buddy and I went to Adobo Connection after attending mass for a quick dinner. Why quick? For I have to do my social obligations with my first and second cousins waiting for me at the Robinsons Magnolia (another great mall near home) for a splendid yearly get-together. Having quick dinner doesn't necessarily mean that your order scanty foods, right? I let my buddy decide what to order, hence the following food items. . .

Clean utensils with napkin situated in what seemed to be a container made of  woven palm leaves that very well reflects Filipino identity.

Coco Martin is Max's Restaurant New Brand Ambassador

 Max's Restaurant President, Robert F. Trota, Coco Martin and Jim Fuetebella, Vice president for Corporate Marketing

Critically-acclaimed actor, Coco Martin, is the newest endorser of Max's Restaurant. You have probably seen his latest commercial by now which was proudly filmed by no other than award-winning director Brilliante Mendoza. So why of all the people Coco was chosen by  the most enduring restaurants today with almost seventy years of colorful history? It is simply because of his life story and values that are inherent to Max's. 

HOLDAK, the REAL Korean FRIED CHICKEN!

When was the last time you ate chicken effortlessly? Sounds like a tough question, isn't it? But you know what guys I am just so happy to announce that  finally this restaurant near where I live, which my dear foodie friend and I were eyeing weeks ago finally opened last Friday. And mind you, yesterday I was surprisingly  invited by these two chowhounds named Yedy and Eugene to try this place called HOLDAK. It was thru them that I first learned that the long wait is over for I can be here anytime. But of course I could not just turn them down no matter how full I was from a lunch date. We just came from a gastronomic adventure somewhere in Quezon City and in no time we were on this part of QC-San Juan area to simply try great varieties of Korean-style chicken. Indeed, we are food fanatics!

SENTRO 1771 to-die-for Desserts!

My gastronomic experience definitely did not end on the superb lunch I had with some fellow foodies for there is certainly more that Sentro 1771 has to offer. And I am speaking here of their numerous to-die-for desserts. Have you had one already? This blog post is the continuation of my recent post and I want to end this on a very very sweet note.

Fried Suman and Ripe Mangoes  PhP180

We Pinoys surely eat suman and we take pride that each region has its own version. This one from Sentro 1770 are rolled out suman which are fried to a light crisp making it a bit tastier. Topped with ripe mangoes  and drizzled with sweet coco jam. What a fine creation that every first timers must taste and see.

Coffee Pie PhP220

I fell in love with the plating at first sight! I was so lusting for this one that I can finish an order in less that 10 minutes. If you love coffee and ice cream like me, then you should go for this pie.  Every spoonful is heaven. It was such a creamy dessert with strong coffee flavor.

Superb Filipino Lunch at SENTRO 1771 in Greenbelt

Sentro 1771 is under the group of Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants and dining here for the very first time on a Saturday afternoon brought me so much familiarity and delight. This modern Filipino restaurant has been around for more than a decade serving only authentic and gold standard Filipino regional cuisine that mirrors our culture and deep love for comfort food. My journey here doesn't end that day for I have yet to explore a mouthful of experience again and again and again.

The restaurant is exuding with so much comfort because of its laid back interiors making your entire stay a superb one. I particularly like the stylish lighting fixtures that put so much character to the over-all dining set-up. Our foodie group was served with superb dishes which I could consider all as house specialties. We had a dish from appetizers, vegetables, rice and noodles, meat and seafood. Moreover, to die for desserts marked our lunch time with great satisfaction.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by Balllet Philippines this February

After the critical and box-office success of Rama, Hari, which had its full-house audiences giving rousing standing ovations after each performance, Ballet Philippines once again takes on an old-time favorite and gives it a new twist in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Running for one weekend only from February 15 to 17, 2013 at the CCP Main Theater, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a new ballet adaptation choreographed by Hong Kong-based award-winning Filipino choreographer Carlo Pacis. Based on the timeless romantic comedy of William Shakespeare and the music of Felix Mendelssohn, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a world premiere, and is Pacis’ first full-length ballet for Ballet Philippines.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves together the lives of mortals and fairies. Oberon, the King of the Fairies, and his Queen, Titania, are fighting over an Indian changeling. To punish her, Oberon instructs the mischievous Puck to place the juice of the Love-in-Idleness flower on her eyes so she falls in love with the first living thing she sees. Oberon also instructs Puck to place the juice on a young mortal man, whom he sees spurning a young woman.

But Puck makes a mistake and his folly creates madness and mayhem in the forest. He puts the juice on Lysander, in love with Hermia, instead of Demetrius, who spurns Helena’s love because he pines for Hermia. Lysander awakens, sees Helena and falls in love with her. To correct his mistake, Puck places the juice on Demetrius’ eyes, who also sees Helena when he awakens. Meantime, Titania, after getting juice on her eyes, awakens and sets her eyes on a man with a donkey’s head. The result is an unforgettable romantic comedy of errors between man and magical beings.

Quezon Province students win big in UNESCO competition

A team of students from Lopez National Comprehensive High School from Quezon Province won first prize in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok’s Better Learning, Better Life competition. 

The contest was participated in by students from across the Asia-Pacific including Australia, China, India, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines who shared their vision on the future of education through both written submissions and video entries.

The Cheese Steak Shop MAY BE HABIT FORMING!

I really cannot tell exactly  when did my two friends and I went here for a brief and good time snack, but for sure it was just last quarter of 2012. We stumbled upon this Cheese Steak Shop on our way home, which is very popular  for its original Philadelphia Style Sandwich. Though we are full we still managed to order some delightful snack for the purpose of just checking out the place and experiencing how good the serving size, menu and taste are. I never dined here before nor did I ever tried their food truck that I usually encounter  in Greenhills area. As per my dear friend, the shop was originally situated at the E-Hotel Makati near Milky Way Restaurant (where we had brunch) before it moved to its current location. 

Menu board. Obviously, there's a lot to choose from!

The Red Crab Alimango House in Newport Mall, Pasay City

One afternoon of August 2012, I met two of my foodie buddies who also have not taken lunch before heading to the Resorts World for a lifestyle-related event. Consequently, we ended up eating at a fancy Alimango House inside the posh Newport Mall in Pasay City. As a matter-of-fact it was past 3PM when we decided to have our very very late lunch. I guess this is the biggest branch they have yet. One day, I would like to try their branch in Tomas Morato.

 

I know for sure how pricey the dishes are in this Red Crab Alimango House Restaurant based on my previous experience at their other branches, but that day the three of us deserved the much-needed GOOD food that we ever craved for. When it comes to food, most of the time it pays not to mind the amount you pay afterwards as long as you felt so full and fulfilled, right? And this is one perfect place where ordering is equivalent to much surprise. Mind you that we were in the brink of dying from extreme lack of food that day. Could you imagine that! 

G.E.B Super Club: The Hottest Clubbing Hub in Tomas Morato

                      

If you are the type who wants to sleep all day and party all night, then this place that I will be introducing would surely unleash your inner party animal. Located at the busy Tomas Morato in Quezon City which is also considered the heart of partying and grinding, the G.E.B Super Club is such another addition to the popular nightlife hub in the area. G.E.B stands for  G.rand E.ye B.all Superclub where G.reat E.xperiences B.egins. Could also be synonymous to Gathering of Elite Bachelors/Bachelorettes! Nice isn't it??! Certainly a place to see and be seen! Exactly situated at 184 Tomas Morato beside BLISS and 7eleven and fronting Mang Inasal.

Yours truly was actually at the venue a few hours ago  for I was invited to the club's  VIP Invasion Exclusive Party! A great and fun-filled Thursday celebration together with models, photographers, club promoters and fellow bloggers. We were there at past 9PM and so ready to reveal our dance moves, enjoy dancing the night away and drink some cocktails too.