The Real Thing Diner: Opening up Happiness in every bite!

Your well-loved Coca Cola is now morphed into one of the coolest diner there is!

The Real Thing Diner houses everything Coca-Cola. From the red and white signage and the Coke can on the outside, and countless memorabilia displayed on the inside, to place mats, vending machines, decors, and everything. It was every Coca Cola lover's dream! Their specialty of course was that every dish had a Coke product in it.

Opening the menu was such a delight! We couldn't decide on what to try. Everything on the list seemed so promising.

But eventually we had to decide. Their Coke Float made me all giggly! It was like drinking up your best memory.

[caption id="attachment_281" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Coke Float (P69)"][/caption]

To kick off our Happy Experience, Sarsi Wings seemed to be a popular choice so we went ahead and got ourselves one of those.

[caption id="attachment_282" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Sarsi Wings (P199)"][/caption]

Buffalo wings glazed with no less than Sarsi. It was a bit too sweet for me. I know I've got a sweet tooth but it was kind of unusually interesting - that mix of chicken and sugar in my mouth. I can't remember how Sarsi tasted like but those wings were a pretty good reminder. Jason loved it by the way.

Then came Jason's Eight O'Clock chicken priced at P279 (Unfortunately wasn't able to take a pic along with our other main course). It was very juicy with just a hint of sweetness. Served with mixed veggies and his choice side dish: wedges. It's definitely worth a try and without the guilt feeling too since it's just chicken and your favorite (healthy) fruit flavored juice.

My main course was Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs (P399).  It was baby back ribs glazed in Coca-Cola BBQ sauce with my choice sider, side salad. Its glazing tasted a bit like Sarsi wings, but less sweet. It could improve though on its supposedly tender and moistness.

*Two things you should observe is that after these coke-filled meals, there's this feeling of minty-ness at the back of your throat like you've had coke forever. Plus you'd feel full after a couple of bites since these are carbonated products that would expand in your tummy.

Our dessert was a great way to end this Happy Experience. Happily Appley was just too perfect for me!

[caption id="attachment_287" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Happily Appley (P99)"][/caption]

The Swedish Apple Pie was freshly baked I still got to see the steam slowly evaporating. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was just the right hot 'n cold combination that would make me leave this happy dining place with a new well-loved memory.

For that happy happy Coke experience, give this diner a try for more joyful times to remember by... :)

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The Real Thing Diner

2nd Flr. Il Terrazzo Mall, 305 Tomas Morato cor. Sct Madrinan, Quezon City

Tel No. 352-4320

Big Better Burgers: Grilled Burgers have never been BETTER!

One Saturday lunchnoon after cruising along Katipunan Avenue, Esteban Abada etcetera within the area to find a place to eat, Alvin and I decided to try Big Better Burgers in Katipunan Avenue. The deciding factor: PARKING SPACE! Though he wasn't really up for burgers since he just had one the other day, well parking space does a lot of talking to two growling tummies.

It was both our first time and we didn't want to go wrong with our orders so both of us had their signature burger.

And what better order than their Big Better Burger?

With Wedge Fries (P55) of course.

(Wasn't able to take a pic 'coz I just couldn't wait to get my grubby hands on it xp)

The service was pretty quick or maybe we were just too busy talking about a who seemed to be a love interest. AHEM. haha :P

Then it arrived... A 1/3 pound  grilled burger, with lettuce, tomatoes, and dill onion mayo.

(Oh it wasn't as BIG as I expected.)

Before I sank my fangs into it, I just had to eat it this way...

Forgive me for being such a condiment-pig and torturing the poor burger.

As the bun was soon put into place, I immediately sank my teeth into one of the juiciest and delicious burger in my life! Some grilled burgers I've tried were really really dry but this was different! It was way way BETTER!

The bun was soft with a crispiness to it and the beef was seasoned and grilled perfectly. Its sauce complemented the burger and my condiments well I wish I hadn't put so much (Note to self for my next VISITS). I am coming back for this burger again and again. I could never have so much of them.

And you know what the best part was? It was all Alvin's treat! Thanks Alvin! :D

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Big Better Burgers

Katipunan Avenue, Prince David condominium building

 

Cafè Mary Grace: Ensaymada at its Finest

Ensaymada is SO NOT Overrated! I've just fallen in love with it all over again here at Cafè Mary Grace.

Ok so maybe I've passed by this resto a couple of times but it was just last month that I decided to try it. Maybe because in Serendra its price was one of the most reasonable of all (plus we didn't have to wait to be seated), after a FUN and FREE Laser Tag game at Market Market. (You can never be too old for anything!) We weren't on a luxury dining and spending spree  so Cafè Mary Grace's price at P200 per head seemed decent enough for us.

One thing I noticed about this place was that it radiated a free-spirited feel with beads hanging everywhere and hand made decors all over. Tungsten lights (Yesssss.. I owe this term to a Digital Video/Photography seminar) lit the area which gave off a homey and "come hang out here" atmosphere.

 There were also pieces of paper on our table as part of their decor which we amused ourselves with. Written on it were ice breaker type of questions such as what were our 3 phobias etc. Trivial questions we wouldn't ask each other on any day but a pretty nice discovery about the other anyway.

It was dinner time then and a bit late so I wanted something light to the tummy and easy to digest. The easy choice for me was a sandwich, one of their bestsellers no less.

Here I had their Chicken Inasal con Pandesal with Tomato Wansoy Salsa.

[caption id="attachment_248" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Chicken Inasal con Pandesal with Tomato Wansoy Salsa P193"][/caption]

Their pandesal would put Pan de Amerikana's to shame. It was humongous.

So...there went my "light to the tummy" dinner :) But definitely a guilty pleasure.

To wash it all down I had their Apple & Cinnamon Homemade Iced Tea.

[caption id="attachment_250" align="aligncenter" width="256" caption="Apple & Cinnamon Homemade Iced Tea (P75)"][/caption]

On the other corner, Jason had the Mary Grace Mushroom Cream Pasta which I didn't pass up on tasting.

[caption id="attachment_251" align="aligncenter" width="283" caption="Mary Grace Mushroom Cream Pasta (P262)"][/caption]

The sauce was yummy creamy and the mushroom had the right softness to it. I usually prefer red over white sauce but since then, this officially went down on one of my favorite white sauces to date.

AND NOW...

After that episode came the best part of the meal - DESSERT!!

ENSAYMADAAA!!

I've never gotten that excited about ensaymada until that day. And at its price, I better be!

[caption id="attachment_252" align="aligncenter" width="459" caption="Mary Grace Laguna Cheese Ensaymada (P155)"][/caption]

 Nobody has perfected ensaymada than Mary Grace! It was hot and moist and it melts in your mouth too! As I bit into it, I could feel the tiny particles, every bit of the sugar. It was like chewing stars! It was sweet and salty - the Laguna cheese which tasted somewhat like Quezo de Bola but creamier, complimented the sweetness of the ensaymada.  Jason and I had to fight on who gets the last bite.

Gourmet ensaymada... Can't stop gushing about it. It was so perfect! And they probably knew it was because they priced it that way.

I'm just so bitter about the price coz if it were a lot less cheaper I would have had this more often. But because it wasn't so, then it would be just one of those moments where I'd treat myself to it should I have done something exceptionally great. But for that moment, the pricey but fine fine fine ensaymada was no doubt worth it. :)

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Cafe Mary Grace, Serendra

Taguig City

Tel: 823 7746 /823 2954 /383 1340

Mobile No: 0917 861 6885

Email: marygracefoods@yahoo.com.ph

Angel's Kitchen: Chocolate Bagoong and Other Things

Wednesday nights are usually treat-our-tummies nights and bible study sessions.

Normally Tomas Morato and Timog would do just fine. But this night particularly we wanted to scout for a new place to eat - far away from the Scouts in Timog and Mr. Tomas.

So here I was searching online for restaurants that qualify to our needs namely:

1: A place we haven't tried

2. A place just near the office

3. With food not too heavy (I just had a super packed snack at the office consisting of barbecued chicken and PAELLA that was indulgent!)

4. Looking promising  would be nice. :)

Then I chanced upon Angel's Kitchen in one website. Near my office and our regular hang out place, it was just right.

It was a place you could not miss - the sign was huge and it was well-lit. Parking space was aplenty so even if hunger did strike, I would be able to squeeze in the car just in time.

Though cars lined up outside, inside was a different story. The atmosphere was very warm and intimate. It's like when you've cozied up at home and you find no food in the fridge, heck let's go over to Angel's Kitchen and have ourselves some laid-back dinner over day-to-day type of conversations.

[caption id="attachment_118" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Inside Angel's Kitchen. just lovely."][/caption]

While waiting for our order, we were served complimentary Crostini with Chicken Pate. The pate was realllly deeeeelish!! Just thinking about it now, I think I'd want to go back to have another go at it.

[caption id="attachment_119" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Toasted Bread with Chicken Pate -ADDICTING to the last crumb (GUESS WHAT IT'S FREE)"][/caption]

I probably looked like a rabbit in front of my date as I continuously munched on and nibbled on the bread with pate. I almost emptied the plate... I left a few toasted bread though mind you.. 'coz the pate was already done with.

Now for our main course.... the famous Original Pinakbet Rice with Lechon Kawali and Chocolate Bagoong.

[caption id="attachment_121" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Original Pinakbet Rice with Lechon Kawali and Chocolate Bagoong (P388)"][/caption]

It was JUST SUPER!

SUPER FILLING (Actually good for 2, I already have a big appetite FYI and the serving was still beyond me)

SUPER APPETIZING

it was just SUPER AMAZING.

The Pinakbet rice had the right savory taste topped with Lechon Kawali that was cooked perfectly - it was soft and crispy in the right parts. And the chocolate bagoong, well it was your usual bagoong with a little sweetness to it. All in all, it was TERRIFIC.

And who would attest to it?

[caption id="attachment_122" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="A Happy Customer :)"][/caption]

The other half of a satisfied customer who loved every BIT!

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Angel's Kitchen

(Beside Konbini Japanese Store)

57 Connecticut St., North East Greenhills, San Juan, MM

Telephone No: +632 721-8822

Sonya's Garden: A Romantic Dinner by the Dazzling Lights

Many times had I been to Tagaytay but never had I visited this secret garden until recently.

While most were enjoying their holidays at home or out of the country, here Jason and I were having a quiet dinner in the heart of a city quite close to home. A lot suggested that daytime was ideal to visit Sonya's Garden and they could be right, but dinner couldn't be more romantic than going here at this time.

From the elliptical road in Tagaytay, it took us around 40 minutes to get to Sonya's Garden. It was a bit difficult to find and despite many directions given to us we can't help but feel lost at one point or another and mutter under our breaths if we were there yet. And there the windmill appeared out of nowhere signaling our turn. A few minutes after, a sign greeted us... we were FINALLY there.

Bright Christmas lights strewn all over the arc blinked before our eyes giving us a glimpse of a promising night.

[caption id="attachment_99" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Sonya's Garden"][/caption]

As we entered the restaurant, we were delighted to see that we almost had it all to ourselves. Though there were guests, a solemn and homey atmosphere was kept.

[caption id="attachment_100" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Inside Sonya's Garden"][/caption]

We need not pick our choice eat for dinner since they provided an Eat-All-You-Can set meal for only Php610.

To start off, we created our own salad, organically grown and freshly picked from their own garden. It was harvested lettuce and arugula topped with mango, broad beans, eggs, cucumber, pineapple and corn drizzled in either Sonya's Secret Salad Dressing or Balsamic vinegar.

We also had bread with various homemade dips and toppings such as basil pesto, white cheese, anchovies, bruschetta tomato toppings, mushroom pate etc. My personal favorite was a mix of bruschetta toppings and mushroom pate. *smacks lips*

[caption id="attachment_102" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Garden Salad Greens"][/caption]

Complete with a bottomless freshly squeezed dalandan juice that complemented our oh so fresh salad and might I add was also refreshing to our parched throats.

Before we attacked our salad, we just wanted to show off who was the better salad designer and the MASTER SALAD STYLIST... dun den dun..

Here was his..

[caption id="attachment_110" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Salad from a Fine Arts graduate known to master design and style.. Did it measure up? =p"][/caption]

And here was mine...

[caption id="attachment_111" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="My Salad design... Maybe I have a future in food styling.. Ok.. maybe NOT."][/caption]

Ok so maybe I was a bit RESERVED with my style.

For our main course it was my all time love - pasta. We got to create our own pasta as we were provided with 2 kinds of sauces - sun dried tomato and chicken cream with mango. Our toppings were ratatouille, salmon belly, shitake mushrooms, black olives and grated parmesan cheese. It was a pasta feast to remember since it was again eat-all-you-can! :)

[caption id="attachment_104" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Eat All You Can Pasta"][/caption]

 After we took our fill of pasta, (we didn't have another bowl by the way. We were already full then from our 2 rounds of salad =p) the meal wouldn't be complete without the sweets.

It was glazed sweet potato, banana and jackfruit rolls with sesame seeds and a sinful homemade chocolate cake from Panaderia. We also had tarragon tea to sip and warm our satisfied tummies.

[caption id="attachment_105" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Banana & Jackfruit rolls with sesame seeds, Sweet Potato and Homemade Chocolate Cake"][/caption]

Sweets are my weakness so though I was already full by then, I made it a point to fork every bit of potato and banana rolls down to the last.

It might be quite a while before we visit Sonya's Garden again so better not leave any bit I might regret that I didn't eat :)

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Sonya's Garden

Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines
(near the vicinity of Tagaytay City, Philippines)

Mobile No.: +63-9175329097 / +63-9175335140 / +63-9175231080

Email: info@sonyasgarden.com

Thaipan: Fine Thai Cuisine - TRIPLE A: authentic, ambient and simply appetizing!

On the hunt for an authentic Thai experience? You just HAVE TO try THAIPAN.

 

 Located in Scout Dr. Lascano in Tomas Morato, this fine thai cuisine houses the best tasting curry, a filling and incredible appetizer with a lovely ambience. Discovering this place was yet again - dare I say it - an accident. Jason and I wanted to try something new - not our usual rice meal or pasta and pizza dinner - so we scouted for a new place to satisfy our adventurous taste buds.

 Coming from ABS-CBN, we drove along Tomas Morato and made a left in Scout Dr. Lascano. What a great discovery that was because what used to be just another awesome restaurant, Bagoong Club, in that area, now has an equally awesome dining establishment right beside it. Might I add with ample parking space, although not right in front of the restaurant as not to block it's warm-lit and inviting exterior.

From the outside we could already see what awaits us inside since only glass walls separate the area. But wait, there's more! Glass mirrors I mean. Wall-to-wall mirrors and hand-painted decors lined our way towards our seat. While we thought this was just a small place, we learned that there were many divisions inside - smoking area, non-smoking , a spacious dining place, a more intimate one, and even a door that leads to a private room where you can celebrate special occasions, host meetings and other intimate events.

Soon after we thoroughly appreciated the warm atmosphere, we realized we were really famished. But not to worry, the servers were very attentive to attend to our needs and offer us their specialties. For appetizer, we had their bestseller, Khong Waang Thai, which was a delectable selection of Thai delicacies.

Khong Waang Thai (Php340) - Thaipan Appetizer Selection

Have the best of everything with deep fried spring rolls (Paw Pia Thawt), chicken satay (Gai Sateh), grilled aromatic pork wrapped in betel leaves (Moo Ping Bai Cha Plu) and crisp shrimp pastry (Tung Tong). Served with 3 kinds of sauces - peanut sauce, vinegar and a sweet & sour tasting plum sauce. It was authentic Thai no less and appetizing to the last bite!

For our main course we ordered another of their MUST-TRY, Kaeng Khiaw Wann, which is their Thai green chicken curry. We were on a low-rice-low-carb diet then but this dish just had to be better appreciated with rice.  And so we ordered one, Steamed Jasmine Rice (Php45), to go with it and we didn't regret it not one bit! The green chicken curry was very tasty with hints of Thai herbs and spices that just tickled our tastebuds. It was incredible! And the curry sauce was addicting! Even though we were already full by then, I just had to sneak a couple more spoonfuls of the sauce.

Kaeng Khiaw Waan (Php320) - Green Chicken Curry

You just can't have enough of this sauce and the next time we go back we'll surely try their next best thing!

 

Bangkok, I know you are just a few miles away and having a taste of you, I can't wait for the real thing.

 

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Thaipan Restaurant

Fine Thai Cuisine

120 Scout Dr. Lascano, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Tel No.: 352-4926

Mobile No.: 0917-8080718

Email: thaipanresto@yahoo.com

Back with a vengeance! ü

Last September 2009 was the first time I ever wrote on multiply about my food trips with Jason. (See Gia's yummy adventures )

We just love eating! It's actually one thing we enjoy doing aside from debating about movies and threshing out its "deeper meaning", or just simply hanging out and talking about little nothings.

Other than that, I just like to say, I'm back! With fresher experiences and hopefully more insights on food, love, faith and life. Expect daily musings, cravings, and BS updates. I'm so excited!

It's going to be a wonderful journey! Life's definitely a feast! And here's to living it fully! :)