Peperoni

Megaworld's Uptown Mall at north BCG is still at the soft opening stage; Monique and I took the chance to roam around while we still have the place to ourselves.  We found an interesting pizza place aptly called Peperoni, which turns out to be a Singaporean franchise.

We tried the pasta which wasn't bad, but it was the pizza that we enjoyed.  They allowed us to have two flavors on a pan, and we chose prosciutto doubled with anchovies.  It came hot off the oven, with a wonderfully blended aroma that whetted our appetites.  The thin crust was baked right, crispy at the edges, yet slightly chewy at the core.  Not overwhelmed by the tomato paste, so definitely not soggy.

The atmosphere seems kinda retro sixties, mixed in with bright seat colors for a lively feel. Its not cheap though, so prepare something like P600 per head to be on the safe side.  I like the establishment, and next time I'll try the other flavors.

Zipang

It was a Happy Tuesday for us, and this time, we wanted to try Zipang, a new Japanese restaurant along 11th Jamboree (the same street as Victorino's).  I thought that the place would be expensive, but as it turns out, we found the pricing to be in the value for money range.  We splurged with something like P600 per person, but you can have a set meal for around P300 per head.

We started with some fish cakes, which I thought was a bit on the bland side.  The clam soup, however, was prepared with sake.  It was very flavorful and it was one of the best I've had locally.  The sashimi boat was filled with all the seafood we enjoyed, and everything was really fresh.

We ordered the sukiyaki set and the braised pork set, serving portions of which are pretty generous.  Chef Masashi Ishikawa is quite meticulous with food preparation, and everything that comes out of the kitchen is well-arranged and nicely plated.

There are, however, limited seats at the ground floor, so it's a good thing to get to the restaurant before the maddening crowds.  There are function rooms at the second floor, but the drawback is that the stairway is quite steep for elderly people.

Kyo Chon

I had been quite curious about the Kyo Chon chicken franchise, and I was repeatedly asking Monique to take me there for lunch.  I finally got my wish at the SM City Fairview, and Monique gladly ordered a chicken wrap for starters.

We tried their two best-selling flavors, soy garlic and the honey series.  I liked them both, fried just right that the coating becomes crispy on the outside, while the meat is still soft inside.  Food isn't cheap though, and while we just spent some P300 per person, I understand from a friend that you they spent something like  P500 per person on nothing else but chicken wings.

Morena Baccarin

* photo from Wikipedia

I was pleasantly surprised to see the lovely Brazilian-American actress Morena Baccarin in the Deadpool movie.  I have been a loyal fan since she portrayed Inara the Companion in the Firefly TV series.  When the Wonder Woman role was not yet given to Gal Gadot, Baccarin was my personal choice for the part.  I understand from the news feeds that the lovely lady just gave birth--Congratulations are in order!

Deadpool

* photo from Wikipedia

When Ryan Reynolds first played Deadpool in the X-Men Origins film, that was when the character looked like Ryan Reynolds, one-time Sexiest Man Alive.  This time around, he gets a new costume to hide the character's disfigured face, and despite the gruesome exterior, Reynolds' performance shines brighter then ever.  Simple story line, witty script, great delivery.  It was a fun-filled R-rated afternoon that Monique and I had!  Can't wait for the sequel...

Klondike

I haven't seen Klondike bars in ages.  Vicky and Monique used to munch on them regularly while they stayed in New Jersey. Monique was but a toddler then (time does fly so fast).  Vicky was able to find a few dozen bars in a local grocery, and the kids finished the whole lot in 30 minutes tops. Unfortunately, no other flavors were available.  Cheers to great ice cream memories!

Horlicks

I haven't seen Horlicks in the local markets for many years now.  We used to love the chocolate malt candy version, which was locally distributed by Glaxo.  Tobias recently flew in from Singapore with a pack of the powdered malt drink, and we're happy to have it around the kitchen again!

The Cascades

* video from You Tube

Look at the video that I found!  In the eighties, the persistent rumor was that the Cascades perished in a plane crash, but we later found out that the rumor had no factual basis.  Their songs had simple lyrics and easy-to-sing melodies that were universally appreciated in the sixties.  Sit back, relax and reminisce!  

Aloha Hotel

My colleague and I had the chance to take some guests to check-in at the Aloha Hotel along Roxas Boulevard.  They had wanted a clear view of the Manila Yacht Club and the Manila Bay, and the Aloha Hotel was the perfect place for their stay.  The lobby area decor is like a Chinese museum, and you can see several statues and artifacts on display.  The hotel is famous for their Sze-Chuan restaurant (spicy food indeed).

Room rates are just about at the P2k to P3k per night.  While the 100-room property is clean and well-maintained, I had the impression that the last major renovation must have been done some 15 years ago.

Sugarhouse

I first came across Sugarhouse in the late eighties, but I don't remember where in Makati they were situated in.  They started off primarily as a bakeshop, and today, some of their outlets have the whole shebang--breakfast, sandwiches, pasta, complete meals.  Becca returned home with a Concorde cake, which features chocolate meringue sticks encircling the chiffon cake. Dynamite for the kids!

Mopiko S

We had initially surmised that Anita's all purpose itch cure, Mopiko S, was only available in Japan and Hong Kong.  Luckily Edgar has a lot of contacts in the Chinatown area, and he has graciously located some local retailers.  Such a relief!

* This article is not meant to provide medical advise, kindly consult your doctor before use

L&L Hawaiian BBQ

First time I saw the L&L Hawaiian BBQ signboard at the Shangri-la Mall, I asked myself if I had seen that eatery before.  I realized that the franchise was newly introduced to Manila patrons, and the old burger store that stood on the same spot was no longer around.

I tried the chicken barbecue (P188) and found out that it seemed like it was grilled teriyaki-style (sweet sauce).  Of course, pineapples probably came into the marinade!

I don't know if the place will click though; I couldn't help but notice that I was the only one eating dinner.  Well, it was still early (a tad after 6 pm), so I guess other patrons would be coming in as the clock turns.

Colette's

Colette's buko pies are fast becoming popular pasalubong items for those traveling down Southern Luzon.  Becca and family were in Tagaytay over the weekend and they came back with several pies, still hot from the oven.  It's a bit sweet for my taste, but the children just love it.

Danny's Sinugba

Our latest go-to when we don't have much cooked food in the house--Danny's Sinugba. Monique first bought a big boneless bangus here some six months ago, and we've been back for more.  Prices are reasonable, under P250 per piece.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Much has already been said about the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, so I won't muddle things up.  Even Korina told Monique and I that she found it crammed with too many story arcs, as if Zach Snyder wanted the DC encyclopedia  to fit in the movie's 2 1/2 hour running time.  I watched it at the Shangri-la Mall all by my lonesome, eager to find out what everyone has been talking about.  It's a heavy, dark and sad film.  Batman is bitter. Superman is confused.  Wonder Woman cracks the whip and saves the day.  Well, that's the part I love most...

B.

Bette's moved out of the canteen floor of the One Corporate Center a few months ago, and I was sad that I wouldn't be able to enjoy her fried pizzas anymore.  Monique and I came across her new location at the Tiendesitas Mall, and her new outlet is simply named B.

Pizza is still fried crispy on the outside, and the dough stays soft on the inside.  We chose a Sloppy Joe for merienda, quite a yummy treat for the both of us.

The Tannery Manila

I've bought a lot of leather goods all over the world, and sometimes I ask myself if the purchase is really worth it.  Monique and I toured the Tiendesitas Mall the other day and found the The Tannery Manila, a store selling Meycauayan made high quality leather bags at a fraction of the cost of imported ones.  They have bags, wallets and other accessories for both men and women, and I was quite impressed with the workmanship.  We were informed that this specific outlet would be closing by month's end, but a new store was in the works at the Shangri-la Mall.  Fantastic!

FIC

After that delicious Japanese meal, Vicky was in the mood for something sweet.  What was available?  Fruits In Ice Cream (FIC) has been a long time favorite (we used to live beside a neighborhood dealer in San Juan) and the counter at the Power Plant Mall was just one floor above restaurant row. As usual, her Rocky Road and Pistachio combination was quite a delight!

Zaifu

Our malling afternoon at the Power Plant in the Rockwell compound turned out to be fun-filled but tiring episode for the family.  So many stores, so little time!  Andie was hungry, and she was starting to throw her usual tantrums.  The dinner decision was hard to make--a critical mistake and she wouldn't be happy. 

It's lucky we found a table tucked at the rear portion of Zaifu located at the basement level of the mall.  Last time I ate there was when the store was newly opened, and I was happy to find that the interiors were well kept.  The place was full!

We had spicy tuna salad, cheese and salmon roll, more salmon sashimi, a dragon roll, gyoza, gyudon, ramen, yakiniku, and unagi.  We were hungry, and I must admit, we wolfed everything down in a jiffy.  

Food was tasty.  Served hot.  Sashimi was fresh.  Prices were reasonable, nothing fancy. Casual Japanese dining at its best.  I guess this is why the restaurant is one of the most sought after places in Power Plant's basement level.  With a spend of around P500 to P600 per person, you can certainly have a feast.  Bento boxes and teishoku sets are available if you are on a budget.  Not bad at all...

Bon Banh Mi

Vicky's office gang introduced her to banh mi (Saigon style sandwiches).  Bon Banh Mi along Mayapis St. in Makati is one of their favorites, and she made it a point to bring us there last weekend.  The bread is crispy, and the filling has authentic Vietnamese flavor.  We took a roast beef sandwich and a traditional pork sandwich, and found that we had tummy space for an order of spring rolls.  You don't spend much, each order is just about P100 on the average.