Dayrit's

Happy Thursday is on again!  Monique and I went to fetch Vicky from her office and we decided to have a meal along Tomas Morato.  We haven't been to Dayrit's in a long while, and we decided to try the place.  This burger joint used to be popular in the late seventies; they used to have a spot along Buendia (near South Super Highway), but I think this branch is already closed.  The other branch at the Magallanes commercial center is a bit smaller, but the menu is pretty much the same.  Interiors are pretty much functional, no frills.

Vicky likes their pork loin and the roast beef, so we just had to order one of each.  My recollection of the Dayrit burger was that it was huge, so when my cheeseburger todo (complete with veggies and trimmings) came in, I was a bit disappointed as it seemed pretty small (or maybe I've grown up?).

We shared an order of sliced chorizo macau, which is on the sweet side--pretty much shares the same genetic make-up of hamonado longganisa.  They sell frozen packs of processed meats, so you can pick-up your favorites by the kilo.  Allot some P400 per head for simple executive meals; the place is not known for ambiance, so don't expect your Valentine's date to fall in love with you after dinner there!

Brownies Unlimited

Walking around the SM Megamall one afternoon (this was a week before the infamous jewelry robbery), I came across Brownies Unlimited at the ground floor.  I had a sudden craving, and just had to buy a chewy chocolate brownie to satiate my sweet tooth.  Brownies are around P20 to P25 each, and if you find the brownie too fudgey for your taste, they also have cupcakes which are on the fluffier side of the pastry spectrum.  I think the bakery has been around for a decade or so, and most of their shops are based in the SM Malls.  I like the quality and reasonable pricing!

Taibun

Last Saturday, I was up early at the Petron gas station along P. Guevara for a change oil.  The Innova has needed one for a months now, and I just had to make sure that I wouldn't be caught smoke belching.  I was hungry though, having left the house without brekky.  North Park was closed, and it was a good thing that I spotted the Taibun Chinese bakery right across from the gas station.  I've bought from the store just once before--they have delicious pineapple cakes that you often find in Taiwan.  They also carry a wide variety of red mongo buns, custard pies and other sweet delights.  The place was empty, and obviously, I was the first customer of the day.

The place serves home-style Taiwanese cooking.  I had the beef wanton noodle soup, which cost just under P200.  This came in steaming hot!  The meat was tender, the dumplings were tasty and noodles were of good quality--chewy, just like hand-pulled noodles.  Hearty breakfast for me; I was no longer groggy as I went back to oversee the change oil procedure.  While slightly more expensive than NS-11 of North Park, this bowl will surely give close competition!

Buddy's

Buddy's serves a special style of pancit made popular in Lukban, Quezon province and this dish was introduced to me by Vicky many years back.  I was recently at their store beside the Landmark Mall in Makati Avenue, and I was able to try the dish again--the noodles are cooked slightly al dente, and the vegetables include sayote, pechay and carrots.  The noodles contain pork liver which make it tasty but for those suffering from gout--beware! The serving size is good for 2 (I have them wrap about half of the plate for take-home), and the dish cost me P180.  Good place for a fast Filipino-style merienda when you're around the Makati Commercial Center.

Tata's Cupcakes

Becca ordered some wonderful cupcakes for Mon's birthday (he just turned 18).  The two variants, chocolate and red velvet, were quite delicious, although the creme topping was simply too rich for me.  The kids just loved it!  The cupcakes are home-made by Tata in Alabang and cost approximately P50 each.  Tata's bakeshop is still in soft-opening stage, and I think the business will grow, judging from how these cupcakes were gone in 60 seconds!

M&S Sodas

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Marks & Spencer is known mostly for its clothing lines, but some of their stores also have a food nook.  Vicky was gifted with a Christmas basket containing their lemonade, and I half expected something like most sodas on the market--artificially engineered to taste like lemonade.  I was pretty delighted to find out that their version didn't come with a fake aftertaste--it really was made with lemon juice.  The color of the drink was a muted, almost pale yellow, not the bright fluorescent yellows that some other lemon-lime sodas have.  Yes, not sweet at all, on the sour side, which is okay by me.

The cherry soda, however, wasn't that interesting.  It was really cherry flavored syrup with carbonated water.  The fizz fizzled out in around 15 minutes too!

Butterfly Kisses

When Monique was 2 weeks old, Vicky and I attended a wedding and I couldn't help but shed a tear just thinking about that day when I'd have to give my little daughter away.  It's every dad's nightmare.  While I've never had the chance to get butterfly kisses (also known as eyelash kisses), there's something about this song of Bob Carlisle that makes my knees start to quiver--

"Butterfly Kisses"

Bob Carlisle

There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes 
and I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair; 
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet sixteen today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember...

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; 
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy, 
But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
Oh with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right 
to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said 
"I'm not sure--I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over

Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy--it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry..."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses

I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses...