Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken

The Taiwanese have a great way of turning street food into a fast food franchise while retaining the street food feel.  The Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken  was a big hit with the kids when it first burst on the local food scene, and Monique told us that the chicken pieces were really big.  I didn't believe her at first, but when we visited the Hot-Star store in the Blue Bay Walk, I was amazed at how the chicken breasts could stretch all over the plate!  We tried three different versions--original, crispy and BBQ, and we couldn't resist asking for some crispy skin skewers.  Super crunchy! 

I think their secret is in the batter, which makes the chicken look extra large.  The only drawback is that us older ones can't eat that much sinful fried stuff--we'll just let the young kids have their fun!  All in all, our tab came to around P200 each, which is pretty reasonable for a big hefty lunch.

Doc Savage

* picture from Wikipedia

The copper toned man was everything you could dream of--explorer, adventure, fighter, millionaire, scientist, engineer, doctor.  He was Doc Savage!  When I was a boy, I must have read ten or twenty books of his continuing adventures.  I was thrilled every time I finished a book.  He was supposed to be the perfect human specimen, and that made a big impression on me--no superpowers, but mentally and physically trained to be the best.  Brought the bad guys to justice.  Grace under pressure.  Shunned fame and reeward.  Pulp fiction can have a lasting effect on kids, and whenever I look back, the memories of that by-gone era always bring a smile to my face...

Kantineta

I had a growling tummy in Makati at 11am.  I was in between meetings and I wanted to have a early lunch.  As I passed along the old IBM building along Paseo de Roxas (now called Paseo Center), I decided to drop in for a quick meal.  I made my way up the escalators and made a beeline towards my favorite sosyal carinderia, Kantineta at the second floor.  Meals vary from P65 to P95 and you can get a cup of soup, rice, some veggies or pancit, and a viand.  I got the adobong pusit which only set me back for P75.  Busog na, mura pa!

Zubuchon

A prized gift from a good friend who just arrived from Cebu--mouth watering, super delicious Zubuchon!  This I understand has been declared by Anthony Bourdain to be the best pig ever.  I do agree.  Whatever they add into the recipe makes it filled with aroma--maybe a bit of tanglad, peppercorn, oyster sauce, some say beer and 7Up too.  Slow-roasted on open pits to bring out tender, flavorful meat.  It's packed for travel (despite the 3 hour trip, the skin was crunchy enough).

Manna from heaven!

Bar Dolci

The Blue Bay Walk is quite a relaxing place to visit.  Vicky, Monique and I spent a lazy afternoon just hopping around the area; compared to other malls, there's not much stores and restaurants, but the place has plenty of parking and you don't have the maddening crowds milling around the busier malls. 

My favourite ice cream parlor is Bar Dolci.  They make absolutely wonderful gelato; flavors are very precise and texture is smooth and milky.  It was a hot afternoon, and we just plopped in our seats, a comfy escape this ice cream bar.  Monique had a pasta combo (came with a tamarind juice drink and a scoop of ice cream) which was remarkably priced at just under P200. 

Vicky wanted the all-time favorite hazelnut gelato, coupled with some tart Limoncello, while I tried a rich threesome--toffee, mascarpone and torrone (the big cup goes for P220).  It's a pity that the store closes early at around 10pm, we've tried to catch it at night, but we somehow we always fail to make it before they close.

Mrs. Fields

Becca brought home some cookies from Mrs. Fields.  Now I had expected A1 chocolate oatmeal cookies, but I was disappointed with this one.  Taste-wise it was pretty flavorful, but texture-wise, the cookies were crumbly and immediately fell apart when I bit into it.  I like chewy oatmeal cookies that have a slight course grittiness from the oats.  Too bad, maybe I expected just too much?

MBT

I'm a bit excited with my latest purchase--shoes from MBT, also known as the "unstable shoes."  These shoes have a rounded sole that make you feel like walking on a rocking chair. I felt a bit funny wearing it at first, but I instinctively liked it!  There are three different levels of curved soles, and I bought the really round one.  It rocks!  And of course, it rolls!  Hahaha...