Thursday, March 17, 2016

Dragon Noodle Center



Old habits die hard.  When we were much younger, we'd make the Dragon Noodle Center along M. H. Del Pilar our midnight after-party pit stop.  If we had a bit too much to drink, we'd sweat the alcohol off with hot congee and hot mami soup.  The place is very conveniently located, and it is run by a good Cantonese friend of ours.  That is why the food is authentic.


When we fetched the girls from the SM MOA Arena right after their 5SOS concert, we were quite hungry.  Where could we eat at 11:30 pm?  Vicky made up her mind--Dragon Noodle House!


The restaurant hasn't changed much, interiors are simple but comfortable.  They are still open up to 1:00 am, and the main attraction is the consistent quality of the food. The dimsum treats are tasty and fresh.  My beef wanton mami arrived steaming hot.  The soy chicken was soft and oh so delicious!  And I swear that outside Hong Kong and Macau, their curry beef tendon is one of the best you can find.



It's time we introduced our old favorites to the younger generation.  They can carry on the traditions that we have grown to love.  This is one place you can have good Cantonese style cooking at very reasonable prices (you get really full with around P300 per person).  Finding good midnight eating places can be very difficult these days, and it's time we share our discoveries with you.



Westnuk Beach



The Bataan drive with Tito Tony landed us in WestNuk Beach in Mariveles, the name being presumably coined from the "Westinghouse Nuclear" Plant nearby.  The beach is on the property of the National Power Corporation and was relatively well maintained for government property.  Admission is less than P100 per person, which makes it a favorite for summer visitors, but the lodging facilities are quite old and worn.  Sand has a nice beige hue and the beach is relatively clear of rocks and debris.  Getting in and out is not bad, but there is a short drive on bad roads (roughly 2 kilometers).  Summertime is coming!




Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Craft Coffee Revolution



Our lunch with my godsister Chen was a delightful one at the Estancia Mall in Pasig City. We lost track of time with all the chit-chat and stories with Tita Belle, Gwammy and Kong.  By the time we were contemplating what dessert to order, I was amazed that two hours had come and gone so fast.  Chen's sister suggested that we have coffee at Craft Coffee Revolution, which has a kiosk at the basement area of the mall.  I was a bit sleepy so I agreed to take a cup of black coffee.  Mmm... the aroma was fantastic and the taste was very good. No acidity, very enjoyable; I'm sure both Anita and Mikaela agree!





Owlisms



I was looking for a fast and cheap merienda at the Greenbelt Mall when I came across Owlisms right along Legaspi St.  Yes, it was fast indeed and I got my tummy filled with a hot bowl of chicken lugaw (less than P100).   I was a bit disappointed though; I had expected more aroma and chicken flavor.


CO/OP



I first saw the CO/OP signboard along Mabini St. in San Juan a few months ago, and the name didn't ring any bells.  A friend suggested to meet there for a quick dinner meeting. The moment I stepped in, I knew that serendipity was in play.  The place is half boutique and half restaurant, and with the kind of displays that they have, I'm sure that most lady shoppers will be kept busy for at least a half hour before coming to the table.




I was busy looking at the menu.  I spotted a beef entree (probably flank steak or tenderloin, my memory is not as good as it used to be), and quickly placed an order.  Juicy, soft and tasty.  Generous serving of onion rings, to the extent that it looked to me like the star of the plate.  The place is one of a few places that serves home-brewed ginger ale.  It was cold and very refreshing.  I was grinning from ear to ear.  Average spend was about P700.





Garrett Popcorn


Vicky came back from HK the other day with several bags of Garrett Popcorn.  This is getting to be a tradition with her friends--they just love the mix of caramel and cheese flavors eaten simultaneously.  I prefer eating the cheese popcorn ahead, then finishing off sweet.  None left as of last night!

Aston Martin DB10



Aston Martin has been a long-time partner in the James Bond franchise.  This time around the DB10 doesn't fail to excite!  Monique and I watched SPECTRE at the SM Megamall, and I couldn't help but gawk at the sheer beauty and elegance of the vehicle.  When can I have one?