Literally Eating for 10 Hours

I never thought it could be possible until we did it ourselves last Sunday.
Me and my friends met up at Igmaan, Dampa Macapagal for lunch, and since they dont have desserts, we moved to Cafe Adriatico in Remedios, Malate around 2:30.  We ended having desserts around 5:30 and decided to get a massage that ended around 7:30 just in time for dinner at Romulo Cafe in Jupiter St. Makati.  We finished eating at 10:00pm.

Lunch at Igmaan:
Halaan Ginger Soup
Salt and Pepper Squid
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Crabs with Coconut Milk
Tanigue Ceviche
2 1.5L Pepsi

Desserts at Cafe Adriatico:
Tequila Chocolate Cake
Peanut Butter Sans Rival
Mango Balls Canonigo
Suman sa Lihiya
Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Salabat, Jasmine Tea

Dinner at Romulo Cafe:
Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan
Chicken Relleno
Laing
Lechon Sisig
Fried Suman
Mango Cake
Choc Nut Ice Cream
Turon a la Mode

Breakfast Buffet at the Coffee Lounge of Ace Water Spa, Pioneer

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Thursday is my car's plate coding day and has to avoid major roads from 7am -10am.  I decided to leave early for work, and was able to reach Pasig a few minutes past 7am.  I don't want to hassle myself of getting caught by Pasig Traffic enforcers, the reason why I decided to kill time at Ace Coffee Lounge at Ace Water Spa in Pioneer for Breakfast.

Normally, I would stop by to avail their breakfast meals that comes with unlimited coffee and drinks.

I was surprised that they now serve a breakfast buffet for 350 ph (385php including tax).  Since I still have more than an hour to spare, I decided to give it a try as I update my blogs.

The entrees section included Filipino breakfast staples like the Beef Tapa, Tocino, and Longganisa.  Side dishes included eggs and baked beans with fried and steam rice options.  They also have Chocolate Porridge or Champorado.  They have a bread section with a variety of choices for filling.  An omelets station can prepare them fresh to your liking and choice of ingredients.

Fried section included hash brown, fried fish, and bacon.  Pancakes and Freanch toasts can be served with different toppings. They also have Maki and Dimsum to cater to Japanese and Chinese guests.

The assortment of drinks included fruit juices, hot chocolate, brewed coffee, tea, and softdrinks.

I would not mind waking up and driving early for this.

Steak at Snackaroo and Popcorn Flavored Gelato at Afters for Mother's Day

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I originally planned to go to Zambales for what remains of the Election long weekend.  Early in the morning, I received texts from my companions backing out.  I was so disappointed that I packed my bags and decided to go to Boracay for an overnight stay.  It would not be the first time that I would take the 10-hour RORO journey to the island.  

I was ready to leave with my bags and my basic essentials in tow, but then I could not get a cab.  While waiting, it dawned on me the effort it would take to get there for a mere overnight stay.  

I went back to the house and just slept over my disappointment.  It was my hunger that woke me up.

With nothing to do, I am reminded once again of the beach that I was supposed to go to.  To get my mind off things, I decided to have my car washed and satisfy my food craving for the day, which are noodles.  I tweeted my plan and Heath, a friend who also loves to eat came to the rescue with an invitation to go food tripping.

Together with his partner, we visited Snackaroo, a hole in the wall steakhouse along Judge Jimenez in Quezon City that serves a mean T-bone and Porterhouse among the many other selection from their menu. I think I could eat 3 servings of the porterhouse steak easily but decided to try the sisig for variety. (After finishing my first serving of the Steak... hahaha).

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After the satisfying meal, we are on the lookout for desserts.  Good reviews and tempting pictures brought us to Afters Espresso and Desserts along Tomas Morato.

Originally we were having cakes, but were introduced to the many flavors of their gelatos by the owner.  We sampled flavors that included popcorn, mint and caramel.  

Nothing lifts the spirit more than dessert and mine came in the form of Mint Chip Gelato.

Thanks Heath and Jann for the great meal and company.

Balik Alindog Program: 70 Days After

January 18, 2013 was the day I committed myself to my 70 day Balik Alindog Program. Back then my measurements were:

Weight: 76.5kg
Waist: 37.5inches

My measurement today:
Weight: 72.5kg
Waist: 34 inches

Lost 8.8 lbs and 3.5 inches off my waist in 70 days.

I would say adherance is about 80%, the reason why my TSC score is not as good:

18 minute running distance: 2.7km vs. 4.8km target
Max Push-up: 50 vs. 50 target
Max Pull-up: 0 vs. 20 target.

This means that i need to balance my strength training focusing on arms, back and shoulders. Also, i need to push myself more in the running category.

Just renewed my gym membership, and I'm looking forward to the next 70 day result!

Soi11, Bangkok Street Food in Makati

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Originally, my friends and I planned to go to Puerto Galera for Holy Week.  So on the day of our departure early Maundy Thursday morning, one friend did not show up!  His excuse is that he would open a food stall in time for Easter Sunday.

Fast forward a few weeks later, I was stuck in traffic because of the campaign rallies being organized in the communities that I decided to give the place a try.  A friend of mine who was present in the opening gave me the name of the place and street.  Armed with my reliable map application, I found the place at the corner of Batangas St. and Rockefeller St. Baranggay San Isidro, Makati.

The name of the stall was SOI11.  Soi in Thai means a street branching from a major street, which is ideal due to its proximity to the South Luzon Expressway and Gil Puyat Ave. The number 11 is the street address.

The food stall which houses the small kitchen is surrounded by tables with umbrellas giving that authentic Bangkok Street food ambiance which what the place claims to provide.  The real crowd drawer though is the food that they serve.  On top of the Thai classics like the Pad Thai and Tom Yum, Soi11 offers a variety of curries in different meat and seafood options.  Since all dishes are prepared fresh, they can customize the spiciness to your liking.

So far I was only able to sample the Pad Thai, and The Chicken Stir Fry with Sausage and Pineapple on my first visit, and the Chicken with Red Curry and Basil on my 2nd Visit.  Instantly it reminded you of the strong flavors and balance typical of Thai cuisine.

Bong the owner informed that most of their ingredients are imported directly from Thailand and that he actually tries to grow varieties of fresh Basil on the planter beside the stall.

In-spite of being established less than a month ago, customers are slowly picking up and regulars like me are coming back.  I can’t wait to bring my friends to sample their other offerings.

Celebrating the 1st of May at Buffet 101

Buffet Selection at Buffet 101

For 699php, you can indulge on wide selection of International Dishes and Desserts

Since the Labor Day Holiday fall mid-week, we have nothing planned but to take this as an opportunity to rest.  Then came lunch!  Since we were so bored at the house, we were on the look out for  buffet restaurants for a really long meal.

I have seen posts about Buffet 101 but  still was not able to give it a try.  Their 699php/head price is almost the same as ACE Water Spa, our favorite and the branch at Mall of Asia is nearer.

We arrived 15 minutes past 12 and we were 10th in the waiting list.  It took about 30 minutes for us to get seated and we did not waste anytime to scan through their buffet selections.  They have a wider menu from Asian to International dishes, and the dessert station was so sinfully tempting.  Choices of beverages includes beer and fruit shakes.

It was worth the money, considering the variety, taste, service and ambiance.  We would definitely be coming back!https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buffet-101-International-Cuisine/323539074361420?ref=ts&fref=ts

Best Meals of April 2013

I was browsing through the photos stored on my phone and was surprised on how many food shots I've taken.  Just to give you an idea, here are my noteworthy meals for April.

April 25, 2013

SOI11
Found this Thai street food stand at the corner of Batangas St. and Rockefeller St. in Makati while I was stuck in traffic.  They have a good selection of toppings and other Thai favorites.

Pad Thai and Chicken and Sausage Rice

Soi11

Victoria Court
I went to stay at Victoria Court North EDSA and saw their food promo for the month.  It's a fishmelt (fish topped with melted cheese) over a pesto pasta.  For 250 pesos, it serves two with soup and drink.

Fish Melt with Pesto Pasta at Victoria Court

April 23, 2013

Ping Yang Hotpot

This Hotpot/Dimsum place had been at the corner of Adriatico St. and Nakpil St. in Malate for as long as I can remember.  This was my first time to actually eat here.  The hotpot package at 850php is good enough to feed 4 persons.  In our case, it fed 2 with a because of our big appetite.

Fried Dumplings at Ping Yang Hotpot

April 21, 2013

Buddy's
Their Kalayaan Ave. Makati branch is one of our after mass favorites.  We missed their Lechon Paksiw, and added the Pansit Miki Bihon and Embotido to complete the experience.

Pansit Miki Bihon at Buddy's

Embotido at Buddy's

Lechon Paksiw at Buddy's

April 20, 2013

Go!Kizip Adriatico St. Malate

Bibimbap at Go!Kizip

April 19, 2013

Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay City

Although I was not able to take pictures of the actual dish served, it was a great experience to get a taste of an 11 course lauriat that was supposed to worth 16k per table.

April 11, 2013

8065 Bag.net, Estrella St. San Antonio Village, Makati
We're a reguar at this establishment, but when I checked in at foursquare (an Iphone application), I was informed that It's been a year since my last visit.

Kare-kareng bagnet at 8065 Bag.net

April 9, 2013

Go!Kizip Adriatico St. Malate
It was my best friend who introduced me to this Korean Restaurant.  On this visit, we reminisced the time we ordered Soju at a Korean Convenience Store and drinking it at the cash register like softdrinks years back. 

Soju, better taken cautiously with spicy Korean food at Go!Kizip

April 6, 2013

Darayonan Lodge, Coron, Palawan
Of all the dishes we tried on this visit to Coron, the most memorable would be this Pinangat sa Kamias, served at Darayonan Lodge.

Darayonan Lodge Famous Pinangat sa Kamias

April 4, 2013

Go!Kizip Malate
This is my first time at this establishment.  Korean food is known for the wide variety of appetizers served with their meals, so don't be intimidated with the price.  On this visit, we ordered pork and beef slices to grill, but had soup, eggs and vegetables to go with it.

Go!Kizip

I am yet to upload my first quarter of 2013 meals but already I am hungry just by looking back at the photos.  I will do that some other time as I go out to order myself Tapsilog at the store below.

Happy Eating!