I am moving!

I'm beginning a new chapter in my life -- embracing mommyhood by leaving my 11-year-old job and staying at home with the kids; hopefully with an alternative income source on the side. 

With this new chapter, I will also be moving my blog to

THIS PAGE

Hope to share my new adventures and misadventures with you! :)

Since I haven't migrated my Food Posts to my new page (and I'm still thinking if I will), you may go to
My Tumblr Page for food posts :)

St. Patrick's

Found this nice pub at the Kapitolyo area called St. Patrick's. They've only been open about a month and still currently on soft opening. We were trying to look for a place for dinner last night and couldn't find one that could readily accommodate us (we were super hungry and couldn't wait). Luckily, we saw this nice facade and decided to try it out :)

Interiors are pretty straightforward and we headed for a seat at the bar. There was a kickass TV and an NBA game was being shown, so Rob was really happy. Crowd was okay too.

Rob got a Draft beer (P70) while I had Cranberry juice (P100). Since we were famished, we ordered St. Paddy's Original Wings (P180), Fish n Chips (P280), and Salisbury Steak (P245). 

There were 6 big pieces of Wings with raw veggie dips on the side. We liked the sweet and spicy flavor, although it was more sweet than spicy. That could be improved a bit. 

The fish was huge. Wasn't expecting it to be that big, but I liked that it wasn't all extenders or breading. We loved the seasoning on this one. Could use a few more potato wedges (me being the potato freak).

The Salisbury steak was a bit bland (we did tell the server  to inform the chef so they can improve it next time). But it was a huge cut of meat with a generous serving of mashed potato and some veggies on the side. 

We were so full after! There's no dessert on the menu (thank God 'cos I can't eat another bite) yet. Maybe they're still figuring it out. We were given complimentary Rainbow Shots, which looked really yummy but sadly I can't drink yet; so Rob drank my share.

Definitely a great place for a night cap and a couple of drinks. Bring a date or a couple of friend! They're currently open 5pm to 2am. 

22 Prime

Birthday dinner a couple of weeks ago was at 22 Prime, Discovery Suites. They say it's one of the top steak places in the metro.

Now, I am not that fond of steaks (sorry!), but I'm always eager to try new places. Was happy that Rob thought of this restaurant.. superb date place, perfect for birthday dining :)

There was of course complimentary bread and dip. 

We had Ribeye Steak and Chops. The serving was quite HUGE. Apart from the actual meat, the plate came with other items that The food could've been perfect with a glass of wine, but I can't drink so had to settle with juice while Rob got the wine.

We enjoyed our food immensely. The Chops came with a side salad and a kind of wild rice that was really yummy. You can see the size of that porkchop, can't you? Filled up almost half of the plate! Despite the sauce, I found the chops a bit too dry for my taste. Nevertheless, it was packed with flavor. Salad acidity complemented the entire package.

The Ribeye came with two tiger prawns, some greens on a bed of mashed potato, and baked potato (carbs, carbs!). Now, having potato cooked two ways in one plate is my kind of dish, haha! Had the steak cooked medium rare and it came out just right. Juicy and not too gummy, seasoned perfectly and with yummy potatoes to boot :)

Needless to say, we were way too stuffed for dessert. I couldn't say no to some cappuccino though. 

Definitely a birthday treat to remember :) 22 Prime does hold it's end of the bargain in providing quality service and good food. Great for a date night. 

Chateau 1771 Breakfast

I didn't go on leave on my birthday a couple of weeks ago, so it was pretty much normal. I did get treated by Rob to good food :)

I'm glad he reserved a table for breakfast at Chateau 1771. I love that place: nice crowd, good food, and I find the place ideal for both business meetings or catch-up with friends. Plus, I love breakfasts.. there's something always nice about sharing the first day's meal with someone you love (cheesefest alert). And due to schedules, it's sometimes difficult to have an unhurried breakfast at home. 

We got the Eggs Benedict and the Banana Maple Pecan Pancakes. Coffee is a must too, can't get going without it. Loved everything! What could go wrong with breakfast food anyway? Flavor of the pancakes was not too rich or overpowering. The Eggs Benedict was of perfect consistency and had a great mix of flavor. 

Looking forward to more breakfast/ brunch visits here. More good food :) 

Metro Manila (film)

After On The Job, I was really interested to catch two other films -- Metro Manila and Transit. I haven't caught Transit yet but thanks to the unexpected holiday yesterday, I was able to watch Metro Manila. This film depicts urban migration and poverty. The story line may sound cliche, and we've all probably seen a film with a similar tale; however, the manner in which the film attacks the subject is fresh and modern. Cinematography is great and musical score is apt, adds to the drama. Very well-made film; I heard this was an Oscars entry (from another country since the director is foreign).

Personally, I was very much saddened while watching this, primarily because having two girls made me closer to the family situation. It was also a reminder for me on how wide the gap is between the Filipino 'middle class' and the 'less fortunate.' It's easy to take for granted (and even complain about) the things that we have and the comforts we enjoy; but we must know that what we have may already mean financial freedom and a life worth living to others.