December 2010 Part Deux

On our last night in Baguio, we opted to top things off by having dinner in Hamada! Nothing like teppan chow cooking to continue the yuletide festivities.

December 2010

Its starting to feel a lot like Christmas! Christmas light show in Ayala Triangle, Last minute (and chaotic) gift shopping, get-together's left and right, staring at the good ol' Christmas tree, and of course waking up at 4 in the morning to go to simbang gabi, Christmas is definitely here.

Instant Spaghetti with Meatballs

So I was spending another lazy morning checking emails and being hooked on the Food Network when I caught an episode of "Down Home with the Neelys" where they we're cooking a tomato pasta dish for an intimate dinner party of 4. With the site of sauteing tomatoes looking just scrumptious, I immediately knew what I wanted for lunch.

Sushi Sam's

Saturday's mean roadtrip! That's why Car, Mith, and I hit the road and headed for San Mateo. Although our journey can't really be considered a roadtrip since San Mateo was only roughly 40 minutes away from the house, the main purpose of our little roadtrip was to try out Sushi Sam's which was highly recommended by Car's co-workers.

Iguanas

Before I left San Francisco, we just had to go and try out the last place on the list. That place of course was Iguanas. As seen on Man vs. Food, Iguanas was the place where you can find the biggest and baddest Mexican dish ever, the Burritozilla!

Coconuts

After trying out most of the new cuisines nearby, it was time to go the distance for a change of scenery, ambiance, and of course delicacies. So after work, Car, Mith, and Mark picked me up to get a taste of Coconuts in Palo Alto.

Noah's Egg Mit Sandwich

On the rare occasion that Car and I woke up early, we opted to hit Noah's Bagels again and try their savory bagels. Noah's Savory bagels are usually filled with your choice of cold cuts, egg, and sometimes a little bit of cheese. A perfect way to start your on-the-go mornings.

Instant Chicken Parmigiana

Staying home and watching the Food Network really gives someone the most intense, sometimes most random cravings! So while I was enjoying my morning on the couch checking emails and with the television permanently fixed on the Food Network, my attention was suddenly focused on the screen ad they showed a close-up of a chicken parmigiana dish. I don't remember what show that was but just the sight of that chicken parmigiana immediately made my mouth water. Since it dawned on me that there wasn't any Italian place that was walking distance from Car's place, I decided to try to whip up my own Instant Chicken Parmigiana with just some igredients that you would normally find in your kitchen or pantry.

Simply Thai

With the goal to try out a different cuisine each night, the gang and I hit Simply Thai for some asian cuisine. Since I was feeling a bit under the weather, Thai food seemed to be not my usual dinner for but still comforting enough to enjoy even when I was sick. Keeping the curry and spices with traditional Thai taste, Simply Thai is truly by far the best Thai restaurant that I have tried.

Ike's Place

If you're looking for some serious sandwich, Ike's is the place to be! Unlike your usual sandwich shops, Ike's is located inside your regular office building. Once you enter through the building doors, simply follow the aroma of heated bread and you'd surely be able to find Ike's. Ike's has gotten such really great reception that they were even featured on Man Vs Food because of the Kryptonite which is a 4 pound sandwich filled with 5 different meats, avocados, stuffed jalapeño poppers, mozzarella sticks, and so much more.

Staying In: Panda Express

After a week full of activities, Car and I decided to just stay in for dinner and just have a movie marathon after being out the whole day. Since a US trip for me is never complete without stopping by Panda Express, Car and I stopped by and ordered take out.

Park Chow

After walking around Union Square in the really cold weather, Car and her friend Mith brought me to have dinner at a nearby bistro, Park Chow.

Park Chow has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere so with me feeling a bit under the weather, it was a really great spot to have dinner in. The vibe of Park Chow is like a small county pub where everyone in that small town would just hang out in.

Sprinkles!

In my opinion, cupcakes can put a smile on anyone's face :D

That's why whenever I'm on vacation in San Francisco, its definitely a must to go to Stanford and drop by Sprinkles to have a couple of their cupcakes.

Creamy Tomato and Sausage Pasta

With such cool weather here in San Francisco, its fun just staying in and watching a few dvds. So while getting warm in the couch and watching my second dvd for the morning, hunger struck which meant it was just about time for lunch!

Instead of heading out for a bite to eat, I rummaged through my sister's pantry and was able to find a jar of tomato sauce, basil and garlic sausage, and a pack of spaghetti noodles.

Noah's New York Bagels

New York I Love You!

Especially when I can have a part of you right here in Fremont haha!

After our unsuccesful attempts on morning jogs together since its was either too cold or one of us wouldn't wake up on time, Car and I finally woke up at the same time. Since we had a lot of time to spare before she had to go to work, Car wanted to let me try her breakfast bagel place just within the neighborhood, Noah's New York Bagels!

There's nothing like the scent freshly baked goods from a bakery early in the morning with the sun just about to rise.

It was rush hour inside so we had to wait a while

The creative to-go boxes

Noah's wide selection of bagels ranged from savory to sweet

Instead of the usual cream cheese and jam, Car purchased Blueberry Shmear

We opted to have Raisin Cinammon (already shmeared) and Blueberry bagels

Nothing like a cup of Cafe Americano with White Mocha Syrup to awaken the senses!

Starbucks in Manila should really start using these lid sealers to avoid spilling rather than just putting tape across the entire lid.

I really liked the selection of bagels we had from Noah's. When it comes to bagels, some make it either just too darn tough, or sometimes too dense that its almost bread like. But with Noah's, the texture was perfect! It had the right amount a chewy-ness a bagel should truly have. I was surprised that the bagels were actually rather light in consistency compared to others so it was less heavy on the belly.

The Blueberry Shmear was also simply scrumptious. It had just the right hint of blueberries and actually had a very light and smooth consistency which regular cream cheese spreads aren't.

The day is off to a great start!

Miks

The Counter

I really like being able to go to a restaurant and be able to have total control on the dish I'm about to devour. It makes the whole dining experience seem more unique and somewhat personal since you are able to make your own creation (and not have to worry about cleaning the dishes hahaha)

So when my Car and I decided to hit Santana Row for some retail relaxation, she took me to this really cool burger joint called "The Counter". The place had a diner-esque setting but in a very modern and hip vibe.

Customization! Just as it says on their tagline

The order form. Just mark everything that your heart desires

(and hope it would all merry together and taste good haha)

We had Sweet Potato Fries for starters. Just can't get enough of these!

and for my order..

I selected a 2/3 lbs. burger with caramelized onions and ripened Brie

nestled on rustic ciabatta bread

I was really happy with my order. At first I was hesitant about the Brie because it might not have as strong flavors as Gruyère which was another option however the ripened Brie gave a subtle creamy and smooth cheese flavor that highlighted the flavors of the burger.

I can't wait to go back and whip up another ultimate burger!

Miks

Nutella Brownies

San Francisco Day 2 also means another potluck...

Luckily I arrived this week when my sister had several potlucks lined up for work so that I could help her prepare some things. This time however I decided to whip up something I was more familiar with which was dessert. Since its been a while since I baked something for my sister, I opted to bake a new recipe which has already become a favorite back home, Nutella Brownies.

Anything with chocolate immediately becomes a crowd pleaser. But what I really like about these brownies it that the added depth in flavor given by the Nutella adds another layer of flavor which truly leaves you wanting more.

I couldn't wait to cut a piece

Ready for potluck!

The Nutella helps in making the brownie really moist

Simple can't resist!

The subtle hazelnut flavor just keeps you intrigued and wanting to grab another slice!

Till the next potluck!

Miko

Kaenyama

Being just the second time that I've gone to Kaenyama, it has now become a favorite! Kaenyama's take on Japanese fusion cuisine is simply amazing. Another great thing about Kaenyama is that they offer different specials everyday. Since it was a Monday when we went, the special being offered was 50% of all of their Special Rolls. That's why we kinda went crazy picking which one we would order.

The place was very dim and intimate

I had the Pink Lady and the Phoenix

The Pink Lady was an assortments of raw seafood such as salmon, tuna, and squid rolled on rice. The roll didn't have any seaweed, avocado, or other vegetables which made the roll focus entirely on the flavor on the seafood. The hint of spice from the drizzled sauce gave just the right hint of spice which added a whole other dimension to the roll.

The Phoenix was a good combination of avocado and spicy tuna which was a good roll in itself as well as a pairing to the Pink Lady.

I can't wait to try the other rolls on my next visit. You should definitely go to Kaenyama on a Sunday where they have an eat-all-you-can special for only $20. I have yet to try it too!

Miks

Bacon and Asparagus

San Francisco Day 1 !

Sem break has officially begun! So after getting things settled in my sister's new place, I gave her a hand in preparing a dish for her potluck at work the next day. With asparagus and Artichoke hearts in hand, Car and I were determined to whip up a really refreshing tropical salad. 3 hours later though, we gave up since the salad just didn't taste right no matter what we did. Since it was already 2 a.m., we decided to call it a night and just see what we could make tomorrow morning before she goes to work.

So right after we woke up, we immediately headed to the store and decided on making bacon wrapped asparagus tapas since we already had bundles and bundles of asparagus at home. I opted to oven bake the bacon and asparagus instead of grilling them since it was faster and more convenient to just place them on a baking sheet and let the over do its work haha!

Fresh out of the oven

We couldn't resist that's why one's missing haha!

Plated. Looks scrumptious!

The asparagus was tender all over and the bacon had just the right amount of crisp to it.

Signed, sealed, and ready to go :D

It turned out to be a big hit during the potluck! Even if it was wrapped in bacon, the whole dish was still kinda healthy since the bacon was baked anyway. I guess it is true after all that bacon just makes everything taste better!

Miks

Cyma

Whenever we hit town, my friends, family, and I always find ourselves eating in Cyma that it has now become a current favorite of mine. There's just something extra that goes into their own rendition of Greek food. It might be the evoo, the excellent service, or maybe even the OPPA! that I can't seem to get enough of Cyma.

So that you can understand what I'm talking about, here are some of my Cyma favorites..

Lamb and Watermellon Salad. The Most refreshing salad that I have tasted.

Pastisado. Greek Osso Bucco

Yiouvetsi. Lamb Cutlets with Orzo Pasta

Salmon Fish Fillet. With simple herbs, spices, and of course evoo, this dish is simple, fresh, and delicious.

For Dessert: Skolatino. a Greek take on the molten chocolate cake

Just writing this made me hungry, maybe I'll have Cyma for dinner!

Miks

QP: Dear Darla!

Just a quick post...

I was finally able to try Yellowcab's Dear Darla which immediately become a favorite of mine.

The flat pizza sprinkled with arugula, alfalfa sprouts, and a little chili oil

I just couldn't wait to take a bite of that!

I am really obsessed with pizza that this twist on one of my all time favorite dishes was simply genius. With Dear Darla, I get to satisfy my pizza craving and at the same time feel good after. It is thin crust and filled with greens so it might as well be good for you right? hahaha!

Definitely a favorite!

Miks

Phoenix Court

Its been a while since something new opened down here in the south. That's why it was very exciting when the new wing of Bellevue was finally completed and they opened their doors to there new food offering, Phoenix Court. There have been a lot of other restaurants the opened the past months, but it was just about time that a new fine dining restaurant came about.

So one Friday, we were very thankful that Tita Liza invited us to celebrate her birthday with her in Phoenix Court. Its was really great that we were finally complete for the first time in ages and trying out a new place together.

Once we were all settled, a fleet of plates arrived

each dish was simply scrumptious

I really liked the the Pecking duck cooked the "second way"

For dessert we had Mango Chiboust from Bizu

this will forever be delicious

no wonder we finished the whole thing...

and Warm Almond

which was like a warm dessert soup

First time to try dessert soup, I really enjoyed it

The Ladies with the celebrant

us kids

(sadly Cato and Jarv stepped and is not in picture)

I just have to give Phoenix Court two thumbs up. Everything was simply amazing. Each dish had a twist in them just like the breaded shrimp topped with intriguingly tasteful flakes. I can't wait to eat there again for it was truly an experience!

Happy Birthday again Tita Liza!

Miks

Egg in a Basket!

I have to say that one of my all time favorite movie is V for Vendetta! The mix of a totalitarian government and a revolutionary man trying to save his country just keeps glued to the tv screen.

What I remember most about this movie was during the scene where Evey, played by Natalie Portman, catches V preparing breakfast and she was amazed by how he was able to use butter since it was only the prime minister who had access butter. Not only was it unbelievable that Evey was never able to taste butter but rather I was left curious and amazed by how V was able to cook an egg that was nestled right in the middle of a loaf bread.

I've been trying to figure out how V was able to do such a thing and trust be, several messy tries were done but to no luck. It was only during my trip to the SanFo last March that I stumbled into a food magazine in Barnes and Noble which had a special of different egg dishes, one of them being Eggs in a basket. Finally ignorant me learned that i was supposed to cut a circular hole in the middle of the loaf bread.

and Voila, I was finally able to do it

I hope V would be proud

perfect for breakfast served with fresh OJ

Enjoy your day "sunny side up"!

Miks