Eat's A Date at (with) Mr. Jones (Greenbelt5)

First, I would like to thank OpenRice for my (and Tim's) second Eat's a Date! Thank you, thank you! :) Secondly, I apologize for posting this a bit late - holidays are hectic and a lot of things needed to be done first, especially since I'm leaving on a trip in a few days. Will be missing my hubby, but I'm sure he'll  live. LOL.

Anyway, balik sa usapan. The event took place at Mr. Jones at Greenbelt 5. Mr. Jones is under the Raintree Restaurants groups - others restos under Raintree are M (Museum) Cafe, MoMo, and Chelsea. 

Mr. Jones
G/F Greenbelt 5,
Makati City, Metro Manila

The restaurant (diner) has the 1980's feel and offers a wide array of authentic American diner cuisine. Even the menus look similar to American diners'. The music was also vintage, but only my husband really likes those types of songs. Hehehe. I had high hopes for this Eat's A Date, since I looked up previous write ups on Mr. Jones, and all of them had nice things to say. And when the food came, I wasn't disappointed.   

Mr. Jones prepared a menu for us consisting of: 

"Grrreeen Goddess" Cobb Salad - Php 450
grilled chicken, crispy bacon, toasted almonds, fresh tomato,
fresh parmesan, whole baby romaine & homemade caesar dressing

--  I LOVE the freshness of the vegetables and their homemade dressing and parmesan, sarap!

  

"Truffled Disco:, Beef gravy & Cheese Fries - Php 395
topped with chunky beef smothered with
wild mushroom gravy & "fondue" cheese drizzled with truffle oil

-- This is one of my favorites. I loved the combination of flavors, the beef, the mushroom gravy, and the cheese.

A "Wet" California Big Burrito Platter - Php 395
topped with melted cheddar & jack cheese, loaded with carnitas,
black beans, mexican rice, salsa fresca, olives & sourcream served with
black beans, mexican rice & tortilla chips

-- Goin' Mexican this time, ole, ole!!! :) I love Mexican foods, so it is no surprise that I enjoyed eating this one.  I squeezed the lime over it, and it was perfect for me.          

Wicked Truffled Mac n' Cheese -Php 395
baked with 3 types of macaroni, 4 cheeses, "Canadian style" double smoked
bacon baby portobello mushrooms & green peas drizzled with truffle oil

-- This dish is way too heavy for me. Don't get me wrong, it is delicious, (4 cheeses & bacon - who can resist that?!) but I'm really not a fan of mac & cheese. Tim enjoyed it though.

  

Sizzlin' Butter Seafood "Foil Broil" - Php 420
prawns, mussles, clams & dory wrapped in a foil pouch
fresh lemon & parsley, served with grilled sourdough

-- WINNER!!! I love, love seafood!!!  The mussles, clams and dory were cooked to perfection. sadly though, the prawns were a little bit overcooked (feeling Masterchef!!!).  Again, the combination of flavors -- to die for! The sauce was oh-so-yummy, and also the sourdough, hay, we just can't get enough! :)

Warm Baked Brownie & a Blondie...So Good! - uh oh, I wasn't able to get the price!!!
served warm with 1 scoop of mantecado & 1 scoop of chocolate ice cream
(well, according to Wikipedia, mantecado is a name for a variety of Spanish shortbreads)

-- catchy name, huh!?! True to its name, the brownie was served warm and freshly baked, topped with a scoop of ice cream.   :)  

For drinks, we had:

Tropical Fruit Punch and Grape Frozen Iced Tea -- Php 125 

-- Refreshing and they didn't trigger my hyperacidity, so yay!!!  I've had bad experiences with the iced teas of other restaurants, hindi tummy friendly for me! so thank you Mr. Jones for these drinks!!!  :) 

Overall, I loved the whole experience. It was definitely worth trudging through the hectic holiday crowd na makapal (kahit Thursday) and get home at past 12 midnight. 

Y! Rocks

Last Thursday, December 8, Tim and I were able to watch and shoot the Y! Rocks concert at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds.  We were lucky because Tim's friend gave us two (2) SVIP tickets, yay, nasa pinakaharap kami! Salamat sa tix!

The concert was hosted by Yahoo! Philippines and aims to recognize the Filipinos' talent and love for music and also celebrate Original Pilipino Music (OPM).   Y! Rocks concerts were also held simultaneously in SM Cebu and SM Davao.  

Y! Rocks featured emerging/up-and-coming musicians. They shared the stage with the some of the hottest bands/artists in the country (e.g., Wolfgang, Sandwich, The Dawn, Razorback, Callalili, Pupil,Parokya ni Edgar, 6cyclemind, True Faith, Karl Roy, Gloc 9).  Both mainstream and breakthrough acts who performed were selected by Yahoo! viewers through online voting.

We really enjoyed the concert even if it was raining the whole time. I was only able to take a few pictures since I volunteered to hold the umbrella so Tim can shoot (mas magaling naman kasi siya mag-shoot and ayaw ko din mabasa cam&lens nya, sayang kasi baka masira).            

My fave = Parokya ni Edgar, aliw lang talaga si Chito and Vinci.  

His Fave = Wolfgang, na-LSS pa nga siya sa Halik ni Hudas eh.

Here are some of my pics:

Yahoo! supports OPM. :)

vinci and chito

Kean Cipriano of Callalily

---more pictures to follow. edit muna ako ng pics at gawa ng thesis, hehehe. :)

Eat's A Date at Chuck's Deli (Eastwood City)

Tim and I had a chance to be invited to an Eat’s A Date event organized by Openrice. 

According to its website, OpenRice (Openrice.com) is “an online dining guide written by local people, with a comprehensive restaurant search engine and a platform for users to write reviews on restaurants they have visited.”  Originally from Hong Kong, now OpenRice also serves people from China, Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore.

The food tasting event took place last Saturday, Nov. 26, at Chuck’s Deli in Eastwood.  Call time was 2 pm sharp, but husband and I arrived 30 minutes early, so we decided to walk around and take some pictures of ourselves.

Chuck’s Deli is relatively new.  It is owned and operated by Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara (Le Cordon Bleu, Paris – trained) and her husband Marco Alcantara.  It started its operation last November 2010 (Serendra branch), while its Eastwood branch opened last May 6, 2011.

The menu consists of Slabwiches (Chuck’s signature super sandwiches), Subwiches (subs), Paninis (served on herbed focaccia), Ground & Pounders (burgers made with half-pounder patties), and the Dog Pound (footlong ‘dogs). These sandwiches are served with sides, a choice between home-made chips or onion rings.  One thing that sets Chuck's Deli's sandwiches from their competitors is that the make their own breads, patties, sausages, hotdogs, chips, sauces--- almost everything!  I personally love their breads --- light and airy, and so yummy! :)    

Here are some of Chuck's Deli's famous sandwiches that we were able to sample:

Chuck's Burger (Php 265)
US Angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato,
spicy garlic sauce, mayo mustard
(add cheese :  Php 45 ; add bacon : Php 45)

-- Their patty is super tasty and packed with flavor, the super thin and delicious homemade chips is a big plus here.

California Waki (Php 255 - 1/2 slab ; Php 445 - 1 slab)
Chuck's deconstructed version of  the famous California Maki
slabwich with kani, mango, egg, lettuce & wasabi mayo  

-- I love California Maki so it is no surpirse that I also love Chuck's Deli's California Waki.  I love the bread and the sauce, yum, yum!!! :)

Reuben ( Php 275 - 1/2 slab ; Php 495 - 1 slab)
Chuck's rendition of the classic-homemade Angus corned beef,
swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard with spicy garlic sauce or garlic sauce

-- Their homemade corned beef is a winner. Chef Katrina told us that it takes 3 weeks to cure and process the meat, kaya you can just imagine how tasty it is.  

Chorizo Burger (Php 225)
Chorizo patty, lettuce, tomato, spicy garlic sauce,
mayo mustard
(additional Php 20 for an egg)

-- Again, the mix and choice of spices in the patty are great. I tried it with the spicy garlic sauce, and it added a kick to it.  :)  

Faking Duck (Php 195 - 1/2 slab ; Php 345 - 1 slab)
A peking-style inspired slabwich with roast pork,
lettuce, hoisin sauce, leeks, & crispy noodles

-- This is definitely a FAKER (in a good way). If Chef Katrina didn't tell us what it really was, all of us bloggers would be pretty convinced that it is real duck because it actually tastes like one, blame it on the hoisin sauce!!! One of the stand out dishes. :) 

Footlong Chilidog (Php 395)
 Classic footlong, condiments, grated cheddar cheese,
no-bean chili (ground  beef cooked in tomato sauce w/ herbs & spices) + diced jalapenos
with a side of home-made chips 

-- This dish reminds me of our UP days, hehehe. My husband and I used to eat footlongs sold beside FC in UP. Chuck's Deli's version is way healthier and tastier though.   

The Buffy (Php 255 - 1/2 slab ; Php 445 - 1 slab)
Buffalo (a.k.a. Buffy) chicken and garlic sauce
with sides of onion rings and double-fried french fries

-- I love, love. love the bread.  The chicken is a bit spicy for me (or maybe I'm really not a fan of buffalo chicken), but it is cooked to perfection. :)  Coincidentally, the Chuck's Challenge is all about Slay(ing) The Buffy. The goal of the challenge is to finish the buffalo slabwich in 5 minutes or less.  Winners will get the  slabwich for free, a Buffy challenge-winner T-shirt, and their names on Chuck's Deli's wall of fame.

I CAN'T!!!
(the famous Buffy challenge-winner T-shirt)

Chuk's Deli's Wall of Fame

Here are some of their "Chasers & Quenchers" :

from L - R :
1. Fresh Lemonade (Php 85 ; add Php 10 for Honey Lemonade)
2. Strawberry Smoothie ( Php 125)
3. Arce Dairy Milkshake -- 3 scoops of Arce Dairy ice cream blended with fresh carabao's milk (Php 165 - Php 195)
4. Power Shake -- blended lettuce, apple and orange (Php145)

-- Their Arce Dairy Milkshake is rich, thick and creamy, made out of a blend of carabao's milk and Arce Dairy ice cream. 

-- The Power Shake turned out to be a surprise for everyone who tried it. It was a surprisingly refreshing drink. Healthy too. Sa sobrang sarap, I will try to do this at home. :) 

some of their imported drinks

Likes: 

-- I love their concept. They offer something new, which is a good sandwich place.  

-- Very "casual and laid-back ambiance"

-- They make things/ingredients from scratch = FRESHNESS GUARANTEED.

-- Free Wi-Fi

-- FOOD and DRINKS = innovative, yummy and healthy alternative

Dislikes:

-- Prices are a bit steep.

-- No washroom / restroom (only hand sanitizers)

DIY Crafts Project : Girly Headbands

Here's another DIY crafts project of mine: 

 

I am planning to give these girly headbands to my nieces as Christmas gifts, tipid mode ang Mommy Joy, hehehe.  I actually gave 2 headbands already to my niece Chelsea, but sadly, i forgot to take a photo of her wearing the headbands.  

Tim and I bought the materials needed in Carolina's and SM Department Store at SM Megamall.  The supplies are relatively cheap (mga kuripot talaga kami eh), especially when you compare them to the ones in some stores (Forever 21, Regalong Pambahay, SM Department Store) where they sell these kinds of headbands at a very high price (Php 150-250).  

I intend to make more of these, also hair clips and other accessories.  Abangan. :)     

DIY Crafts Project : Flowery Pom pom Bib Necklace

I've been into crafts lately, and tutorials online on how to make some  DIY crafts are really helpful.

Here's one project that I did last week - my mother-in-law even thought that I bought it. Hehehe.

Flowery pom pom bib necklace

Here are the materials that I used in making my "flowery pom pom bib necklace":

• Felt cloth
• Fabric / cloth (you can choose any color of your choice, I used scrap fabrics given to me by my mother-in-law)
• Scissors
• Ribbon (you can also use a necklace chain)
• Glue stick / glue gun

* For the tutorial, here's a link, check it out.

Cooking Projects: Leche Flan

Being a housewife - which means stuck (and bored) inside the house most of the time - I've been trying a lot of things since I got married, one of which is cooking. Tim is a picky eater, even his family (especially his mom) can attest to that, so it is very challenging for me to come up with meals/dishes that will please him. I don't have any cookbooks at home, so I only rely on recipes from the internet, or sometimes I asked my mom-in-law for the recipes of some of Tim's favorite dishes.

Just this month, i asked for my mother-in-law's Leche Flan recipe. Here you go:

LECHE FLAN

(makes 3 oval llaneras)

homemade Leche Flan
(photo courtesy of Tim)

Ingredients: 

6-7 egg yolks

1 whole egg

1 big can of Alpine Full Cream Evaporated Milk

1 big can of Milkmaid

6 tbsps of white sugar

3tbsps water

Materials:

Steamer

3 oval llanera 

vanilla / dayap rind (optional)

strainer

Making the Caramelized Syrup:

In a pan (I used a nonstick pan, since we only have that), dissolve 6tbsps of sugar in 3tbsps of water over medium heat.  Swirl the pan gently, and stir occasionally.  Note:  a light brown caramel color tastes sweeter, while a darker shade tastes bitter.  Pour the caramelized syrup in the 3 llanera , making sure to cover all the surface.  Let cool.   

Making the Custard:

- In a mixing bowl, combine all the other ingredients: egg yolks, whole egg, condensed milk, full cream evaporated milk, sugar.  (I skipped the vanilla/dayap since we don't have any at home.)  Gently mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent the formation of bubbles.

- Strain the mixture when pouring in the llanera  to remove any solids.  Make sure to cover the llanera with an aluminum foil (I used a cling wrap kasi wala kaming a.foil sa bahay, teeehee -- it worked naman) to prevent the moisture from the steam to come inside the llanera.  You don't want your leche flan to be watery, di ba? :)

- Approximate Steaming/Cooking Time: 45 minutes.

- Note: you can check for the consistency by inserting a knife / toothpick in the center of the flan. If it comes out clean, then it is done already.

- Remove the llanera / mould from the steamer and let it cool at room temperature.

- Other people want their Leche Flan served right away. While others want theirs chilled.  If you're going to refrigerate your leche flan, make sure to cover it with cling wrap or aluminum foil.

- In unmolding your flan, run a knife or spatula around the edges to loosen it, then carefully invert the mould into a serving dish. 

- ENJOY. nyamnyam!!! :

07.10.11

Some pictures from our BIG day:

pre-ceremony at the Discovery Suites

Cookie Tim trying to put on his tie

Post-ceremony at Bella Ibarra:

garter thing-y

Something new to beat my boredom blues

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I am a newbie here, kaya medyo nangangapa pa.

I am not so much into writing stuff, unlike my husband who's really a good writer (love you 'kie!).  here's his blog, read on: iamstorm.com.

My blog will basically revolve around my interests as a bored, yet happy and spoiled, housewife.  

I am a registered nurse too but I recently resigned from my position in the province since husband and I got married recently.  I am on the lookout though for new work here in Manila, good luck to me. :)  

Feel free to browse and read my posts, and maybe leave some comments/questions.  :)