Certainly, it's Sugi

Ask my childhood self what my favorite Japanese restaurant is and I would reply, "Sugi!" Prices weren't that high then but everything, I loved. It was there where I got introduced to Sashimi, Gindara, and Unagi, where I developed my preference for Shime Saba, and where I looked at my first moving Okonomiyaki.

The menu stayed the same, and most of our orders also. Bing, our favorite waitress, is now the head of the staff. And this time, since there was something to celebrate, it was my turn to get the bill.

Sugi will always be that special restaurant where every bite can be expected as perfect, as I have remembered it as a kid. As its name means, it is like that kind of Evergreen, always reliable. If I bring you here, it's because I love you and at that time, I have a lot of extra cash

So, if you're going to ask me now what the best Japanese restaurant is...you know the answer.

As Recommended by @ChaDaoTeaPlace

It started with a text. Yanee wanted to hang out with me, Zhang, and Arnold. We all had nothing to do but Arnold was not feeling well.

Usually when I go to Cha Dao BF Homes, I just buy and take out. Cha Yen is my usual but when I tweeted @ChaDaoTeaPlace and they recommended Dark Assam Frost Blend or Peach Mango Yakult. I initially wanted to try Jasmine Honey Yakult but it was unavailable so I just got Dark Assam. The cup reminded me of Gong Cha, only closer to the heart. It was sweet with cream on top that complement when you sip from the cup. It looked so good, my sister asked me to bring one home. Just got the Peach Mango Yakult with popping bobba for my brother so I could taste what a bobba is. It does pop. :)

Agahan, Kape, Bulalo, Merienda, Sandwich, Milk Tea

Tagaytay has always been one of my favorite near-Manila-quick-getaway spots. One Saturday, I found myself there after almost being left behind by the transportation at Santana Grove. Good thing Reggie, Tonyo, Ros, Blyn, Ramon, and Raffy were not impatient enough to leave me there.

Breakfast was at old reliable Jollibee at Paseo de Sta. Rosa. Nothing beyond the usual there.

Morning break found us behind Leslie's, at Filibeans. We didn't know where to pass time so we cruised along the main road, found the sign, and tried it out. It was a small space that we took over. I got myself the Tres Lolas special, served in a big glass with fancy whipped cream on top. It's the usual coffee shake with langka, which was surprisingly a good combination. This is where I met Ana and Paul, the unlawyer couple.

After multiple rounds of humor, we figured out the way to Mahogany Market. Bulalo restos were side by side and we did not know where to go. Apps failed us but our instincts brought us Betchay's. We filled a long table right before the lucnch crowd filled the place. Bulalo was without sebo and crispy tawilis was just enough. Full, and almost in a food coma, we went to the next Cafe.

Bag of Beans was not that big before my last visit. My favorite area now has a minimum charge and maximum number of hours. They also now have three parking areas, a buffet area, and worse service. Coffee would always be good but bad service made the place lose its charm. We were there for more than 3 hours because of bad tracking and lack of a system for check out.

Last Tagaytay food stop was at classic Mushroomburger but that was only for take out. 64 pesos got me a mushroom sandwich, better than the burger.

Last last stop was back at Paseo de Sta. Rosa, to check out outlet stores and get milk tea from Moonleaf. Classic Hakka lulled me to relaxation.

Non-dessert at Breton

Another default restaurant for my family to hang out in is Cafe Breton. Usually we're at the one beside Greenbelt's best set of speakers.

Although, it's usually known for La Pinay, my favorite crepe is a savory one, the Poseidon. Salmon, cream, capers, and lemon. Always the best combination. Top your meal with an order of Cafe Liegeois and you don't need a dessert crepe.

Bye Valencia, Welcome to my life Jaffa!

I've heard a lot about Chocolate Fire since it opened and but I never got a chance to go there since it was out of the way until recently.

Yanee and Ruth were there ahead of me and already ordered food. Being my first time there, I had to order something for myself. Looking at the menu, "Jaffa" caught my eye immediately. The description was perfect, dark and orange. Of course, I just had to order the larger size! It was great right from the very first sip until the contents of the mug was only just a memory.

Food was good, a bit on the light side. Flavorful but my Jaffa stole the show. Ruth got a Cervelat which was perfectly steamed and an Apple Pie ala Mode. Yanee gave the DealGrocer coupon which got us pasta, sandwich, side salad, iced tea, and a slice of cake. At first the cake was like any other chocolate cake, until after about a second in your mouth. The word "Premium" lingered with satisfaction. Elton pointed out that the difference was in the aftertaste.

The chocolate display was temptation at its peak! Good thing I was already full and satisfied. I would love to buy their dipped blueberries and strawberries, plus a ginger nut bark but I'll reserve that for next time. Which is most likely real soon!

Food + Trip + Friends

I've said it a million times and I'd say it again and again, I love eating with Yanee! And I'm sure she loves eating with her friends too, all 20+ of us.

Grateful for the planned foodtrip we ran all around Pampanga to get our comfort food in our stomachs. First stop was AC Rumpa, which served great ribs, Cordon Bleu, SOS, Chili con Carne. The ribs rival that what I tasted in Davao, which was quite unforgettable really. The second stop was the best. LA Bakeshop had cozy interiors and bottomless coffee + spanish bread + cheese bread. I have never stuffed that much within 2 hours. The great ending was at Apag Marangle where we had usual fare plus frogs and crickets.

Nothing's better than breaking bread and travelling, don't you agree?

Rave-ioli!

When I walk from work to my preferred shuttle area near Ayala MRT, one of my routes includes passing by this small, seemingly un-spacious restaurant called Bistro Ravioli. Of all the Italian pastas, as a kid, I've always been intrigued by ravioli. Maybe because it's harder to make since you really have to do it by hand or maybe just because it's much easier to eat

So finally, a not so busy day entered my schedule where I was able to drag Kate with me to Glorietta. We were hungry and undecided. We were just following our instincts until we got there. We got a good table which was surprisingly not claustrophobia-inducing despite the appearance of the place. Service was quick and they anticipated what you would need.

That night we got Salmon Ravioli with Saffron Cream Sauce and Fennel Sausage Pizza. That was actually good for three but we had digestive tracts after. For less than 600, it was much better than what we expected it to be. The experience was good but be better if they have a branch down South.