CHIPS & SALSA

Chips and salsa is a perfect combination.  Just like Starsky and Hutch, Batman and Robin, Calvin and Hobbes.  One can’t be complete without the other.

There are many versions of salsa.  A favorite is the mango peach combination which comes prepared in a tub.

Mango peach salsa. Sweet & salty with the right amount of spice

Hawaiian kettle style potato chips go best with salsa.  A recommendation by cousin Bach.

This is also a deadly combination in terms of calories and fat intake.  I hear voices and shouts of “who cares!” and actually listen.  We deserve these little indulgences once in a while.  “Agree!”

ONLY AT BULGOGI BROTHERS

TBW always used to say “I’m not really fond of Korean food”, when urged to try a new Korean restaurant.  Someone spoke to soon, alright.  Because one fine day,  after touring the new food wing of Alabang Town Center, TBW sits in a Korean restaurant and enjoys…nay…loves everything that is served.

Just like any typical Korean restaurant, Bulgogi Brothers served an array of appetizers endlessly at the beginning of the meal.  TBW probably loved this entree because of the melange of familiar flavors ranging from sweet, spicy, salty to sour and the textures from crunchy to smooth and the play of colors.  All close to home.  Nothing too alien.  Plus we had two servings of each. It was a feast for the eyes, palate and wallet.  Love it!

L-R Hot corn tea...drink all you can. Eat all you can appetizers ranging from salad, sweet potato & pumpkin, kimchi, stewed mushrooms, corn, quail eggs, marble potatoes.

We ordered dumplings with a seafood vegetable salad on the side and spicy tolerable sauce and my only favorite Korean dish (then) chapchae or japchae (sweet potato noodles with bits of beef and vegetables).  A mental note was made not to order these next time as the appetizers were more than enough to satisfy.  Also, TBW has had better chapchae.  The most recent being in Bon Chon (more of this in another post).  The presentation though of both dishes were beautifully executed.

Dumplings with seafood vegetable salad and Bulgogi Brothers version of chapchae.

The Bulgogi Brothers special was recommended by our server.  Glad we followed her as food was very good, had value for money as one order fed 4, and interactive cooking was experienced.  A must try!

L-Bulgogi Brothers special on the menu. R-Actual order. Two types of marinated raw beef portions good for 4 or more together with uncooked mongo sprouts, onion and sweet potato on a grill pan are brought to your table. A flat heated stove top is available on each table where the grill is placed. Server cooks for you and voila...freshly cooked beef and vegies dipped in three types of condiments. Bulgogi after all means grilled meat.

Table top grilling.

The Koreans have definitely invaded our country.  My palate included.  I am now a convert.  I love Korean food… but only at Bulgogi Brothers… for now.

BALAI HILOM…The Best Kept Secret of Lian.

This was finally unveiled to moi after much anticipation a few moons back.  Prima mia Linda owns this beautiful getaway by the sea.  Balinese inspired, she single handedly did the decor.  Her innate sense of style, eye for detail and astute resourcefulness resulted to this fab looking beach house that was featured in a leading interior design magazine.

Here are some of TBW’s shots taken during that fun-filled weekend.  Pardon my photos as they do not give justice to the place.

Welcome to Balai Hilom

Superior Interiors

It's all in the details.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and is definitely present in this house.

View to a chill. Magnificent views seen from Balai Hilom

Well put together buffet set-ups using objects strewn around. Only at Balai Lamon...este Hilom =)

And the food indulgence begins……

Starters: Homemade salsa with nachos & beef, cheese & cured meat spread, raclette using fontina cheese, sweet corn, roast chicken with rosemary & potatoes

Condiments or relishes artfully presented.

Around the world weekend menu: Paella, grilled fish/lamb/chicken, prawn lettuce cups, pandan chicken, lumpia, lechon kawali, Japanese salad

Paired with wine naturally.  The entire day =)

Red and white with all its might. And the best tasting frozen sangria aptly called Happy Juice of Balai Inom...este Hilom!

Beautiful interiors, magnificent views, glorious food and happy juice.  What more can one ask for?  How about warmth and love of family….

Check! Abundantly found here!

"O Solo Mio" =)

Angels at the beach

Flower and shell castle TBW made with Nattie & Iya . Love =)

A true feast for all the senses!

Balai Hilom literally translates to House of Healing.  She certainly is.

CHRISTMAS IN TAIWAIN

Taipei to be exact.  Easy, tranquil, cold (at least for moi  with 10-12), surprisingly friendly populace, injected with the usual interesting sight seeing, shopping high mid and low, and glorious food.  A lot have been discovered about this place and these finds will surely turn up here.  In the meantime, here are a few family snap shots taken with ze Canon =)

Click on photo to enlarge

A truly Merry Christmas!

An Early Christmas Celebration

Many are now convinced that having an early Christmas celebration is one of the best ways to get family members together especially if it means gathering a diverse group of individuals with haywire schedules to match.

December 10 was the date of choice.  Early date, traffic still manageable and the eve of Dad’s birthday.

Home was prepared for 20+ people

Calorific, Cholesterolific & Triglicerific pot-luck food....lechon, shrimps, crabs, Pampanga calderata & sisg, pancit Lukban, red beet potato salad, dinuguan, sinful desserts, etc.

A perfect formula is  always a comfortable venue, glorious food and loving family.  Believe moi, nothing beats that.

The Family's Matriarchs: The GG's

SOLO

I love this crazy, wacky, clumsy, psychy, rowdy Albert family.  Warts, farts and all.

NEVER TOO LATE TO POST

It’s been close to three months since TBW’s last post.  That’s a looong time for a blog that had a post almost everyday as a standard.  Blame it on the newly acquired responsibility which took my life by storm beginning October this year.  Not only has it taken much of my waking time especially on weekdays, it has encroached on my me time as well—exercise, mani/pedi, salons, posts, family, friends and too many more to mention…including sleep!!!  Mind you, it’s not that bad.  Like I always say and do, look at the brighter side of things.  The glass is half full.  Look for the light at the end of the tunnel.  Blah blah blah.  So what is the brighter side, where is the water and the light to all these?  Simply being involved in a super duper exciting project that is about to unveil itself in x number of months…

Can't say much as this project is still under wraps. However, as soon as it is ready to present itself to the world, you dear readers will certainly get an exclusive account. If there is time to do the post..haha!

Several events have happened over the past 3 months.  Many food adventures experienced, some with photos, many with none.  TBW is no longer a daily camera-trotting creäture, you see.  Only on days when time, space and hands permit are these events and adventures documented.  Nevertheless, those photos taken shall find their way here sooner than soon.  This is the least TBW can do to loyal and continuing readers and followers.  Sincere apologies for the momentary dry spell.

It is never too late to say I’m sorry…..and to post =)

AUBERGINE REVISITED & LOVED

Aubergine was the choice for a celebratory occasion the other night as the place hardly ever disappoints.  We were overly pleased with the food and service, the experience still lingering in our memories.

The specials for the evening were presented. It was Chanterelle night. Tempting but we settled for favorites.

Degustacion menu & more it was.....

To literally start...hummus, butter & bread

Amuse Bouche.....thin slices of roast beef with strawberry glaze.

Pinot Grigio all throughout

While "spacing", took photos of the open-glass-enclosed kitchen

from the dining area...

...and eventually ventured inside the kitchen to see, with no barriers, live kitchen action.

Dinner plates being filled.

Executive Chef puts his final touch on every dish.

German Executive Chef Stefan Langenhan in fluid motion

First love. A beautiful wagyu carpaccio enhanced by tart caper berries. First dish and already loved.

A duo of thinly sliced fresh ocean trout in honey-mustard sauce & tartare accompanied by garden greens. A horseradish cream wrapped in raspberry gelee complemented the trout very well. A fetching presentation as well. Love two.

Lobster bisque with grilled prawn & champagne foam. Thick essence of lobster flavor...one can actually taste the entire lobster head in this bisque. Third love.

Pan seared foie gras on truffled potato mousseline in madeira jus. O my...sublime madeira jus got my eyes rolling in ecstacy. I wanted to go inside the kitchen & nick the entire container. 4th one & still loved.

Time to rest the oooh’s & aaah’s with sorbet.

A well-chosen grilled US Wagyu rib eye steak with port wine sauce & béarnaise sauce on the side. Sidings were excellent especially the potato gratin (extreme left) which was presented like a roll but as you cut into it, a firm textured potato is had and bursting with expected gratin flavor. Love x5!

An Aubergine menu fixture. Classic French Rougie duck confit with fava bean cassoulet & potatoes. Requested with an additional slice of foie gras. Duck confit was perfectly firm & crisp on the outside, tender & moist on the inside. Foie gras was masterfully seared...caramelized with a tinge of brittle on the surface, smooth & creamy beyond...paired flawlessly with grape, prune & onion compote. A 6th love.

An artsy raspberry macaroon on passion fruit savarin (named after Brillat-Savarin, an 18th century food writer) & fruit coulis. Sweet, tart & full of textures.

Chocolat macaroon & a heart-shaped ginger & cinnamon covered chocolate. Love the heart's interesting combination.

Service was impeccable courtesy of Froilan. From beginning to end, he unobtrusively fussed over us. Aubergine is lucky to have had him since 2007. Look for him if you wish to be discreetly pampered.

This was an excellent meal and at the moment tops TBW’s list. Loved everything!

Did I mention Aubergine was on the Miele Guide’s top 20 Asian restaurants for 2009-2010?  

Aubergine is located on the 2nd floor of 32nd& 5th Building,  5th avenue corner 32nd street at The Fort.  To get there quickly, look for McDonalds  as it is on the ground level.  Basement parking available.  Call 8569888 for reservations.

WOW’S SEEN & HEARD

These are a few of the WOW’s  (Words of Wisdom) I have either seen on friends’ social networking walls, bathroom included =) or simply heard from well-meaning people.  Their names come right after.

 

 

“People who criticize a lot… (Are insecure.) Who complain a lot… (Seldom take action.) Who insult a lot… (Are commonly ugly.) Who flirt a lot… (Lack love and attention.) Who gossip a lot… (Never had a true friend.) On the other hand, people who are Successful… (Strive.) Who achieve a lot… (Are inspired.) Who are Happy… (Think of others.)     Rose

 

 

          RICH                                                                         FIT

          R – Relaxed                                                               F – Faithful

          I – Inspired                                                               I – Immaculate

          C – Content                                                               T – Thankful

          H – in Harmony with all                                                          Susan

 

 

I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best!   M. Monroe 

 

“Being Happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect. It means you decided to see beyond the imperfections.” 

  5 Simple Rules to Happiness:

 1 – Free your heart from hatred.

 2- Free your mind from worries.

 3- Live simply.

                                      4 –  Give more.

                                      5- Expect less.                                      Michelle

 

 

Please allow me to share a story in the words of His Holiness the Dalai Lama:   Ed

There were once two monks – a teacher and his student. In order to give some encouragement to his student, the teacher said, “One day we will definitely go for a picnic.” After a few days it was forgotten. The student later reminded the teacher of his promise but the teacher responded by saying that he was too busy to go for a picnic for a while.  

A long time passed: no picnic. When reminded again, the teacher said, “Not now, I am far too busy.” So one day, the student saw a dead body being carried off, and the teacher asked him, “What is happening?” And the student replied, “Well, that poor man is going on a picnic!”

So, unless you make specific time for something that you feel committed to, you will always have other obligations.

 

If you are kind, help others and do not harm others, does it matter what religion you are?                                                                                                                                                                                        Anonymous

 

 

 

Have a good weekend!

WORDS I LIKE TO SEE & HEAR

I love you more

Peals of laughter

Tears of joy

Everything will be fine.....

Let's try this new restaurant.

IT TASTES SOOO GOOD!!!

Foie gras

Fresh cherries

IT FITS!

Perfect.

Heavenly.

TRAVEL!

With great power comes great responsibility

Stop and smell the roses......

WE DID IT!

Happy Sunday =)

PLAYING FAVORITE

A weekend favorite is to have food that’s delicious with no fuss and fanfare.  Going to Nihonbashitei for a good and inexpensive Japanese lunch and capping it off with ice cream at Milky Way have been a favorite pattern in several occasions.

Appetizers

Another set of appetizers on another day

Gyoza

Standard Sushi Shapes

A favorite: Chirashi sushi. It is like a deconstructed sushi in a bowl. Various sashimi slices on top of vinegared rice with shreds of nori, generous serving of sakura denbu (pink sweet powder) and some pickled ginger.

Family favorite: Ebi Tempura. Nihonbashitei's ebi tempuras are relatively large compared to other Jap restos because of the shrimp size and not the batter. When you bite into it, it is shrimp that you really find! Not bad at all for 280 pesos per order of 4 large ebis.

Akashe ramen. Quite a flavorful broth. The sukiyaki is superb here but forgot to take a photo =)

Beef Teppanyaki for the meat lovers

We always have to get a private room even if we are just 3 or 4 because we truly are a noisy and rowdy bunch of people when together =)

Three is company already!

Since Nihonbashitei is not big on dessert, next stop is Milky Way for their good ol’  ice cream and sherbet.

Buko sherbet in plain, lychee and maiz variants. Bring a pint or half-gallon home. The best is the plain buko because it is not too sweet and still gives you that refreshing feeling =)

Avocado and langka ice cream. Yummy and powerful combination. Like Brad and Angelina =)

Playing favorite this way is surely welcoming and worth doing with fun family members.

Nihonbashitei is located along Arnaiz Ave. (formerly Pasay Road) in Makati before Don Bosco church.  Call 8188893 -94 for reservations.  Advisable to get a private room so no one hears your conversation and noise  and also, you’ll still smell like yourself and not Jap food.  Another branch opened along Pedro Gil st. in Manila, before Robinsons Place.

Milk Way is along Arnaiz Ave. Head towards San Lorenzo Village and find it on the right side.  It’s in the same building as El Cirkulo and Azuthai.  Pass by their deli named Pop’s for frozen “take outs” like sherbets, dinuguan, lengua and other Filipino and Thai delicacies like chicharon, mini barquillos, tamarind, etc.