Le Petit Soufflé

Looking for a fancy diner with scrumptious food choices? You should try one of the newest restaurants in Century City Mall -- Le Petit Soufflé! The place has a vibe resembling to streets of France. The ambiance is perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing dining experience.

I actually fell in love immediately with the name of the place when a friend of mine mentioned it to me when I asked him to treat me to dinner. Haha! I usually browse first the menu online just to know what to expect and to excite myself on the food that the place can offer. My heart literally jumped for joy for the menu includes a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine which is really a very good combination.

My friend ordered Foie Gras Mac and Cheese for his main course. It was actually our first time to try foie gras (food made of liver of duck or goose). I am never a fan of liver. I really don't like eating liver but since foie gras is expensive, I did try it. I actually did not like unlike my friend who love it. The texture is not like the liver of pig and it's kind of soft. My friend told me that it tastes like "balut"! Haha! I haven't even tasted a "balut"! I ordered Squid Ink Rice which is really good even without the seafoods toppings, I will be able to eat it happily for the rice with squid ink and egg tastes like heaven! I highly recommend that dish! For dessert, we had Matcha Soufflé Pancake and Strawberry & Lychee Parfait! The desserts are super delicious! I really want to try more desserts but I was already full since the serving of each main course is too big for just one person. 

You have to try this place because it is really awesome! The chef really invested a lot of effort in preparing all the dishes. My friend who is really a good cook was satisfied with what we ate.

Larraine xx

PS: Le Petit Soufflé is the place to be if you are a matcha lover because they have a really wide range of desserts with matcha!!!

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The Wholesome Table

Last Tuesday, I spent my evening catching up with a vegan friend in an organic restaurant in Makati -- The Wholesome Table.

The place is amazingly nice and neat! The owners really invested on the vibe and setup of the place! Every detail around area perfectly complimented each other.

Since this is an organic restaurant, let's first define the word... ORGANIC. So, according to our dear friend, Mr. Webster:

or·gan·ic

\ȯr-ˈga-nik\

adjective

• of food : grown or made without the use of artificial chemicals
• : not using artificial chemicals
• : of, relating to, or obtained from living things

Now that we are aware of the meaning of organic, let's now dwell into the food that we ate in this organic restaurant.

While waiting for our main course, they asked us to try their potato breads which are part of their complimentary starters. They taste really good that we had to ask for another round! Also, they remind of me of the pudding that my mom prepares for us everytime we have leftover breads. We also ordered for hearty tomato soup which is actually also good. The serving of the soup is too generous for its price.

We also had vegetarian baked bolognese and enlightened bowl. Since I'm with a vegetarian friend, all of the food that we ate do not include any kind of meat. Having been able to try the food without meat from The Wholesome Table made me realized that I can really survive without eating any kind of meat though I think it will really take time and courage to do it because I am still craving for that meaty flavor while I was eating these foods. 

If you are a person who really loves to eat very healthy, clean, and non-meaty foods, this restaurant is the best place for you.

Larraine xx

PS: This place might just convert you to being vegetarian! Go for it!!!

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Rustic Mornings

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo is one of the restaurants in Marikina that I really want to try because of its artsy feel. 

It is just too far from my place that made me realized that it is not worth visiting during my regular working days.

Luckily, when I had an overnight in my cousin's place, they decided to take me to Rustic Mornings for breakfast after we attended the morning mass. I was giddy when they mentioned the place since it is very familiar to my ears and I wasn't expecting that they will take me there.

The menu has a great number of choices of food and drinks. I ordered Waffles, Buffalo Chicken Strips & Salad for 275 pesos. The serving is quite generous and I believe the value of food is just right for its worth.

Rustic Mornings is a great place with extraordinary ambiance. You have the option to stay indoors with the chinawares or outdoors with the plants. There are also so many painting all over the place which are all pleasing to the eyes.

If you like to treat your friends and family for breakfast somewhere in Marikina, Rustic Mornings is the perfect place to visit. Grateful that my cousin and her parents brought me to this place. I got to tick off this place from my list of restaurants to try in Manila. Yehey!!!

Larraine xx

PS: You may opt NOT to park inside since the pathway going to the restaurant is very narrow. 

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Friendship never ends!

15 years of friendship and counting! Thank You, Lord for giving me two amazing bffs who I can't count on even if we don't see one another for a month or even a year straight! Haha!

For the amazing folks who are reading this blog, I would like to introduce to you two of the best friends who have been an authenthic part of my childhood, Karla and Elaine! Yaaay! (Karla's on my right while Elaine's on my left)

These amazingly tall ladies are my elementary best friends. I can still clearly remember the days when all we just do on Fridays are to roam around the streets of our subdivision and eat grilled tilapia at Elaine's place. Those days for me are my "chill days" and days of pure bliss -- days that we don't have to think about much of the future, days that we're not pressured or stressed out, days when there's still no facebook and streets are our playground, and days that are full of laughters instead of worries. Oh, I really miss those days!

Last May 10, 2015 at Nike Women's 10k Run!

Even though there's no way for us to bring back the "old" times, I'm still blessed to have in my life until this very day the "old" friends whom I shared all those wonderful memories. The kind of friendship that we have is something I will treasure forever even if we just see each other for 2 or 3 times a year.

I guess for this year, we're really exerting efforts to meet and catch up with each other despite our busy schedules. We're really making up for all the lost times. I can't believe that we already made 4 catch up sessions this year and I am just sooo happy that I also got to try new things with them. Our most recent catch up session was last Tuesday where in we tried archery. I will do a separate post for that because there are so many feelings and emotions which I felt while playing that I want to share with you! Haha! 

Actually, before we went to the archery class, we ate dinner first in Flaming Wings (BF Homes) which also has a branch in Taft. I was craving for ramen and korean foods before I came across in google (when I was searching for a place to eat) this restaurant which is close to my heart. Flaming Wings was really one of my favorite places to eat in Taft back when I was in college. What I love in this place are the chicken wings and their wicked oreos! These foods are to die for lol! By the way, thanks to my bffs who agreed to eat in this place! 

I will always be grateful to God for allowing me to meet this ladies 15 years ago. I hope that this friendship that we have will last for a lifetime! I know deep in our hearts that we love each other and we care for each other even if don't talk or meet often. That's really what you can call #friendshipgoals :)

Larraine xx

PS: To Karla and Elaine, know that I love you both and I'm praying for both of you and I will always be here for you!!! Huuugs and kisses!!!

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Khay's Desserts & Cafe

I'm in love in this little pretty cafe in the ground floor of The District Ayala Mall, Imus, Cavite! Every little details in this place is perfect -- from their pretty couches and tables and chairs to their amazing mason jars and cute teaspoons.

RATW + Amici Night!

Last Friday, 27th September, we conquered the rain and burned some calories through walking and running at Ayala Triangle to fulfill the pledges that we made for an event in the office which is the Race Around The World. It's about turning some kilometers you've consumed through walking, running, or even dancing to dollars for a good cause. I wasn't able to take some pictures during the run/walk but I was able to grab some from Ate Darlene (thaaanksss, Ate Dee!)! Yaaay! So, those pictures without watermark are all from her!

RevOp Team! :) Ate Darlene, Ate Kring, Jets, Philip, and Me!

Post-Birthday Celebration at Burgoo

Honestly, it's my first time to eat at Burgoo! Thank God they have a branch near in our place -- at The District! Since my birthday this year fell on a Monday, my family and I waited for the weekend after my birthday to come to celebrate my 22nd birthday. I chose Burgoo because I haven't tried their food yet and I hoped that they can satisfy the tummies of my mom and my brothers. HAHA!

When you've been working for more or less 3 years, you won't expect your parents to pay the food you'll eat on your birthday celebration. Well, that's in my case. HAHA! I also know Burgoo's food's kind of pricey so I had a mental note to myself that the order of each one of us shouldn't exceed a certain budget because I don't want to overspend on food even though it's my birthday celebration. HAHAHA! I value my hard-earned money a lot!

Dinner at Marciano's

After our Ayala Museum experience, we went straight to Marciano's at Greenbelt 3 for dinner. The place is perfect for dinner dates with your special someone or even if you just want to wallow all by yourself! HAHA! It's too classy with all the chandeliers and wines and mirrors and even classic portraits on white brick wall.

Our Baby Girl turned 18!

Last September 8, our family celebrated the 18th birthday of our youngest girl cousin, Monique at Vikings (Mall of Asia branch)! Actually, it's my first time to try this buffet and I really enjoyed their food. Thanks to Ninang Wendi and Tito Mon for this wonderful treat! You guys made our tummy happy!!! :)

Jean. Monique, Me :)

Here are some of the food that I ate. HAHA! Please don't expect a lot of food photos since I got too busy eating and forgot about taking pictures of the food that I got for myself.

Red Kimono with my Soulsisters!

September is one of the most interesting months for me aside from December since it's my birth month! HAHA! So, the Saturday before I turned 22, I had this pre-birthday celebration with my little-big-sisters!

Ena, Camille, AJ and Me :)

Well, they're all younger than me but they're all taller than me that's why they're my little-big sisters. Aside from the fact that we all love to serve our God through the program committee, we all love fashion and food (HAHA!) which are some of the reasons why we get along so well even if I'm like 3 years older than them! I knooow! It's not that obvious that I'm older than them HEHE!

IHOP in Manila!

International House of Pancakes, commonly known in US as IHOP, is finally here in Manila! Well, It actually opened last February 2013 in BGC but I was just able to try this restaurant around August this year. My friends and I were just curious what this restaurant can offer so we went there one early Saturday morning.

The place is actually nice and clean. We're actually surprised that the place was quite packed in a very early Saturday morning. I guess most of those people just need some place to get sober -- I know you guys know what I mean. HAHA! Anyway, we're really expecting a homier place where you can have time to reflect or just feel cozy but that kind of setting wasn't given to us. Their music playlist was a bit loud and upbeat. I think McCafe has a way better playlist than them, just saying.

So, let's now move on with the food which was the main concern of my friends and I. HAHA!

Anne, Me, Joann :) #collegefriends #travelbuddies

Sentro 1771

Someone wants to try halo-halo! :)

Oh well, a good friend of mine told me a day before he leaves the Philippines that he already tried all the things that he must try to prove that he visited the Philippines except for halo-halo :) So, one Monday, I went with him to eat halo-halo :)

Just so everyone knows, halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served in a tall glass or bowl. OKAY, see full post about halo-halo in wikipedia :)

Since Greenbelt is a few minutes walking distance away from my friend's hotel, it's a good thing to just bring him in a restaurant in Greenbelt :) I did some research and looked for a good restaurant within Greenbelt that offers halo-halo and all the pages brought me to Sentro 1771. I know this restaurant exist in Greenbelt 3 but I have never dared to visit this place. Oh well, Sentro 1771 is another restaurant aside from Kanin Club that offers great Filipino cuisines :)

Chicken Adobo that tastes like my mom's chicken adobo! Feels like home! LOL!

Kanin Club!

Filipino foods with a twist! This is how I want to introduce Kanin Club! :)
The closest people in my life know how much I hate Dinuguan (Pork's Blood). I don't know if it's just the color of the dish but, I must say and I am proud to say that I now eat Dinuguan!!! I do have plans to eat it again but only if it's in Kanin Club because they offer a very cool dish called Crispy Dinuguan :) They have so many Filipino dishes to offer and most of the dishes that I have tasted are really good! :)

Welcome to Manila, Mike! :)

Tong Yang!

Looking for a buffet restaurant that won't hurt your pockets? :)
Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu & Barbecue Restaurant is the place to be!

I got introduced to this restaurant last summer when one of my bffs from the US had a vacation here in  Manila. Since we're going to do a lot of catching up, my thesismate and bff, Jenny suggested Tong Yang to be our venue. Tong Yang is an eat & drink all-you-can restaurant which makes it a great deal! :) With P585.00, your tummy will feel super happy with all the soup, shabu-shabu, barbecue, and even dessert! For the guys who love beer, you'll be able to enjoy this because of their bottomless beer :)

One Lovely Thursday at Gourmet Farms

It's been a while since I last went out with my elementary best friend, Elaine. I'm so glad that we were able to see each other this week. Elaine is one of the people who I seldom see but every time we see each other, it's as if we just spent time together yesterday. We are really close. As in! We've been friends since 4th Grade. So we're actually friends for 10 years already. OMG! I can't believe when I did the math just now. It just felt like yesterday that we're loitering along the streets of our subdivision! Any way, so much for my inner reminiscing scenes. HAHA! So, last Thursday, we're supposed to go to a very spontaneous trip to La Union to go surfing but since I'm a bum, I told her that I got no budget for the La Union trip. I know it's a shame but what can I do? My back pay's gonna be released in May so I really have limited budget this summer and so we ended up eating in Silang, Cavite. It's a one bus ride away from our subdivision. It took us 40 minutes to reach our destination - The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms :)

Coffee Time @ Bag of Beans

Coffee Time.
Bag of Beans near the Tagaytay Rotunda is one of the best places where you can actually enjoy a good cup of pricey coffee and still manage to reflect about the state of your life or your heart. But, for this blog post, I considered this place to be the place where you can just chill with your colleagues and forget about the heavy meal that you've just eaten before reaching this coffee shop. HAHA!

Despedida @ RSM Tagaytay

Last Friday, March 22, my team and I headed to Tagaytay for some chill bonding moment before I leave the company where I started my real job experience. I was thinking of taking them to Mile-Hi for some steak and other American burgers and treats but they wanted to eat some homemade Filipino dishes so I scanned my brain to look for the best Filipino restaurants in Tagaytay and finally decided to take them to RSM Lutong Bahay (Homemade Cuisine).

Mr. Jones!

One Wednesday, my best friends and I celebrated our dear friend's birthday in a very classy diner called Mr. Jones. It is located in Greenbelt 5 :) This place reminds me so much of Mile-Hi Diner in Tagaytay because of the typical American food and ambiance. Of course, the red couches are present! :)

Sumo Sam

I am really a joyful eater! I super love eating almost anything. I'm not really hard to pleased because I not too choosy when it comes to food :) Yes, I know that if my friends will be reading this, they 'll agree with my love for food because it shows in my body type. LOL. I always try my best to burn the food that I eat each day but sometimes, I get too lazy or sometimes, I get so hooked with the book that I'm reading that I don't care if I miss exercising for a day or a week. Jeez!

Yesterday, my Mom treated me and my brother for lunch in The District. Since my Mom wanted to try something different, we ate at Sumo Sam. I did some research beforehand and was amazed that the Japanese restaurant is owned by Marvin Agustin. It's just so cool that he used his money wisely by putting up this kind of restaurant. Anyway, since I just ate in a Japanese restaurant this week - Kimono Ken - I'm not craving anymore for sushi. I just wanted to eat rice. HAHA!

Healthy Grounds Cafe

One of the best places I know where you can actually have your "me-time" is in Healthy Grounds Cafe :) It is along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Imus and a quite a walking distance away from Robinsons Imus. You will not actually notice it right away since it is situated in a place where most auto mechanic shops are found. The best time to go here is during afternoon, I guess, since it is not yet fully packed by that time. The cafe is quite relaxing with wood and neutral shades and always has a classical or R&B music in the background. It is the best place where you can treat yourself and where you will be able to dine without burning your wallets :)

Cucumber Italian Soda - P58.00