Posts Tagged ‘food’

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Happy Birthday JOEY!

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

I celebrated a triple whammy of an evening recently celebrating Thanksgiving, the going away party of my darling Malu and the birthday of my friend Joey Carpo.  We held it in our favorite restaurant, which doubles as our club house:  CIRCULO!  My extended family was there, as I am a proud member of the Carpo clan.  You can call me a Carpo chick anytime.

The menu was absolutely wondeful, lovingly prepared by Chef J Gamboa.  We had a Thanks giving feast which started with pumpkin soup, then we had some beautiful asparagus served with chopped eggs.  Then we had the turkey, which was smoked to perfection.  It was the juiciest turkey that I have ever tasted in like forever. The secret is in the basting, as you inject  this with a super secret sauce.  LOL!  J outdid himself with the stuffing. I am a stuffing kind of guy and his version was heavenly, filled with wild mushrooms, panccetta and other herbs.  I ate one bowl to myself!  YIKES!  The sidings were just as great, the gratin potatoes were so smooth they kill me!

The birthday cake!

The birthday cake!

My extended family!

My extended family!

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La Cuisine Francaise

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

I recently had the pleasure of having dinner at a lovely french restaurant in the city!  There is really very few good French restaurants in town and it was such a good thing to find this place courtesy of my dear friend Malu Gamboa.  The restaurant is called La Cuisine Francaise. The whole operation started at the Salcedo Market, where a French couple would sell beautifully cooked Terrines, Casoulets and the like.  A couple of years later, they decided to make the whole operation legit and create a restaurant.

Look for the sign!

Look for the sign!

Really homey interiors. It's like dining at your Tita's house.

Really homey interiors. It's like dining at your Tita's house.

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La Cocina de Tita Moning

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

My firend and “co-blogger” (NAKS!) Rafe Totengco was in town a few days ago.  He asked me to take him to dinner to a place that was “blog-worthy”.  I immediately thought about my friend Suzette Montinola‘s restaurant called La Cocina de Tita Moning.  I think it is one of the most unique dining experiences available in the Philippines.

The whole experience is like stepping back in time.  The restaurant is actually the Legarda house located in the heart of Manila just a few streets away from the Malacanang Palace. I was one of the very first people to experience the specialness of this place back in the late 90′s LOL!  If you love history and if you love good food, make your way to La Cocina de Tita Moning.

Nix, Teresa and Rafe start the evening with some drinks and appetizers at the back of the house.

Nix, Teresa and Rafe start the evening with some drinks and appetizers at the back of the house.

Teresa was so chic that evening, holding a Rafe clutch of course! The place reminded all of us of our Lola's houses. Every detail was in perfect form, from the outdoor furniture to the plumbing!

Teresa was so chic that evening, holding a Rafe clutch of course! The place reminded all of us of our Lola's houses. Every detail was in perfect form, from the outdoor furniture to the plumbing!

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My Best Dinner in NYC!

Monday, November 9th, 2009

I have had many wonderful meals in New York, all worthy of sharing and telling everyone home about it.  However, every once in a while, a place just WOWS you and just takes your palette towards a new trajectory.  This recently happened to me  as I just probably had the one  my best meals in the world.  This happened  at the Minetta Tavern.  This small bistro-like restaurant has been making quite a buzz in the foodie world!  It might be difficult to get a table, but do not be daunted. Just try and try because the wait is really worth it.

Look out for the sign.

Look out for the sign.

What I liked about the place was it was so subtle, you could actually miss the place if you were not looking well.

What I liked about the place was it was so subtle, you could actually miss the place if you were not looking well.

We had an 8:15 seating on a Tuesday night and the whole place was busy with excitement.  We were seated immediately in middle of the room and right behind us was Carly Simon!  My 4 year old niece Alix would have squealed with delight as she loves Carly.  I spotted Sting and he was on his way out.   The interiors were again very dark and it had this very old world feel about it, with vintage photos lining up the wall and a cozy like atmosphere.  My waitress was very good and quite perky as she explained the specials.  The food was AMAZING! (as in nakakaiyak sa sarap!)  Honest, pure and just beautiful! If I could only fill this blog with adjectives I would!  All of our dishes were just exceptional.

My highlight was the lamb dish which was done 3 ways: grilled, braised and made into a sausage.  This was like a dish I would ask for if it were my last meal on earth!  It had all the right tones and it just spoke to me like…Hello there!  I am here to make you feel good!  LOL!  I think everything on the menu is very good so you really can’t order wrong.  The catch is it’s really hard to get a table.  However, if you do, please share the experience because it’s really one of the most special experiences you can ever have.  Minetta Tavern is located at 113 McDougal st between bleeker and W3rd st.  If you love good food, this is the place for you!

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Morandi

Friday, November 6th, 2009

If you must know, brunch is my most favorite meal of all time. I have a feeling that New Yorkers invented brunch since all my most memorable brunches were all here in the city.  This time, I tried out Morandi, this lovely restaurant owned by the same people who own Pastis and Balthazar, has that same old world rustic feel; it’s like I was in the Tuscan region of Italy.

Mr. Mario Batalli and me!

Morandi interiors. I am loving the brick walls!

The menu was very European and we had a really beautiful brunch.  My highlight of the meal was bumping into the super star chef Mario Batalli!  I was like so happy when I saw him.  I asked if I could have a photo of him and thankfully he agreed!  It was really one of the highlights of my trip. LOL!  Morandi is in the West Village just off  W10th and Perry st.  Right after brunch, we walked around the West Village and enjoyed the good weather that finally dawned upon my trip, thank you GOD!

Mr. Mario Batalli and me!

Mr. Mario Batalli and me!

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The Standard Grill

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

I was super lucky to get a table at the Standard Grill, apparently it’s one of the hottest places in NYC!  I hear that it takes a couple of weeks even months to get a table.  However, my stars must have been perfectly aligned that week because I was able to get a seating on a Friday night.  The concept is like a very relaxed American restaurant with an old world feel. Again, the restaurant was dimly lit. Everywhere I go now, the restaurants are very dark.  LOL!

The facade! Love the weatherbeaten look!

The facade! Love the weatherbeaten look!

The outside seating

The outside seating

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Casa Mono

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

I drafted a small list of restaurants that I wanted me and my family to try.  One of these restaurants is CASA MONO. I’ts a Spanish tapas place created by the famous Mario Batalli. I tried to get a table the last time I was in New York, but I had no luck. I heard that even in the time of the great financial crisis, CASA MONO was still one of hardest places to book a table. We took that 9:30pm seating and had the best time. We were joined by my favorite cousin Alexis, who has been living in NY for almost a decade. Between two bottles of wine and what seemed to be more than 16 entrees we reminisced and just had a wonderful time.

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When we got there, I bumped into our dear friend JR Abad! Funny how I bump into him each time I am in the city.

When we got there, I bumped into our dear friend JR Abad! Funny how I bump into him each time I am in the city.

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Hai Shin Lou!

Monday, October 12th, 2009

I have been hearing only good things about this Chinese seafood restaurant along Pasay Road Makati called Hai Shin Lou for several months now. I really never had the chance to try it.  So this weekend, when I had the hankering for Chinese, I decided to finally try it. I called my food advisors Popsie and J Gamboa to ask what to order.  Funny enough, they really did not specifically say what, as everything on the menu is good!  They were so right! It’s as if Hai Shin Lou could do no wrong!  We had a really fantastic experience and I cannot wait to come back!  Check out our food porn photos and if this does not make you salivate, I don’t know what will!  LOL!

I have been hearing only good things about this chinese sea food restaurant along Pasay road Makati called Hai Shin Lou for several months now. I really never had the chance to try it. So this weekend I had the hankering for Chinese, I decided to finally try it. I called my food advisors Popsie and J Gamboa what to order. Funny enough they really did not specifically say what as everything on the menu is good! They were so right! It's a if Hai Shin Lou could do no wrong! We had a really fantastic experience and I cannot wait to come back! Check out our food porn photos and if this does not make you salivate I don't know what will! LOL! HUGS! RAJO!

My new fave Chinese restaurant!

I sat beside the aquarium tanks that held the live seafood and I wondered what these were? They looked like the aliens in the district 9 movie! LOL! Apparently they are sea centipedes. They have to be placed individually as they fight each other to bits! We did not order this as I got creeped out by the way it looked. Next time though I will try it!

I sat beside the aquarium tanks that held the live seafood and I wondered what these were. They looked like the aliens in the District 9 movie! LOL! Apparently, they are sea centipedes. They have to be placed individually as they fight each other to bits! We did not order this, as I got creeped out by the way it looked. Next time though, I will try it!

This is my classic chinese appetizer! Jelly fish, century egg and pork asado! Happiness on a plate!

This is my classic Chinese appetizer! Jellyfish, century egg and pork asado! Happiness on a plate!

Cuttle fish and broccoli with XO sauce! YUM!

Cuttle fish and broccoli with XO sauce! YUM!

Kailan with black mushrooms! This was excellent!

Kailan with black mushrooms! This was excellent!

Sea food HOT-POT! They did this dish so expertly it brought tears to my eyes!

Sea food HOT-POT! They did this dish so expertly it brought tears to my eyes!

Lemon Chicken for crunch and texture! This makes me think of my youth! I do not know why.

Lemon Chicken for crunch and texture! This makes me think of my youth! I do not know why.

My dinner mates! Cedric and Nix! Chowing down!

My dinner mates! Cedric and Nix! Chowing down!

HUGS!
RAJO!

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Chartres Gardens!

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

You all know that one of my favorite things to do in the entire world is BRUNCH! So imagine my delight when we Bob took me to the most quaint brunch place in Shanghai. The place is called Chartres Gardens (pronounced as Shart), a beautiful restaurant with mint green walls and black and white marble floors. Try and get the table in front of the lush green garden, as it really was so soothing. The minute I walked in, it felt like I was transported to a more refined time. 

On regular days, it’s a fancy Italian restaurant that would normally set you back 500 Yuan a head for a meal. However, for Sunday brunch, they probably have the best deals in town. For under 800 (108 Yuan) Pesos, you have a set brunch menu that is super satisfying! If you’re in Shanghai on a Sunday and you have the penchant to brunch, then come on over and try Chartres Garden restaurant. The address is 268 Fuxing lu near the corner of Huashan lu. Xuhui.  Telephone number 6212-6389. Their website  is www.chartresrestaurant.com  It’s worth the calories!  LOL!

The foyer of the restaurant where you can have tea or dessert, the restaurant also boasts of a fine line of pastries and yummy cakes!

The foyer of the restaurant where you can have tea or dessert. The restaurant also boasts of a fine line of pastries and yummy cakes!

The interiors of the restaurant is really lovely! Although it was an italian restaurant, the vibe was more French for me.

The interiors of the restaurant are really lovely! Although it was an Italian restaurant, the vibe was more French for me.

Old world charm defined!

Old world charm defined!

My brunch mates, Bob and Olivier, share a laugh!

My brunch mates, Bob and Olivier, share a laugh!

This was my brunch plate! It was called the Luciano, named after the famous Tenor. It came with an orange juice and a bowl of hot muesli to start and ended with a great cup of coffee. My plate had some Brioche, a beautifully cooked breakfast steak tenderloin, a huge crisp bacon rasher, some fresh fruit a salmon and cream cheese quiche and a blueberry muffin. WHOO....talk about a full plate! LOL!

This was my brunch plate! It was called the Luciano, named after the famous Tenor. It came with an orange juice and a bowl of hot muesli to start and ended with a great cup of coffee. My plate had some Brioche, a beautifully cooked breakfast steak tenderloin, a huge crisp bacon rasher, some fresh fruit a salmon and cream cheese quiche and a blueberry muffin. WHOO....talk about a full plate! LOL!

Nix ordered the Domingo, which was named after another famous tenor!

Nix ordered the Domingo, which was named after another famous tenor!

My Brunch mates! We all had a really yummy time!

My Brunch mates! We all had a really yummy time!

HUGS!
RAJO!

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SHANG-Highlights!

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Shanghai is one of my favorite places to visit! I love that it’s only 3 hours away and the fact that I have so many dear friends who live there. Each time I come, Nix and I do our personal rounds of restaurants and a wee bit of shopping.  Even if my Mandarin is close to nil, I find it quite easy to get around. I guess we’re just lucky because there are a couple of taxi nightmares that my friends have experienced.  What I am sharing with you are the highlights from this recent trip, a photo essay of random photos that made my 4 day escape quite memorable!

Each time I come to Shanghai I give my friend Angelo Guesse a call! I love the fact that even if he is so busy he takes the time out to meet me and have a meal! He has been in China for quite some time now and I enjoy his company very much.

Each time I come to Shanghai, I give my friend Angelo Guesse a call! I love the fact that even if he is so busy, he takes the time out to meet me and have a meal! He has been in China for quite some time now and I enjoy his company very much.

 

When in Shanghai I never fail to come to Din Tai Fung! Its a Tawainese restaurant chain that is all over Asia. Wish someone would take it to Manila! They have really yummy food! This Green beans with minced pork is a favorite.

When in Shanghai, I never fail to come to Din Tai Fung! It's a Tawainese restaurant chain that is all over Asia. Wish someone would take it to Manila! They have really yummy food! This Green beans with minced pork is a favorite.

 

Modern Chinese ART! I am so enthralled by this new wave of Modern Chinese artists. I find the images they produce both funny and sublime!

Modern Chinese ART! I am so enthralled by this new wave of Modern Chinese artists. I find the images they produce both funny and sublime!

this painting is so CHICA!

This painting is so CHICA!

The bigger picture! I apologize because I did not get to find out who painted it! Would anyone know who did this painting?

The bigger picture! I apologize because I did not get to find out who painted it! Would anyone know who did this painting?

This is my friend Eddie Fung. He is just one of the sweetest persons on the planet! Did I mention that he is also a talented Fashion designer? He graduated from Parsons and he is set to launch his mens wear collection called "COMPOUND" very soon! I have seen some of the samples and they are beautiful!

This is my friend Eddie Fung. He is just one of the sweetest persons on the planet! Did I mention that he is also a talented fashion designer? He graduated from Parsons and he is set to launch his menswear collection called "COMPOUND" very soon! I have seen some of the samples and they are beautiful!

I just love walking around when I travel. Its something I don't get to do in Manila as I am always in the car! Rushing...rushing..rushing. Having my get away gives me the luxury to just walk and enjoy the scenery.

I just love walking around when I travel. It's something I don't get to do in Manila as I am always in the car! Rushing...rushing..rushing. Having my get away gives me the luxury to just walk and enjoy the scenery.

Nix is the best traveling companion! I am really so lucky!

Nix is the best traveling companion! I am really so lucky!

If you have been to my travel section of my blogs, Bicycles are a constant theme.

If you have been to my travel section of my blogs, Bicycles are a constant theme.

Another bicycle shot! How does it make you feel?

Another bicycle shot! How does it make you feel?

Another bicycle shot! How does it make you feel?

Another bicycle shot! How does it make you feel?

CUTE BOYS! Shanghai offers a bevy of hot eye candy! We met this super sweet Barcelona Native Alfons, during this trip and we invited him over to Manila! He was so nice and not to mention SO CUTE! AYAYAY! Mucho caliente! LOL!

CUTE BOYS! Shanghai offers a bevy of hot eye candy! We met this super sweet Barcelona Native Alfons during this trip and we invited him over to Manila! He was so nice and not to mention SO CUTE! AYAYAY! Mucho caliente! LOL!

Fast friends! This is Kyle although we just met this trip we have been introduced by Bob through Skype. He was just absolutely so fun to be with! Glad to finally meet him! We had a funny experience over dimsum lunch on this trip. Because none of us spoke Chinese and the Dim-sum menu had only photos and no english translations we just pointed at what we thought looked good.

Fast friends! This is Kyle. Although we just met on this trip, we have been introduced by Bob through Skype. He was just absolutely so fun to be with! Glad to finally meet him! We had a funny experience over dimsum lunch on this trip. Because none of us spoke Chinese and the Dim-sum menu had only photos and no English translations, we just pointed at what we thought looked good.

We ended up ordering a virtual atkins diet dimsum! We ended up ordering 3 pork dishes, a duck dish, chicken and beef! LOL! It was funny when all the food came! Good thing we were all so hungry and inhaled it all!

We ended up ordering a virtual atkins diet dimsum! We ended up ordering 3 pork dishes, a duck dish, chicken and beef! LOL! It was funny when all the food came! Good thing we were all so hungry and inhaled it all!

We then ordered a vegetable dish and thought that lotus root sounded yummy. Well it looked interesting enough? Wish it tasted good though! LOL! We all had a taste and left it alone after that.

We then ordered a vegetable dish and thought that lotus root sounded yummy. Well, it looked interesting enough. Wish it tasted good though! LOL! We all had a taste and left it alone after that.

Dried fruit and nuts! I loved the colors and the textures.

Dried fruit and nuts! I loved the colors and the textures.

New Friends! I fell in Love with Ms. Anna Chung! She is Korean by way of Sydney and I am in love with her! Good thing that she visits Manila often for work as she is a top shot international lawyer! I can't wait to take her out on a date! LOL!

New Friends! I fell in Love with Ms. Anna Chung! She is Korean by way of Sydney and I am in love with her! Good thing that she visits Manila often for work, as she is a top shot international lawyer! I can't wait to take her out on a date! LOL!

Olivier! I have not seen Olivier for over 3 years! He now lives in Beijing. He used to be based in Manila and had lots of fun times when he was here. Happy that I spent the weekend with him!

Olivier! I have not seen Olivier for over 3 years! He now lives in Beijing. He used to be based in Manila and had lots of fun times when he was here. Happy that I spent the weekend with him!

We all were invited to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce during my stay! We had the most fun table! At the end of the ball we were the only ones left dancing. Who could resist Michael Jackson and Madonna! Thats Olivier, Eddie, Anna, Effie and me! Doing a bit of "La isla Bonita"!

We all were invited to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce during my stay! We had the most fun table! At the end of the ball, we were the only ones left dancing. Who could resist Michael Jackson and Madonna! That's Olivier, Eddie, Anna, Effie and me! Doing a bit of "La isla Bonita"!

The Canadian ball was really fun! My personal highlight was spending time with my favorite heterosexual man! Albert seen here with his wife and Bob and Effie!

The Canadian ball was really fun! My personal highlight was spending time with my favorite heterosexual man! Albert seen here with his wife and Bob and Effie!

HUGS!
RAJO!

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