Sanity

I was getting crazy. After my kids got hospitalized one after another, and me being cooped up in the hospital during their confinement, I just had to take some time off in order to regain my sanity. Just this weekend, I was looking forward to a relaxed long weekend with the family, but no, we had to spend it in the hospital again. Good grief!

As soon as my son was discharged, I literally had to drag my hubby to Makati and make up for lost time. I was determined to go see what has been going on in the area, try some new restos, nourish myself until I gag, and enjoy food and dining beyond hospital food standards.

So off we went to the Greenbelt area and discovered that we have not really missed a lot since we were last there - of course there were a few additional fine dining establishments that have opened, but neither hubby and I were conditioned to grab anything fancy. We wanted comfort food, nothing contrived, nothing too artsy-fartsy - just plain, good cooking and a place that is totally unpretentious. We found ourselves in FlapJacks, a new breakfast-inspired resto of the Bistro group. Despite being there at 5 in the afternoon, we ordered the Blueberry Pancakes & hubby chose the Rib eye Omelet.

Rib Eye Steak, anyone?

Have you ever experienced salivating while looking at the graphic and well-executed menus of restaurants, and upon receiving what you ordered, your dish comes out looking differently from how it was shown on the menu? Well, I am happy to tell you that this resto did a good job in ensuring that what you see is what you get. The pancakes were superb and the omelet was generously stuffed with all its steak goodness.

Breakfast Feast: Blueberry Pancakes

A day after, work brought me to Caprisce in Metrowalk, Ortigas. Have I ever mentioned that I adore thin crust pizzas? Well, this new discovery offers a simple pizza combination called Cosa Nostra, which is your thin crust pizza topped with cheese, shrimps, onions, pepperoni and anchovies. Simply perfect, their pizza's are served in two sizes - 10 and 14 inches.

New Discovery: Pizza Cosa Nostra

Our group also ordered the Pistachio crusted Snapper and the Chicken Marsala. The sauces that went with these two dishes perfectly complemented the meats. The fish was served with a duet of pesto-cream sauce and squash puree, while the chicken with a brown Marsala-laced sauce.

Chicken Marsala

I just wished the chef stuck with using pistachio nuts as a coating of the fish rather than substituting it with another type of nut - (did he really think we wouldn't notice?)

Nut Crusted Snapper

Oh well, if there is anything that is always a challenge in food service establishments - it is consistency and truth in advertising.

Sayang.

I guess I'm not the only one who's crazy.

Multitasking

Oh it has been such a hectic, hectic couple of months. I have been running around doing what most mothers are expected of, that is, multitasking in this crazy, busy world. In between these tasks, I somehow was still able to squeeze in some "foodie time". From ice cream favorites to exotic cuisines, I got a sampling of the familiar and new, the weird and wacky, the good and well, not so good.

This Hummus was gone in a few minutes.

My team and I decided one day to go around the Quezon city area and visit what everyone has been talking about, Mr. Kabab. Reasonably priced, I adventurously sampled the kurma, kofta, kebabs, hummus and even steaks that were being offered. The naan bread dipped in the hummus did not fail me. Though I have tried better renditions of the other dishes I mentioned, I am surprised to find a lot of patrons in the store. Generally, the dishes were not too highly seasoned, thus, should one be not a fan of curries and cumin, he will surprisingly find that these dishes are easy to reckon with (and enjoy too).

After our mediterranean feast, we drove to the Trinoma Mall and went on to satisfy our craving for sweets. We tried Murtabak and discovered their crepes and stuffed pancakes with such odd combinations like mango and cheese - which didn't appeal to me at all, but like any good sport - I had to try it. Still, I am not such a fan. We had another variant which is mango and caramel, which was what I enjoyed so far.

Murtabak's crepes & pancakes

As if our blood sugars aren't high enough, we proceeded to Five Cows also in Trinoma and sampled some of their specials such as the Baked Alaska and Pizza. I like the fact that the pizza was served the artisan way, with the crust bearing an oval shape and with the perfect crisp texture and the cheese in all its "stretched" glory. Also not to be missed was the Baked alaska served in a festive ceremony, complete with a cheer which to this day I cannot fathom, oh well, I was so excited to try it that I didn't pay too much attention to the waiters.

YumYum Baked Alaska - there's drama while they're serving this.

Back in Ortigas a few days later, during our ladies' night out, us girls decided to try out Le Maison at the Podium Mall. Steaks and Ribs being their specialties, I decided to have the Beef and Pork tenderloin steaks with your choice of sides - rice, potatoes, veggies, etc. The waiters were very courteous and service was prompt. While waiting, we all enjoyed the black and white bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Le Maison's Black & White bread

Steaks & Fish - a bountiful treat when dining at Le Maison

These soft buns were warmed just right to appease our hungry stomachs. I chose rice as my starch and as soon as I got my plate, I was happy to find that portions are just right. Don't you just hate it when you get humungous steak cuts and feel obliged to finish it, which, more often than not, you don't and then you feel absolutely guilty after. Anyhow, my steaks were cooked just fine. The downside, well, the rice had to be improved, as I have stated during my visit. Flavorwise, I know they can make it better.

Hooters' Philippines Burgers & Fries

Fried pickles, never had those, but during my recent visit to Hooters' Manila, I actually enjoyed munching on them dipped in a spicy cayenne mayonnaise.

Hooters' Fried Pickles - my new found friend (burp)

All these for now as I need to go and multi-task some more.