Sentro 1771: More Than Just the Basics

I love dining in upscale Filipino restaurants.  Seeing as I'm such a novice in the kitchen, it's great to be able to try local fare prepared by people who really know their stuff.  And the staff behind Sentro 1771 are masters at their craft.

Sentro 1771

Las Paellas Cafe

I've come to accept the fact that I might not probably have the skills to learn how to cook a mean Paella (a kind of Spanish rice dish) anytime soon; me being such a novice in the kitchen.  And that's why places like Las Paellas Cafe in San Juan is God-send for people like me who just don't have the chops for Paella-cooking.

Las Paellas Cafe

Midas Hotel and the Casino -- the New Hotel in an Old Building

Pasay City will always hold a special place in my heart.  It's along one of it's busiest streets that I grew up in, living in a compound alongside family members.  It's heaven on earth (although a tab dirty and smoky) but it's a big part of me.

Hence, any place in Pasay City has always held a certain fascination.  Take the old Hyatt Regency Hotel along Roxas Boulevard.  I've passed by this place hundreds of time as I was growing up.  I've seen it at it's heyday and later on, abandoned and alone, seemingly left to rot.

Quite recently, though, they've opened this grand building again.  This time under the name Midas Hotel and Casino.

Source: Midas Hotel and Casino website

banapple -- More than A Sweet 'Lil Thang (And Sandwicheese!, Too)

banapple is best perhaps known for their delicious banoffee pie.  Well, that's what I usually associate them with; most especially since it's been a birthday staple treat, brought to the office by those lucky enough to be living near or driving through it's premises (mainly those living in the North Metro Manila area).

But what used to be a once a year treat is now made more accessible to those from all around (whee!!!) by banapple's aggressive expansion.  From the original location in Quezon City, they have since opened 7 more!  Now that's progress... uhmm... a successful expansion.

banapple pies & cheesecakes

Dining The Aristocrat-style

The Aristocrat's been around for years!  In fact, many an older generation have found memories of their food and this iconic dining establishment. 

And although most people would most probably order their famous Chicken BBQ with Java Rice, we go a different route on this particular trip and instead, indulge in other home growth favorites, all with that special The Aristocrat touch, of course. 

Source: The Aristocrat Restaurant website

seda Hotel in BGC

My little family loves hotel staycations!  We have them at least twice a year.  Since the Husband has just so little precious time to spend with us whenever he comes home from Singapore, a night or 2 in a cozy hotel in the Metro is the perfect alternative to an out-of-town vacay for us.  We're near the major malls and the other attractions; all just a few steps away.

Whereas in the past, we'd usually limit our stays in Pasay or in Makati, this time around, we decided we wanted to stay in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) instead.  But still undergoing it's development stages, there were only but few places we could stay in (We stayed at F1 Hotel before in 2011).  Good thing, SEDA opened at just the right time.

seda BGC

Sakae Sushi: The Philippine Edition

Hey yo!  I'm back!  Blogging again from quite (?) hazy Singapore.  Here in vacation for the month, the Little One and I plan to get in some much-needed bonding time with the Husband. 

In other news, I think I'm out of my slump which resulted in my unofficial non-blogging hiatus (started early this year and one I hope not to do again).  A major personal project is hugely the cause (one of which I have every intention of finishing this year) -- a really personal one as I am doing this in order to preserve our family's precious memories and moments for the Little One.  More on that soon. 

And so, we go back to our regular programming...

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I love me some Japanese food!

Next to Filipino fare, restaurants serving/specializing in Japanese cuisine are my go-to dining establishments  of choice.  And what better way to enjoy sushi (kaizen-zushi-style pa!) than at Sakae Sushi.

Sakae Sushi at Mall of Asia, Pasay