Panciteria Lido

We love Chinese food.  And we keep coming back to different Chinese restaurants to taste our favorite dishes.   There is usually the chicken feet,   the yang chow fried rice,   some mixed stir fried veggies,   some deep dried meat dish which is usually chicken and always,   the house pancit.

Panciteria Lido's interiors is nothing special.   But is clean and spacious and bright.

Overall,  the food was just alright;    not great but alright by my taste.  Barely.     Except maybe for their pork Asado platter  (supposedly the house specialty,  and i guess,  indeed,  it is),   there wasn't anything special in the way the dishes were seasoned,  and they just tasted... well,  alright.   I won't be sure if we would  come back for seconds.

Mesa

I seldom enjoy dining in restaurants that serve native dishes because I feel that   "whatever they're serving,  I am cookin' ".    So it came as a bit of a surprise for me that Mesa was able to impress my  stubborn palate.   Aside from the dishes being really delicious,  they were  also served in very visually appetizing ways.  (Post almost a year delayed,  sorry.)

These were  the laing versions they have... subtle in their difference but different,   nevertheless.

The fried tilapia was  quite the scene stealer of the night,   as you can see.... really crispy and served with four sauces.

This squid dish,   I personally loved.... sauteed  perfectly in olive oil,  not chewy nor gummy at all.   

And who wouldn't enjoy their inihaw sampler that had everything "grillable" in perfect array on a huge platter!

Mesa is definitely a restaurant I would recommend,  not just for balikbayans,   but for all who love Filipino cuisine.   (Did I mention that the price is suprisingly reasonable?!!!)  

Chocolate Cake from Cake Planet & Cafe

When I got this as a birthday gift and read the tag on the box,  only then did I know that there is a fantabulous cake shop here in the south,   right along Dona Soledad Avenue inside Better Living Subdivision.   I pass this road everyday and I never knew!  I guess I wasn't looking well.

 

This chocolate cake is just one of their sweet creations.    And I would surely be back to sample their other heavenly cakes which they serve by the slice.

This is close to perfection... the right bittersweet chocolatiness... spongy moist chocolate cake inside and that oh so creamy chocolate icing.   Each forkful does  melt in the mouth

Figaro's Barako Gold

Why go for imported brands when we have the best beans right in our land!   Figaro's Barako Gold is one prime example of proudly Filipino produce.

Flavor is rich  and bold,   and its aroma is simply exhilarating!   

 

What better way is there to start off each day than with a freshly pressed cup of Barako Gold.

 

7-Eleven's Cheesy Beef Sandwich

It is relatively cheap at 49php... served really hot... and  tastes pretty good,  actually.   I am glad I picked up one at 7-Eleven when I was hungrily looking for a good snack one afternoon.  

In fact,   I even had better luck with this than with Army Navy's too pricey Starvin' Sailor!   Beef is tender and well seasoned;   bread is soft, moist and whole wheat;    onions and cheese can't possibly make a 'which any less good.

I just wish it had more cheese and caramelized onions on top.   But for its price,   how can I complain.

I have been going back for this since that first time.   And I think I will keep on doing so.  7-Eleven does have a lot of good stuff in their stores.  If only you would be willing to try 'em.

Precious Minerals BB Cream

I made my first trip to Etude House more than a month ago and I don't regret it.   After reading raves about BB  creams  (Blemish Balm) and its benefits,    I decided to  try it,  too,   and see for myself.   

Among the brands,   EH seems to be the best choice for me  as far as compatibility with Asian skin is concerned since it is made in Korea,   and its being easily available in EH branches all over the Metro.

With its sunblocking effect,   anti-darkening power and antiwrinkle with whitening properties,    who can resist!  Finding the right shade for your skin color would be a little tricky,  though.   BB creams don't come in that many shades so be careful in choosing yours.

I love that EH BB cream comes in a pump dispenser that is easy to use,   has great consistency and smells so clean and fresh.    Does it do what it promises to do?   Let us just say that I have already  said my final goodbyes to my old powder and liquid foundations.