Soderno at Molito in Alabang !

Finally, I was able to go out and have time with my kids before the Christmas rush. I wanted them to try new food in a new atmosphere so  I took them to Soderno

Soderno is the newest food and lifestyle market in the south.  If Taguig has Mercato Centrale and Makati has Legaspi and Salcedo market ,  then the south has Soderno !  I, actually ,was very glad to learn of this place so I didn't have to go far to experience this kind of market. 

It was raining the day we came so everyone were inside the tents.  One of the needed improvements for Soderno was the preparation for outside seating capacity especially that the ground gets so muddy and with the volume of people , it would be difficult to look for a table - just like we did.

There were  a variety of food - meditteranean, chinese, filipino including lechon (roasted pig), italian, mexican, pastries, ice cream and different kinds of drinks as well and all them were very inviting.   One of the tents also housed some lifestyle items - clothes, decors and wellness products.

I would definitely go back to this place and will try something different everytime !

Tips :
  - wear comforable clothes and be ready for some smoke coming from the grill
  - Sunday market :  8am to 3 pm

  - Night market every Fri and Sat from 6pm to 3am


What we tried :
  - chicken tahouk with rice from Tong Baracas (so yummy and filling)
  - my kids tried the Buffalo Soldiers wing and dip bar (my kids love chicken)
  - my hubby tried the lechon or roasted pig (a Filipino favorite)

Update : This place has closed already

 


from Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and Pasta

Red velvet cake

Buffalo Soldier's preparing my kid's chicken with blue cheese dip

The Lechon Cebu

The Chicken tahouk

Ice cream !

Crinkles from The Sweet Story bakeshop

 Enjoy !

Baking weekend !

For two consecutive weekends, I had to stay home to teach the kids for their exams.  So what to do on a stay-home weekend in the Christmas season ? - Bake !
And that's what I did - I baked fruitcake.  It's not my first time.  My friends and I did this when we were younger.  It was for business.  Now I am baking for pleasure - for my family.

Have shown here the ingredients , the mixture and the finished product.  My hubby and youngest son loved it   You could taste the crunchy fruits on every bite. The cherry brandy is not so overwhelming and the cake doesn't crumble when you cut it.

Tips :
  - you will prepare 3 mixtures : fruit mixture, flour mixture and the egg mixture
  - when I baked this cake, I used banyo maria or bain marie to keep the fruitcake from over-drying
  - wait about 1 hour after baking before you brush with brandy (this is very important)

Recipe

Ingredients :
     450g glazed fruits
     175g raisins
     50g glace cherries
     3 tbsp cherry brandy
     1 cup flour
     1/2 tsp salt
     1/2 tsp mixed spice
     1/2 tsp cloves
     225g unsalted butter
     1 cup dark brown sugar
     4 large eggs
     50g slivered almonds
     2 tsp molasses
     zest of 1 lemon
     zest of 1 orange
     additional brandy for brushing later
     50g almonds  (chopped)
      additional cherries for topping

Other items :
    parchment paper
    skewer for checking doneness
    aluminum foil
    fruitcake baking tins
    butter to grease pans and parchment paper

Preparation
1. Soak the fruits , cherries, raisins in cherry brandy overnight
2.  Preheat the oven to 140 deg C
3.  Prepare the baking tins by greasing it with butter
4.  Line the baking tins with buttered parchment paper
     Tip : when lining, the parchment paper should go by 2 inches above the edge of tin (see picture)
4.  Prepare the flour mixture : flour, salt, allspice, cloves.  Sift.
5.  Prepare the egg mixture : Beat the eggs. Set aside.
      Cream the butter and sugar with a mixer
      Add the eggs one by one into the mixture.  Beat after each addition
6.  Add the blended mixture in the flour mixture.  Fold.
7.  Pour in the fruit mixture, the slivered almonds, chopped almonds, orange and lemon zest. 
     Mix well.
8.  Pour into the fruitcake baking tins. 
9.  Top with 6 pcs glace cherries (optional)
10.  Bake for about 2 hours in bain marie.  But do check with a skewer.  If the skewer comes out clean, it's done.
   
You may want to replace some ingredients with sultanas, candied peel, chopped walnuts
or adding spices like nutmeg or cinammon. 

Some of the ingredients



Enjoy !

Alabang Town Center weekend!

Being with the family is a lot of fun specially if you get to just walk, hold hands, talk about silly things and just plain fool around.  We usually do this in our favorite mall spot - Alabang Town Center.  We love it here because it feels so cozy.  There is a feeling of warmth  especially at this time of year - Christmas.

In the Philippines, Christmas starts as early as September.  Christmas carols are playing, decorations are   set-up and giant christmas trees abound ! Here are some pics that I hope would inspire all to go out and celebrate in any way the spirit of the yuletide season.  Cheers !

Tips :
> the place is being renovated so there's more good things to come!
> Powerbooks is our favorite bookstore here
> Timezone is a cool place to hang out where both adults and kids will enjoy


How to get there:
coming from south superhiway, take the Alabang exit and it is located along Alabang Zapote road.

the giant christmas tree!

our favorite powerbooks where the kids could sit around and read their fave books

our fave walking area..

love the christmas atmosphere

christmas flowers - the ponsettia

Enjoy !

Island Cove weekend !

My family wanted to go out of town without really going too far.  So , the solution ? - Island Cove!  The place is a hotel and leisure park located in Kawit,Cavite which is about 30km from Makati City.  It's very ideal for a family because it has almost all the activities that both parents and kids like - swimming (with slides), gaming, fishing , a mini-zoo, horseback riding, biking and they even have paintball.  My goal was to get out of the city and bond with family for a day.  It worked !  The kids loved fishing although we did not actually catch any (sigh) but nevertheless we enjoyed trying and teasing each other about it.  The pool was very inviting even if it was raining.  The kids enjoyed the pool slide as well.  And of course, we couldn't go without trying the game room.  All in a day's fun !

How to get there :

If you're coming from Manila, I suggest to take the Cavitex (Manila- Cavite expressway).  Take the Kawit route.  Turn right at Covelandia road. 

Island Cove
Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite
632-8105351

What we tried :

Fishing - P100 for the ordinary rod and P250 with the reel.  You can take your lunch in one of the huts with minimum consumable rate of P1500.  If you'd like to go out for some other activities, you could leave your rod and come back for it later.

Game room - my kids tried the Playstation Move -sports games.  It's P200 for 2 players per hour

Swimming pool - The kids loved the yellow slide which wasn't so steep.  Entrance is P300 for adults and P250 for kids

Food - we had Sizzling mixed seafoods, Chicken with gravy and Lechon Kawali.  You have to try the Sago't Gulaman in a pitcher.  Yum !

Tips :

Order lunch early because it takes a while to wait.  We were fishing while waiting for the orders.

The Island map



Entrance to the Fishing Village. 



You can take your lunch on these huts

The swimming pool area with the slides

Enjoy !

Birthday at Teriyaki Boy !

This week's my birthday week and the family gets together for special occasions at Teriyaki Boy.  We feel very comfortable in this place and the food is just great !
Teriyaki Boy is a Japanese resto that serves all of our favorite : sushi, sashimi, tempura, sukiyaki , maki, and noodles.  My youngest son's favorite is the California Maki.  He can eat one serving (8 pcs) in one sitting. My hubby's fave is the Oyakodon - chicken rice topping in a special sauce.

How to get there :
My family went to BF Homes branch in Paranaque City (President's Avenue)

What we tried :
The California Maki is a family mainstay and so is the Maguro (Tuna) Sashimi.  Try the new Chicken and Mushroom rice served in a wrought iron pot - it's really good! I also never get tired of their Ebi and Cream Dory Tempura.

Tips :
For a family of 5, we spent about ~P1500.  If you're on a tight budget, don't order drinks.  But if you have extra, try the yogurt dessert called YOGATO.

Chicken and Mushroom rice - Yum !

Ebi Tempura- option for 3 pcs or 5 pcs

Dory Tempura



Kani Salad

Hope you enjoy eating here too.  Let me know how it goes.
Enjoy !

Salcedo Market

After my visit to Mercato Central , I just had to explore another one.  So I went to an equally pleasant market called Salcedo Market. 
Salcedo Market is located in the middle of a business district in one of the busiest streets in Makati.  Different kinds of people , locals and tourists alike visit the place.  It's made up of open tents which make it conducive for a nice stroll - while you shop, of course!
There are a lot of new finds that stirred up some interest.  The roasted native duck is very tempting and it's also my hubby's favorite food so I just had to get some.   I got the carabao's milk which is a favorite of my family.  There is also goat dishes (kaldereta, papaitan etc).  Since it is an open space, plants and orchids are also around for sale.  If you are looking for native products, they have it to.  Lucky for me, I didn't have to go elsewhere to shop for a native wedding present.  For dessert , there is a crepe stall where they cook the crepe right in front of you.  There are cakes , ice cream and yogurt!  There is also a wide array of organic fruits and vegetables. 
I am sure you will find something you like at Salcedo Market so come on over !

How to get there
The market is open on Saturdays from 7am to 2pm. It is located at Tordesillas St and L.P. Leviste street

What we tried :
My hubby had the lechon and I had the sausage sandwich which could be served with chilli beans- yummy!

Tip :
Come early because the food runs out fast.  Make sure to bring a friend - it is best enjoyed with one or some.



Japanese pancake where you can choose the filling



A variety of plants - soothing to the eyes



My personal favorite- love the Creamed Shitake Pesto



Sausages ! Sausages !

Back view of the market where you could walk around

Enjoy !

Mercato Centrale at BGC

Mercato Centrale at BGC is the new place to go on weekends , where one could find different kinds of food to satisfy ones appetite.  It's a nice day to go out with my long time no see friend from Singapore and I just had to show her this market. Just as we did, you'll also love the wide variety of food available.  We couldn't even decide what to get for lunch.

How to get there :
The market is located on 34th street and 8th avenue in Bonifacio Global City just across MC home depot.  You won't miss the big white tent with cars parked around it. The main tent is not airconditioned so be sure to bring your handy fan.  The extension tent is where all the grilling takes place and the shows.  On our day of visit, there was a doggie show.  The market is open from 7am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

What we tried :
My friend had the lasagna.  I had a freebie lunch of 'bagwang' (it's a very crispy thinly sliced pork liempo) served with egg and rice - yum!  It came free with my purchase of Ensure milk buy 1 take 1 promo but you could buy it on its own.  We also tried the cheesy potatoes which was very good.  It gets saltier though as you get to the sauce.  For dessert, we had chocolate moist cake and cookies and cream cake.  Both good and both very sweet.

Tip :
Make sure you go around first before choosing what to eat.  You'll find Moroccan dish, Italian pasta, Filipino bagnet, isaw and barbeque.  There's also roast beef, steaks, small tacos.  For dessert, there's Mochiko ice cream, cakes, cupcakes.

The bagnet. I got one for take out and my hubby enjoyed it !

You've got to try the cheesy potatoes



Called "Taclings". These small taco fills you up quick.

An array of cake slices



Different kinds of nuts



The outside tent of Mercato Centrale

 Enjoy !


Grocery shopping weekend !

I love grocery shopping !  It somehow releases some of my stress - and so , I just had to put this in my blog.  It's also one of the things that we cannot do without.  We need to eat and we love to eat.  However, we also know that families nowadays have to cut on some costs in order to save up for a rainy day.  Whichever part of the globe you come from, saving and expense cutting are inevitable. So, here are some grocery shopping tips that I have learned through experience.  Hope you learn something from it.

1. Don't  shop on an empty stomach
         I tend to shop more when I'm hungry.  And when I do, more often than not, I end up buying food or grocery that I later do not end up cooking anyway.

2. Plan ! -the menu
        Whether you shop every week or every 2 weeks, have a menu planner ready.  Sometimes, you may not find the ingredients in one store and that's okay - just replace with another but almost same type of viand.

3.  Compare ! - the prices
       If you're buying laundry soap, for example, check out the cheaper one and compare.  If it meets your needs, then go for the cheaper one.  Try it in small packs first so that you could test the quality.  Later , you could buy them in bulks.

4.  Take advantage! - of store sale
     Some grocery stores have a sale each week of the month.  Find out what and when in your usual store, and go for it !

5.  Check out !- the store brands
       They usually are good products.  And if your grocery store has a name to preserve, chances are their store brands will be good.

6.  Ask ! - the cashier to ping you on your budget amount
       I frequently ask the cashier how much my total bill is so that I could decide on the priority items.  No harm in leaving some items on the cart.

Tip : 
I just have to say this.  If you are in a hurry, check out the lines at the cashier first before going in the store.  I learned my lesson when I insisted to shop late at night while I was trying to catch another appointment.  I ended up leaving the cart full of grocery items and not buying them.

Let me know if this article is useful for you.  Feel free to leave a comment.

Enjoy !

Conti's Nuvali weekend

What's nice about Friday is that you're a little bit relaxed at the office knowing that it's the start of the weekend and time for a new getaway !  So, my officemates and I went to Nuvali in Sta. Rosa for a stroll and lunch at Conti's. Nice place when you would like good food.  It has a good view of the man-made lake.
Nuvali is the newest go-to place on weekends at the south side.  One could get a boat ride around the lake or go biking or feed the Koi's.  Go bring your kids but be a bit early because the fish food sometimes run out.

Tip :
> When you're going for a lunch-out, come early because the place sometimes gets packed

Direction:
> From SLEX, exit at Sta. Rosa , turn right and go straight ahead.  It's on the left side of the road. You won't miss it.

This is the Beef Salpicao.  One of my favorites at Conti's !

Baked Salmon. If you like fish , this is the way to go.



Chiken Roulade


Enjoy !

Tagaytay weekend

I wanted to getaway with my family for Father's day last June but the rains did not permit it.  I ended up postponing the trip twice before we finally decided to go , rain or shine.  And so we did !  Last July 30, we went up to Tagaytay and stayed at Hotel Kimberly.  They were very gracious to allow me to postpone my trip twice at such short notice.
The hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city , which is actually very conducive for some relaxing. There was no volcano view but we had a great view of lush greens. 
It did rain.  In fact it poured ! Good thing, the hotel had a gym and game room with billiards,  darts, air hockey, table tennis and a table football.
The next morning, Mr. Sunshine decided to show up but only for a few hours - just enough for some pictorials.

How to get there:
- Turn right at Tagaytay rotonda , then right again at Petron station (forking road).  When you get to an intersection, turn right and drive about 3 minutes.  You will pass a lot of villages.  The hotel is on the left side.

What we did/ Where we went (when the weather permitted)
- We mostly stayed at the hotel and enjoyed the game room with our children.  Such bonding experience when the dad is losing to the son on table football !
- Of course, I could not pass up the opportunity to go to Good Shepherd to buy the ube or purple yam, crinkles and suman or rice cake. Location : It's just past People's Park on the right side of the road.
- We bought some snacks at Robinson's grocery located near Summit Ridge.  There a lot of restos at the area. It's very nice for a lazy afternoon to enjoy a cup of coffee or some chats.

Tips :
If you're a family of four , you could ask for connecting rooms at the hotel.  One room with the double size bed and the other with twin beds. It was actually very convenient for us.

>> This is the game room.  You would need to reserve the billiard table and table tennis and you could use it for one hour.  It could be extended depending on the number of guests that reserved.  Game room opens from 10am to 10pm.

>>The lobby. Nice !

>> The pool view.  Water is cold so bring some oil to put on the back of your kids. Behind the pool is a big area where your kids could run around.

Enjoy !

I love weekends.  It's my time to bond , to serve and to go around town. In this blog, I would like to share with you my adventures and my discoveries. If you have something to share as well, let me know.  I hope you learn something each time you read here.  Have a happy weekend !