Pergola Mall in BF !

My husband and I were waiting for our sons to arrive from their field trip and what better way to wait than to sip coffee and read a good magazine or newspaper .  And that's exactly what we did !  We headed off to Pergola Mall in BF Paranaque and had our coffee at Kopi Roti.  To be honest , I didn't think I'd like the coffee but to my surprise - it's one of the best I've tasted.  Their kopi is made with condensed milk and it creates a different kind of sweetness.



Kopi and toasted bread with Kaya spread and butter



Pergola mall is my fave place to stay on a lazy day because it's also my go-to shop.  It has a bookstore, CDR King (a gadget and techno hub) , resto's, coffee shops , Robinson's grocery store and the latest addition would be the Japan Home Store where everything is Php88 !

Head on to Pergoma mall for your needs and then some...

Tip :
There is an every Saturday Scrabble club at Sugarhouse.
On every occasion, there's sure to be some happening at Pergola mall !



Some of food stalls at Pergola Mall




Oh yes, Figaro is also there



Ichnigo Japanese food stall



The new Japan Home store where I buy most of my home stuff



Big Better Burgers' also there !

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 !