Yolanda / Haiyan

As I am writing this post, GMA News is running on TV. It is agonizing to see our fellow countrymen suffering from this year's world's strongest typhoon, especially to the kids who are rescued and transferred to evacuation centers. It's really sad seeing their situation and I hope our government can do more by putting our funds to proper use this time. Of course, I can only hope.

Anyway, I came home early today, glad our work deadlines were completed before weekend, so I am free to leave after lunch. Hubby is still on his way home and we are now experiencing heavy rains. It seems like we need to endure this weather overnight. Meanwhile, I'm sharing you this picture of "disaster preparedness kit". Grab those first aid kid too before it's too late. Praying for everyone's safety. Praying for Philippines.

photo credits to https://www.facebook.com/gmanews

Yabu: House of Katsu Part 2

 

Two years have passed yet the katsu hype in me has never diminished. There were a number of attempts to dine here but if you pass by at exactly lunch or dinner time, you should be willing to wait for the next available seat. Unfortunately, the hubby isn't always willing to waste few minutes of his time so most likely than not, we just turn our backs and hope the next visit isn't as crowded. But today is a different story.

I was still paying for Daphne's wardrobe in preparation for a friend's wedding this month when I suggested that we dine at Yabu. Surprisingly, there was no hint of disagreement this time. It was probably quarter past two when we set foot at the waiting area. The courteous staff immediately asked which table do we prefer. For a better dining experience, I opted to be seated inside so at the same time I'd be able to check if there were changes on the fixtures. It was still the same pleasant vibe inside and I'm glad it wasn't as rowdy compared to other Japanese restos when a new customer comes in, if you know what I mean.

After checking out the menu, I was served right away with two bowls of sesame seeds. This is one of the few unique things I've experienced during our first visit. To those who are not familiar, you have to pound these sesame seeds using the wood pestle. You then mix it with the special katsu sauce that is sweet and tangy. Two scoops usually work well with me as I don't really want my katsu slathered in too much sauce. My daughter was also handed with crayons and a coloring paper with Manga characters drawn on it. That kept her busy for a while and gave me ample time to enjoy pounding my sesame seeds. 

 

It took nearly 15 minutes when our orders came. This time I tried their seafood katsu set - Cream Dory Katsu 120g for P335. It also came with a tartar sauce, Japanese pickles, bowl of miso soup and fruits, unlimited rice and cabbages! Isn't that a good deal? 

 

My cream dory katsu was divine! It looked very crispy from the outside but has the usual soft, white fish meat. It wasn't soggy but the fillet is soft enough not to crumble into pieces using your chopsticks. I blended a small amount of wasabi in my tartar sauce and my katsu tasted extremely mouth watering! And since I'm eating fish, the biggest serving doesn't seem to be that sinful. The sticky rice I can manage to skip. While the unli cabbage with unli dressing was surely a hit! I got mine refilled. Ha ha! 

 

Hubby got Rosu Special Katsudon for P330. To me, it looked like a thick sliced meat cut from tender pork loins. He loves pork above all other types of meat, but this time, he gave a good score on the cream dory. 

 

As you can see, the left arm of a mother is never still when her child is beside her. And because I surely enjoyed what my husband claimed a tummy-filling second Yabu experience, a third visit is a must. I also hope by that time my daughter will explore more outside her favorite fast food meals. We had to buy a different food just so she can eat with us too. The kiddie chicken katsu set can be a good start. 

May we all have a sweet start of November! :-)

Yabu House of Katsu
2nd Level, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall,
EDSA corner Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City

NIKE Celebrates The Spirit Of Filipinos With We Run MNL 2013

We Run MNL 2013 aims to inspire, motivate and unite Filipinos to move more, move better.

 The Nike We Run MNL (Manila) returns for a third edition to inspire, motivate and connect runners around the world. On 1 December 2013, 15,000 runners are expected to take to the streets of the historical Marikina City and run the 10km in celebration of the spirit of unity that is significantly Filipino.  

“For this year’s race, we have incorporated the personality of the people of the Philippines to motivate and inspire them to lead a more active lifestyle. Filipinos are kindred spirits who, without hesitation, unite for a good cause and help each other. Taking this, we hope that every Filipino runner can inspire and motivate another and run the race together” says Courtney Cole-Faso, Country Marketing Manager, Nike Philippines. 

In the spirit of unity, runners must sign up for the race with a “buddy”. This is to encourage runners to constantly motivate each other to achieve their goals in preparation for the 10km race. Nike will organize training sessions in November to help runners prepare for the race. The training sessions will be conducted in various locations around the city, and runners will participate in Nike Training Club, get tips from athletes and get an experience only Nike can bring.

Runners can also prepare for race day through the more than 18 million strong Nike+ community. The new Nike+ Challenges is a feature that allows runners to set a distance goal, invite Nike+ friends to join, and race to the virtual finish line. Users can determine the name of the Challenge, mileage goal, time period and participants. Additionally, a new chat feature allows friends to encourage each other and share tips throughout the Challenge. Runners can stay motivated by checking the live leader board to track progress and see where they rank amongst their friends.

Nike We Run MNL is part of Nike’s global We Run series which is aimed at celebrating, motivating and inspiring athletes from around the world. Manila will be one of 26 cities, with 350,000 runners taking over 3 billion strides during the course of the We Run race series motivated by Nike+ and Nike Running design innovations. Nike’s We Run races range in distance from 5K to a full marathon and reflect the unique enthusiasm of each city. From Sao Paulo, to Seoul, to Singapore, runners will be moved to action through a series of unique experiences. You can also follow the Nike We Run journey through an interactive map online as it passes through each city. 

Online and in-store registrations will begin on October 25. 

Please visit www.nike.com/events/register/werunmanila for registration details.

 

Press release

Morelli's Gelato Caffe

 

Our first meet came as a big surprise. I was strolling at Shangri-La East Wing looking for this newly-opened cupcake shop as I kill time waiting for the husband. Might as well check new restaurants while skipping the elevator ride, I thought. But then boom! That short escalator led me to somewhere more heavenly. I became ecstatic looking at the purple cups from afar.

 

Immediately, I checked out all flavors while there were two ladies enjoying the free taste. I recall my last gelato experience and that was more than a year ago! What have I been eating? Anyway, it didn't matter as the rich flavours of Morelli's Gelato are now right in front of me. I even hoped hubby will come a little late as I don't wanna rush my scoop of Rocher.

 

It's the "special of the day" so it gave me that magnetic force to choose the said flavor. One scoop is worth Php120, not bad at all. Will attack try Pistachio and Hazelnut probably in two scoops or with waffle on top next visit. My taste buds are acting crazy again! *wink* Here's a little trivia, Morelli's was deemed as Best Gelato in London. 

Their gelato is truly rich and extremely pleasing as I let it melt in my mouth. And though gelato is a frozen dessert, it is softer, has a very distinct texture and flavor because it contains more milk. Ice cream, on the other hand, has more water that produces crunchy ice crystals when frozen. The temperature also played a good role in keeping the texture that's why it's better to have them eaten in store. Free your mind while you indulge so you don't miss the taste.

Too  bad hubby came while I'm on my 3rd or 4th spoon. And he almost finished everything. ^_^
Go visit them at the 2nd Floor East Wing when you get a chance. 

xx

OneGutsyMom

Cafe France

It was my first time to dine at Cafe France, though I frequent to DeliFrance (former name) before, mostly with my Mom who's a patron of their buy one take one's. I know I'm up to something good as I pick my seat, after being so tired-out at work that day. The moment my order was served, I can already smell the goodness of their pasta. It was past 5pm and was already slightly hungry but with how they fixed my food tray, I wish I could just dig in without ruining the food presentation.

Pierre Tray Couture

Seafood Deluxe Clubhouse and Seafood Marinara Php280.00

I know it sounded like a high-end, custom wear clothing for women but it's actually a set meal of  French gourmet tray comprised of pasta & sandwich combo with soup, dessert, and a drink. They also have other tray couture like Adelle, Marguerite, and Philippe. So posh! My bread sticks are paired with a dip, contained in a taller kind shot glass, that is almost similar to a soup. It was ordinary so didn't pay much attention.

So let's talk about the Seafood Marinara. Serving is of healthy portion (though I wish I had a full plate), with generous amount of shrimps and tasted really, really good. The cube-sliced green peppers gave that extra spice and blended well with the sauce. Délicieux!

While the seafood deluxe clubhouse was a jam-packed crab sandwich with lettuce and tuna spread. It tasted a bit sour for me though but I'm not giving up on the other sandwiches. The seafood clubhouse isn't too complicated to prepare so I've thought of buying the ingredients for a healthy snack at home or even breakfast.

Next visit, I'm eager to try their baguettes and croissants! :)
xx
OneGutsyMom