the canDIshhh tales

Two weeks ago, when I was checking my email - I was surprised to see one that came from Spanky!  You see, I've been in a sort of a food blogger hiatus - you know, being a mom and all.  I receive invites but needed to turn them down because of my priorities with kids.  So there, when I got an email from Spanky - I was delightfully surprised!  And I know I had to say YES, to whatever it is that he was inviting me to.  It was actually an invite to The Bistro's newest baby! So there, I braved the traffic and drove all the way to Greenbelt to join the group in trying out this new restaurant.  I have to say, it feels nice to see familiar faces and it feels a bit off that I've been out of the loop for a long time! Here are some of their dishes: This is their Smokin' BarBQ Chicken - looks beautiful noh?  Well, it tastes even better!  The meat was oh-so tender and the flavor was fantastic!  This chicken was marinaded so well, it's really...

To be honest, I won't be adjusting much to the Kasambahay Bill because ever since (I learned from my mom) we've always given our helpers the SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig benefits that the current law requires.  Our (now, my mom's) helpers have enjoyed benefits from these three institutions, they were able to get Sickness benefits, refunds from PhilHealth and most importantly, they were able to borrow money.  So for the issue of the SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-ibig benefits - well, we already got it covered. My issue with the Kasambahay Bill are the following: a)  Required once a week day off b)  The provision where you cannot deduct their 'utang' from their salaries c)  The provision where you cannot deduct from their salaries if they break or destroy things d)  Pre-Employment requirements (IDs, Birth & Baptismal Certificate, NBI Clearance, Medical Certificate) e)  The 5 days notice that they will be leaving f)  That deployment expenses ca...

Ahhh...  The age old tale of the kasambahays. Can't live with them.. Can't live without them! One fact I learned when I was a kid - that helpers and yayas come and go.  They will seem to be okay with their employers but backbite them to their fellow helpers.  They will one day be nice to you and another day be mean or make 'simangot' to you for no apparent reason.  They seem to have mood swings every now and then.  They will ask for a day off and promise to be back but never return.  They will make up excuses so that they'd be allow to leave to the point of killing all of their grandparents and more!  All of these issues boggle me to be honest.  I don't understand why these helpers can't just be honest. In a certain household - there's katulong politics.  There's the 'head' the mayordoma - the one who orders everyone around.  The one you most trust (since she's been with you the longest)  Then, there are her minions - those wh...

Last March 6, I posted the images I took of the rotten can(s) of Del Monte Pineapple juice. The next day, I called their hotline to inform them that I sent them an email with images but the email bounced back as the attached images were too big.  I was surprised when the operator asked if I was 'so and so' because they were about to call me.  So there, the procedure took a short while - they were asking for details such as when it was bought and where it was bought.  I only remembered where, but forgot the when. She apologized on behalf of Del Monte and that they will send me a goodie bag and asked if they could have the 'damaged' items so they could further investigate. The next day, I received the goodie bag - but mind you, the Del Monte Pineapple juices were no where to be found.  I was honestly just expecting them to replace the damaged/contaminated cans - but instead they sent me these: I guess, FINE - for customer service sake, they're acceptable....

Happy Happy Birthday Kailee Inara! There are so many things I want to say but can't seem to put them into writing.  And so I hope that the huge big (super superlative) hug that Mama will give you all throughout the day will suffice.  Thank you for bringing a smile on my face everyday.  Thank you too for bringing a smile on the faces of strangers when you randomly say 'Hi' to them.  You have grown so much, developed so much that I can't seem to catch up!  You have constantly amazed everyone around you with your knowledge, ability and bubbly personality.  I hope that you continue to have that positive and happy attitude. Thank you for being a loving Atchi to Connor.  Thank you for thinking of him and playing with him. I wish you all the best things, life has to offer. Remember always, that Mama loves you so very very very much.  Remember too that Mama will ALWAYS be here for you no matter what. I love you Kailee!! Happy Happy Happy ...

I didn't realize that Shangri-La Mall has a new wing.  Has it been that long since I last went there?  Well, yeah!  Hahaha... I'm a Trinoma/Landmark addict - since they're nearby. When my Panget tells me that we were going to Shangri-La, I was a bit disappointed.  You see, there are only a few dining options and most of which, I did not like.  So when we were parking, I was delighted ti know that there was a new wing!  Yey! The new wing, looked - new.  But its still quite empty.  Only a handful of stores and restaurants were open.  The choices were - Filipino food or Japanese.  And while looking at the menu, we decided to try Ikkoryu Rukuoka Ramen. Apparently, this joint was a franchise from, where else - Fukuoka, Japan!  And when you enter, you'd see that the cooks were - Japanese (or at least they looked Japanese!  Hahaha.. Just kidding)  The staff was nice enough to introduce the restaurant and its history and mos...

Just a few minutes ago, I was in the pantry looking for a juice to drink. And then I saw... THIS Unbelievable... I immediately took pictures and sent Del Monte Philippines an email.  But it bounced back saying that my message was too big.  And so I decided to make this post, so I can just add the link to my message.  Let's hope they read this.  Tomorrow, I will call their hotline. I also kept these cans.. Just in case Del Monte asks for a more concrete proof! Yikes!!

Last Saturday, I was treated to a food pairing by Starbucks. Food pairing you say?  I honestly thought it only was applicable to wines!  But lo and behold, we were all amazed that food, I mean real food can actually be paired with coffee! I tell you, I was in awe - I never knew that food can taste as good when paired with coffee.  I think like wine, the flavors of the dishes stood out - without of course compromising the taste of coffee. And so we were introduced to the Asian Dolce Latte. So what's it all about?  Take a look! See how beautiful it is?  Unfortunately, you won't be able to see the beauty of it when they serve it in the white cup!  But this is that it looks like! Its a double espresso shot that is poured into steamed milk with Dolce sauce.  It tastes WONDERFUL - I am a lover of milk and this for me is THE perfect combination of coffee AND milk!  Do take the drink as it is, no need to mix of drink it with a stirrer straw...