Trattoria Italia

We went to Trattoria Italia to celebrate my Mom's birthday and I have to say that this is by far the most forgettable lunch we've had. I really expected great food from this establishment since it's from the Balducci and L'opera family. I was so disappointed that I didn't care to list down what we ordered..

Dish # 1

Dish # 2

Dish # 3

Dish # 4 - This is the only order that I liked.

Dish # 5

Dish # 6

Dish # 7

Dish # 8

Dish # 9

Dish # 10

Trattoria Italia

Eastwood Mall

G/F Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Telephone: (632) 709-2144

 

Pao Pao Xiao Chi Katipunan Tea Bar

Reasons why I will DEFINITELY go back to Pao Pao Xiao Chi Katipunan Tea Bar..

1.) For their Yummy Drinks! - Of course, the main purpose of going to a milk tea place is to enjoy their drinks and here's what we ordered.

Wintermelon Milk Tea, Taro Milk Tea, Yakult Green tea and Coffee Milk Tea (from L-R)

Wintermelon Milk Tea - My new favorite drink! A bit on the sweeter side, but a sure win for me! :)

Taro Milk Tea - I highly recommend this as well. And this is coming from a person who's not a fan of taro. :)

Yakult Green Tea - It sometimes disappoints me when one ingredient overpowers the other. But I have to say that I really enjoyed this. It's light and you can still taste the Yakult in this drink. A perfect blend of Yakult and green tea.. Two thumbs up! :)

Coffee Milk Tea - I'm not really a coffee drinker so I didn't try this one. You be the judge. :)

2.) For their Tasty Snacks

Glazed Potatoes

Spicy Squid

Fish Tofu

They have a number of spices to choose from as well. :)

3.) Pao Pao's price is cheaper than other milk teas! :)

4.) They have a Take-out Counter - How convenient is this! Ideal for people on-the-go.

 

5.) They have Free Wifi - My first time to encounter a milk tea place with free wifi. A great place to study, work or hang out.

6.) They have Available Reading Materials - It doesn't matter if you go there alone, you have these magazines to keep you company. :)

Pao Pao Xiao Chi Katipunan Tea Bar

Unit 101 Golden Crescent Mansion
90 Rosa Alvero St., Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City 1108

Krazy Garlik

The plane arrived at around 6:30 pm and we just got back from a food-filled Zamboanga trip. What better way to welcome ourselves back to Manila? MORE FOOD, of course! :)

My mom and sister-in-law fetched us at the airport and straight to Resorts World we went. Decided to have dinner at Krazy Garlik, an Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant. :)

 

Garlic and Anchovy Affection

Gambas Al Ajillo

Drink Me (Pureed strawberries, Ripe Mango, Banana) - The perfect mix. :)

Mushroom Matsuri - A festival of mushrooms sauteed Japanese style :)

Baba Ghanoush - Didn't enjoy it that much. I'd still go to Cyma for good Mediterranean food. :)

Garlic Snowflakes

Garlicky Crispy Pata - A definite must-try! :)

Spaghetti Vongole

Garlic, garlic and more garlic! YUM! Don't forget to have a mint after this meal. :)

Krazy Garlik

Newport Mall

Telephone: (63 2) 621-7148

Zamboanga City

Despite the recent news about Basilan, my sisters and I still went to Zamboanga City to visit my boyfriend B. After all, it was his birthday.. And I wouldn't miss it for the world. ♥

Once we arrive, I was surprised when I saw their airport. It's just like that of Boracay - no air-conditioning and really small. Take note, it's Zamboanga INTERNATIONAL airport. Hm..

The city is such a small place. How small exactly? B told me that everything there is "10 minutes away". Even with our (just) 2-day stay, we were able to pretty much tour the whole of Zamboanga City and here are the places we visited.
 

1.) Fort Pilar Shrine

The shrine of Mama Mary

Here's part of the original wall built in the 17th century.

The Bells of the Sanctuary to the Lady of the Pilar

2.) Lantaka

Lantaka is the Spanish word for cannon, so expect to see a few of them in this hotel. It also has the view of the sea and colorful Vinta sails - perfect for picture-taking. :)

3.) La Vista Del Mar

When you're in Zamboanga City, visit La Vista Del Mar which has the freshest seafood in town. :)


We ordered the following..

Baked Clams

 

Kilawin

Calamares

Crab

Fried Shrimp

Curacha

Smoked Bangus

Cobbler

4.) Barter Trade

A lot of Malaysian products are available in this city. So if you plan on shopping, bring extra hand carry. :) Here are some of the pasalubongs we bought.

Maggi (Curry Flavor), Apollo Wafers and Koko Jelly

Green Tea Flavored Squash Seeds, Cadbury Hot Chocolate Drink, Nescafe

5.) Myrna's Bake House

Be sure to visit this bakeshop whose signature pastry is the Chorizo Tart. While you're there, order their Bavarian Chocolate Cake (my personal fave) as well. I promise you won't be disappointed.. :)

Omakase

Omakase is my family's all-time favorite Japanese restaurant - Enough said! :)

Salmon Sashimi

Philadelphia Roll - Tuna, kani, cucumber, mango, cream cheese, ebiko, scallions

Spicy Tuna Salad - This was good. But believe it or not, I still prefer Teriyaki Boy's Tempura Tuna Sashimi Tartare. :)

Tofu Steak - Tofu wrapped in thinly sliced steak

Ebi Tempura

Oyster Butteryaki

Sukiyaki

Dynamite Roll - Unagi tempura inside with spicy salmon or tuna on top

Deep Blue Sea - Spicy tuna and tempura bits inside with salmon, shrimp and shredded crabstick on top

Soft Shell Crab Tempura - If you find this too big, order the Spider Maki instead. :)

Omakase

IL Terrazzo Mall

Unit 1&2 Upper Ground Level, IL Terrazzo Mall, El Terrazo Bldg., 305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Madriñan St., Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, Metro Manila, PH

Telephone: (63 2) 332-4115