Good Ramen at Kenji Tei

We went to this little ramen shop called Kenji Tei along President’s Avenue in BF Homes this weekend. We would often see it packed with people and finally we were able to dine in, intrigued after months of just looking at the place as we passed by it.

I’m really not a big fan of Japanese food (especially the raw stuff) and this is actually my first time to eat ramen at a restaurant (yes, I need to get out more).

The place is small but not cramped, with wooden interiors and glass panels.

Their menu was a simple, three-page array of ramen, donburi and rice and ala carte offerings. They have the typical tonkatsu and ebi furai, as well as curry rice.

We ordered the Gyoza and Cheese Gyoza for starters, then the Shoyu Ramen (ramen with pork) and the Mabo Tofu Ramen for our main dish.

I wish they had Japanese tea though, they only serve regular iced tea and Coke products for drinks.

Deep fried gyoza with cream cheese inside. I’m a big fan of cheese so I just had to try it. It could use some more though. The regular gyoza is at P95.00 for 6 pieces. Not bad, huh?

Cheese Gyoza with spicy Mayo dip (5pcs.). – P105.00

The Shoyu Ramen was a very basic ramen, but it’s their best selling ramen according to the servers. The pork was very tender.

Shoyu Ramen with chasyu pork (P180).

This is a must-try, especially if you’re a tofu person. I wish I ordered this instead! Oh well, there’s always a next time.

Mabo Tofu Ramen (P220).

Hopefully, they will add more items to their menu soon. Some dessert choices wouldn’t hurt as well.

Kenji Tei Ramen House
#10 President’s Ave., BF Homes, Paranaque City

Bad Romance (Oooh La La Gaga)

I have been a GaGa fan since I first saw that masterpiece of a song that started the Haus of Gaga, Poker Face. Everything about her defies and goes beyond the boundaries of Pop – from her music to her videos, clothes and of course, who can forget her Paparazzi performance at the 2009 VMA’s? Hanging from a chandelier never looked so artistic. OOOOOR sexy!

Though I don’t (and probably will never) fully comprehend the artist that is GaGa, I’m definitely keeping her on my iPod.

Here’s her latest vid from the re-release The Fame: Monster called Bad Romance. The album has 8 new tracks plus the previously released tracks from The Fame. It premiered on Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection Plato’s Atlantis.

Look for the lobster shoes from McQueen!

Conti’s

I’m a certified Conti’s lover – since they opened their first restaurant in BF Homes years ago when I was back in high school, I’ve always loved their food especially their desserts.

Two of my most favorite desserts ever:

This has the consistency of an ice cream cake. Mangoes with cream laced with chocolate syrup.

Conti’s Mango Bravo (P110 per slice).

I can eat a whole midi size of this!

Conti’s Tiramisu (P70 per slice).

My First Visita Iglesia Experience

I spent my Holy Week this year very differently – I joined my mom and her co-members from BCBP (Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, where I’m a Youth member) for a Visita Iglesia. I woke up at 4AM in the morning of Holy Thursday, eager to start the day because I haven’t been to most of the churches that we will be visiting.

We rode on a bus and it felt like one of those school field trips long ago, only this time I was with the “teachers”.

Our first stop was at the Miraculous Medal in Muntinlupa for the 7AM mass. The sky was almost cloudless and the sun shone brightly. I marveled at the great architecture of the church as we stood outside and listened to the sermon of Bishop Jesse Mercado.

Then we made our way to Baclaran Church, where we started the Way of the Cross.

The Way, the Truth and the Life Church was next near SM Mall of Asia.

Malate Church marker and Pieta

San Agustin Church in Intramuros. I love this section of Manila – old houses, vintage street lamps and even the narrow streets make me feel like I’ve gone back in time. I love the carved doors and the centuries-old architectural design.

The Manila Cathedral

My attention was caught by the emblems on the marble floor.

Sta. Cruz Church in Binondo.

After Sta. Cruz Church, we walked all the way to Quiapo Church. The streets were swarming with vendors, it was like any other day instead of a day for reflection and prayer. But when I thought about it, you really can’t blame them for earning a living.

We finished our Visita Iglesia at around 4 in the afternoon. On the way home, I thought about how many devout Catholics I’ve seen that day in all 7 churches I went to. Even if the country is in crisis, we remember our responsibilities and traditions as Catholics. On the lighter side, I realized that people are just people – it doesn’t matter if they’re older, younger, smarter or richer. It’s not that hard to relate to someone else if you choose to look beyond what is superficial.

Up Dharma Down

I never got the chance to really listen to Up Dharma Down until yesterday. I saw them live at the Alabang Town Center and heard them play the songs from their latest album called Bipolar. It’s been sooooo long since I last heard a band play live and the event was free so what did I have to lose, right? The moment I heard Armi belt out the first lines of the opening song, I knew I was gonna get hooked.

The band is made up of Armi Millare on vocals, Paul Yap on bass, Los Tanada on guitar and Ean Mayor on drums.

Bipolar track list:

1. Blessed
2. Clockwork
3. Delayed breathing
4. All year round
5. Taya
6. Unspoken definites
7. The cold is warmth
8. Two
9. Sana
10. Return, Saturn, return
11. Every first second
12. Furnace
13. Silid
14. Sugarcoats and heartbeats

Personal faves: Clockwork, Two and Every First Second

Interestingly, the CD case was made of recycled paper as with their previous album (yes to saving Mother Earth!), thus the lower price of P299.

Autograph signing and picture-taking galore (star-struck).

Check this out:
Taya by Up Dharma Down

Visit their website:
http://updharmadown.com

Summery Anniv Lunch At Chelsea’s

We had our anniversary celebration this year at Chelsea Market and Cafe in Serendra. The minute I walked in, the place reminded me of a gallery, with the tall shelf full of interesting vintage baubles (which I absolutely loved) and the several paintings hung on one wall accented by the miniature chandeliers around the restaurant.

The stylish interior and the high ceiling create a very open and light ambiance, like a summer afternoon.

Speaking of summer, there’s nothing like a large glass of watermelon and green mango cooler to.. well, cool you down. I really couldn’t taste the green mango, but it was refreshing nonetheless. RJ had the lemon lime mint soda.

Watermelon and Green Mango Cooler (P150).

Lemon Lime Mint Soda (P110).

We ordered The Chelsea Fritto Misto Collection and Molten Cheese Risotto Balls for appetizers. The Fritto Misto is made up of lightly fried calamari, artichokes, preserved and fresh lemons, asparagus and capers with garlic aioli and pomodoro dips. The dips complemented everything. I love anything cheesy, and the Risotto Balls didn’t disappoint me.

The Chelsea Fritto Misto Collection (P450).

Molten Cheese Risotto Balls (P295).

For our entrée, we had the roasted whole garlic-rosemary lemon chicken. It looked really festive – wild rice pilaf, kalamata olives and roasted organic vegetables. I would have liked more of the rosemary and less of the lemon. There were parts that tasted bitter because of the lemon but despite that we managed to devour the whole thing. Hihi:)

Roasted Whole Garlic-Rosemary-Lemon Chicken (P695).

Next time we’ll be sure to try one of their thin crust pizzas and cakes.

Jack’s Mannequin

Discovering new songs and artists is one of my favorite things to do. I discovered Jack’s Mannequin through Stephenie Meyer – it’s one of the bands in her “writing playlist”. One day I just thought of Google-ing them and WAH-LAA! I got hooked since then.

The band is composed of Andrew McMahon on vocals and keyboard, Bobby Anderson on guitar, Jay McMillan and Jon Sullivan. They’re from Orange County, California and was formed in 2004 as a side project of Andrew, who is originally from Something Corporate.

Their first album, called “Everything in Transit”, was released in 2005 and in June of that year Andrew was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He underwent a bone marrow transplant and made a full recovery.

Thus, their second album “The Glass Passenger”, released in 2008, is a reflection of Andrew’s experience during the darker times of his life (listen to “Caves” and “Swim”).

If there’s one thing I like about their alternative-slash-new-wave sound, it’s the killer piano and Andrew’s powerful vocals. Wait, that’s two things.

My personal favorites:

From Everything In Transit: Dark Blue, The Mixed Tape and La La Lie.
From The Glass Passenger: Spinning, The Resolution, and Annie Use Your Telescope.

Reviews:
1. Rolling Stone
2. All Music

Here’s a few vids that you might want to check out:

Dark Blue from Everything In Transit

The Resolution from The Glass Passenger

Annie Use Your Telescope from The Glass Passenger

Visit their website:
www.jacksmannequin.com

Krispy Kreme’s Chocolate Karnival!

March 18, 2009

Check out Krispy Kreme’s latest treat – chocolate glazed doughnuts!

Enjoy your favorite Krispy Kreme flavors with a generous coating of Hershey’s chocolate. Yuuuuuuuum.

They also have an on-going promo of any 2 chocolate glazed doughnut with a choice of 2 medium-sized beverage (Iced Mocha or Chocolate Chocolate) for just P270.

Must try: Chocolate Glazed and Double Chocolate Cake.

Chocolate Glazed (P42).

Visit their website:
www.krispykreme.com.ph
www.chocolatekarnival.com

Valentine’s @ Chi’s Brick Oven Kitchen

March 7, 2009

I had my Valentine’s dinner this year with my two best girl friends and of course, with RJ, at Chi’s Brick Oven Kitchen. RJ and I have been wanting to eat there since it opened in 2008 and it actually took us a year to try this place out.

The place has a very cozy and warm atmosphere, with wooden furniture, capiz lights, crocheted coasters on glass squares and clay pots.

The brick oven is at the far end of the restaurant, and you can also see the wooden serving dishes hanging under a cabinet.

When we looked at the menu, everything sounded so yummy. We had the Parmesan Pizza Chips as appetizer. It’s pizza crust topped with olive oil and parmesan with a sweet pimiento dip. It’s worth it for P110.

Parmesan Pizza Chips (P110).

For our entree, we had the Chicken Paprika. Erika really wanted to try the Laing pasta so we ordered that one, too. It was a great combination. The chicken had a little zing and was so tender it was sliding off the bone. The pasta was very simple but delicious.

Four pcs. of Chicken Paprika with Rice (P285).

Laing Pasta that’s good for 3-4 people (P165).

We just had to have the pizza. I love anything cheesy, and the mozarella on this pizza is just perfect.

Chicken Bacon Mushroom Melt Pizza (P340).

Of course, any meal wouldn’t be complete (well, for me anyway) without dessert. We ordered the Chocolate cake ala mode.

Brick Oven Chocolate Cake ala Mode (P120).

The cake is topped with cherries and vanilla ice cream. It has a crusty outside and when you slice it, surprise! The chocolate syrup gushes out!

This is officially in my must-have desserts list.

Gene had the coffee float after. It’s hot coffee with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. How’d they do that?

Coffee float (P60).

Chi’s is definitely a gem. If you’re looking for a cozy pizza and pasta place without the crowd, drive to BF Homes and try this place out.

Chi’s Brick Oven Kitchen
209 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Paranaque City
820-7210
http://brickovenkitchen.multiply.com/

In My Sky At Twilight

In my sky at twilight you are like a cloud
and your form and colour are the way I love them.
You are mine, mine, woman with sweet lips
and in your life my infinite dreams live.

The lamp of my soul dyes your feet,
the sour wine is sweeter on your lips,
oh reaper of my evening song,
how solitary dreams believe you to be mine!

You are mine, mine, I go shouting it to the afternoon’s
wind, and the wind hauls on my widowed voice.
Huntress of the depth of my eyes, your plunder
stills your nocturnal regard as though it were water.

You are taken in the net of my music, my love,
and my nets of music are wide as the sky.
My soul is born on the shore of your eyes of mourning.
In your eyes of mourning the land of dreams begin.

Pablo Neruda