Jumbling Japonica

ramp modeling along H.V. Dela Costa Street (photo c/o Joy)

     Weekly habit with the girls is at Japonica this time to celebrate my dear friend Harriet's upcoming birthday. I suggested the place to them early this week because I was really craving for something Japanese.

     Having made the reservation, we also decided to put a little spice on the occasion and really dressed up for it, Asian style. Yeah! Ain't that cute! If not for our jobs, we would have tried cosplaying instead. lol

Mini Sukiyaki Nabe

     Japonica is a nice, quiet Japanese restaurant for casual dining. It has a grand view of the busy H.V. Dela Costa Street. Towering condo and commercial buildings provide shade from any direct sunlight in the place thus the reason why there are no blinds or tints for its wide glass windows. Not the usual place to hang-out though (yes, no music) but very conducive for mealtime. It is bright, clean and free of distractions.

     Yes, no distractions. Hay. Mr. Swag hunting was cancelled for the time being. No prospects sighted.

Kani Salad

     For the appetizers, we ordered  Gyoza, California Maki and Kani Salad. I enjoyed their Gyoza even without the sauce.

     For entree, the choices are Mini Sukiyaki Nabe (Japanese beef hot pot), Ebi Tempura Lunch Set (fried breaded-shrimps and Hamburger Steak & Ebi Fry Lunch set. The Sukiyaki dish was good. All ingredients were blended well to my liking. I even ate the whole pot with no rice. Like what Harriet said, it deserves a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.

Gyoza

     No desserts were ordered. We decided to transfer to our cafe tambayan and had our desserts there.

Hamburger Steak & Ebi Fry Lunch Set

Rating:

Ambiance: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Food: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Japonica Japanese Cafe and Kitchen

2nd Level, Liberty Plaza, H.V. Dela Costa cor. Valero St.,

Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(+63 2) 884-2148

Suddenly Salsa

     A planned reunion of fellow researchers commenced at last! Former colleagues decided to meet up in Greenbelt and set up a video chat with Froi, who now lives in New Jersey. Everyone present seems so excited to see each other. I was hoping to take a nap before going to the meeting place but sleep seems impossible already. I was too giddy. And there they were, the same 'ol group, with  few pounds taken off from them. Everyone looked slimmer than the last time I saw them. Mommy Cheng, you really surprised me. I love the legs! Hahaha. Yvette, with still the same glamarosa aura I like. Kelly, my lovely Mrs. Smith (yes, I agree, for me you are no Nina Fuentes but an Angelina). Vin, my fellow GERD brother, why must this happen to us! Ian, I still can't believe how you've maintain that body all these years. It's all those marathons' fault noh? Jigs, you're late but that's fine, still as good looking as ever, I forgive you. Hahaha.

     Everyone is healthy, happy and hungry. Yes, I'd say they all looked great and I'm just glad we had this reunion this year, 2012, before the end of the world. Anyway, going back to the reunion...never-ending and untold stories were told; crazy antics were revived; updates on current life were revealed. Sadly, some were not able to make it but that's fine, they have to make it up next time (you know who you are, hmp!). Besides, the fun must continue.

     The group first decided to go to Glorietta 5 and see where we can set up a laptop. After what seemed like 30 mins of strolling around, looking for a suitable place to eat and hang out, we came to a decision to just go and find some diner along Makati Ave, near A.Venue and landed at Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar.

Hot Sauce Collection

Sarap ng Kanin-Baboy 

     It's a nice and cozy  typical Mexican diner of some sort so we just planned to have our stomachs filled and change to another place to chill and have some booze. We ordered huge servings of burritos and taco salads. They also have this huge collection of hot sauces from tabasco to hot insane ones. I haven't tried their margarita though. Too bad I can't take in any spicy food or alcoholic drinks anymore due to my GERD, right Vin?

Mirror mirror on the ball

     Upon entering the diner, I noticed the big vacant area inside. I thought at first that maybe this place provides jamming sessions for bands who'd like to play their thing but then again there were no instruments there. At 11:00 pm, much to our surprise, the place was transformed into a mini dancing hall and we were all asked by Reana, the event host, to join Salsa 101.

Focus!

     I have always loved dancing but never learned Salsa. Without hesitation, I stood up and found myself a place for the tutorial. Together with my friends, we breezed the dance floor and just let our feet do the talking this time. It was a great night! Everybody was enjoying the lessons. I immediately got into the groove and danced the night away.

Midshift

Dancing the night away

     After the lessons, the real Salsa dancing took place. A lot of salseros, (both male and female; Pinoy and foreigners) were there and danced like no one was watching. Everyone seems to have a world of their own on the dance floor. I so envy them. I miss dancing like that, like sweat is blending with your emotions as you sway away to the beat of the music. Its sooo hot and sexy. It's a must see and FEEL event! Let me just practice some more and I shall return.

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

7838 Makati Avenue, Makati (Infront of A.Venue)
Schedule of Salsa Events: Every Saturday
10:30 PM - 10:45 PM Salsa Lessons
10:45 PM - 4:00 AM   Anything-goes Salsa

Ratings
Food: 3 out of 5 stars
Event: 5 out of 5 stars

P.S. Thank you Vin for the photos and Jigs for the title

Dessert: KFC's Bananapple pie

I'm not much of a sweet-tooth but when Michael treated Kathleen and I for desserts at KFC, who could ever refuse. KFC's Bananaaple pie has proved to be really yummy. Not too sweet, light but not too bland. Just right for my palate. Looks like I'll be looking forward to eating my desserts next time I eat here. And its all your fault, Michael. Pfft.  

Salivating Michael

Mrs. Capt. Kathleen America

Within 30 mins, the whole store was filled immediately with customers. I remembered that today is the Jose and Wally Concert at Araneta which would explain the sudden gush of people in the area. Too bad I was not able to get myself a ticket. It must have been very entertaining. :)






Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

From Russia with Love

BEPHOCTb KAYECTBY Chocolate - 65% Kakao

We celebrated valentines late this year due to so much work and all, but like they always say: "It's better late than never". 

I got these chocolates from Rey, along with some flowers (red roses, no photo). Compliments from Vladivostok Air.

Верность качеству Chocolate. Even if I don't know how to pronounce that, I won't forget the richness of its taste and has 65% Kakao (Cacao). Wait til you taste the 75%, 85%, or even 99% versions. Hmm, curious? Yes, me too. Next time, I'll let you know if there is any difference.

I love New Bombay!

I was ever curious of this restaurant just beside 7-11 store near our offices. Faye recommended we have our lunch here and so we did. I like the ambiance, ever authentic Indian atmosphere.  Luckily, it doesn't smell like a typical Indian place (hehehe... if you know what I mean). Wooden chairs and tables were carved and designed meticulously by some artist. Drapes hung the ceiling to give it an Indian feel. The owner is also authentic... yes, that he is.

Error in the orientation :)

Baked prawns

Today is the first Friday of the Lenten season so we opted for a vegetarian/fish meal. For starters, we ordered some spicy naan and samosa (empanada with beans & curry inside). For main entree we ordered fish curry, baked prawns, and chili curry rice topped with peas and chopped string beans. 

As for the drinks, my lunch buddies just had softdrinks to neutralize the spiciness of the dishes. Not me. Because of my GERD, I had to order a mango lassi, an Indian drink, sort-of like a mango shake but more delicious. I would highly recommend that drink. Got to learn how that was made.

Samosa and naan

All yellow! Go People Power!

And onto our ever Mr-Swag-hunting. Yes, it was now my turn to be played at. We've been eyeing some guys across the table. Good looking as they were, we decided to just let them be. They might be in the middle of a business lunch meeting for all we know.

Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Some of the ones in the menu we ordered were not available. Yes, they have to do something about their availability issues. But it was immediately forgotten when we began emptying the plates. The dishes were simply delicious.