Purple Feet

Jeff, our International Sales Director was in town for our bi-annual meeting on the 30th of April. Lanie and I always take him out for Filipino food, thinking he's a foreigner and we should take him to the best of what the country can offer. In the past we've taken them to Cafe Juanita, C2, Dencio's and Barrio Fiesta. Okay, maybe not exactly the best of what we can offer but after Cafe Juanita and C2 i was stumped. I guess we overlook how good home-cooked Filipino food is. This year I couldn't think of anywhere to take him and figured he'd probably grown tired of Filipino food--although he is fond of Tinola. "Okay, something not Filipino" "How about Japanese?" but he usually does his rounds and Japan is his territory aswell so we figure he's probably had his fill of the best Japan can offer. We think "How about Korean? Korea Garden?" It's right by my office and to me is the best Korean food in the country, a family favorite but was still iffy about that. Then I ask myself "Where do businessmen take VIP's out to lunch?" I remember my dad and how he always knew of the best restaurants and the best dishes to order. He would always order for us and put stuff in our plates without asking "Try this, its really good!" So I ask myself-- "What is the best restaurant I know?" And then it hits me, Purple Feet! My favorite restaurant and it's 2 minutes away from the office. I don't know if it's the food or the ambience but I just love the place.

We started lunch pretty late, 115. Lanie picked Jeff up from EDSA Shangri-la at 1230. This meeting is the biggest of my year so the nice light and comfortable ambience helped ease the pressure building up in my head. Jeff is easy-going by nature and very easy to talk to -- its just that I'm still feeling my way around negotiating and after the first quarters turn of events I really had to level up my game. Again lunch at Purple Feet was perfect.. It lifted my spirits and calmed me down. I was able to squeeze in a few pictures. I wasn't entirely sure if picture taking in front of Jeff was appropriate or not..

Medium Prawns

I ordered the Medium Prawns with a three cheese topping and a side dish of grilled Zucchini. The Zucchini was cooked perfectly.

Tuna Steak with Moroccan Sauce

Lanie and Jeff ordered the Tuna Steak and they were both surprised at how spicy it was. What they thought was tomato was actually a chili sauce. I didn't try it but they said it was really good it just caught them by surprise. The portion size was also huge, good enough to share. Neither of them finished their plates. 

Bread Pudding

Which is the best thing about Purple Feet for me. And it's only 180 pesos. Bong loved it so much too-- "Nakakainis ka, sobrang sarap naman nito!" Bread Pudding is a wonderful childhood memory for my so I've always fancied it. My mother used to collect the outer parts of the bread-- what do you call those again? Crusts? Haha! She's save them to make bread pudding. This bread pudding is not too sweet, perfect on the palate, I think. :)

I forgot to order soup which is the second best thing here. Was thinking of the diet too much that it slipped my mind. I usually order the soup of the day and every single one I've had been better than the last. My favorite one, although I don't remember what it was called was orange and had ground beef in it. Should take note next time :)

Light, pleasant conversation about different cusines, travels over good food was a perfect prelude to a 4 hour long meeting. Thank you Leo Cabredo for helping me prepare for it :)

Cantinetta

We ate Sunday lunch at Canitinetta in Burgos Circle at the Fort yesterday. I was trying to call Taka in the morning to make reservations but no one was picking up. Apartment 1B, i found out, is closed on Sundays. Boo. I suggested Aubergine because we wanted to go to S&R after lunch but on our way there Chi said he didn't want to park there and went to Burgos Circle instead. Mom chose Cantinetta from the lot.

Warm water with Lemons, now a staple.

I was kinda upset that the table that came AFTER us got their bread basket before we did. A good while before we did. I wasn't happy with their bread-- and I LOVE bread. I usually get full from the bread basket already. Or maybe I don't eat carbs anymore-- for the past month at least that it doesn't make me happy anymore?? Could this be true? But Bread and Cheese are my first loves. 

Mom's Crema di Fungi

Cream of Porcini Mushroom Soup

Didn't try it.

Spinaci e Funghi al Vino Bianco

Sauteed Spinach and Mushroom in White Wine Sauce

I originally wanted the Caprese and was disappointed when the waitress came back saying it wasn't available :( But this dish was really good. Although button mushrooms are the only mushrooms not allowed--- pwede na yan.

Grilled Seafood

Prawns, Squid and Blue Marlin

This dish was 850 pesos but there was so much. More then enough for two. It was really fresh and light. The Blue Marlin was really yummy but I didn't eat much of it because it isn't on my list. 

There was so much I ate half of this and half of my spinach and mushrooms and ate the rest for breakfast this morning. 

Chi's Steak

It was cooked to perfection. The potatoes were yummy too!

 Mom's Puttanesca

Had a bite. Yummy :)

The ground floor was full so we were led upstairs. It kinda feels like a dungeon in there.. But I think pretty much all the restaurants in Burgos Circle have that dark feeling inside.
Loved the Food, didn't like the place. Price wasn't all that bad if we had shared since servings were big.

Pa's Chinese Ascension

I'm laughing at the title I chose, but I think it is the essence of today's ceremonies. It was Pa's second year death anniversary last week and today is the second year on the Chinese Calendar. I have no idea how they calculate this, but they say its today. So today, we went to China town where the temple with Pa's Chinese sprit is kept ( I suppose I know nothing of this, I just play along) or more accurately--where his portrait is kept to wave incense at. 

Out of all the mornings of late, I chose to oversleep today-- when I actually had a purpose to wake up! Well, I didn't really oversleep. I just woke up as my alarm rang for 6am. I usually wake up WAAAY before that. But today, when we were supposed to leave at 6, I woke up at 6. Hmph! At least I got a proper night's rest.

We left at 630. Dong passed through Ortigas to Aurora all the way to Binondo! I have never been on that street before-- there were so many new things to see which made for a very interesting drive. I love looking out at what businesses are out there. New condo's in the middle of nowhere, Harrison Plaza, SM Sta. Mesa. I should drive around more often, see whats out there. What markets can be tapped.

We got to the temple at around 715. and set up the goodies to be offered. Today Lanie prepared 5 sets of fruits, cookies and pastries and 5 different food I think. We had to light incense and sort of waft it at the buddhas and then stand and bow as the monks chanted for half an hour.

I entitled it "Ascension" because after today he's no longer "newly dead" and is now to be at the higher heaven, i suppose. He no longer gets yellow incense, now red like the rest of the Ty family at the mausoleum. Why does it take 2 years for him to join his ancestors up in Chinese Heaven? I know he is happy there :)

We all ate at Grams Diner for Breakfast afterwards. Chi, Mom, Lanie and I. Chi was getting irritated with me as I kept changing my mind about what to order. Should I order the omelet or steak and eggs? I settle on Steak and Eggs but realize that they're both proteins and should be 1 kind of protein at a time and veggies. So I quickly change to the Omelet, with Mushrooms, Bell Pepper and Tomato-- sounded like what I made the other day. Chi says "Labo Mo!" and argues with me. "You can't diet when you eat out!" "OH YES I CAN!!" Everyone else got the Patriotic Breakfast, Tapa-- my favorite tapa in the world that I couldn't have. ( Secret: I had one bite hihihi )

Leftover from my Breakfast Omelet

with Mushrooms, Bell Peppers and Tomatoes

The Patriotic Breakfast : Tapa

Ina: "Did you like the tapa? That's my favorite tapa!"

Chi: "It tastes like bacon"

Ina: "I know, bacon and tapa in one!"

Chi: "If I wanted Bacon I would have ordered Bacon!"

Lanie: "Hihihihihih :))"

The secret is in their vinegar, i think.

Chi is still stressing over his Philosophy predicament. See, my brother does not speak much tagalog. Or he just dislikes the language. It started with Pa, he forbade anyone to talk to them in Tagalog and told them never to speak it. Pa was made fun of as a kid not being able to speak proper english so he didn't want Chi and Julian to speak tagalog. Hence, their aversion for the language. Julian even went as far as escaping to study in the States to avoid it. Chi is now stuck in Tagalog Philosophy with a certain John Uy who is batch mates with our cousin Mikko and apparently does not give anyone high grades. His Facebook status the other day said "Saying bye to all my hopes and dreams for the first sem! Trapped with Philosophy in FILIPINO T.T. Death." I tell him that he should prove to everyone that he can do it instead of whining and complaining. He should prove to us how big of a genius he really is-- even if it is tagalog. And I know he can do it. But he says "But I don't like-- I hate this I'm going to get a C" ( and anything lower than an A is not a good thing for my brother) I tell him that not everything in life he will like but he still has to pull through it and rise to the challenge, it will build his character and resolve. Let's see how he does. :) I don't think he'll let himself fail.. I know Chi can do it :)

Encounter and Conti's

I was the prodigal daughter at Encounter yesterday. I have been missing in action for quite a while, then I requested for the schedule to be changed from Monday afternoons to Wednesday afternoons. I have instituted Mondays as Game Plan day at the office full of meetings and I want to be able to concentrate on those and not rush them just to make it to Encounter. My car is also color coding on that day, I usually take another car but sometimes my Mom takes it back while I'm at work so I'm stuck. And honestly I really like going to Encounter-- spending that time just talking about God and being with him and sharing your love for him--his love for me--with other people who are just as crazy as me, or even crazier :) Thanks to Team Pinugu. Lynn, Pat, Cris, Rina and Trisha for changing the schedule for me. This way I can go to work bright and early on Monday before 7, really develop ideas with people since I'm stuck till 7 :) Making up the hours for leaving early for Encounter on Wednesday :)

I came from Tita Edith's house before Encounter because she was helping me with my cash flow and financials. This had been Tito Oscars suggestions as he helped me out with my bank loan. It proved to be worth while. I love learning from Tita Edith, she explains things so well-- or in a manner that I comprehend very easily and she has so many ideas and insights that are so useful. It also helped that my nephew Kai came into the room while we worked and just hung around. He is such an amazing kid, so smart. He was able to spell out transformers with Paper clips on the bed and called to show us-- He's 5.

I kinda lost track of time and left Tita Edith's house and left at 430 when Enounter was at 430. Good thing Everest was 10 minutes away. I was late, they had already started-- and this was my requested schedule. Sorry girls, good thing I brought Strawberry Strudels from S&R that turned out to be so good-- I ended up eating most of it hihihi ;))

After Encounter Lynn, Pat, Trisha and I decided to have dinner at Conti's in Serendra. Cris had to pick her sister up and Rina had a date at the gym so they weren't able to join us.

I ordered Tofu Steak for 195 pesos. Tofu and Shitake Mushrooms-- Diet Friendly Perfect. It has actually been exciting for me to search for these Diet friendly dishes at restaurants. They taste much better than the ones I make at home-- Okay, they might have a bit more salt and oil than is required but hey.. were doing our best.. Lynn attempted to eat the Fried Rice that came with my dish but failed. Haha :))

Lynn's Molo Soup

Only 75 pesos i think?

Pat's I dont know what this is hehehe :))

It was nice to hear about whats been happening to the girls. Getting excited about our book club-- that has been way too long in the planning stage. At least now we have achieved some progress! We have a book in line. Hunger Games, recommended by new RC member Ynez. We're already planning the first themed meeting-- without having started reading hahaha :)) I'm still stuck on Snowball, Warren Buffet and the Business of Life. Yes, thats 900++ glorious pages of investing. I'm halfway-- must read faster. I am trying to focus my life right? Hence-- ONE BOOK AT A TIME!! You have no idea how difficult this is for me! I still have my other dailies and work and school readings-- but those are not "leisurely reading material." I want to read Hunger Games na!!! 

I like this picture of Pat, she looks so happy :)

Kirin, Bonifacio High Street

Today we ate at Kirin. Chi came down from breakfast at around 10 in the morning. I started to work on my cookies while he sat there. I asked him what are plans for the day were. I'd rather dinner than lunch today because of the heat. We were thinking of Taka or Apartment 1B-- Restaurant's we had picked out from the Tattler's list while looking at Fully Booked last weekend. But Chi has been having stomach problems the past few days and he couldn't really eat properly. "I want to eat in Taka but I can't eat sushi and I don't want to waste our time there. Apartment 1B is also heavy." We contemplate as I make cookies as to what he can eat without upsetting his stomach. No sushi, thank God. I suggest steamed fish-- but he's not too excited about that. I ask him if he'd like to come with me to Megamall in the afternoon. I needed to get notebooks from National bookstore-- but he says "It's my last day of summer." 

We finally settle on "that Chinese restaurant in High Street" for lucnch because Mom had dinner plans. Ofcourse Chi had to nag about the speed limit in Fort. Last weekend we were caught speeding there but they let us go with a warning. When he pulled out onto the Fort exit Chi ran at 40 kph and goes "Look, this is so slow! How the hell am I supposed to drive at this speed? It's wasting so much gas!"

I was so happy to see Chief there having lunch with his family too!

As soon as Chi opened the menu, he wanted Roasted Peking Duck. We said that that was the fattiest thing on the menu and would aggravate his stomach. He ended up getting Hakaw and Yang Chow fried rice.

Steamed Shrimp

Chi: "Why would you get something you can get anywhere else?"

Ina: "Because it fits in my diet at masarap naman to ah"

Hakaw

I don't know how that tasted, didn't try it

Poached Spinach with Salted Egg and Century Egg

It was soooo good! You have to try this-- not exactly diet friendly because of the salted egg but it was delicious. One of the better vegetable dishes I've had.

But we had to pay for hot tea... That's a staple for Chinese Restaurants.

Vieux Chalet

Had such a wonderful day with the girls today.

Was lucky to get a decent amount of sleep last night. After a 5 and a half hour meeting friday, I was zombie-fied. I could seriously no longer function. I really felt bad that I couldn't make it to Daryll's graduation celebration ( Four years of law school - proud of you Daryll! Hopefully we'll get to see you more often from now on. ) but I really couldn't anymore. I was out the moment i plopped into bed-- I wasn't even able to change or even turn the air conditioning on. I woke up at midnight all sweaty eeew. At least I slept till -- 6 am! Haha :)) I've been waking up at 245 every night lately head bursting with ideas. I'll probably get another hour of sleep before I get to work but still not enough. But I'm happy to have so many things to do :)

This morning I was able to do so much before getting ready for lunch. Was able to do my morning prayers,  get 2 blogs down and talk to my sister. I took my time getting ready-- since saturday is the only day I go out now-a-days hehehe ;))

Waited for Kace, Pam and Anna and Eli at Caltex along Sumulong Highway. Vieux Chalet is in Antipolo-- no idea where-- just following the leader. Thanks Kace for making this happen. Haven't had such a wonderful day in quite a while. We got there at around 1:30. It was nice to see the girls during the day. Usually it's only Kace I see in daylight. "Marge, your hair looks darker!" "It's because its daytime."

I was thrilled to find "Mango Shrimp Cocktail" on the menu. Lettuce, tomato, mango and shrimp-- all in my list of things to eat :) I was so disappointed when the waiter said it wasn't available-- but after a bit of sweet talk and nagging, he went to the kitchen and VIOLA! They can make it! Yay :) I was kinda disappointed that the 4 pieces of shrimp were so small, surely not 100 grams as stipulated in my diet but it was good none-the-less. The atmosphere and the company drowned out the taste factor for me. You could have fed me whale testicles and I would have still been in high spirits. It was so nice to just hear what everyone had ben up to-- laughing, giggling. Actually just being around them was such a treat in itself. The food was great too. And the dessert. Yes, we must have dessert because it was a special occasion :)

We were there till 4 in the afternoon after which we headed to Margie's house. The other girls had places to go, it was just me, pam and kace with Marge. I really missed being in Margie's house. We used to sleep there so often. It's been way too long. We should really have more days like this. I am so grateful for such great friends. 

I love you guys.