In Dumaguete, Have Balut and Tanduay Ice

It was a long weekend in the Philippines so we went on a sort of spur of the moment trip to Dumaguete (we actually went to Siquijor and Apo islands, too)


Photo courtesy of Pauline Derige

Near the famed boulevard of Dumaguete City, we settled for a round of Tanduay Ice at this place called Blue Monkey Grill.

The next night, we had Julien, a French guy traveling with us experience balut! This delicacy is now part of the appetizers menu in restaurants and thus, make for unconventional pulutan.


UPDATE: Finally have a video of the balut-eating experience. Enjoy!

GPS

Gilbey's Premium Strength is currently my bottled drink of choice. A clear, light drink with a sweet, citrusy taste, it has the nice, smooth buzz from light beer without the bloated feeling.


Just saying.

John & Yoko

Last night, we went out for dinner and a drink at John & Yoko, Greenbelt 5. I have been there a couple of times but it's the first time that I tried their Vodka Lychee. For P118 a pop, it's quite good.

Note on the Dinner: The salmon sashimi was okay. The Seafood Shabu-Shabu was a feast if ordered just for two (I believe this can be split among four people). The place, as always, was busy although we arrived quite early for dinner and was able to talk without having to raise our voices, if only for a while.

TGIF's Mojitos

Went to TGIF at Trinoma, a convenient location for peope who think MRT is a gift from heaven (like I do!) I think their Ball Park Nachos is a version of unconventional pulutan because of the sheer volume as seen in the photo (okay, so that's my niece. And no, she did not finish that).

1 Mojito
1 Mojito Apple
1 Ball Park Nachos

Price: Php 736.61 (excluding service charge)

I liked the original mojito more than the apple one. But for Php 174.11 a glass, I just had to find out how to make one.

From Taste of Cuba:

1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Juice from 1 lime (2 ounces)
4 mint leaves
1 sprig of mint
White Rum (2 ounces)
2 ounces club soda


Place the mint leaves into a long mojito glass (often called a "collins" glass) and squeeze the juice from a cut lime over it. You'll want about two ounces of lime juice, so it may not require all of the juice from a single lime. Add the powdered sugar, then gently smash the mint into the lime juice and sugar with a muddler (a long wooden device pictured below, though you can also use the back of a fork or spoon if one isn't available). Add ice (preferably crushed) then add the rum and stir, and top off with the club soda (you can also stir the club soda in as per your taste). Garnish with a mint sprig.

So in the end, I probably don't need a mint sprig.

Thinking in Thailand

The photo was taken at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines. But the thoughts came while drinking a glass of wine in Thailand. See the photo of the bottle below. Not exactly came but more of found. They are not mine but these words describe exactly how I have been these past few weeks.

If you like a mid-range place for a decent Thai meal and some beer, head to Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 12. It's walking distance from the Sheraton Hotel that is near the Asoke BTS/MRT station. It has amusing decor and an interesting story. Read about it here.

Happy Thirstday!

SOCO. I am gonna learn how to make you. Where do you find SOCO? Check out the address in this previous post.

This is what you should say when someone's forcing you to tell who you like.

Happy Thirstday!

Beeramisu, Anyone?

Through Married to Chocolate (thank you, Kris), I found this recipe by Working Class Foodies. Awesome!


What you need:

Filling
1 pint heavy Cream
1 pound of Mascarpone
2 eggs
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Crust:
lady fingers
beer (mocha stout and pumpkin beer)
Cocoa powder