Author Archives: rob

sweet peppery drink

Posted by rob on

i went to the grocery store the other day and was about to buy something to drink when i saw this powdered juice concentrate from tang which made me stop and look more closely.

it’s tang’s lemon and pepper flavor – well think about adding crushed black peppercorns in your drink!   out of so much curiosity, i bought one box and as soon as i got back to our accommodation i mixed one sachet and a litre cold water on a pitcher.  black pepper particles were swirling as i mixed it and believe me, it looked weird!

i know there is a lemon flavor (minus the pepper!) of tang back in manila which i have tried before and was too sugary for my taste.

the citrus flavor taste of lemon was masked by a sweet and peppery combination (fact that it is mostly table sugar and sweeteners on powdered drinks) and it felt so odd gulping it down because of the pepper! 😀

pork knuckle encounter

Posted by rob on

i met up with some of my high school classmates whom i have not seen personally for a few years back when i was on my vacation last march.  it was a way of reminiscing our good old high school years, specially the fun moments we had together.

it was also a good chance for me to tick off one of my 10 things i have not done before item when everyone was asking to decide where to have our late dinner.  the mall we met up was just near barrio fiesta, a filipino restaurant that is famous for the dish, crispy pork knuckle or crispy pata.  i then suggested the place and they agreed, unknowingly, they did not know my real purpose.

it has been years since i last ate pork.  i stopped eating it when i was in junior high school, the reason still unclear even to myself which is straightforwardly odd!  to cut it short, let’s not talk about it and focus on the crispy pork knuckle itself.  hehe.

crispy pata is the hind leg including the knuckles of a pig boiled in broth with spices, drip dried or drained, rubbed again with spices and then is deep-fried until golden brown.  here is the famous crispy pata of barrio fiesta.  crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.   i wonder how much percentage of cholesterol one serving has.

i ate a piece and the taste reminded me of my ma’s lechon kawali (pan-fried roasted pork) that she cooks before.  though it tasted good it did not mean that i will go back on eating pork again, it was just a self-dare for myself for my list.  another thing, i also stopped eating beef more than four years ago – and i think that deserves a separate post. 😀

simply astoria

Posted by rob on

situated in jose escriva drive near the malls in ortigas business district is astoria plaza, a full serviced residential suites that provides its guests the modern comfort of a deluxe hotel.

i made a reservation online in their website for an overnight accommodation on a suite type one-bedroom where i was required to have a $7.50 prepayment.

two days after my reservation, i checked-in at astoria.  it is actually just walking distance from shangri-la plaza, megamall and a few steps to millenia suites where i also stayed in before.  i requested a higher floor room and was assigned at room 2803.

a one bedroom suite is about 60 to 72 sq. meters.

the dining table with a welcome fruit platter.

i would have preferred a bigger bed, but this one was okay.

another lcd tv was in the bedroom and internet connection was included in the room rate.

coffee and tea making facility, kitchen utensils and microwave.

a fridge and stove if one wishes to cook for their guests.

the toilet and shower area is inside the bedroom which is quite small.

i found a match and an ashtray which means i was in a “smoking” room.

took a picture of the classic new york cheesecake from dome cafe which is just smooth and rich.  i find it great paired with freshly brewed black coffee.

buffet breakfast is at cafe astoria.  i had some do-it-yourself congee, garlic fried rice, sunny side up eggs and dried bangus (milkfish) with spicy vinegar.  for dessert, i had ensyamada, sweet bread and fresh fruits.

astoria plaza also has a gym and swimming pool.  they also offer complimentary shuttle service to the shopping malls around the area.  private parking won’t be a problem for they have a 6-level basement parking area.