Happy Easter!

     "Easter is a promise God renews to us in each spring.May the promise of Easter fill your heart with peace and joy!

Happy Easter!"

God bless.

*Video courtesy of katolikongpinoy

Asian inspired lunch @ Lucky Noodles, Solaire

     Going to Solaire for the second time was a privilege... not for gambling, but for sightseeing and eating (at least for me). :P We were looking forward to lunch at Lucky Noodles since it's something new and interesting. Located inside the casino, it's one of their casual dining places which specializes in Asian noodle and rice dishes. 

     Love the bright and chic setting! I was happy there were plastic and wooden chopsticks available. I always choose plastic chopsticks for safety reasons because I've gotten splinters from wooden chopsticks before. I was amused the plastic chopsticks came in several colors. ^_^

Menu

This is a temporary one.

Steamed pork and prawn (aka Siomai)

Fluffy barbecued pork buns (aka Siopao)

Noodle soup with shrimp wanton

Noodle soup with hand rolled fish balls

Bak kut teh pork spare ribs soup with Chinese herbs

Deep friend shrimp wanton

Hainan chicken rice (with sauces)

Wok fried rice noodles with beef

Cappuccino

Chilled sago with seasonal fruits

     Food was comforting and filling, so we all enjoyed. It was good there was no sign of MSG because we would have felt it and we didn't.* The staff were efficient and friendly too. It's open 24 hours, so you can try it any time... literally. ;)

Lucky Noodles
Solaire Resort
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MSG -monosodium glutimate

Holy Week Special

     Every holy week, Mom always makes one of her specialties, Bacalao.* She makes a big batch (which is enough for around 15-20 persons) for the whole family. We all love the delicious and clean taste. It's definitely one of the best Bacalaos we've had (not being biased). This is served with potatoes and garlic bread. It's good with rice too. :D

Mom tried another version... Pimiento stuffed Bacalao.*

     Our main activity during holy week is Visita Iglesia in Manila.* Another activity we don't miss out is the Walkway, the stations of the cross in Bonifacio High Street. It was a good move they gave a modern and practical approach. I highly recommend everyone to partake in this activity which will be until Easter Sunday. You can be sure to feel blessed and inspired. 

Walkway by Church Simplified
Bonifacio High Street
BGC
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Bacalao -dried salted cod
Pimiento -red pepper
Visita Iglesia -A Catholic tradition during holy week wherein 7 churches are visited, usually done during Holy Thursday

Feel cool @ Pinkberry

     Thank goodness frozen yogurt became one of the trends in the country. Gone are those days when frozen yogurt was only available in the US. When Pinkberry opened in Rockwell, it definitely caught my attention. The name alone sounded cute and looking at the flavors and toppings just made my mouth water. :P I love that it tastes like soft-serve ice cream and healthier too. If you prefer the tart taste, go with Original. 

Their menu

Too bad chocolate hazelnut was unavailable. :/

Toppings

Salted caramel with strawberries and chocolate hazelnut wafer sticks

Let me share some of my favorite combinations:
Coconut + mango + strawberries
Salted caramel + blueberries + strawberries
Chocolate hazelnut + strawberries
Chocolate hazelnut + strawberries + blueberries


     Kudos to the staff for being so enthusiastic! I just hope they bring back Chocolate, Green tea and Chocolate hazelnut soon. :D

Pinkberry
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A trip back in time @ La Cocina de Tita Moning

     This was a rare experience for us to take a trip to memory lane (at least for Mom) at La Cocina de Tita Moning. This is located in San Rafael Street, Manila. The setting is the ancestral house of the late Dr. Alejandro Legarda Sr. and Mrs. Ramona Legarda (she's Tita Moning). Just with the look of the house, I was sure there were a lot of memories here.

     We were waiting outside and we were told there will be a tour... which made us curious and excited. :D

Check out their personalized towels. :D

Queso de Bola bread

Lemongrass iced tea

     We were given refreshments while waiting. I'm not a fan of Queso de Bola and Lemongrass... but I enjoyed them. :D

Library

I was amused there was already a waffle maker before. :))

Dr. Alejandro was an OB Gynecologist and held clinic in the house.

I shrieked when I saw the skeleton. :O

Besides being a doctor, he was also into photography.

A portrait of Dr. Alejandro

The picture at the right was Roxas Boulevard.

I know it's hard to believe. :))

A portrait of Tita Moning

Living room

Dr. Alejandro was a ham radio enthusiast too.

Dressing room

Dining room

Table setting

The short history of the meal

     Aside from the short history, a brief background of each staff was also provided in every table... which is so sweet! They are truly blessed with loyal and efficient staff through the years, which is no wonder why it reflects in their service. 

Bread & butter

Their famous Salsa Monja*

Tita Moning's Chicken Relleno*

Our Famous Lengua Cooked in White Wine

-The meat was soft and tasty.

Gambas Al Ajillo with Grilled Eggplant Salad and a Wild Rice Truffle Risotto

Our Famous Paella Valenciana

     Good thing they had a side order portion, so we were able to have it even if we were only 3. :D

Tita Moning's Bread and Butter Pudding

The ones on top are candied pili.*

Queso de Bola Cheesecake with Fresh Mango

     I was impressed with the cheesecake (for someone who's not a Queso de Bola fan). The mango blended well here.

A demitasse cup was used for coffee... found it cute. :))

     It's best to reserve and order in advance so that everything can be prepared when you arrive. I would highly recommend this place for both local and foreign visitors to give an idea of our history and culture. It's definitely an interesting and memorable experience. 

La Cocina de Tita Moning
315 San Rafael Street
San Miguel
Manila
734-2146 / 0917-5315203
*Near Malacanang
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Queso de Bola -Edam cheese
Salsa Monja -pickled shallots
Relleno -stuffed
Pili -nuts from Bicol, Philippines