food and fireworks

While I was in the Philippines, they had the 3rd World Pyro Olympics, a fireworks competition between different countries. They would have two countries compete each Saturday for a number of Saturdays, but they kept moving the dates later and later. We did manage to catch it on May 3, 2008. I believe the two countries competing then were China and Germany.

We couldn't get tickets and they weren't really letting people through to the Mall of Asia. Between fireworks though, we did go into the Mall and ate at the Chinese restaurants. Some of the restaurants were upping their prices for front row seats, but this restaurant just had their regular prices. And we still had front row seats.

This was dinner: crispy duck, siomai, mixed green vegetables, tofu & black mushroom hot pot.




Here are the fireworks:

inyo

Inyo Fusion Cuisine, Quezon City. May 8, 2008.

On my last day in the Philippines, we decided to have lunch at Inyo. The restaurant is in a transformed mid-20th century house and is a hidden treat. The food was delicious and reasonably-priced.

Crab Cake Two Ways

Broiled Coconut Lime Chicken

Chargrilled Tiger Prawns

Mesquite Smoked Duck Breast

While we would have loved to try the desserts, we were too full. And we still had two birthday cakes at home. Maybe next time...

bistro filipino

Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino, Taguig, birthday dinner 2008.

On my birthday, we decided to have dinner at Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino. I had read quite a bit about this chef, so I figured it would be good. The restaurant is in the recently-developed Taguig area, but far from the Market! Market area.

The restaurant is quite nice. The architecture is great with lots of native elements. We were seated in the center area which was closed off by native blinds.

entrance, chandelier


center dining area, women's restroom




We tried an assortment of food, but I'd have to say this restaurant is a bit overrated. Some of the food was good (e.g., lamb), but a lot left a lot to be desired.

appetizers: sisig?, ubod spring roll?


meat entrees: lamb shank kaldereta, lechon kawali


seafood entrees: paella-stuffed squid, prawns laing




desserts: ?, maja blanca cheesecake (bday cake), banana-cue & langka





We still enjoyed the dinner though. The chef personally delivered my birthday maja blanca cheesecake and sang with the waiters. My aunt and cousins thought he was cute.

merienda

May 5, 2008

suman & mango, palitao, ginataang halo-halo, ube ice cream