Quick Review: Karne Frio

Deciding where to eat in elbi in an instant is always a problem, especially when you practically tried the good ones, heard negative reviews about the others, and well, you're just simply on a budget.

Yesterday, Paully and I tried this not so new restaurant called "Karne Frio"at the ES Plaza. I've seen it before and did not really got curious to try it because I'm cutting down on red meat. But yesterday we just went for it, what the heck?

I like their location and how it is air conditioned. I was actually looking for an alternative to Bonitos where I can hold private meetings. 

But the place is not so private, eh? 

You know when a place is student dominated when you see boards (and the likes) like this: 

And oooh! They sell planners! I already have mine for 2015 but I still checked it out. (Will share on my next post)

Without further ado,  Let me share their menu: 

I asked for their best seller and they recommended this. I ordered the Garlic Rosemary Pork Marimadas for only 69 pesos! 

But for 69 pesos, let's get real about the actual serving size:

Paully ordered the Meatzzanini for 99 pesos.

The Meatzzanini is actually good, although it can get better if they have more cheese on it. 

I wanted to try other things on the menu, like dessert perhaps?

But I got frustrated because unfortunately, on that day, no dessert is available and it's only 1pm in the afternoon. I'd probably come back next time, hopefully, the ones I will be ordering will be available.

A new cafe with (still) a working title/name

It is actually easier to just eat at home than to decide where to eat during lunch hour. At home, at least you just eat what is there, but if you are presented with many choices for lunch, that's the problem. Where to eat lunch after having tried practically all the good ones (and reasonably priced) food hubs around the university?

Good thing, Frankie invited us to have lunch at a newly opened cafe which is just literally ten steps from his office. I've been to the opening but haven't tried the actual food served there.

I got disappointed having to pay Php 30.00 for this small sized lemonade that seems just like any other lemonade.

Look, Frankie's iPhone 5 is taller.

Also this Panye (Apple, Lemon, Grapes) smoothie, that is also not a smoothie to the truest sense. Like juice with foamy thing lang. 

 I ordered Pasta Alfredo. (Php 80) and I have a wish list for this pasta:
1. More sauce please
2. A lot softer bread. (Because I almost scratched my gums. Seriously.)

This is their Panini, a Tuna cheese melt, I was told. Aya ordered this and got quite a little disappointed for its lack of cheese.

 Meanwhile, this is  Frankie's pesto. It was alright.

Anyway, I think they are still on their soft opening. Nutritionists actually take note of the stuff that the Chef in this cafe prepare.

But you have to give points for the very nice ambiance and location:

(The two photos above were taken on a different day)

We were really hungry that we finished all of what we ordered. Yes, all of them. But we headed straight to Mc Donald's afterwards. Haha!

So there.

There's  a new cafe in the university and I think I just gave away its name. :)

Satya: A Vegetarian Restaurant in elbi

Frankie just got back from Apayao and requests "Vegetarian resto tayo please. This is my acquired craving after weeks in Apayao."

We found this Vegetarian Cafe and Restaurant called "Satya"and Frankie recommends that Aya and I try their "Vegchon"( Vegetarian Lechon Kawali) for us without veggie cravings. He said it looks and tastes like real lechon.

Aya and I were intrigued. 

We found the road to Satya beside Lopez Elementary School. I've seen their signage before but I did not know that it was a Vegan restaurant. 

This cute little nook houses vegan and organic food. The place looks like a secret hide out for peace and quiet. There's a small library for customers who likes to read but there are mosquitoes in the place. But don't fret, its a good thing they have anti mosquito repellent on display to be used by guests for free. 

They also have fast, free wifi too! I asked our server for how long has this restaurant been around elbi, but she's not sure. I think its been around since last year.

Not really an adventurous eater but we tried stuff like Crispy seaweed (Php60), the good old potato fries (Php60) and what we went for: The Vegchon, or their Vegetarian Lechon Kawali with their all around sarsa (Php170.00). They also have brown and white rice (Php35/serving).

The Vegchon, I heard, was a mixture of different kind of veggies. Interestingly, when you take a bite, you will see a meat-like strand, which you might think that it is meat. Of course it does not taste like meat.It was worth a try but what I didn't like about it was there are some portions that "felt" like fat, but it isn't fat. I felt like really fine sticky rice (kakanin) that quite resembles the stickyness of mochi in Japan).The sauce is homemade and taste exactly like fresh lumpia sauce.

If you're wondering what else to order, below is their menu:

Over-all, it was worth the experience and worth trying. I just don't see myself craving for it again, being non-vegetarian and all.

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 26 - April 26

I already graduated last October 31, 2013 and got cleared from the University right before I turned 30 last year. So this graduation march is really just a formality. But, since our office will be covering University Events, might as well attend all the University graduation events such as Chancellor's Night, Testimonial and Recognition Day, Hooding and Recognition Ceremony (for Masters and PhD candidates only) and finally the University Graduation last April 26.

This blog was born out of the desire to get my writing groove back on when I was still studying in graduate school. A photo of me graduating must be in order! (Photo by Kuya Karl) 

One of my relatives, Tita Eves, couldn't make it to my graduation so she watched the live streaming at home, waited for me to be called on stage and took a photo of me getting my certificate on stage. (Honestly, I secretly want to have a photo of me via live streaming, so imagine my delight when someone actually took it for me! Kire lang, I know.)  Thank you Tita Eves for the photo. 

It rained during our graduation march, but I enjoyed it even with all the water splatter. Because, a little rain don't hurt, at least I am finally, formally, receiving my degree! After the march, we were blessed to have a beautiful sunset graduation and fabulous fireworks. I even enjoyed getting the last seat at the back because I get to be relaxed, walk around a little, chat with others, and even have a little picnic of my own. Here is my photo by Paolo Aquino, who kept trying to take candid shots of me, snacking at the back during the announcement of graduates. 

But the cutest surprise of all is I came home to find not one, but two tarpaulin from my High School friends, congratulating me on my graduation. It was so cute, that my mother insisted to have a photo op at the gate of our house when we arrived. (Not the best photo of me guys, but thank you!)

The next day, I wore the exact same dress that I wore during graduation and brought my certificate of completion of my Masteral Degree, just like what I promised Tatay, 39 days after he passed away. 

Now after every milestone, we get asked (or probably we ask ourselves) so what now? Inspired by my friend, Josh, this is now my life verse:

Congratulations to all 2014 graduates! 

Quick Review: Dainty Gourmet Bites

It probably isn't a good idea to bring an actual foodie to a place that says "Gourmet". Because when you say "gourmet" certain expectations just come around.

I've been meaning to try to this little corner at Vega Center called Dainty Gourmet Bites and I'm not really sure if it's good. We tried Kaska before, find it so-so, after more than a year tried it again and it appears that it redeemed itself. You just have to choose the correct pasta to order.

Anyway, the first time I saw this corner, it was jam packed with diners. It looks cute from the outside and I wondered for how long it's been around.

 We got lucky one lunch hour, because there were only two customers dining inside.

 Check out the space. Not really a good idea if you want some peace and quite but when you get the chance to come here on a not busy day, it might just work.

I just had my lunch but my foodie friend is hungry. I decided to just get some ice cream (Php 25/scoop) and was pleasantly surprised with the presentation:

My friend ordered the mushroom burger (Php60.00). My friend, who is  a good cook and an actual foodie, took a few bites before I asked her how she found it:

 "Ordinary." She said. "The burger in that bar on the second floor of Coffee Blends (IC's Bar) tastes a lot better."

Anyway, I enjoyed my ice cream and its presentation and maybe consider ordering the crepes in the future. The menu looks affordable, the pasta the other table's eating smells yummy but maybe it was just not Dainty Gourmet Bites' day today. Maybe like Kaska, it'll redeem itself some other time.

New Find: That secret ice cream place called Mini Moo

I've noticed in elbi that new things pop up every semester. There seem to be a new hang out, a new bar, a new kiosk waiting to be discovered.  Last week, as we were on our way to have dinner, we passed by this cute little space called "Mini Moo" and Aya swore that the ice cream is really, really good.

It looked just like any other ice cream shop until you actually see what the flavors are. If you lust for the pistachio ice cream of a very popular pizza place, or crave for a break from the usual ice cream you purchase at the local convenience stores, this is the place to go.

And because I'm a huge fan of mint chocolates, I got the mint chocolate chip one. Aya got the bubble gum flavored and Paully ordered the double dutch. No regrets I tell ya. In fact, I really enjoyed the mint ice cream. I can't wait to go back. They have other flavors too! 

Now for the quick review:

They charge per scoop which is between Php35-40, depending on the flavor and the ice cream cone. (They had to make sure it is still affordable by UP students)
You cannot buy by gallon or pint due to exclusivity and confidentiality clause between the owner and the "secret supplier" of the ice cream.
They are open from Monday to Saturday at 10am.

Mini Moo is located on F.O. Santos street. The lady owner said that they just opened last Feb 12, and Aya already tells me that a lot of student customers are already flocking their little shop. If you happen to have tried it, share your favorite ice cream flavor in the comment section below.

Travel Laguna: Accommodations in SEARCA Guesthouse

My sister, Aprille, also works in the wedding industry as a Los Baños-based, wedding/events florist. We're often asked about accommodations near or within UPLB. We've met couples who studied in UPLB, who were not really from Los Baños, but wanted to marry in UPLB because "this is where we met."

As a wedding/events coordinator, we are often asked where is the best place to check in before the wedding day. Some bridal party prefers resorts or hotel but some prefers within a short drive from their hotel accommodation to the church. 

One of the nice ones we've seen within UPLB and also quite nice on the pocket is the SEARCA Guesthouse. In fact, one of my sister's bride clients already had her pre-wedding day preparations in this Guesthouse. So today, let me share you some photos of the place together with their accommodation rates.

"The Searca Guesthouse (SGH) is a self-contained hostel with it's own conference hall, dining area and kitchen that is ideal for a group of 20-40 guests. Group package offer includes use of kitchen, a conference workshop room, and the dining area." 

 

Read more and find out about the rates after the jump!

Bayanihang Tianggian at UPLB

The morning after the Valentine's night out, with barely 5 hours of sleep, we went to Bayanihang Tianggian to support our friend, Frankie, who advertised and donated at the event.

Basically, Bayanihang Tianggian is where you donate your second hand, mint condition clothes, books, toys, etc. or previous gifts/unused clothes, toys, accessories, etc. and the organizers will sell it to bazaar customers.

Proceeds of the event will be given to survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

 Even gradeschoolers donated their unused toys and garments!

I was able to buy a desk organizer for Php 50.00, a 5 inch thick memo pad for Php 50.00 and a pair of scissors for Php10.00 and a scented plum colored, candle for Php 30.00.

Paully is the one who shopped the most or what I call "pang-kabuhayan showcase shopping".

I found these photos from the UP Bisok Facebook page, so I borrowed it for my blog. 

Next photo was taken by "lakas-maka-States" Frankie: 

I hope they will have another one next year as I would like to donate stuff to that I was not able to use at all. We got hungry so we passed by the UPLB Feb fair on our way to lunch. It's actually my first time to see what the Feb fair looks like at noon. In case you're wondering what the UPLB Freedom Park looked like after the very crowded February 14 event, check this out:

I was expecting tons of garbage but it looked so clean like you wouldn't imagine it this clean if you witnessed the waves of crowds who went here the night before. Good job!