Twenty Something

WOW. It's been quite a while since I've blogged. A lot of you have been wondering why perhaps? Well, I've just needed time off from the cyber world to focus on finals and such. Which by the way turned out just great! I won a silver medal for my Australian Finals which I'll probably expound on more in another entry. 

Anyway, I can't believe that I'm finally twenty! I still refuse to say it out loud. I can't call myself a "teen" anymore. It's crazy really how time flies... it's scary yet thrilling at the same time. 

Everybody's been asking me "So, how does it feel like to be twenty?" Honestly, I don't exactly know how I feel. I don't think I feel any different, I mean after all, age is just a number. All I know is that I'm excited to finally be graduating soon because I want nothing else but to travel and see the world!! 

So yesterdays celebration was simple but nice. I celebrated my birthday just chillin' with some of my favourite people followed by dinner in Cav with my family.

If you've read one of my entries months back on my brothers birthday: A Wonderful Turn of Events. You'll know why last nights dinner meant the world to me, so I'm glad that it happened. At least one of my birthday wishes came true. :) 

It was my first time at Cav last night, and just like every restaurant review so far in my blog, it was my mum who introduced me to this Wine Bar Cafe. 

Upon entering, you may feel a bit daunted by the dim-lighting that's quite popularized in fine dining restaurants, but I love how Cav feels formal yet not too formal that you'd have to suit up or anything. Smart casual would be just fine. 

This was the first time I ever got to mechanically have wine poured onto my glass! You can choose either: tasting (25 ml), half glass (75 ml), or full glass (125 ml). Being the easily amused girl that I am, I was definitely impressed. 

I'm not really one who enjoys the company of wine, but my mum's always trying to get me accustomed to it for future travels. 

I got the Beringer White Merlot. I usually loathe wine for the bitter taste it leaves in my mouth, but this was very light and fruity. :)

Last night's Amuse Bouche was composed of:

Green Pea Soup, Spanish Torilla, and Pickled Beetroot with Goat Cheese Panna Cotta.

All very good! The Green Pea Soup was surprisingly my favourite though. 

Crustacean Spaghettini with Lumpfish Caviar

My dad really enjoyed his order. It was "rich and creamy". Serving portion looked quite small but at the end he said it was just about right. 

Dry Aged U.S. Rib-Eye with Mushroom Ragu served with Spinach Gratin and Country Fries. 

Being the steak lover that I am, it was no surprise that this was the first thing in the menu that caught my eye. -- I had it cooked to medium-rare as usual. Cav's steak was definitely one for the books! It was presented beautifully and was melt-in-your-mouth yummy. :)

I'm not really a big fan of vegetables, but I love spinach. (Especially the spinach dip in Cibo. AHH, the best!) The gratin was perfect when paired with the steak. 

Angus Beef Short Ribs served with Cream Cannelili Beans, Kamote Curls and Burgundy Sauce.

My dad ordered this dish. I had a bit of it though, and I was quite jealous. The short ribs were really tender. The whole dish in itself had a great play of textures and of course, flavours. -- It's cooked for about 48-hours, explains why it's so tender!!

Duck Leg Confit with Truffle Macaroni, Red Cabbage, Capers, and Cranberry.

...Now my favourite part, the dessert!!!

Gold Chocolate Dome with Carrot Sherbet

This was pretty good! It was rich, not too sweet, and dense. 

Part of what made my Aubergine dining experience during my last birthday special was the complimentary Macarons. :") I was definitely surprised they served us some here, too!

White Chocolate Brûlée with Chocolate Tuile and Caramelized Bananas

I'm a big fan of Creme Brûlée! Any flavor whether it be plain, chocolate, or in this case my favourite! White chocolate. The delicate flan like texture with the sudden crunch of torched sugar leaves me in smiles. :)

They surprised me with a Valrhona Chocolate Souffle Cake with Grand Marnier, Ice Cream Melt on the Chocolate Tuile and Mixed Berries. :)

It was definitely one of the best birthday cakes I've had! Anything that screams Valrhona never disappoints. 

Outfit of the night:

Chiffon top: Cotton On - High Wasted Shorts with Belt and Nude Mary Janes: Forever 21 - Watch: Fossil - Gold Necklace: The Ramp - Quilted Clutch: Taipei

I apologize for the shaky photos! My camera wasn't set to it's usual setting and was too lazy to fix it. 

Last night was definitely one of the best birthday dinners I've had yet. Not only because of the company, but because the food was outstandingly great! It's quiet atmosphere is perfect for business meetings and intimate gatherings. I had no bad remarks on the service, too. I can't wait to go back and try the rest of what Cav has to offer!

Thanks to everyone who greeted me and made my birthday a happy one! I love you all. :)

INSTAGRAM: arellanoalyssa

TWITTER: @ArellanoAlyssa

TUMBLR: http://loveandotherdrugs.tumblr.com

E-MAIL: alyssalopezarellano@gmail.com

Cav Wine Shop and Café

Bonifacio High Street

G/F The Spa Building, Lot 5 Quadrant 8, 11th Ave.

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

(02) 856-1798

Scooby Doo, Where Are You?

Before I get on with this entry I'd like to take the time and greet one person that's very close to my heart. I know that this is about three days late, but better late than never right? HEHE.

I know that I've already given you your present and your card, which I'm hoping that you very much liked or loved even. :) But, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I know that the day of your birthday wasn't everything you wanted, but I hope that I got to help you in one way or another. 

The story of us, will never get old! I'm so glad we found each other again after all those years.. We've gone through so much! From hanging out at the park (looking at the sky, because it reminded you of your mum), unplanned sleepovers turned AWESOME, scrumptious dinners, HONG KONG (need I say more?), and all the heart-to-heart talks. 

It's evident to say that you're one of my closest friends. Not only because you live a few steps away, but because you know practically everything about me! I'm never afraid to tell you things good or bad because I know that you'd never judge me. You may be three years younger than me, but that doesn't even come to mind when ever you give me advice. You're so talented, lovey! I know that you'll go far with whatever you decide to pursue in life. Whether it be painting, acting, or your dream of discovering a cure for cancer! Remember to always follow your heart and all your dreams will come true.

So never forget that you can come to me for whatever! I'll always be here for you no matter what. I love you to the moon and back again! You will forever be my one and only lovey. :)

Outfit of the day:

Dress, Belt, Bag: Taipei - Cardigan: Babo - Wedges: Parisian - Key Necklace: Topshop

After lunch at Powerplant, I went to Clara's place for her birthday and changed to my gold sandals instead for a more " laid-back" look. 

Now you may wonder, why I entitled this entry "Scooby Doo, Where Are You?" Well, as random as it is, while fitting this outfit of mine it reminded me of my childhood favourites, Scooby. Looking at the colours of my cardigan and belt, I'm guessing now you know why. :)

When in Powerplant nowadays, you may find me in Shi Lin rather than Cibo. Ever since they brought Xiao Long Bao here, I've been a total addict! I've actually wrote an entry all about Shi Lin here.

This Shi Lin experience was like no other. To cut the long story short, here is what we ordered:

*2 orders of Pork Chop*

*20 pieces of Xiao Long Bao's*

*10 pieces of Red Bean Pao's*

The waiters were already laughing as they served us the food... we'd laugh as well, but by the end of our lunch my mum was quite scared because my brother and I weren't even close to full. CRAZY, RIGHT! 

Anyway, I do hope that you try Shi Lin out soon! And if not Shi Lin, try one of my favourite places Lugang. :) Wrote an entry all about here. ENJOY!

INSTAGRAM: arellanoalyssa

TWITTER: @ArellanoAlyssa

TUMBLR: http://loveandotherdrugs.tumblr.com

E-MAIL: alyssalopezarellano@gmail.com

A Wonderful Turn of Events

Birthdays are always something I look forward to. Whether it be my birthday, or some other loved ones. It's where people are gathered to celebrate your special day. It's also when people are usually happier AND nicer to you. *laughs* 

People would always describe me as "Always positive or Happy-go-lucky." And I'd like to think that's true, but not everybody sees the other side of me. The side that's broken. Jaded. And longing to be a whole again.

Today was certainly a wonderful turn of events as we had dinner together as a family. A complete family. My parents have been separated for almost 9 years now and I'd have to say it was probably one of the darkest memories of my life. But today everything changed. It's not what you think. Not the whole Parent Trap story where the kids get them to see each other and they fall in love again, no. As shallow as this may sound, this would have to be the first time we had dinner together in a very very long time. I actually didn't think it was at all possible. But I'm glad that I got to convince them to do it. Because really, it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. For a little while there, I felt whole again. :)

We ate at Bistecca, located at 122 Joya, Rockwell. (In front of BDO and Cibo at Powerplant)

It wasn't my first time coming for you know how big my love is for steak and truffle. :")

The restaurant is quite dim-lighted so it really set the mood.

Four Cheese Truffle Mac and Cheese topped with Arugula and Bacon. 

-- Mhm, it was certainly a treat for the tummy! Only wished the serving was a bit bigger.

SIDES: Wild Mushroom and Creamed Spinach.

Oil and rock salt that pair perfectly with the steak. 

Rock salt choices:

Truffle - Garlic - Chili

You can probably guess what my favourite was. ;)

We always get Rib-Eye and have it cooked to medium-rare. 

-- Servings are big here and is always cooked to perfection! :)

A meal is never complete without dessert. ;)

They only had two choices which was either the Chocolate Lava Cake or the Bread Pudding. -- We ordered the Chocolate Lava Cake without even thinking. It was really yummy! In fact it was gone in 10 seconds. HAHA.

I'm hoping that this won't be the last dinner that my family has together. Looking forward to October. *crosses fingers*

Happy birthday, Josh! Hope you had a great one. I love you to the moon and back. :) 

If you're a fan of steak and truffle like I am, I suggest you try Bistecca. Prices are pretty high, but definitely worth it! It's always a pleasure going back. Let me know how your Bistecca experience goes! Comments are much loved below. :)

BISTECCA

122 Joya, Rockwell

Makati City, Metro Manila

(02) 403-5231