Xiao Long Wow!

The rainy weather today was quite sporadic! It's times like these when I don't want to get out of bed and I want to stay in all day long. Perhaps catch up on a good series, get a few of my favourite snacks, snuggle into my bed, listen to the falling rain and just enjoy life as we know it. 

Instead, like every weekend.. we decide to go out and either try something new or eat at our favourite restaurants. Sundays are known to be my brothers day and today he chose Shi Lin because he was craving our favourite, Xiao Long Bao; a burst of something warm to balance of the chilly weather. 

Today, I had planned to wear this dress but just threw in the tights moments before leaving because I felt quite chilly. I love these tights because their not as opaque as a lot of the tights that are being sold here in Manila.

Outfit of the day:

Dress: UNIQLO - Accessories & Tights: Shilin Market 

Bag: Louis Vuitton - Loafers: Archaeology, Rockwell

Extremely happy that we have Shi Lin here in Manila. 

It's got to be the closest to Din Tai Fung. Our favourite Xiao Long Bao place, ever!!!

Fried Rice with Pork Chop and Egg (P195.00)

(I ordered this before and enjoyed it very much. I love dishes that have a hint of sweetness to it. So if your preferences are the same, then I suggest you try this too!)

Spicy Spare Ribs (P289.00)

Shrimp and Pork Dumpling *6 pcs* (P148.00)

Xiao Long Bao *10 pcs* (P230.00)

Also known as "soupy dumplings". Every bite into this small dumpling always manages to surprise me once the warm soup hits my tongue. So better be careful! If you've never tried this before, I suggest you do try it soon! You're missing out. Definitely a foodgasmic experience. :)

Red Bean Pao 

The perfect ending to a cozy meal. We usually get two each because three would just be too much considering we still have dessert out afterwards. 

Preparing myself for ienne's last day at the Baker's Dozen in Rockwell, I succumbed to buying a few cupcakes. :")

We were about sixth in line today in getting a table at Shi Lin. I was actually getting a bit crabby because I didn't have a proper lunch, but it was definitely worth it! Xiao Long Bao is just THAT good. 

Leave me a comment below and let me know how your Shi Lin experience goes! :)

Shi Lin

Can be found at The Podium, Powerplant and The Fort. 

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Ti Amo Italia!

Today while Bailey (our shih tzu) was in the groomers, we decided to have lunch at the Burgos Circle in The Fort. We were debating whether to have italian or japanese, and italian won. I'm not complaining though. If I'd have to choose, italian would have to be my favourite cuisine. 

We've eaten at Cantinetta a number of times already and though dishes don't come cheap, I'd have to say that it definitely is one of my favourite italian places. :)

We love mushrooms and are suckers for anything labeled truffle, so my mum ordered the Ravioli Al Funghi Porcini. (Ravioli stuffed with porcini mushroom with truffle oil sauce) P540.00

I've been craving risotto for quite sometime now so I ordered their Al Porcini (Mushroom Risotto) P480.00

Gnocchi, everybody's gotta love it. It's tiny but quite filling, soft to the bite and paired with creamy decadent sauces. Mhmm, just thinking about it makes me hungry! My brother beat me to it and ordered the Gnocchi Quattro Formaggi (potato gnocchi with four cheese sauce) P480.00

When I crave for something sour, I opt for Limoncello but on normal trips to Bar Dolci, I get my favourite Ferrero. :)

I love Bar Dolci, but sadly their macarons did not come up to par. They were good, but I've tasted better. I think I'll just stick to their Gelato next time.

The heat in the Philippines is sometimes just unbearable; and that is why I am rarely seen wearing pants. But this day was an absolute exception because I wanted to sport my new UNIQLO purchase. 

Just last weekend, my mum and I went to UNIQLO at the Mall Of Asia. As we were looking around, we noticed these pair of "jeggings" a.k.a. jean leggings and loved the fit so we bought them in all colours! Like I mentioned, I am never really seen wearing jeans but I think that will change slightly from now on thanks to these pair from UNIQLO. They're undeniably comfortable and versatile. Definitely one of my proudest buys! :)

Outfit of the day:

Chiffon top: Forever 21 - Jeggings: UNIQLO - Accessories: Taipei Markets - 
Bag: Louis Vuitton - Loafers: Archaeology, Rockwell

I've probably said this once or twice before, but I really did wish we had more parks in Manila!

All dishes gladly did not disappoint so if ever you do plan on visiting Cantinetta, I highly recommend you try these dishes! Their pizza and gelato are worth trying, too. So hope you guys have a wonderful italian dining experience like I did! Leave a comment below and let me know how it goes. :)

Cantinetta

Forbes Town Center, 29th StFort Bonifacio, Taguig(02) 403-5220

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Kindred in Kaohsiung

The best times happen when you least expect them. I went to Taipei not knowing what to expect, armed with just my curiosity and zealous desire to experience the world. I came home not just with a trove of goodies, but a treasure of memories after bonding with my Mama Bernie. 


Honestly, I was a bit nervous before going because we've never really gotten the chance to bond before so I didn't know what to say, what we'd talk about, etc. but as time came I found myself not even having to try at all. 


Everything went great and conversations flowed without much effort. With her, things were just more interesting because I felt like everything she said had a bit of wisdom to it. It felt good to know that she believed in me so much and that there were a lot of things that interested us both. 

Meet my Mama Bernie!  

I always love when Japanese restaurants that have this kind of setting because it feels authentic. 

I loved the play of interior from wood to glass! It gave the place more character. 

I'd suggest you all to try this restaurant if and when you visit Kaohsiung, IF you do know how to read and speak chinese. Luckily, we had a local dine with us. 

I literally stopped and stared for seconds.. Rainbows always amuse me!

Our first appetizer.

Followed by the salad. 

Tempura! My favourite. :") (Still an appetizer)

I really loved their presentation!

I love Orange Chicken. Especially the one from Panda Express! Well, this was obviously served in a different way. This was their own version of Orange Chicken.

The fish dish my grama ordered. :)

Just when I thought after the main dish was over, there came more...

Absolutely loved how this place was so zen!

Outfit of the day:

Tank top: Bazaar - Cardigan: Mango - 

Skirt: Target - Flats: H&M - Shades: F21

I wasn't expecting much from this restaurant when we first entered but after seeing how they plated everything and after tasting all the dishes served to us, I was really impressed. Definitely quality over quantity. :) 

The quote I think that is most perfect for this entry is:

"No expectations; No disappointments."

Coincidentally it actually is my laptops background at the moment.

Thank you for such a pleasant and fruitful trip, Mama Bernie! Cheers to more soon. :) I love you to the moon and back! <3

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Why I Live for Saturdays

When Pizza comes to mind, I instantly think New York. New York, where the pizzas are extremely delicous and served at large! Sadly, pizzas in Manila don't really suffice except this pizza joint I will be talking about today! 

Last saturday I finally tried the most talked about pizza joint in Manila, Nolita and it was NO DISAPPOINTMENT whatsoever. They certainly did not scrimp on ingredients and left me going out a happy customer. :)

I loved everything about their pizzas! From the toppings to the crust itself. There was nothing left on our plates afterwards, not even the crust (and we usually hate the crusts) it was just THAT GOOD!

I was there for lunch at around 11:30 so not many people were there, but they're usually really packed during dinner so better go early.

Pesto grilled chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and the original cheese which were both so mouth-watering! 

My personal favourite (so far), the Chicken Parmigiano pizza. Everything about it was yummy! The chicken was really filling that I almost couldn't finish my second pizza. 

Pizzas at Nolita's don't come cheap. They're priced at about P200.00 + each but are 20-22 inches in size and are exceptionally yummy so it was definitely worth it for me.

I'm not a big fan of beer, but you might be! Check out their selection of imported beers. 

They also serve pasta, burgers, and sandwiches apart from their best-selling pizza which I definitely will go back for soon! 

Outfit for the day:

Tribal top: SM department store - High waisted shorts: F21 - Accessories: Taipei market - Wedges: Parisian - Bag: Hong Kong

Finally got to wear my owl bangle! Isn't it so cute? :)

Definitely the most comfy pair of wedges I own. I don't normally wear heels, but I lasted about 10 hours that day in them without feeling any pain. 

A typical meal for us is never complete without dessert! So we went to Stella but were seated at Rocket Room because they were full. 

They serve different flavours of Arce Dairy ice cream which just means... MANTECADO! Which is also known as "Manila Vanilla" :)

Four-Layer Red Velvet Cake. -- Was moist and yummy! Not too filling, everything was just right. 

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake. -- It was calling to us! HAHAH. This was really moist and flavorful too. I love anything salted caramel from macarons to ice cream flavours. :")

My weekend pig-out buddies. :)

I love all these restaurants! Check out my recent post on Mr. Jones here.

SPOTTED: Iona Mapa and Maui Uy at Jamba Juice. 

EHEHE, love you guys! 

Went to SnR with my mum to buy some goodies for another CANADA sleepover. :)

Met up with my friends at High Street afterwards to have dinner at Pancake House. Ordered their spaghetti. What's new? HAHA.

Meet my grade school buddies. :) Without even planning, our colours all formed the rainbow! Which I think is pretty cool. Don't you think? 

They boys slept over again and we played Balderdash but with my mum this time! It was fun like all the other sleepovers we've had. HEHE.

So this is why I live for Saturdays! I get to eat all the yummy things, do the things I love and spend time with my favourite people in the world. :") 

Why do YOU love saturdays? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you! :)

NOLITA

UG/F, West Superblock, Bonifacio High Street Central, 

7th Ave cor 29th St

Taguig City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(0917) 532-2612

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