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!

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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. 

INSTAGRAM: arellanoalyssa

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Scrumptious Saturday

I love the weekends! Then again, doesn't everybody? Food is probably one of the things I look forward to most when thinking of the weekend because I get to eat all my favourites. Here are just some to name a few...

AHHH! ienne's cupcakes. I remember having these cupcakes once before in the Bakers Fair at Rockwell where I usually am every weekend. Coming back the next weekend excited for more, ienne was a no show. :(

But I'm glad to say that... THEY'RE BACK! I don't know for how long, but I bought a bunch of cupcakes and was definitely a satisfied customer, as always. :) 

Everybody that knows me, knows my love for cupcakes! I can never have enough of 'em. I've tried quite a number from so many different places and I'd have to say that ienne's cupcakes would have to be one of my favourites!

They're not only eye-catching for their cutesy size, but I think they have the cutest paper liners! Definitely a treat for the eyes and the tummy. ;)

Outfit of the day:

Chiffon polo and Accessories: Taipei Market - 

Belt: Armani Exchange (from my dad's closet hihi) -

 Shorts: Mossimo - Bag: Hong Kong - Shoes: F21

I've been so into mullet tops nowadays and decided to try and put my own little twist to this polo of mine. Notice I only tucked in half of the polo? 

Meet my brother, Josh. The guy who takes majority of my photos. HEHE thank youuuu!

Outfit of the day:

Polo: Zara - Pants: H&M - Shoes: Sebago

White cheese pizza.

Three Mushroom Ravioli. -- A must try!

My mum and I had dessert at this cafe called Brida. It's located at the 2/F of Rockwell, in front of Topshop. (Weird thing about it is they don't even have a signage.) I just always remember it for the "onion ring" like lights you see on the ceiling. HEHE.

It's always inevitable that anything Red Velvet is put on the list of orders when my mum and I are together. 

Their Mango Torte is to die for! My personal favourite. :") The walnut crust is so delectable.

I went to Greenbelt afterwards to have dinner with Nick at Mr. Jones! I love diner type places and I think that this place has the cutest interior. Certainly a great ambience! :)

I've been hearing a lot of good things about their tapa, so we both ordered the same thing. 

It wasn't bad at all! I really enjoyed it. The serving size was just right for me and I eat a lot, so it might be too big for some of you. I'd definitely go back and try their milkshakes some time. They looked really good!

We went to The Fort afterwards and had dessert at my favourite gelato joint, Bar Dolci. 

I ordered the usual Ferrero and he ordered the Hazelnut drizzled with Nutella. Both equally great! 

Ravioli, Pizza, Cakes, Cupcakes, Tapa, and Gelato. One big FOOD TRIP! This is what usually happens during the weekends. Now you know why I love 'em so much. :") Hope you enjoyed this post! Sorry if it was quite long. 

For all you cupcake enthusiasts like myself, I suggest you try ienne's cupcakes. Let me know your experience goes and leave a comment down below. Have a happy weekend you guys! :) 

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