Oh My Janey

BLK 513’s Dark & Yummy Charcoal Activated FroYo

blk 513 in megamall

FroYo isn’t my thing.

When the frozen yogurt craze exploded a couple years back, I wrinkled my nose at the mere mention of it. Everytime someone invited me to eat FroYo, I’d quickly say, “No, thank you!” I just don’t like the taste and feel of yogurt, and having it frozen doesn’t make it any better. So it’s a surprise that I greatly enjoy BLK 513’s Charcoal Activated Frozen Yogurt.

BLK 513 uses Greek yogurt and activated charcoal to reach the delicious end result. It’s rare for a food that’s gray in color to look so good, but their gluten-free FroYo, mixed with fruits and sauces, easily achieved it. [Read more…]

Xiao Long Bao Madness at Din Tai Fung Megamall

din tai fung spread

“Din Tai Fung is finally in Manila!”

Well, when I first learned that, I had no reaction whatsoever, because I didn’t know what Din Tai Fun is. When I visited Taiwan last month, we didn’t even include it in our itinerary. I’m not big on Chinese food, so forgive me when I only got to try xiao long bao for the first time last month.

Thankfully, the good reviews of Din Tai Fung in Megamall convinced my friends and I to try it. It’s been a long time since our last get-together. We met in my old company back in 2010-2011, and even though we’ve all moved on to different jobs, we still keep in touch. In fact, I still talk them everyday! However, getting the gang together can be really difficult. So I was really happy last Saturday to meet with them, even though some still couldn’t come.

We arrived at Din Tai Fung past 11:00 A.M., and suffice to say, we were already famished. Good thing even though it’s lunch time on a weekend, we didn’t have to wait long for our turn. They were very systematic, and guests can look at the menu while waiting. [Read more…]

Sunday Lunch at PatisTito Garden Café

antique house

Back in October (I think—I’m old and my memory’s terrible), my family had a late Sunday lunch  in San Pablo. Instead of going to our usual (Si Christina!), I suggested we head to PatisTito Garden Café, a café and restaurant owned by the awesome Patis Tesoro.

PatisTito Garden Café, previously known as Kusina Salud, is part of Viaje del Sol, a culinary excursion  involving a number of artisan cafés and restaurants in Laguna and Quezon. Apparently, Viaje del Sol is Patis Tesoro’s brainchild!

Upon stepping inside the place, we were immediately awed by the quirky and antique displays. The mix and match style of the tables and chairs, combined with the larger-than-life paintings and furniture probably decades older than me, makes the restaurant a worthy visit. [Read more…]

Food and Games at Dyce N Dyne, Kapitolyo, Pasig

dyce n dyne avalon

You know you found worthwhile friends when you can spend six hours together just playing board games. Last Saturday, my officemates and I headed to Dyce ‘N Dyne, a steampunk-themed board game café in Kapitolyo, for a full day of food and games.

I thought I would collapse and fall asleep, because we went straight from the office. However, we were too busy having fun and fighting and arguing and being all competitive to be sleepy. I learned so many new games that day!

As a kid, the only board games I played religiously were Dama, Chess, Scrabble and Snake & Ladders. The only time I got to play Monopoly was during Intramurals in school. It seems a bit silly that I end up enjoying and learning more games just when I reached my 25th year. But there’s nothing wrong with that, right?

Though it does sound extremely geeky to play board games all day on a Saturday, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Also, [Read more…]

Late Lunch at Ying Ying Tea House, Binondo

ying ying tea house binondo manila

If you ask me about night shift perks, it has to be the breakfast and lunch dates after work. Twice or thrice a week, some of us head straight for breakfast before going home. Be it a quick meal at McDonald’s or Jollibee, or something a little heavier at Tapa King of Sinangag Express, we spend an extra hour together. Our choices are limited, since not a lot of restos open at 7AM. We fondly call ourselves the Breakfast Club, because why not?

Last Saturday was a bit different since we trooped all the way to Binondo to feast on Chinese food. We were supposed to go there earlier, but we ended up leaving the office at around 11AM due to overdue tasks.

First, Tihn, Stan, Kaedi, Malorie and dropped by The Para Shop Manila to buy some paracord for the night shift bracelet. We battled the summer heat, drowsiness and hunger as we waited for Tihn to decide which paracord she wanted for her personal bracelet. Heh. She had to leave early, though, so it’s just Kaedi, Stan, Malorie and me who had to devour all the glorious food.

Excuse the messy hair, eye bags and oily skin. We just really wanted to eat. [Read more…]

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