2nd Time Around: Wafu

Late last year, my mom and I were able to try Wafu for the very first time.  While it didn't impress us that much, months after, we decided to give it another go.  It's always good to give second chances, right?  And besides, other members of the family haven't gotten the chance to try it out yet.  So on a random weeknight, we paid Wafu a visit. (Still haven't gotten the chance to sit in their cocoon chairs, though.  It was reserved!  Boo.)

Here's what we had:

Edamame

Dobin Mushi

Chawan Mushi

California Roll

Gyu Don

Warm Mushroom Salad

Tiger Roll

Chicken Teriyaki

Angus Shortribs

Beeef Negimaki

Nasu Dengaku

I'll skip the commentary on each and every dish and just give an overall observation.  Did Wafu improve the second time around?  Uh... no.  Everything we ordered were so-so.  Underwhelming.  And sad to say, totally not worth it.  I'd rather go back to old favorites like Omakase or Yuujin to get my Japanese fix the next time I crave for it.  One word of advice:  do not mess with the tried and tested dishes.  What I noticed was that they kept on trying to reinvent some old favorites, but fail to do so.  Hence, the dish tastes funny.  2 out of 5 stars. 

Wafu is at Greenhills Shopping Center, N Western St Greenhills, San Juan.

Las Flores

After attending the VIP opening of SM Aura, food was the next thing to consider.  Since SM Aura had just opened, it was expected that not much stores and restaurants were open.  Good thing it's located at the Fort, which boasts of endless restaurants to choose from!  Initially, I wanted to go to Wildflour again, but at the last minute we decided to try something new.  I remembered passing by Las Flores back when Hubby and I had an overnight stay in F1 Hotel a few months ago, and it looked interesting so we opted to have our dinner in Las Flores that night.

Cozy interiors

This place looks like it's meant for either a date night or somewhere where a group of good friends can just sit back and catch up (see group of foreign friends above).

Complimentary Bread

I like the way Las Flores gives you a variety of complimentary bread.  Each one is different and interesting.

Bombas Picantes Con Su Salsa

This is basically mashed potatoes with minced meat with spicy-creamy sauce.  The portion is big; I thought it would be croquette-sized but this is about x3 of a normal croquette.  

Ensalada de Pasta

The Ensalada de Pasta was a pleasant surprise.  For someone who doesn't eat raw tomatoes, theirs is pretty good, with a hint of sweetness.  And yes, I polished it off.

Paella Negra con Sepia

One cannot eat in a Spanish restaurant and not order paella.  And since I'm an everything-with-squid-ink-lover, I chose the Paella Negra con Sepia over the seafood one.  No regrets, because unlike the other versions I've tried in which the only hint of squid ink is its color, you can actually taste this one in each mouthful.  Yum.

Chocolatisimo

Wasn't planning on dessert but the server suggested a molten lava version and we couldn't say no.  Sad to say, this was the fail of the night.  The portion is really tiny and there was no lava flowing out, at all.  Oh well, you can't have it all.

Overall I'd give Las Flores a 3.5 out of 5 stars.  We went there for a second time and ordered a couple more dishes but the experience wasn't as good as the first time.  The repeat orders like Paella Negra tasted less flavorful too.  

Las Flores is at G/F One Mckinley Place, 25th St. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Outfit of the Week: Rainbow Leopard

Here's what I wore to the VIP opening of SM Aura at the Fort.  With the media/bloggers all buzzing about the opening, who doesn't know about it, right?  Wasn't actually planning on going, but last minute changes to my schedule allowed me to do so and boy, was I glad I went!  Why?  Three words:  Sarah Jessica Parker!!!  Yes, I finally got a glimpse of the woman behind the Sex and the City fame (confession:  I still can't get over the fact that SATC has already ended so now I started watching The Carrie Diaries and got hooked!).

Anyway, on to my outfit!  Had a few errands that day so I didn't want to get all dressed up, but I wanted to look like I made an effort.  So what to do?  I went for the rock-chic look.  These pair of Jeffrey Campbells have been sitting in my shoe closet for the longest time and was I ever glad I brought them out to the opening!  Why?  Because there were soooooo many people vying for a chance to see SJP and I wouldn't be able to see her if I'm in flats!  Got to shop a bit too! (My poor, poor wallet)  Oh what a memorable day that was.

So has anyone here shopped or window shopped at SM Aura yet?  If not, then let me tell you that it's one of the chicest SM Malls I've been to.  DO check them out!

Vest:  Forever 21
Tunic:  Forever 21
Leggings: H&M
Bag:  Givenchy
Shoes:  Jeffrey Campbell

Balboa

Following the dinner at The Strip Hollywood Steakhouse, the second restaurant we explored in the new East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza was Balboa.  For those who are not familiar, Balboa is another baby of Marvin Agustin who also owns Marciano's, Sumo Sam, John and Yoko, Mr. Kurosawa, etc.  To tell the truth, we were deciding whether to try Balboa or Corazon across them and the interiors of Balboa won over Corazon's.  LOL.  There's a certain charm to it and that was already enough to convince us to go for Balboa.  

See?  It has a certain homey yet sophisticated feel to it.  Complete with nice floral chairs and the moose (or deer?) hanging on the wall.  Haha!

...and now it's time for the food.  Here's what we had:

Mushroom Soup

Didn't appreciate it that much.  Balboa's mushroom soup lacks flavor.  

Squash Soup

Didn't like this one either.  Again, it tasted watered down.

Oyster Rockefeller

Just alright.

4 Cheese Pizza

This was ok, but not superb.  I guess I got spoiled by those extra thin, super crispy pizzas from other restaurants that this one didn't impress me anymore.

Truffle Mushroom Linguine

We sent back the truffle mushroom linguine because we couldn't detect even a hint of truffle even if our noses were mere millimeters away from the pasta.  Came back with a nice truffle scent, and yet, it was just... normal.

I guess it's safe to say that we weren't the least bit blown away by Balboa.  The interiors are nice, but sadly, that's about it.  Hope it's just the opening blues.  2 out of 5 stars.

Balboa is at 4/F Shangri-la Plaza Mall, East Wing, Shaw Blvd cor. EDSA, Wack Wack, Mandaluyong

Outfit of the Week: Cut It Out!

I'm back!  Did anyone miss me?  Sorry for being AWOL for a while, was dealing with personal problems and had to fix that before I come back to the blogging world.  Anyway... enough of that, and on to my outfit!  I actually wore this last Mother's Day for a lunch out with the family.  I wanted something breezy (it's just too damn hot in our country right now!) and luckily, cutout top/dresses are "in" this season!  I call this my sophisticated look.  LOL.  Did I pull it off?  Let me know!

Top:  Ever New
Leggings:  H&M
Bag:  Hermes
Shoes:  Bakers

The Strip Hollywood Steakhouse

When I blogged about the new Shangri-La Plaza East Wing last month, one of the things that I look forward to is the food, and yes, the shops.  For now, let's concentrate on the food, shall we?  When we first set foot in the new east wing, one of the restaurants that caught my eye was The Strip Hollywood Steakhouse.  How could I miss it?  It's one of the first restaurants to open in the new wing and with it's expansive facade, it'll surely catch your attention.  Also, with a name like that, you had me at "steakhouse".  

Complimentary Bread

Phyllo Triangle

I call these little triangles of bliss.  Cream cheese insides with delicious cranberry dip.  It's a mix of sweet and salty.  One bite will leave you longing for more.  A tad on the oily side though...

USDA Certified Angus Beef (Porterhouse)

Creekstone Black Angus (Rib Eye)

How the inside looks like

Sea Bass

So how did we like the food?  To tell the truth, I wasn't impressed with their steaks.  I think I'd rather go back to I'm Angus Steakhouse whenever I crave for meat.  The steaks cool down easily; we just took less than five minutes to take the photos and by the time we had the steaks, it was almost room temperature.  It tastes mediocre too, nothing to rave about.  Thumbs down.  But what got me was their sea bass and the phyllo triangles.  The sea bass was cooked perfectly - moist, fork-tender and flavorful.  While the phyllo triangles remind me of the pringles slogan:  once you pop, you can't stop.

Overall I'd give The Strip Hollywood Steakhouse a 2.5 out of 5.  Not happy with the steaks but maybe I'll go back and have their non-meat dishes.

The Strip Hollywood Steakhouse is at 5/F Shangri-la Plaza Mall, East Wing, Shaw Blvd cor. EDSA, Wack Wack, Mandaluyong

Lusting After: Midi Skirts

Ahhh midi skirts.  Midi what?!  You know, those skirts that fall a few inches below the knee or mid-calf?  Those are what you call midi skirt.  Oh yes.  I've officially joined the old grandmothers club.  LOL.  Please don't ask me why I'm suddenly lusting for midi skirts because I couldn't find a logical reason either.  It's as if I suddenly woke up and boom!  Me likey midi skirts!  Maybe it's because I've "been there, done that" on most shapes and lengths of the skirts.  Mini, maxi, bodycon, skater, pencil, mullet, tulip... I've tried them all.  And now it's time I explore the more unknown - the midi.  Contrary to what most people would think, this is not your typical old lady skirt.  A midi skirt is not JUST a midi skirt.  There are several different cuts of the midi and the key here is to choose a print (or a solid color) that suits you best.  And to also avoid looking like an old lady, the pair of shoes you wear is also very important.  What I can suggest is to wear it with a pair of wedges.  It'll give you the extra height and the extra "oomph" to make you va-va-voom!  

Here are some of my midi skirt picks:

ADAM by Adam Lippes Silk Midi Skirt in Multi Print

ASOS Full Midi Skirt

ASOS Midi Dress With Leather Skirt And Jersey Top

ASOS Midi Skirt In Bold Stripe

ASOS Midi Skirt in Abstract Jacquard

ASOS Midi Skirt in Check Print

ASOS Midi Skirt in Floral Jewel Print

Cheap Monday Midi Skirt

Yumi Mesh Midi Skirt

...so?  How do you like it?  Have I finally convinced you to come over to the midi side?  Not sure about you, but I'm now off to search for my perfect midi skirt!

Photo Credit:  All photos from asos.com

2nd Time Around: I'm Angus Steakhouse

After a very impressive lunch at I'm Angus Steakhouse, we are back!  Remember from my last post, I mentioned that they offer Prime Rib night every Wednesday and Saturday night?  Well, we decided to try that one just a week after (I know, I know, carnivorous much?  But I can't resist!).  And here's what we had:

Glass of wine

Salad

...and my prime rib with my side of shredded corn

Did you notice how juicy my prime rib looked?  It took all my restraints not to moan in pleasure the moment I sank my teeth into its tender, juicy goodness.  And as for my corn, it took all my restraints not to order another one, or another ten because it's THAT good.  Such a steal at Php 980 net too!

Prime Rib night at I'm Angus Steakhouse gets a 5 out of 5 stars for me.  6 stars even.  Quoting Gen. Douglas MacArthur, I. Shall. Return.

I'm Angus Steakhouse is in 7431 Yakal St. San Antonio, Makati City.

Outfit of the Week: Scarf It Up

For the MYOH 2013, I knew it was going to be hot.  But I didn't want to get stuck with usual top and shorts combination, so I went for a skirt.  I originally wanted to just wear the tank top and skirt on its own, but it looked far too plain.  Scarf vest to the rescue!  Looks much more polished, doesn't it?  This scarf vest is one of the most versatile items in my closet.  There's just so many ways to style it - opened, cinched with a belt, tied at the waist... the list goes on and on.  It goes with so many things in my closet too!  Jeans, shorts, dresses, etc.  Will do another outfit post on this scarf vest in the future, worn in another way to show you guys the limitless looks it can get you.  For now, happy weekend! :)  

Vest:  Plains and Prints
Tank Top:  Arizona (from SM Surplus Shop)
Skirt:  Luxury Trap (from People are People)
Bag:  Coach
Shoes:  Ever New

Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) 2013

Yesterday might have been Labor Day, but I did some serious labor.  Why? Because I, together with a few hundred invited Havaianaticos, went to the MYOH 2013.  For those who are not familiar with the MYOH, this is a once-a-year event in which all Havaianas fans get the chance to create their own personalized pair of Havaianas.  Not only that, each year has a different theme.  For 2013, Havaianas collaborated with the Filipino artist Dan Matutina to create the glow-in-the-dark spacemen print sole.  Cool isn't it? This is actually (just) my second time attending the MYOH but I already had an idea on how the turnout would be: jampacked!  And yes, I was right!  Our reserved timeslot was 10AM-1:30PM, and when we got there at a little bit past 10AM, the crowd had already swelled up - the line was already on the streets of Rockwell!  Whew!  The heat didn't help either, so the three of us who went decided to take turns lining up.  An hour later, we were in :)  Scroll down for all the photos!

The tent extension

Inside the tent extension.  Spot the guy giving out free Jamba Juice!

Other sponsors

The waiting room.  Check out the cool glow-in-the-dark designs!

...and the madness begins!

Awesome hot air balloon made out of what else?  Havaianas!

The Havaianas photo wall

People lining up to make their pairs

Design wheel

The 2013 pins

Choice sheet

Assembling my pair

Punching holes for the pins

 So can you guess what design I got?  Before that, let me show you the slipper bag first, because I find it so cute!

Cute slipper bag

It comes with free colored markers too!

 ...and here's my pair!  Of course I had to get the limited edition one!  I and a few hundred people!  LOL.  I think almost everyone has this pair but you know what they say, if it's limited, then everyone wants it!  I just got one though, I think I have one too many pairs and adding a few more pairs will not help my bulging shoe closet.  But my oh my, I saw several people walking around with baskets of what I think are ten pairs or more!  Can you say Havainatic? :)

My pair

Aunt's pair

Hubby's pair

1

Hubby surely did make use of the markers.  Check out his slipper bag!

The MYOH 2013 happens at the Rockwell Tent from May 2 (that's today!) till the 5th, and it's open to the public starting today!  Go make your own pair or pairssssssss now!