The Cooking Dream

Learning how to cook this year is a must for me, that's why I'm thankful that I became a part of the cooking class last summer. Now that I'm armed with the basic knowledge on cooking, I think I'm ready to have a little adventure in the kitchen. Bring it onnn! :p

I happen to come across this site, thanks to Saab Magalona, when she posted the link on her Twitter. She was looking for recipes on Google when a friend of hers recommended They Draw and Cook to her. As curious as a cat, I also clicked on the link. Upon seeing it, I bookmarked it right away. This site is pure awesomeness! Cooking will be a lot easier too because the cute and funky illustrations can help you. Hence, this is perfect for those who really want to pursue their cooking career. ;)

Because I'm a huge fan of pasta, pizza, desserts, and anything cute:

 

azucar: sugar | cucharados: small spoons or teaspoons  | taza: cup

Also, I got surprised when I saw avocado pizza, homemade tilapia tacos,  tuna mousse, spinach dumplings, and the like. I never imagined that such recipes exist! It's all in the imagination and creativity, don't you think? 

Check out They Draw and Cook and be amazed as well! :)

*Photos retrieved from They Draw and Cook*

The Toastbox Date

Since it opened in Solenad 2, my colleagues-friends and I have been wanting to try the food at Toastbox. At first, I thought it only serves breakfast food because of the word "toast". I proved myself wrong when Mariel and I decided to eat lunch there last Saturday, after work. While thinking of what food to eat, I found out that besides toast, Toastbox offers a variety of food and one of the best sellers is the Hainanese chicken. It also offers pastries and other sweets.

Milo Dinosaur

Iced Lemon Tea

 That's Milo Dinosaur and Iced Lemon Tea. Milo Dinosaur looks so yummy! I will order this drink when I go back to Toastbox. :p The Iced Lemon Tea is neither sweet nor bland. It's just right and it goes well with the food I ordered. 

Hiananese chicken

Nasi Goreng

Mariel tried the Hainanese chicken rice while I chose Nasi Goreng--- fried rice with fried egg, vegetables, and on the side, there's dilis and bagoong. It's a little bit spicy but flavorful and I finished it! Mariel said that it tasted better than the one they had when they went to Singapore before. The Hainanese chicken, on the other hand, is the total opposite of Nasi Goreng--- sweet but flavorful too. And I think that it will definitely make everyone's tummy happy because it is served with a cup of rice, " 3 dips" (I don't know what it's called haha) and a bowl of soup.

June 16, 2012 | Photo from Mariel's Blackberry

What I love about Toastbox, aside from the food, is it's homey vibe. It would make you feel like you're at home, specially when you dine at their soft couch and coffee table corner. It's now officially my second favorite place in Solenad 2.

It was nice spending time with you, (Teacher) Mariel! I really had a great time and I learned so many things from you. Here's to our Saturday classes! :)

The Foodtrip

It was the first day of June. I went straight to Alabang Town Center after school dismissal to meet Margaret. We ate dinner at BonChon, the Korean fastfood chain that has been making waves in the Philippines since it opened.

It was my first time to eat at BonChon. Margaret is quite familiar with the food because she had been to its branch near our school in Taft before. I ordered its sensational chicken while she opted for the crispy squid. I got my chicken for free because it was Margaret's treat. :p

We went around the mall to look for that perfect graduation dress. I remembered the day when I was looking for my own graduation dress; It was not easy. It took us half a day! It was summer at that time so most of the shop displays were summer dresses. Well, there were some dresses appropriate for the big event but they were beyond my budget. :l Margaret's graduation day was last Saturday, June 9, by the way.

After a few rounds here and there, we finally found the perfect dress for her graduation. Lady luck was with us because the dress used to be more than a thousand bucks but because it was on sale, Margaret got a 30% discount. PLUS she was able to buy a very nice lovely pair of shoes. She also bought a necklace and a bracelet that complement the colors of her dress and shoes. She was like, as Patty Laurel says it, a mowdel that night.

I was really craving for Banapple and I promised Margaret that I'll treat her to dessert so we went there before going home. We had to wait for some people to leave because it was jam-packed. Banapple is indeed a real heaven for people who have a sweet tooth!

Cherry Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

Oreo Brownie Fudge Cheesecake

These cakes tasted so good I almost forgot their names. I owe this to Google, for being a reliable source of information. :)) Also, I was so amazed with Banapple's M&M-inspired table that I took tons of photos of it. Here's one of them. :))

Then we walked around ATC until its closing time. ATC looks so different at night. It's so nice! Having dinner with friends here will be more frequent, since my Saturdays are now dedicated to school/work. No more lunch dates for me. But it's okay. :)

No, we didn't eat at P.F. Chang's. We only passed by the restaurant and this big white horse in the front door caught my attention.

 

Welcome to the real world, Margaret! We are so proud of you! Remember, you are one step closer to reaching your dreams. ;)

And to all who just graduated this year, let me end this blog entry by quoting the great Steve Jobs, "... have the courage to follow your heart and intuition... stay hungry. Stay foolish." Congratulations! :)

The Update

School is just around the corner and I'm looking forward to meeting our kiddos. :)