Tuesday, July 31, 2012

An Octoboy Ordeal


Tired, tired, tired. . .
Is there any other way one can spell the word t-i-r-e-d?
But what do you think gets me through?
Well aside from spiritual fuel and tons of  multivitamins there is one more thing.  Yes my impulsive dining! 

In lieu of my ubiquitous Asian gastronomical tour, let me bring you one more for the road.  (Meaning the last Asian culinary post for the month of July).

Octoboy. 

Thanks to my food blogger buds, Sumi and Tracy, they made me succumb to this habituation, and down with this famous Japanese Express Diner at Tomas Morato, Q.C.

Famous for their self-proclaimed best takoyaki, hmm, which I wasn't able to try, since Ensogo had specified what's included in their deal.


Bhogs ordered a bowl of hot ramen to stuff his cold stomach.  I can't blame him, it was raining when we got to the place.  It was  a bowl of tasty and spicy Seafood Ramen which we had shared.  Though nothing too special with this bowl, what I was anticipating is the okonomiyaki.   We had one ordered for us, and another which we took home for the kids.


Octopus Okonomiyaki.   Can be likened to  a pizza, but is actually referred to as Japanese pancake with toppings.   As the name indicates (okonomi means favorites in Japanese),  desired ingredients were added to it.  But to me it is more like an omelet with toppings, at least that's how I have tasted the base.  The most common ingredient is cabbage,  meat, seafood, in our case lots of octopus slices.   It's typically served with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and toppings, such as katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), green onion, pickled red ginger, aonori (dried seaweed powder), tenkasu (tempura crumbs), and so on.   If you are a bit curious how okonomiyaki sauce tastes, it is more like a Worcestershire sauce but a bit sweeter with a tang and less salty.


While we were a bit filled with the ramen and okonomiyaki, a platter of  Yakiudon Shrimp came.   Bhoggs gave me that look, as if he were telling me, "Kaya mo pang kainin yan?" (Do you still have a plce in your stomach for that?)

Okay, yes we didn't finish everything but we had them taken home and reserved for  later-night snack.

Bhoggs didn't actually like the udon or soba?  It was too savory, saucy and sweet for him for a noodle dish.  To best describe this dish is, it's a cross between pancit canton (the tangy one, with the Calamansi flavor) and Filipino style spaghetti wich everyone at home dislikes.   So what was left for me at home were the sauced noodles, they all just ate the crunchy fried shrimps.


Shhh...You know how can this be eaten?  Well, what else, with our native rice, or jasmine rice if you're more than can-afford.  The Peppered Beef Okonomiyaki was a spectacular take-home for the kids.  At first they thought it was yucky but eventually they had to realize it was yaki all along, hihihi.

Topped with their faves, beef from Gyudon and mozzarella, backed up with sauces such as black pepper sauce and miso mayo and ended with crispy onions and corn kernels.

Experiences like this, searching for unthinkable places and food of interests make my life a whole lot interesting even though  my body urges to have the much needed rest, but a mom's life has to go on...zzzzzzzzzz

Pan Pacific Manila Ranked as One of the World’s Best Hotels On Expedia Insiders’ Select List 2012


Chris Legaspi, Expedia Area Manager, Philippines; Richard Masselin, General Manager, Pan Pacific Manila; Tommy Wang, Expedia Market Management Director;  Loleth So, Director of Sales & Marketing, Pan Pacific Manila
Pan Pacific Manila was awarded with the prestigious 2012 Insiders’ Select Award by Expedia.com®, the world’s leading online travel agency.  This ranks Pan Pacific Manila among the world’s best hotels in this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select list. 
 
Now on its sixth year, the Expedia Insiders’ Select program identifies hotels that consistently deliver superior service, exceptional guest experience and notable value based on more than 500,000 traveler reviews submitted on Expedia.com. 

“We are deeply honored to receive this award again this year” said Richard Masselin, General Manager of Pan Pacific Manila. “Our team here in Pan Pacific Manila is constantly committed in creating memorable guest experiences. This award is a reflection of the quality, excellent consistent service, and value that we offer to our guests. We are delighted to receive this award again for the second time.”

Famed for its personal Butler service, calm and modern elegance, Pan Pacific Manila has also been awarded as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at the 2011 and 2008 World Travel Awards and is currently ranked number 1 out of 95 Manila Hotels by TripAdvisor.
-more-
For enquiries and reservations, email enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com or call 318-0788 and ask for the Butler, of course! For more information about our hotel, visit panpacific.com/manila.

About Pan Pacific Manila
The first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines – ranked among the top Asia city hotels at the 2008 and 2009 Readers Choice Awards and named one of the best places to stay in the world at the Annual Gold List by the Conde Nast Traveler.  Awarded as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at the 2011 and 2008 World Travel Awards. 

Conveniently located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in the Manila Bay area, Pan Pacific Manila is a short drive to the city’s convention, exhibition and business centres and a walk away from shopping, food and entertainment establishments.  A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business and leisure travellers with its excellent facilities and service, the hotel has 236 all-executive rooms and suites and 7 spacious function rooms. 

For more information, call (63-2) 318 0788 or visit panpacific.com/manila for more special offers. 


About Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts comprises 19 premium hotels, resorts and serviced suites (including those under development) in 12 countries across Asia, North America and Oceania. The “Pan Pacific” brand provides refreshing Pacific experiences inspired by an invigorating blend of its Pacific Rim locations. It is focused on enriching experiences that draw on a diversity of landscapes and cultures; and relevant choices that convey freedom and individuality. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as one of the 25 hotel companies demonstrating social responsibility and has won esteemed accolades such as World Travel Awards, AAA Four Diamond Award, Condé Nast Gold List and Readers Choice Awards.  For more information, visit panpacific.com.


About Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a listed hotel subsidiary of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited, one of Asia’s most established hotel and property companies with an outstanding portfolio of investment and development properties.  Headquartered in Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels Group owns, manages and/or markets over 30 hotels, resorts and serviced suites with over 10,000 rooms in Asia and North America including those under development.  The Group comprises two acclaimed brands: Pan Pacific® and Parkroyal®.   

Pan Pacific ® is a leading brand in Asia and the Pacific Rim situated in key cities of distinguished destinations offering upper upscale accommodations and services.  Parkroyal® is an upscale regional Asia Pacific brand which promises a lifestyle-approach to hospitality that will leave guests with an experience to remember.   For more information, visit pphg.com

Il Terrazzo: The Hippiest Place To Be



These days thoughts and tweets are almost one and the same. We just can’t help but share what we’re thinking to the world. It’s like our minds have gone digital and invaded the social networking scene. And with the rising popularity of Foursquare and other location-tracking apps, your location is just as accessible as your tweets. Today, broadcasting one’s whereabouts has just been more than just a habit, but a social statement.

With that in mind, where you are matters! Where you dine. Where you shop. Where you unwind. Let everyone know where you are. Let them know that you’re @Il Terrazzo!

At the heart of Tomas Morato, Il Terrazzo is the home to a variety of restaurants, fitness & beauty centers, supermarket, specialty shops, and an events place. Indeed, it is the only complete lifestyle hub that merges the recreational mall atmosphere with the bustling nightlife entertainment scene unique to Tomas Morato. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Il Terrazzo has it covered.

Craving for sushi? Dine at Omakase @Il Terrazzo.

Perhaps something for your sweet tooth? Indulge at Gong Cha or Banapple @Il Terrazzo.

Yearning for some meditation? Exercise your mind and body at Beyond Yoga @Il Terrazzo.

Call for a beauty makeover? Pamper yourself at Sexy Solutions or The Lash Bar @Il Terrazzo.

Need your techie fix? Splurge at the Digital Hub or Technovox @Il Terrazzo.

Thirsty for your favorite cocktail or beer? Unwind at Jack’s Loft @Il Terrazzo.

Does your pantry need restocking? Shop groceries at Rustan’s Supermarket @Il Terrazzo.

In need of an events place? Book The Ariato Function Center @Il Terrazzo.

Needless to say, Il Terrazzo is indeed the hippest cosmopolitan center for all your lifestyle impulses. So, when someone asks where you at?

Check in @Il Terrazzo!

Il Terrazzo is located at 305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Madriñan St., Quezon City, Philippines. For inquiries, call (02) 374 8378.
 
Schedule of Events for August:

                                                               



Enjoy @ Il Terrazzo:
RELAX @ Il  Terrazzo:
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