Hello 2014!

My New Year's Resolution: Work harder so I can travel more!

 

 
Wishing everyone a happy, safe and bountiful new year!

Yakiniku Buffet at Sambo Kojin

Before the holiday craze set in, DB and I threw ourselves into a meat fest at our now favorite Yakiniku place, Sambo Kojin. I've been hearing good reviews about this place (from DB and other blogs as well) that's enough reason for me to brave the EDSA traffic on that December afternoon. DB let me check out the buffet first if the spread is appetizing enough for my eyes and tummy.

After seeing the fresh slices of Tuna and Salmon Sashimi, I know there's no turning back now. We asked the staff for a table which unfortunately for us was on the farthest side of the buffet spread. We were seated in between friends and families with birthday celebrators that made eating in peace seemed like an impossible idea.

The long table with cooked dishes had a little bit of everything -- from Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Filipino Cuisine. It was hard to take photos of each dish since a lot of hungry people are waiting in line but I managed to snap a few on my turn.

Rice, Miso Soup and Chawanmushi

Korean Cuisine

Tempura and several types of Katsu

Katsu Dipping Sauce

Sushi and Sashimi

Saba, Salmon, Tuna and Tako Sushi

Beef, Pork and Chicken for grilling

Marinated meat with different flavors like Curry and Teriyaki

Desserts

I know how boring it is to eat the same thing every time but how can I resist? The Sashimi were fresh and I love the unique choices they have in the Sushi area. My love affair with Spicy Tuna was evident as I had more than five cups of it! It wasn't the best but it was worth the trek to the buffet table from our seats.

Fatty beef and golden mushrooms is and will always be the perfect combination for me but DB's look of disapproval on my every bite made me try some of their equally delicious healthier leaner beef. If you're a meat-lover like myself, Sambo Kojin will blow your mind on the meat choices that they have. Good thing I managed to restrain myself from getting everything off the buffet!

Sambo Kojin definitely tops my list of the best Yakiniku buffet in the Metro. Must come back soon!

~o~o~o~

Sambo Kojin

15 West Avenue, West Triangle
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 372-8846

Sunday Treats No. 26

Caesar Salad - Php250.00

~o~o~o~

La Copa Wine Bar & Restaurant

707-7 Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Sto. Niño
Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 853-2927

A Secret to Tell: Bhaya Cruise On-Board Meals

The reason why we chose Bhaya among the numerous companies offering cruises along Halong Bay is because of the good reviews of the food that they serve, next to affordability of course. Lunch, breakfast and brunch the following day were all buffet while dinner was a five-course set menu.

Upon arrival, we were ushered to the dining area for the briefing and buffet lunch. The buffet spread was superb as the seafood were fresh and delicious.

Drinks were not included in the buffet but it wasn't exaggeratedly expensive as the common misconception in cruise ships.

For the set dinner menu, guests were given two choices for the main course -- Pan Fried Beef with Black Pepper Sauce or Pan Fried Fish with White Wine Passion Sauce. To be able to try both, DB decided to go for the fish while I had the beef meal.

Cream Pumpkin Soup

Steamed Prawns and White Mussels

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Green Mango Salad with Shrimp

Pan Fried Beef with Black Pepper Sauce

Pan Fried Fish with White Wine Passion Sauce

Cream Mango Mousse

We arrived early for breakfast the next day so we had the whole dining area for ourselves for a while. While the other guests were still asleep, we were already stuffing ourselves with freshly-baked breads and fruits to prepare us for the activities for the day.

Exploring the Sung Sot Cave for three hours burned all the calories from the buffet breakfast and left us hungry as a bear. Good thing the staff prepared a sumptuous brunch before sailing back to Tuan Chau Marina where our service is waiting to transport us back to the city.

Service was outstanding (language barrier was still a challenge though especially when the manager was not around), accommodation was very comfortable and the great variety of food were enough reason to choose Bhaya Cruises. And this is one secret I'd gladly share with everyone!

Solaire Resort & Casino

 

Solaire opened last March 16, 2013 and has been the premiere destination for both local and foreign tourists looking for world-class accommodation, dining and gaming experience ever since. The first phase of completion includes 500 luxurious rooms, suites and bayview villas with full resort amenities like bars, swimming pools, spa and a fitness center.

But to really feel like gaming ala Las Vegas style, wait until you see Solaire's expansive 18,500 square-meter casino with two levels of slot and table machines. Yes, it was really tempting to play the slot machines but our dear friend invited us over for lunch and a little show-off of their rooms and other facilities you can find here.

Since they were almost 90% fully booked that day, we were only shown 2 types of rooms: deluxe and grand deluxe rooms.

Deluxe Room

• 43sqm air-conditioned room with either city or sea view
• mini-bar with coffee and tea maker
• pillow menu with premium bedding
• private bathroom with complimentary toiletries
• separate bathtub and shower (with rainfall shower head)
• 46-inch flat screen TV with cable channels
• iPod docking station
• free Wi-Fi and local calls

Twin Bed

Double Bed

The Grand Deluxe Rooms have the same amenities but bigger in size. This particular room is located near the path way going to the pool so this serves as their show room only.

Want to experience how it feels like to sleep in a billion-dollar property? I know I do! So go ahead and book a room at Solaire now:  

• Deluxe Room with City View - Php12, 000 per night 
• Deluxe Room with Bay View - Php14, 000 per night 
• Grande Deluxe Room with City View - Php16, 000 per night
• Grand Deluxe Room with Bay View - Php18, 000 per night
• Two-Bay Suite Room - Php25, 000 per night
• Three-Bay Suite Room - Php45, 000 per night
• Deluxe Three-Bay Suite Room - Php55, 000 per night
• Bayside Villa - Php150, 000 per night 
• Chairman's Villa - Php300, 000 per night (Yes, you read that right!)

~o~o~o~

Solaire Resort & Casino

1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City

Tambo, Paranaque City

Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 888-8888

Website: http://www.solaireresort.com/