Monday, March 31, 2014

Sunkissed at Club Balai Isabel

I'm moving, I'm coming
Can you hear what I hear
It's calling you my dear
Out of reach (Take me to my beach)
I can hear it calling you
I'm coming not drowning
Swimming closer to you

Summer is finally here and what better way to keep the mood on is by playing and singing to the tune of my all-time favorite beach song -- Pure Shores by All Saints!

Looking for the perfect place to host our annual company outing brought us to Talisay's well-kept resort just an hour (to an hour and a half max) away from Manila. Club Balai Isabel is not a beach-front but rather lake-side property with Taal Lake right in front of this vast property.


The warm and accommodating staff will welcome you as soon as you step out of your car. They have at least three staff manning the reception area so check-in is quick and hassle-free.




Club Balai Isabel being a residential resort gives you the option to stay in either the hotel rooms or their villas and cottages. If you prefer to bring and cook your own food, I suggest getting any of the villa or cottage since it is equipped with complete amenities for cooking and dining.





Since there's no beach and the lake is not fit for swimming, the resort made up for it by building three swimming pools for the enjoyment of the guests: the most famous infinity pool called Terraza, the 500-sqm. and very spacious Kape Kumintang Pool and the secluded Talisay Pool for the ultimate relaxation and privacy. They also offer obstacle course for team-buildings and lake water sports like banana boat, kayak, jet ski and pedal boats at a minimal price.







With it's own chapel tucked in the outskirts of the resort, it is now becoming a popular choice for weddings and renewal of vows with its tranquil and rustic feel. So if you're looking for a short retreat from the city with an astonishing view of Taal, book a room now and make priceless memories with your friends and family in this paradise we can refer to as Club Balai Isabel.

~o~o~o~

Club Balai Isabel
Brgy. Banga, Talisay
Batangas, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 897-0229 / 895-7230
Website: http://www.balaiisabel.com/ 

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Sunday Treats No. 32

Risotto Crimoso con Salmone Affumicto E Asparagi - Php280.00

~o~o~o~

Buon Giorno Caffe & Bistro
4 Cliffhouse, Tagaytay City
Cavite, Philippines
Tel.: (6346) 483-2102

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Project Pie: Design, Build, Eat

I've been reading great reviews about Project Pie since it opened last year but considering that I hardly get cravings to eat a slice or two, a visit to the now-famous joint is really not on the top of my priorities. But seeing how people flock the branch in our new favorite hang-out place down South, we got curious and found ourselves lining up to the counter to give it a try.



Project Pie pioneered the fast and create-your-own pizza by founder James Markham and we are lucky to be able to enjoy his custom-made concept ahead of our neighbors in South East Asia as Manila is the first franchise they have outside of the US. For first timers like us, there are 7 pre-designed pizzas with either red or white sauce (or you can have it half half) that you can choose from to guarantee the best combination of the ingredients. But aside from these, you can also request for extra toppings if you prefer more.




Waiting time after ordering takes about 15 minutes or less. Your order will not be delivered to your table so you'll have to listen until you hear your name being called out at the pick-up station.

No. 4: Sliced Tomatoes, Fresh Chopped Basil, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Garlic and extra Prosciutto

No. 7: Prosciutto, Caramelized Onions, Mozzarella, Parmesan and extra Mushrooms

Project Pie changed my life as I am now a convert! The dough is crusty but still chewy and the combination of Prosciutto, Caramelized Onions, Cheese and extra Mushrooms was really delicious. I also love that unlike other pizza joints, theirs is not too oily!


So yes, I can now make room for pizza!

~o~o~o~

Project Pie
G/F Blue Bay Walk
Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

Monday, March 24, 2014

Ramen Nagi Manila

And the Green King is finally here!


Two thousand thirteen marked the opening of the first branch in Manila of the most-sought after ramen place in Japan and Hongkong -- Ramen Nagi (called Nagi in Japan and Butao in Hongkong). But since SM Aura is quite far from me, it was only recently that I was able to try the famous gourmet ramen when they finally opened a second branch in the Mall of Asia.

The staff gave us a paper menu each as soon as we were seated. Unlike in most ramen places, Ramen Nagi gives you the freedom to either customize your bowl to your liking (from the richness of the soup down to the firmness of the noodles) or get the chef's recommendation. Since they use millimeter-thin noodles, best to order the extra hard type so it won't easily get too soggy.


Each table also has condiments like beansprouts, garlic, chili powder and nuts to add more flavor and texture to your ramen.


What we ordered

Original King - Php390.00

Since my friends were not quite experimental when it comes to food, they all ordered Ramen Nagi's signature pork-based broth, Original King which they all loved. But I on the other hand, was too excited to finally try Green King Midorio! 

Hailed as Nagi's Fusion of Gourmet Cultures, Green King is a perfect marriage of Japanese and Italian cuisine making it a unique and one-of-a-kind dining experience. The sauce gets the green color from pesto infused with olive oil and basil then topped with loads of parmesan cheese.

Green King - Php410.00

Ramen Nagi easily gets the top spot of the best ramen place in my books. I can't wait to try more of their delicious ramen soon!

~o~o~o~

Ramen Nagi
G/F South Wing, SM Mall of Asia
Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sunday Treats No. 31

Dark Chocolate Cake - Php200.00 per slice

~o~o~o~

Angel N Kiss Bakery
Unit 159-160 Metropolitan Avenue
Blue Bay Walk, Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (63922) 535-3579

Monday, March 10, 2014

Baguio Eats: Chef's Home

A quaint hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves mostly Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine, Chef's Home was our last stop before driving back home. Since it was a Sunday, the place was packed with tourists like us who wanted to try Chef Alvin's culinary expertise.


Since we were just two, it was easier to get a table as compared to families and groups of friends. If you're dining with a big group, I suggest calling them in advance to reserve a table or two.


What we ordered

Teh Tarik

Crispy Papaya Salad - Php250.00

Nasi Goreng - Php100.00

Boneless Chicken - Php210.00


Scallops with Chilli Basil


Contrary to the raves and reviews I've read about Chef's Home, DB and I thought that there's nothing spectacular with our orders. Yes it was okay and the dishes were flavorful, but I guess I set my standards too high that I was somehow disappointed that our lunch lacked the oomph factor.


Or could it be because we ordered wrong and we should have tried the other dishes on the menu? Summer is in a couple of weeks from now so I guess its another reason to go back!

~o~o~o~

Chef's Home
No. 13 Outlook corner Romulo Drive
Baguio City, Philippines
Tel.: (63916) 444-5756
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