Friday, October 30, 2020

A Dinner to Remember at Tokyo's Standing Sushi Bar


It's already been 3 years but I can still vividly remember how amazing this random dinner was. We were strolling along the side streets of Shinjuku when we chanced upon this standing sushi bar with a fairly manageable queue outside. Curious that we were, CS and I spent a good few minutes waiting for our number to be called for what we didn't know was a treat fit for the lucky few. Yes, the experience was really good that we still dream of going back there someday.


Menu was simple and uncomplicated but tough choices have to be made as it was a feast of the best and freshest sushi available that day. Customers can fill up the forms provided or you can just swing it by telling the chef which ones you like from the items displayed on the bar; we chose to the latter because we love surprises!


These were some of the best sushi we've had in all of our trips to Japan. It was sooo good that we didn't mind if we were spending 2 days worth of food budget for a dinner because honestly, you'll get carried away ordering and trying to get a bite of each sushi they're offering that day.


Toro Sushi

Shimesaba Sushi

Unagi Sushi

Sake Sushi

Akagai Sushi

Salmon Belly Sushi

Maguro Sushi

Address in Shinjuku unknown; I don't even know the bar's English name aside from the "Standing Sushi Bar" so I highly doubt I can find it if and when we travel back to Tokyo soon. But hey, good things come to those who wait and I'm one patient girl.

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Family: Bangkok's Best Affordable Restaurant

I've always wanted to go and try one of Tripadvisor's highly recommended local restaurant in Bangkok named The Family. I remember planning to dine there thrice (on separate trips) but ended up cancelling mainly due to its limited operating hours. Last November 2019, I made sure to allot a particular day when we can finally visit and see what the rave is all about. We took a Grab car from Anantara Siam Hotel and travelled about 20 minutes just in time before they close for the day. In fact, we were the last customers that they accepted for dine in so lucky us!


What we ordered


Thai Iced Tea - THB40.00 (Php60.00)

Too sweet for our liking but it was a welcome treat on a humid day. 

Green Curry (Chicken) - THB90.00 (Php140.00)

We've always been fans of green chicken curry so whenever there's one on the menu, we just can't resist not trying it out. This particular version had the most ingredients we've ever seen thus making it appetizingly beautiful and with amazing marriage of flavors to boot. A must-try!


Tom Yum Soup (Seafood) - THB140.00 (Php262.00)

Not the best idea to order a hot and spicy soup on a sunny day but hey, it's the home of the best tasting Tom Yum in the city so we'll just have to endure the heat for the sake of a great meal. Their Tom Yum Seafood was another good-looking and generously-served dish to inspire tourists to head down to The Family because everything we ordered were excellent and pretty cheap too!

Mango Sticky Rice - THB

How can you go wrong with mango sticky rice, right? I thought all versions will taste the same anywhere you buy/order one but then again, The Family took this famous dessert a notch higher with its pandan-based sticky rice where you can control how much coconut milk you want in it. Order one per person because this one's too good to share with anyone!


A variety of local ice creams are also available for sale as protected with their in-house guard cat.

~o~o~o~

The Family
1/6 Prachathipatai Road
Khwaeng Ban Phan Thom
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel.: (6697) 173-3954

Friday, October 23, 2020

Hotel Review: Anantara Siam Hotel, Bangkok TH

I love traveling to new and old destinations but I miss Bangkok the most!


Hello! Hello! It's been 5 months since my last post because I've been too busy dealing with everyday life with a newborn. Yes! Our bundle of joy arrived last August and I can't wait to share the world with her. I've been thinking on where to bring her first (after the pandemic, of course) - Japan or Thailand? We love both countries so it's hard to choose as it will be a milestone for our growing family and we want her first to be as memorable as it can be. 

Looking back on 2019, I was lucky to have travelled several times abroad just before the outbreak of COVID-19 happened. In fact, I have been to Bangkok twice last November - one for work and the other with my husband where we stayed in the city for 4 nights and ate our hearts out with Thailand's delicious cuisine which is our second favorite! While we usually stay in Novotel Platinum in Pratunam, we welcomed the idea of checking-in at Anantara Siam when we were offered a great deal of 3+1 (you get 1 free night when you book for 3). 



Known for its hand-painted silk murals and high-chandeliered ceilings, Anantara Siam is one of the many hotels of the Anantara group scattered all over the world. We chose this particular location as we wanted to be close to Central World and Platinum Fashion Mall - my favorite shopping and dining spots in the city. Checking-in was a breeze and we were lucky that our room was already available even before the standard 2PM check-in time.





There are a total of 354 suites and guest rooms in the hotel and this deluxe room was the cheapest and smallest in Anantara Siam. Looks extravagant still, right?


The room is about 42sqm wide and can accommodate up to 3 adults comfortably. Its classic Thai style is depicted in its royal tones interior and furniture with a few modern furnishings for the guests' convenience. In detail, each deluxe room is equipped with either a king-sized or 2 double beds, oversized windows with a cityscape view, a sitting area, a writing desk, an LED television with English channels, complimentary WiFi, marble bathroom with separate tub and rain shower, free coffee and tea, and luxurious bathroom amenities.












Breakfast is served at The Terrace from 0700H to 1030H everyday. As with most 5-star hotel buffets, it was a treat of international cuisine but with highlights of their local dishes. Eating Pad Thai for breakfast each day was not a bad idea pala after all.















Pros: Central location with easy access to BTS skytrain, luxurious and well-kept accommodations, excellent customer service with the world-famous Thai hospitality, delicious breakfast, and fabulous lobby to welcome incoming guests (great for picture taking).

Cons: Pricey room rates if there's no on-going promo.


~o~o~o~

Anantara Siam Hotel
155 Rajadamri Road
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel.: (662) 126-8866
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