Sunday Treats No. 70

 

Jambon-Beurre (Ham and Butter) Sandwich - €8.90

~o~o~o~

Caractere de Cochon

42 Rue Charlot 75003

Paris, France

Tel.: (331) 4274-7945

Hotel Review: Anantara Riverside Hotel, Bangkok TH

It was our first international trip after the pandemic and now booking for a family of 3! I have and still been having mixed emotions on going on trips (especially if via plane) with the virus still out there but as most people say, we just have to live with it. So yes, we took the leap and booked tickets to one of our favorite destinations in Asia - hello and we've missed you Bangkok!

Our previous trips to Asia's City of Angels usually involve around shopping, Thai massage, and food trips but with a toddler in tow, it has now evolved into visiting a zoo and other activities fit to our princess. Its still as tiring (maybe even more) as walking around Chatuchak Weekend Market on a hot afternoon so coming home to a comfortable hotel room is a must! Good thing we received an irresistible credit card offer for a 4 days and 3 nights stay plus other perks like free breakfast and airport transfers at Anantara Riverside Hotel so it became a no-brainer to look elsewhere.

Our 46sqm deluxe junior suite is a luxurious space with traditional Thai decors that was very homey and welcoming. Other room features include:

• A bed fit for a king with plenty of soft pillows
• Writing desk and sofa
• LCD television with English channels
  
• His and hers vanity basins
• Separate bath tub and rain shower 
• Free high-speed internet
• Balcony with a view of the gardens
  

Pros: World-class Thai hospitality, superb location along Chao Phraya River, well-kept hotel facilities, beautiful lush gardens, and delicious breakfast.

Cons: Our suite did not have the garden view but a view of the hotel rooftop which was a disappointment and the Kid's Club being non-operational during our stay.

 

~o~o~o~

Anantara Riverside Hotel

257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi

Bangkok, Thailand

Tel.: (662) 476-0022

Website: www.anantara.com/en/riverside-bangkok

Lime and Basil Thai Restaurant, Tagaytay

Since she started preschool, our family's schedule now revolve around my daughter's school and extra-curricular activities but hey, no complains here because we love spending time with her. Besides, we also enjoy joining her field trips like their recent visit to Yoki's Farm - an antique museum, hydroponic vegetable farm, animal sanctuary, and bed & breakfast in Mendez, Cavite.

Yoki's Farm does not have an in-house restaurant nor did we brought food like the other families did so right after the tour, we bade our goodbyes to her teachers and classmates and drove to Lime and Basil Thai Restaurant in Alfonso which I've been meaning to visit for quite sometime now.

Tip: Make sure you reserve a table because this place is always fully booked even on weekdays.

What we ordered

Fresh Spring Rolls - Php320.00

Pla Som Rod (Crispy Tilapia) - Php470.00

Stir-fried Chicken with Cashews - Php350.00

Pad Thai (Chicken & Shrimp) - Php490.00

Bagoong Rice - Php470.00

 

Everything was delicious! Even the Lemon Grass Juice (Php280/pitcher) and Mango Sticky Rice (Php270) which I failed to take photos of were incredibly good and should never be missed. Service may be slow and the menu is quite on the pricey side but if you also love Thai cuisine like we do, you'd surely enjoy the food and the ambiance at Lime and Basil - a must try when in Tagaytay.

~o~o~o~

Lime and Basil Thai Restaurant

9014 J. Rizal St., Brgy. Sikat

Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines

Tel.: (63915) 627-6393

Balay Angkan Beachfront Villas, Zambales PH

The sand may brush off,

the salt may wash clean,

the tans may fade,

but the memories will last forever.

Core memory unlocked.

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

There came a point in time when road trips no longer excite me, hello backpains! But when our little one came into our lives, our personal preference took a backseat as her happiness always comes first. In short, we are just living in her world to guide her in a bumpy but exciting ride.

For a quick weekend getaway, we brought her (along with the rest of the family) to Balay Angkan in Cabangan, Zambales. This gorgeous beachfront property just opened last December 2022 and I guarantee you, it will be worth the 5-hour road trip from Manila. 

Weekend promo rate is Php16,000 for the first 10 guests while extra head charge is Php1350 each. Kids aged 5 and below get to stay for free as long as no additional bedding is required.

With its current setting, Balay Angkan is ideal for groups of up to 16 guests with its 2 villas and 2 air-conditioned teepee huts (more huts will be opening soon to accommodate bigger families/groups). The property also boasts of an open pavilion with a modern and fully functioning kitchen and complete dining amenities such as: 

• 2 Toilet and bath (for common use)
• 4-door Condura refrigerator
• Gas and induction stoves
• Charcoal smoker grill
  
• Rice cooker
• Coffee maker
• Bread toaster
  
• Cooking tools 
• Tableware
  
• Water dispenser
• Ice maker

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Villa 1 is a well-appointed room which can accommodate up to 4 guests max with 1 queen bed and a trundle bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fan (for extra hot days) toilet & bath with heater, a personal refrigerator and a smart TV with Netflix for an ultimate relaxing experience.

Alternatively, the bigger Villa 2 can sleep up to 6 guests comfortably having been furnished with 2 queen beds, a day bed and a provision for a floor mattress. Other room features are the same with the other villa with the exception of an additional work station - in case you need it.

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Balay Angkan does not have an in-house restaurant so best to bring everything you need and cook your meals in their fully-equipped kitchen. Besides, meal preparation, cooking, and washing dishes can also be a great bonding experience for the family!

Tip: Bring snacks, drinks, and prepare a meal plan so you'll bring just enough ingredients with you to minimize food wastage. It also helped that my mom prepared ulam from home so we just needed to reheat it and cooked rice when we arrived in the resort for our late lunch.

Breakfast courtesy of my mom!

Pros: Beachfront property, relaxing ambiance, exclusive booking per group, accommodating and friendly staff/caretaker (thank you Marc and Mae), well-appointed and spotless villas, modern and complete kitchen, unlimited wifi, free use of kayak - truly a gem worth the trip.

Cons: None on the property as we loved every moment we spent in Balay Angkan! The beach on the other hand is not ideal for our little one to play around as it can get pretty rough with strong waves any time of the day. We just made them wore life vests at all times and never near the water if not with us for our peace of mind. The staff also advised us not to use the kayak for guests' safety.

~o~o~o~

Balay Angkan Beachfront Villas

San Isidro, Cabangan
Zambales, Philippines

Tel.: (63908) 820-5754

My Weekend in Photos: A Toddler in Bangkok