More To Mica - Life & Fashion Theme Update

Oh how time flies. I turned a year older again. To make the moment more memorable and special, my family and I had lunch at Another Story, a story-book inspired cafe in Evia Lifestyle Center. We weren't really able to celebrate on the day itself, instead we went out the day after my birthday. Well, it's also fine to celebrate a month later (for real?? not really haha), what's important is we were together as a family (naks!) and as long as we'd eat some place nice that serves yummy food then I'm all good (ayun yun eh).






Here's some of the food we had on our table. I couldn't really take too many photos since I know they're hungry. They won't be patient enough for me to get the shot I want. Haha.




I really like the place and the food, the staff were really kind too. The interior reminds me of Cafe Voila and Coffee Project. It's like a mix of the two restaurants.

I only got to eat the seafood platter though, which I shared with my mom and dad since the steak was all for my younger brother. My kuya on the other hand ordered the four pieces artisan pancake. Anyway, the seafood platter was definitely something, it had fish fillet and two of my favorites - shrimp & salmon. If I find myself here again in Another Story I'd probably get the Seafood platter again. It's a bit pricey though.




When you can't find someone to take your outfit... find a mirror.



Another Story is such a beautiful & enchanting place. It was the perfect choice to celebrate the day I reached another milestone, I turned 25 last February 24... there were many stories told over the years from the people I've interacted with and my own, and there will be more to come because everyday there is another chance and everyday is Another Story. (may ganun? :P) I can't wait to see more untold stories happen. Cheers!

Hooray for 12 inch chicken! Tasty eats have come to Santa Rosa Laguna and Hot Star is one of 'em. And I am nothing but happy about it. Who doesn't love crispy chicken? A large one too.





This is the second time I've eaten at Hot Star (Vista Mall Sta Rosa). One of the reason I came back aside from the chicken is the place. I just admire the cargo themed counter and the colors they've picked for the store.




The first time I ate at Hot Star I tried their Original Large Chicken and opt for the Salt & Pepper flavour. On our second visit I had the Crispy Large Chicken with their best seller Barbeque Sauce. I loved how crispy the chicken is on the outside and it's meat is soft on the inside. The chicken isn't as spectacular, but it's definitely something I would love to keep coming back to. These large chicken signatures of theirs are just P145.





I can't vote whether I liked the bbq sauce over the salt & pepper. I kinda liked both equally. Lol. Next time I'll be back I'll try out the crispy large fish. I know the place is about chicken but I like that they do offer fish too. I just want to know how the crispy fish tastes. And also to try other flavours on their menu.

Tagaytay is definitely a destination not only for fresh air and cool weather but als for unique and yummy eats here and there just like our featured restaurant - The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms. Keep scrolling to see the tasty meals we ate. Warning! It might get you drooling.



The Dining Room welcomes you with a Santorini inspired structure. The blue globe on the entrance used to be visible but its now covered with vines and a few flowers started to blossom in it as well.




It was early November when we dined in Gourmet Farms and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The interior is simple and homey matching the Santorini theme.


Gourmet Farms famous lettuce chips with meat sauce, salsa, olives and feta cheese. As early as now I will tell you that this dish is a must try! I'd say it's something I would instantly order again when I come back to Gourmet Farms. The ingredients mix well with everything... I like it and I am currently craving for it.

Also, you can buy Gourmet Farms lettuce chips from their store.  They call it the Country Store and is located outside of the dining room closer to the road.


I've never eaten fresh & authentic mushroom soup, it had always been the powdered ones. The soup you'd buy in KFC. Anyway, the flavor was mild and well not the one I was expecting at that time but the soup tasted like it's full of nutrients and really good for the body. I'd say it'll be perfect for my breakfast for a pump of energy.


Chicken roulade stuffed with cheese and herbs topped on mashed potato. I applaud the way they setup the dish. I am a fan of mashed potatos that goes to say I enjoyed the meal. Out of all the dishes we ate Ala Kiev is the heaviest on the stomach. One thing though, it seems pricey for it's serving.


A new pizza favourite of mine. Well, it had shrimps and shrimps are my happy place. I know there are other pizza's out there with shrimp, lol. I'd say I like the overall taste of their Gourmet Pizza, I liked the parma ham.. Oh the ham! It's what gave the flavor to the pizza.




I had a mouthwatering time of my life at Gourmet Farms. Super satisfied. And no regrets since the food served were healthy. You can actually take a tour at the farm but we weren't able to do so.



Btw. We were here to celebrate our (Patrick & I) sixth anniversary together.

Take me any where there is Sashimi or Ramen and I'm good! I love Japanese food so much... We had lunch at Nihonbashi Tei the same day we were at Book & Borders Cafe (you can read post here). And that was the reason why I didn't get to order other meals at BBC, I chose Jap food over. Lol. I had to save some space in my tummy. Anyway, keep browsing to see the delicious food on our table.



Here's a peek on their menu. You can also check here for more.




Im not sure if it's the menu that was big or if the food selection is just that plenty. It was sort of difficult what to order since I wanted to try like almost everything on the menu. But instead we ordered ramen, sashimi and one sushi roll.

Ahh! Sashimi. My heaven on earth. Lol. Nihonbashi Tei's Spicy Salmon Sashimi reminds me of my favourite dish - Tuna Sashimi Tartare that I always eat whenever I'm at Teriyaki Boy. NT offers salmon while TB serves tuna. I'd have to be honest though, TB's Tuna Sashimi Tartare still wins my tongue. Lol. But nevertheless, I'll take the spicy salmon sashimi of Nihonbashi Tei again anytime. It's still so yummy!



Oh gosh, there ramen! I'm craving just by looking at it again. There's something about their ramen that I haven't tasted in other ramen restaurants. The soup they have taste original. The seasonings makes the dish even more perfect. I think this is the dish Patrick and I were able to finish. The others had to be taken home. I ate the sashimi on the way home though.


Dragon Roll a.k.a 'dragon ball' as i call it. Lol. I started calling the sushi roll dragon ball because it was how I heard it at first. It took time before this dish was served to us. We were told it takes a while because of it's tedious design. No worries though since it was worth the wait. This is probably the first time I've tasted sushi with shrimp in it. And since I'm also a sucker for shrimp... Of course, I would enjoy this one too. I liked that the shrimp had been coated with bread crumbs, it gives that crunchy surprise.



They also have private rooms available if you want to enjoy their delicious dishes on your own. Lol. It's obvious I was totally happy with our meal. Definitely giving my two thumbs up for Nihonbashi Tei.

A meet-up trip from the south to Quezon City early in the morning got us to Book and Borders Cafe. I had no idea where to eat since I live in the south, and so does Patrick. Though, he did a bit of research the day before and checked places we can eat at around Tomas Morato. He actually forgot the list though... but anyway we ended up on one of the place he remembers. Here we are in Books and Borders Cafe for some good ol' breakfast.




Books & Borders Cafe is a hangout place where you can drink your coffee or grab a meal and read a book while your at it. They offer a variety of books such as Best Selling Novels and even Children's Books. It's like Powerbooks & Starbucks in one.. plus Buffalo Wings. Hahaha.




On the Book and Borders menu, you can choose from a range of sandwiches, rice meals, pasta, salad, etc. For the drinks they serve a selection of hot/cold drinks, tea & smoothies.



Buffalo wings for breakfast because why not? Lol. This is life when your with someone who loves buffalo wings, you order buffalo wings early in the morning.



The wings were nearly perfect for my taste, the chicken's skin is crispy and the sauce was savory.... but it was freaking spicy. Lol. It's the only thing we ordered. Sadly I can't review their drinks coz I skipped it and got water instead. But based on the buffalo wings I expect (and hope) most of the food/drinks they serve will absolutely be yummy and tasty.



If you want to grab coffee and read a book for free at the same time feel free to check out Books & Borders Cafe. The place is also great for gatherings and meetings.

Lately I've been eating at restaurants with amazing interiors that isn't just beautifully constructed but serves delicious food as well. Blake's Wings & Steaks was a random discovery of ours (Me & Patrick) during our business trip to Marikina. At first we didn't knew were to eat so we drove along Mayor Gil Fernando ave. and spotted a building with the words 'Wings & Steaks', that obviously got us. Actually at that time we were about to turn around and go back to the other resto we saw but thank goodness we spotted Blake's or else we wouldn't have known and tried this treasure.







They adapted the checklist-menu-type in taking customer's order. The menu didn't have photos which made it quite challenging but good thing it is pretty straightforward. And oh! After we placed our order we were given free complimentary 'kropek' / chips.. they also gave 1 refill for the chips. Yey!



Our order: Spicy Garlic Shrimp, Buffalo Wings, Grilled Salmon




The garlic shrimp & buffalo wings were.... Spicy! .. as they should be lol .The garlic shrimp was flavored with curry, the spiciness was quite intense for me but I was able to handle anyway.  The buffalo wings was yummy, the sauce was just right as well.



And... I had to place the grilled salmon steak last! The one dish that stole my heart... Not only coz it's my favorite salmon but they grilled it just right, it wasn't overcooked. I definitely love this one, and will come back for it.



Eat well, Feel good written on the ceiling of Blake's. I would definitely come back if I get the chance, and try some other dish on their menu. Some other steaks, shall we?



We shall!

Blake's Wings & Steaks
Marikina: 75 Mayor Gil Fernando Ave., Brgy. San Roque, Marikina City
San Juan: 296 Santolan Road cor. 4th West Crame, San Juan City