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.

It's December!! Look I found a perfect place to visit this holiday season (for the kids or even the kid at heart). Patrick was the one to spot the place for our anniversary celeb last November. We drove to the place after our lunch at The Dining Room.




The place is usually crowded with students on a field trip but also great for families to hang out.




Cute gingerbread plates are embedded to the floor entrance of the gingerbread house.




Inside the gingerbread house is a cafe were they serve treats like this gingerbread cupcake.



Hansel & Gretel having a cozy conversation a.k.a posing for the camera. Lol.



Aside from the house, there's also a fish spa, nail salon, a campfire like area were you can make smores (not sure if the place is open for camping). I'm sure you'll enjoy the place!

We paid around P30 for entrance but beginning December entrance fee will be at P50 per person. Still affordable. Kids below 2ft are free. They are open by 8am and closes at 6pm (til 10pm on certain days). Check their Facebook page for schedule.

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.

There's a new player in the Philippines coffee scene, and it's surely winning many coffee addicts. Coffee project is fairly new and roughly four months fresh. In that span of time it had already created much noise and have had people sharing and coming to the cafe. Even though I'm not a coffee fan I too got curious and added it to my 'must-try list' if I get the chance.

One fine Saturday morning my parents were meeting friends at the place so I tagged along. I decided to get some of their caramel brownies and a dark chocolate frappe which was both so good. But my stomach wanted more so I got a pasta meal, my fave Carbonara. If I remember correctly what was Cheesy Bacon Carbonara in the menu. I have to say my tummy was more than happy!

Also, if you've seen a beautiful Instagram-worthy, garden-themed cafe in your Facebook or Instagram feed that would most likely be a shot from Coffee Project's interiors. The place is filled with lavish decors in almost every corner. Keep browsing to see my snaps. Btw, the coffee below was my mom's and not mine. So it's up to you to discover and taste how the coffee is. And did i say they provide at least one socket for each table?











Photos taken at Coffee Project Vista Mall Sta. Rosa

Coffee Project
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