A Taste of Middle East: Shomal Kebabs & Curries by Hossein

 

Experience the Middle East through Chef Hossein's culinary masterpiece at Shomal Kebabs & Curries. There will be a lot of choices. They serve a variety of Persian, Indian and Arabian cuisine. Do not be intimidated by the unfamiliar entries on their menu, as the staff are very friendly and very willing to help.

 

 

The restaurant will not disappoint as to its interiors, impressive, just like the desert landscapes. Dressed in Arabian style,  colors of the middle east can be seen all over the place - from the chandelier to the walls to the placemats. Whether you prefer open space or private nooks, there is a place for you.

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever you choose from their diverse menu, rest assured, it will be bursting with flavor. The saffron rice will surprise your palate. Even the grilled tomato is very flavorful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witnessing the impressive desert landscapes and getting to know its extensive history might be far from your immediate plans, but their delicious food at Shomal will open your world and will intrigue your palate as to what the Middle East has to offer.

 

 

Shomal Kebabs and Curries
• Unit 4005 Level 4 Trinoma Mall,
• EDSA North Avenue Quezon City
• (632) 901-5613
• http://www.hosseins.com/

 

 

 

* photos taken with an iphone.

Why I Run: A Gastronomic Tour of the Philippines

Traveling is what I love to do. While I may not be a hearty eater, I love to try a place's favorite local dish to get a taste of their culture. These taste tests accumulate and I have to work it off somehow. That is why, when I am not travelling, I run.

Here are just some of my favorite from my travels across the country:

1. Iloilo: Batchoy

Aside from spanish colonial churches and mansions, or its pristine beaches, Iloilo boasts of its delectable La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo. Get a swiff of the sweet and salty aroma and you might forget your name. Read on how to get to Iloilo, here.

2. Camarines Sur: Laing Pizza

The Bicol Region boasts of its sweet and chili cuisine. Familiarize your tastebuds with food infused with coconut milk with the Laing Pizza at the CWC. Read on how to get to CWC and the Caramoan Islands, here and here.

3. Manila: Steak

While it is perplexing how one can ruin a perfectly good piece of steak, some still do. Better be safe than sorry. Get your fix of meat heaven in the country's capital.

4. Capiz: Oysters

Have your fill of seafood all year round. After all, Capiz is the seafood capital of the Philippines. It definitely lives up to its name.

5. Bohol: Sea Urchin

Fresh as it can be, Sea Urchins are opened right in front of you at Virgin Island. Eat them raw with vinegar. Read about what you should not miss while in Bohol, here.

6. Tagaytay: Native Food

Drive along Tagaytay's main throughfare and you get to travel around the world. Almost every major cuisine is represented. But having maruya or any local native food for that matter with some coffee or tea will bring back sweet childhood memories you thought you already forgot.

7. Batanes: Homemade Pizza

Tourists have been raving about the homey pizza place in the northernmost tip of the country.They say it's all in the dough, which is freshly made from scratch by the house chef-owner. Read on how to get to Batanes, here.

The Philippines is a beautiful and diverse place. While Malay, Chinese, and Spanish influences can be found in our food, we take pride in the uniquely Filipino flavor in our local dishes. Try us! Just run it off when you get home. That's what I do. *wink*

Manila Zoo: 52 Years After

Every Manileño in their 40s have probably visited the Manila Zoo at one time or another during their growing up years. Even out-of-towners (aka probinsyanos) probably made it one of the first places they visit when they were in the big city back in its glory days.

Manila Zoo may be 52 years old now, but it still has a lot of potential. It is one of the few parks that people from all walks of life can appreciate. Entrance fee is only at Php 40 for adults and Php 20 for children 4 feet below (50% off for Manila Residents with a valid ID indicating address of residence).

Meet the Animals

(hover over the photos to get to know them)

Inside the Zoo 

Food is not a problem. Although SM Hypermarket and Harrison Plaza are just a stone's throw away, if your little one cannot wait for until after the zoo visit, there are food concessionaires inside.

There are activities for the kiddos as well as the young at heart too. Have your photos taken together with friendly and colorful feathered-creatures. Prices range from Php 100 to Php 150. This is your chance to catch those cute dimples!

Or you can go boating for Php 60/30-45 mins (capacity: 5 pax). The kids will definitely have a blast. Also a great strategy to have them settle down - for once.

Understandably, public recreation is not on the priority list of the local government. They would rather allocate funds to feed the hungry. But you can help the zoo and ultimately the animals, by visiting (more people, more revenue, hence, more fund to maintain its facilities) or by volunteering. Give it a chance, visit!

Getting There:

Jeepneys with the signboard "Vito Cruz/Mabini/Harrison Plaza" pass by the zoo. Catch them in Quiapo/Quezon Avenue or Baclaran.

Nearest Train Stations:
LRT 1 Quirino Avenue Station (walking distance)
MRT Edsa Avenue Station (transfer to LRT 1 Taft Avenue Station, get off at Quirino Avenue Station, then walk)
LRT 2 Recto Station (transer to LRT 1 Doroteo Jose Station, get off at Quirino Avenue Station, then walk)

Manila Zoo
Quirino Avenue corner M. Adriatico Street, Manila
http://www.manilazoo.org/
(632)4001884; (632)3836862

Hours of Operation:
7am to 6pm daily

A Charming Tagaytay Weekend

Tucked in Tagaytay's gentle rolling hills are small secret gardens.

Take your family to one of these charming gardens for a much-needed respite from the chaotic life in the metro. One such place is Nimfa's - my Mom's friend. For now, it is only open to family and friends as well as friends of friends, but I'm sure there are others in the area.

The combination of the organic ingredients (picked from their gardens), cool weather, and fresh environment make up for a relaxed and laid-back feeling. (Meals are served as part of the package. You do not need to go out.)

There are several chapels and retreat houses all around the city that are perfect for those seeking solitude.

You may even stay for the night in a chic cottage just like this.

\

The place is relaxing, the food is great, and the owners are really nice. I wish we were friends so that I can take you there. :)

  

 Rates:

Php 700/head (special rates for families and big groups)
For an additional Php 300, guests can enjoy a full day access to a Country Club and its facilities which include golf, bowling, swimming, badminton, spa, tennis, billiards and more. Php 250 of the guest fee is consumable.

  

Hangin Gardens
Tagaytay Bed & Breakfast
• Aimee Escasa
• (046)4834630
• (0919)4373121
• (0922)5391759
• http://mahangingarden.multiply.com/

*** Wasn't able to take a picture of the dinner spread. Everyone was digging in. I didn't want to be left out.

Highlands Steakhouse

Highlands Steakhouse serve one of the best steak and barbecue in the metro. They import their meats abroad and their veggies are fresh. Although the prices are a little steep for ordinary Pinoys, the reasons listed below make up for it. With special mention are the juicy and grilled-just-right steaks.

1. classy interior

2. private

3. complimentary bread 

4. hefty serving of meat heaven

 

6. log cabin ambience

7. nice details

8. great view

Make it your go-to restaurant for special occasions. It is not only value for money, you also enjoy a perfectly macho meal. Carnivores and even non-meat eaters will love it.

Highlands Steakhouse, click here for the menu.
2/F Unit 213 Entertainment Mall,
SM Mall of Asia, Bay Blvd.
Pasay City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 556-0768

Hours of Operation:
monday to sunday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Photo Wednesday: Rush

I apologize for being remiss in posting any entry on this blog for the past month. Been busy with work and a bit of family r & r. Work will still be busy for the next few months, so I apologize in advance.

 

 

(Photo: Roxas Boulevard, Manila, 2009)

Photo Wednesday: Gates of Heaven

Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were
looking through the gates of Heaven.
- John Lubbock 

 

Baywalk along Manila Bay is a popular place of recreation among Manileños. In the morning, the 2 kilometer stretch is full of people. Runners, joggers, and walkers all share the ample space beside Roxas Boulevard. In the afternoon, the romantics come out and enjoy the world famous Manila Bay sunset. It is said to be one of the most breathtaking sunset in the world. Be sure to check it out when you are in the area. Let your imagination run wild and you might just see the gates of Heaven.

 

 

(Photo: Manila Bay, 2009)

Photo Wednesday: Think of him …

 

on Monday, May 10, Election Day.

 

 

While walking the streets of Binondo, we saw a baby sleeping soundlessly inside a shopping basket oblivious to his surroundings, while a man was standing over him withdrawing money from an ATM. It is an ironic and sad scene. Something to think about before Election day comes.

 

 

 

(Photo: Binondo, 2010)

Visita Iglesia in Manila

 

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the only time (except during Manny Pacquiao's fights) that Manila is transformed into a peaceful and traffic-free city. This is because most Manila residents take advantage of the holiday to go home to the provinces or go out of town for a longer vacation time with family and friends. Those who choose to stay in the city, participate in a religious tradition called Visita Iglesia (church visit).

Here are some of the churches around the city of Manila:

 

 Baclaran/Redemptorist Church
- National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
- completed in 1952
- houses an icon, Our Mother of Perpetual Help

 

 

Reclamation Area Church
- Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, & the Life

 

 

Binondo Church
- Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz
- built in 1596 and enlarged in 1608
- exterior: Mexican-Spanish colonial architecture
- San Lorenzo Ruiz, the Philippines' first saint trained as a sacristan in this church

 

 

Sta. Cruz Church
- Our Lady of Pilar Parish
- originally built in 1619; present building completed in 1957
- exterior: Baroque

 

(Source)

 

Manila Cathedral
- Cathedral - Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
- present building completed in 1958
- exterior: Neo-Romanesque
- dedicated to Saint Mary under the title Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the Philippines.

 

 

San Agustin Church
- Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Consolación y Correa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- completed in 1607
- exterior: Baroque

 

 

San Beda Church
- Abbey of our Lady of Montserrat

 

(Source)

 

San Sebastian Church
- Basilica Minore de San Sebastián
- built in 1893
- exterior: Neo-Gothic
- seat of the Parish of San Sebastian and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

 

(Source)

 

Quiapo Church
- Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
- St. John the Baptist Parish
- exterior: Mexican baroque
- home to the Black Nazarene

 

 

Ermita Church
- Parish of Nuestra Señora de Guia
- home of the oldest Marian Image in the Philippines, Nuestra Señora de Guia

 

 

Malate Church
- Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Remedios
- built in the late 16th century
- exterior: Baroque
- one of the oldest churches in Manila outside of Intramuros