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.

La Mesa Eco Park: A Forest in the City

 

Inside the La Mesa Watershed and Eco Park is a dam and an ecological reservation site. It is a haven for nature lovers and even those just seeking a different environment in the middle of the crowded and highly-urbanized Manila. Trees are bountiful and grasses are green.  

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="363" caption="en route to the eco park"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1582" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Playground for kids"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1598" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="the pathway"][/caption]

 

Many locals head to this place to take a dip in the only salt-water swimming pool in the city (said to be healthier than chlorine-treated pools) or just to spend time with their families over barbecue. The park does not restrict bringing of food. In fact, cooking and grilling areas are available for their convenience.  

 

[caption id="attachment_1583" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Rest Areas"][/caption]

 

There are even pavilions avaliable for corporate functions or parties. Because of the contrasting environment inside the park as opposed to the urban scene of the metro, many couples choose to have their pre-nuptial pictures taken there with the greenery as their backdrop.  

 

[caption id="attachment_1579" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="water lilies"][/caption]

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Neptune"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1588" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Fish pond"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1587" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Fish pond"][/caption]

 

For the active ones, the park has several recreational activities to shoo away boredom. There are areas devoted especially for boating, fishing, wall-climbing, biking, zip line, and paint ball games.  

 

[caption id="attachment_1580" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Fishing Area"][/caption]

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Monkey bars"][/caption]

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Boating Area"][/caption]

 

The La Mesa dam supplies most of the water supply of Metro Manila. You have to go up this steps to get a glimpse of the watershed.  

 

[caption id="attachment_1581" align="aligncenter" width="363" caption="en route to the dam"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1584" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="La Mesa Dam"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1586" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="birds eye view of the park"][/caption]

 

To get there, take a shuttle service (FX, van, etc.) bound for Fairview, Quezon City from Taft Avenue. You will know when you are near when you have already passed by UP Diliman, Sandiganbayan, and finally the Fairview market. Get off at Wilson Street and take an East Fairview tricycle to take you inside the park.

 

 

La Mesa Watershed & Eco Park
East Fairview Quezon City
tel. no: 632-4109670
website: www.lamesaecopark.com  

   

Operating Hours:
8am to 5pm daily  

Entrance Fee:  

Non-Quezon City residents - Php 40
QC residents - Php 20
Senior Citizens - Free  

Swimming Pool Fee:  

Adults - Php 60
Kids - Php 30