An FBW Dinner at Napa

A few weeks back (Thursday), I was invited for dinner by Sumi at Napa Restaurant located within the Tomas Morato area. It was a post Christmas gathering for the FBW Volunteers which we had our first successful GEB last December. I recall having vouchers for this place but I wasn't able to use them (money wasted).

Unfortunately, I left my CF Card back home when I had all my gear with me (I had a very bad week as I need to get over it and start over). So the photos that you may see here would be courtesy of Sumi. 

Napa Restaurant and Bar has this combination of American and Italian feel that when you get inside, it feels like home. There are no high-chairs as of the moment so I may take my daughter there when she gets a little bit older. 

I was one of the early comers in the group, hence I was able to sample Napa's dishes from the appetizer down to their dessert. 

First off, we had Veggie Crisps (165 pesos) for starters. The chips are thinly sliced you'd always hear a crunch in every bite. Compared with other chips, this would be a healthy alternative to your usual potato chips as its made from sweet potato. 

Veggie Crisps

Next on the table was their, Cheesy Chicken and Spinach (270 pesos). Made from 4 different types of cheese (cheddar, blue cheese, emental, and mozzarella) together with bits of chicken and spinach served on a toast (focaccia). Usually, this is served as a dip but since were in a group, they decided to put the dip on top of the bread. If only we were few that night, I could have finished half of the tray. XD

Cheesy Chicken and Spinach

Then, we had Buffalo Wings (235 pesos) served on the table. I'm not new to buffalo wings as I've been craving for one for the longest time. Good thing they had celery sticks that complemented the wings and sour cream, though I prefer blue cheese as my dip. 

Buffalo Wings

Since I anticipate for a night long feast, I have to save some space for my tummy to try every dish possible. Now comes the main event. XD

The Pork Chop Grande (450 pesos) served to us was quire enormous. I think its good for sharing but for a hungry dude, a plate may not be enough. What I like about this is its tender and not hard to chew. Honestly, I can prepare porkchops myself but with this one, I'll give an exception. XD

Pork Chop Grande

Next served was their Sicilian Chicken (420 pesos). This dish was an instant hit for me as the chicken was marinated in selected blends and spices that proved to be flavorful. Served with salsa, buttered vegetables and mashed potatoes, you can't go wrong with this dish. If only I had my CF Card with me, I could took a lot of pictures of this dish.

Sicilian Chicken

Then, its carbo overload. The group shared some pizza and pasta as the night continues. 

Pasta Gamberi (360 pesos) was our pasta for the night. A pomodoro-based sauce topped with shrimps and sauteed garlic, chili and olive oil. It tasted just fine for me as I was hoping for a different king of pasta (a penne perhaps). 

Pasta Gamberi

As a pizza lover, I looked forward to their Cinco Formaggio (420 pesos). Its a brick-oven baked pizza with 5 different kinds of cheese (cheddar, swiss cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella and kesong puti). As long as the pizza is a thin-crust, I really don't mind digging-in. And its the first time I've heard a five-cheese pizza. XD

Cinco Formaggio

Another pizza served was their Vegetarian Panizza (395 pesos). Served with arugula and alfalfa sprouts, this pizza has the classic combination of the pomodoro pizza sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and more alfalfa sprouts. I accidentally drenched mine in their chili oil but I liked how spicy my panizza was. 

Vegetarian Panizza

Thank God, I still have some space for dessert. Their Mango Torte (165 pesos) was served on the table. On the outside, it looks like your regular torte but don't let that deceive you. The moment you had a bite, you would enjoy how crispy and chewy the layers are.

Mango Torte

Well last but not the least, Napa's version of the Lava Cake (190 pesos). I recall having one a few years back and this version is really decadent. Who would say no to a moist and rich chocolate cake oozing with hot chocolate syrup with vanilla ice cream as companion. Seriously, don't care about your diet if this would be your finale. XD

Lava Cake

I can't say no to a photo-op. Besides, its only very rare that I have myself photographed together with good friends and the best bloggers in town.

By Thursday, you may want to make early reservations for their valentine promo. Or you may want to sneak out for lunch with their promo. ^_^

Definitely, I'll be coming back together with my wife and daughter soon to try their other dishes myself. And next time, I'll make sure to check my gear with me. XD

Ilocandia Treats at Comida Ilocandia and Spaoay

After attending the Ultimate Taste Test event at Rockwell, I took a cab going to Timog to attend another blogger's event featuring Comida Ilocandia and Spaoay. By the time I got there, I was already soaking wet since the weather is so uncooperative.

When I got there, I was warmly welcomed by one of the organizers as they take me to my seat. As I'm setting-up my camera, Mr Danny Dela Cuesta, introduced himself and explained to us how Comida Ilocandia was conceptualized. He even let us try some of his secret concoction that reminded me of a condiment I am craving for.

Comida Ilocandia offers affordable meals. From rice meals to their bento meals to their refreshments, their slow-cooked specialty will never ever hurt your budget. Even a five-hundred peso budget would be good for 3-4 people who wants nothing but the best Ilocano cuisine. For me, I simply had Vigan longganisa paired with hot steaming rice. It was really a nice fulfilling meal for me as I tried to keep it light (I'm still full from the previous event I've attended.)

After dinner, we were treated to a soothing massage at Spaoay owned and operated by who else but Chef Danny Dela Cuesta. Honestly, I've never had a complete massage before and I'm pretty apprehensive as my right foot was pretty sore which prevents me from walking straight.

As the rooms were pretty much full as my fellow bloggers were already inside having their massage. Me and my fellow blogger had our foot spa/foot massage first but I specified to my attendant to be careful with my right foot. Well he tried to assure me that he'll take good care of my right foot.

My first apprehension on having massage is it tickles me whenever someone touches my skin. But I was completely wrong. My attendant was able to make me feel a bit better and lighter. As I lay my body down (on my stomach), I feel much vigorous as he was able to release all pain points and he almost put me to sleep as I've proven that massages are really effective in making one sleep better.

At the end of the massage session, It was off to another event as my body was completely rejuvenated with the wonders from the north. From my sense of taste to my sense of touch, I feel much better now.

I'm looking forward to comeback for another round of massage plus some gastronomically feast from the north. Thanks Comida Ilocandia and Spaoay for bringing them here to Manila. ^_^

Note: Pictures here are borrowed from Ms Yani with her permission. Once I get my laptop back from repairs, I'll post mine. ^_^

Il pranzo in ritardo con la famiglia a Capricciosa il giorno di un padre

When translated in English it means late lunch with family at Capricciosa on a father's day XD.

It was pretty much rainy that day when we went to Greenbelt to spend some quality time. Where to eat on a Father's Day? I let them share this place I went to a few months back and this time, my wife and baby would be with me.

Good thing the place wasn't packed with people as we were able to get a good spot and picked our food. While waiting, I did my usual picture taking of anything that fancies me. from its interiors to my wife and daughters expression. It makes me smile after taking their pictures. ^_^

Marien browsing through the menu.

 

For starters, we had their Pumpkin Soup (165 pesos, Piccolo). Having soup is a must for us whenever we eat out and for this one, we tried their version. The soup was rich and thick for my one year old daughter to enjoy.

Then for salad, I recommend their Smoked Salmon Salad (220 pesos, Piccolo). Compared to my last visit, its not that over powering with sourness and it has more crunch than before. I could have my stomach get easily filled by it. XD

My wife ordered the Pesto Penne with Grilled Chicken (195 pesos, Piccolo). This one tasted just right I was only able to get a bite.

Since were still hungry, I ordered their Seafood Risotto (575 pesos) This is one mean meal good for 2-3 hungry people. The servings of seafood is so generous that I always got one on each bite. The problem is that serving is so generous my wife and I had a hard time emptying the big plate.

What's for dessert? We had the Apple Ala Mode (230 pesos). This apple pie is so huge it can satisfy 2 people with sweet tooth. The scoop of vanilla ice cream (1 scoop is bigger than my fist) complements the warm apple pie. This is the second time I enjoyed it all by myself as my wife was already full XD.

Before settling our bill, I was able to take some more pictures to capture some happy moments after eating.

At the end of our late lunch, I would take my family back to Capricciosa for some Pizza and Pasta plus my favorite   XD