A Good Dinner at Zarzuela

Zarzuela is a Spanich lyric-dramatic genre which is spoken and sung scenes. It is a traditional art that was passed to us by the Spaniards during their colonization. Zarzuela was very famous during those time. Now, Zarzuela is one of the restaurant in the east wing of Shang Ri-La Mall that offers Filipino cuisine.

It was a friend birthday and she treated us to Zarzuela. The place has a plain white color which gives it a very light atmosphere. The staff are wearing bright orange pants that is heightened by the white surrounding.

For the appetizer we ordered their Sisig. It was very crunchy and tasty. The sisig has also just the right kick of spice. My friend who doesn't like spicy food was reluctant at first but she liked it ate and ate a lot of it.

We also ordered their Boneless Chicken Inasal. They have their homemade atchara to go with the dish. They were able to capture the well loved Bacolod Chicken Inasal.

My favorite dish is the Beef Tapa. It is a tender salty-sweet panfried US Beef that is shredded thinly. I love its sweet taste!

Another favorite is the Crab and Shrimp Relleno. It is formed into a cake that looks like a medium size ball with calamansi hollandaise.

A must try on their menu is the Krispy Binagoongan. The pork is just so tender and their bagoong is very tasteful. Not too salty, just made right!

For me, Zarsuela is not just a theater art of singing; it's a good place to dine after a hard day's of work!

Sweetness Meets Salts

I thought it was absurd at first to have salt in chocolates and caramels. The first time I tasted a salted chocolate was from my Boss who just came back from USA. He bought us an almond covered with salted chocolate. Since then I've been a fan of sweet foods that has a mixture of salt.

My ultimate favorite is the Salted Chocolate Cake from Wildflour Cafe + Bakery. Its a three layer moist cake with caramel filing in the middle. The cake is covered with rich chocolate icing. The salt mixed with the caramel in the middle. It compliments the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel. I've always ordered this cake whenever we go there or have it delivered. For more information on Wildflour and some of their best foods you may visit my post a taste of wildflour.

Sweet Spot Cafe in Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village also has a Salted Chocolate Cake. I was very excited when we went there and I saw that they have this on their Menu. The salt is mixed on the chocolate filing that is in the middle of the cake. Aside from Salted Chocolate, Sweet Spot Cafe also offers different cakes and pastas. You might be interested to check my post Wheres Your Sweet Spot to know more of what they can offer.

If you think cakes are too big for you and just want to have a bite of salted chocolates, you may try the Sea Salt Chocolate Cupcake from Gigi's Coffees and Cupcakes. I was very eager to visit their store when they open-up in Shang Ri-La Mall. Unlike the cakes, the salt in Gigi's Cupcake is sprinkled on top of chocolate glazed cupcake. The white salt is very evident on top of the cupcake.

Pancake House has a new food on their menu - Salted Caramel and Walnut Pancake. It's a pancake oozing with salted caramel sauce with whipped butter on top. The plate is full of chopped walnuts and  oat streusel.

Aside from these sinful sweet desserts, salt is also mixed with drinks. Last Ocotber, Starbucks introduced their salted caramel drink which can be enjoyed in hot, iced or frappuccino. Of course, I have tried it and liked it. However, it's only for a limited time and the drink was no longer available in any Starbucks branch.

Another salted caramel dessert is Mc Donald's Salted Caramel Sundae which is only offered for a limited time. I've been trying to get a taste of this dessert however it was always out. Luckily one night it was available at the Mc Donald's store near our office. It tastes like a caramel candy.

Although the sweet and salty mix might be a fad, I'm sure some of these food will remain for a longer time or even forever as long as they can tickle the taste buds of people.

For me, I'll try to search for other sweet and salty mixes.

A Sip of Coffee at Cafe de Lipa

Being a coffee addict, my day will never be complete if I have not drink at least three cups of coffee in a day. Coffee is my companion while studying. I also drink coffee before I sleep. 

One night, while walking along Market Market Mall, I saw a coffee shop. I was a bit upset with our diner so I asked my sister if we can have a hot coffee before going home. My sister agreed and we went inside the coffee shop.

Upon entering the store, I immediately noticed the their ceiling. Their name - Cafe de Lipa - is in their ceiling. I was really amazed by the creativity of the design. 

By the name of the store it simply means that their coffee came from Lipa, Batangas. The home of Barako coffee which is known for its strong aroma and taste. At that very moment I know that I will definitely love their coffee.

The set-up of the place is very much like Filipino. The chairs and tables are made of wood which resembles a typical furniture at a Filipino house. A painting showing the scenery of Lipa and coffee is hanging on the wall of the Cafe.

We ordered for a hot Cappuccino and Mocha Latte. Their coffee is much cheaper than other coffee stores. Their tallest cup would only cost you a hundred. They even make coffee art.

Aside from coffee they also have cakes and pastries. They also sell bag of coffee beans all made from their Lipa. 

The place is very quiet and less crowded. It's a very nice place to read books and relax. However, since it was already late in the evening we were unable to stay much longer.

The next time I go to Market Market I will definitely drink another cup of coffee at Cafe de Lipa.

Nike We Run Manila 2013

The long wait for the Nike We Run Manila is finally over. The run which was participated by 15,000 people happened last December 1 at Marikina Sports Complex. An early SMS at 4AM was sent by Runrio team advising all runners to come early on the event because of expected high influx of people coming to Marikina. They have also send and SMS about their shuttle service for runners. 

The Nike Run Manila 2013 is still part of the Nike We Run Series. The run series started last August at Prague, Czech Republic and will have its last leg on Jakarta, Indonesia on December 15. Philippines is the 24th country for the race.

We arrived at the Marikina Sports Complex at 2:30PM. The drizzles of rain does not stopped the runners at coming to place. The Oval in the Marikina Sports Complex serves as the activity center and the Basketball Court is turned into a baggage area. The baggage area was systematically arranged by the runners number.

The Baggage Area

Even though it rained, it was still a humid afternoon. You will already be dehydrated just waiting for the gun start because humid atmosphere combined with the huge number of runners all compressed on the starting line. It feels like any moment there might be a stampede.

Camera hovering over the runners

Residents cheering the runners

The route of the marathon covers public streets and some residential areas. It was heart warming and encouraging when the residents were applauding and cheering the runners. You will hear them shouting  "just keep running" or "it's almost there". It somehow helps the runners to keep moving. However, since its a residential areas, there are streets that are narrow which makes running very hard and bumping with other runners cannot be avoided. There are also lots of turns. If there are cheering residents, there are also the irate motorists that are stuck on the traffic because of the run.

Running in the residential areas

One of the few wide streets of the race

After the run, bands like ChicoSci performed at the Sports Ground. Some runners stayed and enjoyed the performance of the band.

Almost there...

Runners approaching the Finish Line

The Finish Line

The Finisher Shirt 

You may check my post for the Nike Run last year at the finisher: nike we run mnl 2012