celebraTINg exisTENce: July 2018

81 Seihai Sushi Lounge, President Tower, Timog Avenue

By Tin Gallemaso - 12:33:00 PM

81 SEIHAI Sushi Lounge opened last April 2018 - it is a hotspot to experience great fusion Japanese cuisine, an Instagram-worthy ambiance in every corner, fantastic yet non-obtrusive music as you dine, and its version of Omotenashi (Japanese Hospitality).

With the help of Google Maps or Waze, it will be easy to locate this restaurant along Timog Avenue. There's a parking space in front so no worries for people bringing their car with them.

There's an outdoor seating. Perfect for people who loves dining with good music because there are live performances here in the evening. I would've sat there on the kubo-like tables if I had beers to drink with friends. lol

Upon entry, you'll notice the working station. Here is where the chef prepares sushi and makis. You'll be able to see him prepare your food and even opt to seat on the chairs in front of him.

SASHIMI!! <3

You can get alcohol-infused drinks there as well.

I love all the table set-up. They seem to have a perfect spot for anyone - may it be a solo dining, group, family etc. You'll find a space for you.

While waiting for our orders, I couldn't help it but look at all the dragon paintings they have there. Very intricate and beautiful murals painted by hand by artist/photographer Mandy Martinez . Being in Seihai felt like entering an expensive restaurant because of the interior but when you look at the pricelist, you'll know that they serve delicious Japanese food at a very reasonable price.

I immediately noticed the socket and usb plug on this long table. This is perfect for group meetings for work or for school since you wouldn't have problems with charging your gadgets.

Salmon Sakai
P 340.00

Salmon, cream cheese, avocado. It's fried to perfection -- crunch on your first bite.

Jalapeno Poppers

P 280.00

At first, I was hesitant to try this since it's Jalapeno but I love to try the raw tuna salad on top so I did. -- turns out that this was actually my favorite sushi that night. The spiciness level was bearable even for someone like me who can't eat spicy food.

Shitake Termidor
P 180.00

For rice and curry lovers, they have to options for you:

Beef Curry

P 320.00

Chicken Curry

P 250.00

Sushi Boat
P 3,600.00

My kind of boat <3

There is definitely something for everyone if you're getting this boat. It has a lot of varieties of maki, sushi, nigiri, dragon roll, hand rolls, and sashimis etc. Looking at it makes me want to back to 81 Seihai immediately!

As much as I love sashimis, it's not all the time that I am able to eat it because for some restaurants and buffets, I doubt the freshness of the raw fish.

I didn't think twice though when dining here in 81 Seihai 'cause I know that chef has prepared the freshest fish... needless to say, the salmon sashimi in this sushi boat melted in my mouth that one slice of it wasn't enough! It tasted clean and fresh.

I love their drinks - you can choose drinks depending on how you like them made: milk-based or coffee-based.

We went for the milk-based. :) My favorite is the strawberry drink above. Had that all by myself. hehe.

Spicy Beef Ramen
P 310.00

At first spoonful of the broth, I was not taken aback since the spiciness level was something I was able to tolerate but this just gets spicier and spicier upon eating. Perfect for spicy food lovers but something I can't eat a lot of -- kahit kimchi pa 'yan.

.
Sisig Ramen
P 330.00

SISIG?!

Very creative and perfect for people exploring fusion dishes.

Miso Salmon Steak with Mashed Potato

P 520.00

This one is a salmon steak on top of their mashed potato.

Sesame Seared Tuna with Risotto
P 540.00

While I love raw salmon more than raw tuna - this sesame seared tuna captured my heart. hehe! I love it paired with the creamy risotto so it's a balance of a creamy and savory taste.

Tempura Ice Cream

P 190.00

Cheesecake
P 190.00

Perfect way to end the hearty meal with these super delicious desserts as well. The tempura ice cream is their version of fried ice cream and the cheesecake was rich. <3

I posted this on my IG Stories that night and I immediately got messages asking me information about 81 Seihai since some of my friends wanted the live acoustic session for a night out. One couple I know immediately went there the night after!

81 SEIHAI (pronounced as SAY HI) Sushi Lounge is located at the G/F President Tower, 81 Timog Avenue, Quezon City. For inquiries, please call (02) 355 0367 or 0915 513 7671.

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Blog Event

Ca Phe Saigon, The Corner Market, Podium Mall, Ortigas

By Tin Gallemaso - 12:32:00 AM

I used to snob Vietnamese cuisine until my trip to Ho Chi Minh last year. I immediately fell inlove with their food that it took a while for me to suppress the cravings since I continuously looked for Vietnamese food when I flew back to the Philippines. Better late than never, di ba? I'm just so glad that I was introduced to Ca Phe Saigon.

But yeah, you don't have to go to Vietnam so you can appreciate their cuisine - as long as you're someone who prefers eating sumptuous healthy food then this one's for you.

Ca Phe Saigon's first branch is in San Roque, Marikina and they have branched out to Ortigas. They are one of the stalls in The Corner Market in Podium Mall.

Above is their menu. I hope it's readable though.

While ordering, it's impossible to miss these potted plants and sink.

As stated in the sign, customers are free to hand-pick fresh basil from the potted plants in this area.

I'm sensing that the above combination will be my default order in Ca Phe Saigon

Bún thịt nướng and Brewed Iced Tea (Apple Flavor)

What is it?

It's a cold rice Vermicelli noodle dish that is usually topped with grilled pork, rolls, fresh herbs, and dressed with fish sauce (mild).

Their version is as good as authentic; it's very much like the one I had in Vietnam for three consecutive days. Yup, three days! That's how much I enjoyed this dish and I'm happy that I have found a restaurant that's really convenient to go to.

Pomelo Salad

You can taste the balance of the sweetness that you get from the pomelo pulp and the mild saltiness of the fish sauce. This is quite hard to eat as it can get quite messy (if you're someone like me.lol) but the owner taught us that it's supposed to be eaten with the shrimp crackers - as in you put the salad on top of the crackers. Not only did it became easier to eat, the two complimented each other so well that this salad became more delicious eaten with crackers.

Fresh Spring Rolls with its home-made peanut sauce

Generous serving. Just look at the size of the shrimp that they use in their rolls. This is perfectly paired with their peanut sauce that you can't get anywhere since, again, it's home-made. Best way to eat this? Use your hands to hold the spring roll and dip it in the sauce.

Banh Mi

Choice of Roasted Pork, Chicken, Beef

Having this back, I felt kind of nostalgic since Banh Mi was my "savior" back then. This French-inspired sandwich (notice that it uses baguette) is one of the healthiest and filling sandwiches you can get. The perfect two should be Banh Mi and Pho. hehe

Mawawala ba naman ang option for rice lovers?

Lemon Grass Chicken Skewers

Perfectly grilled. The taste of the lemon grass was just right and the chicken cubes were tender.

SO MUCH LOVE FOR VIETNAMESE CUISINE!!! <3

I'm glad that I got to know them 'cause my search for a nearby authentic Vietnamese restaurant that serves reasonably-priced food is over... buti na lang malapit lang sa'kin 'yung Marikina branch nila.

Refreshing Brewed Iced Tea for drinks

Above are pefectly paired with all the meals in Ca Phe Saigon. Apple being my favorite flavor. <3

The best way to end a filling meal is with this pandan and beans layered cake/dessert.

As usual for Vietnamese cuisine, I ate a lot and yet didn't left the restaurant feeling bloated. I'm looking forward to revisit them since I read in their Facebook page that they're now serving Chicken Pandan and Tamarind Wings - two meals that I'm sure my mom will appreciate.

For more details:

Ca Phe Saigon Facebook Page link: here.

The Corner Market Food Hall, 2nd floor Podium Mall, Ortigas

14 Red Cedar St., New Marikina Subdivision, San Roque, Marikina City

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Blog Event

Sundays, The Corner Market, Podium Mall, Ortigas

By Tin Gallemaso - 1:42:00 PM

Sundays at the Corner Market is from Merry Moo - so it's your Merry Moo experience that just got better. Now with more flavors, sizes and toppings.

Sundays' Pricelist

I had my first scoop of Merry Moo artisan ice cream back in 2012 when I first it in Mercato Centrale. Since then, I think I bought their ice cream everytime we went on food bazaars but the only flavors I ordered were Avocado and Seasalt Caramel.

So, for my Sundays experience, it was anything but these two ice cream flavors above. No doubt that these are best-sellers so I went for a different flavor this time.

Cones for Belgian Cone lovers

They also have soft-served ice cream in Sundays. Talagang Yay All Day!

Unlike their regular artisan ice creams though, they only have limited selection of their soft-served and they alternate the flavors daily.

I got BLACK SESAME OREO. I've never seen this flavor combination before so it was worth a try. It's a cookies and cream ice cream made better. On your first spoon, you'll taste the nutty taste of toasted black sesame. You'll also see chunks of oreo in it.

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Hotel

Batam Island, Indonesia: Crown Vista Hotel Review (Overnight)

By Tin Gallemaso - 11:34:00 PM

Crown Vista Hotel in Batam is one of the cheapest hotel option you can get if you want to book a 2D1N Batam Tour.

Batam Tour Experience link: here.

Since this was one of the cheapest, I have managed my expectations even before arriving at the hotel but it's actually a lot better than I thought.

After the whole day tour, we were picked up at a mall and headed straight to the hotel. This is quite far from the city center since it's located in a hill/high place.

Check in was fast and the staff were all courteous and helpful. Haaay! Having to carry all your things for two days then suddenly have someone to carry them for you?? Priceless. haha.

This was our room.

It's huge.

Much bigger and more beautiful than the rooms I got in SG, tbh and Crown Vista's cheaper.

I was only looking forward to a comfortable bed to sleep in and there in our room was a bath tub... <3

Yep, it's not the cleanest nor the most updated hotel you can stay in but our experience was really okay. It was a quiet stay - for people who prefer staycations and relaxing stay without a lot of things to do then this is it.

Dinner is included in the package.

Except for the fried ice cream, we didn't pay for anything since they were all included in the package. I've liked Nasi Goreng eversince the first time I had it in Malaysia so I've no complains with the dinner either.

The view was the greatest factor in deciding that we'll stay in Crown Vista. Our room didn't have a view but staying at this part was free so that's fine. Should you get the bigger rooms then you'll be able to get rooms with verandas where you can see Batam skyline.

Overlooking Indonesia <3

Such a beautiful way to end the night.

The morning buffet was okay too. There are several food items to choose from. If all else fails, you have the option to have cereals and fresh milk. lol