What's Your Favorite at Marugame Udon?

Lately, whenever asked where would I like to eat, I have this autopilot response; Marugame Udon. When thinking about fast, customizable, and affordable Japanese food that comforts a hungry tummy, it's always Marugame Udon.  When I don't want to complicate my life and overwhelm myself with lots of restaurant choices, It's always Marugame Udon for me these days. 

I know it is just a phase and it will pass. I know I will go back to my old self who, in a blink of an eye, can whip up a comparative analysis between two restaurant whenever faced with an important decision about where should we eat next. But for now, I am enjoying and will continue to enjoy Marugame Udon. 

My father who is a fan of affordable restaurants and my nephew who recently developed an appreciation for Japanese food, undoubtedly enjoy this phase in my life. Ever since my mother and my sister - my nephew Cai's mother, passed away, I would often have these two men in tow whenever I'm eating out. It's part of our ways to cope with grief. 

Breakfast at Yellow Bird Cafe

Ever since my mother and my sister passed away, meal times during weekends are mostly spent outside whenever we can. Eating at home with just my father and my nephew can sometimes feel lonely. We miss my mother's cooking and my sister's company. To somehow lessen the sadness, we eat out.

I've written about Yellow Bird Cafe and Kitchen before. It's one of the homegrown cafes and restaurants in Antipolo City. But it is often overlooked because of the many commercial cafes and restaurants popping in the area fast.  

One weekend, we decided to have breakfast at Yellow Bird. Very convenient because it is near home and it's just a stone's throw away from Transfiguration Chapel where we attend mass. 

Miguel's Garden Cafe

You know that feeling when you are going for one thing but ended up stumbling upon something which makes the experience all the more perfect? We had that kind of experience when we chanced upon Miguel's Garden Cafe in Antipolo City. 

We were dead set on having a nice afternoon coffee and some light snack while enjoying a really great view. It turns out, the place we had on mind could only offer great view and none of the things we want to feast on to tide us over before we hit dinner. 

loss

It's been a long while.  This space is already gathering dust.

I could wax poetic about the food that nourished my body and travels that fed my soul, to compensate for a year of absence. But the reality is, it took me a shitload of courage to hit that New Post button and start to write. 

Early last year, my younger sister passed away. Six months after that, we also lost my mother. I wish there's more eloquent way to say it - to soften the blow. This is the first time I am putting this into writing, after all.  But I am so spent and that's all I've got.

Most days, I would wake up and I still cannot make sense of what happened. The pandemic we all fear at that time doesn't even have anything to do with it. 

Enderun Extension's Free Pastry Masterclass with Award-Winning Chef, Laetitia Moreau!

I previously took École Ducasse Online Culinary eXperience by Enderun Extension and I must say that it's one of the best online culinary classes I've had. Not just because I enjoyed every minute of it, but also because the gems of culinary wisdom and knowledge I gained from it are simply unparalleled.  

Now the good news is that Enderun Extension will be conducting an online French Pastry Masterclass for FREE. 

This November 20, 2021, learn how to make and plate delectable desserts from École Ducasse Manila's very own Executive Pastry Chef, Laetitia Moreau! She will show us how to turn delightful desserts into beautiful works of art. 

Winery.PH The Philippines’ Largest Online Wine Shopping Event Is Back With Huge Deals Up to 61% Off

Mark your calendars: Winery.ph is opening its cellars up for its largest sale of the year this November 11, 2021. The 11.11 Sale features at least 20 great wines from around the world going for discounts ranging from 30% to 61% OFF, and all of these will be sold in sixers and dozens. Plus, you can expect a few more surprises to join the ranks on the day itself!

Working with over 40 of the Philippines’ leading importers, Winery.ph has curated the largest in-stock wine collection in the country and makes it possible for all of these wines to be available under one roof, in one easy checkout.