The Golden Compass

My baby and I decided to watch The golden Compass today after dining once again in City de Luxe (Dagupan should REALLY start putting up new and exciting restaurants to dine in, otherwise, you'd be hearing the same old same old in my blog entries of delectable edibles). didn't take that much pictures today since I wasn't in the mood to perform camwhoring. But anyways, we had their best seller chicken which is basically just like fried chicken coated in a thick breading, and ordered for take out my favorite clubhouse sandwich.

Going back to the movie.

The story is definitely one that doesn't bore you to sleep. Every second counts which is why blinking is not an option to make sure you fully understand the story. The animation was cleanly done, though the movement of the characters was far from believable such as that of Narnia. Other than that, it was a great movie.

This is probably the first movie of Nicole Kidman that I watched since I'm really not a big fan of the actress. And may I say, I'm truly impressed!

Lyra, played by an actress I don't know (I'm too lazy to search for the cast names), was very convincing for her age. I can see why she was picked to play the role and it goes further than just great hair.

I was kinda disappointed since I still don't know what dust is, where her father is, or what happened to Nicole Kidman. All in all, a good movie to watch on your spare time.

And that ends the lousiest movie review in the history of blogging. Sorry guys, something's up lately (and no, it's not my dick) and it's affecting my writing skills haha (if I have one).

Over and Out!

Duty in Manila Part I

This post should've been made a long time ago but I really didn't have the time to transfer the files from my phone to my PC. Anyways, better late than never...

Filipino time means not on time. We were one of the first to arrive.


Where the hell are we?


Luisita was our first stop and nothing screams fast food more than Jollibee


As Irish binged on her crispy chicken, I demurely licked swirly bits off my spoon. (I look anemic... really!)


Time for some camwhoring!


Here's my first and only new found friend from the whole experience, Lovely. (I wish I could say the same with that forehead)


Yes, another pair of sunglasses with newly trimmed side-swept bangs

Over and Out!

What's the big idea?

While watching the news during dinner earlier this evening, the report was about this Taiwan Toilet Restaurant.

They serve food on what looks like a toilet bowl, the customers sit on a closed toilet, and drink on... guess what?

No, that is not a picture of a pitcher my friends, those are urinals.

Are these now the modern definitions of the words: innovation, uniqueness, and individualism? Looks as though the modern minds are diverted into the mavericks.

Here's what's bothers me. Has your GI tract ever had that nasty day that you had to take about more than 4 visits to the comfort room? That by the fourth time, the look of s**t seems but natural? Or how about the time you were hospitalized and was bedridden that you had to pee on a urinal?

Done imagining? Now put those thoughts into a crazier picture. Where your s**t and urine used to be is now replaced with yummy treats.

I don't know about you but crazy would be an understatement for this idea. Then again, it just might be me.

Let me know your thoughts!

Over and Out!

Delectable Edible #003: Gerry's Grill (Tuna Belly and Sizzling Sisig)

Gerry's Grill is one of the few quality restaurants here in Dagupan that caters to music lovers by having bands play as they let their customers experience fine dining. Or maybe not.

Gerry's Grill really isn't located in Dagupan since it belongs to the family of restaurants in Calasiao. Not too far though from where I live. For those unfamiliar, you can't really miss it since beside it is Jollibee and Dagupena (to be reviewed soon!).

Ambience: The place offers two choices in dining. You could either stay inside, where an AC is available, or outside where the band is playing. It's pretty weird having a band outside especially with all the rains we've been experiencing lately, and the only thing that keeps the band sheltered is a big umbrella, enough for three members and their instruments (if the band has drums then it's just wet look for them right there and then).

We decided to stay outside to get a feel of the music with the dining. Just like the band, some of the tables are also sheltered by umbrellas. I was kinda disappointed with the table we had since there's nothing I hate more than rocking tables or chairs for that matter. But anyways
, too late to move out.

Band: Augh! Could they be any more awful? I understand if they have pressure in finding bands to play every night, but trust me, they could certainly do better. Maybe it was just that night that it was bad, but to Gerry's Grill, it's about time you reconsider that trio of yours. The girl was going to church, the guy on keyboards on the other hand was going to a christening, and the guitarist was the only one dressed to perform. All in all, no coordination with the outfits, and I find it amusing how all of them somehow manage to get the lyrics all wrong (not to mention problems with their P's and F's).

Food #1: Tuna Belly

Not much to say really. The grilled belly was perfectly soft but can't make up for the flavorless dish. For no reason at all, there was way too much pepper, which can be typical for a grilled dish, but it did nothing for the fish at all. Even the presentation can't save this dish's life.

Good for one if you ask me. Enough to fill one's stomach. But we both shared of course.

Judgment: 3 out of 5 stars

Food #2: Sizzling Sisig

When we looked at the menu, oh wait! Before we get to this sisig dish, I just wanna rant comment on their menu. On several dishes, they had this sort of caption in parenthesis, such as this sizzling sisig. It was written there that it was their best seller, which to me was cliche, since every bar here in Dagupan has sisig as their best seller. Another one was the sizzling pusit if I'm not mistaken, which apparently was what made Gerry's Grill famous. I don't know about you but shouldn't dishes speak for themselves rather than the menu speaking for them? I mean, let the people be the judge for that rather than the establishment saying it. It could be true, but I need proof people! Haha

Okay, now the dish.

The serving of the sisig was enough for two if you're not too hungry. It had a very unique crunch which was surprising since I rarely get that sensation in my mouth with grilled foods. This dish goes perfect with some soy sauce which comes for free, haha. In my opinion though, order this when you're planning to drink or get drunk coz making it a part of your meal isn't a good idea.

Judgment: 2 out of 5 stars

And there you have it, Gerry's Grill! A good place for that low-key date you've been planning.

Not to mention, another good place to do some camwhoring...

Over and Out!

Delectable Edible #002: Nena's Garden (Pork Sinigang and Sizzling Boneless Bangus)

Nena's Garden is very famous for their catering services, but when they decided to open up restaurants, people now have a taste of their dishes in very affordable prices.

They specialize in home cooked meals and well known Filipino favorites.

We tried out their Arellano Branch just beside Giorgio's Pizzeria and Dior Village. You won't miss it. They have available parking spaces for their customers with wheels unlike most restaurants here in Dagupan.

Ambience: Having a spirit of Christmas this early, was a good decision. A combination of oriental designs with unique Christmas lighted balls is perfect while you're sipping on your broths. One huge problem...

With the temperature here in Dagupan, how in the world could you enjoy your broths if good AC isn't even available? I don't think this yellow electric fan (it's bad enough it's an electric fan, they had to buy one that's in this color) could ventilate all their customers simultaneously. Thank God it was a bit cool when we visited, but still, I saw an AC, better put it to good use.

Food #1: Pork Sinigang



Once again, the perfect taste of broth thanks to some broth cubes giving the instant sour taste. Seriously, no sign of tamarind or camias which is an "instant" giveaway that they've used such cubes. Nonetheless, it tastes great! just pretend it's not MSG-rich and you'll surely enjoy.

This dish contained several delicious half cooked vegetables such as okra, eggplant, Baguio beans, lettuce, and a lot more. A lot better though if the vegetables were well done.

The meat on the other hand was hard as a rock and sadly, because of the broth cubes used, the sour taste of the broth didn't seep into the pork's meat.

Judgment: 3 out of 5 stars

Food #2: Sizzling Boneless Bangus




Bangus is what Dagupan is known for! It's the Eiffel tower of Paris, the pyramids of Egypt, the Britney Spears of Hookerville. Haha just kidding!

The Bangus festival here in Dagupan even has this 100 ways to cook Bangus thing which I believe, this meal is one of its variations.

Okay, I know you could barely see the bangus in the picture, but it's only because it was hidden underneath all those toppings like carrots, celery, mushrooms, and onions.

The sauce is garlic-rich blended into this creamy concentration which goes very well with the vegetables.

The only problem with this meal, is that it's too good you can only have half of it and the rest is just puking!

Judgment: 4 out of 5 stars (serve only half of it or share with someone special then its a 5)



While waiting for the food, we did some camwhoring.
















Over and out!

Delectable Edible #001: City de Luxe (Sinigang na Baboy and Halo-halo)

This is my first delectable edible post so I hope I somehow could be of help to my hometown's best picks. I don't get paid for creating a review on this restaurant or any of my future entries just to let you guys know, so all these reviews are as real as it could get. No sugar coating, no plastics whatsoever!

My baby and I have been dining at City de luxe (downtown branch. there's another one in Tapuac) for quite some time now and we always seem to come back for their tasty dishes.

City de Luxe has one of the finest taste in home-cooked meals but somehow lacks in giving this spirit with their serving. The ambiance of the place alone feels 2 out of 5 stars since they could certainly do better with the arrangement.

Anyways...

For starters we ordered something out of the usual buttered chicken (to be reviewed next time) and tried their Sinigang na Baboy.

The sour sampalok definitely invites your tongue to indulge in the warmth of the soup till you're ready for the pork and the vegetables. The vegetables were all cooked perfectly, some were half-cooked while others were well done, just the way they were suppose to.

This dish would have been the perfect sinigang, but sadly, I'd only give it 4 out of 5 stars.

The part of the pig used was not suited for the dish. Usually, the tummy part (haha, I'm not familiar with the specific terms) best suits the dish. I don't know why they chose to do otherwise.




After binging on the main course, we went to dessert! Halo-halo anyone?

Halo-halo is one of Philippines' original dessert. Several variations have been made and City de luxe's offer is your typical serving. With that said, I don't recommend this at all! Save yourself!





Just by looking at the serving glass, you just know it's bad! That is a drinking glass, not a halo-halo glass! Shame shame shame!

Next big mistake, ICE! Every Filipino knows crushed ice comes with this treat, but once again, de Luxe has failed us. They used the kind of ice that was like chiseled or hammered into small pieces resulting to a melted cold treat. They should be imprisoned by now if this was a crime! (okay, I may have overreacted on that one)

The ingredients are not up to par as well. In fact, I don't even want to individually point out the wrong ones so I'll just end it here.

Final judgment on the halo-halo: 0 out of 5 stars

I'll be back for their chicken dishes though, you simply could not go there and not order it!

Over and Out!