Century Egg, A Delicacy. Really???

For the life of me, I cannot seem to get used to the taste of this Chinese delicacy known as Century Egg. Just as I cannot get used to eating the Philippine's Balut, I pretty much feel the same for this egg... the mere mention of this egg as part of my meal to be makes my stomach do somersaults... I mean I can take the gelatinous part of the egg, but when you get to the center of it, the yolk... ICKY!!! The color alone, charcoal black, is already a turn off when it comes to something you want to put in your tummy... then for some reason, to me, it really tastes like it has been a century in the making - and not not be eaten... But they love it here - so hell, to each his own....

But yes, I do still eat them especially when am a guest at other people's home... it is just the POLITE thing to do... as long as I eat, as little as possible, and the bathroom is close by in case I need to make a run for it...

So when having me over for a meal - PLS HAVE MERCY - no Century Eggs -- bring on the SALTED DUCK EGGS instead!!!

mon cheri roselle

Another concoction of DAVID with a WOW factor!
One nite, David came home from work sooo excited and could not wait to gather all his ingredients for what he promises something different, tasty and good for you... something he just knew I would LOVE! and boy was he right on!!!

The cake is your basic one with flour, baking powder, sugar, egg mixed in with delicious French White Chocolate by Michel Cluizel and for the twist of something unexpected, roselle, in tea form.

Roselle are wild-grown flowers usually found along the side of pure and unpolluted hills and gorges. More often used to make tea and much more common in European countries, as well as, in South East Asia. In the East it is commonly referred to as "Oriental Beauty Fruit" due to its reputation for promoting good skin. Roselle is also known for its ability to dispel the effects of alcohol and amends circulatory insufficiencies.

So on all counts -- "different, tasty and good for you" -- David delivered.

Beard Papa

Beard Papa's (麦の穂, Muginoho?) slogan is "Fresh'n natural cream puffs" -- and boy do they LIVE UP to this!!!! This Japanese company that is about a decade short, founded in 1999, has over 250 stores in Japan and 300 worldwide.

When I was first introduced to them last year, I instantly fell in love with their trademark product: Cream Puffs with Custard filling. This choux pastry shell is usually filled with whipped cream custard, available in vanilla, chocolate, and specialty flavors such as green tea, strawberry, pumpkin, Earl Grey Tea, Èclair, and coffee -- just right up my alley.(The one located at the Newest SOGO Department Store in Taipei!)(Freshly Baked Everyday in Every Location!)(Delicious Custurd Filled Cream Puffs)

Their cafes island wide are usually small and located in shopping malls -- but this serves them just fine as most people stop by to get boxes and boxes full to take home and share with the family, myself included.Beard Papa Taiwan
Beard Papa Worldwide

It's Big Alright... But It Ain't Stupid!

Rainy Saturday Nite... hunger strikes -- craving for some cold comfort food to warm the soul, or at least the tummy.... and we found just the answer for our cravings... "Stupid Big Bowl"...

Yes, you read that right! "Stupid Big Bowl" indeed -- that is the name of this little restaurant in the Roahe Night Market.. I too, had to asked David a couple of times if the name really is that... Though the bowls and portions are definitely big (and much to my delight -- colorful, too!), there really is nothing stupid about the dishes... they were quite tasty and filling...
The 6 available choices!
The MENU boasts of 6 different flavours of soup only to choose from... depending on your choice -- selections of meat, veggies & other wonderful, though not easily identifiable, goods are thrown in together - much like Shabu Shabu but already cooked and prepared to everyone's delight and satisfaction...

Sabaton : "Tres Délicieux!!!"

In the Ardeche region of France, situated between Lyon and Avignon, one will find the famed Maison Sabaton at Labégude -- leading French producers of Jams, jellys, purees.... Founded at the beginning of the century, Sabaton has been preserving and transforming the Ardeche fruits since first going into business. Based in the heart of the region known for producing chestnuts, Sabaton has gained a worldwide reputation for making the best “Marrons Glaces”. Sabaton produces a variety of Chestnut-based products such as: Candied Chestnuts for Pastry, Chestnut spread, Chestnut puree, and whole Chestnuts.
Recently, we were treated to an array of their famed fruit & nuts spreads (jams & jellies)... 8 different flavours to be exact... and each one, just as delicious as the other... so you can see it was very hard to choose which one to use - each and every morning... but no matter which one one chooses, couple it with freshly bakes bread and it will be "si délicieux" -- GUARANTEED!

once you have one - there is no stopping!!!!

So True, So True what they say about POTATO CHIPS...

I could never get enough of them when I was in school in the US.... then somehow I outgrew them... This was good for my health, not to mention my allowance.... but Man, Oh Man!!! These trips to Manila have changed all that -- go to any supermarkets, corner shops, 7-11 and you will be SHOCKED at the variety of chips offered -- Baked, Fried, etc.... and one will go nuts at the different choices, not just REGULAR, BBQ, or CHEESE flavoured types anymore... now there is Bacon Chips, Spicy BBQ, Steak BBQ, and my personal FAVE Sour Cream" to name a few...
(Samplings of the LOCAL BRANDS of Chips - Piattos --top row- are my FAVE of all the ones available in Manila!!!)
With all these choices, who can ever stop with just one bag???? The craving for these chips have been rekindled... I now find myself stocking up on them each trip, with the excuse that David & I will be sharing them with the other roomies... NOT!!! Instead they are devoured at the movies... at home watching TV or doing work... SELFISH??? Yes, but can you BLAME us??? (^_*)

Pichi Pichi

Pichi-pichi is a Filipino dessert made of coconut and cassava or kamoteng kahoy (Yam), another delicious cake or “puto” enjoyed by many Filipino, especially in parties. This Filipino delicacy was introduced in Quezon province, Philippines.

Thanks to our visit to Sandy's house this past month - we were introduced to the delicious version of made by Arny Dading's (see above photo), already a FAVE dessert of mine - it just became even more so with this version... it is lighter... cheesier... and just the right amount of sweetness.... am pretty sure I ate half of what was there... LOLs!!!

Totally recommended and I cannot wait to get back for more....