Qizia Cafe

If I have 500 pesos and I crave for pizza, I can definitely order Pizza Hut's 399 php deal. Yes, I can have a cheeseburger pan pizza and cup of oil that goes with it.  Then I'll die.

I have tried Fruili Tratorria alot. I love how their pizza isn't greasy at all.It's a great Italian restaurant in Sikatuna, near UP. They have affordable pizza and pasta too. Although its a bit far (like 15-20 minutes away from my place), we would still go on weekends. One night while I was browsing through facebook, I saw Qizia Cafe. Qizia (chi-zia), a budget friendly Italian restaurant in Marikina seems to be a great place. Since I live near San Mateo and Marikina I promised myself to check it out. Since I finally (well kinda) cleaned my room yesterday it's a great reward for myself to try something new. Well yeah actually I was just itching to go out and try it.

Qizia is located in Katipunan ext. Concepcion DOS in Marikina City. It is located at the back of SDS Medical compound. I find it an odd place. You wouldn't notice that there is a restaurant at the back. So I guess word of mouth. When we got there, tables were all occupied at 8:30pm. Okay, I really didn't expect that place to be full like that. I guess for most people in Marikina it's a well to go place.

 Chillax in Qizia

 Pastry corner

 Coke Zero and Bottomless Iced Tea

Their price range is not far from Friulli. I ordered Spicy Seafood in white sauce which was aroun 110php. Very creamy! like very very creamy. There were bits and pieces of squid,shrimp and bell peppers. With a toast on the side and right amount of cheese. I was a bit disappointed because it was not spicy at all. Maybe because last night I made really spicy buffulo wings for dinner. I still have a hang over on how spicy it was.

 Spicy Seafood in white sauce

Next was Seafood Pizza. I'm sure its spicy too but it's really mild and Margherita. I noticed that the tomato sauce that they used is sweet. I was thinking of italian style but I guess it was a bit of expectation. I really loved the seafood pizza. Margherita, I think I'll go with Friuli. Overall, great place, great food and great price range and menu. I could have ordered alot again but its kinda late. I will really go back to try out some of their other menu. The bill? 490php. (10$)

 Spicy Seafood Pizza

Yummmm

Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza

Funny conversation I had with the cashier.

Me: Hindi ba may Milkshake kayo? (while I was browsing through the menu)
       Do you have Milkshake?
Cashier: Uhh ma'm sa may cold drinks lang po.
       Uhh Ma'm it's on the cold drinks
Me: Cold drinks? Uhmmm san yung milkshake? (really looking for the milkshake on the menu)
       Cold drinks? Uhmmm where's the milkshake?
Cashier: Hmmm Ma'm bali wala po pero pwede po gumawa.
        Hmmmm Ma'm it's not there but we can make one.
Me: Ah talaga? Cge anong milkshake meron?
       Really? What milkshake is available?
Cashier: Ma'm yung milk po....
       Ma'm milk.  
Me: Huh? Milk? anong klase available at gagawin?
       Huh? Milk? What kind and whats available to make?
Cashier: Bale ma'm cold milk po tapos lalagyan ng ice tapos i shake.
       Ma'm its going to be cold milk then we'll put ice then we'll shake it.

OKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYY I WANTED TO DIE RIGHT THERE AND THEN.

Pre-Feb Jitters

I was going to blog about Agave and our Margarita Night but then I can't seem to transfer the files from the camera. I was a bit late on my posts too. I haven't written about the 6 pairs of shoes I got January alone? The ultimate sale from Charles & Keith, Aldo, La Senza, Forever 21 and more. My love for shoes, bags, clothes, and food is ultimate. I love dressing up of course but not exaggerated. About 50% of my time is work, 20% shopping and travelling 10% sleeping and 20% trying to finish all that needs to be done on my pending list.

Finally, yesterday, is the first day I ever cleaned my room since August. WHY? because ever since my dad passed away last August I never really stayed in my room anymore. It serves as a huge walk in closet. But now, I have to fix it. I have over 40 pairs of shoes and like I said, I am at work most of the time. Weekends are also work days for me as I start on my venture. I really don't know where to start. But I guess cleaning my room would be the best option for now.

While I was cleaning my room I remember the things that I  bought because I have to and not because I needed to. Have you ever come across auctions and see things that you don't need but then ended up bidding for it because suddenly you have the urge of buying it. FOR THE SAKE of buying. I am a magnet of sale.

 Well, I felt that alot of times. This February, I have already noted on my calendar that for one I'm going to get my mum a gift at Nine West. Why is that? Nine West is sale almost 70% off in Eastwood Mall. Until supplies lasts. So if you have a chance, strut your way to Nine West they have rockin nice heels. Same goes for Steve Madden. All in Eastwood Mall. =) RUN RUN RUN!!!


Okay so enough with the shoes. Upon my shopping observation. I came across Celine like 2 weeks ago. Yes of course it was sale. They have this elegant elegant green bag (which I have yet to take picture) that was around 9xx php. For some people it might not be a shock. But I noticed inside the bag, it was similar compartments with my studded Tomato bag. SOOOO I think they all came from the same factory.  So aside from the fact that I feel I have been ripped off, I really think they all came from the same manufacturer. Oh well.

Now speaking of manufacturer. Last year I was looking for a nice palette I can use instead of getting per piece. So I went online and saw this cute vanity set from a multiply site. The thing is I was already 70-30 on my decision on getting that vanity set. UNTIL I came across the exact same palette, but not branded. Half the price. =)

The eyeshadow is very nice and pigmented. Plus I love the lippy shades too. It has shades of pink which I love. Really nice set.


I have to go and sleep. Really tired and its 9am.

I will be posting items soon for sale so watch out =)

Macarons

I remeber seeing this on tv and in Greenhills. I know it's expensive here and Im so curious with the colors in those circular shaped confections. I was raving about tasting it but (I know even for the fact that I can afford such, I won't) I just don't know where I can buy it. I thought it costs around more than a hundred bucks. WEll, that's what I know when I saw it in Greenhills. BB surprised be 2 weeks ago with a box of 6 macarons. I was heavenly. It costs around 75php about less than 2$ for 6 pcs. Quite expensive but worth every peso. I didn't even bother to share. It was only 6pcs. =)

I tried to google for a recipe. I think this is quite hard and should involve great talent to perfect it. OR atleast follow the instuctions.

Will try next weekend and see what will happen.

I got this from chocoparis.com
http://www.chocoparis.com/chocolate-macarons/


Chocolate Macarons
back to recipes


A recipe for the classic chocolate macarons you’ll find in Parisian pâtisseries, adapted from the excellent demo found at Cuisiner en ligne (in French). Fun to make, though they require a bit of practice in order to get them “just right.”

The recipe used in the video demo is for a very large quantity of macarons (300). It has been scaled down below to produce a more manageable batch.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12-14 minutes per tray
Yield: approx. 30 assembled macarons

Ingredients
•90 grams (3 ounces) of egg whites (equal to whites of 3 large eggs), at room temperature
•125 grams (4 ½ ounces) of ground almonds or almond flour
•125 grams (4 ½ ounces) of icing sugar
•25 grams (1 ounce) unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
•125 grams (4 ½ ounces) of caster sugar (superfine sugar) divided into two equal portions
•125 grams (4.5 ounces) bittersweet chocolate
•100 ml (3.4 fluid ounces) heavy cream
•25 grams (1 ounce) unsalted butter

Directions

1.Pulse the almond powder, icing sugar and cocoa powder in a food processor just until a fine powder is obtained. Then sift the mixture into a large bowl. If using almond flour, you may simply sift the almond flour and icing sugar together.

2.Place the egg whites in a bowl and add half of the caster sugar. Begin beating the whites and sugar at low-medium speed. After 2 minutes, when the mixture starts to rise and holds its shape, increase the mixer speed. Continue beating at medium speed until firm peaks are obtained. Add the rest of the caster sugar and beat until all the sugar is dissolved.

3.Transfer the beaten egg whites to a larger bowl (if necesssary) and add all of the almond powder mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated, taking care not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and glossy and have a lava-like consistency. It should form a ribbon when dripped from the spatula.

4.Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Fill a large pastry bag half full with batter and, using a 2-cm (1/2 inch) tip, vertically pipe the mixture into small mounds about the size of walnuts. The batter should be fluid enough that the macarons slowly flatten themselves out. Tap the trays against a hard surface a couple of times to remove any air bubbles.

5.Allow to the macarons to sit for 20 to 30 minutes until a “skin” forms and they are no longer wet when lightly touched.

6.Bake at 160 degrees C (325 degrees F) for 12 to 14 minutes. Shells should be smooth and shiny, with the characteristic “foot” or ridge underneath. You can tell when they’re done by very lightly tapping the side with a knife or fork. The macaron top should not slide but remain firmly on its foot.

7.Remove macarons from the oven. Cool for a few moments and remove with a lifter. They should come off easily.


For the filling

1.Place finely chopped chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl.

2.Bring the cream to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Add the butter and stir well. Allow to cool until thickened.

3.Using your thumb, carefully make a small opening on the flat side of one macaron shell. Place about a teaspoon of filling over the opening. Cover with another shell and twist until filling is evenly spread.

Refrigerate macarons overnight before serving. Allow them to sit at room temperature for an hour or two before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips

•Best results are obtained when using egg whites that have been “aged” for a few days. Simply separate your egg whites and leave them at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours before using them. You can also age them for a few days in the refrigerator, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before using them.

•Be sure to let the unbaked macarons sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes before putting them in the oven. This can make a huge difference in how they turn out.

•Place the baking tray inside another one to prevent the macarons from scorching, or keep the oven door slightly ajar with a wooden spoon to prevent the temperature from getting too hot.

•Bake one tray at a time in order to keep the oven temperature circulating as evenly as possible.

•To remove baked macarons from the tray more easily, as soon as they come out of the oven, lift the parchment paper slightly while spraying a small amount of water onto the hot tray and then let the paper fall back. The steam produced by the water will allow the macarons to come off easily once they have cooled.

Kogi Bulgogi

Working in Eastwood is fun because you are surrounded with good restaurants and malls. It's Monday, with no BB for the day. Angel, Jamie and I had dinner at Kogi Bulgogi. Our "lunch" period was supposed to be one hour only. We took our dinner at around 8:30 which was a mistake because we had to be waiting for like 20 minutes or so. The problem was, the receptionist doesn't want us to take any orders yet until we are seated. But we wanted to order in advance because by the time we get it, it will be a rush. More like fast - eating. Then this other waiter said it was OK to take our order. So pffftt to the receptionist. She was a bit weird too. She couldn't handle pressure.

Kogi Bulgogi

Angel getting ready to eat

Me and Jaime while waiting for our orders


The 6 complimentary side dishes that they placed on our table was fast. Although I must disagree with the Mango shake we ordered. We were almost done with our meal when it arrived. I had to cancel it.

spicy "dilis"

sauteed vegetables

Yummy! You can taste a hint of butter.

Kimchi

Pickled cucumber

Salad?

It has cucumber, apples and pineapples. Mixed with cream and I think it's lacking sweetness. Well it's free so I'll pass.

Bean Sprouts

This tasted like the sauteed veggies Yum Yum! reminds me of Tokyo Tokyo's bean sprouts side dish

All 6 lined up!

California Maki

12 pcs. MUST ORDER!

Korean Chicken

This was hassle free fried chicken, I'ts totally boneless. If you want to eat chicken minus the hassle part of scraping the meat from the bones, you must try this. I love their sauce too.

Bibimbap

They serve it from a stone pot. You mix in the ketchup(?) and just mix everything and eat eat eat!
Bibimbap is composed of rice, fried egg, bean sprouts, ground beef and some more veggies thinly sliced.

Angel mixing it in


Our bill? about 500 ++

Happy, stuffed and satisfied

SpuH!

For the sake of my detailed life. After a long day last Sunday, headed to the spa to treat myself for a day of pampering. Had chocolate foot spa and massage at Chic Nails & Spa. I love the fact that they give you free drinks while they give you a treatment. Basic package is around 700php which includes a massage and foot spa with pedicure.

  

I love their comfy chair 

 

  soaking my tired feet on warm water

 

where I'm at. I love comfy couches 

 

feels so relaxing with the chic interiors 

 

My chocolate foot spa. 

Again sorry for the pictures. I will get myself a nice point and shoot. 

Pan de Amerikana

Last Sunday, we had to wake up early so that we can sort out all the things we needed. We went to meet our supplier around 9am and finished around 1pm. My mum wasn't with us and she'd be back around 3pm so I thought of just eating out for lunch. I had Pan de Amerikana in mind. I read that the place is nice and well, affordable. We always pass by Pan de Amerikana whenever we go to Irene's place in Marikina. Remembering my dad how he wanted to try the place (and never did =|),



Again, apologies. I wasn't prepared and all I have is my camera phone with me. I think I should purchase a nice point and shoot digital camera.

You can see a windmill outside Pan De Amerikana. It looks small but it's huge inside.

Pan De Amerikana is a Bakery and a restaurant that serves Filipino dishes. It looks rather small from the outside. But once you get inside...the place is huge and I describe it so pinoy. The tables are made of wood and the number pieces are made of weaved fans. I guess, the owner loves chess too, as there are lots of chess sets that can be borrowed beside the counter and you can play while waiting for your order.

Our number. So lucky 13.

At the back area, they have giant chess pieces that I forgot to take pictures of.

There is also a hammock at our area. The place is so relaxing. So once you are full you can just get on the hammock and have siesta.

and another one...

They also have a Kalesa inside. Which says "Run forrest Run"

There is also a Tree house. Check out my brother trying to see what's going on there.

The wash area. Love the sun mirror interior.

Ilokano Igado

Sisig

Our Bill



Pan De Amerikana is located at Concepcion Dos, Marikina City. Seriously... I need a nice point and shoot. Apologies for the lack of description today. really have to get other things done.

MoMo is Love

It's 3 am, Thursday. I'm still wide awake because of coffee. I don't think I can wake up early later but I have to hit the sack in a while. Im going to accompany W to the doctor to have his checkup. Starbucks wasn't a good idea on a lunch break. The barista made a terrible terrible coffee mix. It was so bitter that I had to share my Grande cup of cafe mocha with Jamie. Angel had white chocolate and it was bitter too. So she also shared some with Jamie. In the end, we were all feeling hyper. I kept standing from my cubicle and going to Angel and Jamie.

Anyhoo this is a great time to upload some stuff. Last Thursday, IM went on a Team Dinner at MoMo Cafe. I only have my trusty cellphone with me and a hungry stomach. Since it's a 1 hour dinner only (which did not happen) We had to choose already what to order so that once we settled in the place we just have to wait for a few minutes for our food to arrive.

 

I love the place. it's cozy and I think it's a great place for a nice huge meal to share with,

  

 Complimentary appetizer

 Here comes the complimentary bread and dip. The spread I think is pimiento or something. Anyway I read on a food blog about the blogger's experience regarding the bread and I was ready for it. I thought they just serve it while you are waiting for your meal to arrive. I actually asked the waiter if I can have some more and yes he gave me more.

 MoMo in Eastwood is kinda small. I was wondering where all the dishes are prepared. But the ambiance is great.

 

 Grilled Pesto Chicken , Bacon and Apple Caesar Caesar 

(200++php)  

           We thought this salad is good for one actually 6 of us shared it. It's  really in a huge salad serving

 

Mango Macapuno Shake

 Eya ordered a Mango Macapuno shake. Hmmm I wonder how it tastes. Never bothered to ask her. But since it's mango I think its sweet.

 

Frozen Strawberry Iced Tea

this one's for me and it is served in a really tall glass.

  

 Sweet & Smokey. Hickary BBQ Rib-LETS

Their platters are good for sharing. We ordered "Sweet & Smokey. Hickary BBQ Rib-LETS" It was a bit dry. The flavor was only in the outside. An okay okay dish. it has onion rings, corn and rice on the side. Not a big thing. I think I'd remember Burgoo's platter instead.

 

 Old Fashioned Beer Battered Fish and Chips

 Now this one is a must try! If you love fish. Try ordering their Fish and Chips version. It has vinegar and corn and "twister fries" and potato wedges on the side. Of course squeeze in some lemon  or dip in tar tar sauce but the Dory fish didn't give a hint of the fishy taste on it. So I guess they did a great job on the fish. Plus the fact that its an enormous fillet. Must try!

 

 "Grandma's Country herb and Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf"

(400ish) 

We were looking for the gravy and when wee asked the waiter, she said that it has already been poured over the meat loaf. The veggies on the side were cooked with olive oil. I wasn't a fan of the meat loaf. It was dry and the flavor is kinda everywhere. I really didn't enjoy this one.

So after the meal we asked for our bill and the waitress gave us our free choc-nuts. =)

 I was full until the following day. I will certainly go back to MoMo  <3