Christmas 2017 in the Netherlands

On December 2017, Kepi and I traveled to the Netherlands. Christmas was around the corner and we both needed a vacation from our daily lives. Yup, once or twice a year we feel that way. We enjoy being at home with our furry kids especially during the holidays, but sometimes our penchant for travel pulls us away from our love of Christmas trees and lights. We've never been to the Netherlands, so we were excited to explore a new country. Besides, we've always been curious about this city called Amsterdam.

Here are the highlights from our trip:

1.)  Amsterdam, also known as the “Venice of the North”, has 165 canals and 1,500 bridges. Kepi and I spent a day walking and exploring the city with no itinerary. We took so many photos of the canals, bridges and rowed houses, and honestly, they're all postcard worthy. I don't think it's feasible to post all the canal photos we both took so here's one. Amsterdam is charming in winter, and it's a relief that we only got a few snow showers.

Remembering Madrid's Chocolateria San Gines

Did you say chocolate and churros? That's right! If I'd eat this right now, I'd probably not taste the savory sweetness of the chocolate since I've lost my taste buds due to chemo, but it's certainly sweet to remember how the chocolate dipped churros tasted one morning in the city of Madrid.

Kepi and I walked from our hotel to the Chocolateria San Gines. It was a good 30 minute walk. When we got there which was about 9 AM, there was already a long line of locals and tourists eager to taste the shop's specialty. We could smell the whiff of freshly made churros and the warm, sweet, thick chocolate permeating the air.

The Chocolatería San Ginés is a café at Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, in central Madrid, in a passageway close to San Ginés church, west of the Puerta del Sol. It has served principally chocolate con churros since 1894. (Wikipedia)

 We walked from our hotel to San Gines for a breakfast of chocolate and churros.

 That's what I'm talking about - pure, rich, thick chocolate.

 The churros were served straight from the kitchen. They were fresh, warm and ready for a good ol' chocolate dunking.

 You know a place is really good when people line up for it. The line was long when we get there. Also, just a suggestion, be quick to snag a table when you can because they get snagged quickly. Be warned that the place is crowded at times especially at breakfast, but I think it's all worth it.

Pastries I Enjoyed In Seville

This post is about the daily freshly baked pastries we enjoyed while visiting Seville. As I have written in the past, I always follow my taste buds when I travel. I also tend to plan my trips around food. Food is a great GPS.

 These pastries are from the local bakery we frequented while we were in Seville. They're topped with caramelized sugar.

When traveling, I tend to get excited with three things - cuisine, baked goods and sweets.

Every single pastry was an object of curiosity. The shop owner was amused with me taking photos and he was very accommodating and let me roam around the bakery to snap photos.

The beauty of a rustic bread. While taking photos, I wondered how this and that bread was made, what are the ingredients and who would be the lucky person taking them home today.

 I love how the shop owner wrapped our pastries in paper then tied a ribbon for easy carrying. He does this for every customer. It's like bringing home a gift every time we visited his shop.

 Topped with caramelized sugar and sprinkled with almonds. This reminded me of Puerto Rico's pan de mallorca except the caramelized sugar and nuts.

The taste is so similar to a Monay, a Filipino pastry. It's dense and perfect for my morning cup of coffee and milk.

For me, Seville brought the quiet and comfort I was looking for in a vacation. There wasn't a lot of tourists when we visited. We didn't miss the crowd and noise of Barcelona. Although at times, the cathedral would chime every hour, there was real quiet in between. We walked and felt welcomed everywhere. People in Seville were a lot nicer and unassuming. They were hospitable and real.

Bar Celta Pulperia: A Must In Barcelona

Barcelona's food is not to be missed especially their tapas.

One of the places that caught our appetite and heart is Bar Celta Pulperia located at Carrer da la Merce.  The place isn't fancy at all, but it has a lot of character and the bar owner is friendly and welcoming; he will talk to you as if he'd known you for a long time. It was funny because when we were there, he was talking about the Pacquiao fight with a Filipino guest.  And yes, there are Filipinos working there, so I felt at home.

Bar Celta serves Galician style tapas.  You can sit at the bar, point to the tapas you'd want, and in no time, they'd be on their way to the kitchen to be cooked or warmed up.

 We started with these delicious bread with tomato spread.

 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND OUR FAVORITE: A plate of delicious Pulpo a Feira. The pulpo is tender and the Galician spice hits the right spiciness and flavor.  Every bite of this dish is a delight to any adventurous foodie.

 When the owner saw us taking photos of our plate, he invited us to the kitchen to show us their Octopus catch for the day.

In addition to the pulpo, I ordered another plate of grilled Calamares. The Calamares was also delicious, but I think it cannot surpass the pulpo.

Since we were leaving for Seville the next day, we decided that with our return trip to Barcelona, we'll come back for another plate of Pulpo a Feira. Yes, we did.

Pulpo a Feira was our meal before we flew back to the US.

First Night In Barcelona

On the day we arrived in Barcelona, we were so worn out from the 8-hour flight that we checked-in at our hostel and slept for about four hours.  It was around 6 pm when we woke up due to hunger, so we decided to walk around Las Ramblas to look for a place to eat.  Not far from out hostel is the Guell Tapas, and since we weren't picky that night, we decided to chance it.

For starter, Kepi and I shared a plate of crispy, deep fried baby squids.  We were happy with this choice as the baby squids were crispy and tasty.  I highly recommend this as a starter or appetizer.  Even Kepi, who's a bit picky with some types of food, loved this dish.

 For our entree, we shared a plate of Seafood Paella.  This was ok and there was nothing spectacular about it; I've had better Paella before.  This dish was good and satisfying.

While enjoying our dinner, I was learning the maps and points of interests in Barcelona when I glanced upon this short description of Placa Reial.  I thought it was hilarious.  Kepi and I had a good laugh.

After our dinner, we walked around the famous La Rambla.  That night, the Christmas lights were on, there was a chill in the Barcelona air, and the Christmas markets nearby attracted people like flies.

La Rambla was full of life...just as I remembered when I visited during my college days.  It felt great to be in Barcelona again.

Eastwind Noodle Bar, Atlantic City

Trudging the entirety of the Atlantic City boardwalk could be tiring and hunger inducing. It was about 1 PM when we decided to eat.  We decided to stay away from the usual buffets and since it was windy and chilly to eat outside at that time, we decided to have a sit in lunch. Thus, we found this nice little Asian place called Eastwind Noodle Bar.

Eastwind Noodle Bar is located at the Boardwalk Entrance of Resorts Casino.

Apart from the restaurant, they have a corner bakery that offers hotdog buns, pork buns and more.

Bottomless tea. We drank about three pots of tea while dining there.

Tea and chopsticks.

Kepi ordered the honey glazed pork with steamed rice. This is delicious and comes highly recommended.

Mom ordered the shrimp lo mein. I think I've had better lo mein, but their version is okay. I am not too crazy about it.

I ordered three medium sized pork steam buns. I love these steam buns and they tasted quite close to the Filipino siopao in the Philippines. The only thing missing in these buns are the cheese and hard-boiled eggs. I'd definitely order these steamed buns again.

I would definitely eat here again. Their food is good and the place is clean. Service is fast and friendly. 

Eastwind Noodle Bar

1133 Boardwalk

Atlantic City, NJ 08401

(800) 334-6378

Spicy Soup For The Soul

When it's rainy outside and I just had a rough day at work, I tend to look for comfort in the form of food. I know it sounds bad, but for me, nothing is as assuring and relaxing as having that sit down dinner at my favorite Korean soup stand. While I wait for my order, I let go of the mishaps of my day and just be in that moment - a small Korean soup stand located in the middle of a bustling Asian supermarket.

I listen to the chatter of shoppers passing by, the clanging pots in the small kitchen soup stand, customer slurping his noodles from a nearby table, clicking of chopsticks, cash register ringing another order, baby crying somewhere, squeaky grocery cart wheels, occasional arghgh or loud out breath of a customer who can't handle the spiciness of the soup or the kimchee, couple speaking Korean, couple speaking Spanish, thud of the butcher's knife, Korean pop music playing (I think it's the Girls' Generation.)...

I'm ready to eat. I am hungry. I am in the moment and this moment is for eating - nourish my body and my soul.

My order arrives.

Korean Sundubu Jjigae Seafood

I Need A "Meiji" Break!

This week is turning out to be stressful challenging:

• Traffic was horrible this morning. I-270 was packed and slow.
• Metro was running so slow; I don't know why.
• It's been raining since I woke up and the weatherman said it will rain until tonight.
• My monthly freakin' visitor is so unfriendly. She's not welcome anymore!
• I have a big meeting next week, and I'm doing majority of the preparation.
• I am not looking forward to dealing with my KSP coworker. Drama alert all over this one.

So pardon me while I savor a bar of milk chocolate before I eat my lunch. This is why I love being a grown-up, I can eat dessert before a meal. If this week is trying for you as well, take a load off and join me for a sweet break. I'd be glad to have some company.

Marrakesh Palace

A few minutes walk from Dupont Circle's metro station, you'll step into a very interesting dining experience...

 Marrakesh Palace doesn't look much outside, but don't be deceived.

As a start, you'll get a huge serving of olives and bread.

 You'll marvel at the cushioned seats, lamps, torches and the intricate designs on the wall.

A fountain center piece.

The restaurant's set up and design creates a feeling that you're not in DC anymore.

If you'd like to look at the food photos, please click here.

My Ensaimada

Good morning, Thursday :).

This ensaimada has brought me smile and contentment today. I have been craving for this pastry for so long. While dining at the Filipino restaurant last night, I saw a bunch of them at the counter and immediately bought one (How I wish I bought two.). I thought I could bring it to work for breakfast.

For the life of me, I spent the whole night tossing and turning thinking about the pastry. I wanted to devour it right there and then, but since I've already decided to have it for breakfast, I had to be patient.

Anyway, the ensaimada is gone to the last cheese, butter and sugar. I'm wondering when will I have one again.

Le Chat Noir

Dining at Le Chat Noir involved tastey snails, flavor explosion from the Bouillabaisse, and melt in your mouth Creme Brulee and much, much more.

To read more, click here.

Friday's Breakfast Duo

I'm still trying to recover from last night's dinner at Le Chat Noir (review coming soon), so for today's breakfast, I opted for a cup of cafe roast and Caribou Coffee's handcrafted oatmeal, "maple brown sugar crunch." This oatmeal is my favorite. I think that since we're doing restaurant week three nights in a row, a light breakfast and lunch would suffice.

How about you? What's your favorite breakfast?

I'm looking forward to tonight's dinner at Marrakesh Palace Pasha Lounge, and I'm glad it's Friday.

Food And Finding Calm

It's DC Restaurant Week and I am looking forward to trying three restaurants this week. PW and I will be dining at:

• Le Chat Noir (French)
• Marrakesh Palace Pasha Lounge (Morrocan)
• The Palm (American Steakhouse)

I will try to post my reviews at my food blog, Edible Hunts, and this is if I won't devour the food before I even get a chance to take some photos.

**********

My family problems, I think, are starting to take care of themselves. Thank you to those who left encouraging messages; I really appreciate all your thoughtful and caring messages.

I am beginning to find peace and calm within - again.

Pho For A Rainy Day

Tái, Nạm, Gầu, Gân, Sách
With medium rare steak, flank, fatty flank, tendon and tripe

What can I say, DC Metro is proving to be a transportation of mediocrity these days. It's appalling that they have the audacity to raise fares yet their service is seriously deteriorating. It makes me wonder what I am paying for and where is my money going. Yesterday was another Metro day marred with crowded trains, non-working escalators, stop and go traffic, and train delays. I can't hold back my huge disappointment any longer. DC Metro sucks!

After my long ordeal with the Metro, I reached my last station at 7 PM. It also started pouring again, and I was too tired, too frustrated, and too hungry to drive home and still cook dinner. I decided to check out Pho & Grill (Gaithersburg) instead; I pass it on my drive to 270.  Besides, I really needed a place to just relax and let go of my negative emotions before I go home. I've passed through the place several times but never got the chance to try their food.  I know that the nearby Rockville area boasts of really delicious tasting Pho, so I came in with expectation that Pho & Grill could rival the Pho restaurants in Rockville, I wasn't disappointed.

 Gỏi Cuốn

Summer Rolls

The restaurant is very clean - almost gleaming. It has a very relaxing atmosphere. After placing my order, I chose a table near the entrance where I could watch the rain through the glass walls. My order arrived in a few minutes and the manager even served my food. Noticing that I was taking my time eating and watching the rain, the manager even asked me if I wanted my peanut sauce warmed up for my summer rolls. The summer rolls were delicious and the sauce sweet and not too peanuty.

On a rainy and frustrating day, life feels good again; my smile revived by the wonderful customer service, a warm bowl of delicious Pho, and a nice view of the pouring rain. I'm so glad it's Friday; I won't ride the Metro for at least two days.

A Seafood Feast

Bear took me to Red Lobster this recent weekend. He was brandishing his $50 gift card award from work, so off we went to have a feast. Thank you, Bear.

This is Red Lobster's Ultimate Feast. It's absolutely filling and for someone who indulges in crab or lobster once or twice a year, this plate is simply gorgeous. I love the steamed snow crab legs, garlic shrimp scampi (a favorite) and Walt's favorite shrimp. My only complaint is that I found the split Maine lobster tail too salty.

The meal was great, but I think I can only manage to indulge with this huge serving once a year. It was just too much food for one meal.

My Sonic Experience

During our trip a couple of weeks ago to Lancaster's outlet shops, we were looking for a place to eat when we happen to pass through Sonic. We've seen Sonic a couple of times, but this is the first time we tried the place. It's the usual fast food place except that you can order from your car.  It was a cool experience.

This is the menu where you can order and pay right at the bottom with a credit card.

It looks like a parking lot.

Our order came quick, and the servers are in roller skates.

The food tasted much, much better than McDonalds.

It was a cool Sonic experience.

Dreaming Of A Perfect Breakfast

Today, I had a rushed breakfast as work couldn't wait. In addition, I was really pissed because my coworker forgot to tell me we have a report due at 9 AM. I was caught off guard, and it was a good thing I got in at 8:40 AM. Now imagine how stressed I felt rushing to finish this document in twenty minutes. My fingers were typing hurriedly as I frantically chewed my bagel and gulped my coffee. (I couldn't postpone breakfast because my tummy was sorely hungry at that time.) Now I realize I ate so fast I couldn't even remember how my bagel tasted; it's a braided honey-pecan bagel - my new favorite. What a mess!

My whole morning was pretty much frantic and stressful, and as I stare at this breakfast I had in San Juan, PR a few months ago, it makes me wonder when will I ever have a good, sit down breakfast and just savor the crisp bacon, great-tasting eggs, and chew my toast properly while I sip and enjoy my coffee.

My report left my inbox at 9:01 AM.  Phew!

I am dreaming of a perfect breakfast...

Happy humid Thursday to all!

Puerto Rico For The Foodie

Traveling is never complete without satisfying the foodie in me. Although I feast my eyes with the sights and scenery when I travel, majority of the time I also make sure the foodie in me gets its rightful share to experience the host country's food specialties. Puerto Rico did not disappoint. Anywhere I looked at the Old San Juan port, there's a stall, a tent, and colorful street food signs beckoning to be tasted, to be tried and to be enjoyed.

The Puerto Rican version of "ice cone" or what we call "shave ice" in Hawaii.

Pinchos or kabobs are made of either pork or chicken served with a slice of bread. Our dinner on our first night in Old San Juan. It was a warm, balmy night and we ate our dinner at a park.

Puerto Rican native sweets made of coconut, milk and nuts. I'd say very similar to our Peanut Brittle.

Street food sign - pick your favorite. I like the Bacalaitos and the Empanadillas, which are similar to our Empanadas in the Philippines.

La Muralla is a great place for snack after exploring El Yunque Rainforest. We enjoyed our snacks while that cute dog watched. I kept coaxing the dog to jump but the cutie just looked at me.

A closer look. She or he melts my heart.

Great menu for an inexpensive meal.

The hotdog looking one is called Sorullito made of corn bread with a cheese filling. Next to it is the the Empanadilla de Pizza, sort of a pizza turned over.

These are the famous Pan de Mallorca, Puerto Rico's version of the Danish.

I went for the simple Pan de Mallorca and found it similar to Enseymada without the margarine and the sugar. This one was warm, soft, buttery, sweet, simple in taste, but absolutely a mouth's delight. We bought this at the La Bombonera, a bakery featured on Rachel Ray's TV show.

Apple/Strawberry Danish pastries (left), Bread Pudding (middle), Pastelillos de Queso (right). The Pastelillos de Queso is my favorite and for the duration of my stay in Puerto Rico, I had to have them every single day.

La Lechonera and oh yes, there's a pig roasting in there.

My ever first real Lechon meal since moving to the US. The meat was succulent and that skin was so crispy I was in heaven.

I ordered my Lechon with Mofongo also called as Fufu. Mofongo is made with plantains or yucca, fried, mashed and seasoned with garlic and olive oil. I heard there are several versions of how to make a Mofongo. My order came with a Chimichurri Sauce, which you drizzle over the Mofongo. I like the Mofongo just plain without the Chimichurri Sauce. It was an adventure to actually finally taste this after reading about it on travel books. Verdict? I like it.