This is the blog of a lifestyle recommender rather than a reviewer. I post only the things I would suggest that others try, and never the things about which I have nothing good to say.
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Brunch is by and large my favorite meal. It's late enough in the morning that you're awake enough to appreciate what you're eating instead of mindlessly stuffing food in your mouth because you're in AM zombie mode. And it's early enough in the day that you know you've time to burn off whatever you gorge on. So it's the perfect meal for indulgence. Which is why I got very excited when I learned about a new all-day breakfast place near my home in Cebu City.
Yolk Coffee & Breakfast is on Tres Borces street, right off F. Cabahug in Mabolo. I was worried I'd get lost looking for it, but it turned out to be very easy to find: if you're coming from the intersection of Juan Luna, Ayala Access Road, and F. Cabahug, just make a right on the first corner, by Bread After Bread. Yolk will be about two or three doors down. And the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I felt right at home. The space is bright and cozy, and its walls are lined with knickknacks, photos, and crafts projects, as well as the occasional hanging greenery. The comfy booths and that huge table had me thinking I'd found my new fave writing spot in Cebu City.
But the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. And I wasn't disappointed here. The menu might be simple, but that's the best way to treat breakfast, even if you're having it at 3PM like I did. Keep it simple and delicious, because there's a whole day waiting to be conquered beyond this meal, and sometimes a plate of eggs is all that's standing between quiet "me" time and a busy, busy day.
Eggs Benny, P280
This isn't your usual eggs benedict. Even though the elements are the same: poached eggs and hollandaise sauce over protein and bread, you get little unusual touches here and there. Instead of the standard English muffin, for example, you get toasted sourdough bread, which is a bit heaveir but also does a good job of soaking up the egg and hollandaise. And speaking of the hollandaise sauce, this Yolk's version is infused with calamansi instead of lemon. I loved that they didn't scrimp on the bacon, and these strips were fairly lean and not at all oily.
Chorizo & Eggs in a Pan, P310
Here's a dish that had me at first bite. It's kind of like a sisig dish, but made with delicious Spanish-style chorizo that carries a bit of a kick, although the spiciness is more of a mild afterflavor that builds and then lingers rather than something that punches you in the mouth. Tempering the meaty chorizo are bits of tomato and thin strips of fresh basil, which round out the flavors. Two eggs make this dish a heavyweight, but as it's on an iron skillet, make sure you mix these quickly while the eggs are still runny for a more unified flavor. This dish is served with your choice of either salad and toast or garlic fried rice, although you should note that the rice is made with egg and also a bit on the heavy side, so it's best if you're either very hungry or sharing this dish with a pal.
Goodness in a Jar, P250 (regular) / P100 (mini)
I really loved this! It works as a light meal, snack, or dessert. You get a Mason jar with granola, yogurt, banana slices, and peanut butter. Mix everything up, and you get healthy goodness that tastes oh so yummy!
Latte, P110
I used up most of my week's quota of coffee in a single visit to Yolk! The cafe boasts two brews made especially for them by the Dutch Colony Coffee Co., coffee brewers from Singapore who ship the special blend to the cafe twice a month. I had a couple of lattes (get a load of that uber-cute latte art!) made with the Yolk House Blend, which is made from Columbian and Sumatran beans. I'll have to save the Queen City Blend, made with beans sourced from Ethiopia, for my next visit. I found the coffee full-bodied and rich in flavor, althought I'm not enough of a connoisseur to identify the notes from flavor alone.
I'm definitely going back to Yolk on my next trip to Cebu! I'm determined to try their It's So Fluffy (I Could Die) mini pancakes, Pumba (humba-style pulled pork) Sandwich, and All Beefed Up homemade corned beef dish. Plus! With plugs and wifi all around, I'd say it's a great place to work of an afternoon, what with the affordable coffee and food and cozy ambiance.
The Verdict: I LOVE IT!
Yolk Coffee & Breakfast is open from 7:30AM to 10PM on Tuesdays through Sundays and can be found at #80 Tres Borces Street in Mabolo, Cebu City. For more information on this cafe, visit yolkcafeph.com or their Facebook fan page; for more photos of their delicious eats, check them out on Instagram. You can also call (032) 231-0411.
Loving It Right Now: Starbucks' Chestnut Praline Latte + Promos!
Most folks probably know right now that I'm a bit of a Starbucks fan. It's not just because I squealed delightedly upon learning that the Starbucks Reserve branch just next door from my home would soon be getting its very own Clover Press. Although I did. It's not just that the customer experience I get from their stories is convenient and reliable and I honestly think their baristas are the nicest of all the chain coffee joints. I also like that they change up their menu and beans with fair regularity, meaning there's usually something new to try.
Once the holiday season was over, that "something new" was the Chestnut Praline Latte (shown below), which I quickly fell in love with, thanks to its roasty milky flavor—almost like reinventing a milk tea using coffee instead. I'm not really one for overly aggressive coffee, so this drink suited me down to a tee. Another new drink was their Raspberry Truffle Mocha, which I found a little too sweet, although I know some people who have gone gaga over it and will be very sad to see it go in late February.
But why worry about something that's weeks away? This week, it's all about celebrating those two limited edition beverages with promos. On February 16 and 17, they'll be giving double stars to Starbucks Card holders who order either the Chestnut Praline Latte or the Raspberry Truffle Mocha, and this week, there's this!
Your Starbucks Card has <3. From February 9 to 13, purchase any two of our Chestnut Praline Latte or Raspberry Truffle Mocha and enjoy a complimentary slice of cake, on us. #starbuckscardph #turnyourvisitsintorewards #starbucksph
A photo posted by Starbucks Philippines (@starbucksph) on Feb 5, 2015 at 7:25pm PST
I may not be the Japanese food fiend my husband and my brother are, but I do like the variety and general safety of choice (regardless of dietary preference, my friends will always find something to eat at a Japanese restaurant) this cuisine offers, so I always like to know about new Japanese restos around the metro.
Enter Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen & Bar, which I'd never tried until I was invited to lunch there by Aldous of AldousAteTheWorld.com late last year, despite the fact that this was at The Fort Strip, just a couple of blocks from my home.
The restaurant's name means "Ton's Kitchen" in honor of one of the owner's sons, Anton, and its beginnings are humble: it started out as a stall in Pearl Drive. Owner Agnes Abad and her kids were avid fans of Japanese food, especially the fare their Japanese friend, Satchi Kojima, would prepare at home. This friend would eventually help them devise their menu of popular Japanese dishes, which included ramen, Japanese steaks, salads, and so forth for their first Tonchaya stall. In April 2013, they opened the restaurant in BGC, and the rest, as they say, is history.
But when it comes to restaurants, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. So learning about this store's history only made me more keen to try the fare.
This Crunchy Salmon Maki was a bit on the spicy side, but I loved how generous the restaurant is with the roe as well as the contrasting textures it offered alongside the tempura flakes on the maki itself and the cool salmon cream on top.
The Crunchy Salmon Salad (P295) is basically a lettuce salad that's topped with something that tastes a lot like crisped wonton wrapper as well as generous slices of salmon sashimi. The entire dish is drizzled with wasabi dressing and is both light and satisfying, making it a great way to start a meal or a meal in itself if you're watching what you eat.
The Spicy Seafood Ramen (P380) was my favorite of the dishes I tried. The rich broth had a light to medium spice, so enough of a kick to wake you up, but not enough to sear your taste buds and leave you unable to taste anything else. The one thing I wasn't so fond of was the noodles, which were eggy and seemed the kind you would normally associate with Chinese mami rather than the ramen I'm more used to, but to be honest, I'm not really that big on noodles to begin with, so this wasn't a deal breaker for me.
Now Ebi Tempura (P375) is something I am pretty big on. And what I liked about Tonchaya's version is that the breading is pretty light, but the prawn is huge. I'd happily come back and just order this with some Chahan (P85).
The Beef Teppan (P395) is a dish you need to eat right when it's served, or you risk having it overcook on the sizzling plate, which would be a shame because this turns the juicy US beef cubes marinated in teppan sauce a bit tough. I'd say, unless you're on a diet, don't discount the cubes with the fatty bits as these are the best-tasting ones. The beef is balanced out by veggies so you'll find it isn't too heavy.
I know I said I'd have the Ebi Tempura with some Chahan and be done with it, but if you're looking for a more fully loaded version of Japanese fried rice, you should try the Gomoku Chahan (P150), which includes seafood and mushrooms. A word of warning, though: it's very filling.So unless you're very hungry, you might want to stick to the regular chahan.
For dessert, we had three kinds of Mochi Ice Cream—Coconut, Strawberry, and Chocolate—served on drizzled strawberry sauce. To be honest, while the sauce made the plate look a bit more interesting, I didn't think it necessary as the mochi really was all you needed. These was made with egg, so as a dessert, you'll probably find them a bit on the heavy side, but they are a cool, refreshing meal ender nonetheless, and I could've eaten a whole chocolate one all on my own.
While Tonchaya may not have become my go-to Japanese place in BGC, it's definitely a good alternative, especially since the prices are definitely reasonable, for the area, and the food is good. This makes it a prime choice for barkada and office dinners and lunches, as it'll work for even those on a budget, and the ambiance is homey without being too casual.
The Verdict: I LIKED IT!
Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen & Bar can be found at The Fort Strip on the corner of 7th Avenue and 28th Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila. Learn more about this restaurant via their website or Facebook fan page. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 808-9750 or (0917) 493-3170 or e-mail [email protected].
Thanks for an Awesome Start! + Starbucks 2015 Planner (Red) Giveaway
Hi! Hello! How are ya?
I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported Like Love Blog since its launch—I recently hit over 200 followers on Facebook, despite my admittedly sporadic posting schedule and my backlog of posts. So thank you, thank you, thank you. And I would like to share the fruits of my coffee drinking with all of you by giving away a Starbucks Philippines 2015 Planner (seen below), which I blogged about a couple of months ago!
This is completely unsponsored and actually my very first attempt at a giveaway, so please bear with me if there are any fumbles. The winner will be the recipient of (1) red Starbucks Philippines 2015 Planner.
To enter, you'll have to Like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @liasbautista, plus provide me with an e-mail addy so I can get in touch with you if you win. You'll also have the option to tweet about the giveaway once a day, leave a comment on this blog post, and answer a question based on my original post from two months ago for extra raffle entries. The winner must be based in the Philippines and be able to provide me with local contact details. This promo ends at midnight on January 12, 2015.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks again for all the support, and here's to an awesome 2015 for us all!
The first time I heard about 22 Jupiter was actually a couple of weeks before I was invited there for a press lunch. I found several people on my Facebook news feed posting photos of the restaurant's instantly famous Bone Marrow and Foie Gras Burger. So when I was invited to try the fare at this Makati resto, I jumped at the chance, and I walked in with every expectation of a cheekily indulgent, possibly crazy, menu.
I was to find that while indulgent was definitely the word for it, the restaurant and its dishes were classier than they were cheeky, although some of the dishes did hint at a sort of genteel madness in the kitchen. It was virtually all to the good, however.
Clockwise from top left: Jalapeño Popper, Seared Tuna, Four Cheese Croqueta, Scallop with Foie Gras and Mushroom
We started off with a plateful of four amuse bouches, which where actually samplers of appetizers on the restaurant menu.
The Jalapeño Popper was seriously spicy, with a medium to high heat level, so the faint of heart had better beware. Even with the generous bit of cheese inside, this will still set your mouth on fire and have you reaching for a drink.
I just loved the slice of Seared Tuna, which was coated in olive oil and crusted in spices and herbs with a distinctly Middle Eastern and Asian bent as far as the flavor profile is concerned. The sear resulted in a crisp coating, and the cut was nice and thick, so you get that freshness from the tuna with that spicy cooked flavor too. I would dearly love to have the recipe, as this is definitely what my own attempts at seared tuna want to be when they grow up.
Next up was the Four Cheese Croqueta, which was a nice balance of breading, cheeses, and a creamy bechamel sauce. This is sure to be a fave, and if you plan on bringing any kids to your meal here, you will probably want to order this dish for them.
The last of the preliminary appetizers was the Scallop with Foie Gras and Mushroom, which I freely admit I fell in love with at first bite, to the point where I was avariciously eyeing the plates of other diners who hadn't had a chance to try their scallops yet. You get a succulent medium-sized scallop seared to perfection and topped with foie gras and mushroom for that extra oomph of flavor. I wasn't the only one who had that had-me-at-hello reaction to this dish either; I watched three other table mates' expressions of polite interest turn into one of revelation after they had a bite of their scallops.
Shrimp Saffron and Chorizo Gambas
Nachos with Chorizo Cheese
Now, I'm not really a big fan of nachos or any sort of chips in general. I mean, I'll eat them, but I won't go looking for them. But most of my family is made up of chip monsters, and I got the sense they'd really enjoy this dish of Nachos with Chorizo Cheese, which was fully loaded and had a bit of a kick.
Paella Negra (P650)
While it isn't too pretty to look at, and it definitely isn't photogenic, the Paella Negra is a must-try dish for anyone who's a fan of squid ink (as I am), as the flavor really comes through. Think of it as a classed up take on adobong pusit with rice.
Wild Mushroom Truffle Pasta (P420)
Like nachos, truffle is one of those things I can pretty much take or leave, especially dishes based on truffle oil, but I know a whole lot of people who are absolutely mad for it, so I had to include this Wild Mushroom Truffle Pasta on my list of recommended dishes. The truffle aroma is very distinctive, and you get a whiff of it the moment the server sets the dish down on the table. I found the flavor itself on the mild to medium side, but then again, something stronger would probably have been a bit overwhelming.
Lamb Rendang (P485)
This was one of those revelation dishes; I was curious when I saw it listed on the lunch menu as I love a good beef rendang. But a couple of bites of Lamb Rendang had me wondering if I'd be able to look at the beef version the same way ever again. The meat was very tender, and it really absorbed the flavor of the sauce.
Bagnet with Thai Sauce (P400)
It seems as if I've seen crispy pork paired with just about everything short of ice cream this year, but I found myself just love, love, loving the Bagnet with Thai Sauce. The meat was cooked well and would have stood on its own, but the hero of the dish for me was really the sweet-sour Thai sauce, so I was more than happy to take home a small jar of it (and I paired it with some spiced pork chops for continued win).
Bone Marrow and Foie Gras Burger (P500)
At last! The Bone Marrow and Foie Gras Burger arrived! It was served on what appeared to be a split baguette, which I found was a good, if slightly awkward-looking, choice because it helped temper the fact that this burger just punches you in the mouth with flavor. You taste the foie gras right off, and right around the time you're appreciating the juiciness of the burger and the way it's got a nice bit of char, the bone marrow launches an attack that has your nape telling you this better be a special occasion treat rather than an everyday kind of thing. It's a dish that leaves you with a burning question: how can something so evil be so good?
Tenderloin with Spiced Taro (P670)
The folks at 22 Jupiter definitely take the "tender" seriously when it comes to the Tenderloin with Spiced Taro, because the beef all but melts in your mouth. The topping of spiced taro definitely has an aggressive flavor that offers up an interesting combination with the beef. It's a bit like laing, so it's not a flavor you'd expect to go with a medium-cooked tenderloin, but surprisingly, it works.
Rum Cake with Butter Dulce Gatas Sauce (P230)
For dessert, we had Rum Cake with Butter Dulce Gatas Sauce. The cake itself was moist and had that sharp rum flavor that stayed on the right side of overpowering. I really, really enjoyed the sauce, so make sure you get a bit of it with every bite of cake.
I learned that 22 Jupiter is a concept by the same 12 people behind 12 Monkeys in Century City Mall, Makati, which I reviewed for TV5's Hitlist earlier this year. This made me stop wondering about the over-the-top dishes like the Bone Marrow and Foie Gras Burger (which might have been classier but was on equal ground in evil-yet-delicious points as 12 Monkeys' sizzling balut in aligue dish).
The interior of the bistro bar has a modern vibe, although the ceiling is lined with wooden panels that, when viewed at the right perspective, make the entire place look like a posh cave. A small stage and sound system is also set up at the far end of the bistro, and we were treated to a live performance during our lunch. We learned that the bistro features live acoustic performances on weekdays after 9:30PM, then they have themed nights on weekends—Friday is '80s night, and DJs or R&B bands take over on Saturday nights.
I'll admit I didn't get to see the al fresco dining area shown above, but from the photos, I'm a bit sorry I didn't explore more.
The bistro opened in August, which makes me happy I didn't try it until late November, since I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to very newly opened restaurants (I think that, as a rule, a restaurant only really hits its stride after three or four months in operation). A few months past the initial opening, I can usually be more or less assured of consistency as far as dish quality and service is concerned.
While there were a couple of dishes I wasn't really a fan of (they aren't featured here), the rest of the dishes I tried definitely left me with a happy tummy, and I had nothing but superlatives to describe the scallops, bagnet, and burger with.
The Verdict: I LIKE IT!
Looking to try 22 Jupiter for yourself? This bistro bar can be found at 22 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City. You can learn more about it via the 22 Jupiter Facebook fan page and Twitter and Instagram feeds.
Flash Vs. Arrow = So Much Win!
I'm a huge fan of crossovers, whether they happen in TV, books, or movies. And when I saw an arrow go through the shoulder of a whammied cop who was about to shoot The Flash and Joe West, I squealed so hard my husband stared at me for a moment, mouth slightly agape.
I'll come right out and say that if you're not into either series, you probably won't really want to keep reading. That being said, watch this teaser, which I'm actually glad I missed because I wouldn't have had that ohmigod moment I just mentioned:
Here's a summary of the crossover: In the episode of The Flash ( thecwflash ) entitled "Flash Vs. Arrow," the Arrow comes to Central City to chase down a boomerang-wielding murderer right when The Flash comes up against a new metahuman baddie who can whammy people into uncontrollable rage. Think Jedi-style "these are not the droids you're looking for" meets berserker rage. Ollie decides he needs to give Barry a lesson in situational awareness to help stop him from "running in blind" whenever he swoops in to play hero.
[Warning: Spoilers ahead!]
The Flash gets zapped with the rage bug, so it's a good job the one guy who might be able to stop him is in town. Then they catch the baddie and lock him up. Flash forward (pun not intended) to the episode of Arrow ( thecwarrow ) entitled "The Brave and the Bold," and it's back to Starling City, where it's discovered that boomerang baddie is after Diggle's baby mama, ARGUS operative Lyla Michaels. The Flash helps the Arrow and Speedy (and yes, there will be an obligatory comment on the similarity between Roy Harper's alter ego and Flash's super power) save Diggle and Lyla, resulting in another squeal moment for me, and they take Lyla back to the Arrow Cave, as Cisco dubs it.
Stuff happens, and Barry sees his hero, the Arrow, being a little less than heroic, and despite their efforts, Lyla gets boomeranged and hurt anyway. They eventually do get the baddie, though, and lock him up.
Anyhow, I've been hearing some grumbling over the crossover episodes, but honestly? I really, really enjoyed them over and above my inherent love of crossovers because of what Flash and Arrow do for each other.
For Flash, Arrow underscores the point that he has powers that could make him nigh invincible, but he will never reach his potential unless he learns the best ways to use this and also to use his brains along with his super-speediness. Plus, at the end of the crossover, a necessary point is driven home for Barry, Caitlin and Cisco: just because the metahumans they deal with seem like something borne of science fiction, the things they do are, in fact, real. It's a lesson I've increasingly been hoping they would learn with each episode. I mean, I love that the Flash is slightly goofy and fun, but I've been frustrated lately at his debonair attitude and the frankly WTF moves he's been making (like showing his face to his childhood bully, who happens to have been turned into a metahuman after the "accident" with the particle accelerator. I also liked that Arrow, at least, felt that there was something off with Dr. Wells (because I really want someone in Barry's life to feel that way).
What Arrow shows Flash by example is something Flash might only really have learned after something terrible happened to his nearest and dearest as a direct result of being involved in his mission. It's a lesson Ollie's guys nearly pay dearly for, so I'm hoping it's one Barry will remember.
What's interesting—and sorely needed, in my opinion—is what Flash does for Arrow. Now, I used to love the animated series about the Justice League, and one of the most memorable things for me was how in one episode, the Justice League in an alternate universe had turned into oppressors because at some point, their Flash had died, and they'd lost their way. Kind of like the Planeteers if they lost Ma-Ti, I guess. But that inspiring aspect of the Flash really came to the fore in this episode. I mean, in the pilot, there was that scene where Ollie told Barry that, as the Flash, he can inspire people in ways the Arrow can't. In this episode, Ollie tries to explain that he doesn't have the luxury of humanity Barry does, and Barry calls him on his bullshit. And when Ollie has a dark moment after Lyla is hurt, Barry essentially tells him not to let the darkness take over his "light" and humanity. Which I believe is something Ollie really needed to hear. Because, as Barry pointed out, the Arrow is kind of a dick, but as a man, Ollie definitely has the power to inspire.
So this is a really long way to say yay! These episodes were so much fun and, in my opinion, just what the doctor called for as far as both series were concerned—they shone a little much-needed sunshine on Starling City's emotionally abused heroes and brought a little much-needed sobriety to Central City's seemingly happy-go-lucky ones.
The Verdict on This Crossover: I LOVED IT!
Learn more about The Flash via the official CW site, and get the lowdown on Arrow via the same official site. You can also follow them on Tumblr for updates: thecwflash and thecwarrow.
Do you have restaurants you have been meaning to try and have even passed several times without entering? This was what Stella at Bonifacio High Street Central in BGC, Taguig, was for me for nigh on two years. I knew it was one of the restaurants by the Raintree group that's behind other restaurants I've enjoyed in the past, like Saboten, Chelsea, and Terraz. But despite having moved into a condo just a few quick blocks away earlier this year, I had not managed to wrangle a visit to this restaurant before getting an invite from Aldous, the blogger behind AldousAteTheWorld.com. He'd invited a few other food bloggers to a dinner hosted by the Raintree folks and had included me in the small party.
One of the first things I did upon my arrival was take the shot of the only part of Stella I'd seen until that point—the outside. While cushy benches and chairs lined the outside wall of the restaurant, additional weather-friendly seating was available closer to the central activity area.
The interiors, to me, felt quintessentially Raintree. Tables were heavy and solid, the colors were neutral yet somehow still on the warm side, and the chairs were comfy enough that you could tell this wasn't a restaurant that was keen on having you leave before you were ready (if you think about it, you can tell when a restaurant sacrifices its diners' comfort in favor of table turnover, and I was happy that I didn't get that feel from Stella at all).
Crispy Pork Belly Chips (P250)
Spicy Calamari (price not available), Chile Lime Chicken (price not available), and Wood-Fired Cauliflower & Broccoli (P195)
Stella is right beside fellow Raintree joint Rocket Room, so you can order from the other restaurant's menu while dining here, and vice versa. In this case, we tried a few new dishes that hadn't even made it to the menu yet. The Spicy Calamari is not very spicy at all, though since I tend to prefer my squid on the sweet side, this wasn't a problem for me. I also really liked the lightness of the squid ink sauce it was served with. Meanwhile, the Chile Lime Chicken is nicely blackened and moist with that hint of citrus to brighten up the flavor of the meat. For healthy eats, we also tried Stella's Wood-Fired Cauliflower & Broccoli dish, which may not have been fancy but which was still a good break from all the protein we were having.
Chorizo Nachos (price not available)
Another new dish from Rocket Room that we got to sample was their Chorizo Nachos, which was topped with Spanish chorizo and melted cheese as well as chili peppers and herbs. Fresh salsa is served on the side, and I was the idiot at the table who just didn't care to see what was right in front of my nose, because I had the nachos and thought, "This is all right, but it would really be good with some salsa or something to brighten it up." So the lesson here, folks, is don't skip the salsa.
Fire-Roasted Truffled Mushroom PIzza (P395)
This mixed-mushroom pizza was topped with porcini "dust," fresh herbs, and Malagos ricotta. And let me tell you that they weren't kidding when they named this dish the Fire-Roasted Truffled Mushroom Pizza because that earthy truffle aroma will hit your nose before you can get the tip of a pizza slice into your mouth. What I did enjoy was the mix of mushrooms topping the dough. I thought I identified champignon, oyster, and inoki mushrooms, but there might have been others (and I could be totally wrong about the types of mushroom). A word of warning, though. Since this is a wood-fire roasted pizza, eat the pizza when it arrives so the dough doesn't get soggy or chewy.
Pesto Seafood & Vegetables Pizza, P420
Want a fully loaded pizza without any meat? The Pesto Seafood & Vegetables Pizza is topped with salmon chunks, crab meat, prawns, broccoli, cauliflower, lemon cream, garlic confit, fresh dill, and a wedge of lemon you should squeeze over the pizza when it arrives. I really enjoyed the combination of salmon and broccoli, as I think those flavors just work really well together, especially when complemented by the lemon cream and dill. Again, don't let this pizza sit around on your table.
Spanish Chorizo Stuffed Prawns (P575, six pieces)
How do I love this dish? Let me count the ways. First off, I loved that some fairly sizeable prawns were used for the dish. Second, I loved that they were perfectly cooked and deliciously juicy despite their size. Third, I loved the smoky, meaty flavor that the chunk of chorizo added to the prawn meat. Fourth, the herb and pernod butter breadcrumbs added a great texture to each bite. And fifth, the Spanish Chorizo Stuffed Prawns were brightened further by the addition of fresh lemon juice. Need I say more?
Stella's Porchetta (P395)
I heartily approve of Stella's love of pork belly. Stella's Porchetta is a pork belly roll stuffed with double-smoked bacon (making this a bit of a meta-pork belly dish), fennel, and herbs and served with rosemary sultana sauce. The pork was great and crispy, and I loved the center of bacon, fennel, and herbs. And although this dish would have been great without the sauce, I'm still really happy I tried it with the sauce, which brought the pork into sharper focus.
Salt-Baked Gindara Fillet (P450 for 400g)
At first, I thought that the dome of salt this fish was served with was actually bread, and I'm very glad this misconception was corrected before I could take a chunk of it to eat. The fish is flavored with a light dill-citrus cream and citrus bits. The meat of the fish is moist and soft and perfect. So when I took a bite without the salt, I thought it such a shame that such a beautifully cooked fish could be so bland. Then I took a bite of it with the salt, and everything came together in a huge "Aha!" moment, making this dish one of my favorites. Just be careful when handling this dish, though—the soot on the pot is easily transferred to your skin and clothes (as klutzy people like me can attest to).
Wood-Fired Callos a la Stella (P250)
Callos wouldn't make it to my list of favorite dishes, but the Wood-Fired Callos a la Stella was surprisingly good, perhaps because of the richness of the stew and the addition of double-smoked bacon to the traditional recipe of beef tripe, chorizo, garbanzos, roasted bell peppers, and roasted tomato. Their use of the Spanish chorizo I've come to love also helped elevate the dish for me.
Slow-Roasted Truffled Beef Belly (P595)
The Slow-Roasted Truffled Beef Belly, on the other hand, was my favorite savory dish of the night. I just loved the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the dish. The beef itself was very, very tender, plus the mushrooms added a sweet earthiness that was complemented by the olives. I just wanted to lick the plate clean after trying this. And even though I'm supposed to be watching what I eat, I'll admit I took seconds.
Salted Caramel Cake and Red Velvet Cake
One thing you should know about me is that, with the exception of chocolate lava cake (or volcano cake, or whatever else you might want to call it), I'm generally not much of a cake eater. But I was surprised by how much I liked these desserts at Stella. Both were very rich and moist without punching you in the teeth with sweetness. I especially loved the slightly bitter cocoa flavor I detected in the Salted Caramel Cake, not to mention the interesting texture added by the crusty salt and shaved almonds. Red Velvet Cake is also something I would usually rather leave to others because I usually find the cream cheese and sour cream that go into the frosting too aggressive, but this was surprisingly light.
Now, this dish beat out the truffled beef belly as my favorite dish of the night because it only took one bite to give me that hallelujah come-to-Jesus moment. This was served "medium rare," which means that the outer part of the cookie is wonderfully crusty, yet the center is everything good and chewy-gooey and sweet. And the addition of mantecado ice cream, salted caramel, and rosemary pistachios? Like foreplay for your mouthgasm. If you want to end your meal on a high note, you're going to want to end it with the Stella's Wood-Fired Chocolate Almond Cookie Dough.
Had I tried nothing else, the cookie dough dessert alone would have convinced me to plan a return trip to this restaurant. But add to that the other dishes I got to try, and it's a sure thing. And while my first Stella visit may have been a long time coming, I'm planning to go back pretty soon and have already flagged the dishes I want to try next, like the Spicy Garlic, Prawns, Octopus & Calamari "Aglio Olio" and the Wood-Fired Norwegian Salmon & Fresh Arugolo-Almond Pesto.
Frankly, if you were to ask me what Stella was like, I would say it was a lot like a 1950s pinup girl—looks kinda wholesome when taken at face value, but the rest of the package is a whole lot of wow. The combination of orgasm-in-your-mouth dishes like the wood-fired cookie dough and the comfortable, friendly ambiance is a bit like seeing food porn at your mother's dinner table. You don't expect it, but you sure as hell enjoy it.
The Verdict: I LIKE IT!
Stella can be found at the Garden Level of High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City. The restaurant is open from 11:30AM to 2AM daily. For inquiries and reservations, call +63.2.621.3222 or +63.2.621.3111. You can also check out the Stella and Rocket Room Facebook fan page and raintreerestaurants.com/stella.html.
Adventure and Indulgence at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort
My family might be from Cebu, and I might have lived there from the fourth grade until I got married, but I haven't really had the chance to explore my home island as much as I'd like to. So when I was offered the chance to stay at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort in Oslob, southeastern Cebu province, I jumped at the chance.
Read on for details on my luxe weekend adventure—and click on the photos to see bigger versions of the images.
My fellow bloggers and I flew in by way of Dumaguete and took a boat directly to the island, although travelers going the same route might find it more affordable to take the ferry from Dumaguete to Santander, take a bus or van up to Oslob, and then go to the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort mainland reception area. If you're coming from Cebu City, you can simply drive down to Oslob and catch a boat from there. The view in the photo above is via the short trip to the island from the Oslob reception area.
DAY 1
A team of Bluewater Sumilon staff members greeted us upon our arrival at the island. This was where we found out our room assignments; there were two of us to a room.
We got to stay in one of the the resort's 14 Deluxe Rooms, which are spread out across seven cottages. The two adjoining rooms have a connecting door and private verandas. The rooms we stayed in had two full-sized beds, a mini bar, cable TV, a writing desk, and a huge (and I do mean huge) bathroom.
The private veranda made for a great place to hang out, although if you want to do this during the sunset hours, I'd suggest packing some insect repellent just to keep the creepy crawlies away.
My photos don't do justice to the room, but suffice it to say that we all spent the weekend in comfort. I loved, loved, loved the huge bathroom that came with our room. It was even bigger than my bedroom at home! Plus, there was a skylight, which gave us great natural light during the day. You'll also see that when we checked in, we found the coffee table heavily laden with fresh fruit and sweetened lemon grass juice, which, I have to say, was really quite delicious.
But that's not all. Merienda was served at the poolside Pavilion Restaurant. There were pork skewers served with salsa, meatballs, empanadas (not shown here), and a sweet flan.
We got to tour the resort's villas as well; there are two kinds: a two-room Family Villa and a one-room Honeymoon Villa. Both come with a private dipping pool, veranda, and mini garden, plus those huge bathrooms (with the addition of bath tubs for extra luxe accommodations), a sitting area, and the usual accommodations: a mini bar, cable TV, and so on.
For those who prefer to rough it, glamping tents are also available.
Our first night at Sumilon was celebrated with a family-style dinner on the sandbar; a bonfire was set up right beside the dining table, which was set up like a fancy luau. The fare left the lot of us well and truly stuffed.
Shown above, clockwise from top left, are the following: Cheese and Jalapeño Bites with Organic Green Tomato and Coriander Salsa; Sauteed Shelfish, Truffled Gruyere Mornay, Toasted Melba; Charbroiled Pork Ribs, Chipotle Barbecue Sauce; Baked Whole Fish, Asian Spices, Red Curry Coconut Sauce.
I could have eaten that shellfish dip on its own in a bowl and finished off three or four helpings, to be honest. And the Cheese and Jalapeño Bites were perfect—not too spicy, but with enough kick to leave a lasting impression. The pork ribs were so tender I didn't need a knife to pull the meat off the bone, and the fish was everything that was succulent and flavorful. Other dishes served included a mixed green salad and a Southern-Style Marinated Chicken with Grilled Tomatoes, Asparagus, Rocket, and Lemon-Thyme au Jus.
I'm not usually a fan of Brazo de Mercedes, but I really loved this version as the ratio of custard to meringue was perfect, and it wasn't too sweet or cloying.
This dish was a bit like a fruity creme brulee, and while it was a bit sweet, it was still delicious.
DAY 2
The following day saw us on an Oslob town adventure. Breakfast was served at 7AM (an ungodly hour for a night owl like me), and it heralded a full day's worth of activities.
The buffet was laid out at the Pavilion Restaurant, and it was a good-sized spread. There was, of course, that breakfast buffet must-have: bacon. But there was also a Cebuano favorite: Puto and Sikwate, which is sticky rice and local hot chocolate made via the traditional batirol. An assortment of cereals, bread, and cheeses was available, as were more hearty fare like corned beef, potatoes, and more.
I've every intention on doing a separate story on Oslob itself, but activities included swimming with the domesticated whale sharks for which Oslob has become famous (or notorious, depending on whom you are talking to), taking a dip in the refreshingly cool pool that catches the downpour from the stunning Tumalog Waterfalls a quick drive (plus a habal-habal or scooter ride) from the whale shark beach area. Then we got to check out the town's church and the ruins of their baluarte or fort as well as stroll along their bay walk.
We headed back to the island for lunch, which was served fresh off the grill (although besides loaded platters of seafood skewers, we also got to indulge in some Buffalo-style chicken wings).
Then it was off to trek around the island. And let me be the first to warn you that for sedentary snails like myself, the trail can be a bit of a challenge. Okay, not a bit, a lot. Here's what most of the trail looks like:
That's coral rock, by the way, and it's sharp, so I'd recommend wearing shoes rather than flip flops if you attempt this. I was fortunate enough to have brought a pair of trainers, and even with these, I found it hard going.
Of course, the rocky paths and sweaty going lead to views like this one:
That's the lagoon and mangrove area, by the by, which guests can explore by way of kayaks.
On the trail, you'll get to see the lighthouse:
And a small fort:
You can climb into the fort itself by way of the hole in the wall, but I happily declined the opportunity to do so. I was also tempted to make bawdy jokes about the closeness of the towering lighthouse and the holed fortress, but resisted the urge to do so due to the presence of minors in our little trekking group (need I say that I brought up the rear anyway?).
More trekking led to great views of the island's marine sanctuary, which is run by the resort, and its sandbar. I'll admit that, by this time, I wanted nothing more than to throw myself in the ocean and make like so much flotsam and jetsam. Which is more a testament to my lack of fitness than the beauty of the island. See for yourself:
We also got to peek in on a setup that proved that someone was about to have an even better weekend than I was having (or else her would-be fiancee would be having much, much worse Sumilon Island memories to take away).
Fortunately, we found out the following day that the lady answered "yes" to the question on the sand.
The trek also included a trip to Yamashita's Cave and a holy grotto.
By the end of it, I was well and truly knackered. It was all I could do to shower and change, indulge in some merienda, and then spend the rest of the time before dinner enjoying the late afternoon view by way of the pool.
This shot was actually taken the next morning; the pool was rather full when I got there, but my roommie and I got to commandeer one of the two little jacuzzis on either side of it. The jets weren't on, but after the trek we'd had, it was just heaven to be able to sit in the chill water and talk about romance novels and hot guys.
We later debated getting a massage, but opted against it.
For families planning a trip to Sumilon, you'll be pleased to know that apart from a full complement of attentive staffers and island adventures, the resort also has more conventional play areas:
I won't even mention Day 3 of the trip, as I was a total slug after breakfast. Still, I'm hoping to someday come back to Sumilon and engage in the activities I missed, which include:
Chilling on a hammock by the shore...
Swimming at the sand bar (and snorkeling or even scuba diving at the marine sanctuary)...
And, of course, kayaking around the lagoon and exploring the mangrove forest...
Conclusion? Three days and two nights made for a great getaway, but the truth is, a week's stay would be best to make the most of this little island paradise in the south of Cebu province. You can bet your bum that a return trip is on my agenda!
The Verdict: I LOVE IT!
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort can be found at Sumilon Island, Bancogon, Oslob, Cebu. For inquiries and reservations, call +63.32.318.9098, +63.32.318.3129, +63.917.631.7508, or +63.999.885.8337, or e-mail [email protected]. For more information on Bluewater Resorts, visit www.bluewater.com.ph or check out their Facebook fan page.
The resort's Manila sales office can be found at Room 704 Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino corner Valero Streets, Salcedo Village, Makati. They can be reached at +63.2.817.5751, +63.2.887.1348, +63.943.700.3378, or +63.917.790.6260. The Cebu sales office can be found at the CRM Building on Escario corner Molave Streets, Lahug, Cebu City. They can be reached at +63.32.412.2436.
Crisp on 28th in BGC: Brunch and More All Day, Every Day
Celebrity-owned restaurants sometimes gain popularity through their affiliations rather than their food, but a recent lunch (all right, for me it was more of brunch, really) at Crisp on 28th in Bonifacio Global City showed me that sometimes the hype is worth it. The restaurant is owned by foodie and blogger Erwan Heussaff, his sister Solenn, and a few of their friends—the same group behind Hatch 22 in Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Pink Panda in Makati, and more.
The cafe opened in late July of this year with little fanfare, but it's quickly attracted a following, no doubt for the classy-meets-artsy ambiance, cocktails served at all hours of the day and night, and, of course, the scrumptious food.
In fact, lunch at this place, conveniently with four other people with whom I enjoy talking—Crisp's Monique, SeatsforTwo.com's joneluy and his lovely wife Marjorie, and madhousemnl's Nikko Panti—gave me the exact kind of experience I'd be looking for at a cafe like this one. That is to say, a friendly lunch spent catching up and enjoying delicious food.
And speaking of food, scroll down for food porn! And if you need to drool over bigger versions of the photos, just click on them.
Tinapa and Quinoa Salad (P365, full portion / P185, half portion)
I have a reputation for not being much of a salad eater, as I tend to eschew my plate of greens. But the truth is that, I'm just opposed to boring salads, not great-tasting mixes of greens and proteins like this one. You really get a sense of all the different flavors in this dish; there's the freshness of the greens, the bright acidity of the tomatoes, both of which you expect, but you also get hit by the salty tinapa and the crispy potato-and-shrimp cake. The addition of quinoa made for a filling plateful I'd love to have again.
Falafel Salad Bites (P290)
I'm not usually a fan of falafels, mostly because these so easily dry out or acquire a mealy texture, but this mini sandwich hit a great balance of the crispy-on-the-outside-moist-on-the-inside falafel and the chickpeas on top, plus the white bean hummus and curried egg mayo.
Reuben Press (P345)
I love a good, packed Reuben, so this satisfied on all levels. First off, the rye bread is nice and soft and perfectly toasted. The homemade corned beef is definitely the star of the show; Crisp's head chef informed us that the beef was brined for three days, and cheese was added to it for more flavor and tender deliciousness. A word of warning, though: this is a meal, not a snack, as it can be pretty darned heavy.
Bacon and Eggs (P290)
Boy, does Crisp know how to do an awesome Bacon & Eggs dish! In fact, this may well be a top contender for my favorite plateful of bacon and eggs in the metro. You get thick-cut bacon on an onion-and-potato hash with two sunny side souffles. There's a warning on the menu stating that this dish takes 15 minutes to make, but it's well worth the wait. The egg souffles are so fluffy and delicious—the egg whites don't just look like clouds, they're also just as light. The bacon pairs perfectly with them, as you get a meaty slab lightly glazed with a honey-caramel-chili mix.
Special Offer: Tuna Aglio Olio (P320)
When we dined at Crisp, the two savory specials on offer were the Tuna Aglio Olio pasta dish shown above and a Red Wine Soy Chicken (P395). While I wish I'd been able to sample the chicken, which sounded like something I'd like to make in my own kitchen some day, the pasta was a great play on texture, thanks to the crispy fish flakes. Flavor was right there as well; there was a little kick of spice, but not enough to overshadow the rest of the flavors in the dish, and unlike many an aglio olio I've tried, this dish was surprisingly not too oily.
Adobo Flakes Plate (P300)
This heavy all-day breakfast item is made from a combination of chicken and pork adobo, but I'll add a word of warning here: this dish contains liver, so, if you're very sensitive about the taste of it (like my hubby katipunancowboy is), you may want to steer clear. I'm normally not a fan myself, but I found that the flavor was light and added to the overall yumminess of the dish. Health-conscious customers will also love the fact that the cafe serves only brown rice with its rice dishes.
Slow-Cooked Pork Loin (P470)
Here's a dish that had me at hello. Not only is it hearty and a fun play on colors, especially with the plate, but it's also seriously delicious. The pork itself is made more flavorful with the addition of bacon, apples, onions, and more. The pork loin is definitely 50 shades of tender, and we learned later that this is because the loin is cooked for four hours with tomatoes and red wine to really soften it up.
Trio Panna Cotta
Love panna cotta? Well, you'll definitely adore this prettily plated dessert. You get shot glasses filled with one of three types of panna cotta; you get the creamy mango panna cotta, the creamy yet slightly gritty espresso, and the one to rule them all—the s'more, which is a chocolate panna cotta topped with a lightly toasted marshmallow.
Banana Squash Cake
If you are looking for a dessert that doesn't overdo it on the decadence factor, this one is definitely for you. The squash and banana add a light, natural sweetness of the cake that's brought out by the frosting.
Pumpkin Cheesecake, photo by Nikko Panti of MadHouseMNL.com
Here's another dessert that serves as a monthly special. You get that great hit of pumpkin but also of some sort of spice combination (my theory is cinnamon and nutmeg), and I get the feeling it would match up perfectly with a cup of java.
Coffee and Juices at Crisp on 28th
Whether you're jonesing for a caffeine hit or looking to add more healthy goodness to your diet, Crisp on 28th has got you covered. You get well-built coffee machines right alongside some of Crisp's healthy juices. For example, I had the Cucumber, Apple, and Mint (P155) juice, and I just loved how light the drink was; at first sip, you get the hit of fresh cucumber and sweet apple, then you have that unmistakably mint flavor as a chaser.
The cafe itself is warm and inviting. It does brisk business for lunch but has also started to pick up in the evenings, especially considering that they offer a Happy Hour promo where you can get a buy-one-take-one deal on certain cocktails, plus Wednesday nights feature their After Work special, where you get to combine live music (jazz, if you're a fan) and great food.
The art on the walls of the cafe are a collaborative project by Solenn Heussaff and Deejae Paespe. These add to the corporate-meets-free-spirited vibe of the place, and it's a combination that works.
The verdict: I LIKE IT! (Although i reserve the right to change this to a LOVE vote after I visit again!)
Crisp on 28th can be found on the ground floor of the Alveo Corporate Center along 28th Street in Bonifacio Global City Taguig, between 7th and 9th Streets. Direct your inquiries and reservations to this number: 0917-584-6883. You can also check out the restaurant's Facebook fan page.
Jeepney Bistro, Ceviche, and Q Coffee & Tea Bar Near Katipunan: Three Great Food Joints, One Location
I might not live in the Katipunan area anymore, but do still go there at least three or four times a month, so I'm always on the look out for new things to try. One of the places I recently got to check out was a building that actually held three great, affordable food spots in one place. These were Jeepney Bistro, whose name might sound familiar to you because it's a local version of a popular Filipino restaurant in Arizona owned by the same family, the Tex-Mex cantina Ceviche, and the cozy Q Coffee & Tea Bar. Located along Lower Abada Street (in the area behind McDonald's), this joint is student- and family-friendly.
Scroll down for details on the food and the restaurants.
JEEPNEY BISTRO
First up is Jeepney Bistro, which is the best-known of the three businesses housed here. It's owned by Joselito Sydiongco, who set up the Arizona restaurant with his family, but who has since moved back to the Philippines, leaving the US branch in the capable hands of his son. Meals here start at P65, and what I love about the place is that not only are these inexpensive, homecooked meals, but many of the dishes are done int he Bisaya style, which should come as no surprise since the owner himself is from Tacloban.
The turo-turo setup is one that makes the restaurant easier to run and cuts down on the time needed to get the food out to customers. This is a throwback to the Arizona branch, which is set up the same way. Favorites appear to stews like dinuguan and more. This kind of service scheme also means that, whether you're with your friends or family, there's bound to be something that satisfy each person in your group.
Clockwise from top left: Kilawing Tangigue (P150/serving), Ginataang Native na Manok (P650/whole chicken), Lumpia de Leyte (P35/piece), Lechon Paksiw (P85/serving)
Now, for someone like me who lives in Metro Manila but whose heart lies in Cebu, this is going to be a little taste of home. I would definitely have been chowing down on the food here if it had been open during my college days, especially during the months in which I was feeling homesick. I'm definitely coming back to try the 15-to-20kg Bisaya-style lechon they roast themselves every Saturday!
CEVICHE
Not in the mood for Filipino food? No problem. Just to the side of the building's foyer is Ceviche, which serves colorful and flavorful Tex-Mex faves, many of which use local ingredients. Students who are over the legal drinking age can also kick back and relax with their frozen margaritas (they offer strawberry and lemon varieties).
Clockwise from top left: Chicken Tostada (P110), Burrito Carne Asada (P150), Shrimp Ceviche (P190), Strawberry Margarita (P120)
What I enjoyed about the fare at Ceviche was its freshness and the bright, colorful quality of the food that made the dishes such a lot of fun to shoot (hint: you can click on the photos in this article to see larger versions). Many of the offerings were healthy and hearty and made for excellent snacks, whether for solo diners or for sharing.
I particularly enjoyed the refreshing Shrimp Ceviche served with nacho chips, which would make for a great snack on a hot and humid day. There's also a Fish Ceviche, which uses bangus and is P30 cheaper, but as I'm personally not a big fan of bangus, I much preferred the shrimp. The Chicken Tostada was something I'm sure starving students would consider a great bang-for-your-buck order, as that tortilla is really loaded with meat and veggies. A word of warning, though: it can be a bit messy to eat if you plan to attack it with your bare hands, so I'd recommend using a knife and fork. Meanwhile, I imagine I'd be hard-pressed to finish the Burrito Carne Asada on my own.
Beef Fajita (P190)
Looking for an interactive meal experience? Build your own fajitas! I particularly liked the fact that, even though this is served with flour tortillas by default, you can request to have this served with whole wheat tortillas as a healthier option instead.
Buffalo Wings (P160)
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Buffalo Wings' tangy sauce and tender meat, although I wish they'd kicked the spice level up from a mild heat to at least a medium. So if you like your chicken wings hot, you might want to request some hot sauce on the side.
Q COFFEE & TEA BAR
The third establishment here was Q Coffee & Tea Bar, which offers great meal enders for those dining at either Jeepney Bistro or Ceviche, but which also serves as a cozy hangout for coffee and tea lovers.
Clockwise from top left: Toasted Marshmallow Latte (P115), Honeydew Shake (P125), Almond Roca Mocha (P125), Cinnamon Roll (P60), Pistachio Sansrival (P120)
I particularly loved the sweet refreshing flavor of the Minty Toffee Cappuccino (P115) and the utterly comforting Toasted Marshmallow Latte. Meanwhile, the Honeydew Shake was like drinkable summer in a mason jar, and the Almond Roca Mocha came with a shot of espresso and a sweet nutty flavor. Those with a sweet tooth can pair any of these beverages with the pastries on offer. Two of the best-sellers include the frosting-smothered Cinnamon Roll and the crunchy-sweet and creamy Pistachio Sansrival, although a Cashew Sansrival is also available for P110.
The restaurants' dining area extends to the veranda, which overlooks Esteban Abada Street, but unfortunately the only parking available is on the street itself. Still, if you live, work, or study in or near the area, it's just a quick walk or tricycle ride from schools like Ateneo and Miriam College. And given the prices at which they sell their food, I'd definitely say it's worth a try!
The verdict: I LIKE IT!
Jeepney Bistro, Ceviche Mexican, and Q Coffee and Tea Bar can be found at 42-A Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. It's on the street parallel to Katipunan, behind Shakey's and McDonald's.
I've been a long-time reader of romance, as may be obvious from the books I've recommended thus far, but it's only in the past couple of years that I've really started reading romance written by Filipino authors. But after reading books by authors like Mina V. Esguerra, Marian Tee, Ines Bautista Yao, Kate Evangelista, and more, I find myself looking for it. Then I joined Mina V. Esguerra's #RomanceClass, and I really enjoyed the work put out by my classmates, to the point that I started desperately wishing for sequels and/or companion novels.
Ana Tejano's debut novel Fall Like Rain, a sweet-as-sugar friends-to-lovers romance, is among the books that did this for me. She's another #RomanceClass classmate and a fellow participant in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). But that's not why I liked her book, which you can learn more about or buy via Goodreads, Smashwords, and Amazon, although if you're not a fan of e-books you can order the paperback here. Keep reading to learn more.
Cover image courtesy of Ana Tejano and Pinoy Book Tours.
First off, let's get the summary down. Here's the official one provided by the author:
Rain De Castro has been in love with her best friend, Mark Velasco, for almost the entire time she has known him, but she’s clearly in the friend zone because he’s happily in a relationship. Or so she thought, until the news of his break-up reaches her. Now that Mark’s single again, she decides that it’s time to get out of the zone. But when her cousin Lissa comes into the picture and sets her eyes on Mark, Rain feels troubled when he gets a little too friendly with her. Rain is determined to fight for what she feels this time, but is it worth the effort if it's a losing battle from the start? Will she back off to give way for her best friend's happiness, even if it means losing him to someone else again?
This was a book I bought and started for friendship, but kept on reading and finished in the span of two gym sessions (one of which included almost falling off the elliptical machine because I got the awws from a particular scene) because it was a fun read.
Rain was admittedly a character I needed to warm up to. At first she struck me as a kind of Jennifer Aniston-type character—nice, maybe too nice, but a little on the self-absorbed side. Which is fine if you like Jennifer Aniston (I don't). But right away I was intrigued by the rift between Rain and Mark, the guy she still called her best friend even though they hadn't really hung out in ages. And I found myself rooting for him because I disliked Rain's office mate, Francis, within a paragraph or two of his introduction. Which I have to admit is a pretty neat trick, considering that, as a reader, I hadn't even met Mark at that point. And then I did meet Mark, and after that first scene, I found myself thinking, "Well, there you go. That's why she's obviously hung up on him."
And then something started to happen. Because I liked Mark so much, it made me take a second look at Rain. And I started liking her more and more. Maybe she was too nice for me to want her to be one of my book besties, but I realized that my preference for foul-mouthed witches-with-a-B can get tired sometime, and Rain was the type of person it would be fun to do coffee with sometime. To put it in a metaphor that fit the book, I, a lover of storms, learned to appreciate the subtlety of spring showers, thanks to Rain de Castro. Even her cluelessness when it came to Mark's obvious feelings for her was cute.
What I really loved about the book, though, was how much I hated Francis. This is a bit hard to defend without serious spoilers, but when you have a character you really want to just punch in the face, it makes you cheer for the other characters even harder. And maybe the verbal punches delivered by Rain's friend Meah is part of the reason why, after finishing Fall Like Rain, I immediately tweeted the author with the rabid hope that this character would get her own book because she just had to have one. In fact, here's proof:
Just finished @itstimeana's #FallLikeRain. Now desperately hoping for a Meah story! And that Francis gets what he deserves! #romanceclass
— Liana Smith Bautista (@liasbautista)
October 1, 2014
But moving on from that point, Ana Tejano constructed a story where the main characters characters get better and more perfect for each other with every chapter, so that every obstacle in their path makes a reader impatient for their happy ending, and yet also more convinced that they deserve that happy ending. So when they finally do get together in the end—and they do, because this is a romance novel, after all—your heart just breathes a huge sigh of relief because all is right with the world again.
It might not be as steamy as I would like, but that's a personal preference and, I notice, it's also a common factor with other #RomanceClass novels. And the important thing to remember is that when it comes to the swoons and sighs, this book definitely wins on feels.
The Verdict: I LIKE IT!
Ana Tejano has been in love with words and writing ever since she met Elizabeth Wakefield when she was in Grade 3. She has contributed several non-fiction pieces in print and online publications, and has been blogging for years. When she’s not writing, she works as a marketing lead for a multinational company by day, manages a book club, and serves in her church community in every other time that she doesn’t spend reading or sleeping. She lives in Metro Manila and is also known by another name in her other circles (but it’s not a secret identity, really). Follow her on Twitter @itsmeana, like her page on Facebook, and read excerpts of her work on Wattpad.
And just in case you want to pick up a copy of Fall Like Rain, the e-book is just $0.99 on Amazon and the same on Smashwords. You can also order a paperback copy for P300 via this order form. If you like the book, definitely rate and review it on Goodreads.
But, wait! Ana is also sponsoring a giveaway, so you might just get your copy for free! She's giving away three copies of her e-book internationally to people who participate in the raffle below and one signed copy of the paperback copy to one lucky entrant from the Philippines.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The raffle is via Pinoy Book Tours, who've been kind enough to include me in the tour for this novel. Check out their website to learn who else blogged about Fall Like Rain and learn more about the book and its author.
It’s that time of the year once again, and if you’re a Peppermint Mocha fan like I am, you’ll probably agree that nothing ushers in the season like the Starbucks Red Cup beverages and the start of sticker collecting for the Starbucks Planner Promo.
This year is no exception, and I was delighted to be invited to the press launch for the event, where I got to sample the Red Cup beverages and seasonal food offerings, ooh and ahh over the festive and oh-so-giftable Starbucks Cards, and, hell yeah, fondle—okay, browse through—the pages of the Starbucks Philippines 2015 Planner.
Okay, let’s just get it out of the way so we can talk about all the other awesome things Starbucks fans can look forward to. Here’s an official pic:
The Starbucks Philippines 2015 Planner
You can start earning stickers for the Starbucks Philippines 2015 planner on November 3, 2014. In fact, on the first day, each store will have 200 promo cards to give away to patrons on a first come, first served basis, each already loaded with one sticker. You’ll need to collect a total of 18 stickers (nine Christmas beverages plus nine core handcrafted beverages) to avail of a planner. You can combine a maximum of two Starbucks Traditions Promo Cards to get a planner.
Or, if you’re a big spender or just lazy to shop and want to drop P7,000 worth of merchandise, food, whole bean packs, or Starbucks VIA packs in a single receipt, you’ll get a planner straight out. You will not, however, get the planner if you spend on Starbucks Cards or gift certificates.
I can say that the planner is really nice, and as I’ve gotten a few questions about it, I’ll confirm that it is lined. I find myself expending too much effort trying to write straight when the planner is unlined, so I was definitely happy to see the cleanly lined interior pages, and I know many of my friends will feel the same way.
The Red Cup Beverages
Yes! Peppermint Mocha time, this time amped up with candy cane bits and chocolate drizzle as a topping! With it comes another annual favorite, the Toffee Nut Latte, which has also gained a level up as it’s topped with espresso caramel whipped cream, which gives you more of a coffeelicious oomph and also highlights the toffee nut flavor.
And Starbucks is rolling out a new beverage this year, the Christmas Cookie Latte. This buttery latte is, as the folks at Starbucks put it, “infused with shortbread cookie sauce,” then “topped with whipped cream, shortbread cookie drizzle, and butter cookie crumble.” I was pleasantly surprised to find that, contrary to expectation, this didn’t kick you in the teeth with sweetness. It has a milder flavor than the other two Red Cup beverages, but you still get that cookie goodness, and I have no doubt it’ll pair well with just about anything on Starbucks’ munchie menu.
Hot or Iced Red Cup beverages go for P150 (Short), P160 (Tall), P175 (Grande), or P185 (Venti). Frappuccino Blended Beverage versions go for P170 (Tall), P180 (Grande), or P190 (Venti). These will be available from November 3, 2014, to January 8, 2015.
Seasonal Food Offerings
Since I mentioned the munchies, let me just talk a bit about the offerings I enjoyed the most. There are, of course, annual must-haves like the Gingerbread Cookie (this time in an adorable snowman design), a Peppermint Brownie (topped with icing in a snowy fractal pattern), the always-popular Chocolate Toffee Nut Loaf, and the Tex-Mex goodness of the Chicken Fajita Roll. There will also be a promo running from December 17 to 23, in which customers who use a Starbucks Card to pay for a whole Chocolate Toffe Nut Loaf will get a 20% discount.
But the new stuff is what really got me. For one thing, I’ll admit that every year, I whine about the fact that usually my favorite item on the Starbucks holiday menu is not available in provincial stores, which is downright frustrating when I go home to Cebu. This year, my usual complaint has been turned on its ear, because the gooey, chocolatey goodness of the Chocolate Torte Cake (P110/slice, P950/whole) is ONLY available in Baguio, Boracay, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Naga, General Santos, Tarlac, Subic, Dagupan, and Bataan.
My next favorite item, the beefy, cheesy Pot Roast Pie (P120) in a flaky whole wheat crust, is available nationwide. My third favorite, though, is not available in provincial branches. It’s the Chicken Caesar Wrap (P165), which is a tortilla stuffed with chicken breast fillet, bacon, and Caesar dressing. Let me tell you, that hit of Parmiggiano Reggiano goodness followed by smoky bacon awesomeness makes for a satisfying yet light snack or meal. Then of course there’s what I call the two-fer: a Chocolate Chip Cookie Stuffed with Oreo (P65). Let’s just say, it’s exactly as advertised.
I also enjoyed the two new sandwiches, the day-after-Thanksgiving-style Roasted Turkey and Chicken with Apple Cranberry Walnut on Sourdough Bread (P170) and the Grilled Pork and Emmenthal Cheese with Chimichurri Sauce on Cheese Bread (P170). While I did like the Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake (P150/slice, P1,650/whole), I’d recommend sharing this with a friend because it’s entirely rich and decadent.
Starbucks Holiday Cards and Other Giftables
We get three new cards on offer this year. You get the standard-sized cards in the Holiday Tree and Snowman designs, and you also get the first ever Starbucks Mini Card in the Philippines, which sports a firework design and attaches conveniently to your mobile device, keychain, and so forth for easy on-the-go java runs. The standard cards can be had for an initial load of P300, while the Holiday Mini Card has an initial load of P500.
Starbucks will also be running their ever-popular activation promo. Buy any Starbucks Card with an initial load of P1,500 between November 3 and 5, and get an additional P300 load. If you’re looking to spread the java love around, you can purchase a Starbucks Card Gift Pack containing six Starbucks Cards (Holiday Tree, Snowman, Philippine Eagle, Cold Cups, and two Coffee Cups cards) for just P1,500 between December 1 and 3.
Starbucks has also launched their holiday merchandise; these are on display at stores now, and until Sunday, November 2, Starbucks Card purchases of these items will come with a 15% discount.
And if you’re looking to shop, there’s yet another promo for Starbucks merchandise. Between November 10 and December 7, select merchandise will come with special offers. See below for details:
November 10 to 16: Get a free tall handcrafted beverage with any Stainless Steel item
November 17 to 23: Get P100 off when you buy Starbucks Bella Tumblers
November 24 to 30: Get a complimentary Christmas red bag when you purchase any breware or 250g-bag of whole bean coffee
December 1 to 7: Get 20% off on up to two Christmas merchandise items when you buy a limited edition reversible tote bag
Starbucks Reserve
If you're a fan of Starbucks Reserve, November 3 will also mark the launch of two new coffee brews on offer.
The Starbucks Reserve Hawaii Ka'u beans are from small coffee farms in the Aloha State's Ka'u region, and the folks at Starbucks Reserve say that this medium-bodied brew has "fresh coconut and sweet caramelly notes with hints of citrus and nuts." They recommend pairing it with citrus, nuts, caramel, and chocolate.
The Starbucks Reserve Panama Los Cantares beans are from Panama's volcanic Chiriqui province. Starbucks reports that this medium-bodied brew contains "floral aromas and crisp acidity with notes of toffee and sweet orange," and they recommend pairing this with chocolate, dried cherries, and sweet orange.
I haven't gotten a chance to try these brews, but you can bet your bum I will be slurping it down come November and NaNoWriMo!
The Verdict (on the planner, the food, the holiday beverages, the whole shebang): I LOVE IT!
Starbucks Holiday offerings are available beginning November 3, 2014, until January 8, 2015. For more information on promos, food and beverages, merchandise, and more, visit Starbucks.ph and the Starbucks Philippines Facebook fan page.
Events to Look Forward to at the BGC PassionFest 2014
I moved to Bonifacio Global City from the Katipunan area just a few months ago, and I'm thoroughly enjoying being in a central area of the metro, as well as one that's undergone extensive urban planning. But I haven't really participated in the cultural events in the area, like the Slipstream event that had sports and race cars roaring past my building or the BGC Art Mart. So when I heard that the BGC Passionfest 2014 was going to be held soon—on November 28 to 30, to be exact—I was definitely excited about learning more.
The event lasts for just a single weekend. This year's theme is "A Boni-Fide Urban Fiesta," and it's going to be a celebration of things Pinoys love, done the BGC way, so I'm definitely pumped for it. Keep reading to check out the roster of things to look forward to.
Friday, November 28
Start things off with a little retail therapy as this is the first day of the weekend-long Supremo Sale.
Get your dancing shoes on because BGC is kicking things off with their Kick-Off Street Party, which includes an evening parade of Filipino dancers in bright costumes.
Saturday, November 29
If you're a fan of The Amazing Race, you should definitely register for Run BGC: Urban Adventure, in which participants will be teamed up in groups of 10, and they'll have to follow clues around the city that'll lead them to obstacles and challenges they'll have to complete before moving on to the next clue and, eventually, to the finish line! Registration costs P500 per person, and that includes freebies like a souvenir shirt, a waterproof race big, a "Life Representing" flag belt, and a loot bag filled with sponsor goodies. Registration forms and run schedules are available on BGC.com.ph, and sign-ups can be done at the Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Megamall branches of Toby's Sports; the Alabang Town Center and Bonifacio Global City branches of Runnr, and Brooks in SM North EDSA.
The 29th is the start of BONI-FIESTA, which I'm definitely looking forward to. A street food center run by Mercato Centrale will be set up along 9th Avenue, so you'll be able to troll the stalls for fish balls, kwek-kwek, and other fried and grilled treats (I'm personally hoping there's isaw and chicken skin barbecue). And to make sure the whole family gets a kick out of the experience, BGC will be setting up giant versions of classic Filipino games, among these the giant slingshots ("Monsterador)," Grab-adabadoo Pabitin, Patinterror, Tamarawdeo, and more. There will also be a Jeepney Sign Art booth, a DIY saranggola booth, and a BGC Art Mart featuring Pinoy-only creations. This event will run all the way through 'til Sunday.
Gearing up for Christmas, BGC will also be staging a musical with the help of Upstart Productions. It'll be called Close Engkantos of the Christmas Kind, and it tells the story of how creatures out of local folklore help save Christmas. There are two Saturday shows, one at 3PM and another at 6PM, while the sole Sunday show will be at 3PM.
Looking for a learning experience? Head over to the Mind Museum on November 29 for their Science Show. The programs are:
• Liquid Nitrogen Sorbetes
• Apoy ng Bahaghari: Science Behind Fireworks
• Sunugin ang Cedula! At ang Sweldo! (Burn Your Money Filipino Edition)
• Ang Agham ng Panahon: Science Behind Weather
• Pinoy Food Science
Sunday, November 30
This will be the second day of the BONI-FIESTA, and food and fun will continue until the evening.
Get clomping with the second annual Parada de Kalesa, which is celebrating a local folklore theme this year. Horse-drawn carriages will be gussied up in designs inspired by Philippine myths ans folktales. They will be accompanied by street performers and majorettes, although after the parade is done, you'll be able to hire a carriage to take you around the city.
To close this awesome weekend of activities, BGC will be putting on a Bonifa-SHOW, which is a talent show that is set to feature local talent, from vocal acrobatics to comedy.
Photos from previous PassionFest courtesy of BGC
You'll be able to get a weekend Pasaporte from BGC concierges when you present single or accumulated receipts worth P1,500 or more, and this will serve as your guide and entrance ticket for the weekend events.
Learn more about the upcoming events in Bonifacio Global City's PassionFest 2014 by liking them on Facebook at Facebook.com/BonifacioGlobalCityPH or checking out BGC.com.ph.
Filipino ReaderCon's #FilipinoFridays: New Book Discoveries
Those of you who know me probably know that November’s a crazy busy month for me because it’s National Novel Writing Month, or, as lettersandlight has shortened it, NaNoWriMo. But it’s also Filipino ReaderCon (filipinoreadercon on Tumblr) month! And while in past years I’ll admit that I haven’t really been all that faithful when it comes to following their events and posts in previous years, I’ve recently started tracking their updates again, thanks to their awesome "Readers Who Write" talk at the Manila International Book Fair. Just this week, I saw that they were doing a meme called Filipino Fridays, and I decided I wanted in!
Filipino Fridays is a meme where a topic is posted every Friday leading up to Filipino ReaderCon, and Filipino readers (bloggers or just anyone who has a social networking account that can be viewed publicly) are encouraged to participate. If you don’t have a blog, you can post on Facebook, Tweet, or even film a video (if you’re casually awesome—or diehard—like that). I missed the first week, and since it’s Friday today, the second topic has already come out, but I’m determined to catch up! Scroll down for my first #FilipinoFridays post!
WEEK 1: Surprise, Reader!
Surprise, Reader! Hello, it’s the first week of Filipino Fridays 2014! Whether it’s your first time to participate or not, tell us a bit about yourself. More specifically, tell us about your favorite book discoveries for this year. Any author you started reading this year that you can’t get enough of? A book you didn’t think you’d like, but you ended up liking/loving? Any book series that you just have to get your hands on? Have you discovered anything new from Filipino authors this year?
Warning! You might fall in love with Warning! You Might Fall In Love with Me by Kate Evangelista
I'm not a huge reader of young adult (YA) contemporary fiction, but I do love a good love story. So when I was invited to check out @kateevangelistaauthor's novel, Warning! You Might Fall in Love with Me on SwoonReads.com, I was determined to approach it the way I do most of the romance I read.
This meant judging it by my reaction to the characters (Is the love interest book-boyfriend material? Is the main character someone people can relate with? Are they two-dimensional?), to the story line (Is it original? Even if it's not entirely new, does it approach tired tropes in a fun way? Is it believable?), and to the writing itself (Is it clear and concise—that is, not too purple? Is the grammar and orthography correct? Are there fun word plays and/or lines I'll want to highlight or remember?). Because I have such respect for Kate Evangelista as a writer, I wanted very badly to like it and answer "yes" on most of these points. So I was more than pleased to find that that's exactly what happened.
Something to keep in mind when reading this is that it is not (yet) a published novel. This made me more forgiving of some of the issues in grammar and orthography the rabid copy editor in me picked out of the text. As a result, I focused on the characters and story, both of which I did enjoy.
While the fake girlfriend trope is quite popular in romance, the "don't fall in love with me" kept things fun and fresh. The bare bones of the story made me think of a younger, non-steamy version of Laurelin Paige's Fixed trilogy. I enjoyed the characters' cluelessness about their affections for one another (although, if and when this does see print, I do hope Ms. Evangelista will add a touch more denial on both of their parts) and the pacing of the scenes.
As for the characters, if I were half my age (and boy, I guess that really dates me), Caleb would probably be in the running for my book boyfriends list. What can I say? I'm a bit of a sucker for arrogant guys who retain their reasons to be confident but see the error of their obnoxious ways. I would like to see more of his back story just because it means more air time, but what was in the novel was certainly enough for me to understand what made him tick.
Didi, on the other hand, took me a bit longer to warm up to, which might have been intentional on Ms. Evangelista's part, since she doesn't really reveal the hard-hitting details of Didi's personal life until the latter part of the novel. As the story unfolds, I found myself going from thinking, Boy, this girl is annoying to Hmm, okay, I guess she's got a quirky kind of charm to Grab happiness with both hands, girl! Which was a cool transition for me, and again what reminded me of the Fixed trilogy, as I had a similar reader experience when I was reading about Alayna Withers.
Does this read need a bit of polishing? Yes, I'd say so. And does it deserve to be published? That's a yes too. That being said, every read and rating will help get this book closer to being published, so go ahead and check out Warning! You Might Fall in Love with Me at SwoonReads.com if you're looking for a light, safe-for-work quickie read. Don't forget to rate it and leave a comment for the author once you're done!
The verdict: I LIKE IT!
Learn more about author Kate Evangelista via her website, KateEvangelista.com. Her other works include Til Death, Romancing the Bookworm, the Reapers series, the Vicious Feast series, and Taste.
Growing up, dessert was always the best part of a meal for me. I liked my chocolate rich and my pastries light. I still do—a little too much, I'd say, and for health reasons, I've had to put a bit of a damper on my love of decadent meal-enders. Which is why I do enjoy a good frozen yogurt, as it lets me indulge without too much of the guilt.
I was no stranger to Pinkberry when I received the invitation to try their latest offerings at their new branch in SM Megamall's Mega Fashion Hall. I've been buying yogurt from them for some time now, and lately I've settled on the Chocolate Hazelnut Pinkberry as my fave. But the thing about faves is they're meant to be usurped, right? So I was all set to find a new favorite Pinkberry combo when I got to their store earlier this month and joined the little sampling party that sweetened up a rainy day.
Here's the low-down on what's new at Pinkberry: There's a new flavor of frozen yogurt—the Cherry Pinkberry, which is made from real juicy cherry bits, and it's sweet and tart at the same time. While it won't replace Chocolate Hazelnut as my top pick, it's definitely a fun option great for a hot day, and I'm pretty sure it'll be popular with the kiddies, especially when you factor in the other new offering at Pinkberry.
Enter Sugarpova, a premium gummy candy line by international tennis star Maria Sharapova and candy king Jeff Rubin, founder of the international retailer of sweet stuff IT'SUGAR, which is well known for carrying giant gummy bears, pythons, and worms. Sugarpova gummy candies are available at Pinkberry branches, and miniature versions of three of their popular offerings are offered for pairing with Pinkberry yogurt.
This includes the Sugarpova Flirty Mini, which is fruit flavored and made in the shape of lips; the Sugarpova Smitten Sour Mini, a rainbow candy ribbon; and Sugarpova Flirty Sour Mini, sour fruit-flavored candy shaped like lips, hearts, and stars. These are recommended for pairing with Pinkberry's original, strawberry, and cherry flavors. We got to sample all three candy variants with all three recommended flavors, and I'll admit I was pretty partial to the Sugarpova Smitten Sour Mini with Strawberry Pinkberry, but I thought the Sugarpova Flirty Mini was the most versatile for pairing with other flavors.
But that was just the start of the sampling. We tried different combinations of toppings with the Cherry Pinkberry too. These included the Chocolate Covered Cherry (with shaved milk chocolate and chocolate sauce), the Cherry Crumble (with fresh strawberries, honey almond granola, and agave nectar), Cherry Pie (with a waffle cookie and strawberry puree), Cherry Macaroon (with desiccated coconut shavings and toasted almond slices), and Cherry with Sugarpova (with a mix of the Flirty, Smitten Sour, and Flirty Sour mini Sugarpova candies). The Chocolate Covered Cherry was probably my favorite, but if I were to make my own combination, I'd probably pair the Cherry Pinkberry with shaved milk chocolate, honey almond granola, and desiccated coconut.
But wait! The sampling wasn't over. Because they have an ongoing buy one get one promo on their Salted Caramel Pinkberry frozen yogurt on Fridays between 5PM and closing time (this promo ends on Friday, October 17, so you'd better head to a nearby branch soon), we got to try some of their Salted Caramel combos as well. These included the Salted Caramel Classic (with sea salt, crispy crepes, and Italian caramel), the Salted Caramel Crunch (with shaved milk chocolate, toasted almond slices, and sea salt), and the Salted Caramel Decadence (with dark chocolate crisps, bananas, and Italian caramel). Personally, the addition of caramel felt a bit over the top for me, so if I were to order Salted Caramel Pinkberry, I'd probably top it with sea salt, crispy crepes, and toasted almonds to offset the sweetness of the yogurt.
Clockwise from top right: Chocolate Covered Cherry, Salted Caramel Classic, Cherry with Sugarpova, and Salted Caramel Decadence
All in all, I'd have to say that while Chocolate Hazelnut remains my fave (although if they cycle Peanut Butter into their offerings, I might have to change my mind about that), I've definitely got a few combinations in mind for my next visit to Pinkberry.
The verdict: I LIKE IT!
Pinkberry has branches in Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, SM Aura Premier, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, and SM Megamall's Mega Fashion Hall. For more information on this brand, check out www.pinkberry.com.ph and the Pinkberry Philippines Facebook fan page.
Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs: Short Stories, Long Game
Do you find yourself jonesing for another book after you finish the latest volume in a series you follow? I'm huge on book series—possibly because I've always been the kind of person who asked what happened next after the happily ever after had been achieved in a story—but it's a bit like being an addict who has to wait months, even years, between fixes. As a result, I spend a lot of time re-reading the books in my favorite series and imagining what my fave characters could be up to while I wait for the next installments.
Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson and Alpha and Omega werewolf series are one of the ones that keep me jonesing, so I was really happy to find that after reading Night Broken (Mercy Thompson, Book 8) soon after it came out in March of this year, I wouldn't have to wait 12 more months for another fix in the form of Dead Heat (Alpha and Omega, Book 4), which will be released in March 2015. In the interim, I got Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson, a collection of short stories from the world of both series as well as outtakes from some of the Mercy Thompson novels.
Cover image courtesy of Ace Books
A word of warning, though: Don't read this book if you've never read any of the books in the series I mentioned. In fact, some of the parts of it won't make sense if you haven't read the most recent novels in the Mercy Thompson series. But I just had to post about this because I love it when authors give their fans something to gnaw on between novels (Mercedes Lackey, my all-time fantasy fave, does this a lot with her Valdemar books).
So if you haven't read Patricia Briggs' books, just stop reading at this point and pick up Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) and the rest of the books in the Mercy Thompson series. This book contains the short story that serves as the first installment of the Alpha and Omega series.
If you're already a fan, though, and you weren't sure about picking up this volume because you saw half its contents were stories already published in previous anthologies, let me tell you that it's so worth it for the half that's new. Here's a little about each of the new parts that are in this anthology:
"Silver" is Arianna's story, and it's a humdinger. If you've read Silver Borne, you know a little of it, and you know it can't be happy, but it's so essential. And if, like me, your reaction to Arianna was something that sounded like "This woman better be deserving of our Samuel," this may help you rest easier.
"Roses in Winter" for me was the kind of thing where, when you read about a minor character in one of the main novels, you think to yourself, "Oh, hey, I want to know this person's story," and then so much happens that you forget that you wanted to know more about him or her. Anyway, remember that reporter who was asking for help because his daughter survived an attack? Well, this is Kara's story, with a good dose of The Moor thrown in (and I am seriously hoping Asil gets his own story soon).
"Redemption" had me jumping up and grinning (for real) when I saw it was a Ben story. Because Ben is my absolute favorite character outside of the main characters in the two series! I had to read the story twice because the first read was just awash in so much Ben love that I had to have another go round once I'd gotten over my inward squealing. And I just cannot wait to see how what happens here affects the pack in upcoming Mercy novels!
"Hollow" was, of course, a Mercy story, because as Ms. Briggs pointed out, there just had to be a Mercy story in a Mercy's world anthology. But it didn't feel obligatory. It felt like a good way to reimmerse yourself in Mercy's world. Because let's face it, our girl and her guy have had to fight bigger and bigger baddies with every book since Moon Called, and the one in Night Broken was a humdinger. So this story is in the aftermath of Night Broken, and it gives us a look into how the events in that novel have affected Mercy and Adam emotionally and psychologically because at the end of that book, you just knew there had to be a little post-traumatic stress for a while.
"Outtake One" (from Silver Borne) not only gives you the perspective of what was happening with the pack, and more importantly, Sam and Arianna, while Mercy was trapped in Underhill during Silver Borne, but it gives you the good feels after the heartbreak that is "Silver."
"Outtake Two" (from Night Broken) is a look at that last bit in Night Broken, except from Adam's perspective. And let me tell you, I just love getting a look inside Adam's head, not just because it makes me love the hotness that is Adam Hauptman more, but it also gives me a different perspective on Mercy. Because Mercy tends to think of herself last, and it's nice to see through the eyes of someone who thinks of her first, last, and always.
So, yes, if you're a Patricia Briggs fan, this is definitely a must-read. Because the new stuff all gives you a better perspective on the entire world Ms. Briggs has created, and some of them give you a bit of a teaser for what's to come. And if you're not a Patricia Briggs fan but you're into shifters/werewolves/paranormal/urban fantasy novels, please do give her a read.
The verdict: I LIKE IT!
Patricia Briggs' Shifting Shadows is available via Amazon. I haven't seen it locally yet, but you can find books from Ms. Briggs' Mercy Thompson series as well as her Alpha and Omega series at National Book Store and Fully Booked.
