Choose to Juice

My friend and I have the same doctor in Ongpin and though we don't always go there together, during some rare occasions, we manage to do so, and this particular weekend saw us squeezing our way through the crowded streets this famous shopping nook of an area is known for.

As I was waiting for her to complete her rundown of personal errands, I decided to do my own exploring of the place as well. In doing so, I came across this little health spot that made the tastiest natural juice drinks you could ever stream through your body.

I nearly missed Juice It Up as I was walking along the sidewalk because their signage was not as visible. But as I stepped into their little store, I immediately took notice of how spick and span it was on the inside, a huge contrast from the grimy and dusty stalls outside that were within it's perimeter. A huge board showcased the different mixes they blitzed for their juices and I was amazed at the funky combinations they had that they themselves guaranteed taste really good. 

Though a little unconvinced, I still opted to try one of their concoctions. After all, it was nutrients and heavy doses of vitamin C I was going to take in, so why not? I wanted to go for a combo with celery but they were out of the succulent leaf stalk, so I decided to go fruity and took on the carrot-apple-pear-mango combination instead. Was I glad I decided to give them a try.

I was wonderfully pleased at how refreshing and tasty my choice of combination was. The juice was thick and beautifully creamy. Though married together in one glass, I could still single out each of the flavors, hence, realizing that each fruit contributes to the character of this superb smoothie: sweetness from the carrot and pear, and tanginess from both the mango and the orange. I was completely gratified. 

My friend took a different combination from mine. Hers was a merry mix of carrot, ginger and apple. As to how it tastes like, I'm not really sure. I couldn't imagine ginger being part of the whole equation but she says it works so I'll take her word for it. 

Each combination serves a purpose. Mine balances ones diet while hers helps in clearing ones mind if taken often. Well, whatever. It all boils down to one thing: these blends taste really good and are definitely good for you. They come in three sizes. It being my first time, I got the smallest while my friend went for the largest. It was an experience I'd gladly take on again.

It doesn't cost that much to go the healthy route. These juices are great substitutes
for the unsafe repercussions that come with too much soda, coffee and other bottled
artificially-flavored juice drinks high in sugar. With Juice It Up, I know I'm safe. And though these combos may mean a host of different things, to me, it only says one thing: healthy. Cheers to that!

My Chinese Choice

One warm and boring Saturday, my friend and I decided to junk cooking lunch for a change and do what we nowadays seldom get to treat ourselves to: eating out. After cruising a few blocks from her place, we found a good and reputable food stop that served delicious and absolutely tasty bites. Holding shop along Ortigas Avenue, we made a final vote to take on Mien-San Noodle House.

                                                          photo courtesy of appetite.ph

Upon entering the restaurant, you're immediately met with polite and cheerful staff members who attentively attend to your needs: a table, a ready menu and a personal attendant who patiently waits on you until you've nailed your particular food pick. The dining area is clean and brightly inviting. It's also never out of customers, a sign of quality in flavor and service their loyal patrons always go back to.

It didn't take that much time for us to give our orders since my friend was a long-time client of theirs. We settled on four dishes, the soup of which I wasn't able to take a snap of. My personal choice was the Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet. 

With the perfect mix of the sweet and sour, this dish was one I truly didn't wait long to sink my hungry fork in. The breaded pieces of fish fillet were tender and scrumptiously juicy that I couldn't help but indulge myself with bite  after bite of this orange feast of yummy goodness. Topped with red and green bell peppers and leeks with sweet pineapple chunks  as it's main flavor popper, it was one plate that suited my  taste to a T.

My friend took the liberty of ordering the veggie dish and it came bundled up in siomai wrappers. I've never heard of this before but we had a delicious serving of Kutchay Dumplings. Kutchay, also known as garlic chives, is unlike the usual chives that one will find in the vegetable section of the supermarket. It's leaves are thin and have a strong garlicky flavor that compliments well with Asian cuisine. It's leaves and young flowers are a good substitute for leeks and green onions and are good as well cooked on its own. 

                          photo courtesy of http://masteringhorticulture.blogspot.com/
                          2010/02/ garlic-chives-kutchay.html 

This is how the Kutchay Dumplings look like cooked and already in dumpling form. 

 

Interestingly, it had a bold flavor that wasn't overpowering, but was definitely distinct and extremely tasty. For little veggie baggies that only featured the kutchay, it really was a delightful treat ones taste buds would surely appreciate. It came served with slightly sweet soy sauce on the side. I honestly could eat 10 to 15 of these little pockets in one sitting...yum!

We also had soup that warmed our bellies well. It had a mix of noodles, greens and corn and was one we particularly enjoyed partaking. The last from among our orders was what I like to call Taiwan spaghetti because of it's similar meat mix to the more common spaghetti we all are familiar with. The difference between the two was the one we had had a more Oriental take to it, with Asian flavors and herbs taking the spotlight in this otherwise twin version of its Italian counterpart. It came served in a platter that held a huge fishball, a piece of breaded  fried prawn, strips of green onions, bits of fried potatoes and carrots and bean sprouts.

  

All taken with a cup of steamed rice and a glass of iced water, we were  stuffed crazy. We left the restaurant fully satisfied and happy. Mien San Noodle House, contrary to what it's name implies, serves a huge variety of dishes that, though innovative to cater to the different tastes of it's comprehensive clientele, still stays true to what authentic Oriental cooking is all about. Heavy in herbs, sauces and spices, it still remains the restaurant to go to for your favorite Chinese cuisine, with a little bit more.

Going Gaga Over Greeka

I've always been fascinated by the way the Greeks prepare their food. Healthy and almost always fat-free, theirs is a cuisine comparable to a palette of dazzling, beautiful colors on a plate. Immensely flavorful using only the best in natural ingredients, humongous servings of their culinary creations can't really be equated with guilt because you know that what you're taking in is good for you.

My birthday me-time found me cruising P. Guevarra Street in San Juan, and quietly tucked along it's long, lazy stretch is one cozy and laid back restaurant that has proven to be a huge favorite from among those who live within the area. Check out Greeka Kouzina.

Excited to give this new Greek go-to a whirl, I quickly went inside and seated myself on the second floor of one of the most comfortably relaxing food parlors I've ever been to. Knowing I could only eat the healthy lot and I mean only fish and veggies, I made a meticulous review of their menu and decided on their Couscous Salad and Veggie Gyro. 

I was kind of taken aback at the Veggie Gyro's size when they brought it to the table and was amazed at the same time at how beautiful it came served. It was literally an edible bouquet of brightly-colored vegetables in a large pita wrap. Served with a delicious yoghurt dip and a slice of lemon on the side, it was a sight to behold. It really took some time for me to slice into it because I didn't know where to make the cut. But after 5 minutes of admiring it, hunger got the better of me so I sprinkled the lovely fresh greens with a little lemon juice and sliced on. What met my palate was a burst of unbelievable fruity and tangy goodness. It was wonderfully delicious considering it was all vegetable. With a little feta cheese to break the astringency of the dish and a dash of the yoghurt dip, it was sheer pleasure. 

The Couscous Salad was one I ordered out of curiosity. Over the years of watching shows over the Food Channel, I always wondered what and how couscous was and tasted. 

Couscous is made up of tiny granules of durum wheat and these grains are steamed until light and fluffy. Though closely related to pasta, it also reminds me of steamed rice. It actually has no taste but it enhances the dish by adding balance to it. And I wasn't disappointed. The Couscous Salad was another feast for the eyes and the palate as well as incredible splashes or reds, greens and yellows graced the entirety of this whole exquisite presentation. Red, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and yellow bell peppers sprinkled with couscous and topped with feta cheese came together as a swig of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper made for the salad's finishing touch. The marriage of flavors and textures defines the uniqueness of this dish as it had a little bit of everything: sweetness, saltiness, tanginess, and crunch. Freshness in a bowl is the best I could do to describe it. I wanted to order more, even get some dessert but I was too stuffed to do so, which leads me to the conclusion that the Greeks serve with heft.

A look at their comprehensive menu will also tell you there's a plate that will satisfy just about everybody who walks in: the meat lovers, the vegetarians and the dessert buffs.  

 

No matter what part of the food pyramid floats your boat, you'd be sure to get satisfaction guaranteed on their authentic take of these Mediterranean classics. This is hulk without necessarily gaining much bulk. 

If I were to make a favorite food pick, I'd definitely go for Greek. Not only do their key ingredients focus on the natural, they're meals also lean more on the healthy, assuring you of great gastronomic fulfillment without the risk factor.  You're safe, sure and satiated. What else could anyone ask for? Greeka Kouzina. Now that's one kitchen I'd more than surely go back to.

More Than Just Seafood

T'was two nights before my birthday and as I always traditionally do, I had dinner with a good friend of mine as a commemoration of a day I, in reality, am now appalled to openly celebrate what with the expense nowadays of hosting a happening shindig and, well, because of the nagging reminder it brings of the years I've already spent walking the face of the earth, which really isn't that old but one I'd rather not dwell on.

It was a Friday so all the good restaurants were full. It took a while for us to settle on one that would offer us peace and relaxation with good wifi connection. So, what was our pick for the night? We went for Almon Marina.

photo courtesy of http://almonmarina.com/ 

                                               

In first hearing of this quiet nook of a hashery, what immediately came to my mind was seafood, as so implied by it's name. But there's really more to this warm awesome automat than meets the eye. Their menu also boasts of a collection of supreme sandwiches, soups and salad choices that cater to every one's whim in filling and combinations.

My friend's diet wasn't as sensitive, in fact, he could take on anything he wanted so it was the Petaluma Treat for him. I wouldn't know how it tastes like but according to him, it was good. Served with fried potato chips on the side, his sandwich had layers of mouthwatering slices of roasted pork with pineapples, pitted prunes and chutney. Atop fresh, crunchy lettuce in between two huge slices of rye bread, the sandwich, as with all of their hefty hoagies, came with a flag toothpicked in that was depictive of the country it got the inspiration of its creation from, and to hold the good stuff together. His was succulence in every scrumptious bite.

My sandwich, on the other hand, was more cautious in terms of filling because I couldn't have any other meat aside from fish. Simple yet replenishing, I went for the Tuna Cheese and Pineapple Sandwich. Served in brown bread with lettuce, it showcased everything it's name said it was gonna be: tuna, cottage cheese and pineapple. With a slight slathering of mayonnaise, the simplicity of this nevertheless delectable delight was given height and depth by sweet and juicy pineapple bits. Also served with crunchy potato chips on the side, it was heaven on a plate.

In between sandwich bites, we also enjoyed a serving of their ever-so-light Fruit and Walnut Salad that came in a bed of lettuce with slices of sweet papaya and roast pork, croutons, walnuts and prunes.

Aside from the sandwiches, salads and soups, they also offer an array of rich pasta dishes that are totally to die for as well as grilled specialties that certainly prove irresistible.

All in all, it was a dynamite dinner for sharing. Hefty yet healthy and light but filling. A great find in gourmet food stops, Almon Marina is definitely one in the list of do-over dining dives.