Monday, January 28, 2008

Pho Hoa Favorites: Noodle Soup, Mango Crepe, Pomelo Salad, and Stuffed Chicken Wings

Vietnamese cuisine relies heavily on fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and subtle seasonings, reason for me to love Vietnamese dishes.

So far, my only favorite Vietnamese Restaurant is Pho Hoa Noodle House. I've tried other Vietnamese Restaurants but among them, Pho Hoa is still the best!


The hot seafood soup with fish fillet, fish ball, shrimp, and crab meat served with fresh basil, a dash of lemon, been sprouts, and chili to complete the genuine taste of a real Vietnamese soup. Specifically, I like Pho (rice noodles) because of its firmness and unique taste, deviating from the usual wheat-based noodles.




Mouth-watering Stuffed Chicken Wings with tasty vinaigrette.



Indulge in a guilt-free Mango Crepe. Oh, so yummy!



I will survive if what's served for me is only this Pomelo Salad. At least I was able to strictly follow my vegetarian diet.:) It comes with a dressing that is just water, pounded nuts and sugar to taste.



Now it's time to wash down the palatable and nutritious meal with a freshly squeezed lemon juice. It's not bottomless but because of the concentrated mixture, you can add as many water as you wish.

Branches I know: SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Jupiter Street Makati, Tomas Morato Quezon City, Eastwood City Libis, Greenhills Shopping Center

Friday, January 25, 2008

My Second Visit to Sonya's Garden

My friends and I usually plan for a city tour every year, which is planned during the months when we receive bonuses. It has been three years since our first Tagaytay Escapade, which includes lunch at Sonya's Garden. Before ending the year 2007, we planned another visit to one of the sought after gardens in Tagaytay City.


This flower arrangement on the center of our table perks up the mood to a sumptuous and healthy salad starter.



Sonya's very own table setting provides a homey feeling.



Each of us created fresh salad concoction from a selection of salad ingredients to be mixed with fresh green lettuce. The Sonya's secret dressing genuinely gives a delectable taste, enabling us to finish everything that is served.



If you're planning for a quick stop toward satisfying your taste buds with a heavenly lunch or dinner, here's the set menu:

RATE: PhP 560+ per person/Set (EAT ALL YOU CAN)
Menu served in sit down style.

INCLUSIONS: Green Salad. Freshly harvested lettuce and arugula topped with mango, broad beans, eggs, cucumber, jackfruit, pineapple, edible flowers in season, etc., drizzled with Sonya’s Secret Dressing or Balsamic Vinegar

Freshly baked sesame bread from Sonya's Panaderia with homemade dips: pesto, white cheese, anchovies, tapenade.

Pasta with three kinds of sauces: Sun dried tomato; chicken cream with mango; and ratatouille; topped with salmon belly, mushrooms, black olives, capers, anchovies.

Dessert: Glazed sweet potato and banana rolls and chocolate cake

Drinks: Bottomless freshly squeezed dalandan juice (local orange) and tarragon tea

The following maybe added:

1. Roast Chicken PhP 450 (per piece)
2. Salmon Steak with Capers PhP 250 (per piece)

Recent attractions to complement a country-living experience are the Bed and Breakfast, Spa and Panaderia.

A quick shot of the Bed and Breakfast Cottages. Look at the flowers and lush greens that will welcome you from the window of a cottage. Such a refreshing and relaxing thought. I wish to stay overnight there someday soon.



Happy moments as we enjoy and explore the beautiful garden.