GASTRONOMIC WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS OF 20 YEARS & COUNTING

Paella Moriscos, Corazon Filipino-Hispano Cuisine.

Kangkong dish with Lechon Kawali toppings (requested to be a side dish), Corazon.

Corazon Iced Tea & Sago’t Gulaman.

Corazon’s patio with artificial plants : nothing beats freshness! (read my review of the dishes below).

Artistic display inside East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, November 2013.

Strawberry Shortcake and a shot of Macchiato, Wicked, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza.

White Russian Fondue, Brownie, Macchiato, Wicked by Cravings.

Pistachio on Butter Pecan and Green Mango Sorbet with Bagoong (shrimp paste), Sebastian’s.

Garlic Bread, Virgin Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Dip, Chelsea Market & Cafe.

Seafood Pasta, Chelsea Market & Cafe.

Pasta Vongole, Chelsea Market & Cafe.

Best friends since 1993, LG & Rob, at Chelsea Market & Cafe, The Podium, 09 November 2013.

Those were all consumed in just half day dining! We were overwhelmed too of what we ate that Saturday! It was the weekend when LG and I met again our best friend, Rob of SensoryReplays.com as he came home for his break from his medical work abroad. It’s somewhat customary for Rob to treat his friends over sumptuous meals and coffee during his days off.  The universe and the stars were once again, in favor of good times as Rob treated us for lunch, desserts and coffee, LG paid the dinner for us while I was the lucky man who spent nothing on food for the nth time! Hallelujah! Hehehe!  Seriously, these two people are just more than being supportive and understanding of my situation; they know my story and my family more than anyone else. And they sure know to please my palates with delightful goodies! My only role that day was to suggest the food places.

I was literally laughing at our meeting place in Shangri-La Plaza mall, after Rob handed me a brown bag. Inside was the biggest cup of Big Chill fruit shake and a straw. It was like I arrived at a resort with a welcome drink! 😀

So how did I find the food? Lunch at Corazon Filipino-Hispanic Cuisine was less satisfying. Perhaps, I need another chance to dine there for my taste buds to sense the dishes better. I wished their Seafood Paella (one of my favorites!) or Paella Moriscos had more seafoods, more than just its toppings. My friends  noted that the beans on the paella appeared like frozen (wrinkled) before it was used, and not as fresh as it should be. They also found Torres, the Fried Tilapia dish topped with ripe Mango Salsa (not in photo) less fresh-tasting; the same with the Kangkong dish topped with Lechon Kawali. What saved the day, in my opinion, were the Seafood Tinola (not in photo) and the thirst-quenching beverages we ordered.

After much needed bladder break from indulging on bottomless Corazon Iced Tea that tasted a bit like fruit punch, we moved to another restaurant, still at the East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza, to have desserts and coffee. I suggested for us to try, Wicked by Cravings. Personally, I liked the desserts we sampled but I fell short with just a shot of Macchiato.

Around 3 or 4PM, we walked our way to The Podium. Rob and I had ice cream from Sebastian’s while LG passed up. Knowing he’s eclectic and adventurous, I wasn’t surprised when Rob opted for Green Mango Sorbet with Bagoong (shrimp paste) while I was content with my safe choice of Sebastian’s Pistachio on Butter Pecan. Delicious! I didn’t miss to taste Rob’s chosen flavor and it really tasted like very Pinoy! Something nice, creative and new for a sorbet but I honestly, would not make it a favorite.

Our dinner treat from LG was at Chelsea Market & Cafe, also at The Podium. Since Rob is a religious pescetarian, we remained in favor of seafood dishes; we enjoyed Pasta Vongole, Seafood Pizza, garlic breads and washed everything down with iced tea. Everything was tasteful; such a perfect ending to a day of friendship and good times.

I am grateful.

*This is NOT a sponsored post. 

*Corazon Filipino-Hispanic Cuisine | 4F, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Shaw Blvd, cor EDSA, Mandaluyong
*Wicked by Cravings | 5F, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Shaw Blvd, cor EDSA, Mandaluyong
*Sebastian’s | The Podium, Mandaluyong
*Chelsea Market & Cafe | GF The Podium, Mandaluyong.

>><<

Advertisement