Tuesday, April 12, 2011

In Focus: Tokyo Disneyland

I am making this post as it is exactly a year ago when my sister and I, on a rainy and freezing day, went to one of Tokyo's premier theme parks: Disneyland.

Disneyland has been known as a magical world that fascinates people of all ages. Tokyo's Disneyland is a 115 acre amusement park that attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world.

Mickey Floral ArrangementFloral arrangement that welcomes guests

Cinderella's CastleEnchanted Tiki Room
L-R: Cinderella Castle, Enchanted Tiki Room at Adventureland

ParadePan Galactic Pizza Port
L-R: From Jubilation! Parade, Pan Galactic Pizza Port at Tomorrowland

Toon Town Russel
L-R: City Hall at Toontown, Russell at Adventureland

Royal Banquet
Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall at Fantasyland

Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion at FantasyLand

Disney Characters on Stage
One Man's Dream - The Magic Lives On
One Man's Dream II - The Magic Lives On, a colorful musical show (in Japanese) at Tomorrowland

It has been closed since the March 11 earthquake in Japan but is reported to be re-opening on Friday, April 15. A good news, indeed, not only because the theme park is resuming operations but also because it means Japanese tourism maybe getting back to its feet.

Here's me hoping to catch a glimpse of this again one day soon *still praying for Japan*
Garden

Monday, April 11, 2011

Tips of the Trade: Kanin Club As Recommended Filipino Restaurant

For someone who is more into Italian, Japanese and Chinese cuisine, dining in the same Filipino restaurant four times in a month is already a feat.

Menu 01

Kanin Club's first branch is located at Paseo de Sta. Rosa in Laguna and although it was far for most Manila residents, others really went out of their way for a visit as the food here is so good. The owners decided to put up a branch at UP-Ayala Land Technohub - some place more accessible to us who live in the north. And just recently, another branch was opened at Ayala Triangle, which makes this branch most convenient for get together with friends.

If ever you decide to give it a try, you might want to check my top 3 dishes:

Sinangag na Sinigang

1. Sinangag na Sinigang (Php224) - recommended by many is this fried rice that is sinigang-flavored. True enough, you'd find the staple ingredients found in a sinigang and taste that sour flavor, too. A single order can be good enough for 3 persons at the least.

Dinuguan

2. Crispy Dinuguan (Php261) - another must-try according to most people is this diniguan (or stewed pork blood). The pork being crispy is what makes this dinuguan unique.

Seafood Kare-Kare

3. Seafood Kare-Kare (Php298) - mussels, squid, and prawns in peanut sauce with bagoong on the side makes it to my list because it makes a non kare-kare fan to be otherwise. ;)

Great food at a very reasonable price, what more can you ask for?

*All images credited to my friend, Joy.

Kanin Club
Locations:Paseo De Sta.Rosa Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
Commercial Ctr., FAI Admin Bldg., Alabang Muntinlupa City
UP Ayalaland TechnoHub, Commonwealth Ave. Brgy. UP Campus Diliman Quezon CityAyala Triangle Gardens, Makati Ave., Bel-Air Makati City
Opening Hours:Daily 11:00 - 22:00

Friday, April 1, 2011

In Focus: Ay Chung Flour-Rice Noodle in Taipei

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線) is a popular noodle house because it really is home to the best Taipei noodle (more so in Rai's opinion). In here, only few chairs are available but no tables, and so most customers enjoy their noodles just by standing (we did, too)!

Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle

What this noodle house offers is a silk-like thin noodles, much like misua (麵線) that we know of, stewed with pig's intestines with bonito flakes as a predominant flavor. Chili sauce is made available for those who want their noodles to be (a little) spicy. Bowl sizes can either be a small-sized bowl which costs TWD45 or a bigger-sized bowl (good for sharing) which costs TWD60.

Rice Noodle Up Close

Location:台北市萬華區峨嵋街8-1號 No.8-1, Emei St., Wanhua District, Taipei City
Via MRT:Ximen 西門, Exit 6
Opening Hours:Daily 11:00 - 22:30