Bad experience, Horrible service/crew at Masferre, Sagada

 -photo from TripAdvisor-

A few minutes ago, we had an early Christmas Eve dinner a Masferre. We had 2 tables reserved for 21 individuals. We even payed in advance.

Here was the scenario:

- On my way to the buffet table, my sister asked me to request some tissue paper/ paper table napkins. I told the waitress wearing a pink shirt. (excuse me, may i request for some tissue/table napkin?) Everything seemed okay because by the looks of it she and the other waitress behind the counter (wearing black) exchanged words regarding my request. But I waited for more than 15 minutes but the table napkin did not arrive.

- I went back to the buffet table to get some tea, the waitress in pink was standing nearby and so I followed up the request ("miss, uhm, where's the tissue...?) , she again nodded and went to the counter to talk with the woman in black w/c I saw go inside the kitchen. I went back to our table and waited but still no tissue. And now I see the waitress in pink behind the buffet table.

- When my sister went to get some more tea, she came back with a handful of table napkins. So I asked her where she got it and she told me that she only asked for it. "once" I got irritated and wondered, "are they ignoring my requests on purpose?"

- Just to confirm, I waited and started thinking on how to do another request, just in time, my aunt who was beside me wanted some water and so I presented myself to ask for it. This time I got the attention of a small woman that looked very boyish. ("May I request for 3 glasses of water?") She nodded....but again, I waited for 10 minutes and no water came. I looked at the counter and majority of the staff/crew were just there talking to each other. How hard is it to get 3 small glasses of water?

- This time I told my mother (who was the one who made the reservation with the owner/manager) I explained what happened. I asked my dad to call the owner to express my concern. When she came and heard us, she apologized and explained that "maybe" her staff who were according to her are contractual, were tired or frantic/panicked by all of the nights work.

HUH?! "again" how hard is it to get tissue paper/table napkin and 3 glasses of water?

I personally did not feel any sincerity from her (the owner/manager). She did not even apologize (in behalf of the staff) to me but spoke directly to the table.

I think there was a 3rd incident where - at the buffet table - I was about to get some pasta and right there and then, a different waitress quickly took the pasta away from the table. That time I thought that there must be something wrong with the spaghetti for them to take it away. But now that I've thought about it, I could say that it's a part of it...maybe a sinister plan against me? Why?

Because yesterday, we were also supposed to dine there. But my mom already had a reservation at Haddeku and our guide (as agreed earlier) was supposed to cancel but forgot to do it. And so, there was no choice but to proceed with Haddeku because the buffet was already prepared specially for our group.

But during that time, most of our family was already inside Masferre and by the time the rest of us got there, I was the one who told everyone (who was inside--sitting-- Masferre) about the predicament and that we have to leave and proceed with our previous reservation with Haddeku.

So, paranoid as I may seem, this is the only logical evidence/reason I can think of. They "maybe", thought that I cost them their earnings for that night. Because before we left, a staff called my mom's attention and told us that because of us/ our group, they rejected an earlier reservation by foreigners, and that we have to tell/ explain to the owner.

Tonight, when we left Masferre, that boyish looking woman was at the door and even had the guts to stare at me eye to eye...None of the staff came and apologized.

Thank you for ruining my Christmas Eve.

Oh and by the way, just to show some spirit of Christmas, I have to admit--in all honesty-- that their food was actually okay. I would have enjoyed every bit of it and would have had a fantastic time if it were not for Masferre's ill mannered staff/crew.

Ba Noi's

Being a foodie and a group buying addict, my dad bought 2 coupons for a Vietnamese restaurant called Ba Noi's located in Makati. The promo offers 4 dishes.

Fried Spring Rolls (Php 190)
Chicken in Cellophane Noodle Soup (Php 195)
Chicken in Caramel Sauce (Php 240)
Stir Fried Water Spinach (Php 90)

ShareTea Philippines

Another great Milk Tea place is located at Wilson St cor. P. Guevarra in GreenHills. From becoming No.1 in Taipei, I'm sure, pretty soon this will also be a great contender against the other Tea shops here in the Philippines.

Luckily, last night on our way home, I happen to spot the very 1st branch and we decided to try it. They've just had their grand launching 2 weeks ago.

Azuthai Photo Contest

Get the chance to WIN upto 5,000 pesos worth of AzuThai GC by joining AzuThai's Photo Contest. The best part of this promo is, there is no purchase needed. To join, simply follow the quoted mechanics after the break/jump. Good Luck! ^_^

Terry's - The Gourmet Store

 
Just recently, our family have agreed to hold a small get together at least once a month. Weather complete or incomplete, we will dine at a restaurant after a Sunday's worship or have a potluck

Last Sunday, we decided to try the signature dishes of Terry's at their branch in Podium.

Unlimited Cravings Festival by: Cravings Philippines

This is our chance to get as much as we can of Cravings' delectable cakes and signature dishes! All for the price of Php 450/ person. (inclusive of VAT, subjected to 10% SC and local tax)

October 14 was the start of their very first Unlimited Cravings Festival and will end on November 15.

Everyday, you can enjoy an eat-all-you-can of:

- Dish of the day (ex. Chicken Cordon Bleu)
- Soup and Salad
- Cake and Coffee
- Iced Tea

For more more information pls refer to:

https://www.facebook.com/icravecravings?sk=wall

http://facebook.com/icravecravings 

http://www.cravingsgroup.com

Lipton Milk Tea

Today, our entire family was stuck at home due to Typhoon Pedring. The cold wind and heavy rain yesterday made me feel sick. Taking cold medicine did not do much for me, but I found a solution. That is to drink Tea...Milk Tea!!! ^_^ Somehow, instantly my sneezing stopped for a while. *sigh* ^_^ Don't you just love the wonders of milk tea? ^_^

Another affordable drink in the market is Lipton's 3-in-1 Instant Milk Tea. It's easy to prepare. Just dissolve one pack/sachet in a cup of hot water. You can opt to add ice cubes to make it into a cold drink. The black tea based tea combined with milk and sugar makes a perfect blend.

1 box contains five 15g sachets.

Mine Shine Milk Tea

 
For Milk Tea addicts like me and my sister Karen, Mine Shine can be considered a life saver. When all the Tea Shops are closed, one can only depend on "Instant Milk Tea" ^_^ This is currently and only available in 7-11 convenient stores for only Php 40. It's nothing compared with Serenitea and Moon Leaf but during late hours when you start craving for some milk tea, Mine Shine is the answer. ^_^

Moon Leaf Tea Shop

 
For now, this is probably on the top of my favorite tea shop list. The best seller, Winter Melon Milk Tea has a rich creamy flavor.

Felicity Patisserie - Brgy. Holy Spirit Drive (Don Antonio)

 

After reading so much about Felicity Patisserie, we've finally decided to try it out. Not once but twice. First was with my parents and second was with our college friends.

The place was very nice and cozy. You'll get the feeling of being inside a play house. Although, they need to improve their air conditioning. Both my dad and one of my friends complained that the place was a bit hot.

Got this from an e-mail. Re-posting/ Sharing it! ^_^

Virgin coconut oil hailed as cure for Alzheimer’s

By Cesar C. Villariba
Philippine Daily Inquirer

12:47 am | Sunday, August 28th, 2011

 0share92 72

TREE OF LIFE. A farmer in Dumaguete City climbs up a 20-foot coconut tree to gather coconut sap known as tuba which his wife will cook into coco sugar or ferment into coconut gin called “lambanog” to provide livelihood to his family. The tree is known for its many other uses, which makes it one of the most versatile trees in the tropics. Coconut Week ends Sunday with an exhibit and sale of coconut products at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. -- MANDY NAVASERO/CONTRIBUTOR

Homemade Dengue Mosquito Trap

Homemade Dengue Mosquito Trap

It’s been all over the news for the past few weeks. The number of cases are increasing at an alarming rate. Every year this is one of our country’s biggest problems. DENGUE VIRUS!

The season/weather isn’t even helping. With the constant rain, stagnant water can be found all over, and those are only the visible ones, there are also the hidden stagnant waters where more and more Dengue carrying mosquitoes are propagating.

There is only so much that we could do to stop the Dengue cases from increasing. At home we’ve started burning dead leaves, and wood to produce smoke that hopefully would drive the Dengue Mosquito a.k.a. the Aedes Aegypti away. But no matter how much smoke we make, we still find those pests inside our home and in our bedrooms.

 

(picture from Stanford.edu)

That is why with the help of research, I’ve discovered a different way of eliminating these pesky little blood suckers. I found instructions on how to make a home made mosquito trap by using stuff that we can find mostly in our kitchen such as: empty plastic bottles, sugar, hot water and yeast.

White Hat - Italian Frozen Yogurt

 
One of our favorite desserts is the very healthy and nutritious "Yogurt". That is why for the past few years, my sister is excited to receive her copy of a planner which has free coupons in it. And one of them are coupons for a free cup of White Hat yogurt.

Jeon Won - Authentic Korean Restaurant

 
A few months ago while scouting for new real estate properties in Don Antonio, my family and I decided to try this Korean restaurant that was suggested by my friend. After a few minutes, we found what we were looking for. It turns out that this place was a bit hidden from the main road.

The Cookie Jar - French Macarons

Thanks to my sister Karen, who purchased a box of 1 dozen French Macarons at a discounted price from a group buying site. We got it for only Php165 (from Php 335).

Cha Dao Tea Place - Katipunan

Being a milk tea addict, my sister and I have decided to look for Cha Dao in Katipunan. I've first heard of this place from a fellow blogger - Smarla of Everyday Sweet Notes. According to her, it's starting to get really popular.

Restauran 101 - Sunday Brunch Buffet at Enderun Colleges

Good news! Starting June 26, 2011 - every Sunday at 11:00 AM - Enderun College's Restaurant 101 will be having a lunch buffet - for everyone - at a reasonable price.

And you know what buffet means? ^_^ Get to choose different kinds of appetizers and desserts from their buffet table. Aside from that, you get to pick a main course that will be prepared from their main kitchen.

For more information, visit: http://101.enderuncolleges.com OR call (63) 856-5000 (Loc 101)

FOOD Magazine's culinary workshop - The FOOD Kitchen Series!

Register now! The workshop has only limited slots.

FOOD Magazine is proud to bring back its series of culinary workshops - the FOOD Kitchen Series! The first batch of workshops is on June 18, 2011 in Enderun Colleges, to be conducted by Enderun's top chefs Chef See Cheong Yan and Andreas Gillar. Enrollment is free but pre-registration ...is a must! Hurry, slots are limited!

Registration guidelines:

1. Interested participants should email the following details to foodmagtour@gmail.com
- Complete name
- Home address
- Age
- Cellphone number
- Occupation

2. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis due to limited slots in the workshop.

3. A notification to your email address will be sent regarding the status of your registration.

4. You may not register for another family member, friend or colleague.

5. Bring the current issue of FOOD Magazine to the workshop.

The workshop is from 9 am - 3 pm. Lunch will be served during the workshop as well.

https://www.facebook.com/foodmag

Buon Giorno Caffe and Bistro - Rockwell Business Center

I first experienced Buon Giorno in Tagaytay when my sister Karen treated the family for a weekend foodtrip. We had fun dining alfresco with the cold wind and atmosphere, plus the magnificent view. 

A few days ago, my aunt treated the family for lunch at Buon Giorno's branch here in Manila, also as despedida party for my grand aunt.

Max's Restaurant - Chicken All-You-Can is Back!

 
So what are you waiting for? It's time to loosen-up those waist belts and jeans! Better not eat much during lunch break. ^_^

I suggest not to order any carbs such as rice and bread. Try not to drink too much liquid. And better to consume warm water instead of icy cold ones.

Chew properly and eat slowly. We don't want indigestion, do we? ^_^

 

https://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant

Sooo Pinoy - Independence Day Food Trip Contest

 In celebration of Independence Day you and a friend can get the chance to have an all afternoon food trip courtesy of Sooo Pinoy: Inspiring Filipino Food just buy showing how you can promote Filipino Cuisine.

Sooo Pinoy will be choosing 2 lucky winners, plus each can bring a friend with them. ^_^

Mechanics:

- Be a FAN of Sooo Pinoy on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/SoooPinoy

- Answer this question in 150 words or less:
   "What is the most creative way you can promote Filipino food?"

- Together with your answer, send a photo of you eating Filipino food in your favorite restaurant to Sooo_Pinoy@yahoo.com

- Also include your full name, birthday, e-mail address and mobile number.

Winners will be announced on June 10, 2011

To know more, pls visit: https://www.facebook.com/SoooPinoy

Good Luck! ^_^

M&M's Global Character Elections - Vote and WIN

M&M’s^® Candydates go head-to-head in popularity contest
that rewards you.

Vote and rally for rewards of up to US$1,000

M&M’s^® Characters may come in a spectrum of colours, but which is the most popular of them all? Today M&M’s^® launched its Vote & Win campaign, calling all Filipinos to vote for the most popular M&M’s^® Candydate.

Serenitea - Eastwood Libis

I think Serenitea was the first one to popularize tea drinks (milk tea) here in the Philippines, before Happy Lemon and Chatime.

Discover Cuisine - An Exclusive Bloggers' Event 2011 by: Enderun Colleges

May 21, 2011 was a day to be cherished by those invited, most especially by me and my sister. Enderun Colleges in partners with NuffNang Philippines; presented an exclusive bloggers' event that will surely influence my culinary outlook in life.

The Frazzled Cook

As a birthday celebration, my aunt treated the family for lunch at The Frazzled Cook. My sister, Karen was so excited to try the place but could not make it due to a TV Commercial shoot.

I found the place very cozy and intimate. The interior design was a mixture of everything, mostly of old stuff. I suggest getting a reservation because the place tends to get full.

Chatime - Pioneer Center

First is Serenitea, then came Happy Lemon. Now, it's Chatime! ^__^ Thanks to my tea addict sister, Karen for this new treat! ^_^


What made me more interested with this new brand is that, they have my favorite flavor...Matcha Milk Tea!!! ^_^ The taste is similar to the ones I always order at a coffee shop. They just added some extra ingredients to make it more special.

Pumpkin Soup - Recipe

Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

-         ½ Pumpkin

-         3 pcs Sweet Potato/Yam (Kamote)

-         3 pcs Carrots

-         5 cups water

-         3 stalks Celery (chopped)

-         4 pcs Garlic (minced)

-         1 pc Onion (chopped)

-         Soup stock (chicken or beef)

-         Pepper, Salt and Olive Oil

Procedure:

Chicken Pita Wraps - Recipe

Ingredients:

12 pcs. Pita Wraps

½ kilo Chopped Chicken Breast Fillet (Grilled of Fried in butter)

1 cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt

250 grams Mayonnaise

1 Tbsp Sugar

1pc Chopped Garlic

1 Box Kraft Cheddar Cheese (grated or in cubes)

1 Big Tomato (chopped)

1 Big Onion (chopped)

Procedure:

Causeway Seafood Restaurant - Libis

After watching a movie in Eastwood we grabbed a late night snack at Causeway along Libis. My sister has been bragging about its dim-sum and its affordable price.

Indeed, the prices were quite low compared to other expensive Chinese restaurants. And the taste was good and was quite the same with its contenders.

The French Baker

After reading the post of my blog idol, blankPixels about French Baker, I could not help but crave for it. So, for the past few months, whenever we have a client call or a meeting at the mall, I always urge my parents to have a table at the French Baker. We simply cannot have enough of French Baker.

Aside from having an affordable menu, they also cater to a variety of scrumptious food!

MyCityCuisine.Org - A Traveler's Guide to Local Cuisine

My City Cuisine - A Wiki Project, aims to help travelers find the best places to dine and eat quality food in different places across the globe.

WIN "The Food Matters Cookbook" - Serious Eats

Get the chance to WIN this new cook book with 500 revolutionary recipes by: Mark Bittman

Our friends at Serious Eats will be giving away 5 copies! All you have to do is leave a comment on the contest page telling them "How you are eating more responsively?"

Visit the contest page:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2011/03/weekend-giveaway-the-food-matters-cookbook.html

Chocolate Cake by: 12 Baskets Bakeshop and Everyday Sweet Notes

Today, I received a very special message on Facebook. I won another contest. This time, it's a contest by the birthday celebrant, Smarla of Everyday Sweet Notes and 12 Baskets Bakeshop.

I won a chocolate cake, specially baked by Smarla, herself. We both agreed to meet at a coffee shop in Katipunan, QC.

When I got my prize, I was so eager to reach home, I wanted to see and taste the cake! Just imagining about the mouth watering chocolate cake inside the red box made me even more exited. When we got home, I immediately cut the plastic ribbon and opened the lid. Then there it was.....^____^

Mercato Weekend

Our family loves to eat, so, when my other grandma came home from Abu Dhabi, we finally decided to check out the popular Mercato Centrale. We got there around 8 am, and it was already jam-packed! Vacant tables were scarce!

Azuthai - Home Style Thai Cuisine

As an early birthday celebration, my sister Karen who is a total foodie, treated our family to a mini degustation at one of the finest Thai Cuisine restaurant in the metro.

When we got there, I was pretty much impressed with the ambiance. Outside, you would not think it has a fine dining set up. But when you see the interiors, it's pretty much impressive. Although, when my sister made the reservations, the person in-charge allowed us to wear jeans. Plus, I saw several customers who came in wearing a regular t-shirt w/ jeans or walking shorts and sandals. It pretty much ruined the atmosphere. Nevertheless, it's all good.

Site Maintenance - New Theme Implementation

To all my friends, fellow foodies and co- blogger, my site Pinoy Muffin Top will be temporarily unavailable for a short period of time. My online friend and blog idol blankPixels will upload/incorporate a new theme design for this blog.

Thank you for all your support! Cheers! ^_^

Annabel Lee Cafe & Ah! Pao (Suzhou Dimsum) - Greenhills Promenade

Two hours before our Dinner reservation in Makati, my family decided to grab a quick snack at Greenhills Promenade. My dad and I, decided to try Anabel Lee's sandwiches, while my sister and my mom preferred the oriental dish of Ah! Pao (Suzhou Dimsum).

@ Annabel Lee, we ordered:

- Roast beef Steak Sandwich (a la carte)
- Chicken Club with Basil-Pesto (a la carte)

@ Ah! Pao:

- Xiao Long Pao
- Taiwan Beef Noodle

Happy Lemon (Greenhills Promenade)

"Happy Lemon started in 2006 in Hong Kong and now has over 100 outlets spread across Hong Kong and China" - Happy Lemon

And now, it's finally here in the Philippines. A branch at Greenhills Promenade. It just opened a few months ago, and sure enough, it is a big hit!

Before heading to Makati for a dinner reservation, My family and I decided to drop by at Greenhills and try this latest Manila craze. My sister had already tried it, so she knew what I should order first.

Beef & Vegetable Noodles (Chinese-Korean Fusion) - Recipe

After arranging our pantry, my mom found Korean wheat noodles that were left unseen for months. So, not wanting it to go to waste, we decided to have noodles for dinner.

We only use those kind of noodles for Shabu-shabu, but we're not in the mood for it and we lack some ingredients. So, we thought, why not make our own recipe of Chinese-Korean style noodles out of whatever we have in the fridge.

Ingredients:

Patchi Chocolate

A year ago, my aunt who works in Abu Dhabi University, brought home a special treat for all of us. Patchi chocolates ^_^

According to her and to my former grade-school teacher (who now works in Dubai) these chocolates are quite expensive. And a few years back, this brand was not even available here in the Philippines. So, receiving boxes full of assorted Patchi chocolates was a fantastic treat. Thanks Rae! ^_^

Baba Ghannouj - House of Kabab (SM City Taytay)

hmmmm...how can I say this without being so harsh? Yes, a bad food trip experience...Feel free to read more or skip to my other posts...

I have never been to.... OR.... This is my first time to dine at a restaurant/food establishment where the MAJORITY of the food on their menu was NOT AVAILABLE.  

January 14, 2011 -- After a long and tiring trip from Quezon City going to Binangonan Rizal -- to pay this years realty tax. My parents and I have decided to have lunch at SM Taytay. We were enticed by the very attractive interiors of Baba Ghannouj (House of Kabab)

Focaccia - A Slice of Italy (A. Venue)

Last month, after my mom's client call, we happen to pass by at A.Venue. My sister being a major foodie, instinctively call out: "Oi! A.Venue! I've heard about this place. Let's have dinner here!"

And so, my dad (the driver at that time) made a quick right turn and looked for a parking space. Inside the mall, we scouted for a good place to eat. In the end, we've decided to try Focaccia. According to my sister, she has heard/read good reviews about the brand.

We ordered:

Iced Tea can give you Kidney Stones

Who knew that drinking too much iced tea can give you kidney stones? I know for a fact that Tea is very healthy. I have been ordering iced tea since I knew there was such a drink. Thank goodness it was only once in a while. Only during the times we dine out and no other drink was available.

But what about those who offer bottomless/refillable iced tea? And what about my other relatives who practically consider instant iced tea as regular H2O? And to think that bottled, ready to drink Iced Tea is always available in the groceries and convenient stores....I better warn them about this.

Thanks to my sister, who was reading a fitness magazine, while we were killing time during our movie night. She borrowed the digi-cam that she gave me, and snapped a couple of pictures of the article.

Read and be warned:

Martini - Asti

After Lambrusco Emilia and Pinot Noir (Wild Rock), my uncle saved the best for last. He served the family's favorite, the classic Italian sparkling wine -- Martini - Asti.

Wild Rock (Cupids Arrow) Pinot Noir

Also during my cousin's birthday, aside from serving Lambrusco Emilia, my uncle also served a 2008 Pinot Noir -- Wild Rock red wine. A product of New Zealand.

Lambrusco Emilia (rosso) Sparkling Red Wine

During my cousin's 10th birthday last Saturday. His dad (my uncle), a wine aficionado, served us a couple bottles of red wine. The first one is, Lambrusco Emilia (rosso) Italian Red Wine. According to him, it's a good one. Plus, it only has mild alcohol content, thus, it was just like drinking grape juice.

Muang Thai - Authentic Thai Cuisine

 
This is probably one of the most authentic-tasting Thai restaurants in the Metro. They also have Thai inspired interior design, so having your lunch or dinner there would give you a different kind of atmosphere.

The Highlands Steakhouse (SM Mall of Asia)

As posted earlier, our evening at the Highlands Steakhouse in SM MOA was one of the best. Not just because it's our first time to welcome the New Year in a public place, but also because of the fantastic dinner we had at the steakhouse.

New Year's Eve at The Highlands Steakhouse in SM Mall of Asia (part 2)

Don't you just wish you could rewind time? Especially, during a great and wonderful moment, so we could experience it over and over?  ^_^ Thank goodness for video recording.

As usual, the people were in high spirits. Especially during the fireworks display. There's nothing you can hear but loud cheers, and non-stop party horns. I swear, I thought "don't these people run out of breath?"

Here's a sample of a video I took during the said event.