food trip – Rich Cervales Blog

Serendipity 3

September 13, 2014UncategorizedLeave a Comment

Serendipity 3 is a renowned celebrity favorite thanks to its famous original New York City location, whimsical desserts and frequent appearances in film. Begin with its famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate drink that blends 20 different kinds of chocolate into an icy cocoa concoction. Indulge in unique takes on classic dishes like the colossal dinosaur-sized BBQ Ribs, Monster Meatballs and Spaghetti and hundreds of other items. — Source

With an old-fashioned ice cream parlor décor, Serendipity 3\’s setting is colorfully appealing to both adults and youths. Expect the pleasantly unexpected at this casual, quirky dining and drinking destination located just off the Las Vegas Strip near Caesars Palace\’s front fountains. —SOURCE

Me and my sisters-in-law waiting in queue.

Interiors transcends a colorful ambiance that appeals to adult and children. The vibe is still comfortable which makes this place perfect for meet-ups and get-together with friends or families (if the place is not packed). Make sure you come here at off-peak hours to avoid a long queue.

We came there for dessert. While waiting for our order, I was pa-simple looking at other customers table. Servings are HUGE. But, I was still surprised to see what Serendipity has in-store for us.

The Best Red Velvet Cake. Moist, not too sweet (for my taste) and creamy. Delicious!

It\’s delicious as well but, the serving was overwhelming I felt full right away. I think 1/4 of the serving will do for me the next time. Better yet, share it with someone.

Fried Oreo…Sinfully good!

This chocolate-y drink looks innocent at first but, wait till the alcohol runs straight into throat…

More alcohol-based desserts for adults!

Whoa! We finished everything!

The next time that I\’m here, I\’ll definitely try their other desserts and classic dishes.

Customer-service: OK.

Cleanliness: OK.

Price Range: $$-$$$

Crowd control: Pleasant

XOXO

The Boiling Crab

September 6, 2014UncategorizedLeave a Comment

I just love how The Boiling Crab reoriented my taste bud on eating some mean crab and shrimp.

You have to get down and dirty with it. Hands clean, hair up, plastic bib tight on your neck. We had it to go, the first time.

The second time was when Toper was here for a visit. We went to their space in MiraMesa. The place has a rugged and simple ambience. It\’s big place, overcrowding is not a problem and they handle the crowd well.

I think the interiors and ambiance matches the food, SIMPLE and straight to the point.

Just make sure, the hands are clean!

I think the secret is in the sauce. I mean, I\’ve eaten seafood many times but, I find it delicious because it was cooked and presented differently. I love it especially when you pour the sauce in steaming white rice. Yum!

Little brother likes TBC. I saw it in his face before and after.

In-n-Out Burger

July 26, 2014Uncategorized2 Comments

I leave Vegas for the meantime.

As we were leaving, I noticed that The Luxor is a little isolated from everybody. Next time I should try riding the Monorail.

I\’ll see you soon JBWKZ

Thereafter, all I see is this…SUN and SAND.

Upon arriving in Barstow, I finally had the chance to eat In-N-Out Burger! Yipeeee!!!!! (And to think, that this burger joint is just a 5-10 minutes walk from our house >.< )

Happy-Happy-Joy-Joy

The staff especially their \”caps\” reminds me of Good Burger. Hehehehe

Photo Source

I\’ve been hearing a lot about this burger. I have friends who had tried it here in California and a successful pop-up in Singapore. With a positive feedback, how can I not be jittery the moment I stepped inside the store.

The fries are great! Deep-fried to perfection.

We had the Double-Double burger.

There\’s something about the juiciness of the burger. That complements the cheese and the rest of the toppings. According to Jaina, for her it has something to do with \”THE SAUCE.\”

I was in a food coma for the rest of the trip. I\’m sooooooooooo Hhhhhhaaaaaappppyyyyyyyy!!!!!!

The second time I ate there, I brought along my brother Peng (who was visiting at the time). For him it was just OK. Meaning: \”Above average. Fries in Shake Shack are way better.\” Well that\’s his opinion. It stirred a curiosity about Shake Shack and the yearning of visiting New York City soon.

For now, I\’ll enjoy my In-n-Outs.

XOXO

Vegas After Sunset

July 25, 2014Uncategorized2 Comments

A night in Las Vegas is a delightful treat to your senses. We didn\’t came here for gambling and partying, we just enjoyed the sights. I just hope the next time I\’m here I\’ll be seeing Britney Spears, Jabbawockeez and Cirque du Soleil.

The Champs replica with Gordon Ramsay\’s imagery. I tell you, his presence in Vegas is everywhere.

This Eiffel Tower replica almost looks like the real thing (in picture).

It\’s Britney! B*tch!

I can see my Prada somewhere out there…

Dinner courtesy of Jaina

I\’m not a big fan of steak. Although if I\’m given one, I will eat it.

Jaina\’s plate. This one looks more delicious.

We are supposed to try Gordon Ramsay\’s steak place, but it\’s too expensive! Maybe with a Registered Nurse\’s salary grade I can afford it the next time hehehehe. I also want to try his burger place that has quite a queue.

My SIL Marilou and I decided to explore more of the The Strip. She discouraged me of exploring alone and insisted of coming with me. Turns out, there are more lurking photo-bombers.

I was ready for my beauty shot when this two guys came. I asked them to join me. They gladly obliged.

Ooops my ride (from the left of the pic) is waiting for me…Chos!

Nevada Patrolman.

The famous Bellagio watershow. A-must-see at The Strip. Guess what?! It\’s free. Just make sure you get a nice place for a good view.

At this time, the streets are crowded as ever! We contributed to the congestion hehehe

There\’s this group of ladies and gents who suddenly came out of nowhere while where taking photos. Everything happened so fast! Next thing we know Kuya Joel was sandwiched by chika-babes. Just see the look in face, he likes it! Turns out they are staff/crew from a local channel. In one way or another our faces appeared on TV.

Weeeeeeeee!!!!!

As we approached Palazzo and Wynn, we were \”mobbed\” again by partially intoxicated photo-bombers.

Alright!

Parang matagal na kaming magkakakilala!

I blend well…tsk tsk tsk Lakas maka-adjust at adapt. Wooohoooo!

Kainez! kung kelan mas madami ang barkada malabo ang kuha! Hahahahaha F na F!

Ang masasabi ko lang…I\’m freakin\’ cool!

To continue…we\’re on our way to Palazzo.

The crowd in this area is tamer, everyone seems business-like especially at Wynn.

Move over Kris Aquino, we now have a mandatory picture in the Palazzo waterfalls.

I love the decorations!

I was initially rooting for Caesar\’s Palace for \”The Hangover\” experience. I\’m hoping to stay at Wynn the next time around. I found out from Travel Channel\’s Best Buffet in Las Vegas that Wynn buffet has an upscale ambiance and seafood menu that is to die for!

The Venetian at night…

Caught a glimpse of Palazzo.

Whew! I should say we had one helluva night! After all the eating, photo-taking and walking, I declared myself a Pagoda Cold Wave Lotion.

XOXO

Things To Do In Phuket

March 19, 2014Uncategorized6 Comments

There are lots of activites to do in Phuket. It will highly depend on your interests. Here\’s what we had.

1. Participate in local festivities

We arrived during the Loi Krathong Festival. Too bad we were not able to witness the floating lanterns (darn!). Performances along the beach and Bangla road are available to entertain. Not to mention the colorful decorations all over town were beautiful. Take note: we didn\’t pay anything at all.

2. Thai Massage

I\’m a sucker for a good relaxing massage. There are lots of spa nearby the beach. Prices starts from 250 Baht. It also depends on what kind of massage that you will be having.

A complimentary foot scrub was done before starting.

3. Food Trip!

This was the shopping and food bazaar in Bangla road during Loi Krathong.

My all time favorite Thai dessert: Mango with sticky rice – 80 Baht

Reminds me of gulaman and buko pandan.

One of the random food joints that we stumbled upon…

Hindi sulit! Ang konti ng serving

4. Elephant Trekking

5. Night Clubs

Night life in Patong is ALIVE and WILD!

While roaming the streets, we chanced upon this bar in Bangla Road that hosted the ship that my husband served before he retired.

6. Island Hopping

Two of the most popular island hopping destination is James Bond Island and Maya Bay (\”The Beach\”) . I opted for the latter, I\’m more of a Leo fan.

Little did I know, our boat won\’t be exactly docking in the island. And even if we do, Maya Bay is congested with boats and people.

Make sure when booking a day trip of island hopping, know the exact details.

If you have your own snorkeling gear, bring it. Tours charge it per hour.

I have to admit, this place is beautiful. I could just imagine, it could have been more serene, peaceful and pristine pre-production of the movie.

7. Hammertime

I just made up the name. I saw this in one area of the mini bars in Patong. It\’s like you strike the nail hard, the deeper it goes through the wood, you win (?!) If anyone knows how this game goes, I stand corrected.

8. Pingpong Show

Curiosity killed the cat (I\’m the cat).
Just google search it. And if you do, these are the critters that came out of the V.

There are lots of activities to choose from, really! There\’s go-kart racing, ATV trekking, para-sailing, jet ski and speed boat rentals. If you want a tailor-made yet affordable suits and formal dresses that will be ready within 24 hours, they have it. My husband got his pants and shirt there.

Phuket is nice but, I didn\’t like it that much. It\’s tiring to go from one place to another. Much of the attractions and must-see places are far. Though I can still see myself coming back, because I want to see James Bond Island but I\’m not in a hurry. I suggest to those who wants to go, research a lot about the place and match it with the kind of vacation you want.

We all deserve relaxing vacations. Good Luck!

xOxO

Project Pie

January 13, 2014UncategorizedLeave a Comment

I was surprised when I found out someone brought Project Pie in Manila. Good job! Way ahead than Singapore, Dubai and Hongkong.

Broadway, Chula Vista Branch

Originally Project Pie started in Las Vegas. They expanded the business to California with a branch in Hillcrest and Chula Vista.

Interior is minimalist concentrating on neutrals. The place is spacious and clean.

On the left check -out the hanging iPad. You can take pictures and post in their instagram account @projectpiecv

I feel like, the place was designed for social media. The wall paper makes a nice backdrop for selfies and group pictures. Lighting (best at daytime) can give you a nice glow.

Love the hanging light bulbs.

Ate Marilou and I ordered by number. We decided that we want to try everything first before customizing. I find their dough different because of a certain soft crisp with a little bit moist.

Starting Left-Up (clockwise): Prosciutto #7, Nutella & Banana for dessert, Pepperoni #2, Grilled Chicken #6. I like #7 the best. It has this minimal sweet and salty taste that mixed well and is far from the typical tomato pizza sauce.

Remember to clean as you go…

We are kilig with the cute manager hihihihihi. He gave us a free pizza. (He\’s the manly dude in black)

Will definitely comeback to try other numbers and experiment with the toppings.

Manila enjoy Project Pie!

XOXO

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