Mongkok for Lunch

We were thirty minutes early. We arrived at Mongkok at around 10:50am. I got excited to try their food. I've heard of Mongkok from my cousins & friends in Manila. They always brag about it but never had the chance to try it everytime I am there. Good thing it is now in Bacolod.

Today was their soft opening. We were their first customers. Menu is posted outside their main entrance so while waiting for them to open we already chose the dishes we wanted to try. Then I suddenly felt hunger knocking inside my tummy. While we were anxiously waiting for the waiter to turn the "close" sign to "open" we opted to have two pieces of triple choco at Mister Donut.

Finally, it was open! The place was empty still. We were the first customers. I always enjoy it when your the first customer to arrive because you have the option to choose your seats. I like the rustic ambience. Very casual. No pretentions. The flooring is just plain cement laid out nicely. It has high ceiling with red chinese paper lanterns layed out by rows.


We ordered the following: Crabstick with seaweed siomai (the white sauce tasted like bird's nest soup, is it?)

Beef Brisket with Cartilage

Shark's fin siomai

Assorted cold cuts: Not over the top but ok

I forgot the name, seafood something... grr... This eyelike!

And of course, their Mongkok Siomai! I heart this! We had four orders, I think.

Soyed Chicken

And of course, we had coke zero to quench our thirsts! Then the memory of my trip to Penang, malaysia in 1998 fashed back. I remember my Malaysian friend Ricky Lew brought me to Chinatown in Penang to have Authentic Dimsum. Ricky asked me what I wanted to drink and when I said "coke", he laughed. He said you drink tea when eating dimsum. Ngek!

Going back:

We assumed that they accept credit cards because this sign was posted on their main door. Then when I asked for my check and gave my card, they said they don't have a telephone line yet and their machine will arrive next week! Next Week! Then, remove this sign to avoid confusion! Hello!

I did not bring enough cash with me. Good thing Donits was there. He was my savior. He paid directly at the cashier. The waiters were already busy. I think there were only three waiter manning the entire place and it was getting packed.

Donny informed the owner that we were in the impression that they accepted major credit cards because of the signage posted on the main door. And politely asked him if they can remove it until they have the machine handy.

He requested for an official receipt and was given an order slip. We have to come back for it next week. Forgiven. This is their soft opening day.

I am still coming back here. I love the food. The service was fast & efficient. Mongkok is located at the ground floor of Terra Dolce Mall, Shopping, Bacolod City, Philippines.

Remembering Bangkok

Super Mowdil (Jaf), Donits (Donny) and I went to Bangkok last October 2009. This is my fourth visit. Yet, Bangkok as always is refreshing to visit. *wink*



Before departing, you have to fill out a departure card. Of all times why did I forget to bring a pen! I borrowed a pen from a guard but is asking money in return. I ended up giving the guard P20 for using his pen. Imagine how sucker for money people here are. This is sad.

We took PAL. The flight was smooth. I had an arguement with a stewardess. Before landing in Bangkok (we were not descending yet, we were still cruising at an altitude of god knows how high), we had to fill out an Arrival Card and all the details of my passort are saved in my iPhone. I took my iPhone from my pocket and this "old schooled" stewardess gave this poker face look and said "Ay sir! Hindi Pwede yan. You know the rules right?" I was trying to explain myself that prior to coming inside the aircraft my iPhone was on "Airplane" mode - meaning, the cellphone options are disabled. I cannot text or call. But she wouldn't listen to me. She kept on cutting me off and spoke over me everytime I explained it to her. So annoying! I think they needed to be educated on the latest gadgets and it's functionalities STAT. Grrr... what a way to start my vaca!

I look so "bangag" due to lack of sleep. The eyes! Yuck! Look at those dark rings around my eyes! How gross!!


Super Mowdil: Too much exhaustioin the previous night, slept almost the entire flight:


The flight was a little over three hours. Upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the three pimps got excited and pumped.

We wasted no time: Had some photo op done before passing immigration:



Donits: All smiles and excited to explore the beauty of Bangkok:


Donits took this photo: What's up there? hmm...... Remember, Mowdil?


Immigration: Super Mowdil waiting for his turn:


We are staying at one of my dearest friend's apartment. So, after passing immigration we headed straight to the car rental desk. They had a promo! Drop off is 100% charge while pick up is at 50% off.

Waiting for our Limo (NOT!): We rented a Toyata Camry.


The ride from the airport to Dearest friend's apartment took almost 45minutes. Upon arrival at his apartment we were all in awe with the stuff he has acquired through travel all over the world. From the Chinese Wedding Cabinets to the Java Clay Pots... it was simply amazing. It was five star at its finest!

Main Door of the Apartment:


Upon entering you will be greeted by a short black bench on the left with a jar and some foreign magazines:


On your right, a wide mirror adorns the bare white wall. A black wooden cabinet is topped with an amber vase and vanilla-scented candles:


This is the living area:


This is his personal desk: artistically positioned right behind the living area


Chinese Wedding Cabinets:


Living area: Love the lamps!


Here we have the Imported Helpers posing beside the lamp:


On the second floor you will find three bedrooms - The master's bedroom and two guestrooms.

There's also a living area on this floor:



The gang posing in the master's bedroom:


One of the guestroom's have a queen sized bed. This is my room:


Super Mowdil and Donits were room mates. They were assigned to the guestroom with two double beds. I forgot to take photos of their room. I was totally relieved that I was not Donits roommate because i can't stand his snorring. He snors like a lion's roar.

Back to the living area, we were served with Thai's own version of chicharon with green chili paste:


Neem: Thai Pork Sausage eaten with lime, chili, ginger and cashew nuts


These "pika-pika" (appetizers) were served with a bottle of Asahi beer. Donits and I were ready to call it a night but Super Mowdil was so eager to got out and party. Super Mowdil wont stop "bribing" Donits to join him. Donits was too tired and ignored him. And of course super mowdil had no choice but to sleep. Thank God I slept alone in my room. Peace!

Home Cooking @ someone else's Home

Was invited for dinner at Donny's house last night (Saturday).

I seldom decline invites like this. I always enjoy eating home cooked dishes at friends houses. You want to try their own version of chicken pork adobo, relyenong bangus, etc...

Donny called up around 4:30pm:

Note: Our conversation was in Hiligaynon; translated in English

Donits: What are you doing?
Me: Nothing. We'll go to your house before dinner.
Donits: Have dinner here.
Me: Can I request for Liempo? (Donits' mom makes the BEST Liempo!)
Donits: No time to prepare it. Next time you must inform me in the morning.
Me: Ok. Anything goes.
Donits: Poca and I will do marketing and cook dinner.
Me: See you.
-end-

Donit's lives in Talisay which is about 6kms from where I live. We got to his place around 6:30pm. Donit was lucky that our old friend Poca Hontas was at his place to help him out.

Donits prepared his own version of pancit and chicken tinola. Poca brought lemon grass for the tinola.

Here's Donits' home-made Pancit which has slices of chinese chorizo. YUM!


Chicken Tinola: Lemon Grass was brought by Poca from Mountaiw View (Subdivision where he lives):


Poca made his own version of burger paties with mushroom-based gravy:


The Perfect Couple: Poca and Donits


After dinner we watched X-Men Orgins: Wolverine then called it a night. We brought Poca home. Poca invited us to go down when we got to his place. There was a party. We were so not dressed to the nines; not to mention that we were so tired. We declined the offer and went home instead. Next time. Next time. :)

Astralis

Upon arrival from our Bangkok Trip, we were again picked up at the airport by cousin dearest. We landed at 615pm. However, since cousin dearest's car is color-coded that day, she can't leave until 730pm which is just about right considering that we still need to pass through immigration and wait for our luggages.

We were picked up at the international airport around 830pm. Cousin dearest was insisting that we try out "Brazil Brazil" in Rockwell for dinner so we headed to that direction. I called up "Your Highness" thinking that he might want to join us for dinner. However, he was engrossed with a basketball game on TV and ended up sleeping instead.

Upon arrival at rockwell, Brazil Brazil was already closed. Cousin dearest opted to have dinner at Astralis instead, located right beside Brazil Brazil. IT WAS SHEER PERFECTION!!!

We ordered the following dishes:

I order Lobster Bisque with lemon foam for my soup - TO DIE FOR!!!


We had baked oysters as our appetizer:


Our Main Courses:

As for me, I ordered Roasted US Tenderloin - Gratinated with quezo de cabra & tamarind pan au jus


Donny had Pork Scallopini with pears, figs & gorgonzolla served with rice:


Cousin dearest had Chicken stuff with gorgonzolla, mozzarella, stilton, with mashed potato and grilled zuchinni


Stan Anson arrived 30 minutes late and ordered something quick. He had the Tagliatelle & beef strips with fresh tomato wedges & black olives:


Cousin dearest not contented with all this wonderful dishes ordered Sato-san's Japanese mentaiko spaghetti with spicy cod roe, nori on cream sauce to share:


Carlo R. pretending not to be hungry and sucked on a slice of lemon:




and ended up finishing the entire plate of Sato-San's Pasta:



And here's the happy and very satisfied customers:


Astralis is located at Lopez Drive, Power Plant Mall
Along Rockwell Strip, Besides Via Mare
Telephone Number: +632 703-2688

Super Mowdil has arrived!!!

Last Saturday we had dinner at Trattoria Uma. It was our welcome dinner party for Super Mowdil has landed on earth!!!

People present: Audie and myself, Rina - Super Mowdil female version, Super Mowdil and of course Donits.


Donits: Salivating for alochol, is it? :) Whatever makes donits happy, we support. hahaha.



Rina - busy with her cellphone (still working at this time of the day)


Super Mowdil: Take note of the lip projection!



Earlier that day we were contemplating whether to have dinner at Italia or Trattoria. He chose the latter since it was his first time there. I find it strange but I felt quite full that night so I just had my fave pizza frutti de mare. While Rina had their Bruschetta.

My fave pizza @ this Resto:


Bruschetta, Oh Em Gee!


And Mowdils, request:


Plus, wine of course:



After dinner, we had dessert at Felicia's: I was not totally solved by their bestseller chocolate cake. However, their Cream Puff and Triple Choco Mousse was just to die for!

Cream Puff, lovezit!!!


And their Triple Choco Mousse that Audie ordered:


And you thought our night ended here? OF COURSE NOT! After dessert we were off to ICE BAR. The Bar is located beside WESTOWN Hotel along Lacson Street - Going to Mandalagan. We partied the night away. Went home at 3am with smiles on our faces, why? Make a wild guess... :)