FoodTasteTest: T.G.I. Friday’s

Every time I pass by T.G.I. Friday’s, it always brings to mind a popular youth oriented drama series in PH way back in the 90’s called TGIS. Of course, the series and this resto have nothing in common but the name TGIF always rings a bell.

Moving on.

Actually, TGIF is one of those restos in Ayala that always begs the question “when”. As in, when will I have the chance to eat there? I’m sort of curious what makes the place so popular.

Tables for 6

I finally got my chance one Friday afternoon in September. It’s rare to have a lunch out on a Friday as we have free lunch at the office. But that Friday was a local holiday in Cebu which gave me that rare opportunity to head to the mall and fill my stomach with good food.

funky and eclectic decor

I would have wanted to try their famous Baby Back Ribs but my lunch mate and I were a little broke so we settled for their budget menu.

complimentary bread

Grilled Tuna (Php 295.00)

Grilled Pork (Php 295.00)

Turon (Banana Spring Rolls) w/ Jackfruit syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream

This came with the set menu and it didn’t disappoint our sweet tooth 😀

Although it took a while before our food arrived, all in all it was satisfying and the dessert was nothing but sweet goodness in it.

extras:

diners/camwhores

Superman and the Nerd 😉

me and astro against the crowd 😆

FoodTasteTest: SIAM – Thai Cuisine

I had an appetite for some Asian spicy cooking that’s why we ended up dining at Siam in Ayala Terraces. Thai foods are known for their biting taste and so be prepared for some hot dining experience.

Here’s the menu for the night:

Thai Spring Roll Php 75.00

This was our appetizer. I love the crunchiness of the spring rolls. It’s I supposed a mixed of veggie with a little bit of meat and some Thai noodle. I’m no food expert so I’m not quite sure, but it sure is palatable.

Family Affair

It’s been almost two weeks now since my parents paid me a visit, but I haven’t written anything about it. Well, excuse the poor me because I’ve been so extremely busy lately. With the holidays just around the corner, I have to make sure I finish my job on time so I could enjoy my vacation. So much for the natter,eh. Let’s talk about my parent’s visit. 😛

On their first day, paying homage to the Nino was a must. And if you’re in Cebu also, you shouldn’t miss heading to the Basilica de Sto. Nino. It’s one of the most visited places in town. Tourist flock by a dozen at the church. And it’s shocking to note that while the mass was going on tourists never seem to care. 😕 Oh, who would expect them to! They’re non-Catholics, right?

inside the Magellan's Cross

After the visit to the Nino, we head straight to SM for lunch. Although my father never liked going to the mall, I guess he didn’t have a choice because it’s part of the itinerary.

Their first day was concluded with a sumptuous sea food meal at STK which is located near the Capitol. This place is one of the best local restaurants in town and they serve also the most delectable baked scallops, which by the way is an all-time favorite of mine.

Their second day was I think more engaging and exciting than the first. Early morning, I took my parents to Tabuan. It’s the place where you could see mountainous displays of dried fish which come in different varieties. My brother didn’t tag along for he’d rather play computer games than to be with us.

pa and ma @ Tabuan

In the afternoon, I took them to Taoist Temple, where my father had a good view of the entire city. Taoist is located at the suburb of Beverly Hills and is also a famous tourist spot in the city.

a different look of the city

the turistas

aren't we close? 😆

Having enough snapshots, we went to Ayala to buy some goodies for my nieces and nephews.

Khem @ Ayala

And come late afternoon, we proceeded to Lapu-lapu and dropped by at my cousin’s place for dinner. It was only then that I learned that I have a lot of cousins in my father’s side who are also in Cebu. Such a shame on my part, eh. 🙄

Khem, ma, pa, and cuz Jun2x

The reunion was short but sweet because we had to head back to the city before it got too dark. But I pledged that I’ll come and visit my cousin sometime next year to claim my free Timex watch. Well, it’s not actually for free but maybe if I’ll play my cards right he’ll be generous enough to give me one. What’s the use of being a production manager if he’ll not give his poor cousin a single watch, right? 😉

Come Sunday, it was a day-out for me and my mom. My father and brother were such a bore that we decided to leave them at the pad. First, we went to Guadalupe to pick up something for my sister and also had a looked at their church. And I must say I was simply amazed by what we saw. The church was absolutely stunning.

church in Guadalupe

And because there’s a big sale in Ayala that day, so there we went. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to grab anything worth buying except for a set of bed covers. And it was such a great steal because its prices had been marked down at a Php150.00 per set. Sweet, eh? 😎

posing in front of Ayala's Christmas tree

It was almost four when we got home. And because it’s Sunday, we went to Mass at the Capitol Church. We then ate dinner at AA’s BBQ in Salinas Drive. It was at this restaurant that my father had a second helping of rice. Hmmmm…he must have enjoyed the dishes quite well. 😀

satisfied diners

A short walk around Asiatown IT Park helped our tummies to digest the food we had devoured that night. Having enough fun, we then call it a night.

pa looking tired

moi familia @ IT

I guess it’s safe to say that my father, mom, and younger brother, Khem, enjoyed their stay here in Cebu (well, they should because I almost got broke by the time they left…kidding! 😆 ).