One word to describe after dining at Cyma – OPA!

(OPA is a word used to express happiness, joy and celebration. Greeks, like Filipinos, are family oriented people who love to come together and celebrate almost anything. Gathering would always be around great food and plenty of wine to toast anything and everything.)

We went there to celebrate a friend’s birthday and were very happy with the food. Save for the heat that was coming from outdoors (we were situated near the door as it had the best light for taking pictures), everything else was perfect :). Considering this was a treat from the celebrant, I feel guilty for not giving a present, a piece of heart jewelry would have been nice.

SHAKES

Blueberry Yogurt Shake | Ripe Mango Shake

APPETIZER

 
Spinach and Artichoke Fondue
P350.00

With the blend of melting cheese, sliced sun-dried tomatoes and Feta. Served with warm pita triangles and grilled garlic bread.

SALAD

Familiy Style Greek Salad

P330.00 - 660.00

With mixed greens, red cabbage, tomatoes, capers, cucumber, Feta cheese, pine nuts, bow-tie pasta and black olives, served with your choice of Cyma’s Summer Herb or Traditional Greek Vinaigrette

Serving choices: Solo(P330.00), To Share(P460.00), Family(P660.00)

Souvlakia Souvlaki (Greek Shish-Kabobs)

Pork Tenderloin

P330.00

Skewered with fresh vegetables

Garides mi Feta Spaghetti - Greek Gambas Pasta

Garides mi Feta Spaghetti - Greek Gambas Pasta

P450.00 - 780.00

Roasted shrimp with tomatoes, Feta cheese, spaghetti. served with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving choices: Solo(P450.00), To Share(P640.00), Family(P780.00)

Cyma, Greenbelt 2
http://www.cymarestaurants.com/
G/F Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
(02) 729-4837

I met up with good friends last Saturday and we had a recap at, where else, but Cafe Breton. We need to find another dessert place soon! We didn’t order crepes because we were so full from our lunch (on another post, maybe tomorrow) but the drinks were as equally satisfying!

COLA COFFEES

Chocolate & Caramel
(Their own version of frappucinos I think, only they have ice cream! Yummy! I had the caramel version)

 

Café Leigeois (Leej*wah)

P120.00 - 130.00

Cold espresso, coffee ice cream

Serving choices: Regular(P120.00), Decaf(P130.00)

Café Au Lait Coffee

P85.00 - 95.00

Serving choices: Regular(P85.00), Decaf(P95.00)

Rootbeer Float

Café Breton, Greenbelt 3
1/F Greenbelt 3, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St., Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
(02) 757-4125

***Thanks to Dzoi and Kathy for the pictures and names

Today is July 1 and it means it can be the start of clean slate for the family. Especially for me, who needs to try and be healthy (Notice I don’t mention the words “lose weight” anymore – I really just want to be healthy and maybe that will follow in due time).

1. Sleep early. Sleep 8 hours a day.
This was hard for me. But I had to do it. My body was giving signs of rejection (wear and tear and abuse) that I need to stop, slow down and listen. Nowadays, I sleep 8 hours a day compared to my three-hour average. I work less but accomplish more. A sharp mind helps a lot.

2. Detoxify. Clean out refined sugar, hydrogenated oils and caffeine.
In short, clean out and take out the junk food and soda. We do drink soda during weekends but the kids haven’t drank soda in a month. I now am cutting back on coffee. I just hope cutting down on sweets will be as easy. It is easier to take a colon cleanser so detoxification will be easier. Remember, when you are addicted to these things like me, withdrawal symptoms are a nightmare. Migraines, temper outbursts and lethargy are common effects. I just make sure to eat a lot of fiber.

3. Move.
I didn’t say exercise. I just said move, which means walk around, get up and stand and do stretching every hour while on the computer.

Clean slate, let’s see how I fare!

#1. Clair’s question. What’s the biggest kitchen blunder you’ve made?

I’m not a cooking expert so I have so many blunders. I think the biggest blunder I made was using spoiled tomato sauce for spaghetti – I had to redo the whole thing agaiN!

#2. What’s your favorite snow day beverage?

We don’t experience snow from where I am so I cannot answer you. Though I love love Starbucks Peppermint Mocha during cold days.

#3. What’s your favorite way to eat celery?

I love eating it together with soup!

#4. What’s the most most unappealing looking food you can think of?

Oysters.

The past few weeks have been hard on me. Life was stressful, my schedule so hectic that I felt a lot of things going with my body. I began feeling sick all the time, my eyes hurt a lot, I was feeling lethargic and my headaches were a lot worse than before. I think stress, unhealthy habits and zero physical activity (exercise) has taken a toll on my body.

I am just 28 years old but deep down my body was pushing 40. I knew I had to do something – immediately.

The first thing I did was make an effort to switch and change my sleeping habits. I always slept late and slept for only three to four hours a day. Now, I go to bed when the kids do and wake up earlier, more refreshed and my brain functions more sharply.

The next thing I did was modify our meal menu for a week. We all needed a healthy diet – more veggies, less pork. I also included fish as part of our viand for two days a week. I am still dealing with portion control as I cannot seem to part away with rice but at least I have taken a step towards including more health foods to our diet.

I also banished soda – specifically Coke Zero – from our house. I allow it during weekends but my kids never drink it anymore. They are not as hyper and go to bed easier.

What are healthy foods? They are foods which are high in fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins that help our body function more. Most foods in fastfood restaurants are just high in calories, refined sugar, and cholesterol so we need to be more conscious of our food intake.

Make sure you get a little bit of these in your diet. They are considered to be the 29 healthiest foods:

apricots, avocados, raspberries, cantaloupe, cranberry juice, tomato, raisins, figs, lemons/limes, onions, artichokes, ginger, broccoli, spinach, bok choy (chinese cabbage), squash, watercress and arugula, garlic, quinoa, wheat germ, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, skim milk, yogurt, shell fish, salmon, crab

Notice they are all fruits, vegetables and fish?

With Cake and Wine of course

I miss Alex Franco cakes!

I cannot get enough the Breezes Resort line! I went to their web site - http://www.breezes.com – and checked out all the resort they have from all the world.

I saw this picture from the all inclusive resort at Runaway Bay Jamaica:

My ultimate dream is to be able to experience swimming and staying in an infinity pool so this one caught my eye. There’s of course, the beach to soak in and enjoy – there are endless stretches of beaches, quite coves and shady hammocks within eyesight – perfect for honeymooners.

Actually the Bahamas resorts are all worth it. They offer all inclusive packages that save you a great deal of money. No wonder they are a famous destination for weddings and honeymoons.

But wait, they not only offer packages for couples, but also families. There are a wide range of activities families can enjoy at the resort.

Breezes Bahamas welcomes singles, couples and families, 14 years and older.

I’ll mention the month of June and what do you immediately think of?

Summer vacation and weddings.

The month of June seems to be the most favored month for weddings because its gorgeous weather and the availability of families to go on vacation. As such, destination weddings like the famous caribbean weddings seem to fall on the month of June. Who would not want to hit two birds with one stone? You can get married, have a honeymoon AND travel and enjoy your vacation all at the same time by getting married at the beach.

For weddings, there are discount vacation packages and all inclusive travel deals being offered by cruise ships and all-exclusive hotels and resorts.

For example, the Breezes Resort offers a wedding package that includes:

• Free Wedding with minimum 3-night stay (any category)
• Marriage license
• Minister fees
• Preparation of documents
• Affidavits
• Wedding planner
• Recorded music upon request
• Witnesses if needed
• Champagne or Sparkling cider
• Decorated wedding area
• Wedding cake
• Bouquet & boutonniere
• 4 Complimentary off-property wedding guest passes
• Candlelit dinner for bride & groom
• Continental breakfast in bed, morning after wedding

Breezes Resort has a full line of resorts across the globe but I like the one in Nassau, Bahamas the best:

The beach + Divine swimming pools = HEAVEN!

Cancer kills.

Among men, Prostate Cancer is the leading cause of death once you hit the age of 50 years. What is good to know though is that even if prostate cancer has a high chance of mortality, it actually is quite curable if detected early and is preventable.

Once the prostrate gland is impaired, especially in cancer, it enlarges or hypertrophies, which strangles the urethra. It makes urination painful and difficult, and causes bladder infection which further leads to kidney diseases. So it has always been advised that older men, especially those over 50, get their prostate checked every year.

A healthy prostate is attainable by good nutrition, diet and exercise. We are what we eat, as they say. Try to eat more cruciferous vegetables and foods that contain lycopene , polyphenols and isoflavones. Vitamins A (beta-carotene), B6, C, D, E and the mineral, selenium, may help prevent and treat prostate cancer.

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy and Brussels sprouts are great examples of cruciferous vegetables while lycopene in tomatoes. Isoflavones are found in soy products – tofu is one.

While men suffer from impotence problems and take medicines such as Cialis to help, having a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and constant form of exercise helps prevent cancer (of all forms).

#1. bestmomma’s question. If you could copy the cooking expertise and ability of one person, who would it be?

I’d like to cook like my grandmothers – they can cook dishes that can satisfy plenty of stomachs.

#2. What’s the first red food that comes to your mind?

Strawberries!

#3. How do you eat your strawberries?

I’d like it cold, with whipped cream, condensed milk and/or sprinkle of sugar!

#4. Share a recipe that uses cherries.

Fruit Flan! This is my ultimate comfort food these days, when I need something sweet when I’m working on graphic design like albums and wedding invitations!

1. Carne Asada

Carne Asada is a Mexican recipe for marinated, grilled beef served in in tortillas. This is not your run of the mill taco. This is a flavorful and delicious meal that is great for any occasion.

2. Peppered New York Strip Steak

Lee Custer sent in this recipe for a spiced up a New York Steak. The secret is to use cracked peppercorns, not ground. That solid pepper flavor is what makes this steak so flavorful.

3. Mustard Beef Tenderloin

If you really want to impress your guests, this is the recipe for you. This beef tenderloin is lightly seasoned and then served up in a great mustard sauce that will make you look like a real chef.

4. Michael Jordan’s 23 Delmonico Steak

23 is Michael Jordan’s famous Chicago restaurant. This is their recipe for the Delmonico Steak. This is a fantastic grilled rib-eye, my personal favorite.

5. Southwestern Tri-Tip Steak

Loaded with cilantro and lime, this tri-tip steak is marinated in beer, wine and spices. Choose a dark beer for a richer flavor and add more pepper flakes to heat it up.

6. Marinated London Broil

This classic recipe for London Broil is marinated in wine and vinegar which makes it extra tender.

7. Herb-Crusted Fillet Mignon

What can be better than fillet mignon? It’s delicious and tender. This recipe calls for dried herbs though you can substitute with fresh herbs instead. If you are going to do so, double the amount that the recipe requires.

8. Oriental Tri-Tip Steak

Use a Tri-Tip steak or roast for this recipe and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The Asian inspired flavors in this marinade makes this a great steak.

9. Benihana Hibachi Steak

This is as close as you can get to the Benihana’s Hibachi Steak recipe. While they cook their steak on a heated metal plate you can cook yours right on the grill.

10. Rosemary and Red Wine Flat Iron Steaks

Flat iron steaks are not only inexpensive to buy, but also extremely flavorful and versatile.

I found a great new recipe site with the most awesome pictures – Pioneer Woman Cooks!

And I’m going to try this real soon:

Pasta with Eggplant

Olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 medium eggplants
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
Fresh basil
1 1-lb package fusilli
salt & pepper
Parmesan Cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Slice eggplant into round slices. Sprinkle one side with salt and allow to stand or 15 minutes. Turn over and repeat. Rinse eggplant and pat dry.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic until starting to turn color, about 5 minutes.
Add eggplant, stirring gently. Cook for 8 minutes, or until somewhat tender.
Dump in canned tomatoes and reduce heat to simmer. Add salt and pepper and simmer until eggplant is tender. Toss in cooked pasta and chopped basil. Stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with shaved Parmesan.

I need to schedule an appointment for the kids’ dental appointment one of these days. The big brother is a pro already when it comes to dental appointments but it will be the first time for the little girl but she has been always with us whenever we go to the dentist. It is too bad our family dentist left for overseas last month so we are on the look out for a new one. There are a lot of recommended Plano Dentists in our area but we need to make sure he or she can establish rapport with our kids.

The daughter has teeth that are grayish already so I’m scared it will have cavities soon. The big brother needs to have his bi-annual dental cleaning too.

I think this is cute In time for their 120th anniversary!

1886 - Drink Coca-Cola

1904 - Delicious and Refreshing

1905 - Coca-Cola Revives and Sustains

1906 - The Great National Temperance Beverage

1917 - Three Million a Day

1922 - Thirst Knows No Season

1923 - Enjoy Thirst

1924 - Refresh Yourself

1925 - Six Million a Day

1926 - It Had to Be Good to Get Where It Is

1927 - Pure as Sunlight

1927 - Around the Corner from Everywhere

1929 - The Pause that Refreshes

1932 - Ice Cold Sunshine

1938 - The Best Friend Thirst Ever Had

1939 - Thirst Asks Nothing More

1939 - Whoever You Are, Whatever You Do, Wherever You May Be, When You Think of Refreshment Think of Ice Cold Coca-Cola

1942 - The Only Thing Like Coca-Cola is Coca-Cola Itself

1948 - Where There’s Coke There’s Hospitality

1949 - Along the Highway to Anywhere

1952 - What You Want is a Coke

1956 - Coca-Cola … Makes Good Things Taste Better

1957 - Sign of Good Taste

1958 - The Cold, Crisp Taste of Coke

1959 - Be Really Refreshed

1963 - Things Go Better with Coke

1969 - It’s the Real Thing

Read more… »

I love to eat out. I’m actually the exact opposite of my husband – who can eat anywhere and just “eat”. He doesn’t care for ambiance or things like that, as long as he has rice, he is happy. Me – not only do I love the food, but the ambiance and atmosphere need to be in complete accordance of whatever mood I want to be in or I am at, at the moment.

That is why when we have a kitchen of our own when our dream house is built, we will have different lighting fixtures installed. Not only in the kitchen but all throughout the house!

It is a good thing that the husband and I agree on the house design we want to have – modern minimalist with a touch of shabby chic (that’s upon my insistence of course!).

Look at the lights of the kitchen pictures to your left. The pin lights on the long cabinets make them interesting and the hanging bulbs on a wired edge add to the overall design of the kitchen itself. Do you notice even the vase holders of the plants have lights installed behind them too?

I love it!