MUST TRY MONDAYS

Aloha!!! Finally I'm back and blogging. I was bedridden for almost a week because of one nasty flu virus! Now I'm still coughing but feeling better and blogging! I hope everyone's in good health today.  It's a Monday so let's start the week right. ☺


MUST TRY # 1: HAPCHAN CRAB & CORN SOUP AND SHRIMP BALLS

So when I got sick, I wanted to eat soup because my sore throat wouldn't let me swallow much.  Crab and corn soup has been an all time favorite - whether it's the instant one or the real one.  Hapchan's crab and corn soup did not fail.  It was very hot, it had egg, and the taste was perfect.  I also love shrimp balls. Even if they were a bit hard to swallow at that time (sore throat) because of the breading, I still ordered.  I just sliced it into small pieces so it would be easier to swallow. Even if my tastebuds were weak I was happy because the shrimp balls tasted a-ok!


MUST TRY # 2: MAMOU BEER BATTERED FISH WITH MALT VINEGAR

Really soft and juicy fish. And I mean really soft. The batter was delicious (not too salty) and the yummy crispy fries were a bonus. The only downside was the serving - it was too small for me.


MUST TRY # 3:  BUGSY'S BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS

One word: AWESOME. This one's another all-time favorite bar chow, appetizer, snack, or even viand!  I love the taste and texture of the chicken.  It's a gulity pleasure because you can enjoy eating your favorite buffalo wings without the hassle of removing bones.  Love it! ♥


That's all for now. Have a good week everyone! ☺

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Do Your Health A Flavor

Okay so my friends contradict me on this.  They all love the famous Red Mango.  But no matter what they say or do, I won't change my mind.  YOH-FROZ is my favorite frozen yogurt!  The first time I tried it, I just got plain with no toppings, and instantly fell in love with it.  It's so creamy and the sweetness is just right.  It's almost like ice cream but with the health benefits of yogurt.  I don't like Red Mango that much because I find it too sour for my taste. I do like it's super fine texture though.  White Hat and FIC's froyo, not so much either.  The texture is quite grainy for me.  Golden Spoon, well, it doesn't look and taste like yogurt at all. Too sweet, even sweeter than ice cream.  I love both California Berry and Qoola for their flavored froyo (Blueberry and NSA chocolate).  Although sometimes when I think about it, I'd rather get real ice cream than their flavored yogurt.  It depends on my mood really. :)

If I want to eat real frozen yogurt (no in betweens), it always has to be YOH-FROZ.  Nothing beats it's creaminess and sweet (but not too sweet) yogurt taste.  I always order mine with crushed Graham crackers and cheesecake bits.  Sometimes when I feel guilty, I only go for the crushed Graham.  Try it and do your health a flavor.

Photo taken via INSTAGRAM for iPhone

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Snacking at Burgoo

It is quite impossible to miss the bright yellow signage of Burgoo when you walk around the mall looking for a place to eat.  This American resto has already been here for a while and it has become a usual go-to place for burgers and other American staple alongside its competitor, TGIFriday's.  Aside from the good 'ol burgers and steaks, they have huge platters of appetizers, soup, salads, desserts, etc.  Very American catering to the Filipino taste.

So one hot afternoon after watching a fashion show, my friends and I decided to dine in Burgoo again to get a quick snack.  (I don't know how many times I've eaten here already but maybe more than five.)  I decided to order the Supreme Sampler, the Oklahoma Pulled Baby Back Sandwich, and some Dalandan Shake as refreshment.  You're probably thinking those sounded more like lunch or dinner than snacks...well you know me haha! ☺ 

I particularly enjoyed Burgoo's Supreme Sampler.  I've always loved samplers because I want a little of everything.  The Onion rings were crispy and cooked perfectly, the Mozzarella sticks were...well they're my favorite so... the Buffalo wings were yummy, and the Santa Fe spring rolls had great flavor and were extra crisp.  It's a great snack, appetizer, or bar chow slash "pulutan".

Supreme Sampler, Regular (P395) - Large is at P595

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy my burger as much as I enjoyed the Supreme Sampler.  Perhaps I expected a lot because the name Oklahoma Pulled Baby Back Sandwich sounded fantastic! It was not that "bad" but I did wish I just ordered the usual Hamburgoo instead.  It just wasn't tasty and the meat was not juicy and tender. I'm not sure if the meat was overcooked or if they did not use baby back meat to begin with, but the dry and hard texture was really a downfall. Too bad because I was imagining really tender and juicy ribs-like meat in my  sandwich with flavorful sauce. Anyway, at least the coleslaw was good and I had a lot of fries as siding.

Oklahoma Pulled Baby Back Sandwich (P325)

Because it was such a hot day, the hero for me would surprisingly be their Dalandan Shake.  Very very refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness and citrus tanginess.  I wish there was an option to make it bottomless.  That would be perfect especially during the summer.

Dalandan Shake

Overall, I enjoy dining in Burgoo because of the ambiance and the decent American food.  They also have satisfactory customer service.  Not bad for an All-American snack fest.

Snack time over! Ciao! ☺




You may visit Burgoo at the following branches: Powerplant Mall Rockwell,  Robinsons Galleria,  The Podium, Gateway Mall,  Greenhills Shopping Center,  SM Mall of Asia,  SM Marikina,  SM North The Block, and Tomas Morato. 

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Dreamy Sushi: American Dream

A is for AWESOME, D is for DREAMY...  That is how I'm going to describe The Fat Vain Shopper's all time favorite, American Dream Makimono from Omakase. ♥

American Dream is made up of cooked salmon and cream cheese wrapped in nori, Japanese rice, and deep fried with light breading.  It's not the conventional sushi/maki with raw seafood but I like it.  The dipping sauce makes it extra special too.  I love the combination of salmon and cream cheese with the crispiness.  It's really a fine comfort food that's hard to resist.  Although for healthy conscious folks, I suggest you stick to the conventional sushi because this has extra calories in it.

I don't mind loading on extra calories because of its goodness so I'm quite biased.  In fact I can eat one order all to myself.  (THIS IS WHY I'M FAT haha!) Good thing it's very affordable!  Only P195 for one order (8 pcs.).  Woohoo!  I can eat it everyday!

Try American Dream on your next visit to Omakase.  Let me know your verdict! ☺


Check out OMAKASE at the following branches:  Alabang Town Center, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Greenhills Shopping Center, Il Terrazo, and Libis QC.  

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MUST TRY MONDAYS

Hello readers!  Can you believe it's already August??? Wow!  Next month will start the "ber" months already.  Before we know it, it's Christmas time! Anyway, here's the second installment of Must Try Mondays! Enjoy!


MUST TRY # 1:  SERENITEA

Serenitea Hokkaido and Chicken Chops

There has been a constant battle of which is the delicious milk tea in Manila.  There's Serenitea, Bubble Tea, Cha Time, Happy Lemon, etc.  They started as small specialty shops but now they can be found even in popular malls (which is great so we can easily have access to them).  Milk tea has been a personal favorite, not just a fad, and I would love to drink any from the shops I just mentioned.  However, TFVS's all time favorite would still be Serenitea.  Serenitea's Hokkaido Milk Tea 50% sweetness with pearls to be exact. ♥ It's a comfort drink and I just love the taste - perfectly sweet if I may call it.  I remember there was a time when I bought Serenitea everyday.  Talk about semi addiction. ☺ So if you happen to pass by Serenitea, PLEASE order Hokkaido or Okinawa 50-100% and you'll love it.  Try the chicken chops as well.  Very tasty and perfect match for the milk tea. 


MUST TRY # 2:  CAFE BRETON EXCALIBUR

Cafe Breton Excalibur (P195)

Who hasn't tried Cafe Breton?  I'm sure most of us have at least once.  It's like a go-to place for comforting crepes and fabulous desserts.  Although, even if their sweet/dessert crepes are more popular, TFVS personally loves their savory crepes.  My favorite would be the Excalibur which has ham, emmental cheese, asparagus spears, sauteed in onions and mushrooms.  Really mouth watering!  It's perfect as a snack or a light dinner when you're on a diet. Oh and check out the X asparagus haha! ☺


MUST TRY # 3:  CRAZY COMBO = LAYS BARBECUE + VANILLA ICE CREAM

CRAZY COMBO: Lays Barbecue + Vanilla Ice cream

Okay, I have to warn you, TFVS is very fond of crazy combos.  I dip my fries in bbq sauce, I put ketchup in mostly anything, so don't find it weird.  Trust me though because I vouch for the yumminess.  Anyway, as I was watching a UAAP game on TV one weekend, I decided to eat my Lays Bbq with vanilla ice cream.  I just put some of the chips on top or I eat it alternately.  Surprisingly, the contrasting flavors were perfect!  The sweetness of the vanilla mdae the bbq flavor even stronger and the bbq flavor made the sweetness even lovelier.  Perfect contrast that creates a yummy combo! If you're adventurous, try it! ☺

All photos are taken with my iPhone


It's been raining all week so keep yourself dry!  ☂ Have a good week TFVS readers!  ♥

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Johnny Chow

Me: "Let's eat at Johnny Chow!" Brother: "Jackie Chan??" Me: "No, I said JOHNNY CHOW!" Brother: "Oh, okay."

What comes to mind when you hear the name Johnny Chow? Asian? American? Chinese food? Martial Arts? Well, I think the name is very clever.  It's catchy and you know right away that it's Asian with a twist.  They market it as having "Amazing Asian Cuisine" and yeah I think they do. ☺

Johnny Chow is located at the Newport Mall, Resorts World.  It is actually managed by the same people behind Sumo Sam, John and Yoko, and Mr. Kurosawa, which are all excellent fusion restaurants.  So I am not surprised that it also has that charm and appeal plus having good fusion cuisine.  The first things you'd notice from the outside are the huge bright and colorful (almost neon) signage, the cute tables and chairs, and the waitresses dressed in sexy cheong sam and colorful wigs.  Talk about good first impressions huh.  Your eyes will definitely feast on the playful interiors and furniture.  I am particularly a fan of the chairs with Asian faces. They're so cute!

Outside Johnny Chow with the waitress in wig

Cool creative playful interior design

I love their cute chairs!

Their menu boasts of a wide variety of Asian cuisine such as Chinese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, and a lot more! It's actually a bit overwhelming to look at the menu because there are a lot to choose from and everything looks appetizing. Yes, you'd already know how it looks because in their menu, every dish has a really big picture as well as a description of what's in it.  Very good for indecisive people and very good marketing strategy for visual people like me. The names of the dishes are also as playful unique and interesting as the ambiance.  Let me show you what we ordered....

On the table:  Eat Pray Love (Salad with crispy prawns and mandarin oranges), Tropic Thunder (Vietnamese rolls with a twist),  Jet Li Wagyu (Black peppered beef with shoestring potatoes),  Ming Dynasty (Salt and pepper oysters), Hot and Sour soup,  Emperor Wenzong (Crispy Asian chicken with barbecue sauce), Johnny Chow Fried Rice, and Goddess of the Sea (Steamed Lapu-Lapu with supreme soy sauce). We also ordered a pitcher of cold Lemongrass Tea.

Eat Pray Love Salad (P325)

Tropic Thunder (P278)

Jet Li Wagyu (P385)

Ming Dynasty (P278)

Hot and Sour Soup (P275)

Emperor Wenzong (P330)

Johnny Chow Fried Rice (P230)

Goddess Of The Sea (P495) - at least what's left of it coz I took a photo after eating sorry

Lemon Grass Iced Tea (P285)

I'm a fan of creativity so I do appreciate their dishes' naming convention.  Perhaps if I own a restaurant int he future, I'd also name my dishes in a unique way.  The more important thing however is if they achieved the same charm and creativity on the taste itself.  Well, I am happy to say they did.  The rich dynamic flavors I was expecting were present in most of the dishes.  The salad and rolls were wonderful, the Wagyu was very well seasoned with a kick of spice (might be too salty for others though),  the chicken was cooked perfectly and reminded me of Hong Kong, the Lapu Lapu was soft and juicy with just the right amount of soy sauce, and the oysters were tender and fantastic!  Even the tea, I also liked because it had mild sweetness with citrus pizzaz.  So there you go, the food did disappoint me.  As for the pricing, I think the range is average (not that affordable, but not that expensive).  If you have a tight budget, maybe it would be better to come back next time because I assure you, you would be tempted to order more than 3 dishes.  I actually wanted to order everything on the menu! ☺

Obviously, I enjoyed dining in Johnny Chow.  It was a feast not only for my eyes but for my taste buds as well.  I am definitely coming back for more AMAZING ASIAN CUISINE.  Thanks, Johnny Chow! ♥ 

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Katsu Yakitori Bar

Whenever you want to party or eat out, The Fort / Bonifacio Global City is always one of the top choice areas.  Why?  Because there are A LOT and I mean A LOT of good restaurants and bars located here.  Personally, I love BGC because there's no traffic, the place is so organized, and I can find everything I want here.  There's the Starbucks drive thru, Mercato Cetrale, the huge Fully Booked, and my favorite restaurants too.  Anyway, to cut to the chase, there's a new place in The Fort Strip which I already tried twice and I think you might like it.  It's KATSU YAKITORI BAR. 

KATSU opened last May so it's only 2 months old, and is located right beside Amber Ultralounge and Scarlet Lounge at The Fort Strip.  It's perfect for sumptuous dinner before you party, maybe a midnight snack after your night out, or just a quiet date with your special someone.  The first thing I noticed with Katsu even before getting inside is it's cool exterior and architecture.  The one-story restaurant has wooden walls and flooring (looks like Japanese bamboo).  It has an open air deck or patio in front for smoking guests and for those who want to enjoy al fresco dining.  The exterior looks very appealing to me.  Then upon entering, I also liked the interiors and ambiance.  The lighting is good, furniture is modern, and the place looks nice overall.  The ambiance would make you think it's an expensive restaurant BUT it really isn't. That is one of the best things about Katsu -  the food is very very affordable.  I wouldn't say "cheap" because it connotes something derogatory, but for the quality of food they have, yeah it's affordable (good value for money).  And because I came back twice, the food was obviously satisfactory! I'm not jumping up and down after eating (yeah I do after Antonio's and Aubergine haha!) but the serving is big and they are tasty enough for me the Jap-lover.  If you want to enjoy decent Japanese food, Katsu won't fail you.

So what was on the table?  We tried the Dynamite Roll which had salmon skin, scallions, and cream cheese topped with spicy salmon, Aspara-Bacon Maki which was basically asparagus wrapped in bacon Yakitori with sauce,  the California Roll which is an all time personal favorite, the Agedashi Tofu Steak, our Japanese resto staple Gyoza, and my Katsu favorite Spicy Tuna Roll with Kani.  All dishes had subtle yet authentic Japanese flavor and were yummy.  I wish the Tofu Steak was a little bit saltier though but all the rolls were good.  For those who want simple Japanese dining but in a more upscale environment, this is the place for you.☺

Dynamite Roll (P245)

Aspara-bacon Maki (P85 for 2 pcs)

California Roll (P225)

Agedashi Tofu Steak

Gyoza

Spicy Tuna Roll with Kani

Katsu
Unit E Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Avenue, corner 26th Street
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel. 846-1715, 846-2649, 552-21650
e-mail: barcraftconcept@ymail.com

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Mario Badescu Who?

So my first statement would sound a bit arrogant but here it goes: I'd like to think that I have/had good skin.  I went through the problematic puberty stage without having acne and breakouts.  Occasionally, I'd get one small zit when it's the time of the month but 95% of the time my skin is clear, not oily, and with small pores.  I guess I also owe it to my genes because both my parents have really good skin.  Yes, I "was" lucky. WAS.  Unfortunately, year 2010 (that was late last year), my skin started to change.  It became a bit oilier on the t-zone and worse, I developed four to five zits every month even when I didn't have my period.  I was really freaking out because I never had huge pimples on my cheeks!  Before when I would have that occasional zit, it would be one tiny red dot on my forehead, nose, of chin, but NEVER on my cheeks! NEVER!

This really really bothered me.  So I went to the dermatologist (for the first time in my life) but she would just tell me it's hormonal or stress-related and that I shouldn't panic because it's really a mild breakout.  She also gave me some topical medicine but it didn't work for me.  I felt really ugly having these zits and red scars and for me it was a drastic change from being used to having clear skin.  So I researched on products that might help me and I came across MARIO BADESCU.  (This was after trying Clinique, Garnier, etc.) At first I was like, Mario Badescu who??  The brand is not that popular Philippines probably because it's not heavy on marketing but I did hear a couple of good reviews about it.  So I went to Rustans Essenses to look for Mario Badescu products and decided to give them a try.  

The recommended zit-zapper is the MARIO BADESCU DRYING LOTION.  It's a small bottle of solution with light pink creamy bottom and alcohol-like top layer.  It looked and smelled very "medicinal" and I was convinced to shell out P1045 for a small 29ml bottle.  Geez my wallet almost fainted! ☹ Yeah it is very expensive for a pimple treatment when you think about it but I was hoping it would be worth it.  Thank God they had freebies too.  Oh, and as if my wallet wasn't already complaining, I also purchased the MARIO BADESCU CORRECTIVE COMPLEX EMULSION for P1245! Of course I wanted something for my acne scars as well so there goes my moolah!

My Mario Badescu Corrective Complex Emulsion (right most) and the freebies in sample sizes

The verdict?  MARIO BADESCU DRYING LOTION did improve the state of my giant zit after two days.  The stubborn zit did not disappear magically like how others described it, but definitely improved and healed faster (2-3 days) than when I used my derma meds.  It did sting a little bit as soon as the pink stuff touched my pimple but it only lasted for about 5 seconds and was tolerable.  Since I use it before going to bed, I just have to wait for it to dry for about 10-15 minutes to make sure it doesn't just transfer to my pillow.  Basically, it's easy to use and you can feel that it's really working.  Another good thing about it is that a little goes a long way (you only need to dab a small amount of that pink sediment) so the price wouldn't be an issue anymore.  The only thing I dislike about it is the smell.  It stinks! It smells like strong antibiotics and it really stays until the morning.  Nevertheless, I say it's a pretty efficient product overall and I'm glad I tried it.

The zit-zapper!

Oh and make sure you don't shake the solution! Only use the bottom part.

As for the MARIO BADESCU CORRECTIVE COMPLEX EMULSION, I don't have visible results as of the moment but I like the consistency and I'm glad it doesn't stink.  It doesn't feel oily on my skin (which is very good) and there's no sting too.  I'll do a review after a month to let you guys know.  I also have to try the other freebies in sample sizes.  Who knows, there might be a holy grail product there.  In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping it works! ☺    


♥ Mario Badescu convert, 
TFVS

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DELIMONDO DELICIOSO!

After discovering Delimondo two years ago, I was actually hesitant to try it.  First, the packaging looked too simple (plain white paper) so I had this impression of it being an "amateur product".  The second reason involved already having a trusted brand - Purefoods, which also had quality and delicious corned beef.  It was actually not love at first sight for me and Delimondo but after giving it a chance, I realized I got it all wrong and claimed that it was the best corned beef I ever tasted. It was love at first bite. ♥

Up until today, my opinion has not changed.  Delimondo is delicioso and still the best! Every time I eat Delimondo corned beef, I get giddy like a kid getting to eat ice cream or hotdogs.  The meat is just so juicy and so tasty!  I don't even add any seasoning anymore when I cook it (or ask yaya to cook it).  I just put a lot of white onions, set the nonstick pan to heat, let it cook in the beef's own juice, and walah! Comfort food and favorite breakfast food perfection! ☺

I love both flavors (Ranch Style and Garlic and Chili), but most of the time I prefer Garlic and Chili with my steaming rice.  It has the perfect kick of spiciness for me. Mmm absolutely delicious! ♥ Plus, I love the fact that it's proudly Pinoy made. For those who haven't tried it, you're really missing half of your life. Seriously! Just give it a try and you'll be a convert too.

The Delimondo line is available at Petra and Pilar, Salcedo Saturday Market, and S&R. (Peso Power: Ranch Style Big - P145, Ranch Style Small - P110, Garlic & Chili Big - P155, Garlic & Chili Small - P115)  You also have to try their drizzling oils and sausages.  All delicioso!

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SHOP MUJI

Ever since MUJI opened in the Philippines, I felt relieved because I no longer have to hoard my trusty pens every time i go to Hong Kong or Singapore. Hooray!☺ But despite my pen obsession, MUJI has definitely become more than just a supplies store for me.  You can find really yummy snacks there, home decor, organizing stuff, and even good apparel!  Uh huh, the store has almost everything you (or I) need.  So, yes, I have to admit that a visit to Muji at least once a month is a must for me for some dose of retail therapy.  Speaking of which, I want to share with you THREE MUJI THINGS that are in my TO-BUY LIST right now.  Here it goes:

TFVS CURRENT LIST AS OF JULY 20, 2011:

MUJI ITEM TO-BUY #1:  A BUCKET OF MARKERS

Okay, I can already hear my boyfriend's voice saying where the heck would I use these... He's right!  These are definitely not 'necessary' for my everyday life but I can't help it!  They are just so adorable.  The little markers are cute and colorful and even the clear plastic bucket is cute too.  It's like a bucket of candy pens (yeah unleash the kid at heart).  Sorry guys, I really have a thing for pens, markers, and art materials.  Most of them just get dried up in my cabinet though, since I'm no artist.  But what can I do, I love them! ☺ Considering the not so affordable price, I'm not sure if anyone else would want to buy these, but, well, fine, I'll think about it.

MUJI ITEM TO-BUY #2:  POLKA SCARVES

I know Philippine weather isn't scarf-friendly but these are cute ones!  The price is quite steep for a scarf but hey a scarf can last for years and years - it's a classic piece.  Maybe I can wear it to work where it's freezing cold.  And besides, the material isn't too thick.  I love the soft fabric actually, the design just comes second.  The scarves come in brown, blue, white, black, and pink.  Hmm I wonder which color I should get.  What do you think? 

MUJI ITEM TO-BUY #3:  SEAWEED SHAMPOO AND 5 FRUITS CONDITIONER

I've always wanted to try Muji's hair care products but I always forget about it.  Maybe it's time to purchase these goodies and let you all know how it goes.  After all, Japanese beauty brands never fail.  Plus, the price isn't so bad.  I think these are more affordable compared to the markers and the scarf haha!
 
Okay, now I'm excited to head off to Muji and buy these! See you later! 

(P.S. I just love the MUJI store because it is such a peaceful place to be in.  Don't you agree?  I love the atmosphere there.  It's very relaxing. Ciao!)

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Jelly On Your Hair

I change my shampoo every two months because one, I easily get bored with scents and two, I heard it's healthier for your scalp and hair if you don't just stick to one brand.  So, last May, I tried out L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION SHAMPOO and L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION CONDITIONER.  Because I have dry treated hair, I thought these were perfect for me.  I also wanted to try ROYAL JELLY because I heard a lot of good things about it. Royal Jelly is actually honey bee secretion and is popularly used as dietary supplements because it has vitamin B-complex, proteins, amino acids, and minerals.  Sounds like my hair's gonna be really healthy right?  ☺

 

 

At first glance, the orange and white packaging looks appealing and fresh.  Orangey-yellow matches the royal jelly I guess haha! I wanted to use it right away!  Although the scent is not fruity (I love fruity products), it was mild and it kinda smelled like honey so it's good.  I like the soft creamy consistency that feels silky even on the hands.  So... what did the jelly finally do to my hair?

The L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION SHAMPOO was a sweetheart and it was impossible for me not to fall in love with it.  It kept my hair so soft, smooth, and shiny and I just couldn't stop massaging my scalp and hair with the creamy lather every time I take a bath.  It smelled good and felt good without the greasy icky oiliness which some moisturizing shampoos have.  It definitely moisturized my hair from the roots to the tips and I did feel that my hair became healthy and more manageable.  I love it!  As for the L'OREAL PARIS RE-NUTRITION CONDITIONER, it's pretty much the same as the shampoo.  Scent was mild and honey-like, and it was soft and smooth to use.  My problem here though would be it's consistency.  Because my hair is very dry, it needs a more potent and rich conditioner that would really smoothen out my frizz and repair the damage.  Sadly, the conditioner was a little too mild for my coarse and brittle hair.  So, I had to use a creamier conditioner (of a different brand). For girls with moderately dry to good locks however, I do recommend this product.  It still smoothens and conditions well and keeps the hair healthy.  I guess my hair is just really bad nowadays.

Overall, I really liked the L'OREAL's RE-NUTRITION LINE and I'm definitely buying more.  If Winnie the Pooh likes hunny, I like Royal Jelly for my hair. ☺

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MUST TRY MONDAYS

Hello, Monday!  Hola, readers!  TFVS is back and blogging.  To start the week right, TFVS recommends three must-trys for everyone! :)

MUST TRY # 1:  PRINGLES SEAWEED

Photo from TVFS Instagram (iPhone)

Who loves Japanese food?  Do you like Nori?  Then this is the best junk food for you! I love it because it really does taste like nori/seaweed without tasting too artificial.  It's not too salty, just the right amount of seaweed flavor.  Pair that with the thin crispy goodness of Pringles and yumyumyum you can't stop munching.  I'm sure it's available in most supermarkets so go on and try it! :)

MUST TRY # 2:  BAR DOLCI MACARONS

Photo from TFVS Instagram (iPhone)

TFVS has already did a review of Bar Dolci and here's one of the reasons why we keep coming back - the macarons!  These sweet goodies are P50 each and they have unique flavors to choose from.  It's a personal favorite of mine and I recommend dark chocolate, salted caramel, and vanilla.  When I want to satisfy my sweet tooth, this never fails! Try it!

MUST TRY # 3: TGIFRIDAY'S JACK DANIEL'S RIBS 

Photo from TFVS Instagram (iPhone)

What can I say? This is to die for.  I love ribs and I absolutely love Jack Daniel's!  So combine those two together and it's a match made in heaven. ♥ The sauce actually does everything.  It's really the highlight of the dish.  If only I could ask for 3 more cups of that mouth watering sauce... There's also Jack Daniel's Pork Chops by the way.  But I like ribs better.  Try it and see for yourself! :)  


Have a good week, everyone! ☺

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Not Your Ordinary Burger

What's your ultimate comfort food?  My quick fix would be chocolate (preferably dark and plain), sometimes junk food or fries, recently milk tea has done a good job too, but my ultimate comfort food of all time would definitely be BURGERS!  Anything from the classic McDonald's cheeseburger/Big Mac to Cafe Breton's Mozarella burger would do.  Burgers just have a way with me!  They keep me relaxed and satisfied.  Even back in college, my friends would see me eating a Big Mac while stress-studying for an accounting exam and they would just laugh teasingly.  The burger never fails me.  :)

So I've already tasted many burgers in my life.  McDo, Jollibee, Burgoo, Carl's Jr. (I miss), Crave, Brother's, Sango, Sumo Sam, Friday's, Breton, and many many more...  Each burger is unique and delicious in it's own way.  Now when I heard of this new burger in town early last year, I didn't think twice and headed out to get it.  Imagine...a FOIE GRAS BURGER!  How exciting can that be?  The juicy burger paired with the rich unique taste of foie gras - I was more than excited to try it.

Arrived at LUSSO, Greenbelt 5, one night.  I didn't even bother looking at the menu anymore because I already knew what to order - Lusso's controversial Foie Gras Burger.  I sipped on my fresh orange juice as I waited and when it arrived mmhhmm I already smelled heaven.

Initially, the plate looked rather simple, with the burger and some fries and cream on the side.  That's a good thing because you don't want to get intimidated.  (As if the thought of eating a foie gras burger doesn't intimidate already.)  The creamy sauce on the side looks very inviting so I placed a generous amount on my first slice.  And there it goes.  YUUUMMM!  The juicy beef just oozed with flavor with every bite and wow that foie gras hit the spot right on.  Very good combination indeed.  Quite sinful because of all the fat but very very good.  I just realized after a while that the creamy sauce on the side was melted Cambozola cheese that's why it was very tasty with awesome texture and suited the burger perfectly with some caramelized onions as well.  Comfort food at it's finest right there.    

Lusso Foie Gras Burger and Fresh Orange Juice

Pour the melted cheese and take a heavenly bite!

Lusso is a fancy restaurant (pretty obvious with its name Lusso = Luxe) but it has a cozy ambiance that won't intimidate.  Of course the burger is not priced as your average fast food burger.  It's P595 and good for ONE person.  Definitely a steep price for a burger (McDo cheeseburger is at a measly P39) BUT definitely worth your money.  You can probably splurge on it once in a while, I guess when you're overworked.  :)  I suggest you use your hands to eat the burger and pour all of the melted Cambozola cheese.  YUM!


For your info:
LUSSO 

Greenbelt 5, Makati City
(Beside Myron's Place)

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