test post

Something something blah blah

Little Tokyo Afternoon

It was a quiet Sunday in December and I met up with a friend for lunch. It doesn't look like much but this turns out to be a really interesting place. This is as Japanese as it gets. If I wanted any more I'd have to go to Japan. I also had great desserts and coffee later in the afternoon too.

No, I didn't take pictures of the food. If you want to see how Japanese it is, you'd have to visit the place. After that desserts came next. To make up for missing out the pictures of the Japanese goodies, here's a picture of what the desserts looked like. 

Overall this was a lovely and relaxing afternoon. I hope to enjoy it again soon. There were others there that I haven't visited yet.
 
Up next, my first big adventure for 2016. It will take a while to post them all. Until then, have the time to spare to get lost and wander.

Little Tokyo Afternoon

It was a quiet Sunday in December and I met up with a friend for lunch. It doesn't look like much but this turns out to be a really interesting place. This is as Japanese as it gets. If I wanted any more I'd have to go to Japan. I also had great desserts and coffee later in the afternoon too.

Little Tokyo. Hidden near where Chino Roces avenue and Amorsolo street meet in Makati is this little haven for folks who like Japanese food. Only signs that point one to the place are a couple of gates like the one seen here. This gate lies along Chino Roces avenue. One may want to leave vehicles behind when visiting as finding a parking spot in the area is quite a challenge.

Vivid Colors. I've always been a fan of well applied vivid colors. In this case it works really nicely.

Tables Outside. This area is an open space surrounded by several restaurants. Folks have the option to eat indoors or dine outside.

The Courtyard. Outside diners aren't short changed though. There's a decent roof and nice lanterns that light the area at night. Of course, it just feels relatively warmer.

Meow Neko. This cutesy cat wanders around the courtyard before it opens to the public. While this one is cute, I'm still a dog person though.

Oishinbo. The roof, the lanterns, the curtains and sliding doors. This looks like one of the most Japanese places I've ever eaten in.

Lanterns Up Close. Closer looks shows that the lanterns are sponsored. Asahi is a beer brand. I haven't had the chance to try it yet though.

Christmas Decors. The alley going to the place is adorned by Christmas decorations like this one. It's December after all. It kinda deviates from the theme a bit though.

No, I didn't take pictures of the food. If you want to see how Japanese it is, you'd have to visit the place. After that desserts came next. To make up for missing out the pictures of the Japanese goodies, here's a picture of what the desserts looked like. 

Brownies! Among Other Things... Yes I had some sweets. All four of them. I remember one of them is a brownie, another is a revel bar, another one was a "food for the gods", and... I think the last one was a chocolate cake.

Spacious Room. Naturally lighted, with high ceiling, not too densely packed... It's a lovely place to be when one wants some quiet time.

On The Shelf. A variety of mugs, teas, and coffee rest on the shelf for anyone to touch and hold. Remember though, if you break it, consider it sold.

My Hat. I'm not a huge fan of baseball caps. I'd prefer other head wear. Usually fedoras, but a driver's cap, which I feel is less formal than fedoras, is still a notch above the usual baseball cap. If you see a big guy wielding a camera with a trilby or a hat like this, that's probably yours truly.

Overall this was a lovely and relaxing afternoon. I hope to enjoy it again soon. There were others there that I haven't visited yet.
 
Up next, my first big adventure for 2016. It will take a while to post them all. Until then, have the time to spare to get lost and wander.

December Weekend Walks

December weekends I had the time to walk some more and explore the area near the office. I was on call, since the office was more conducive for work, I decided to just set up there and in the event I’m called I’m just a few minutes away. Better than staying at home I think.

Glowing Lanterns. These lanterns are among the numerous light sources providing illumination at a local Japanese restaurant I frequent in.

Within Reach. I usually pick a couch in a corner or beside a wall. I like how some restaurants have the utensils anr condiments within arms length. No need to bother the staff any more than I have to.

Inner Glow. Providing the glow in each of those floating orb lanterns is a relatively small light bulb. The relatively huge lantern diffuses the light providing a gentle glow, in contrast to harsh lighting from the bulb alone.

Christmas Season. The place is full of decorations like this one… If this is too subtle there’s a christmas tree towering at the building lobby.

Meal Completion. There’s this place where I like to eat called Recovery Food. They serve reasonably affordable food that's decent on the taste. My favorite part: All the Sriracha you can consume until your mouth burns. There are other condiments if you're not into that. 

Cups and Mugs. Although I’m primarily a Starbucks person, I like other coffee places too. Branded mugs and disposable cups stand or stack upside down ready to be used to serve the hot and cold drinks. I wonder what I’ll have tonight.

Top Two Leaves. Apparently this is how they make their finest teas. Would leaves from the lower parts taste any less desirable?

Bicycle. Rows of bicycles for rent secured on their respective racks. This is a creative way to get around the city. A cool way to reduce pollution I think.

You And Your Cargo. I like how the folks behind this system have thoughtfully included a basket where riders can put the things they carry. I just hope the streets get bike friendly for riders as well. There's a compelling need for more bike lanes for this project to pick up.

Not Your BMX. Color coded and properly labelled. The bike frame is designed for easy riding I think, notice how it's curved to allow riders an easier time to get on and get off. The green colored guards also provide some protection from loose clothing snagging on the wheels. Nobody wants having dirt, grease or unwanted tears due to snags on their pantaloons. Sadly for BMX enthusiasts, this one's not meant for one to do tricks on.

And so this ends yet another entry. Coming soon, I stumble upon new places where I've never been before. Also, notice that my entries are taken from last year. My first big adventure for the year is yet to come, and it's coming very, very soon. I'll send out updates and previews on Instagram, so stay tuned. Until then, let's get lost and wander! :)

December Weekend Walks

December weekends I had the time to walk some more and explore the area near the office. I was on call, since the office was more conducive for work, I decided to just set up there and in the event I’m called I’m just a few minutes away. Better than staying at home I think.

Glowing Lanterns. These lanterns are among the numerous light sources providing illumination at a local Japanese restaurant I frequent in.

Within Reach. I usually pick a couch in a corner or beside a wall. I like how some restaurants have the utensils anr condiments within arms length. No need to bother the staff any more than I have to.

Inner Glow. Providing the glow in each of those floating orb lanterns is a relatively small light bulb. The relatively huge lantern diffuses the light providing a gentle glow, in contrast to harsh lighting from the bulb alone.

Christmas Season. The place is full of decorations like this one… If this is too subtle there’s a christmas tree towering at the building lobby.

Meal Completion. There’s this place where I like to eat called Recovery Food. They serve reasonably affordable food that's decent on the taste. My favorite part: All the Sriracha you can consume until your mouth burns. There are other condiments if you're not into that. 

Cups and Mugs. Although I’m primarily a Starbucks person, I like other coffee places too. Branded mugs and disposable cups stand or stack upside down ready to be used to serve the hot and cold drinks. I wonder what I’ll have tonight.

Top Two Leaves. Apparently this is how they make their finest teas. Would leaves from the lower parts taste any less desirable?

Bicycle. Rows of bicycles for rent secured on their respective racks. This is a creative way to get around the city. A cool way to reduce pollution I think.

You And Your Cargo. I like how the folks behind this system have thoughtfully included a basket where riders can put the things they carry. I just hope the streets get bike friendly for riders as well. There's a compelling need for more bike lanes for this project to pick up.

Not Your BMX. Color coded and properly labelled. The bike frame is designed for easy riding I think, notice how it's curved to allow riders an easier time to get on and get off. The green colored guards also provide some protection from loose clothing snagging on the wheels. Nobody wants having dirt, grease or unwanted tears due to snags on their pantaloons. Sadly for BMX enthusiasts, this one's not meant for one to do tricks on.

And so this ends yet another entry. Coming soon, I stumble upon new places where I've never been before. Also, notice that my entries are taken from last year. My first big adventure for the year is yet to come, and it's coming very, very soon. I'll send out updates and previews on Instagram, so stay tuned. Until then, let's get lost and wander! :)

My Barista Friends

This album goes out to the friends I've made from all the coffee I've been drinking. This list doesn't show everyone of them though. These folks help cheer me up throughout the day. Yes I drink so much coffee that I made friends with numerous baristas. Some of them even know what I'll have on sight.

Behind The Counter. Walk to the counter and you’ll see some thing like this. This lovely lady, like her friends make great coffee.

Ayen. This lovely lady is among the few of the baristas I made friends with for the past year or so. Yes, I drink so much coffee that I made friends with baristas.

Smiles Everywhere. I’m no expert in HR and psychology stuff, but this sure looks like a happy workplace. Genuine smiles and grins from these folks that I’ve made friends with. We see here Airah returning to her post after her break (if I recall it correctly).

I See You. Airah here (foreground) sees me sneak a picture of her while Iah is talking to her (background). Well, they’re all gracious enough to let me take more pictures.

Pose for A Smile. It wasn’t too busy a day, these lovely ladies gladly posed for a shot or two.

Iah. This petite cutie here was the one who introduced me to my now favorite drink: White Mocha Americano No Water With Half and Half… Appropriately referred to as the Barista Drink.

I have a few more pictures here. Until then, let's get lost and wander!

Many thanks to my friends at Starbucks Crescent Park for kindly letting me post their faces here. :)