The Canadians Breakfast Buffet at The Strand Cafe & Restaurant, Makati City

Of more than two years of working graveyard shift in the Central Business District of Makati City, we found it hard to spot a restaurant offering buffet meals early in the morning. Most of the buffets around the city are offered during lunch and or dinner, if not, expensive. Sad to say, we have to extend our shifts and end up waiting to Ayala Triangle restaurants to open, just to have a good, decent breakfast. Often times, we tripped to Libis' "Something Fishy" if we want a huge meal.

Our Saturday mornings just got a lot better with the grand opening of One Pacific Place Serviced Residences located at Salcedo Village right in the heart of Makati early this year. Its very own restaurant, The Strand Cafe & Restaurant is serving buffet of delicious breakfast from 6 AM to 10 AM.

Our first quarter budget for team building was allocated for brunch at the Strand Cafe one Saturday morning after our shifts last month before the first quarter ended. The venue was not far from our office according to Google map and if there's one thing in common with The Canadians, that's the sense of direction everybody claims to have - we walked going there but lost, lol. Fortunately, there were helpful Makati yuppies who helped us find the location. It turned out, the venue was just three blocks away from our office. Well...

Ert and our new team mates from another site were almost done eating when we arrived at  One Pacific Place Serviced Residences. I was super hungry from the long walk and no-break shift. I chose a spot and headed straight to the buffet table and started my brunch with a salad - put everything from the salad bar and sprinkled with thousand island dressing, perfect!

There's a bread and cheese station at the right corner of the buffet table and that's where I went after taking my fresh starter. French bread, white and brown bread, butter and fruit jam were what I found on the table. I filled my bowl with cream of mushroom soup while waiting for the shy-type chef for my little-bit-of-everything omelet.

 

Of course, I leave plenty of rooms for the well-loved Filipino breakfast dishes; Corned beef, Sweet Longanisa, breaded Fish Fillet, Buttered Vegetables, Pancit, and Pork Steak. All were tasted good but nothing extraordinary. I liked the corned beef and pork steak and headed back to buffet table for more. For the sweet ending, I had fresh fruits and small cut of cakes and sweets. Unlimited brewed coffee was included in the buffet to substitute for the powdered cold drinks, lol.

Five-Star Seafood Buffet: Ocean's Harvest at Marriott Hotel Manila's Marriott Cafe

Marriott Hotel Manila's Marriott Cafe, an inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World-Manila is where you should go to find the finest and freshest seafood in the metro. Offering modern all-day dining that successfully marries the best of local and continental cuisine, Marriott Cafe magnifies this delightful experience through an engaging seafood buffet held every Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Aptly named Ocean’s Harvest. Diners can choose from its numerous fresh seafood, request the chefs to have it cooked the way they want it, and indulge in the glorious taste of the bounty of the sea for only P2300. 

A perfect starter for my fishy feast is the blend of fresh seafood and fresh vegetable at the salad bar with its selection of greens, toppings, and dressings that are made special with options such as lobster and pomelo, brocolli and blue crab, seafood with mushroom and mango salad in honey mustard, lapu lapu ceviche, and local scallop asparagus and orange salad. A seriously show stopping first course, these should be the most refreshing seafood salad spread that takes off in its cool and crisp quality. 

 

Lightly steamed crustaceans are ready to be enjoyed at the side of the salad bar. The colors of slippers lobster, local blue sea crab, curacha crab, prawns, mussels, and white shells are chilled seafood that teased me.  Marriott Café also offers Fisherman’s Special Paella, Seafood Lasagna, and Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice. Of all the spread of unlimited seafood, my utmost favorite was the Seafood Lasagna.

The assorted “Catch of the Day” was the center of the high-end restaurant and were all proudly displayed on ice which includes fresh salmon, tuna loin, local tanigue, pompano, talakitok, lapu-lapu, maya-maya, shellfish, jumbo prawns, half shell local scallop, local clams, jumbo squid, suahe shrimps, blue marlin, and local gindara. Perusing the Ocean Surf Market Style Buffet Menu and inspired by the "paluto" style, Marriott Hotel Manila’s professional and innovative chefs are available to recommend and create a special dish, according to the guest’s liking.

They have different stations manned with innovative chefs waiting to prepare diner’s choice of seafood as preferred. Anything and everything, the chef in each station will prepare the dish that diner wants on the spot: Saute Station, Sinigang Station, Wok-fry Station, Noodles Station, Batter Station, and Japanesse Station. There are cute Sushi chefs ready to transform diner’s choice into fancy sushi or sashimi rolls. Tuna Sashimi and Snapper Sashimi are available, diners are also challenged to go beyond the usual by creating their own Japanese food using seafood ingredients at the Teppanyaki.

I was planning to have bouillabaisse but the moment I saw kitang and samaral (rabbit fish), I missed my hometown in Palawan and I opted to a steaming hot pot of Sinigang in tamarind that often reminds me of home. Kitang fish tasted awesome! It goes perfectly well with mustasa leaves, kangkong leaves, eggplant, okra, stringbeans, fresh tomatoes, and finger chili. Perfect for the Filipino favorite condiment, fish sauce. 

I tried Tuna and Shrimps in garlic butter, Sweet and Sour Crabs and Nilasing na hipon or Crispy Fried Baby Shrimp marinated in rum which was another dish that I liked. I hoped the buffet includes unlimited beer, lol!

If these aren’t enough to provide the ultimate pleasure of the bounty of the sea, Ocean’s Harvest also offers peking duck and rib-eye for dinners who are allergic to seafood.

While a lavish seafood buffet is enthralling, a sweet experience in the dessert station is another must try especially when it’s paired with a tea or coffee. Marriott Cafe also a well-known dessert oasis, featured samba mousse, chocolate pistachio mousse, blueberry cheesecake, sugar free cheesecake, assorted homemade gelato ice cream and sorbet bar that are worth saving up the space for. 

Get ready to be captivated by this five-star seafood buffet experience only at Marriott Hotel Manila’s Marriott Café. For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 988-9999. 

Rome's Recipe | Norwegian Salmon Baked in a Bed of Mango Salsa

For me, summer is all about fun and of course... food. I love the food this season brings; grilled tuna by the beach, Skewered pineapple and fruits, summer barbecues and the never ending cold cocktails and iced drinks. 

Although our favorite season is quite hot than usual, I will make it hotter even more with my top-picked summer recipe inspired from the great collection of easy, breezy, sunny recipes of my favorite food websites: Norwegian Salmon Baked in a Bed of Mango Salsa. This summer dish was made out of fresh flavors of summer fruit and herb...and bursting with vibrant summer color too!

Cooked low and slow, this fruity and succulent baked salmon is a perfect dinner for summer evenings to celebrate summer season with your family and friends even if you are at home. This dish will definitely tell you, hey it's summer.

Ingredients:

250 grams Norwegian Salmon (Frabelle Foods)

salt 

white pepper

diced mango

red onion, sliced or chopped

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 250F.  Season salmon with salt and white pepper and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

2. Grab a pan big enough to hold all fillets in single layer. Make a bed of bed of mango salsa - combine diced mango and sliced red onion.

3. Place the salmon fillets on the bed of mango salsa and cook for 30 minutes. Note: if you're cooking more than 4 fillets, just add another 2 minutes per additional filet.

Recommended but not required: Top with whatever finishing herbs and spices or ingredients you'd like; crushed macadamia nuts and mint, minced scallions or parsley.

After cooking, the salmon is going to look almost exactly the same as when you first put it in. Don’t worry, after 30 minutes in the oven it is cooked. To test for doneness, stick a sharp paring knife in, if it goes in an out very easily, its done. 

Mark Your Calendar: April 20 is Macaron Day at Bizu Patisserie!

There is a macaron perfect for everyone!

Bizu Patisserie, one of my favorite restaurants in the metro, celebrates Macaron Day once again on April 20 by giving a free macaron to every patron. First held in 2005, Jour du Macaron was started by French patisserier Pierre Hermé as a gourmand event in support of charities.  Now on its second year running, Bizu’s Macaron Day offers free macaron in especially designed packaging that signifies a personality trait.

Macaron is a French cookie that is crisp on the outside with a soft crème ganache and ground almonds in the middle. It is said to have originated in Italy in the 1500s then found its way to France. What was just a simple recipe of ground almonds, egg whites and sugar with no filling and flavoring was then transformed in early 1900s by French chef Pierre Desfontaines of Parisian pastry shop and café Ladurée into the macaron we know today, two cookies with a ganache filling. Bizu introduced the macaron to the Filipino palate way back in 2001.  Bizu Groupe founder and CEO Anabel Tanco recalls that very few people know about macarons then, often confusing them with the sweet coconut covered macaroons. Bizu now has 13 macaron varieties all with less sugar and more almonds.

Get your free macaron! Dine and Wine at any Bizu branches; Greenbelt 2 Parkside (757-2498), Greenhills Promenade (724-2498), Alabang Town Center (809-2498), St. Luke’s BGC (789-7700) and One Rockwell (478-7755) to get your free macaron. For its part, Bizu will donate a portion of its macaron sales for the day to Action Contre la Faim (ACF), A French humanitarian NGO. Get your free macarob! Dine and Wine at any Bizu branches; Greenbelt 2 Parkside (757-2498), Greenhills Promenade (724-2498), Alabang Town Center (809-2498), St. Luke’s BGC (789-7700) and One Rockwell (478-7755) to get your free macaron. For its part, Bizu will donate a portion of its macaron sales for the day to Action Contre la Faim (ACF), A French humanitarian NGO. Bizu has chosen Action Contre la Faim (ACF) to be its beneficiary for its 2013 Macaron Day celebration. It is a global humanitarian organization that fights hunger, from its most extreme manifestation of severe acute malnutrition to its causes—inadequate maternal and child care and feeding practices, poor household access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food, clean water and quality health services, and unhealthy environment.  ACF intervenes directly in over 40 countries and supports more than 6 million people.  Since 2000, ACF has provided humanitarian and development assistance to less empowered and more vulnerable populations in various regions of the Philippines, including populations affected and displaced by armed conflict and natural disasters such as Typhoons Ondoy, Sendong and Pablo.

         

Bizu requests people to share their photos and videos doing the Bizu Macaron Kiss on Twitter or Facebook. Check out www.bizupatisserie.com, www.facebook.com/ilovebizu, Twitter and Instagram: @Bizuph#bizumacaronday.

Rome's Recipe | Tartar Sauce

Perfect for the summer's deep fried dishes. This home-made tartar sauce is no cook, very easy to prepare, and is my ultimate summer sauce for any pan fried dish that this season brings such as french fries and fish. It's a great tasting sauce to my Baked Norwegian Salmon last month.

Here's what you need;

1 small pack of Lady's Choice mayonnaise
1 teaspoon minced onion (white)
1 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (optional)
salt and white pepper to taste



Preparation

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and minced onion. Stir in lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving or you could also serve it right away.

The Ayala Triangle Project - The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

 Eggs Ben, Php 245

The Ayala Triangle Gardens - Here we went again. Me, and my office mate, Ryan, couple of Saturday mornings ago checking out what restaurant would fill in our hungry stomachs after another long hours of non-stop work at our office nearby. Most of the restaurants were still closed because majority open at 10 AM (probably another reason why I was having a hard time completing this project). The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf which by the way, one of the restaurants in the park that opens as early as 7 AM was our choice for quick breakfast and caffeine fix.

The restaurant occupies the best location in the park. From al fresco area and also inside, diners have a very good view of the lush garden; manicured green grass and towering trees. The atmosphere here is relaxed and young, with people catching up with old friends and its the Makati yuppie’s place for a casual post-work thirst-quencher.

There are wooden tables and chairs that offer homey feel and couple of tables with couch that offers comfort. The restaurant/cafe is a perfect espresso pit stop for Makati employees that comes together to have human connection over coffee. Drinks menu is offering wide range of coffee, tea, herbal and fruit infusions. However, the food should not be overlooked. I chose Eggs Ben while Ryan had Spicy Tuna Linguine Pasta.

Spicy Tuna Linguine Pasta Php 195

Eggs Ben, from the breakfast sets, was served with Today's Brew, a serving of stewed fruits, butter and blueberry jam (?). I liked the freshly-baked bread but I felt that there's something missing with in taste of my chosen dish. Ryan was satisfied with his dish but complaints about the price afterwards. The crews were polite and service was good. Overall, it is a perfect venue to have an intimate catch-up or have good conversation with with your friends.

Food Quality : 4
Ambiance      : 5
Service          : 4
Cost/Prices    : 4

The project's criteria are; Food Quality, Ambiance, Service, and Cost/Prices, where  Five (5)   indicates "Exceptional Experience", Four (4)  indicates a place "worth a come back", three (3)  means "a casual place to eat", two (2)   means "acceptable", and one (1))   means "poor".

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

(02) 621-6112

Ayala Triangle Gardens,
Makati Ave. Bel-Air,
Makati City

Wine, Dine and Chill at The Wine Bar

Oyster Rocekefeller (P550 net)

Whether alone or hitting the town with your fellow closest gourmands, selecting a bottle of wine to accompany your feast can seem daunting if one feels they lack pairing know-how. Not at The Wine Bar at the 1771 El Pueblo, where the restaurant not only caters to foodies and wine lovers, but also to those who aim to understand the art of wine pairing.

Wine Bar Burger (P410 net)

A member of the 1771 Group of Restaurants in El Pueblo Ortigas, The Wine Bar is a gem for those who find comfort in intimate wine and dine experience. Sleek, masculine and inspired from the sophisticated bars of Soho, New York, the venue is built with personalized spaces, comfortable nooks and private rooms that are perfect for intimate get together. With an intriguing Wine Cellar housing over 300 top quality wine choices from all over the world reserved from the enomatic dispenser with theme that varies monthly, take your pick by the glass or decide together with the in-house sommelier Cecille Mauricio. A rare feature of a restaurant outside the hotel, The Wine Bar offers endless wine and food choices coupled with a superior service that anyone can count on.

The charming wine and dine concept of WB 1771 also offers private event spaces which can accommodate up to 120 persons, perfect for intimate social events such as wedding receptions or even JS proms.  For smaller parties that need privacy, The Wine Bar features private areas that can be converted into smaller private room good for 6 to 25 persons. Boasting the same convenience of a hotel function space but in a more relaxed and intimate ambience, explore The Wine Bar function spaces if the goal is to celebrate with ease and elegance.

With choicest wine selections, gourmet food on the menu that’s matched with the allure of its architecture, it’s simply a venue to celebrate life’s precious moments. Aside from its chart-topping wines, tasty and filling bites such as oyster Rockefeller (P550net),Grilled Angus Striploin (P1400 net) or the Oyster Rockefeller (P550 net) or the signature Wine Burger Bar(P410 net) can just take off the treat, whether you’re visiting for the wines or food.Selecting a wine that matches with what’s on the plate not only can make for interesting variations and interplay, The Wine Bar‘s ambiance offers a chill out  treat that’s conducive for catching up with people who matters most or simply savoring a recharging moment by yourself in a lavish and charming setting.

Press Release: This means that this material is fully and directly from the company issuing the press release. This also means that this website is not the author of the statement being read. The Cuisineuer is simply providing the information for readers who may be interested.

There's Something Fishy Going On at The Fireplace, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

Have a taste of the best salmon in the world, Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon, that comes all the way from one of the purest and most pristine environments on the planet. This famed Atlantic Salmon makes up only around 1.5% of the world’s salmon production and is one of the world's most delicious, visually appealing and versatile fish varieties, which makes an excellent ingredient for many types of cuisine. It’s low in calories and cholesterol, high in protein, and is a rich source of proteins and omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are vital for healthy hearts and minds. 

The Fireplace in Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila sensationalizes its fine texture and taste with an exquisitely crafted menu by Chef NoeL. Discover the richness of this Atlantic salmon variety with selections like Roasted Herbs Crusted Salmon with Creamy Spinach , Peppered Salmon Steak with Cognac Pepper Cream Sauce and more.

TASMANIAN SALMON SELECTIONS

Marinated Salmon, Mixed Green Salad 800
apple, capers, balsamic vinaigrette

Seared Salmon tartar 850
citrus dressing

Baked Salmon, Julienne of Vegetable Wrapped in Filo Pastry 1400
bell pepper coulis

Roasted Herbs Crusted Salmon 1450
creamy spinach, tomato concasse

Poached Salmon, Green Asparagus 1550
cherry tomato, dill mustard foam

Peppered Salmon Steak, Thin Beans 1600
cognac pepper cream sauce

Prices are in Philippine Peso and subject to 10% service charge

End you culinary curiosities with a perfect sweet conclusion:  the luscious Hot Chocolate Soup - A signature dessert at The Fireplace. This rich, velvety and creamy dark chocolate is topped with a scoop of cracked pepper vanilla ice-cream, a unique chocolate creation that has a reputation of its own.

About The Fireplace

The Fireplace is an upscale grill room offering perfectly cooked prime meats and seafood.   A perfect spot for wining and dining, the restaurant charms guests with its elegant brass interiors and open kitchen concept.  In full view is a large wood-fired oven where chefs prepare their culinary masterpieces.  A wine library with a vast collection of European and New World wines is another attraction.  With its relaxing atmosphere and excellent cuisine, The Fireplace provides a dining experience like no other.  For enquiries, please call +63 2 247 8666 or email cath.mn@hyatt.com.

The Ayala Triangle Project - Poco Deli

Bacon Slabs, Php 320.00

Yes, you've read it right, the Ayala Triangle is back. I know it has been a while, some restaurant closed already and there are brand new restaurants that opened. I wondered how am I going to complete this long time project? So this time, just like my Omelet Series which was completed on time, deadline is set. I gotta put an end on this project on or before I move my office location sometime in May, so, expect more of Ayala Triangle restaurant reviews in the meantime. 

It was after my extended night shift on a Saturday morning when I came in alone because my officemates doesn't felt like having breakfast and wanted to go home instead. The approachable little store, Poco Deli  who make Artisinal sausages from fresh and all-natural prime meats appealed to my taste buds to give it a try. ..and I'm glad I did!

Poco Deli has European-inspired neighborhood deli charm and classic delicatessen interior; red bricks, wooden tables and bench chairs offers a rustic appeal. However, I suggest to set up few tables with backseat chairs for some customers (like me) who are tired and wanted to lean on a comfortable chair after 15 hours of non-stop work.

The restaurant opens at 10 AM and I was the first customer of the day. There were 3-5  service crews and  all were polite and accommodating. I asked what's their bestseller, ordered it and chose a spot in the al fresco area that provides good amount of light and fresh air to settle in. Outside, Poco Deli has really a welcoming ambiance. There's an invitation of wine tasting every Wednesday that I longed to try when I saw the restaurant's good selection of affordable Spanish and European wines. 

Not long enough of waiting, the extra-thick, savory slices of bacon with eggs and bacon rice was served. I can't contain my drooling over the bacon's fat that glisten against the light while I was taking photo snaps. And when I had my first bite, I tasted heaven... and the seventh heaven on the last, lol! The bacon bits topping of the rice from the picture above was hidden but it was really generous, in fact the rice was half-covered with bacon bits. I had a bacon overdose that day and I was DELI-ghted!

Food Quality : 5
Ambiance      : 5
Service          : 5
Cost/Prices    : 4

The project's criteria are; Food Quality, Ambiance, Service, and Cost/Prices, where  Five (5)   indicates "Exceptional Experience", Four (4)  indicates a place "worth a come back", three (3)  means "a casual place to eat", two (2)   means "acceptable", and one (1))   means "poor".

CAKES for 2013 Graduates at Café 1771

Congratulations and Happy Graduation!

Celebrate one of the sweetest moments of you life with decadent cakes from Café 1771 located at 1771 El Pueblo, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Available in 2-inch round sizes good for 2 persons, this petite cakes is perfect for gift or when you want a cake dessert that tastes good as it looks.

If you think a dessert will signify your well-deserved congratulations,  give these Rose Noire (P250 net), Evasion (P270 net), Gianduja Truffle Mousse (P250 net), and the sugar-free coffee pie (P220 net) mini cakes as a surprise, guaranteed to communicate your love and best wishes! For advance orders, call 631-7340.

What's New in Manang's Chicken: Bigger Garlic Pork, Red Velvet Sundae and Fresh Side Dishes

I was hearing a lot of buzz about this restaurant's special soy garlic chicken flavor since last year in Mercato Centrale but I never had a chance to try it. My teeth finally sank to the sweet, salty, crispy and juicy chicken when I was invited to try Manangs Chicken's new offerings last month at their branch in SM North Edsa. My culinary verdict? Manang's Chicken is not just another boring fried chicken with gravy but a double deep fried chicken with Manang's secret soy garlic sauce that offers true Filipino flavor.

Manang's Chicken, consistent to their commitment to offer yummy but affordable food re-launched their Garlic Pork bigger and crunchier  rice meal for the meat lover like me. Big pork chop deep fried until crisp with special nuts and garlic toppings was served with vinegar dipping sauce and ample amount of steamed rice. At Php 109.00 net inclusive of iced tea or lemonade, it is perfect for student and yuppies like us who are always on a tight budget.  

Manang's Chicken also added fresh side dishes on their menu such as coleslaw, buttered corn and macaroni salad that are great pairs to the Garlic Pork or Manang's famous fried chicken. A new spicy  ketchup dip for their potato chips was also launched but I dared not to try because I am not a fan of a spicy food. The potato chips though are real good with the classic dip of garlic mayo.

Manang's Red Velvet Sundae made of freshly baked red velvet cake and creamy smooth vanilla ice cream topped with candy sprinkles signed our dinner with right amount of sweetness.

Invitation from The Maya Kitchen: Learn Spanish Cuisine from Chef Miguel Angel de Alba

The Maya Kitchen invites y'all to join guest Chef Miguel Angel de Alba of the iconic Alba Restaurante Español as he shares the unique Spanish cuisine that they have become known for on March 23, Saturday, 9am-1pm at The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center located at 8F  Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City with numbers 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108 / Mobile No. +63947 835 2290.

The son of the respected Chef Don Anastacio de Alba Miguel will demonstrate Jamon con Mangga y Arugula (Homemade Spanish Cured Ham with Mango and Arugula Leaves); Croquetas de Bacalao (Salted Codfish Croquettes);  Fabada Asturiana (White Beans with Chorizo, Jamon and Black Sausage); Lapu-lapu en Salsa Verde (Lapu-lapu Fillet in Light Green Sauce); Paella de Cordero (Lamb Paella) and Tarta de Limon con Quezo (Lemon Ricotta Squares).

Make your summer vacation a delicious one!

The Omelet Project: Seven Extraordinary Mornings with Lady's Choice

As promised, this year will gonna be different - I've decided to focus more on cooking than restaurant reviews because its more uplifting  and econoomical. Somehow, a theraphy for every stress I've encountered along my way. I love the designing part not the actual cooking though, lol! So here's the Omelet series I kept bragging about for a year. I called it Extraordinary Mornings, a compilation of my morning stories some were real and some were made of fiction. I love my morning stories. I think, my creative writing skills went up to a brand new level. Excerpts were reposted on each picture. Please click on the links if you want to read the full story and or check out the recipes. 

Morning Breeze: Asparagus Egg White Omelet with Hollandaise Sauce

The gentleness of the early morning breeze whispered to me like an old fairy godmother, "wake up, dear". I refused and stay in my bed for a little while and felt the extended wintry weather that I love. It was a bright morning chilled by the whistle of cold breeze... and that gave me enough reason to make this day worth waking for. (Full post here)

Morning Affairs: Chicken Omelet with Mozzarella Cheese Sauce and Lyonnaise Potatoes

I got up and brewed his coffee blend. The aroma that usually persuades him to wake up fills the air in but he decided to miss breakfast and the sweet conversation of our mornings. I sipped my coffee and puffed Marlboro green while listening to our song playing on the radio.I made iced coffee just the way he like it, prepared breakfast and wrote a note saying: "Wait for me to go back home tonight ...and turn me on". ( Full post here)

Morning Star: Eggplant Omelet with Ground Pork Filling

Ahh, I love solitary mornings like this. It is the finest moment of the day...  It’s a perfect time to reflect and think about feelings and seize a brand new moment of a new day full of all possibilities, promises and essences. I opened my kitchen curtain and caught a glimpse of the bright morning star gleaming back at me against the black sky …it was breathtaking. The few spectacular moments of the early morning were the splendid change of colors as the sun rises while the glitters of the night slowly fading away. ( Full post here )

Morning Dew: Tomato Crab Meat Omelet with Buttered Veggies on the Side

The moment I cupped my hands to catch the multi-colored dragonfly resting upon the petals of vibrant wildflower were drops of morning dew still linger on its leaves was refreshingly breathtaking.  There were tiny drops covering the dragonfly's body that appears to by crystallized by the morning dew. The tiny droplets of water increased the dragonfly’s beauty and revealed the full details of bright orange, red, green and blue. It’s like an insignia or a jeweled brooch. I was amazed of how the simplest creature that we often take for granted is a holder of such an extreme beauty. ( Full post here ) 

Morning Mist: Open Face Spinach-Tomato Omelet with Oriental Shrimp Topping

The calm of the landscape and chilly rolling of the air is a gift to an early riser like me. I watched as the sun peeked,  climbed above the horizon and burned away the mist to reveal the true colors of Manila back to its normal hues after the mist was cleared. Sunshine and trails of clouds adorned the sky, it was a beautiful and magical change. ( Full post here )  

Morning Scent: Mushroom Omelet with Baked Norwegian Salmon Side Dish

What I made was a good scented set of breakfast because aroma never fails to make me feel good. There is nothing like the smell of brewed coffee, melting butter in a pan, or the zesty smell of citrus to put a smile on my face.  These are the sweet fragrances of my mornings. Such wonderful smells simply make me feel better, banish my depression, and uplift my spirit. Somehow, it reminds me of some good old memories. ( Full post here ) 

Morning Light: Corned Beef Omelet

I was half awake lurking for nothing in bed until something sweet touched my face - the first hint of morning light. My eyes slowly opened and I can’t help but smile for the first time as I watched a ray of morning light slowly moved in my bed. Ahh, I had a long and well rested night, its time for me to get up.. ( Full post here )  

Morning Scent: Mushroom Omelet with Baked Norwegian Salmon Side Dish

I felt a little bit depressed and down on something when I wake up earlier today. In the calmness of the dawn that I used to love, I took a moment of assessment of what it was and figured out it’s the sensibility that's missing. Then, I heard  of the sounds of distant traffic, telling me it's time to get up...

I have to make a sensible breakfast, I thought. Something that would stimulate my senses… something that could awaken my sensibilities.

What I made was a good scented set of breakfast because aroma never fails to make me feel good. There is nothing like the smell of brewed coffee, melting butter in a pan, or the zesty smell of citrus to put a smile on my face.  These are the sweet fragrances of my mornings. Such wonderful smells simply make me feel better, banish my depression, and uplift my spirit. Somehow, it reminds me of some good old memories.

The influence of how I felt when I first smelled my full meal breakfast was so powerful. Here, join me in restoring my sensibility with mushroom omelet and baked Norwegian Salmon side dish.

Ingredients:

Canned Mushrooms

2 fresh eggs

2 tablespoon butter

2-3 tbsp LADY'S CHOICE Mayonnaise

salt

white pepper

4 cloves garlic, chopped into small bits

small onions, chopped

For the side dish: (I'll share both recipes on my upcoming posts)

250 grams Norweigian Salmon, baked

Tartar Sauce

Preparation

Melt butter in a pan over medium low heat, sauté garlic and onion until onion has softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-8 minutes (until it is well set but not too dry). Season with salt and pepper then set aside.

In a bowl, whisk eggs lightly. Add LADY'S CHOICE Mayonnaise, salt, and pepper together till foamy. Sauté onions, garlic and butter in a skillet. Pour over the egg mixture and cook over medium heat; as the eggs set, lift edges and let the uncooked portion flow underneath. Place on a plate put the cooked mushrooms on top and fold. Serve with baked salmon and toasted bread.