Birthday dinner means a new restaurant. I remember wanting to eat at Nuvo when I was still in college but couldn’t really tag anyone with me. For a while, I forgot about it and I was just used to passing by that area, almost everyday and have gotten used to Nuvo being just there. And so I saw a good deal at TCAT Philippines (which by the way has excellent customer service), one of the group buying sites (I no longer look at them one by one, this just happen to somehow made it to my Facebook feed). Hehe. Anyway, it was paying Php 650 for a Php 1,000 voucher. Not bad right? I bought quite a few.

Anyway, we are always a bunch when we go out for my birthday dinner, which makes me happy really. I love that my siblings will eat everything and anything, with an occasional comment here and there. If I knew how to cook, they would have made me happy finishing up the dishes I made. Anyway, enough about us. Let me walk you through our experience.

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How was your vacation? I am guessing most of you are still on it since tomorrow is still a holiday for most of us. Anyway, here’s an indulgence idea for you after the fasting that you endured for a few days. Enjoy!

The name is such a good pun, I thought but it really is the name of Mamou’s second branch in Rockwell. I have eaten at their first branch in Serendra a couple of times when it was still new and I went to the office in Taguig but have never ordered their steak because I found it quite pricey. Anyway, because I am sometimes being spoiled rotten (thankful and loving it, haha ), I got to finally try what I think Mamou is really famous for, their steak.

But let me start with the complimentary bread served. They were warm and soft. I liked the darker ones better although they were slightly rougher in texture, I’m guessing it was made of wheat. Quite good to munch on while waiting for our orders.

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Thinking where you can have dinner on the last night of the year? Now, just make sure to call them up first because I am not sure whether they are open or not. Honestly, I am cramming writing and posting because I want to get everything under 2011.

Ever since I came back from my almost month-long travel, I do not feel like I have had a decent meal. That really absolutely mouthwatering meal that I always like to satisfy my cravings with. On the upside, I lost weight. But I am already going far from the topic.

We were supposed to eat at Gustavus last month. It was disappointing when I was trying to ring the number posted for an entire day (and succeeding days) just to end up with busy tones. We passed by the area and discovered it was closed. And because none of us got down to check if there was a notice, we did not know that they were going through a transition that time.

And then a week ago, I randomly looked for Gustavus’ Facebook page and discovered it is now known as Krave. Also, that the chef is different as we were informed by our server during that dinner. As the case, they also did a revamp on the menu of the restaurant.

The place probably sits around 30 at most. I got shy to take a photo because the space was quite intimate and that maybe the other patrons may frown upon it (yes, I still sometimes respond to social pressure). It is a very good place to lounge around. The interior has couch sitting very apt for this particular purpose, also that the place has warm lighting perfectly conducive for a date or an intimate family gathering. I would imagine the lunch crowd to be different, most probably they will be in suits and ties conducting business meetings.

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Buffet dining both excites and scares me. I would like to think that I don’t exactly have the biggest appetite but at the same time, I like variety. The scary part really is the tendency to lose self control and eat the kinds of food that shouldn’t be eaten so much of.

Anyway, Escolta is relatively new. Manila Peninsula rebranded this restaurant so well, I couldn’t even remember its old name even if I was able to dine then more than a couple of times, including during shortly after the Magdalo mutiny incident. Today, Escolta offers a variety of different cuisines spread out for its guests to be enjoyed under one venue.

Upon being directed to our table, we were served a small tray full of different kinds of breads with butter. Our drink preference (not included in the price) was asked as well. After settling down but before getting too comfortable, we managed to walk around the spread to inspect on what were being offered.

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This year’s birthday celebration was held at another restaurant that I’ve been meaning to try but still hadn’t, well at least until that night. I know, another backlog sprouting, but allow me to indulge as I love to share. Astralis is managed by The Diamond Hotel. The ambiance has that relaxed but intimate vibe into it. With few tables inside the establishment, it felt cozy and loose.

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