Cucina Andare @ Glorietta The Link Roofdeck

The Mercato Centrale Groups presents yet another venue to experience food tripping to the next level. Strategically located at The Link Roofdeck, diners can appreciate the great view of the Makati Skyline, together with some live music and art exhibits, while relaxing and delighting in their choice of food.

Madz and I were lucky enough to come on their first day last April 4. We were given 300 worth of gift certificates to enjoy but because there were enough options to choose from, plus the relatively affordable prices, we were not able to use them all. Here are some of the food stalls that you will expect to see at Cucina Andare: WARNING: photo dump ahead because I'm letting the pictures speak for themselves :)

Nachos from Sophia's Kitchen

I seafoods!

Isaw! Betamax! and more from Giga Bites.

BBQs from Pai Grill.

B.Wings! The home of the Black Mamba. Boy, you need to try this one.

Fried everything.

Bagnet! Bagnet! Longganisa and more! This stall brought me back to Ilocos once again. 

Different kinds of wraps from Wrap Battle.

My weakness: Cakes and brownies from Cakes by K.

Pasta and Panini sandwiches from New York Minute.

Sinfully Irresistible chicharon. I stayed away from this one. #preggyproblems.

Cakes from Piper's Pan.

Rice Pots! I'm gonna try one from this stall when I go back.

Gourmet hotdogs from Schmidt's.

Chef Bab's Sizzling Sisig and more.

Probably my husband's corner: Aces Cuisine. Steaks! Steaks! and more steaks!

I still have one gift certificate left and I might go back soon. I will surely bring my husband this time, maybe for a simple yet filling treat. How about you?

Featuring: Samsung ATIV Book 9

So I finally decided: I am not gonna get a MacBook Air. Why? Because I do a lot of software testing work (a.k.a The Professional Pessimist) and I need something flexible wherein I can install a lot of tools without having to think whether or not there is a Mac installer version for it. My only problem is that I needed something light (and cute! LOL)

I had the money (yes, yabang!) and my palms were itching in getting a new MacBook Air, believe me. But then going to SM Megamall Cybermall and browsing through shops made me rethink: I can get a better one and save at the same time!

At first I have my eye on a pink Sony Vaio laptop. Boy it was heavy! The specs were good but I am not happy with the fact that I will have to carry a 2+kg. everyday. It was hard finding the right one until I saw one of Samsung ATIV Book 9. It's thin of about 1.5kg. (12.76" x 8.82" x 0.69") with 13.3" HD LED Display. Just right and enough display. It also has very competitive processor and memory, plus, the exterior is very classy!

The only drawback is the 128GB Solid-state Drive. Yes, it has no hard drive. But the SSD technology provides snappier computing experience - quicker to boot up, faster file transfer, etc. I don't mind the low storage as I do have a lot of flash drives and external HD for storing movies, pictures, files and all. As long as it can run the Sims 3 application then I got no problem, LOL!

It's not pink but I love how I was able to customized it. I thought I would have to hate Windows 8 but after upgrading it to 8.1 I learned how to appreciate it. So thankful for the techie genes! And oh, did I mention that it has a tatskrin (touch screen) feature? So handy and very trabahong-tamad!

I get to bring it to the office everyday because I also do part-time job (oDesk) during my free and break time (I have to emphasize that one). It's not that expensive compared to the Php50-55k MacBook Air that I was eyeing so I'm so happy I get to keep the rest of my money and use it for other important things (like baby stuff? hehe)

Browse here for the full specification.

See, Swirl, Smell, Sip and Savor

Last month I had a wine appreciation Thirstday with my friend Madz at Sage Tapas Bar. I know that being pregnant and all, I am not allowed to even think of sipping a wine. But the event, hosted by his excellency, Canadian Ambassador himself, Neil Reeder, featured variety of award-winning Canadian wines that I am so eager to learn about.

Thanks, Madz, for this girl in a wine glass shot!

From the speeches and brief introductions of Daniel Blais's, A Canadian and the Hotel's head sommelier and director of beverage, and his excellency, Neil Reeder, I've learn that: 

"Canada boasts of high-quality grapes, excellent growing conditions, and investments in the world-class wineries that have contributed to the growing success of Canadian wines both at home and abroad."

During the short introduction, it was explained that "the wine-producing regions of Canada enjoy an ideal climate for slow maturing of grape which results in the right balance of acidity and sweetness." 97% of the Canadian wines are said to be produced in Ontario and British Columbia.

Madz and I also got a chance to chat with Mrs. Reeder. She is so adorable and funny! I felt very comfortable talking with her.

Here are some of the award-winning wines presented during the event. Take note that these are not yet available in the Philippines! Such a loser I am for not even having the chance to try them, but, baby comes first!

Calamus Estate Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Ontario Wine Awards 2013 Bronze Medal

Deep burgundy, aromas of strawberries, blackberries and spice. 

Concentrated, luscious fruit forward red wine.

Coyote's Run 2010 Merlot Red Paw

Ottawa Wine and Food Show Competition 2012 Bronze Medal

Silky wine loaded with dark, dried fruit character, powerful velvety tannins

and a long finish.

Coyote's Run 2010 Pinot Noir

Canadian Wine Awards 2012, Ottawa Food and Wine Show 2012 Bronze Medal

and Intervin International Wine Awards 2012

A rich wine that features dark fruit aromas (black cherry and blackberry) 

that dominate the nose. On the palate, there is a rich, velvety tannin with 

more dark fruit flavors and hints of spice.

Lailey Vineyard 2010 Syrah

Ontario Wine Awards 2012, Intervin International Wine Awards 2012 Bronze Medal

Canadian Wine Awards 2012 Silver Medal

A nose of roasted meats, pepper, intense black fruits of blueberry, currants and brambles

Of course, let me feature my drink for that night:

Not wine, but close enough. Haha! Also, wines were served together with some small bites prepared by Makati Shangri-La's Sage Tapas Bar. 

Smoked Salmon on Saffron Brioche

 

 Crustacean Lollipop

 Spring Roll

I forgot the name of this dish :( 

Lamb Cigar 

 Dolma

 Tuna Carpaccio

 Sea-Bass Tartare

 Elderflower Panna Cotta and Strawberry Melba together with some sweets

Salad Cups

I also saw Chef Sharwin Tee, host of Curiosity Got The Chef, during the event, but unfortunately, I got too shy to ask for a photo with him. 

Madz and I, together with Canadian Ambassador and Mrs. Neil Reeder and Makati Shangri-La's Head Sommelier and Director of Beverage Daniel Blais

It was such a great experience. If you want to learn more about Canadian wine, you can check them out in these sites:

Government Website:

Canadian Agri-Food Trade Service

Industry Websites:

BC Wine Institute

Canadian Vintners Association

Wines of Ontario