Goodbyes and Hellos

Yesterday was a fun-and-food-filled day for me. I met up with Annick and Sidelle for lunch at Casa Feliz in Marikina first, then had dinner and dessert with my college friends in Serendra--with one whom I haven't seen in almost 3 years! Why Goodbyes and Hellos, then? It's because Annick's leaving for Australia in a few days and Nabs, one of my college girlfriends, and I are finally going to see each other after a few years.

Anyway, started my gustatory (semi) adventure at Casa Feliz with my FICsters (hehe). Sidelle already ate there before and told us what was good to order. As always, we were initially worried that we'd end up not finishing our food but of course we devoured almost everything. The only thing left was just less than half a plate of Mongolian Rice, haha!

What I liked about Casa Feliz is that it has this homey feel to it, and since the weather was pretty good yesterday it wasn't humid nor hot. Good thing there were a few fans set up just in case. Delle and I weren't feeling the tents, though. The set up would have been nicer looking if they used better tents.

We ordered Mongolian Rice, Pork Sisig, Rosemary Chicken, and Rosemary Broccoli and Cauliflower (not sure if this is what it's really called). For dessert, we ordered a slice of Pistachio Sansrival and a slice of Strawberry Cheesecake -- both are to die for! I couldn't really say if I preferred one over the other because both were so so soooooo yummy! In general, the food's actually pretty good, and very affordable. I do have a few comments: I didn't taste the Rosemary in the Rosemary Chicken heehee :p It was swimming in the butter sauce and was a bit salty. I'm guessing they used salted butter then still added a bit more salt. Personally, I don't like food that's too salty. But as I said, all-in-all the food's yummy and the price is very pocket-friendly. I'd go back to Casa Feliz just for the dessert, haha!

the Broccoli and Cauliflower dish

Mongolian Rice

Pork Sisig

Rosemary Chicken

Heaven on Plate #1: Strawberry Cheesecake

Heaven on Plate #2: Pistachio Sansrival

FICsters :)

After lunch, dropped off Nick and Dellie at their house and headed to Serendra for coffee, dinner, and dessert with my college girlfriends. While waiting for Raiz and Kten, Nabs and I had coffee first and did a bit of catching up. She and I are both working in the public sphere--with Nabs working in Congress while I'm part of a group doing consultancy and a bit of leg work for one city in Metro Manila. Hurrah for public service! :p

After coffee, we went to Balducci for dinner. Just have to say, thank you Nabs for the treat :) Twas her birthday and she wanted to treat us to something nice so yay to awesome friends :p I wouldn't expect anything less than delicious at Balducci. The food's always good and the ambiance is really sophisticated but simple--such a nice place to have dinner and wine with your girlfriends ;)

We each ordered a glass of wine (forgot what kind though). Was supposed to order a bottle, but since the four of us aren't really drinkers we opted to order a glass each instead. For dinner, we had Insalata Rucola (Rucola, Gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh pear salad), Margherita-pomodoro Mozzarella and basilico pizza, Cannelloni della casa Ricotta e spinaci (Classic Cannelloni with Ricotta cheese in bechamel sauce), and Carre d' Agnello alla Griglia con Salsa alla Menta (French cut rack of lamb, grilled, with homemade mint sauce, accompanied by roast potatoes, grilled vegetables and polenta).

Complementary bread and spreads (butter, patte, and tomato/basil/olive oil)

Insalata Rucola (Rucola, Gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh pear salad)

Margherita-pomodoro Mozzarella and basilico pizza

Cannelloni della casa Ricotta e spinaci (Classic Cannelloni with Ricotta cheese in bechamel sauce)

Carre d' Agnello alla Griglia con Salsa alla Menta (French cut rack of lamb, grilled, with homemade mint sauce, accompanied by roast potatoes, grilled vegetables and polenta)

Before heading home, we had dessert and more chika time at Miss Dessert (also in Serendra). We each had coffee and shared a slice of Red Velvet Cake, Belgian Choco Chip Cheesecake, and the Chocolate Earthquake. Am not really a fan of super sweet cakes, so the Chocolate Earthquake was a bit overwhelming for me. I did love the Belgian Choco Chip Cheesecake and the Red Velvet Cake :p Just to note: to all diabetics out there you're in luck because Miss Dessert also offers sugar-free cakes! :)

Am so happy that I spent the day with good food and great friends. Here's to an awesome weekend! :p

For more details about:

Casa Feliz, you can check http://www.casafelizcakes.com/

Balducci, you can check http://www.loperagroup.com/

Miss Dessert, doesn't have a website but you can check online reviews here and here