MREANDMISST experience thru PLATE CULTURE

Picture having an intimate gourmet dinner, with your foodie friends or your partner, at a roof top with wine at hand, at a comfort of a home, with the chef dining with you and explaining to you each entree. Yes, this is just a click away!

my lovely Wednesday foodie group

A new trend in dining out had emerged people! This Autumn, take advantage of the cool weather and book your dinner from this online foodie platform, Plate Culture. Available in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and in Hong Kong, Plate Culture combines social dining with a one of a kind experience at a foodie's house. Depending on what you crave for, Plate Culture approved chefs are more than happy to welcome you in their beautiful homes, with their lovely pets and warm hospitality. The beauty of it is that information you need about each home is just but one click away. Not to mention, the hearty meal that they feature are like no other.

Tans and Warwick
MrEandMissT
Check them out in Plate Culture!

As I went over the choices, I got attracted to MrEandMissT's simply decorated rooftop escape in Central. For HK$252/person, I did not hesitate to book a couple of nights with them to maximise the experience. I read thru where Warwick (MrE)'s passion for food and the perfect combination with sous chef Tans (MissT)'s support, rest assured that you would get more of your money's worth. I wouldn't spoil what the online platform had set for you to discover so just check it out on Plate Culture.

But it was interesting to know how they have been chosen to join the group. They have entered their name in this website and people from Plate Culture contacted them and had asked them to present and cook their best dish complete with plating and the works. Heavens are in their favour despite the fact that what they do for a living is teach and cooking is a passion on the side. I cannot even find the words on how to label their food as every entree is solely their own. You cannot say it's South African (since they were from South Africa) nor you can't say it's purely Western since they embrace usage of the Chinese 5-spice. But as you taste their food, it's like fireworks in your mouth.

It is a must for me to bring along people who have the same enthusiasm for food whenever I am up to trying something new. So, I had to gather with my Wednesday group, the most non judgemental bunch, when it comes to indulging to what my *GIT craves for.

Hosts featured in Plate Culture here in Hong Kong can be easily contacted thru the website's messenger. The booking process won't be done unless you and the host have decided on a date. At the beginning, you will be asked to tell something about yourself, who's joining you and as to the food preferences you may have. Once the hosts approved of the date, you'd be sent a payment link via email that is good to book only within the day. It was pretty quick and easy provided you have all your credit card details correct. As soon as you make the payment, the address and the contact number of the host would be sent to you along with the instructions on how to get there. What I love about this is that Warwick was very helpful, contacting me on the side regarding little mishaps here and there.

They are located at Hollywood Road and their rooftop sits atop the 8th floor. It was a work up since there was no elevator to get us there but as soon as I got my wine at hand, I instantly felt relaxed and Warwick and Tans are exceptionally good and warm hosts. They offered us cold water right away. Honestly, my friend and I felt like a mess since we were sweaty but they welcomed us with a sincere hug. As soon as we got complete, the appetisers were served since it was around quarter passed 9 by then.

Warwick had introduced us to this robust flavoured appetiser explaining which he put on what. Honestly, I am no food critic until I get to taste something. But I feel so honoured to be explained of what I am about to experience. They call this the "Perfect Salmon Spoonful". With salmon as the star of this dish, it came in 3 Chinese soup spoonfuls laid on a wooden plate. (Unique plating, check!) They added beetroot to gravlax to give this Norweigan elegance a fantastic colour. The orange, salt and gin added depth to its flavour while the avocado mousse sits atop. This starter owns a secret. It's the sweet sensational popping candy that makes this starter my official favourite!

The set up at MrEandMissT's on their rooftop
is an escape overlooking the stillness and beauty
of Hollywood Road, Central.

As we gulped down 3 spoonfuls of this magnificent delight in no time, Warwick and Tans shared to us how they met, that their language is called "Zulu", what challenges a teacher in Asia usually encounters and how they got Plate Culture to feature them. It's amazing to know that they are teachers by profession  during the day but are chefs and hosts in the evening. It was actually so good of these two to consider my booking since they were full that week. When they approve a night for people to come over, you are guaranteed of a good time. After fun exchange of stories, they gave us more time to chit chat and catch up as they prepare the main course.

Crispy duck breast with
cherry sauce and blue cheese mash

When their menu said, crispy duck breast, this main dish conformed beautifully to it as the skin was truly crisp but the meat was cooked tenderly that it melted and exploded altogether with the blue cheese and cauliflower combined mash and cherry sauce in my mouth. I am a duck, carrot and asparagus lover so, this was a "10" for me! That night, they had pushed their taste buds to the limit for deciding on adding a Chinese five-spice to it. Kicker slices of fig enriched the roasted duck with that umph at the end of each bite. It was just right of a serving for a gourmet dish I must say. Plating, another 10 for the richness in colour, interesting presentation and right amount of sauces and mashed equalisers. And of course, since this night had inspired Warwick to continue being adventurous with his passion, he had done a new dessert.

Add caption

Tans' support for this new dessert made her brag about it. Rightfully, it earned its reputation. New York Cheesecake probably is one of the most famous dessert ever made in human history. But what Warwick made, he transformed it to a Nutella cheesecake with an Oreo base that assures your tactile sensation with a rich, creamy popping dessert. Balanced with Vanilla ice cream, the Nutella cheesecake ends our journey to hailing food for that Wednesday night with a memorable aftermath. Flushed out with red wine, it was perfect.

I booked a second dinner with a different set of friends since I loved my experience at MrEandMissT's abode that I had to bring a foodie blogger along with me, Andre Cheung (spotthefood.blogspot.com.hk). For this experience, we had roasted pumpkin nested by ricotta conchiglie. Atop sits a Parmesan crusted walnut dusted with olive caviar that completes the crunchy feel of this lovely appetiser. I am not quite sure if the pasta shells were intentionally cooked crunchy too to sit well on a plating of the refreshing parsley puree.

Roasted Pumpkin on a Ricotta Conchiglie

It was quite reassuring by this time that I would have another whole experience as they have changed the menu for my second visit. Even the place was decorated differently that made so much of the greens of their rooftop pop together with the plating. The lights glowed quietly every two seconds and it complimented the warm air blowing thru the night. I'm amazed at how they had moved the furnitures to open it up more to a breezy atmosphere but a week of rainy storms were expected so, we craved for iced water more than once and lay lowed on the wine.

After an exchange of familiar stories, work experiences and amazing cultural differences, a half hour catching up with my ladies had built up the excitement and craving for the main entree which was pan seared salmon.

Pan seared Salmon with Mango, avocado, beetroot side salsa and with a Coconut Mango Curry Sauce

As we all know, pan seared salmon is already a treat. Packed with nutritious benefits, it oozes out essential omega-3 oil that is good for the heart. But MrEandMissT took advantage of its plain glazed barbecue colour and paired it with a tower of three of my friend, Cathy's, favourites: mango salsa,  avocado and diced glazed beetroot. All of these served on a wooden plating with duck fried potatoes, and a portion of fennel and the last touch which I think is the best thing that made this dish so irresistible is the magical coconut mango curry sauce. These flavours altogether are unfolding a viand that is so delicious, the words to describe it are not even discovered yet.

We didn't wait that long before they served the uniquely plated dessert which they call:

"Salted Caramel Chocolate Delight". Dusted with ground cinnamon, this dessert is served together with a South African milk tart and a scoopful of Almond ice cream. The rich caramel chocolate balances the creaminess of the milk tart. This dessert amazingly lets the explosive flavours from the main entree sit right since it satisfies your cravings for just about anything. This whole dinner gave us everything we love. Salmon, avocado, mango, cinnamon and most of all, cheese!!!! Only MrEandMissT can give you that all at once in one sitting.

Just in case you are curious, here are some of the ingredients that we don't get to see and taste everyday that were also featured in their meals. 

Beetroot

Fennel

Capers

Figs

Mizuna, a spider mustard leaf,
commonly used to garnish salads

Everytime I get hold of a new food experience, it always reminds me of an opportunity to get immersed to an extraordinary form of expression. With every food or meal being cooked, I am aware that it takes a great deal of effort, love and passion as it expresses the chef's totality. His experience as a whole, his capacity to reach deep within and most of all, to leave a mark that will never ever be forgotten is magical on its own. There is more to food than most of us know. I love how it brings people together and I love its main purpose on each of us. To nurture.

Thank you MrEandMissT! Because of you, my first Plate Culture Experience had been lovely. When I was talking to people about whether it's of Italian South African or French I can never pinpoint which it belongs to because it's solely Warwick's and Tansy's. I'll definitely go for another round of that new menu!

featuring their terrace decorated with their own herbs and spices

*GIT short for Gastrointestinal Tract

Related posts:
1. ALCHEMY - cravings for Atlantic oysters to match your Sauvignon Blanc? Try this!
2. CHARLIE BROWN CAFE - plan your kids' 4th birthday here. They have a continuous TV playing and they have massive space for games and programs
3. MAMASAN - located at Hollywood Road, Central, check this Bali inspired restaurant whose green mango salad would ignite
4. Spot the Food by: Andre Chung featuring Mint!

NEW POLYNESIAN CLUBS IN HONGKY!

Finding Tiki Bars in Hong Kong is unimaginable. Due to the game of Rugby that Hong Kong hails annually, the Polynesian influence was given a way to make a name. There stands two in the most in-demand districts, Central and Wan Chai, cocktail tiki bars ready to get checked out for a good time and an escape to experiencing the Poly vibe.

Being married to a Polynesian feeds the islander in me. Philippines own more than 7,000 islands and my dad had imparted unforgettable experiences to me (being a true islander blooded fella' himself, who was born and raised in Romblon) honing my true love for it! In the end, I got attracted to a Samoan warrior and wouldn't mind settling in the heart of the Polynesia (Samoa) later on.

For now that we are spending our productive years in Hong Kong, we crave the island life every now and then. With the hustles and bustles of this vibrant city, we owe ourselves time to unwind. I must admit, a night out (or two) a month keeps me sane for I find it relaxing. Needless to say, going out once in a while keeps me in balance. It keeps everyone in balance when you don't let go of that word, "play!" This weekend, try bringing your friends to these TIKI BARS that mix rums with fruit puree's giving your usual happy hour a refreshing funk! It's different from the usual house party though urban style is still mixed up with it.

HONI HONI TIKI COCKTAIL LOUNGE

I love how it has a big space for islanders to actually lounge in. You see, they are not small (nor will they ever be) at all. This is a huge factor to consider with "anything" Polynesian. No offence meant, Polynesian people naturally own a gene pool of huge, strong human beings. Imagine "The Rock", Dwayne Johnson.... yep! The famous WWF legend. Imagine 10 of those in a room. OK, now you grasp my idea of "They need space!" Now, Honi Honi for sure had that in mind when considering the interior design of this cocktail bar. Since there's only one Polynesian bar in Central, big names in rugby would eventually visit this bar for its rarity.

TROPICAL STORM
For more information about the cocktails
available in Honi Honi, click here. 

The seats are comfortably covered with synthetic felt and are well cushioned, interior is made up of bamboo with warm lighting and toilets are designed conformingly to the theme with tiki men and women labels. The vibe is fresh because of the greens by the veranda and the open space just gives the place a windy feel. Now that summer is almost over, the breeze would be cooler for you to enjoy more pina coladas!

We got a nice place to sit on by the corner of the bar (indoors) and knowing it's just offering cocktails and finger foods, we had dinner first in the comfort of our homes before going to the place.

I started the night with the usual white sauvignon blanc just because it's always my comfort drink. But I started to get jealous and curious all at the same time when my friends' Honi Honi signature drinks started to come. I was forced to chug down my white wine to make way for an adventurous drink.

I went for the TROPICAL STORM that is a mixture of Grey Goose Vodka, Elderflower Syrup, Guava Nectar, Passion Fruit Puree and Strawberry Puree. Hmmm.... what can I say? It's a spa in a mug kind of cup... The fire when it got served gave it a 9 star rate. Drinks are starting from HK$120 and up.

Our only worry was that, it didn't have that much alcohol that you need to probably ask the waiter to make it stronger if you must. Don't get me wrong, I am not an alcoholic but with that much money out, you want to get what you deserve for its worth.

the washrooms

Recently, they have Wednesday nights for ladies who are daring to unleash their creativity by making their own tiki cocktail mix. In addition, the bartenders have monthly mixes fresh out from their imaginative tactile skills that are priced cheaper than the others since it's for you to try and critic. AHI MOANA (priced at HK$90) consists of Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum, Orange Peel, Lime Juice, Sugar and Soda water - a splashy kick to get through the hump day!


Honi Honi is located at the 3/F, Somptueux, Central, 52 Wellington St.,  Central, Hong Kong. My brother-in-law's girlfriend had booked an area for us because we thought it would be filled up since it was a Thursday night of May that time. But surprisingly, it's not that full until 12mn. But people came crawling in huge groups after that. Since it's just at Wellington and is basically a block away from the rest of the bars, we didnt have a hard time getting into them because Honi Honi was accessible either way, up to Soho or to Lan Kwai Fong. Phone reservations can be made too by calling 2353-0885.

MAHALO TIKI LOUNGE

Now, this is yet another promising treat in the middle of Wan Chai's busy streets. You think it's only about it being a red hot district but, secluded at the 29th floor, QRE Plaza, 202 Queens Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, a floor opens up to this Polynesian jewel, the Mahalo Tiki Lounge.

the washroom's faucet

I can't emphasise on how spacious it is until you go check it out yourself. Upon entering the lounge, a dance floor awaits facing the bar where an array of spirits and rums are displayed. Much like that of TIKI TIKI Cocktail Bar but besides the facade where these couches are nestled, sliding doors give way to a similar veranda where party goers that prefer staying outdoors may lounge. The big windows open up but not entirely. I wasn't really sure if the roof opens up too since it was pretty crowded the night we went there for a friend's birthday party. But one thing's for sure, it was breezy and we loved how the wind blowing towards us where we chose to hang out by the sofas. It was a summer evening in July so a cool breeze was unexpected. Hanging on the walls are authentic Hawaiian performers showcasing their culture thru stolen shots that says a lot about its richness and truth.

One thing interesting about the club is that everything is one-of-a-kind. Its design, the drinking cups,... their menu is even in a scroll. It leads you to choosing a map of signature Polynesian drinks. With the same crew I was with in checking out Honi Honi, plus more friends, we opt for a huge drink (which in my opinion wasn't still that strong with regards to its alcohol content!)

lighting up the scroll of menu as we
chose our drink

For HK$900, I think 9 also went for a sip of the RAISING SUN. It is a mix of Bacardi Superior Rum, Bacardi Black Rum, Clement Orange Shrubb Liqueur, Blended Passion Fruit, Mango juice, Apple juice, Cartron Peach Liqueur and Watermelon.

OK, I think, 60% of it was watermelon. Uncool!

Probably, the alcohol was just settling down and wasn't mixed properly but it was enough for 9 people. Not bad! I have ordered a mojito on the side, and then we called it a night.

Reservations can be made by calling 2488-8750. Opening hours are from 12pm for lunch - 2am during Mondays thru Thursdays. Fridays same but until 3am. Saturdays, they open around 6pm to 3am. Sundays 4pm-12mn. Click here if you prefer online reservations.

The only bad thing that my husband and I noticed was the music they used. It would be best if they'd play reggae music at least. But it was a house kind of thumping and that's just what turned us off the hook. It was all beautiful and inviting except the music. Polynesian people love to dance. In fact, they are so fond of telling their folklores thru music and dance. So, if you want a Poly bar to last long, the music's gotta' bring it. Or these boys would prefer other clubs to stomp into.

Killing the "Raising Sun"

Overall, in both bars, we had fun because this group had been going out since 8 years ago. So, being altogether, still up until now, is treasured no matter how the night ends up. It's truly a great time we had in visiting these tiki cocktail bars. So with what "mahalo" means in English, "Thank you" for another page turner in our book of happy times. I hope you readers will enjoy it as much as we did!

Related posts:
1. ALCHEMY - a French lounge bar that may take a rejuvenating spa feeling into a cup with appetisers like oysters and home made peanuts giving your drinks some twist.
2. MAMASAN - looking for a place where you can dine in style in the middle of a busy city? This is the place to be.
3. MUI KEE - are you around Tsim Sha Tsui? This serves authentic Hongky cuisines with the best beer to taste on the side, Harbin!

MAMASAN

Looking for a restaurant where you can lounge in style, eat comfortably and is near Hong Kong's best party hubs? Mamasan is the best place to be. Check out its Indonesian food, worthy of its cost and the Balinese decor that perfectly caters to intimate time with your friends or partners.

A couple of months ago, a friend came over for a special event at work and for their last day, they were given free time to explore Hong Kong. We, Hongkies had squeezed time to be able to have a catch up with her. We knew we would have a lot to talk about since we I wasn't able to attend her go away party because I was pregnant by then and it was a fast forward from there. We have that much to share, we needed a serene place that has an ambiance with the perfect lighting and just the right mellow music to set that relaxing mood after they had roamed around the city. Chesney, my visiting friend, had colleagues with her. One of them is visiting Hong Kong for the first time so we needed a place in the city so that they can just jump into having a taste of its nightlife right after. As I mentioned, they came from exploring the ladies' market, the peak and all that so they wanted to have a couple of happy hour drinks for experience right before going for dinner. Since we are in Asia, we all agreed that we should be able to taste Asian cuisine at its finest. Mamasan was incredible that it catered to all of these considerations we have in mind and the good news there was that it even exceeded our expectations.

Mama San's location:1/F, 46 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

I was coming from work when they informed me of the plans. I thought I was going to have a hard time finding Mamasan but it was just sitting almost beside Solas. It is located in 1/F, 46 Wyndham Street. I'd share the route from taking the MTR since that's what I took. So you take Exit E of the Central Station then you work your way up to Lan Kwai Fong. Take the stairs to Lan Kwai Fong Hotel (facing Hard Rock Cafe, it's on the right side) all the way up then you'll end up exiting to Wyndham Street. Face your 10 o' clock from that stairway and there it is.

I went up and I didn't expect such serene interior. And then as I remember what the word "Mamasan" meant in Japan or East Asia, she is the one responsible for taking care of geishas in a house or a bar and is the one in authority as to how they would be entertaining guests and masters. She trains them to look their best and to be at their best in all occasions. They said the mamasan is the most experienced amongst all women in a geisha house and is usually the responsible one for all credited acts of the women and for their mistakes as well. The young women serve as her reflection.

So, the brainchild behind Bali's success story, Sarong Restaurant, has this in mind while coming up with an idea for Mamasan. Will Meyrick wanted to infuse that Mamasan care in the ambiance, the food and the service that the people would be experiencing hence, the birth of this gem in Hong Kong.

They said Mamasan is a West meets East kind of a diner. They said it's very Western on the outside and Eastern in the inside. Since the West favours taking their time in eating and adores anything authentic and antique, they kept the place minimal and all Balinese in terms of the hues and kept the food interesting, enough to tickle a critique's senses and flavour preferences. I craved for something refreshing and light that evening so I opted for Crispy Salmon with Green Mango and Sweet Fish Sauce. It was beyond the usual green mango salad. It was superbly delicious and the sweet fish sauce had a little kick off with tiny explosive spicy treats. I don't hail spicy food but the chilli in this one was just truly tolerable. I paired it with the house's glass of "Over the Shoulder" White Cahardonnay and all in all, the serving was truly just. Some of us ordered their curry meal and found it good as well and I got to taste the Pad thai looking meal with sautéed beef but I forgot what it's called. But everything was very good. Thank God for Carlie who had thought of this worthy place.

OK, so, as I researched further, here are some of the additional information any of you who plans to visit need to know.

Meal prices start off from HK$100 up, with a decent glass of wine, hk$150 up. They are open daily from 12-3pm, then 6-11pm. It's advisable to place a reservation, since they only can accommodate 90 people at a time, by calling 2881-8901 since it's making a name already both amongst tourists and locals alike. You can also book online by visiting their website, mamasanhongkong.com .  No corkage fee if you want to bring your own wine, they do cake-cutting upon request, and 10% service charge is billed every visit. This is according to openrice.com. In terms of payment method, no EPS is honoured, just cash or using your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AE, Union Pay).

I would rate this restau with 4 stars over 5. The prices are sensible considering a great amount of serving. Though we were very curious as a HK1 dollar donation was specifically included in the bill. One of us asked the waitress what's it for but they can't specify as to where it will go. It was unclear to us also that if it's supposed to be a donation, then, it should be voluntary but it's there imposed right there on the receipt, just above the 10% service charge. We wouldn't mind it actually but that was just unclear to us.

The taste of the food will make me go back definitely and this is a good pick if you are with friends who have varied preferences. There's a vegetarian menu and everything is categorised according to which kind of meat there is in each viand. For more details, check out the suggested websites featured in this post. Enjoy the fabulous Mamasan Restaurant!

Related posts:
1. ALCHEMY - a posh cocktail house that you should definitely put in your list for a quick happy hour before hitting the streets of Lan Kwai Fong.

2. RUBY TUESDAY - looking for an authentic American restaurant? This is it! Click for its location!

3. AFFORDABLE FOOD IN HONG KONG THAT WILL SURELY MAKE YOU COME BACK FOR MORE - traveling to Hong Kong in a budget? Here's a list of cheap but good picks.

ALCHEMY

For a year and a half, I have hibernated from going out for drinks with girlfriends.

As my baby had been weaning and is more into solid foods now,

I have indulged on a night at ALCHEMY

where Buddha tears mixed up with liquor

certainly gave me a different impact.

Remember this clip in Sex and the City 2 movie?

Yes, when you're a mom, "sips" may be needed

just to keep you sane and reconnected to yourself.

When you're a mom, you start to think not only of yourself. There's always something that needs your attention and you constantly are worried if you missed a thing in terms of nurturing, feeding, bonding time and future concerns. Needless to say, you somehow neglect yourself willingly that it may be too late for you to realise that you've lost yourself in the process. Having said this, I'd like to encourage you with a reminder, "You had a kid, yes. But you didn't die."

It's important that you have a handful of mommies as friends for you to be understood because the "single-no-kids" ones wouldn't get where you're coming from. At one point, you may be feeling a little aloof towards them because your priorities are different now. Let me tell you that to this account, you're not alone and so many mothers have been there. My good friend Jane, who had her daughter 2 years ago was asking me how I felt in going out, if I felt awkward since it doesn't feel the same way as before when didn't have kids yet. And I said, it's pretty much new to me again. I wasn't knowledgeable about the new trends in drinks, the place was new to me and I felt a stronger emotion than feeling awkward.... honestly, it was GUILT.

fresh Irish oysters with vinegar, tomato salsa
and extra virgin olive oil

But I'm a wide reader. I had a lot of questions so, I had to research. To counter my fear of intoxicating my baby thru the drinks, I read that I need to drink a barrel or 10 bottles of absinthe or any hard liquor before I would. That's good to know. So, I didn't hesitate on ordering the Buddha Tears where part liquor is mixed in with coconut juice, lemon drops and something else that it was like I was drinking the word "SPA" and everything about it.

There's a taste of lavender, lots of zen greens and kind of soil extract. You may think it's gross but, the after taste was rejuvenating. That was one of the highly recommended but I was trying to feel any hit, there was none. Until I ordered a mojito then a SAUVIGNON BLANC. On the side, my girlfriends and I ordered the fresh Irish oysters that were over-the-top good. We were just really supposed to be there for drinks but we got envious of the other table ordering the fabulously laid oysters so we got them. In addition, the home cooked spicy treats (popcorn, peanuts, raisins and almonds with pepper) were soooo delicious. I am not a fan of spicy food but I found myself digging for some and all 3 of us were popping them in because they were just irresistible.

It was an honour to know some people who were friends with the Chef (Chef Pascal) so we met him and had said our praises for how satisfying the oysters were. A little moment later, we were delivered these cranberry macaroons that were like no other. I never loved desserts. More so, if they are chocolatey. So I was eager to taste it right away and we had licked the syrup even because it was so tasty. In the end, our bill was around HK$1400+. 9 drinks all in all, the oysters, the dessert (free of charge) and loads and loads of treats (free of charge) to complete the bill. 

-the best Cranberry Macaroons I've ever tasted-
The macaroons were home made.

I wanted the night to be spent smoothly in a way that I would be able to go out again after this one. So I asked to tag team with my husband to whom I owed a good night from, by being selfless and just wishing me a good time. My girlfriends and I headed home unexpectedly sober because we thought there was not that much alcohol in our drinks. We aren't alcoholic but just for your information about how we would critic the drinks. Food was great, be ready with around HK$400 in your pocket. Service charge was billed and since it is secluded from the chaotic Lan Kwai Fong, you could be assured of seats. A reservation is recommended though Thursdays all the way 'til the weekend.

I love these gals

Trivia about the place since we have met some of the chef's friends and had given us a background of who owns the place, all the French lounges and fine restaurants are owned by the same person. I had the chance to experience Le Budoir with my closest friends and boyfriend then (husband now) I think a little over 5 years ago, which is located on the left side of the street going up to Lan Kwai Fong (where the Cotton On is beside 7-11 and so forth), and it didn't disappoint. Actually, I loved that place.

When we visited Alchemy, it was a cold night that I had to buy a sweater. So I was so relieved that it was very warm inside. The ambiance was relaxing, homey as a matter of fact and for those who would love to have a good chat with mellow music, try having a drink here or two. I highly recommend it since it leads a way too to a dark dining restaurant that my friends and I are aiming to experience before one leaves for Dubai for good.

Here's a movie that features one dark dining restaurant that may ignite the curious in you. 

Related posts:

1. D' TALIPAPA - a unique restaurant situated in Boracay that you should never miss

2. JOLLIBEE - Philippines own fast-food addiction

3. CHARLIE BROWN CAFE - a cute cafe located at Tsim Sha Tsui for all the Charlie Brown fans.

10 COMMANDMENTS OF SNACKING

An example of a good and healthy
snack brought to you by:
skinnymom.com

Having a snack is often neglected to be a random need to stay nourished because it's either you didn't have time to eat a proper meal or that you are on a diet and you are cheating on yourself making it believe that you're eating lesser than usual. Emily Bibb, Assistant Editor of Popsugar, aims to make you see snacking in a different perspective by writing the 10 Commandments of Snacking. You see, I've been researching for healthy substitutes on what I loved doing:

eating 3 big meals a day,
packing up on rice and
not including that much veggies in my diet.

I just gave birth and I would want to lose the excess weight yet be efficient in breast feeding my baby. How do I do that? By doing right exercise and eating healthy. And by eating healthy, I mean increasing the portion of veggies and fruits, decreasing that of carbs, substituting it with less sugary sources and most of all, maintaing good eating habits considering, portion sizes as mentioned earlier, eating more frequently: 6 times! Eating more frequently somehow keeps the body's metabolism up, somehow leaving no food not utilised.

So, I've come across an important lay out and I thought of sharing it in my blog as my own reminder. This is a repost of the original one infused with illustrations to help you better understand her point. Here it goes:

Chili's Queso Recipe:
Gluten Free!
Click here!

1. Thou Shalt Measure It Out

Once you choose a snack measure out the appropriate serving, leave the kitchen and sit down to enjoy it. Avoid eating straight from the box of cereal or while standing at the kitchen counter, because you're more likely to keep going back for more (and more!).

2. Thou Shalt Fill in the Gaps

Use snacks to fill in the holes in your diet. If you didn't get your greens in at lunch, munch on a few veggies in the afternoon. This will ensure you have a  well-balanced diet - not to mention fruits and veggies are lower in calories and higher in nutritional value than a handful of candy.

3. Thou Shalt Acknowledge Cravings

Can't stop daydreaming about chocolate? Don't try to suppress it. Instead, see if you can come up with a diet-friendly alternative that'll satisfy the craving so you don't over indulge later on. Try these healthy chocolate snacks that won't undo your diet.

4. Thou Shalt Keep It Under 200 Calories

It's important to keep snacks between 150 and 200 calories, especially if you're trying to lose weight. Although this sounds small, there are plenty of options under 150 calories that are satisfying and filling.

5. Thou Shalt Consider the Workout

The right snack is key to a good workout and recovery. Pre-workout snacks should offer a combo of protein and carbs, and you should offer a combo or protein and carbs, and you should nosh on your snack about 30 minutes before setting out to exercise. For a good recovery, also choose post-workout snacks that are a combo of protein and carbs to build and repair muscle and quickly recoup lost energy.

6. Thou Shalt Pair It With Water

Fill a reusable water bottle or a glass with nature's beverage, and sip a few ounces after each bite of snack. The water will help you feel full and satisfied without adding any calories.

7. Thou Shalt Savor It

Since snacks are small, make your snack last at least 15 minutes and really savour each bite. Slowing down when eating will help you feel satiated by the time you finish, which will prevent you from wanting to reach for more. Don't forget to apply the same rule for meals too!

8. Thou Shalt Make It A Triple Threat

Don't just reach for a handful of crackers. For a satisfying snack, the right combination of proteins, carbs, and fats will keep you feeling full and allow your blood sugar levels to stabilise so you don't crash and burn. Stick to a combination of fruits, veggies and bread with nuts, yogurt or cheese.

9. Thou Shalt Pack It

When you're on the go, you're likely to snatch up whichever snack is most convenient (cough, cough, chips!). Rather than settling for unhealthy picks, make sure that you always have a healthy choice on hand. Keep protein-packed energy bars or a small bag of nuts in your nurse so that you're never forced to go with an unhealthy on-the-go option.

10. Thou Shalt Make It A Do For A Weight Loss

Although you're consuming calories, snacking can actually help you lose weight. It satiates your hunger, making you less likely to reach for high-calorie treats when you're beyond starving or to eat more at dinner than you normally would.

Related posts:

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3. AFFORDABLE FOOD IN HONG KONG - Tourists may find this exciting to try and useful for the trip most especially if they are on a budget!

Affordable food in Hong Kong that will surely make you come back for more!

This post is dedicated to the explorers out there who aim to see and taste the world while being on a budget. Gaining knowledge about different places around the world need not be too costly, most especially if you just wanted to get immersed into an adventure as far as being a local of that place is concerned. And one thing that you should start planning for any trip is, which food is that country known for because to experience it, tells a lot about how people, basically, are. Their preferences says a lot about what kind of people they are. It tells alot about how they come together as families, it tells a lot about their economy and simple as it may seem, it may tell how people move around and about it.

Hong Kong is known for the following:

1. PEARL MILK TEA

This is one of the most sought after here in Hong Kong. Gong Cha, in particular, presents an array of tea made of taro, oolong, plum and many more. This could satisfy your thirst for a good drink in Hong Kong as you conquer its streets of ladies markets, souvenir shops and good food most especially during these summer months (June, July and August).

To some people, they are weirded out with the jelly pearls at the bottom. But for me, it is the best part in finishing up this drink. In addition, I love how I can control how much sugar can be mixed into my drink. The cashier may or may not ask you, how do you want your sugar? But they welcome this annotation. And they give you a percentage. I always go for the 50% or mild amount. Take a look at their menu so that you'd have an idea of what Gong Cha could offer.

There are actually a lot of milk tea stations that are immitating them but Gong Cha just simply is the BEST. It's safe too the way they prepare the drink because you can actually see how your drink is being mixed altogether and you can see them gloved while packing it up with the necessary plastic sealed cover and they make you pick your own straw from the bunch so as to show courtesy not to touch the part where you're supposed to sip the milk tea from.

The places that I know that has Gong Cha stands are Tung Chung and Tsing Yi MTR and Wan Chai, Exit A4, afront Paissano's Pizza. Write it down in your itinerary. Trust me.

2. HONG KONG SIU MEI

As I grew up in the Philippines, I have developed fondness to siu mai. Come to Hong Kong, I was educated with the right term to use. It's called "siu mei" and the local dimsum stores offer it in large servings here in Hong Kong. Hen Lin of the Philippines just offers 1/3 of Hong Kong's real serving.

I came here 7 years ago and it was just HK$10 for 4 back then. Now it just got up to HK$12 but the size is still the same and it's still worth your money. Sometimes, when my co-parade dancers and I miss it, we go to Fu Tung Shopping Centre (in Tung Chung) and they offer an array of dim sum there that you'll surely enjoy if you're touring around Hong Kong with an aim of tasting the local food on a budget. A HK$20 worth of siu mei partnered with a drink (Gong Cha, Pearl Milk Tea for me is the best to combine with this) is enough for you dinner. To some Filipinos here in Hong Kong, they take it home to combine the meaty siu mei with rice.

Siu mei and other dimsum delights can be experienced in doing yum cha. This is tea drinking that allows you to eat dimsum on the side in replacement of breakfast or lunch. It is a traditional (Cantonese) Chinese way of spending the morning and gathering with families during the weekends. It is a good thing to experience when a first timer in Hong Kong arrives because of the wide array of dim sum a yum cha restaurant could offer.

3. PORK BUN (TIM HO WAN)

My good friend Bobby and I
are Tim Ho Wan virgins no more.

Now for sure you have somehow heard of how Tim Ho Wan had been branching out here in Hong Kong and abroad (as the latest one recently opened in the Philippines) because of the great demand for pork bun from the fans. 3 pork buns literally just costs HK$19 to be exact but it's more than rewarding once the robust flavor of the barbecue pork melts with the sugary coated pork bun in your mouth.

I tell you, IT IS WORTH LINING UP FOR!

So don't get intimidated with the full packed branches. The rest of the delicacies offered here isn't a failure all at the same time so, just avoid lining up while you're too hungry. It will upset you because too many tourists are taking their time in chatting and catching up with friends while they savor the pork buns the poor you are longing for. While you remain outside, that is a frustrating scene to see, right? So, maybe, just the right range of hunger with a good company to chat with is the best to have as you wait.

The least crowded location I believe is at Shop 72, G/F, Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, Tai Kok Tsui Olympian City Mall, Hong Kong, China (Mong Kok). Going thru the Olympian City mall is the best and easiest route. No reservations are honored so come at your own risk. I suggest you go there before lunch or dinner time sets in. We reached Tim Ho Wan around 6:30 in the evening and we had a whole 16 seater table all to ourselves plus 3 2-seater tables. Nobody complained since people didn't start coming in yet 'til 7:30pm. By that time, our friends were around to fill up the table already so no harm done. I spent HK$60 for the entire night because I shared the bill with 4 of my friends. I enjoyed the food and I believe, so did the baby in my tummy.

As you can see, the pork buns come in three's, the siu mei in fours and the chicken feet, in a serving that can be shared. After ordering these for 3 rounds (There were 4 of us), we have had more than enough. If you are up for congee and other dim sums (I heard the sponge cake too is good plus char siu pao are also awesome!), here is a list of the rest of the choices. Trivia goes, Tim Ho Wan is one of the best dim sum places that it ranks #67 above all 4,348 restaurants in Hong Kong and owns an Excellence Award for the year 2014! (Source: Trip Advisor)

Other info you may need to know:
- No parking for this particular franchise.
- Contact number: 2332 2896 (Maybe if it's not too busy, you can do a reservation.
- Payment Method: Cash Only

4. SAIZERIYA

It offers a wide range of choices from Italian, to Western to a slight Mediterranean but in a very cheap price. This is particularly famous amongst students because of its food's affordable prizes yet the servings are enough for one person. It also comes with limited drinks with a whole lot of sodas, coffee, and tea to choose from. It's up to you if you want it cold or hot.

My own personal favorites here are the following:

Baked Spinach with Cheese

Garlic Garnished Steak

Sizzling Plate of  Shellfish

Cheese Pizza with extra Mozarella

Many people who crave for Italian dishes plus grilled lamb steaks and baked casserole food but are on a budget ease their way to Saizeriya. Needless to say, it's jampacked most of the time too. So to try and experience, come on a week day, on a non-lunch or dinner time and be ready that you have to wait for a long time. For temperamental people, think twice. We truly enjoy coming here though one suggestion for the branch manager in Tin Shui Wai, clean the place thoroughly. Because of how busy it gets in a day, they need more personnel to cater to the restaurant's sanitation.

Basic Info:

- Location: Shop 216, 2/F, Tin Chak Shopping Centre, Tin Shui Road, Tin Shui Wai.

- Mode of payment is Cash and food costs HK$50 up.

- Sitting is on first come, first served basis. Come at your own risk.

- Seating Capacity in Tin Shui Wai maybe around 60-80 people at a time.
- NO outdoor seating is available.
- Contact number: 2617 3004.

- Opening hours: 11:00 to 22:30.

- For tourists, I'm sorry but there's no wifi.

- They don't offer delivery.

- Serves alcoholic drinks.

- No 10% valuie added tax

Source: openrice.com

If you do have encountered restaurants or treats that belong to this post, please do let me know by leaving a comment below. Splurge in these delights as you visit Hong Kong next time!

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2. 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HONG KONG - Besides the food, check out the list of why I chose to become a Hongkie!

3. HOMEBAKERS TURNED ENTREPRENEURS - Looking for affordable cake masters to grace that dessert table with the works, find out who to contact here.