CHARLIE BROWN CAFE

the whole gang

Charlie Brown Café holds a great number of seats to welcome those who would like to have the "Peanuts" experience. It is a café that looks like a little museum of Peanuts protagonist Charlie Brown and his friends from the comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.

Charles M. Schulz star in the Hollywood Walk
of Fame which is next to Walt Disney's

I have seen this being visited by a lot of Hong Kong residents and I thought their pictures looked so inviting on Instagram and Facebook. I was not fond of Charlie Brown when I was growing up but I know how popular it had been that it was ranked the 8^th in TV Guide’s 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time along with Snoopy.

Out of curiosity, I invited the same crew that went with me at Mui Kee for a little get together as it had been 3 months from the last time we have seen our good friend, Sky. I was feeling a little energetic now than during my first trimester. My husband was also out of town so there's nothing much to do except to spend time with friends. So what the heck! The so-called “Wednesday group” invaded Ko Pah Mansion situated at 58-60 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui for a new and exciting experience!

mini fountain shot with Fern

On arrival, massive Charlie Brown decors are everywhere. The stairway was lighted up with the remarkable glass panel that amazed all of us. As you reach the first floor (Here in Hong Kong, the ground floor is considered the first floor and the first floor means being on the second...) you will be greeted by a mini fountain of Charlie Brown. There was also a section where an overhead projector shows reruns of the animated series of the loved cartoons. 

Looooved the interior, what can I say? Unique, different above all restaurants that I've been to here in Hong Kong and most of all, it was fun. The ambiance was light, the organisation was neat. The whole place seemed big enough to accommodate kiddie parties and they actually have party menus that you could check out when interested.

We went there to gather over dinner. But the menu would give this café a little bit of a disadvantage as the food is in a typical presentation. I believe it got a lot of potential since their coffee actually was good enough. We were almost going to ditch Charlie Brown Cafe for another visit at Mui Kee but again, for the sake of satisfying our curiosity, we all agreed to try whatever was in the menu since the website informed us that they serve meals. Here are what we opted to eat.

Fern's BBQ Sauce Chicken Salad in Pita Bread

Sky's Mini Burger Platter

Known for its cakes, pastries and Italian coffee, I needed a meal to nourish me and my baby, so I wasn’t able to try any of those. I had an order of bolognese and I didn't expect such huge serving. I was happy that their food is cooked without using MSG (or so it said in the menu) and that all their ingredients and condiments are organic (like what was told so in the menu yet again). So for those who are looking for a place that serves a healthy meal, you can try it here. Good for the kids too considering this fact. Get ready with a budget of HK$90-150. But I would go back for it a little much later. 

My Traditional Fusilli Bolognaise

Earl's Charlie Brown Hotcake

Chicken-a-la-king Rice
FERN's additional dish. Hahaha!

It's like their own version of the Hall of Fame

Cakes and pastries are all made up with organic condiments. 

The cafe is open daily from 8:30am to 11:30 pm but it extends up until 12:30am during Friday, Saturday and Holiday Eve. It doesn’t require any reservation since it follows a first come first serve policy but for kiddie parties and similar events, you can contact them thru 2366-6315/2366-6325. The café honors self service. Don’t worry because the place is actually quiet and because we were excited and my friends and I were taking a lot of crazy pictures, we were “ssshh!”-ed by a couple who, we think, were having a serious moment.

I mean it’s far from being crowded at least for now. If you are to visit Hong Kong for the first time, include this in your itinerary if you would be spending time around Tsim Sha Tsui area. This is the best place to unwind after a whole day of shopping spree to relax and have a moment to breathe.

Here are some lists of the beverages being served just so that you'd have an idea of how pricey it is than a usual Starbucks Coffee. It might be because it's all organic, ... or so they say.

 

came up with an awkward pose but happy for everybody's presence

All of what I write could both be an encouragement and discouragement
but it's always up to you on how you could rate it up.
Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit B. Check it!

RELATED POSTS:

1. MUI KEE - a true gem along the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui for those who love to eat.

2. D' TALIPAPA - an exciting eating adventure in Boracay

3. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN EATING? - some socially acceptable bad eating habits

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.

Humble Beginnings

TIME surely does pass swiftly as this page from way back just emerged from Facebook. My man's
(Hogan) manager before in Taiwan, Papa Chien posted it up and I thought of sharing it and writing about it. It just continuously amazes me how much I'm witnessing as to how the Lord used him to be a tool in sharing their rich culture thru their renowned talent.

This was a page from the newspaper announcing Hogan being the champion of the 4th International Siva Afi Competition (2005) in Samoa. He now shares the limelight with two people that I know now personally. Harry Pupualii, whom Hogan had been friends with and Frankie Solomona, who is a brother to him are now working together with a line of talented people here in Hong Kong Disneyland. I pray that all of you would continuously be blessed of strength that you need to possess in fulfilling your dreams to serve as good examples of your own people. Keep up the good work and continue making your mamas proud.

Related posts:
1. THE DISTINCT ART OF THE SAMOAN TATTOO CALLED THE PE'A - Here's an experience to share of witnessing my husband take the first step into becoming a chief, receiving the traditional tattoo.
2. NO TEARS THIS THURSDAY, GET INSPIRED INSTEAD - A line up of talented Filipinos representing their country and their families respectively by being part of a magical day to many tourists at Hong Kong Disneyland.
3. D'TALIPAPA - If you're planning to see Boracay, don't miss visiting this seafood haven.

Let's explore the flea market!

Let's explore the flea market! by kytetoomalatai featuring stretchy high waisted shorts

River Island lace camisole top
285 HKD - riverisland.com

LE3NO stretchy high waisted shorts
145 HKD - le3no.com

Steve Madden toe post sandals
465 HKD - nordstrom.com

Loeffler Randall suede fringe handbag
3,695 HKD - saksfifthavenue.com

Related posts:
1. D'TALIPAPA - a place in Boracay where seafoods are magic!

2. BORACAY '13 - Why we didn't actually like staying in Station 1.

3. AMELIA ON A PICNIC - perfect ensemble for a picnic.