Sad goodbyes and a flicker of hope

The year 2018 had just ended, but not without bringing with it some of the things close to my foodie heart. As I bid goodbye to the year that was, so did I say "adieu" to two of my favorite restaurants -- Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City and Amor Bakery in Manila (all of the latter's branches closed down as well). These two were on top of the places I loved to lounge in to have coffee and do some writing. 

Kamuning Bakery -- which had existed for seven decades -- was, however, razed by fire in February 2018. On the other hand, Amor Bakery announced in its Facebook page just last week as 2018 was drawing to a close, that it would cease operation effective Jan. 1, 2019. Just like that. No explanation. For loyal patrons like me, that was one sad news. I felt much like a woman dumped without reason by the love of her life. The beauty and comfort of the flagship España Blvd. store and my favorite food 
and drinks would now be nothing but a sweet memory.

Personal memories of Amor Bakery in Espana, Manila

Thanks to my optimistic self, however, I have the belief there's something good awaiting foodies like me who have grown to love Amor Bakery. What exactly it is, I still don't know. Maybe, it's opening again under new management? 
So, till we meet again, Amor! 

My Kamuning Bakery and Cafe memoirs

As for Kamuning Bakery, I'm sure it wont be long before it opens its doors again to its loyal customers, though the nostalgic feels of the old, original store 
won't be coming back by any luck. 

I hope, too, for more great foodie discoveries this year. I would be in wait for 
a place I could love as much as I did Amor and Kamuning Bakery. 

Well, hello, 2019!

Dark Specialty Roast: My last foodie find for 2018

After partying left and right just before Christmas Day, I found myself tired of eating meat. So I decided to take a break from pork, beef and chicken for one whole day on the last Saturday before the 25th of December and stick to fish and veggies. It would be a bit of a challenge as I had to go out to do some gift shopping, I thought, as not all restaurants have fish on their menu. Fortunately, I found Dark Specialty Coffee at SM North Edsa because it's where I discovered a fantastic pasta dish with smoked milkfish or tinapang bangus which is one of my top favorite all-day breakfast food. Yay, goodness without red nor white meat! As a bonus, they serve good coffee, too, although I chose a cold coffee and tea blend as thirst quencher.

My lunch at Dark Specialty Roast:

Pasta Maria Ana, P165.

This has milkfish flakes, fresh tomatoes, capers, black olives and extra virgin olive oil.

Iced Cafe Matcha, regular, P160.
Green tea and coffee in a single cup, and the combination of flavors was awesome! 

Dark is my last foodie discovery for 2018 and I was glad to know about and be able to try it. It's a small coffee place with not much on the menu (three pasta dishes, I think, and some meat pies and cakes plus drinks) and shares space with Onesimus men's wear store. Don't let the size of the physical store keep you from visiting this coffee shop, however, as I guarantee, you'll be in for quite a nice surprise, based on 
my first impression of the food and drink.
Will I go back? I would love to! That tinapang bangus pasta would be 
something worth coming back for!

Meal time, fun time at Genki Sushi

When I first read about Genki Sushi, that restaurant at the SM North Edsa that serves food riding on a "bullet train", the first words that came to my mind were 

"fun" and "play". Only kids would think of those, I know, but hey, 

it's good to be child-like and have fun once in a while. 

It took me a long while before I actually made it to Genki Sushi since it reached Philippine shores from Japan in 2015 (if I'm not mistaken), but you know that popular adage: better late than never! It was in between Christmas shopping with my daughter earlier this December when we decided to have Japanese food for merienda and I thought of none other than Genki Sushi. Finally, "fun" and "play"! And it all started when we ordered food using the touchscreen monitor, up until we made our own green tea, and finally, using electronics again to view our bill and ask for our check. 
The highlight of our visit, however, was in between, of course: excitedly waiting for the train carrying our orders to arrive. For once, something 
beat the excitement of eating!

Our orders:

Shoyu Ramen, P250.
My daughter loved this, saying the noodles itself was already flavorful and tasty. I had some 
and liked the savory broth, which was comforting to the tummy. 

Fried Maki Salmon, P160.
We both raved over this -- luscious even to the eyes, and when you put it in your mouth -- an ensemble of delightful sapid flavors! On top of being savory-sweetish, it's spicy -- sure to titillate the taste buds! I could imagine it perking and lifting me up when I'm having the blues. 
Love, love, love!

Norwegian Fresh Salmon Nigiri, P90.
Loved how the salmon glided very smoothly on the tongue with a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Delish! I could eat salmon whether as sashimi or nigiri 
from breakfast till dinner and not complain!

California Maki Roll, P160.
Good, too, although not a standout. 

DIY green tea
That's green tea powder on the round container. Hot water runs on the faucet.

After putting some green tea powder on your cup, pour some hot water from the faucet, 
stir and voila! Your healthy cup of green tea is ready for drinking.

Special food delivery on board a mini bullet train!

Menu

Genki Sushi at the ground floor of SM North Edsa's main building

Needless to say, we enjoyed mealtime and yes, "playtime" at Genki Sushi. Haha! The electronic system of food ordering and having food delivered by cute trains spell fun! I imagine kids having more fun than me, so bring them over 
and let them play at mealtime. :)
Happy eating!