I got tired from walking inside the mall, got hungry and decided to find a place to eat in the Food Court. I rounded for about three times trying to find what I wanna eat.
There were so many choices. So many unfamiliar restaurants and unfamiliar food.
I checked one more time. Counter to counter, Chinese, Japanese, Asian, Italian, Indian, and some other I’m not familiar with, etc etc but couldn’t seem to find what I’m craving for.
*Sigh* then I settled for something familiar and something I used to eat. NEW YORK FRIES! I ordered a meal set of NYF, beef hotdog with cheese, fries with cheese & vegetable toppings and Pepsi.
See, this is what happens when you’ve got a lot of choices. You find it hard to decide with the fear you might pick the wrong one. You might end up selecting the wrong one and go home disappointed rather than pleased.
So, go for something that you are familiar with, something recognizable, something that you’ve tried before, something you will surely like.
Better go for something you have tried and tested, something that you are very much aware of. Don’t easily fall for something (or someone) that is only good in the beginning, good on the outside but sneaky dark on the inside. Yeah, you may have a lot of choices, but the question, are they worthy to choose?
Some may look good, may look attractive, may look tasty, some are even made intentionally to look enticing on the outside, but tastes awful inside!
So I don’t wanna make the same mistake again….even just by selecting what to eat this day!
Le Meridien Hotel is a 5 Star Hotel directly attached to City Center, BH Largest Mall. With that, they have one of the Best Restaurant named Baharat that offers a variety of cuisine, International, Mediterranean, Sushi, European, and Asian among others and have the chance to experience the Live cooking stations.
Ik, the price is a little bit costly, BHD28++ inclusive,(something like PHP4k per person) free flow of alcoholic beverage and BHD19++ inclusive, free flow of non-alcoholic beverage, but then, the quality of food, the ambiance, and the service is excellent, plus of course, what do you expect for a five-star hotel?
It’s like we were planning to set dinner with my old friends (used to be Monday Group), for a very long time but as always, we couldn’t find the best time when everyone is free as one would always be out of the Country. Until finally, we all decided to get together this Wkend (though some are still out of the Country) and pick Le Meridian Hotel in Seef area.
TBh, I’m not fond of Sashimi and sushi, haha, strange but true, I think I’m one of the few who doesn’t eat much of this food, but since there are a lot of choices and it was a Seafood Buffet that night, with a variety of starters and appetizers, so I agreed.
The food was exceptional, the seafood options were all so delicious and in good sized portions and different cooking. The choice of salads, cheeses, bread, sides, and desserts are exquisite. It is seafood night, but there are also choices for vegan, Asian, Indian and others. Free flow of unlimited drinks, I think I had a glass of pina colada, and a few glasses more of Mojito.
Not to mention that the staff was also so friendly, helpful and courteous and The band is great musicians, the whole experience with friends are a truly remarkable one.
So I had Oysters and Lobsters and Prawns to name a few.
To end with, I had fun with old friends. That (almost) once a year get together was a night full of catching up from the long lost time since everyone is now busy with own family life. I remember how we used to drink and rock the different bars and hotels until the wee hours of the morning, about 8 years ago and how life would eventually change when you started to focus on the real life.
Good food, good friends, a night of catching up, perfect restaurant!
Okay, breathe. How do I start? At last, I had the chance to sit and concentrate on my blog page without interference.
I just got out from our 2 hrs Technical meeting, answered a few emails, forwarded the previous Progress Meeting, logged new submittals to be reviewed, released done inspections, receive and emailed new ID Inspections, haha, and now finally, taking advantage while the others are still in the meeting and my quick lunch break! This is what we usually get the first few days after enjoying a long weekend, then all the work will come up one after the other.
What I did on EID Holiday?
Oh well, of course, the first night, as usual, was spent with RJ, it’s like we were drinking (moderately) and binge-watching plus a lot of sleeping (and home-food) since Thursday night, 13.12.2018. We were planning to go in the mall on 16.12.2018, the actual first day of the two day National Day but I got a message from my friend Nicole and suggested that we should meet up, have dinner and go for bar-hopping.
Since I don’t get to see much of Nicole these days, haha, (we used to live together in one flat like until mid-2017 until she moved out and I also moved out from my flat of three years to our new flat with RJ) so RJ and I agreed to go out the next day to be able to meet my friend.
She took me to a Chinese Restaurant (Beijing Restaurant) for dinner. Been there a few times years ago (as in really years ago, maybe around 6 years ago). They gave us free Chinese prawn crackers as soon as we arrived and then we ordered dumplings for a starter, iced tea for refreshment, vegetable fried rice, and beef with pepper sauce something (I don’t know the name of the dish). It is beef with oyster sauce topped with a lot of onions and pepper and red chilis.
The beef was recommended by Nicole which is tbh, exquisite and appetizing. The servings are actually good for two to three person so we didn’t order anything more and in fact, we still have to take away the remaining portion divided to two, (one for Nicole and one for my husband to try).
They served us chocolate ice cream (it’s like a hot fudge with banana) afterward as a complimentary dessert.
Too bad I didn’t have much of photos taken but it’s okay.
Beijing Restaurant Location: Villa 576, Road 3819, Block 338. Adliya.
We had to walk back to the paid car parking after dinner. Check out these nice photos I’ve taken while walking on the streets of Adliya, (I wish I have a better cam). It is a holiday mood so the area is dimmed with beaming lights. There are a lot of people walking along the streets and sitting on the tables outside every restaurant but I wasn’t able to take a lot of snaps.
We went bar hopping to three bars on an entire night. Our first stop was in Apollo where we had a glass of vodka with pineapple. The place was still empty when we arrive since it’s still early. We stayed for another 30 minutes listening to the music then we moved to Dublin Bar and I had a martini, and another one, margarita. The martini made me feel a little bit tipsy as it is strong for me so I changed to Margarita which is way better. Then our last stop is Dublin (where there is more crowd) and I had three glasses of vodka, two vodkas with pineapple and one vodka with cranberry).
Apollo Lounge: Building.670 Road.2411 Block.324, Alsafir Hotel & Tower, Juffair
Dublin Bar: Building No. 256 Road No-40 Juffair.
The One Bar: Alfateh
It was getting a little bit late after bar hopping, so we decided to go to Starbucks Diplomat for a quick coffee then go home. But then Nicole’s friend called her and invited us to drop by for a while to Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel where they are staying.
It is something like a few minutes away from Starbucks so we decided to go. We spent about an hour there, laughing and talking with a few cans of beers (I had one full can of Coors light I guess, but I tried a few sips of this unfamiliar Hawaiian beer in a very strange bottle, haha) while playing throw the dice and drink a beer, oh well, I just named it like that where you have to throw the dice and the other person opposite the table should catch it, otherwise he drink the beer and vice versa.
It was a fun night with Nicole, we never had for a little while since we are both busy at work and we now live in a totally different location unlike before.
It was past 2AM when she dropped me home coz I can’t stay longer than that as my husband won’t sleep until I come home.
For the past few years, I happened to do a regular workout as one way of pampering myself.
Yes, you heard me right, this is one effective way of pampering yourself, splurging on heavy eating (Aww, No ways!) and other material things are not the only way to pamper ourselves.
The usuals, I do facial and body scrubs and hot oils on weekends, long sleeps, long shower, full rest, running on evenings, and a lot of walking. I also consider writing as a form of escape and another way of relaxation.
I happened to motivate my husband RJ to do the same thing with me as well, but during his lazy times, he would only come and wait for me at the park entrance gate.
Here are some Benefits of Regular Excercise:
1. IMPROVE MY MOOD- Whenever I’m exasperated with my husband (haha!), taking an hour walk or run will definitely uplift my mood. Regular walking actually improves our nervous system and decrease our mood swings, anger, tantrums, and hostility. Yet it’s true that dark chocolate actually reduces a bad mood on a rough day, but walking is a zero-calorie strategy with the same impact.
2. REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE/IMPROVES CIRCULATION/REDUCES RISKS OF DIABETES/STRENGTHENS BONES AND MUSCLES/IMPROVES DIGESTION- I guess we all know that regular workout will also improve our health, improve our intelligence and reduces the risk of health-related diseases and boost our immune system.
3. WEIGHT LOSS- This is for all the people out there who are very cautious about their figure. But for me, I run to become fit and not to lose weight, rather, to guard my health in check and improve my mood.
4. DELAYS AGING- That’s more like it. Studies show that people who walk at least 30 minutes a day, live longer than those who don’t. Not to mention that our skin will be visibly lighter and younger even without using artificial enhancement.
5. REDUCES STRESS- When feeling sad or irritated, or stress at work, upset about anything, walking can help you reduce the stress.
You need a few basic things to walk. Here’s the list:
Walking shoes
Comfortable clothes
A bottle of water and an energy bar for long walks.
Motivation- Have someone to walk with you, a friend, a partner, or a dog.
When you start walking on a regular routine, you are more likely to continue what you are doing and chances are, you will get new ideas of healthy behaviors and advance to the next level.
By doing this, I also get a full clear mind to think, concentrate, decide, and manage things properly. My Rational thinking gets the best of me to minimize mistakes in everything.
This doesn’t seem very extraordinary or very unusual place, but I find it quite satisfying to try some Japanese Resto for some time.
To have shabu-shabu!
Shabu shabu is a Japanese hotpot dish of thin-sliced meat and vegetables in boiled broth.
Boiled in the metal pot at the center of the dining table, while the pot is simmering, the ingredients are placed in the pot and is cooked at the table.
And since I haven’t tried this for a very long time, having this once again after so long is kinda exquisite and distinctive to my taste bud.
Spinach, water spinach, cabbage, egg, meat & squid balls, thin slices of fish and some other variety of your choice.
Plus, finally, I found the best ever siomai ever steamed in BH. =)
… who can ever say no to this tempting, delightful mouthwatering mint ice cream for dessert?
I don’t usually choose Japanese food (especially this very light one) to any get together with friends and I don’t prefer to eat buffet as well since I eat very little, but this is the kind of food that you will enjoy until the last drop of soup, so I would highly recommend trying at least once every while, plus very affordable for BD10.5.
Location: NANO Japanese Restaurant- Manama Bahrain
You will definitely love it!
Disclaimer: I wasn’t paid to review this restaurant. This is my personal review only.
I LOVE HOME FOOD BUT I PREFER TO EAT OUT– one of my quotations.
Since I hardly cook at all, I always have the time to track down all the nice Restaurants around the area.
As I do not eat much during weekdays but on Weekends, I always treat myself to something extraordinary, this is what we call, the cheat night.
This weekend, I craved for something traditional.
We went to this Filipino Restaurant that is owned by a good friend of mine. This is something just like a home-food in a restaurant.
The taste of Filipino food.
BAHAY KUBO.
Their specialty is Crispy Pata ( pork leg) but I ordered something different.
This mouth-watering “ Kare- Kare” ( this is a traditional Filipino recipe made of Oxtail, beef tripe and vegetables cooked in thickened peanut butter), is also one of my favorite in this restaurant. They served it hot in a pot.
And of course the all time-Filipino favorite, “Sinigang na baboy”, ( Pork stew in Tamarind Broth). This tamarind sour soup is better off to eat with rice.
For starter/appetizer, “Calamari”. This is a batter coated squid- deep fried squid rings.
…and a lemonade and sago and gulaman for refreshment.
..and it’s kinda affordable to have spent around BHD11 ( around One thousand three hundred in peso conversion) for two people.
Me and my friend Nicole.
If you want to feel at home away from our home and craving for something homely, I’m highly recommending BAHAY KUBO FILIPINO RESTAURANT, one of the best, tidiest not to mention that top of the line quality service.
After almost three months, I and my Monday club group decide to meet out for dinner.
It has been a while since the last time we had a get together in a Korean Restaurant, Da Rae Jung, whose food is quite expensive I would say but not that exquisite, well from my taste of food.–> Actually, it’s not that bad haha! But the fact that I do not like much of Korean food says it all.
Again, it’s a Monday Club on a Tuesday night dinner!
After suggesting a lot of options from different fine-dine restaurants, we finally decided to try BAMBU!
It ’s a variety of Chinese, Thai, Vietnam cuisine. If you are craving for a Chinese food, definitely I would suggest the superb food of BAMBU.
From Salt and Pepper prawns to mussels, to prawn toast and chicken rolls, and a variety of others, Beef, and chicken.
The price is about BD12.500 per head but alcohol is not included if you want to go for with unlimited alcohol, the price would be BD16.
Mussels and Tempura.
The ambiance is cozy, and they served a plate of a free starter of chicken rolls. A variety of appetizers in big servings would actually make you full.
As the saying goes, Travel- is the best form of relaxation.
Well, I’m not a travel blogger but there are a few nice countries/ places (Local and International) I luckily got the chance to explore.
Having the chance to wake up in the morning on this top of the line 5 star hotel in SL, overviewing this amazing God creation with the transparent glass window of my room.
The Historical Pompey’s Pillar and other places to see in Alexandria, though we were not able to take a lot of photos since we came on a winter season with occasional rain showers.
Single column marks the site of what was once a huge and elaborate temple, which was constructed of marble and decorated with precious metals on the interior.
One of the Eight Wonders of the World, Pyramids of Giza In Cairo, Egypt.
Ancient Egyptian pyramids are the most well-known pyramid structures. Most Ancient Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for Pharaohs and their families. Over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis.
I love to be in the Happiest Place on Earth, Disney Land, HONGKONG.
A Theme Park located in HK.
Walk around, shop, window shop, walk and explore, street food, in this busy Streets of Shenzen China.
My first time on the snow- JAPAN.
Feel the heat in the desert of UAE. (Desert Safari) A desert safari involves a jeep drive through enormous mounds of sand (called “dune-bashing”), and a stop at a campsite where you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels, get henna tattoos and be entertained by a belly dancer during dinner.
…Of course, I love Atlantis. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai is a luxury hotel resort located at the apex of the Palm Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates.
ATLANTIS AQUAVENTURE
THE AVENUE OF STARS.
The Big Buddha in Kandy.
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue. Overlooking the City! The statue is located high up on a hill and the views from this place are stunning.
Just feel like taking a photograph of myself in Qatar.
Amaya Hunas falls. Oh really amazing! Overlooking the beautiful Hunas Falls, this hotel offers a getaway amidst natural scenery.
How about living in the place where Alexander the Great once lived?
How to be Cleopatra feels. :)Yeah, with this Costume. Lol!
Just to be in the Country I used to call as my second home- Bahrain. Home away from Home.
Aside from being really at home with your family. 😛
I have a lot more photos taken from all the places I’ve been to (Local and International trips) but I couldn’t fit it out in one blog.
Moreover, I love the Philippines and there are still a lot of local destinations I would love to explore soon.
…to be continued…
Some Continuation: 2016-2017
Finally got the chance to visit ILOCOS NORTE, particularly VIGAN, the place I’ve always wanted to see and some other places/provinces nearby.
Who wouldn’t love to have a day on the beach, the sky, the sun, the sand, the weather, and me?
The chance to explore my husband Hometown,Nueva Vizcaya.
During our Philippines Vacation when RJ took me out to see the beautiful BANAUE RICE TERRACES in Ifugao Region. I love the weather, the sunrise, the smell of the morning breeze, the sunset, the green scenery, the Mountain, the trees, everything about Nature.
I have this fascination over Nature Tripping, Long walks, Running, Trekking, climbing, aerial climbing (noh well, not professional, haha, just indoor), and outdoor activities.
Chescadventures 