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Showing posts from February 18, 2024

When the longing for authentic Pinoy dishes strikes in the U.S., Isla Grand stands ready to transport your taste buds back to the Philippines.

Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...

Carmina Eating Healthy at Olive Garden Philippines

It is not bad eating healthy food when everyone else is enjoying their meal that has meat and seafood.  Carmina has known to be different the way she eats her meal.  To other people they feel they cannot eat a full meal without any meat or seafood. Carmina is not removing everything, yet fish is allowed only when it is not fried.  Mom Violy asked where she would like to eat lunch. I said, I prefer if it was Italian food at least I would know there would be something for me to eat and enjoy my meal. I remember there is an Olive Garden in Gloretta Mall. I asked, Mom Violy if it would be alright to eat there. She gave everyone a budget not going over 1,000 pesos. I had no choice no other meal for me to consume meaning I went over my budget. 🤣 All main course meal comes with unlimited soup, salad and bread stick I had picked my favorite minestrone soup. Mom Violy had debate on what she wanted to eat went ahead tried something new the fried eggplant with marinara sauce and si...

Carmina's Review on Mushroom Wonton Noodle Soup from Dai Tai Fung

Carmina has a new challenge for herself by finding food that has no meat in her food due to having skin allergies. I need to find other food that is recommended for me to eat. Before entering the Din Tai Fung , I went to check what food is available for me to eat just that I would be aware I'd have something to eat a meal. It was my first time requesting for vegetable broth instead of using the pork broth often used on wonton noodle soup. Actually, the food was delicious having mushroom inside the wanton.  Mom Violy complained yet she liked the food as well just she had requested pork broth for her portion. She felt the vegetable broth was bland on her taste.  If, I wasn't allowed not to eat any soy sauce I would have added it to my mushroom wonton and some chili sauce.  Next time when I can eat the food, I'd know the difference of how it would really taste until now I am doing well eating vegetarian meals. Mom Violy wanted me to eat some fried rice. I had informed h...