Restaurant Review: The Stock Market

I had dinner with Uncle Don at the "The Stock Market" last night and I went home with a happy tummy. This is not my first time to dine in this cozy, artsy and quaint restaurant and then again the food does not disappoint. I am on a strict diet regimen but last night was the exception. I ate my share of the food served in big white ceramic plates. Each serving of the food was generous enough to be shared by two. It actually felt like you are eating in your own dining room, complete with white halls, well-lit space, cozy chairs and soothing music on the background.

The restaurant is owned by Del Monte Philippines (who has offices on the second floor of Bonifacio High Street restaurant) and operated by the TOSH (The Old Spaghetti House), Grilla, Chilly Willy's Restaurant group. It is called "The Stock Market" because it is a place where Del Monte intends to sell its stock of products which include Del Monte drinks, fruits, and its own line of salad dressing. Yes, you can buy fresh produce inside the restaurant as well as canned goodies.

Now about the food...we ordered Stock Market Fresh Harvest Salad with Pineapple Vinaigrette, Baked Fish Fillet with Tomato, Olive, Caper Coulis and Fettuccine Aglio Olio and Penne with Homemade Spicy Italian Sausage and Arugula Leaves. We spent Php985.00 (about $20) for all those. It's really worth every bang for your buck. Uncle Don and I shared all the three plates. And oh, the utensils are quite heavy and they are a little too big for me but I like that they looked so squeaky clean. Food preparation was fast and we did not have to wait too long before we started eating our food. Here are the pictures of the food we ordered:
The salad greens were perfect, crisp and fresh. I didn't like the grapes because they tasted a little overripe for me. The pineapple was of course yummy (it's a Del Monte restaurant after all) and I like that they did not scrimp on the walnut topping. How about the vinaigrette? Awesome!
I wasn't able to distinguish what the fish was but I think it was dory or the same fish Sizzling Pepper Steak use for their Fish and Chips. It was baked just about right and it literally melts in your mouth. The tomato sauce, olive and caper sauce tasted a little too strong too me but it was balanced by the fettuccine aglio olio. The robust fragrance of the olive oil, the crisp freshness of the garlic, the quality of the grated cheese and the pasta itself are all essential in a dish where nothing can be masked. It was a complex and simple dish in one plate.
This is by far my favorite of all three. I loved how spicy the dish was and how al dente the noodles were. I highly recommend that you try this dish.

Will I go back? Definitely! And when I do, I will surely try their desserts. And yes, forget about the diet yet again.

Specialties: Roast Beef, Grilled Angus Rib-Eye Steak with Bordelaise, Chicken Beignet with Creamy Pepper Gravy & Spoon Biscuits, New England Clam Chowder and Garlic & Lemon, Flatbread Pizza with Arugula, Ravioli with Cream Cheese, Parmesan, and Pine Nuts and Salmon Burger

Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday 11:00am to 11:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 11:00am to 1:00am

The Stock Market
Quadrant B3
Bonifacio High Street
5th Avenue
Fort Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila

Phone Number: (63 2) 856-6301

***They also have an ice cream bar and their servings looked tempting. So be sure to check the menu list too. (I did not attempt to.)
***This is an unpaid, unbiased post. I am just merely sharing my experience and as a result I am recommending that you try out the food and the ambience. Superb!

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FOTD: Woebegone Face

I feel so melancholic lately. Maybe it's the cold that I have been nursing. Maybe it's the sheer gloom cast by the weather. Or maybe even the feeling of woebegone. Don't get me wrong, I have so many reasons to be happy it's just that sometimes I give in to being a little crestfallen.

I was sick the whole time I was on my rest days from work so I stayed in. I spent most of my time in bed, missing my scheduled runs and practice swim sessions. That for sure made me disappointed that I am sick days before the Timex Run and I am supposed to be training so I could finish my "Couch to 5K" goal. At any rate time has swiftly passed and I could never turn back time. I went to work still on Thursday night, still feeling a little sick. I curled my hair hours before my shift and attempted to paint my face with some happy colors. A coworker said my face looked dewy (the pictures didn't give it some justice) when I bumped into her at work. Anyway, here are some pictures:


Products Used
Smashbox Illuminating Serum
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light
Monave Concealer Foundation - Mirabella
MAC Sheer Loose Powder NC30
Smashbox Blush Soft Lights Duo Split Second
Coastal Scents 78 Palette (#30 and #59)
Smashbox Mascara Primer
Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes Waterproof Mascara
EB Color Pencil Brown
EB Color Pencil Black
Ulta Lip Liner in Plum
Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm
Bench Paint Box in Pink Pearl
Hair: Temporary Curls - Finesse Self-Adjusting Curl Defining Mousse and White Rain Maximum Hold Energizing Citrus Hair Spray

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Out Of Boredom

I've got nothing else to do so I played on my picture editor and got this as a result:

I am laughing my hearts out after I did it...It's not even scary, it's a lil funny.

Anyway, I am not attending any Halloween party, are you?

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Picture Perfect!

I am searching for pretty pictures online and I think I found some of the best photos I could ever find in one website. I fell in love with the amazing shots especially with this picture:

Head on over to Kassia Meinholdt's page to appreciate her work. Don't worry, it will all be worth your time. She has pure amazing talent. I am undoubtedly impressed. All the more reason I couldn't hardly wait to get my hands on a new camera soon, yes I am still dreaming about my Nikon D60 (Dixie).

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FOTD: Neutral Overload

I think I have mastered putting on neutral shades over my face already and I can do it quite fast as well. This is what I wore when I attended Freeway’s National Artist Collector’s Series Event at The Row Glorietta 5 last night. Here's the result of my 10-minute make-up routine:
Products Used
Smashbox Illuminating Serum
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener (works wonders to me)
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light
Monave Concealer Foundation - Mirabella
MAC Sheer Loose Powder NC30
Smashbox Blush Soft Lights Duo Split Second
Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Palette
Smashbox Mascara Primer
Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes Waterproof Mascara
EB Color Pencil Brown
EB Color Pencil Black
Ulta Lip Liner in Plum
Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm
Inuovi Professional Lipstick Ivoluxe in Lush
Bench Paint Box in Pink Pearl

Hair: Temporary Curls - Finesse Self-Adjusting Curl Defining Mousse and White Rain Maximum Hold Energizing Citrus Hair Spray
Nails: Nail-a-holics Cash and Carry Mall, OPI Red
Earrings: Classic Faux Diamond Studs (won in a blogger giveaway)$14.00 CAD
Necklace: Silver/Gold (Two-Tone) Pendant with my name written as is and in Arabic - gift from a very good friend way back in 2007
Dress: The Good Find, Cash and Carry Mall (FS) - Php450.00
Cardigan: Knitted Black Sweater Zip-Up Front, The Landmark Makati (FS) - Php395.00
Bag: Tats, Market Market, Fort Bonifacio - Php650.00
Shoes: Black 3-inch gladiator sandals, Twinky, Glorietta 5 - Php1198.00

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Freeway’s National Artist Collector’s Series Event

I was able to attend the Freeway show earlier tonight and I did enjoy some artsy fashion show and my eyes definitely feasted on the symbols of expression handcrafted by the renowned expressionist painter Ang Kiukok. The artistic masterpieces were such eye candies and I have picked some that I wanna buy one of these days. I personally loved the dresses. I was also able to meet fellow bloggers (Nikki, Shen, Earth and Hannah among others). This will be the third time that I am joining an activity since my foray to the world of blogging (first was the Goldilocks Event and second was the Medicol Awards Night). Well, as you very well know by now, aside from my full-time call center job and my recent love affair with fitness, I also blog.


Here's the official press release for the event:

Freeway has launched its second installment of the National Artist Collector’s Series last October 27 at The Row, Glorietta 5. This is a sequel to the successful first series which pays tribute to the brilliant National Artist Award winner for Literature, Nick Joaquin. For the Holiday season, the collection features the powerful work of Visionary Genius, Ang Kiukok. His widely known themes for his paintings such as Scream, Dog, Harvest and the ever popular Clowns are showcased in this Numbered Limited Edition Series. This Holiday Collection consists of graphic tees, outerwear, woven tops, dresses, accessories and Mens’ graphic tees. Those who came to see this beautiful fashion collection included friends from the traditional and online media, Ang family and friends and loyal patrons of the National Artist. Guests were treated to delectable treats and a great Ang Kiukok tote bag as giveaways.






Hosted by Jocas de Leon, Freeway showcased the collection in a fashion show. The show consisted of beautiful Brazilian models that wore amazing hat pieces to complement each bold Kiukok outfit. To play upon the dramatic theme, models themselves looked astounding with their smoky make-up that was done wonderfully by VMV Hypoallergenics. Everyone was blown away by the show’s vibrant colors and the powerful graphics of each piece featured. The Ang Kiukok themes were beautifully integrated with the wearable and flattering silhouettes that Freeway is known for.




The evening winded down with interviews with passionate Ang Kiukok collectors such as Joey de Leon and experts such as art critic Cid Reyes and prominent collector, Dr. William Chua. Avid patron, anchorman Julius Babao participated via video interview. It was interesting to hear about the personal side of the artist and at the same time how his work has affected people. Part of the proceeds of this effort will be donated to the charity of the Ang Family’s choice, the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii who is building a church in Tanay, Rizal. Philippine Fashion and Art, a great synergy to celebrate our culture! To see the entire collection, go to www.freeway.net.ph.


Thank you Freeway for coming up with events and ideas like this, marrying art and fashion. This is definitely a noble thing to do to inculcate the value of appreciating the talent and culture of our national artists. I may not be an art enthusiast (paintings and the like) but I think I just got converted. I can't wait for the next event.

I took home a lovely package (press kit) with an Ang Kiukok Limited Edition Tote Bag and some VMV samples inside. How thoughtful!

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Freeway National Artist Collectors' Series- Ang Kiukok" Collection Launch

On the 17th of this month , I got me an invite waiting in my email inbox for the "Freeway National Artist Collectors' Series- Ang Kiukok" Collection Launch.

"You are especially invited to this much talked about National Artist Series commemorating the beautiful and provocative work of Visionary Genius, Ang Kiukok. The event will be held at The Row, Glorietta 5 on Tuesday October 27 at 6pm. Avid Collector and Passionate Patron, Joey de Leon along, his daughter Jocas and other special guests will be joining us in celebrating this great artist. Get to know more about Ang Kiukok’s life, and at the same time Preview the Kiukok Holiday Fashion Show."

This will be my first mainstream fashion show invite and I would like to attend so I RSVP'ed. And now I am stressing on what to wear or how I'll style my hair and what make-up to splatter over my face. LOL! But I know what shoes I'm wearing... I will post pictures from the event when I get home tonight.

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Progress Report

I am on my second week of working out (with some occasional rest and rather longer one because of the little injury) as well as watching what I eat and I am happy to announce that I have lost 6.6 lbs. I am super-pleased. I couldn't be any happier. My goal is to lose 10 lbs in one month and I guess if I continue what I've started (same pace and dedication), I would for sure meet the target come November 10. Second week isn't even over yet. Here's a picture of me from one of my work-outs, all smiles and sweaty. LOL!

I feel happy when my coworkers tell me that my efforts are paying off. I like it when they tell me that the weight loss is noticeable and that I should not stop. Ahhh those compliments are much-appreciated, gives me some more reason to push the bar higher. Even then, getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle are just my main goals. I've gotten a few messages telling me that I have inspired them as well to get their lazy asses to running and lose the extra pounds. That for me is an achievement already. Big smiles.

More progress reports to come soon. I wish I had taken a "before" picture though. Well, anyway, I'll probably just pick from the bunch of albums saved in this computer soon.

IF you want to read my FITNESS blog, click HERE, HERE, HERE. :-)

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Click Click Flash Shoes Choos

In conjunction with the launch of the the Project PEP collection we told you about back in June, Jimmy Choo and the Elton John AIDS Foundation are holding a photo competition open to all of you.

The theme of the photos should be “You, Your Shoes, and 72” (and no you don’t have to use Choos in the shots!) Project PEP benefits the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa with a chunk of the money going toward the HIV-preventative treatment, PEP. The number 72 is significant because that is how many hours rape victims have post-attack to be given the medication.

Along with supporting an incredibly worthy cause, a selection of the photographs will be displayed for 72 hours at Selfridges (including the Tamara Mellon-hosted launch event on October 29th). The grand prize is seven pairs of Jimmy Choos and two bags. Awesome ain't it?

Click HERE to read more about the contest and to see some of the submitted entries.

And here are the mouth-watering prizes.

IMPORTANT!!!

The overall closing date of the competition is 7th December, 2pm GMT 2009. The overall winner will be announced 72 hours after this date, on the 10th December.

However, if you want your entry to be considered for inclusion at the Project PEP launch event in London on 29th October, please submit your entry by 5pm GMT on the 26th October 2009.

So go ahead and join. Help raise awareness and spread this 72 hour message by entering our competition and uploading a photo to www.jimmychoo72.com inspired by 'You, Your Shoes and 72'. You will be in with a chance to win exclusive prizes and the opportunity to be featured in an exhibition at the launch event of Project PEP at Selfridges in London on 29th October.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the competition have two deadlines?
A: The first deadline is 26th October, if you want your photo to be considered for exhibition at the Project PEP launch event at Selfridges in London. The final competition deadline is 7th December, when overall winners will be announced.

Q: How do you pick the winners?
A: The winners will be picked from a shortlist of entrants whose photos have the highest rating. So make sure you ask all your friends and family to vote for you and give you the highest possible rating!

Q: Can I enter more than once?
A: Of course! You are welcome to upload as many entries as you want. However, you will only be eligible to win one prize per person.

Q: I noticed some of the photos are artworked. Is that allowed?
A: You can create entries in any format you fancy – photos, drawings, artworked designs, paintings – as long as you can upload it as an image. It is also crucial that you own your content so that you don’t infringe any copyright.

Q: Do the shoes in my photo have to be Jimmy Choo?
A: No they don’t! We have had all types and brands of shoes featured in your photo entries.

If you have any other questions, please send them via Twitter to @jimmychoo_72, or post the question on their Facebook Fan Page.

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Why Am I Missing In Action?

I would like to apologize to all of you ladies and gents who follow my blog for being MIA lately. I have not had any chance to blog about beauty and stuff because I am currently training for the Timex Marathon. I will be joining the 5K race and since i have not been active enough before, I've literally been a couch potato if you say so, I needed a rather intensive training for me to be able to finish the race in a decent amount of time. I thought of posting my shoe haul but changed my mind. I'll probably be back in the groove of blogging when I have some little extra time to devote doing make up and all. I, however, still put on make up when I go to work so I am not all slacking. Anyway, I made a separate blog to track my training so if you have time head on over to:

http://ktquesttofitness.blogspot.com/

I will be back for sure and hope you are all still here to follow me. Wish me luck!

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Diet-Friendly Recipes

I have been trying so hard to plan out my meals and I am so thankful to be able to find such healthy and easy to whip up dishes online. Here are some of my diet-friendly recipes (from Women's Health magazine online) that will not rob you off three hours of your gym time:

1. Spicy Lime Tilapia

This low-cal dish uses spice to flavor the mild fish. Not only will it taste better, but it turns out that capsaicin (the compound that gives chili peppers their mouth-searing quality) also fires up your metabolism. Eating about one tablespoon of chopped red or green chilies boosts your body's production of heat and the activity of your sympathetic nervous system (responsible for our fight-or-flight response), according to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology .

Ingredients:
• Olive oil
• Red-pepper flakes
• Baby spinach
• Asparagus tips
• Tilapia fillets
• Scallions
• Lime

STEPS: To make chili oil, combine the olive oil and the red-pepper flakes in a small bowl and microwave it on high for 30 seconds. Set it aside. For each serving, lay an 18-inch length of aluminum foil flat on a work surface and arrange half the spinach and six asparagus tips in the center. Place a fillet on top, and top the fillet with half the scallion pieces, half the chili oil, and the juice from a lime quarter. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold the foil up and over the food, crimping the edges closed and creasing the sides to form a tent. Bake in a 450°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 2 servings

2. Seafood and Mushroom Pasta

You might pay $15 for this dish at a gourmet restaurant, but you can prepare it yourself for much less. This recipe serves four, so if there aren't that many of you eating, count on bringing leftovers to work for lunch the next day. Talk about a bargain.

Ingredients:
• Olive oil
• Baby clams
• Shrimp
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Dill
• Whole-wheat linguine
• Parmesan cheese

STEPS: Warm the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. When it's hot, add the clams, shrimp, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the mushrooms are soft. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and dill. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the juice from the tomatoes evaporates a bit. Season to taste with the salt and pepper. Meanwhile, in a large pot, cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl. Add the shellfish mixture and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with the cheese and additional dill, if using, and serve.

3. Quick Burritos

You can't really go wrong with the Mexican classic. But don't let this ultimate comfort food be a diet buster—substitute lean ground beef or ground turkey to make the meal low-fat.

Ingredients:
• Ground beef
• Red bell pepper
• Taco seasoning
• Whole-grain tortillas
• Monterey jack or cheddar cheese
• Romaine lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa
• Olive oil

STEPS: Cook the beef in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until browned. Add the red pepper and continue to cook, stirring, until softened slightly. Add the taco seasoning and water, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes, until the pepper slices are al dente. Place a tortilla on a f lat surface. Spoon 2 scoops of the beef mixture on the bottom one-third of the tortilla. Layer on cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa, being careful not to overload the tortilla. Fold the left and the right sides of the tortilla inward 1 inch, and then, starting from the bottom, roll up the tortilla until the seam is down. Repeat to make additional burritos. Using a napkin or a paper towel, rub the olive oil on the bottom of a saute pan. Heat on medium-high until hot but not smoking. Place the burritos, in batches if necessary, in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes longer, until heated through and browned.

4. Beef and Broccoli

The protein in the beef and fiber in the broccoli make this dish a nutritional powerhouse. Serve with rice to complete this well-rounded meal. (I would not want rice in my diet though, so I am skipping it)

Ingredients:
• Cornstarch
• Beef broth
• Light soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Vegetable oil
• Boneless sirloin steak
• Broccoli florets
• Garlic
• Onion

STEPS: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce and whisk until smooth. Set aside. Warm the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the steak and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the beef is browned. Transfer to a covered bowl to keep warm. Add the broccoli, garlic, and onion to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Add the broth mixture and bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce the heat, add the beef, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

5. Easy Parchment-Baked Halibut

Loaded with omega-3s, this meal boosts heart health and is low in fat and calories.

Ingredients:
• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper
• Olive oil
• White wine
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Halibut steaks

STEPS: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a small nonstick skillet, saute the onion and peppers in the oil over medium heat until they begin to soften. Add the wine, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 4 minutes, adding a little more wine to moisten (if necessary). Remove the skillet from the stove, and set aside. On a flat surface, measure four pieces of parchment or aluminum foil to wrap the steaks. Cut the paper 3 4" longer than the steak and 2 1/2 times the width. Brush 1 side of each paper with oil. Lay a steak slightly off center on each piece of paper, and spoon one quarter of the vegetable mixture on top. Fold the paper over the steak. Fold or crimp the ends together to make a sealed packet. Repeat with each of the remaining steaks. Place the packets on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes. (Thicker steaks will require additional cooking time.) Carefully transfer the packets to serving plates. Cut open just before serving.

6. Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa


Fresh and flavorful, the salsa is a lovely blend of orange, olive, onion, and fennel—delicious atop grilled salmon. To save prep time, look for pitted olives; they're often available in the olive bar.

Ingredients:
• Sherry vinegar
• Olive oil
• Orange
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion
• Fennel
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Salmon fillets

STEPS: Place the vinegar in a large bowl and whisk in 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Stir in the orange, olives, onion, fennel, oregano, and parsley. Set aside. Heat a ridged nonstick grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the salmon with 2 teaspoons of the oil. Cook the salmon, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent sticking and turning once, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from pan and place on a serving platter. Spoon over the salmon.

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