by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 7, 2023 | Food & Beverage
I was thankfully invited to partake in a dinner buffet at Cafe Ilang-Ilang, which included the Tuna Festival I just posted recently, and it was certainly a gastronomic delight! I thought we were going to be given a tasting menu, instead, we were allowed to eat anything in the buffet. Wow!
For those who have never been to Cafe Ilang-Ilang, let me tell you that with 18 stations to go to, it was a struggle for me to decide where to go first … everything just looked amazing! From the meat carving station (which happened to be near our table) to Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, and Italian dishes, salads, bread and cheese plates, and desserts … it was overwhelming.
Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s buffet
Angus steak that would melt in my mouth, lobster, kuracha … oh, all the sinful stuff! I was so tempted to indulge! But I was there for the tuna festival so before choosing what to eat, I went around and hunted for the dishes featured that evening.
Everything you see in the image above, I tried, except for the Tuna Whanja (upper left). I’m a fan of spicy food but looking at the dish I was intimidated by the visible chili pieces. Since I was driving home, I had to be careful with my choices.
Tuna Cottage Cheese Sandwich on Rye and Tuna Ceviche with Avocado
Raw, pan-seared, grilled, fried … I just love tuna every which way. If I had to choose a favorite, though, it would probably be the Tuna Ceviche. Weird choice, I know, since it is probably the dish that had the least preparation done to it, but I love how soft and juicy the tuna was with every bite. Although, I must confess, I did not find any avocado (which I love!) in the serving I was given.
In my personal opinion, tuna ceviche is a fancy way of saying Kinilaw na Tuna. If you don’t know what that is, it means that raw tuna is covered in vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar is what cooks the fish.
Now, I don’t know if this is how they made that dish, but that is how it tasted. Fyi, kinilaw na tuna is one of my favorite dishes so it definitely got a thumbs up!
Tuna Salad with White Beans
The Tuna Salad with White Beans was another favorite of mine as it is smooth and creamy.
Tuna Salpicao
The one I was most excited to taste, to be honest, was the Tuna Salpicao. I’m a big fan of beef salpicao and chicken salpicao … I can even cook both! It is honestly an easy dish to make and so delicious! I was curious to know how it would translate with tuna as the main ingredient.
What I discovered is that if we don’t eat this immediately the tuna becomes dry and tough so, word of advice … when this is served to you, ask for more sauce to put on it and try to eat it immediately.
The Spicy Tuna Spring Rolls held no surprise but I like spicy tuna and I like spring rolls so I got it anyway. Yum!
At the back of the photo are Tuna Empanadas. I didn’t get to taste them anymore because everytime I went to that station they would run out! That’s apparently how good they are. Based on that alone, I would have to assume I missed out on something wonderful but there just wasn’t space left in my tummy after. 😀
I ended the evening with Pear Sorbet and a macaron.
Who am I kidding? I ended the evening with several bowls of pear sorbet, macchiato gelato, mango crepe, and several macarons! Lol! Anyone who has been at a buffet with me knows my favorite station is the dessert station and I made sure to leave room for those lovelies.
In five words I would describe my experience with Cafe Ilang-Ilang and their Tuna Festival as “a party in my mouth”. That’s a party I would love to attend again soon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 5, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Tuna Festival at Cafe Ilang Ilang
The Tuna Festival of General Santos City celebrates the ocean’s bountiful offerings with diverse activities that mirror the city’s vibrant marine industry. In celebration of this tradition, Café Ilang-Ilang embarks on a culinary journey highlighting the ocean’s prized gem — tuna.
“Tuna is a true gem of the ocean, and we want to highlight its amazing flavors through a variety of dishes. Our goal is to provide our valued guests with an exceptional dining experience that celebrates this extraordinary fish,” stated Ester Joy Yap, Assistant Food and Beverage Director of The Manila Hotel.
The Tuna Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang promises a gourmet adventure that showcases a wide array of tuna dishes and an extensive buffet selection. Some of the dishes included are Tuna Kilawin, Tuna Chicharon, Sinigang Tuna Panga sa Miso, Bistek Tuna Belly, Tuna Bicol Express, Sizzling Tuna Sisig, Tuna Kare Kare, Tuna-Shrimp Paella, Grilled Tuna Steak, Tuna Putannesca, and Indian Tandoori Tuna Kebab.
These dishes are available on a rotating line-up at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffet until September 30, 2023.
Join us in celebrating the Tuna Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang and revel in a seafood sensation that reflects the rich tapestry of the Philippine seas. For more information, please call (+632) 8527-0011 or (+632) 5301-5500 or email re************@************el.com.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel is the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel has continuously provided the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience.
It has over 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three (3) ballrooms. The hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and the Manila Hotel Health Club.
The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery that offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through different artists’ objective points of view.
It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang, which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessens that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 5, 2023 | Book Reviews
Another installment in the Love by Numbers 2 series, Seven Tattoo Artists and a Single Mom by Nicole Casey, connects to the previous story in the series, Six Hockey Players’ Rival. The female lead character, Madison, is the older sister of Leah from the previous book.
The story is certainly steamy, but I thought that things happened so fast. Even though it took at least a month for Madison to get into anything intimate with anyone, it was also at least a month of not talking to any of them.
All she knew about them were their names and what they looked like. The only ones she got to spend meaningful time with at the beginning were Taj (who drew her tattoo), Bryce (who inked her), and Marcus (who drove her to fetch a sick Chloe from school). I can’t recall who held her hand while she was being inked if it was Baker.
My point is … where was the courtship?
That’s just my take. I think there should be a little more romance before intimacy. I love the romance (ish) feels after, although it kind of went from them being strangers to suddenly taking on the role of lover to Madison and father figure to Chloe.
She also didn’t ease her way into an RH situation. She went from having no sex life to being with three men after one kinky conversation with Ti. Literal conversation, btw, as in they talked about kinks.
Is it hot? Yes. Is it enjoyable to read? Yes. Do I have questions? Yes. Would I recommend it? Sure! I say enjoy it for what it is and keep an open mind. And, most importantly … have fun!
You can find Love by Numbers 2 series, Seven Tattoo Artists and a Single Mom by Nicole Casey on Amazon, free with Kindle Unlimited.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 25, 2023 | Ponderings
The weirdest thoughts pop into my head when I am cooking, and this time, it was this … the first man I have ever loved is Superman.
I must have been 8 or 9 years old when Superman (the movie) first appeared starring Christopher Reeve, and I remember my prepubescent heart racing as I gazed into those beautiful blue eyes.
Christopher Reeve in Superman (1978)
I didn’t understand my feelings, but from not giving a damn about any actor, I was suddenly following his career and on tenterhooks for his new movies, especially any new Superman movie. He was Superman for almost ten years, and my love never waned.
I recall being devastated and crying in my room when I heard about his passing years later.
It’s Clark Kent, not Superman.
Dean Cain as Clark Kent in Lois and Clark (1993 to 1997)
Years later, in 1993, Dean Cain appeared in the TV series Lois and Clark, and I was like, “Meh, he’s not Superman,” even though he technically was. Even the title tells us he was Clark Kent more than Superman on the screen.
I watched and enjoyed it but wasn’t attracted or attached to him.
Now that I think about it, Terry Hatcher, as Lois, made a bigger impact on me since she portrayed the role akin to Margot Kidder, the original Lois Lane, but she was much prettier, so my mind could accept Clark falling for her so quickly.
Tom Welling as Clark Kent (2001 to 2011)
Then Tom Welling (born April 26, 1977) took a turn as Clark Kent in Smallville.
Yup, I said Clark Kent. The concept of Smallville didn’t allow for him to don the cape and tights, so while he often displayed his superpowers discreetly as they manifested one by one, most of the time, he was just mild-mannered Clark Kent.
What really got me keen on Smallville was Clark’s relationship with Lex Luthor. I thought that was an interesting twist to explaining how and why Lex will grow to hate Superman so much.
I found Tom more relatable between Tom and Dean, probably because he looked closer to my age. I just did a Google search, and sigh he is seven years younger.
Tom is cute, and I loved Smallville, the show, but I had no emotional investment in Tom. By the way, loved him as Cain in Lucifer.
Superman Returns
Brandon Routh as Superman in Superman Returns (2006)
And then in 2006, Brandon Routh (born October 9, 1979), and my heart dropped … immediately followed by my panties, hahaha. He just has that sweet boy next door charm and “a body made for sin.” Although he did not get the same success as Christopher Reeve, I still think he did an excellent job. In addition … hubba hubba!
I would get super happy catching him in movies like Scott Pilgrim. His role there was so different, too! Later, I was doing the Dance of Joy when I found out he was to join the cast of Legends of Tomorrow after appearing multiple times in Arrow.
So you can just imagine my joy when he got to don the cape and tights again in the DC multiverse episodes! Woo hoo!
The Man of Steel
Henry Cavill plays Superman in several DC superhero movies from 2013 to 2023
This man … whoo, lordy! Henry Cavill (born May 5, 1983) combines my old-time infatuation with Christopher Reeve with my more primal feelings for Brandon Routh.
Because of social media, I know that this man is my idea of perfect! He is both naughty and nice; he is nerdy and a gadget freak, and … he has a body I’d like to do things to that I cannot write about here to keep my rating PG-13, lol!
I watch his movies and TV shows, follow him on social media, and watch his reels. You’d think I’d be obsessed, but I haven’t downloaded his photos (except for that one on the right for this post) or his videos. I don’t buy merch and have not tried to reach out to him on any of his socials.
Just the thought of the possibility of having the chance to meet him someday makes me forget to breathe. It’s a pipedream, I know.
Daddy Superman
Tyler Hoechlin as Superman in the TV series Superman and Lois (2016 to ____ )
I love that we finally see Superman as a parent, as portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin (born September 11, 1987).
I always thought it would have to happen eventually … that we should get the opportunity to see him and Lois finally married and with kids. This changed my feelings for Superman; I now see him as a family man. I like it.
However, I must confess that I found Tyler gorgeous in 2011 when he played Derek Hale in Teen Wolf.
Watching him as Clark and trying to balance his responsibilities as Superman with being a husband and father was surreal. It made me stop and remember that heroes are people, too. While they are saving us, they have families back home who are worried about them, missing them, and hoping they come home alive and safe.
Because Tyler’s role is very paternal, I relate to him more as one parent to another. I still think he is hot, but I respect his relationship with Lois, so a part of me is stepping back and thinking, “I am not going to be a homewrecker,” which is silly, I know, since it is all fictional.
The Perfect Man
Superman, to me, is the perfect man. If I had the power to craft or choose the man I would be with for the rest of my life, it would be him … yes, a fictional character. Let’s face it: What are the odds of a man like that falling for a woman like me (at my age)?
Superman
The actors that play Superman get younger and younger; soon, he will be young enough to be my son. So, leave me to my fantasies where all my book boyfriends look like Superman.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 19, 2023 | Book Reviews
Crush On My Best Friend’s Alpha Dad by Luxie landed in my inbox as a recommendation, and I decided to try it. The author has just started writing it, showing great potential so far. I get the age gap romance; it happens a lot, especially when we talk about a man who was widowered early and looks like Patrick Dempsey in Grey’s Anatomy, aka McDreamy.
Her characters, CJ and Lenora, make decisions that I find questionable but, at the same time, make delicious drama that moves the story forward.
- CJ finds himself attracted to Lenora, so why in the world would he kiss her sister, Esme?
- Esme knew about how Lenora felt about CJ, so why would she kiss CJ in the first place? Is this a reflection of how much she doesn’t care for CJ or how much she wants him for herself?
- After catching them in the kiss and being hurt by their betrayal, why would Lenora decide to agree to become a girlfriend to someone she wasn’t even a little attracted to or, at least, could relate to?
So far, in the story (I am 41/45 chapters in) CJ’s being an Alpha wolf has no bearing. At the moment, it is all about Lenora’s unresolved feelings. I’m really curious to see where this story will go.
There are some grammatical issues that are forgivable (for now) that I hope the author will go back to fix, but overall, this has been engaging. If there is anything major I would ask the author to change, it would probably be the title. Not only is it a mouthful and unnecessarily confusing, it is also “spoilerish” because without even opening the book we know the dad’s a werewolf.
But see, here is where it gets confusing. CJ is the dad of Lenora’s best friend, Mariselle. At the same time, CJ is also friends with Lenora’s dad. So, would it be better to say “Crush on my Dad’s Best Friend” or stay with “Crush on my Best Friend’s Dad”?
I still think “Alpha” could be removed from the title. Without it, learning he is an Alpha becomes a gem we discover in the story. This, by the way, raises the question … where is his pack and why aren’t he and Mariselle in it?
Now that I’ve whet your curiosity, you can find Crush On My Best Friend’s Alpha Dad by Luxie on the Goodnovel app and read it for yourself.
The one I was most excited to taste, to be honest, was the Tuna Salpicao. I’m a big fan of beef salpicao and chicken salpicao … I can even cook both! It is honestly an easy dish to make and so delicious! I was curious to know how it would translate with tuna as the main ingredient.
The Spicy Tuna Spring Rolls held no surprise but I like spicy tuna and I like spring rolls so I got it anyway. Yum!
The story is certainly steamy, but I thought that things happened so fast. Even though it took at least a month for Madison to get into anything intimate with anyone, it was also at least a month of not talking to any of them.
Her characters, CJ and Lenora, make decisions that I find questionable but, at the same time, make delicious drama that moves the story forward.
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