Mary Grace Cafe in Nuvali opens its pastry and coffee business

During this ongoing pandemic, we have witnessed food businesses either struggle to survive or close shop. 

It was a welcome treat to find Mary Grace Cafe, a well known hangout among foodies, in expansion mode.

They are doing it in stages. As of today, they opened their pastry and coffee shop in the space that Bawai Restaurant used to occupy. 

It is noteworthy that even on the first day, the cafe was ready to entertain guests with full air-conditioning, a well-trained staff, and a good selection of pastries.

The waiter who assisted us even went to the extent of recommending a good pairing of Chocolate Truffle Cake and Americano Almond Cream Coffee. We were not disappointed.

The cakes are delivered regularly from their Paranaque commissary. 

The full dining area, where entrees will be served, is still under construction and will be ready around March 2022. It is located beside the pastry area where a bike store used to exist.

Mary Grace Cafe Solenad Nuvali also has outdoor tables and chairs. The staff told us that around 5pm onwards when the sun is out, dining al fresco is one good alternative.

Opulent Executive Suite at Okada Manila

 

Considered one of the most luxurious rooms around Entertainment City, Okada Manila’s Executive Suite impresses with its sheer size and lavish surroundings. 

The suite is 200 to 250 square meters. Some people say the floor area is big enough to build a house. 

The jet tub comes with a window view and automatic curtains that can be adjusted according to preference.

The rainfall shower and automated toilet are separate. The bathroom also has two sinks. A sliding door separates it from the bedroom.

Pink is a relaxing color. A study room is available for those who want to work quietly.

The living room area includes a television set aside from the one in the bedroom.

The dining area can comfortably seat eight people. There are also three stools at the bar area.

No dividers. Just one big space for the living room, dining room, and bar.

A separate massage room is included in the Executive Suite.

The bed is king size. They also offer twin beds as an option.

A walk-in dressing room is attached to the main bedroom.

All told, Okada Manila's Executive Suite is one unique accommodation. Hard to find this generous space anywhere in the world.

Book Pick: Man Asian Literary Prize Winner "Please Look After Mom"

"Please Look After Mom" by Korean author Kyung-Sook Shin won the the Man Asian Literary Prize in 2011. 

"Intimate and hauntingly spare.... A raw tribute to the mysteries of motherhood." -- The New York Times Book Review

There are so few literary books on motherhood worth recommending and this is one rare gem. I did not expect much when I opened its pages but eventually found myself reading with delight.

The book captures the Korean family culture and starts the narrative when the mother disappears from the subway station. Efforts to find her like printing flyers and posting ads were executed by the children. Along the way, recollections and memories resurface.

The book provokes thought. How much do you know your mother? Regrets often come when she is gone. For mothers, the stories may resonate as they find themselves living similar lives as the character.

The mother takes on many roles and is often neglected especially when children move out of the nest and start their own lives. Children don't often realize that their mother was her own person before taking on the role. And sometimes, certain moms even have secret lives too.

How much do you know your own mother? Read the book and do a little reminiscence. It also comes with a grand ending in Rome. Don't want to say much so as not to spoil the fun. Enjoy!

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Kyung-Sook Shin is the author of numerous works of fiction and is one of South Korea's most widely read and acclaimed novelists. She was the first woman to be awarded the Man Asian Literary Prize (for Please Look After Mom). 

Source: www.penguinrandomhouse.com

 

Tagaytay's Napa Restaurant evokes memories of Baguio

 

The restaurant theme is inspired by the California wine country called Napa Valley. It is a few hours drive from the City of San Francisco and sits atop a mountain range. The most popular grape varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Crosswinds Tagaytay launched a new restaurant called Napa offering food and wine. When we first visited the place, it evoked memories of former trips to Baguio. The restaurant is surrounded by pine trees and a lush forest. The ambiance is relaxed, quaint, and homey.

There are many seating options amidst the open air scenario. Sometimes, the breeze can also become overpowering enough to topple a drink.

Orders are taken at the counter then a buzzer signals when the food is ready. Dishes include sandwiches, pizza, paella, pasta, cakes and pastries.

Appetizers include this shrimp and fries dish.

One of the popular dishes includes this chicken barbecue specialty.

They also have lots of dessert options.

Napa Restaurant also looks interesting at night with all the lights and cool air. However, be prepared to line up for a table if you arrive on a heavy day. Securing a table for your family is not always guaranteed.