What's in the Pantry...GourmetFinds' Pain de Mie au Beurre

It's always a joy to discover something new, and something really good. Premium quality ingredients, traditional European baking methods and an amazing selection of homemade baked products makes GourmetFinds a truly amazing find. The home based business offers a wide range of products, from macarons to croissants and elegant cakes. And then there is the Pain de Mie au Beurre...

Once you open the box and unseal the plastic packaging, a buttery aroma is released, a sure sign of good things to come.

Eat-All-You-Can Buttermilk Pancakes at Charlie's Grind & Grill

Here's the deal. Buttermilk Pancakes with your choice of two eggs (cooked the way you like it), hash browns or skillet potatoes, and your choice of bacon, sage sausage, ham or sausage patties, and coffee. All for P 295. Oh, and you can have as much Buttermilk Pancakes as you want. No kidding.

I go for the sunny side up, sage sausage and hash browns.

Side Views: Antelope Canyon

The drive from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona seemed longer than it should with the endless desert roads. And when we reached Antelope Canyon, we entered Navajo Country. Antelope Canyon is beautiful and mysterious, almost spiritual, and the colors seem to play like it was alive. Three years later, I still can't get over Antelope Canyon, definitely a must visit after the Grand Canyon.

What's in the Fridge...Well, Hello Magnum

Meet my new friend.

So much buzz about this new premium ice cream bar, I had to try it.

Beating Traffic with the Carne Asada Burrito at B&T Mexican Kitchen

I always pass by B&T Mexican Kitchen on the way home, and most of the time I resist the urge to make a sudden right turn for some tacos. Tonight, the traffic was particularly bad, not unusual for the area. Maybe it's time for a Burrito...why not. I then make that sudden right turn.

The Carne Asada Burrito (P 350), a little more than 6 inches long and almost 3 inches in diameter, pure burrito love. Every order comes with salsa (go for the spicy one) and garlic sauce.

Side Views:18 Hours to Tahoe

More pictures from a trip four years ago. All flights were cancelled due to weather. Time to hit the road. Endless desert roads, snowy mountain passes and 18 hours from Aspen to Lake Tahoe. People say I was nuts doing the long drive, maybe they were right. But I'd love to do it again... 

One can't help but be awed by the vastness and open space, and on most stretches, you are the only one on the road.

Side Views: Monument Valley

After what seemed like hours on the desert road, I finally found it, and got reminded of all the classic westerns I enjoyed growing up. Four years later, I still get moved by this awesome place...

Located along the Arisona-Utah border near the Four Corners area, Monument Valley remains the most iconic image of the West. And seeing it in the fading afternoon light made the long drive absolutely worth it.

What's in the Fridge...Eggplant Kimchi

Heard the doorbell yesterday and it was my friendly neighbor with yet another delicious Kimchi dish...eggplant kimchi (Gaji Namul). 

Loaded with garlic, chilies, and green onions, it's a perfect side dish that really goes well with fried fish or anything fried.  

Side Views: Driving Up Independence Pass

Found some old pictures from a trip four years ago...Independence Pass was closed the day before due to weather. The next day, a break in the clouds and I decided to go for it, all the way up the Continental Divide. Pretty cool when things turn out right...

Punched the "most scenic" route option on the GPS, and hoped the break in the weather would hold.

What's in the Fridge...Japanese Korean for Dinner

Checked the fridge and found some interesting stuff. A pack of Dagupena Teriyaki Boneless Bangus Belly (local milkfish)...a jar of homemade kimchi from a neighbor...perfect.

The sweet teriyaki marinated milkfish is simply pan fried...

Side Views: Sideways in Napa

Napa, the first stop on my road trip to Seattle from San Francisco. After several wine tastings, a good meal, several cups of coffee, and a good night's sleep, I was back on the road again. I wish I could have stayed a little longer...

And one of the best things to do in Napa is simply walk around...

Back to Brothers Burger

Thirteen years and 18 branches later, Brothers Burger tastes as good as the first time I tried it. This is the burger joint that started it all, the fresh cooked, flame grilled gourmet burger anti-fastfood movement.  Despite the increasing number of similar burger joints, the quality of its burgers remain consistent, just the place for that burger fix. 

The Double Brothers Burger (P 175), with Brothers Burger's trademark oatmeal bun is still tops on my list.