Breakfast at Cora's

We don't usually eat out because the kids always wanted the same things - Fried Chicken, Burger and Fries so you can just imagine how boring it is for us grown-ups to be going to the same place over and over again. Besides, the cost of a fast food eat out here is expensive and so why spend when you can always do the fried stuff at home for the kids?

But on our Anniversary, Lito treated us to a different eating place - Cora's. They only serve breakfast until 3pm but the meals are presented in an enticing way. My kids liked the usual breakfast stuff - bacon, eggs, waffles, toast, wraps but they also ate the different fruits that went with each meal. I forgot to take a picture of our orders because the kids grabbed the meats and breads as soon as the plates landed on our table, the original presentation was not captured. The kids finished their meals and it's unusual because we always have left overs to bring home. It was nice to have a different place to go and the price tag at the amazingly designed breakfast platters were worth it.

Anyway, one Saturday morning, I was inspired to prepare Breakfast ala Cora's and here's what I came up with. It was not as fancy as the platters but the effort made my son's appetite boost a little. They even tried the wraps with ham and egg.

Fine Lunch at Moxie's Classic Grill

This is one of the reasons why I want to go back to work - to eat out in the trendy places for free :). The big bosses in our team treated us - 3 new employees (Specialists they say) to a hearty lunch at Moxie's Classic Grill near our office. I liked the ambience - it's cozy and the service is great (although they forgot to serve my salad, I forgot about it because I'm already full). It was a good thing that FIFA is on and we didn't get a reservation at an Italian resto because Italy is playing and they cannot assure us seats. Moxie's was a good choice. The food is superb! I ordered from the Summer Specials menu and they were teasing me about my order with rice. I liked what I ordered - Mango Chicken, right spicy and sweet taste and the avocado/salsa side matched my palate. I hope to go back there and treat my family on my first pay maybe? :)

Lutong Bahay in Caramoan

We were tired after almost 4 hours of travelling, our excitement to see Caramoan has not vanished but our stomachs were already empty. Good thing our tricycle driver turned guide brought us to Lutong Bahay, we were engorged after a full meal. Lutong Bahay is where tourists of Caramoan dine, it's well known for 'lutong bahay' (home-cooked) fare. The place is small and simple, it's like a 'turo-turo' (local cafeteria) here in Manila but they serve delicious Bikolano dishes. I ordered Porkchop Steak and Laing and ordered a packed dish for dinner - Pork Adobo. Since it's home-cooked, nothing fancy. The pork dishes were so-so, but I really like the Laing. Cost per meal is around 65 pesos for the meat and veggie meal with 1 cup of rice. You will not miss this eatery in Centro, Caramoan, it has a big sign in front.

Easter Sunday Breakfast @ Bag of Beans

We had an Easter Sunday celebration in Tagaytay and had breakfast at Bag of Beans. Since we're early, we had the place to ourselves and we enjoyed the nice ambiance and serenity of the place. This breakfast nook is set in an open garden with trees that keeps the place cool. The tables are strategically located, there are long tables for families, coffee tables for twosome, corners for those who wants to have a breakfast meeting. It has a talking 'mynah' bird at the center which my kids enjoyed talking to. We ordered their famous freshly baked raisin bread, pancakes, the breakfast platter and cups of freshly brewed 'kapeng barako' (coffee)>>their specialty. Although they are known for their coffee and breakfast, they also serve lunch and dinner. I was told their fruit shakes are must-try but I was too full to try. Bag of Beans customers have grown and it was about time they opened the other end for an expansion to accommodate more. We had great photo opportunities here and as usual Kyle taking his own shots.

Inside Bag of Beans
This was taken by Kyle - my 3-yr-old photographer wannabe
Breakfast Platter
Raisin Bread
Bag of Beans Expansion Wing

So in your quest to find a nook and unwind from city's hustle and bustle, Bag of Beans in Tagaytay is a must-try.