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Showing posts from June 25, 2022

When the longing for authentic Pinoy dishes strikes in the U.S., Isla Grand stands ready to transport your taste buds back to the Philippines.

Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...

8 Piece Fire Grilled Chicken Dinner at El Pollo Loco

Carmina had asked Mom Violy what she would eat for dinner. Mom Violy said, there is a lot of food in the refrigerator that is all leftover. Carmina didn't want to eat repeated leftover for a week.  Carmina told Mom Violy she'll just order her dinner along with Papa Ping through Door Dash Delivery. Few minutes later Carmina told Mom Violy she'll be ordering El Pollo Loco and decided to get the 8 Pieces Fire Grilled Chicken Dinner  that came with 2 sides of your choice for $28.99 not including delivery fee and tip to the rider. Mom Violy said can you also order me some. Carmina couldn't stop laughing at her. Door Dash Delivery had informed the driver was on its way. Carmina waited outside at the driveway to grab the food from the rider. Carmina had already set the table for the three of us to eat our meal with leg/thigh chicken part with Spanish rice, tortilla, salsa and chips. Carmina's way how she eats her meal by wrapping it with flour tortilla, grilled chicken, Sp...

Strawberry Acai at Starbucks

The moment when you had a full meal yet the feeling there is room for something cold to drink. Mom Violy wanted to have her favorite Mocha Frappe so did the rest of the family. Carmina is the odd one who goes toward something else requesting Strawberry Acai with no lemonade in her beverage. When you feel there are too many people inside Starbucks you just feel safe drinking outside in open air and enjoy the wind passing by making us colder with our drinks.  Carmina liked the Strawberry Acai just something we want to try other than what Mom Violy and the relatives we're drinking. Starbucks  USA caters to those who also don't want coffee in our drinks. There are beverages we can drink that comes seasonal to what only served for a short period of time. NOT SPONSORED. Subscribe @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube Channel  a place to look, discover and share. Thank you for your support!

Bonding with Relatives at Ohgane Korean BBQ in Alameda, California

Bonding with relatives before you're about to leave next month willing to take you out for half day on a Saturday. Joanna asked, Carmina where would you like to eat giving us an option to choose. Mom Violy said she wanted to eat Korean. Joanna said why don't we eat where our relative had their birthday. Joanna had made a reservation under her name for party of five at Ohgane in Alameda, California. Joanna, Edric and Auntie Mila had cooked the food for us. Picture is always a must when spending with your family. Mom Violy and Carmina had the miso tofu soup which is kind of spicy but able to tolerate the taste. The serving is big can be enough for two people. Carmina decided to try their vegetable pancake. It wasn't that good kind of bland even if you add the dipping sauce. Carmina wanted to try their rice cake with honey. It kind of taste more of a dessert being sweet on the sauce yet it soft which was good enough for us. We also had our favorite japchae.  To read about othe...