I saw this Groupon deal for Hapa Izakaya recently and thought it would be nice to try out this restaurant with my friends. The deal that we got was $15 for a $30 worth of food and drinks for at least two people. I called in to make a reservation just to confirm that it is available on the day and time we wanted. The staff told us that only 6:30 time slot is available on that Saturday night and that we have to leave at around 8 because a large group of party will be dining at 8:30. I actually didn't think it was really welcoming for a first time customer to get an early leave request on their initial visit. But, anyway, reservation booked. Groupon bought. On the Friday, I got a call from the restaurant confirming the time and again they asked us if we could leave at around 8 because of the party. Okay! I get it. Then, on the day of, we arrived at exactly 6:30 pm sharp. The staff greeted us when we asked for our table and for the third time they asked us if we could leave at 8 pm for the party to come in after. Wow. Pushy much? I haven't even sat down and ordered yet.
{Candy Crush Birthday Cake} |
I was planning to retire from making cakes after the hectic process and stressful experience of attempting a 3D sailboat cake for a baby shower party (post to come). Then, 4 days just before my relaxation getaway trip to Cuba, I got a request asking me to make a chocolate birthday cake for his girlfriend who is addicted to playing the popular game Candy Crush. I thought it's a very cute idea to transfer a game idea onto a cake. I get really excited to anything game inspired. It's so much fun and stimulate my creative juices (My first game inspired project was an edible Angry Bird Cake Topper). I was so tempted by the idea because Candy Crush is so popular these days. So, I convinced myself to take on this challenge.
We got a $500 voucher for each person discount courtesy of Sunwing Vacations that expires by the end of the year. So, obviously being a financially-wise family, we would take advantage of this great bargain and escape from the cold weather here in Toronto. After, short-listing to several high rated resorts within our preferred time period, we finally landed on a destination and resort, the Memories Paraiso Azul Beach Resort in Cuba.
I finally made it to Sansotei Ramen one Saturday afternoon for lunch. I made a few attempts to visit this well praised restaurant but all times were unsuccessful. Either the noodles were sold out or it was closed because it was a Sunday.
I'm glad there was no line ups when I was there with my friend a month ago. The hype probably died down a bit or perhaps the crowd normally don't crave for ramen in the afternoon. The restaurant is located downtown, a small urban decor of casual wood furnitures. We were lucky to get seated right away. Their menu is very simple. I always have the perception of thinking that if the menu is short listed, it means that the restaurant is specialized on those dishes.
I'm glad there was no line ups when I was there with my friend a month ago. The hype probably died down a bit or perhaps the crowd normally don't crave for ramen in the afternoon. The restaurant is located downtown, a small urban decor of casual wood furnitures. We were lucky to get seated right away. Their menu is very simple. I always have the perception of thinking that if the menu is short listed, it means that the restaurant is specialized on those dishes.
{How can it be a good friday without a good homemade breakfast?} |
Every now and then, I get bored of eating the same breakfast every morning. So during the weekends or when I am on holiday, I try to make myself a fancier alternative with still the same ingredients found in my fridge. I eat spinach salad everyday at work, so there's always a box of spinach sitting in my fridge. For breakfast this holiday, I try to incorporate these spinach into my dish so that they can be finished sooner. And yes, another breakfast dish with eggs.