… die man für Geld bekommt (Albert Einstein)

Fährt man vom Frankfurter Tor die Karl-Marx-Allee Richtung Alexanderplatz, tritt man eine Zeitreise durch die Architekturgeschichte der DDR an. Kühl, sachlich und eckig – das ist der vorherrschende Eindruck, den die Plattenbauten und stalinistischen Wohnkomplexe hinterlassen. Und doch zählt der Boulevard – übrigens der einzige, der in Europa nach dem 2. Weltkrieg gebaut wurde – zu den schönsten und eindruckvollsten Straßen Berlins. Viele der Bauten stehen unter Denkmalschutz und einige davon sind großartige Zeugnisse der Ostberliner Ausgehkultur, so das Café Mockba und das Kino International.

In der Nähe des Kinos liegt das Alberts – vielbesuchtes Café und Restaurant, mit angeschlossenem Szene-Club, der A-Lounge, wo am Wochenende Berlins cooles Partyvolk feiert und tanzt, bis der Morgen längst gegraut hat. Der Gästemix im Alberts ist vielfältig; Freunde treffen sich zum Frühstück, Touristen erholen sich nachmittags auf der Sonnenterasse von den Strapazen des Sightseeings und am Wochenende kommen Familien zum Brunch. Damit die Eltern auch entspannt schlemmen können, bietet das Alberts ein buntes Kinderprogramm. Übrigens findet für die Kids am 6. Dezember 2009 wieder Weihnachtsbäckerei statt – Kekse backen für die Kleinen, denen das Ganze richtg Spaß macht.

Neben Brunch gibt es das ganze Jahr über jeden Mittwoch Salsa meets BBQ mit heißen Live-Rythmen und deftigen Fleischspezialitäten vom Grill. Bei Salsa-Fans ist das Tanz- und Genuss-Event längst fest im Terminplan eingetragen, zählt es doch zu einem der besten der Stadt. By the way, dieses Angebot gibt es auch gelegentlich bei dinner-auction zu ersteigern.  Wir geben Bescheid, wenn es wieder soweit ist. Aber eine weitere ganz besondere Auktion versteigert das Alberts an unsere Mitglieder: 2 Flaniertickets für die nächste Sylvesterparty, einer Party, bei der die Post abgeht! Neben toller Stimmungsmusik und spaßvollem Abtanzen gibt es ein opulentes Buffet, das in diesem Jahr unter dem Motto”Typische Berliner Gerichte” steht. Den perfekten Übertritt ins Jahr 2010 besiegeln dann das besondere Rahmenprogramm und die große Auswahl an  Getränken, alles im Preis inbegriffen.

Umgeben von der tollen Architektur der Straße und mit einem außergewöhnlichen gastronomischen Gesamtkonzept verleihen wir dem Alberts das “gewisse Ess-Was” und befinden es uneingeschränkt einen Besuch wert .

Instead of eating dog, I went out to the Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul for their Thanksgiving buffet with this fantastic bunch:

And we ate all this:

for $54. Worth the won. Happy Thanksgiving.

*Sigh*  I knew going into the holiday that it was going to be rough.  I always have a tough time when  there is a buffet of some sort.  I’m pretty good with “meal” foods, but it’s the buffet of desserts that gets me.

The first step of OA is to admit that you are powerless over food. Well, once again I have proven that this is certainly the case with me.  I am weak.  It’s as if I can’t be trusted around certain foods.  It makes me feel disappointed in myself, that I don’ have the self-control to stay away.  I should never take the first bite.  I won’t bore you with the details of what desserts I ate, but suffice to say that I took the proverbial first bite, thought the bites were really good, and had some more bites.  This happened with four different desserts.  At home , on a regular day, I can take the first bite, but when I’m not in my home and it is some occasion where there is a lot of desserts, this sickness clouds my rational thoughts.

Now, the fact of the matter is that I only went over my calorie count by about 250 calories.  I could have done tons more damage, and in the past I would have in a heartbeat.  I consider myself as having kept my abstinence because even though I compulsively ate more dessert than I planned on,  because thankfully I was able to put on the brakes before it got worse, I didn’t continue the eating at home and today I’m right back on track.  But ugh, I still felt a little full after we got back home last night.  I never eat until I’m full.  For SO many years I used to eat until I was physically ill, but for close to two years I have not done that.  I did not like feeling that fullness I felt last night.

In the grand scheme of things, I know that going over my count by 250 calories is not the end of the world.  It was the compulsive behavior that was so upsetting to me.  It is just always a hair away from the surface and can easily cross the surface at any given moment. 

I have put Thanksgiving dinner behind me, there is nothing I can do about it now.  All I can do is make today a good one (which I did) and continue to take it one day at a time.   Still, it sucks to feel week, powerless and out of control.  I know all the tricks, made my plans, didn’t frame the desserts in some negative way and yet, I still succumbed to the compulsion.  It’s like I can talk the talk but I can’t walk the walk. 

I hate that I’m probably going to go through this for the rest of my life.  While I would love to avoid family dinners, special occasions, etc. and stay safe in my home cocoon, I know that that is not a reality.  I have to live my life, which includes these dinners and events.  I need to either find a better way of dealing with the compulsion, or just assume I’m going to go a little overboard, let it happen within reason, be kind to myself about it, then just get back on the horse the following day. 

This sucks.

se eu tivesse que fazer tudo de novo, faria! tudo exatamente do mesmo jeito! eu amei o nosso casamento! foi do jeito que eu sempre sonhei! tudo, tudo, tudo! a decoração, as músicas, o vestido de noiva, o lugar, o noivo, a emoção!!!

foi demais! estava nervosa, ansiosa e tentei curtir cada minutinho, mas passa rápido demais! o tempo voa! e quando dei por mim, já estava voltando para casa, ao lado do meu maridão, com a cabeça a mil! depois da festa, não conseguimos dormir… passamos a noite conversando, relembrando de cada momento mágico do casamento e choramos, rimos… tudo de novo!

vamos às fotos! a carol (fotógrafa) já deu uma palhinha com gosto de quero mais!

a decoração de casamento que eu sempre sonhei! olha as lembrancinhas, eram árvores da felicidade para os convidados! e a identidade visual do casório feita pelo maridão

lembra da saga do abanador que eu contei aqui no blog??? então esses abanadores fizeram sucesso no calor senegalês que fazia lá!

mais decoração da festa! amei tudo!

olha as flores penduradas nas gotinhas de vidro! idéia da mônica!

detalhe para o guardanapo com estampa exclusiva para o casamento

os noivinhos e suas gatinhas! a filó escalando o bolo tá tuuuudo!

idéia da mami de colocar as alianças no bauzinho, ficou fofo não?!

foto tradicional do vestido pendurado, só não poderia faltar a roupinha do meu bebê amado!

meu sapato e o tênis do Marcelo!

local da cerimônia abençoado pela natureza…

e por ele, lá em cima!

o noivo estava tão nervoso!

e a noiva ao vê-lo caiu no choro…

simplesmente felizes!

e o cadu recitou para mari:  “deixe-me ir, preciso andar, vou por aí a procurar, rir prá não chorar…
se alguém por mim perguntar, diga que eu só vou voltar, depois que me encontrar… eu queria dizer que voltei porque eu me encontrei na mariana, te amo.” ai ai…peraí que eu vou ali secar umas lágrimas e já volto!

mamãe noiva!

e quem disse que a gente não podia dançar???

fim de festa! quero mais!!!!

vou colocar os créditos aqui dessa cerimônia e festa maravilhosa!

mari e cadu – 22/11/2009 – casa de santa teresa – 13h

vestido de noiva – lembro que o vestido foi uma dos primeiros itens que escolhi do casamento. bati o olho nele e gostei. e num é que no meio do caminho o Marcelo apareceu e eu corri e liguei para carol hungria falando que estava grávida e ela riu e falou que o vestido ia ficar lindo. ficou mesmo! acho que o Marcelo vai ficar muito orgulhoso

roupa do noivo – nós já fomos direto na vr do rio sul pois abíamos que encontraríamos o que estávamos procurando lá! dito e feito! não achamos um terno claro, mas a sugestão do vendedor foi comprar o paletó e calça separados, mas eles são praticamente da mesma cor e ficou ótimo! a camisa também foi comprada lá!

acessórios – o meu sapato comprei na le chic de ipanema. estava passando quendo o vi na vitrine e falei: “ôpa! é esse!” o cadu comprou sapato, cinto e meia na mr. cat.

make e cabelo – a gabi back que me arrumou. me senti linda! sário, adorei o make e o cabelo. achei que combinou com a produção toda, com o vestido. um coque também cairia supre bem, mas eu não curto em mim.

alianças – as alianças são da h.stern com direito a brilhantinho (na minha claro!)

buquê – o buquê foi a monica roias que fez. adorei!

local do evento/ cerimonial – a cerimônia e festa foram na casa de santa teresa. na 1a vez que fomos lá para conhecer olhamos o visual e falamos: “esse é o astral que queremos para nossa festa. vai ser aqui!”  não poderia ser melhor! todos falaram com a gente que tinha a nossa cara casar lá! a dona da casa, a sônia, fez o cerimonial. 1000 trocas de emails, respostas rápidas, objetivas, super prestativa, essa é a sônia!

buffet – o buffet foi da lilia fortuna e foi super elogiado. bem, nós noivos, como é de praxe, quase não comemos. mas na degustação, comemos muuuuito e foi aí que decidimos também de cara: “vamos fechar com a lilia!”. optamos por menu degustação para dar mais dinamismo à festa, senão todos acabariam sentando para almoçar, o tempo passaria rápido e ninguém aproveitaria quase nada da festa. foi ótimo ter feito isso!

decoração – fiquei com a proposta da mônica roias por vários motivos: já conhecia o bom gosto dela, estávamos super afinadas, idéias diferentes para o local e o custo também né gente! mas amei a decoração. amei muito. ficou melhor do que eu esperava! ela é detalhista, super profissional… amei!

dj – fechamos com o janot e adoramos! fizemos um reunião com ele 1 semana antes do casório e rimos muito fechando algumas músicas, o estilo de som da festa… muita gente não arredou o pé da pista!

músico – os músicos (voz e violão) são amigos queridos da gey, uma amiga minha. eles tocaram no casamento dela, eu fui e gostei. liguei para o claudinho (vocal) e fechei com eles! fiquei na maior paranóia sobre as músicas para a cerimônia, se iam dar certo, se ficariam legais… no fim ficou ótimo. chorei tanto…

mobiliário – tudo da mineirart, que tem tudo a ver com a casa de santa teresa!

fotografia – a fofa carol pires que clicou tudo por lá! ela é um doce e faz tudo com esse jeitinho doce dela. dá uma conferida na prévia das fotos que ela já deixou no flickr e eu peguei!

filmagem – a filmagem é do olliver, ainda não vimos nada, mas pelos videos que já assistimos deles, a sessão promete!

bolo – ai ai ai, que bolo delicioso, e o recheio de chocolate trufado???? o bolo foi da dirce!

doces – fizemos docinhos com a luzieh, neide (MG) e denise do rego macedo. a mesa ficou linda e os doces não preciso falar né? acho que engordei uns 5kg…

noivinhos – fechamos com a lania de paula. foi tudo ótimo e sem stress, só o cabelo do cadu que podia ter ficado um pouco mais escuro mas a lila e a filó compensaram tudo! ficaram fofas demais!!!

chocolates – fizemos um parte com achez bombom e outra com cacau noir. mesmo com o calor que fez no dia eles seguraram a onda e enfeitaram a mesa de café e doces.

bem-casados – os bem-casados de limão e doce de leite todos feitos pela elvira bona! foram entregues no sábado a noite na casa da neiloca ! mas no final deu tudo certo!

celebrante – quem celebrou o casório foi o pastor edson. ele deixou a cerimônia leve, descontraída e emocionante! adoramos! várias pessoas foram falar com ele depois da cerimônia… no ínicio de novembro fomos na igreja cristã de ipanema conversar com ele, contamos nossa história e foi tudo do jeitinho que imaginamos.

convites e tags – tudo by liliana loureiro, que no meio da produção teve a joana, que chegou para ajudar a mamãe fofa dela! gostei muito de toda a papelaria criada para o casório: convite, cardápio e tags. tudo foférrimo

opa! tem mais! tem video também (gravação do meu tio!)

]]> http://yszikla.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/what-does-a-top-party-planner-in-la-do-to-celebrate-her-own-birthday/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:36:48 +0000 yszikla http://yszikla.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/what-does-a-top-party-planner-in-la-do-to-celebrate-her-own-birthday/

What could possibly make Marley Majcher’s (AKA the party goddess) heart sing when she has seen and done it all?

Answer: an abandoned warehouse!

Tucked away in an obscure part of downtown Los Angeles warehouse district is the perfect setting to weave her magic and transform a 10,000 sq.ft.  dilapidated warehouse into a magical space celebrating the four seasons,  fall, winter, spring and summer.

I was invited to the fun and festivities and joined her the day before the party to share in the set up and transformation.  Imagine a nondescript entrance transformed by an awning covering a red carpet and potted trees welcoming guests with a gobo light on the wall that said  ”Yes, you are in the right place!”.  A contemporary, all white welcome/check in area greeted guests with lit bars and varying heights of Jeffrey Latham inspired floral arrangements.

 Inside, each room depicted a season.  You first entered  fall” – full of  pumpkins and fall decor  with a life-size “Mayflower” ship anchoring the room. 

“Summer”  was all beach and surf boards, picnic tables and palm trees. The loading dock was a perfect stage for the 8 piece band that rocked the night away. A raised platform made for a great area to add striped awnings covering beach chairs to sit and watch the action on the dance floor.

“Winter” greeted you with a life-size gingerbread house. Shots of white chocolate Godiva and vodka kept you warm while you waited your turn for a hunky santa and his elf photo-op.  A winter vignette featuring a sled and real pony delighted the children and completed the winter wonderland!

Upstairs, “Spring”  was an oasis of calm. Chirping birds provided a quieter area to enjoy butterfly displays, neck massages, and  lipstick sampling from an exclusive brand sold in boutiques.

Just when you thought your senses were full and the party was in full swing, out appeared a scarecrow on stilts cutting a swath of Michael Jackson moves on the dance floor.  Dancing in the midst of flying beach balls and dancing guests, this scarecrow makes Gumby seem stiff as a board!

A sumptuous buffet included  3 different kinds of turkey, stuffing and  mac’n cheese in various flavors. And for dessert, why settle for one birthday cake when you can have…- 4 – one for each season! A witch and her cauldron, a cheeseburger, a peppermint patty and a layered cake with flowers.

  How about that for celebrating in style!

Happy Holidays!

Yvonne Szikla – Owner/President – Affairs with Flair -  www.theaffairswithflair.com

The Shang Hi Chinese buffet has  a roomy, modern interior, a very relaxed atmosphere and very friendly owners – and a fully stocked bar!   It’s £6.50 per person from 11.45am until 5pm, and in the evenings it’s £9 (£10.50 Friday and Saturday).  After 5pm your meal will start with a plate of 3 mixed satay appetisers (times by the number of diners at your table), followed by crispy duck pancakes, brought to your table and shredded before you.  The buffet also has a choice of two soups and a variety of spring rolls which make a lovely starter before you attack the main buffet!

The buffet has a good selection, though it’s not the largest compared to other Chinese buffets in the area, but the quality makes up for the quantity.  There is a good range of vegetarian dishes and spring rolls, and all the take-away favourites are there; sweet and sour, beef and black bean sauce, special fried rice, plus some you may not have tried before.  The kitchen is just behind the buffet, so you can keep your eye open for when the fresh food comes out! Crucially, for allergy sufferers, the food is labelled, but there are no allergy warnings relating to the ingredients used.

The desserts are probably one of the best things about Shang Hi.  There is a freezer full of ice cream and a whippy machine to help yourself to, as well as some amazing home-made cakes and traditional Chinese desserts.

Overall, the Shang Hi has something many buffets don’t – it doesn’t feel like you’re back at the school canteen.  The meal is very good value, particularly if you’re a big eater and the welcome and the service are warm and friendly.  They also provide a take-away service, where you fill your bowl with whatever you fancy, and you can take a soup away for no extra cost.

61 Whitworth Street

Manchester

M1 3NY

(0161) 228 7868

I had the luxury to enjoy brunch at Plaza Athenee last Sunday.

It was awhile since I lasted taken brunch here, and gosh..what a difference! The selection was plentiful and all so luring, and not to mention the included wines and cocktails! They are not stingy on these too and my red wine glass was refilled promptly. Oh..I wish I did not have to drive after this meal.

As a habit, I began with soup to warm up my tummy. There were two choices, lobster and abalone. I picked the lobster and it was thick and filled with aroma (but a tad to salty for my taste). Then I continued to the Japanese sashimi and the fishes were really fresh. I was enjoying my usual Japanese fresh octopus when I suddenly remembered the upcoming annual health check-up…well ..did someone said wine helps reduce cholesterol level?

My next, and largest, target was seafood. There were fine selection of prawns, which were served at the perfect crisp. New Zealand shells, Alaskan crab and rock lobster. There was oyster bar too, but I was unfortunately allergic. The grill bar was more impressive than the usual lunch buffet. There was a really huge tiger prawn that was so fresh you can feel it in every chew. The foie gras was served with four different sauces (though I preferred just the basic), and I had made myself stop at just one serving.

My two favorite meat were lamb and beef steak. I had the usual grilled lamb chop, which were done perfectly. The steak, however, was not to my taste. It was way too fat and the gravy was much too salty. Thus…I apologized for not finishing the chunk, which was really out of my character.

Buffet was about managing the right portion of main dishes so you have enough room for deserts. My eyes were set upon Movenpick ice cream since I entered. The first honor went to a slice of crepe with Vanilla ice cream, with sumptuous chocolate sauce and sprinkled on with sliced almond. I wondered if it’s just me but I felt that crepe was best with Vanilla, though this is not my favorite flavor. Thus, after crepe, I then went for my favorite – espresso ice cream and again with lots of chocolate sauce. OMG this is too heavenly!

The cost of this? About 3,xxx Baht per person with all the tax and charges included. Thanks to my Dad for sponsoring me with free coupon! Now I need to lie down and digest for a couple of hours….and plan for dinner tonight.

Just about caught up with myself!  Now just need to get a replacement Landy, complete with electric death chair for the unawares (only joking) and replenish my lesser used tools (like a tool bag for instance!)  Finish off the dining chairs, small table and then it’s full speed ahead Christmas. May even do some logging soon, oh yes, must get a petrol/oil can for the saw.

Here’s the next project starting up:

Improvised long steamer.

I’m making a log hod (or tote as it’s called in the American steam bending book I’m using).  I added the bag on the end of my normal steamer which was only made to take chair backs.  It kind of worked but I think the end of the hod bows didn’t really get hot enough, even though they were in for an hour.  Here are the two bows drying:

This one failed.

Always a danger, I think this one may be due to uneven thinning with the draw knife.

The fibres couldn’t bend enough on the outside and gave way:

This one’s better (not perfect, a knot has spoiled the top bend), but it will do as a prototype for testing use at home.

I’ve learnt from this though, proper extension to steamer needed, clear timber and thinner, more even work on the bow profile.  I think I’ll change the riving out of the timber 90 degrees and see whether that improved the bending evenness.

Here’s the penultimate dining chair back I glued up yesterday in the woods

Today I’m finishing off  #4 and sizing the side rungs for #5 above in the luxury of home – it’s a bit too muddy at the bodgery for weaving seats.

It’s another 1 – 1 offer from Women’s Weekly & this time the venue is @ Zenden Restaurant , Gallery Hotel.

I’m glad to have Grace to accompany me for lunch & i was really looking forward to this lunch as the reviews on hungrygowhere looks quite ok =)

I reached earlier so i managed to take pictures before the crowd starts coming in.

The above 2 pictures are the interior of the restaurant & display area for the food. I kind of like the purple & pink covers for the chairs – adds a nice contrast to the environment.

Since i had the 1 – 1 voucher, Grace & i decide to take the one with main course & carvery.

And starting from the next picture onwards, the food featured will be part of the buffet spread.

The concept here is quite interesting – It’s a semi buffet which consist of a main course (if you opt for it) + a buffet spread of appetizer, desserts , soup & some hot food.

Seeing the chocolate fondue is making me very happy already! =)  The range of cakes were quite ok too & there were fresh fruits.

There were also free flow tea & coffee.

Personally i love the cold section very much! My favourite items are the beef , prawns (very fresh) & Smoked Salmon (my all time favourite).

Soup was Pumpkin Soup & the taste was pretty good =)

Didn’t get to try the Gado Gado but i took the bread. It will be better if it’s more warm… Otherwise it’s still nice & soft and i happily spread butter on it to enjoy!

The hot food consist of about 3 choices – pork ribs , siew mai & the other one i can’t remember.

Both pork ribs & siew mai taste quite alright. But when the pork ribs is finished, i think they replaced it with another dish but i didn’t try.

Both Grace & i opt for the same main course which is Pan Fried Butter Fish “Nantua”. I find it so so only.

We didn’t even get to try the carvery station which is Roasted Pork Loin if i remember correctly. No time to try it! Haha.

We ended our meal with some fruits , ice cream & desserts =)

It was around this time when i felt kind of rushed. Cause when i called to make reservations, i was told that the buffet area will end @ 2pm.

But at 1.30pm , a staff came over to inform us that they have to prepare for a event & they will clear the buffet area soon. So Grace & i quickly went to grab whatever we want =_= 

Other than this slightly unpleasant incident, i would say the service & food @ Zenden is pretty good =)  I don’t mind coming back again but this time i won’t get the main course & carvery as i find the buffet spread is sufficent already.

And i’ll make sure i reach earlier & enjoy the food slowly! By the way, there’s complimentry parking too =)  I remember when we exit the carpark, it show the complimentry parking value is $5 so should be enough during your stay @ Zenden for your meal.

• Zenden @ Gallery Hotel
• 1 Nanson Road @ Robertson Quay
• S’pore 238909
• Tel: 6849 8699

We arrived in sunny Mallorca on Saturday at a huge 22 degrees.. Kath and I immediately stripped off (well took our jackets off).. Kath’s aunt Maxine and Grandpa met us at the airport to pick us up. Surprisingly enough our flight was early, good old Ryanair.

From the airport we headed to Maxine’s flat which Kath and I are staying at. (Maxine and Tommy have a beautiful house behind the flat. We then headed out to lunch to an all-you-can-eat (and drink) buffet. We all stuffed ourselves full then headed into Port de Polenca to take Kath’s Grandpa home. He has an apartment right on the waters edge, beautiful location. We then went to Maxine and Tommy’s house and had watched some tv on the wide screen and had some wine.

On Sunday we had a pretty quiet day and headed out to a Medieval Fayre Markets which we walked around an old church courtyard that had a whole pig on the spit. Maxine bought us some slippers to keep our feet warm in the evenings. We went to a Kebab place for lunch. It was the biggest kebab ever!And Tasty!!

On Monday, Maxine was going to hire a car for us. So we drove into the town centre of Port Pollenca and tried to hire a car, however we were to young so we drove to Alcudia and Maxine hired us a little blue Ford Ka.  It’s a nice little 3 door car. In the afternoon we drove up to Formentor which is up narrow little roads up mountains and through tunnels to get some great views and to see a far which is a lighthouse. The views were absolutely amazing! Got to love the Mediterranean.

On Tuesday, we filled the car up at a petrol station in Alcudia – the guy came up and filled the car up for us and then you just go in and pay – it was great!! We then drove through Arta, then to Cap de Pera and went up to the lighthouse and had a nice little break – the views on this corner of Mallorca were just as beautiful if not better. We were having a snack of some cheese chip things and all these cats come out from nowhere – there was like 7 cats! We then drove around for awhile trying to find the coves de arta. We got 2 euros of our tickets which was good – the caves were great – the guide spoke spanish, some english and a little bit of french – Pretty impressive!

We then drove home and had a nice night in. On Wednesday – Kath started to feel a little better and we went in to Port Pollenca and had a quick walk around the markets and then came home- to go off for a nice drive up mountains to Port Solla. The roads were narrow – but the views were amazing. There was an odd car who we think were driving around the tourist stop points seeing if people left there cars open. We had parked our car at one photo spot, and we were taking some photos and just sitting in the sun when Kath see’s this car come from one direction and turns around and drives back the way they came and parked right behind our car, the passenger guy got out and started to look at “the view” and then when he saw us walking back to the car he got back in and had to REVERSE to drive off. The fact that he was that close when There WAS like at least 100 other places seemed odd… as we were driving along we saw the same car within like 3kms like 5 times. We think he was driving around the tourist photo stops. So we kept driving to Port Soller and had a nice walk around the water and tried to make sense of the menus etc…  We ended up getting ice cream.

We then headed through some towns and ended up in Palma (the capital of Mallorca).. The traffic was horrific through the town centre. We then headed back up to the flat. We’ve seen some fantastic views and are loving the sun and warm weather we are having.

Via San Vito 5, Milano
Tel: 02/8376587

Potrei dire che La Hora Feliz è un “pezzo di Cuba a Milano”, “un posto dove respirare l’atmosfera dei Caraibi” e via dicendo. Potrei dirlo ma probabilmente direi un’immane cazzata: di vagamente cubano il posto ha infatti solo le pareti colorate, il bancone di legno, una vetrinetta per i sigari e un grande murale raffigurante Hemingway (che poi era cubano come io sono groenlandese…), una buona scelta di rum e amenità varie che rimandano all’immaginario dell’Isla Grande.  Per il resto, questo locale in zona Porta Ticinese (in ticinella per gli amici trendy), è milanese come la madonnina, i tram arancioni e la nebbia: è infatti uno dei ritrovi più famosi per l’Happy Hour (nomen omen…), rito tutto meneghino. Inoltre è situato nella zona classica della movida ed è frequentato da una clientela non dissimile da quella di qualsiasi altro posto nelle vicinanze. Intendiamoci: che la “cubanità” venga rispettata o meno non ci sembra un requisito così fondamentale, quello che conta è la sostanza. E su quella siamo ben messi: il buffet è uno dei più ricchi che si possa trovare sulla piazza (paste, risotti, insalate, tartine, pizzette, focacce dalla qualità accettabilissima) ed è “ricaricato” senza sosta dalle 17 alle 22. I cocktail sono di buona fattura e il servizio è simpatico, efficiente e veloce, i prezzi sono nella norma per il quartiere (6-7 Euro a cocktail). Il problema grosso è l’affollamento, insostenibile soprattutto d’inverno quando non si può usufruire dei tavolini all’esterno. Girando in gruppo, se vi va di lusso, cercheranno di incastrarvi nell’ultimo tavolino da due rimasto libero usandovi come pezzettini del tetris. Esperienza non memorabile anche riuscire a prendere da mangiare al buffet districandovi tra la folla e cercare di riportare il minuscolo piattino di plastica stracolmo di cibarie al vostro tavolo come una santa reliquia. In linea di massima, in quegli orari e in quelle serate in cui la calca non è esagerata, La Hora Feliz è semplicemente un ottimo posto dall’atmosfera rilassante dove sfondarsi di buon cibo (evitando di spendere soldi per cenare fuori) e bere buoni drinks. Da segnalare il reprise del buffet da mezzanotte all’una: potrebbe tornar utile per riprendersi da un’eventuale sbornia e  per soddisfare le fauci più voraci.

Foodometro™
•Drinks: di ottima fattura. 8
•Cibo:  tanta robba e non male. 7
•Giudizio finale: quasi eccellente. Se non ci fosse sempre ressa 7

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初一十的同学们，我们可能会有一场班聚。为了尽量配合每一位同学的需求，时间和地点还没确定，但有可能是在老师朋友的餐馆。如果人数不足，或有其他不便，此活动将会取消。有兴趣的同学请联络淑仪 016-7611216，谢谢。

–

12月10號以後老師應該可以去，但是先定時間吧！如果可以湊到30人，就可以包場噢，地點在pelangi，是日本餐吃到飽，上兩篇有提過的。如果想去別家也可以在這裡討論。

Entenda como funcionam os diferentes tipos de serviços:

À Brasileira: Pratos e travessas ao centro da mesa. Todos os convidados se reúnem em uma mesa grande e comem juntos.

À Francesa (empratado): Os convidados permanecem sentados. O serviço é feito por copeira e/ou garçom (o ideal é um profissional para cada oito convidados). Eles servem individualmente cada convidado, da entrada à sobremesa.

À Americana: Jantar informal onde a comida é colocada em uma grande mesa. Na ponta são colocados os talheres. Usado normalmente quando não há lugar à mesa para todos os convidados. Cada pessoa se serve, senta onde houver lugar ou come em pé. Nunca deve ser usada a mesa principal, pois estará personalizada pelos noivos.

À Inglesa:
Direto – O garçom traz a travessa e serve a pessoa diretamente.
Indireto – O garçom faz o prato do convidado em mesa auxiliar e serve.

Franco-Americano: A comida é colocada em rechauds em uma mesa e os convidados podem se servir à vontade dos pratos quentes. Os garçons servem somente o coquetel.

Self-Service (buffet): Arrumação em forma de buffet, em que cada convidado se serve sozinho.

Finger Food: Ideal para casamentos mais modernos e dançantes, estimulando o encontro e a interação dos convidados. Pequenas porções de mini wraps, canapés sofisticados, sticks e muitas miniaturas servidas em pequenos bolws, onde os próprios convidados se servem. Aposte em um cardápio variado e na decoração da mesa (o ideal é o auxílio de um garçom quando a festa reunir mais de 20 convidados).

Menu volante (degustação): Incentiva a mobilidade dos convidados, dispensando as mesas, que são substituídas por lounges. Os cardápios são personalizados e o serviço é modernizado, destacando pequenas porções de salgados e petiscos, servidos em esquema de jantar degustação, com itens servidos volantes em mini cumbucas e panelinhas, de diversos materiais e cores, como porcelana branca, vidro e prata. As porções costumam ser servidas de forma que os convidados possam comer em pé, não sendo necessário o uso de facas.

Brunch: Intimista e bem familiar, é servido geralmente entre 11 e 14 horas, oferecendo um clima despojado e casual. Servido durante o dia, normalmente reúne café-da-manhã e almoço com pratos quentes e frios, bebidas frescas e sucos de frutas, além das bebidas alcoólicas. Oferece uma riqueza de itens: tortas doces e salgadas, quiches, bolos, muitas frutas, frios, diversidade de pães e frios. O menu ainda pode acompanhar saladas servidas em taças e também massas.

Coquetel: Servido normalmente à tarde, entre 15 e 18 horas, o serviço disponibiliza salgadinhos frios e quentes em diversas mesas espalhadas pelo salão. Suco de frutas, batidinhas de diversos sabores, com e sem álcool, refrigerantes e água devem ser servidos à vontade. É uma opção mais econômica que pode ser oferecida para recepções mais simples, seguida pelo corte do bolo e brinde com champagne.

                                                               Fonte: pontodosnoivos.com.br

Distribuição de Lugares à Inglesa

            A mais usada no Brasil. A dona e o dono da casa ocupam as cabeceiras. Os convidados são distribuídos da seguinte forma: ao lado direito do dono da casa senta-se uma convidada de honra e o acompanhante desta convidada senta-se ao lado. Na outra ponta, o lugar ao lado direito da dona da casa é reservado para o outro convidado de honra, e sua acompanhante sempre ao seu lado. Ou seja, o convidado de honra ao lado direito da anfitriã, e a convidada de honra ao lado direito do anfitrião.

            Não havendo convidados de honra, o posto é sempre do convidado mais idoso, ou de quem visita a sua casa a primeira vez.

            Caso não haja pares de homens e mulheres, pode-se instalar dois homens ou duas mulheres lado a lado.

Distribuição de Lugares à Francesa

            Ideal para mesas ovais, embora se adapte a qualquer formato. A dona e o dona da casa ficam no centro da mesa, frente a frente. Os convidados são distribuídos da seguinte forma: ao lado direito da dona da casa senta-se um convidado de honra com sua companheira ao lado. O lugar à direita ao dono da casa, do outro lado da mesa, é reservado para a convidada de honra, com seu companheiro ao lado.   

A distribuição à francesa é muito semelhante à inglesa, com a diferença que na inglesa os anfitriões ficam nas extremidades da mesa e na francesa no centro. Esses tipos de distribuição facilitam a conversação entre todos os convidados.

            Não havendo convidado e convidada de honra, valem as mesmas normas da distribuição à inglesa.

Como servir:

No serviço á francesa a travessa é apresentada pelo garçom ou copeira à esquerda do comensal para que ele próprio se sirva. Se for ele que servir o convidado, estará com a colher e o garfo na mão direita, usando os dois talheres como alicate.

            Depois que todos tenham terminado de comer, o prato sujo é retirado pela direita; o prato limpo é colocado pelo mesmo lado, não se deixando o lugar vazio.

            O prato que já vem pronto da cozinha ou que o garçom serve da travessa num aparador, próximo a mesa, é servido pela direita. O mesmo se faz com as taças de consomé.

            Bebidas são sempre servidas pela direita.

            Se a entrada for um prato frio, já poderá ficar servida em um pratinho menor, quando o comensal sentar-se à mesa.

            No caso de sopa, o prato fundo é sempre apresentado sobre o prato raso. Ao retirá-lo da mesa também, ainda que o prato raso seja colocado de novo para a comida que segue o cardápio.

            Um bom serviço não deixa um lugar vazio e isto vale em relação ao último prato salgado e o pratinho de sobremesa que substitui aquele imediatamente.

Bufê (Serviço à Americana)

            Neste caso, a mesa deve ser distribuída da seguinte forma: as cadeiras são retiradas ou usa-se um aparador. Pratos (um sobre o outro) e copos ficam juntos em uma extremidade. Para os talheres: facas ficam sempre à direita dos garfos, alinhados dois a dois, aos guardanapos, em primeiro plano para quem vai pega-los. Existe porta-talheres em tecidos (em forma de leque), um acessório requintado para esse fim, onde são colocados garfo e faca juntos. 

A outra extremidade da mesa é reservada para as travessas, onde serão servidos os alimentos.

Se a mesa estiver encostada na parede, deixa-se os elementos mais altos, como flores e velas, mais atrás.

As sobremesas deverão ficar em outra mesa, ou serem apresentadas após a retirada dos pratos salgados.

            É a modalidade mais prática do receber, solucionando problemas de especo.

            O cardápio deve constar alimentos que ofereçam facilidade de comer. Os pratos mais sugeridos para esse tipo de recepção são: carnes cortadas, peixes macios, strogonoff e fricassés.

            Mesinhas auxiliares distribuídas pela sala, ou práticas bandejas são elementos importantes para o serviço americano.

            Planejar como seus convidados poderão comer comodamente, dando-lhes as condições para isso.

O Cafezinho:

            Tudo foi calculado, terminando com um cafezinho, servido de preferência, fora da mesa de jantar, no living.

            A bandeja com as xícaras, açucareiro e adoçante pode ser colocada em cima do móvel. O café vem em um bule ou já servido nas xícaras (se não houver perigo de esfriar da cozinha para a sala).

            No primeiro caso, a dona de casa é quem serve o café, passando a primeira xícara para o (a) convidado(a) de honra. No segundo, as pessoas pegam suas xícaras na bandeja.

            Enquanto isso estará sendo providenciado os licores para seres servidos depois do cafezinho. Bombons concluem o cardápio.

Obrigada e até a próxima.

Nize de Freitas

North Main BBQ
Address: 406 N Main Street, Euless, TX 76039
Phone: (817) 283-0884‎
Website: www.northmainbbq.com
Known For: BBQ Buffet
What I had: BBQ Buffet
Price: $12.00
Rating: 8 out of 10

First things first I should mention that they’re only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so there is a limited time you can enjoy their grub. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because it makes it more of a commodity. Plus if you ate here any more than once a week you might find that their lack of booths as a deterrent.

Make sure you’re hungry when you arrive here….oh and make sure you don’t want much vegetables or dessert. It’s all about the barbecue. Your $12.00 covers 6 meats (chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, pork ribs, tri-tip & sausage), baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw , a couple pickled items, whitebread, tea (sweet or unsweetened) and your sales tax.

It’s a buffet so you can obviously eat all you want…problem is they’ve pretty much only got the meats and there’s only so much meat one can eat. Good news is the meat is pretty darned good. I’d pass on the chicken, it wasn’t a roasted chicken it was like a boneless breast sliced and it was a bit dry.

The pulled pork was great especially with the sauce, it was nice and tender. I concocted a sandwich with the whitebread, coleslaw and onions. The beef brisket was good, I’ve had just as good at many a places and it didn’t knock my socks off. The tri-tip was the same, good but nothing I haven’t had elsewhere.

The sausage was really good, juicy and tons of flavor. I believe they make it themselves and you can certainly tell that a lot of time and effort has been put into it. Clearly these guys know what they’re doing.

By far the most mouth watering item was the pork ribs. I’m actually not even a fan of ribs, I only grabbed one rib to start with assuming that would be all I would get. I was sorely mistaken, they were absolutely phenomenal.  There was a nice smoke ring and they were fall off the bone tender. Best ribs I’ve ever had, I could not stop eating them. I want to emphasize this point because I normally do not eat ribs. I would almost recommend you come here just for them.

The sides were all good and I’d say on the high end of what I’ve had. The coleslaw was great, nice and crisp and not too much mayonnaise . The potato salad was really good too, sometimes the potatoes are all mushy but this was not the case here. The baked beans were good as well, slightly above average. They had the perfect sweetness to them and not over the top.

A real joy here was the staff and cooks. They’re barbecuing up right there in front of you and they’ll just talk your ear off. You can tell they really love cooking and serving people good food. There are big paper towel rolls on all the tables (and a huge stack of them up front if you run out) and trust me you’re gonna need it. This place was a lot of fun. I would say it’s worth a trip. You certainly can’t beat the price and the taste will definitely satisfy. I’d say give it all a try then go back for seconds of your favorites…..and thirds….and fourths.

Beef Brisket

Pulled Pork

Sausage

Pork Ribs

Coleslaw

Further reading:
www.yelp.com/biz/north-main-bbq-euless
www.urbanspoon.com/r/13/166684/restaurant/North-Main-BBQ-Euless

Sep 5, 2009 @ 17:30
5BGNCH5VYPZX

No final da semana passado fizemos um evento que foi um sucesso…

Dezoito “Tapas e Pintxos” dos mais clássicos aos mais contemporâneos terminando com um “Mini-Suquet” e como carne um delicioso Fricandó com champignons selvagens franceses.

Para encerrar sorvete de arroz doce e uma interpretação da sobremesa inglesa “triffle”.

Contudo levamos várias “broncas” (e com razão…) por não divulgar mais o catering e não ter atualizado o telefone de contato.  (Por sorte o querido cliente conseguiu nos localizar através do e-mail particular).

Nosso serviço de catering é totalmente personalizado, para eventos de no máximo 50 convidados. 

Jantares “petit-comité” com opções de “taste-menu”, finger food em aperitivos criativos e charmosos ou degustações de quitutes de vários países como “tapas” ou “meze”  em  apresentações modernas respeitando os sabores da tradição, são as nossas propostas.

Para contato e orçamentos estamos no telefone acima ou no e-mail que segue. Espero não levar mais nenhum puxão de orelha!

Rival Stainless Steel Roaster Oven with Buffet Server 18-qt. Review

Check Price Now!

I used my new roaster for the first time today on a small prime rib roast. The roast cooked in less than 90 minutes and came out just right with no effort. The roaster is simple to use & clean-up was a breeze. I was really excited to read the enclosed pamphlet, and learn of so many other applications for this roaster! My entire intention was to use it for large meats on occasions when I need my oven for side dishes. I will be steaming veggies, baking potatoes & other goodies, and I can’t wait to use it as a warm-dish buffet on Christmas (after we pull the prime ribe out) when I have a house full of people!

I had no issue with unsafe or injurious steam release, as per the previous review. However, I did not “steam” my roast. I would recommend that when using steam for cooking, in ANY venue, you use general caution with hand & face placement, and of course always use a pot holder or oven mit – it seems to work fine for me, as I’ve never aquired a steam injury, thankfully.

I enjoy having this roaster so much in fact, that my mother will be receiving one for Christmas!

Rival Stainless Steel Roaster Oven with Buffet Server 18-qt. Feature

• Length: 24-in.
• Width: 17.5-in.
• Height: 10-in.
• Cleaning & Care: Removable Liner, Dishwasher Safe
• Origin: China

Rival Stainless Steel Roaster Oven with Buffet Server 18-qt. Overview

Around the holidays, cooking for families and large groups is common. However, in the kitchen, the traditional oven usually does not provide enough cooking capacity for the main meal, side dishes and baked desserts. Enter the roaster oven, that provides a second oven freeing up the traditional oven for other dishes. This roaster is large enough to cook large roasts and turkeys up to 18 pounds. In addition, this roaster cooks up to 30% faster and with up to 77% less energy than a traditional oven.Features Include:Fits up to an 18 pound turkeyStainless Steel Roaster Oven body and Black lidIncludes Buffet Server with 3 removable enamel-on-steel pansRemovable enamel-on-steel roasting panRemovable steel rackLid rest1 year warranty

Rival Stainless Steel Roaster Oven with Buffet Server 18-qt. Specifications

Rival

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 23, 2009 21:00:03

dissatisfied – B. Simpson – Yakima, Wa USA
The oven roaster I ordered was not the same as the one pictured and the price went up at check-out. The good news is that my money was refunded except for the return shipping costs.
roaster thats the moster. – Jimzanet – los angeles
It was over 100 degrees last week and I cooked a 20 pound turkey in 4 and a half hours in our washroom. It didn’t heat up the house and i made turkey enchalada’s the next day. I’M estatic HAPPY….

HP MediaSmart Server EX495

Last week, everything was unplanned when my family and I had a glutton’s gastronomic adventure from breakfast at Starbucks Coffee and lunch at Filipino restaurant, KKK,  to ultimate dessert at  HAAGEN-DAZS and ending the day at YAKIMIX!  

My wife, Tina, our son, Gabby and I, all came with hungry tummies with my youngest brother, JC  for dinner to this buffet-and-grill-all-you-want-restaurant that we’ve been wanting to try for several weeks now.  Initially, we planned to try it months ago as we spotted Yakimix in their branch along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City near those seaside-’dampa’ restos. But unexpectedly, after long hours of strolling in SM-Mall of Asia last week, finding difficulties in deciding where to chow down from so many choices, we’re just lucky to find Yakimix’s  posters at the entrances of the mall as one of its newest food places. 

We had to wait for few minutes when we came to Yakimix-SM-MOA before 5:30PM as it re-opens in the evening.  When we’re ushered in to our table, we saw this impressively spacious buffet place…

This was just one view taken from where we’re seated. Another section is available to accomodate, more or less 60 to 70 pax inside and few more tables are outside catering to those who prefer al fresco dining.  Believe it or not, before we get to taste our first choices from the spread, the place was packed in a heartbeat…

I know you’ll agree with me that whenever an oriental food place is full of chinky-eyed diners, then it verifies the taste of Japanese and Chinese foods it offers.   That was so apparent when we dined at Yakimix; the more we got excited to try all dishes at the buffet table.

I got this plate filled with raw seafoods and marinated meat for us to cook in our smokeless grill at our table…

Soon after the wait staff smeared oil on the grill and turned it on, our little ‘chef’, Gabby became too busy

Obviously, our son enjoyed cooking for us   Look at his ‘masterpiece’…

We’ve tried Shabu-shabu few times before and still enjoyed Yakimix for it’s purely grilling pleasure.  Everything was browned by Gabby to almost perfection

There were more seasoned cut meats and seafoods on the buffet spread; skewers which we failed to sampled; there’s always a next time.

It may not be the best Sukiyaki in town but it satisfied my craving for that sweet and salty Japanese soup. For me, UMU in DUSIT THANI, Makati City serves the best Sukiyaki.  My brother, JC had the other bowl of Hot and Sour soup which was also just OK.

I got few sushi and two slices of sashimi

On Tina’s ONLY plate :  ebi tempura, fried unbattered prawns, california maki, bacon-wrapped shrimps,  crab sticks, mushroom and veggies,  and according to her, the best among she tasted from Yakimix were those “seafood balls” .  I cannot agree because I failed to bite at them

On my plate : almost the same thing but I got to try the noodles.  There were more on the spread that we passed on simply because we’re so satiated already. And unlike what you might be thinking, we don’t have bottomless gastric pits, LOL.     There were just so many dishes, but so little time!

There were salad bar, fresh tropical fruits and yes, cakes and pastries too, mostly from Red Ribbon and Goldilocks.

On our table :

Yakimix offers Selecta Ice Cream included in the buffet! Gabby went several times to the dessert table for these ice cream sprinkles…

Although I found Yakimix’s dishes plain and ordinary,  it gets our nod because of its wide-array of choices, better traffic of diners and spacious ambiance.  Our drinks were refilled at an instant even without asking, but nothing special for the commonly tasting instant juices and iced tea.  Far from the other blog reviews of Yakimix-Macapagal branch,  service at SM-MOA was quick and friendly exceeding my expectations.  :)   Yakimix’s buffet costs half as hotel buffet prices and can surely give Dad’s Saisaki Kamayan Ultimate Buffet a stiff competition.

Another reason to give Yakimix a try :  where else can you find an eat-all-you-want-Selecta Ice Drops ? LOL

We’ll visit their branch in Tomas Morato, Quezon City whenever possible because it’s closer to our place.

Have you been to Yakimix?  How’s your experience ? 

————————————-

YAKIMIX /Unit 122-126 Ground Floor SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City /

Yakimix Weekend Buffet rate : PhP 580 per pax; bottomless drinks at PhP 55.

PS : Gabby ate for free (children below 4 feet get to dine free of charge)

วันนี้ญาติๆนัดกันกินเข้าตอนรับอาโกวที่มีการโยกย้ายตำแหน่งกลับมาประจำอยู่ในกรุงเทพฯ จึงได้ไปชิมอาหารญี่ปุ่นสไตล์บุฟเฟ่ต์ที่ Toyo Ichiban ตั้งอยู่ในบางกอกสแควร์ ถนนพระราม 3 (02-682-9698-9) ไปกินรอบมื้อเย็น เริ่มตั้งแต่ 5 โมงครึ่งไปจนถึง 4 ทุ่ม ราคา 529.- บาท แพงใช้ได้ทีเดียว

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