Chocolate Kiss and College

Chocolate Kiss was my happy food in college. I remember trooping there every Thursday (or was it Tuesday?) with Kaich, Patty, and Jeifan. Switching between adobo and chicken kiev and salpicao.

We decided to meet up today for late lunch. I was looking forward to my favorite Kahlua Butter Cake and refillable iced tea. They had already ordered when I got there. I was trying to remember what I always ordered. Kaich said it was Salisbury Steak so I ordered that. "Sorry, Ma'am. Wala na po eh." Then, we figured no, it was Chicken Kiev. "Sorry, Ma'am. Wala na po eh." I really wanted rice. So one more try, "Beef Salpicao na lang." "Sorry, Ma'am. Wala na po eh." HAAAA? The waiter suggested pasta but I was dead set on getting kanin. So I chose an unfamiliar meal (meaning I've never tried it before): Fish Fillet with Pesto Salsa and Paprika Rice.

Then this blob was presented to me. It didn't look appetizing to me but it did smell yummy. I was apprehensive about the salsa because sometimes salsa=wansoy, which I'm not a fan of. But I ended up finishing the entire plate save for maybe two tablespoons of the paprika rice. And then of course, I had to order dessert. Patty already sent me a message ahead of time that Kahlua Butter Cake was available so yay!


I actually told the cake, "I've missed you." I don't know why I love this cake so much. I especially savor the two-part icing going on. Fudge + butter cream, be still my frosting-loving heart.

Here we are trying to channel our college selves. Well, technically, Ry and Kaich are still in school, just on break. Patty and I have no excuse. And Jeifan is being her grown-up self at Philippine Fashion Week. Haha! We missed you, Naf!

Can't wait to see you again on my birthday weekend! (:

The Chocolate Kiss Cafe
UP Diliman, QC and
91 Roces Avenue

Two Nights in a Row

People are generally surprised when I'm out late at night because they know my bed time is actually 9pm (although these days I've been sleeping close to midnight and not too proud of it). But staying in an office building for more than 10 hours can really make your realize how much you've been just working. So whenever there's a chance to get out—an event, a premiere, a meeting(haha)—I try to go if time lets me.

So last Thursday after work, I headed to a 20-minute preview of Disney's Tron Legacy (which was AWESOME! Too bad we have to wait 'til December 17 to see the entire thing) and ETC's Vamped event. We're big fans of The Vampire Diaries so we figured, why not check out the party?


With Angela and Tessa of ETC, making chismis about TVD and other ETC shows.



We had our picture taken with "Damon" and "Katherine" at the photobooth, had TVD-inspired drinks, and had salty calamares before we called it a night. We also got news that ETC is showing Pretty Little Liars soon!

***

Last night, after a loooong day at work (that included a very satisfying meal at Recipes, another payday waldas that I don't even know how to justify, plus a record-breaking chat event that made our numbers soar to great heights haha), my friends picked me up so we could all go "par-tay." HAHA! It's been a running joke that whenever we decide to come out late at night, it's called a lolas night out. And by lola, I sure don't mean Madonna's kid.

Speaking of lolas, this year, my friends and I decided to semi-dress up for Halloween. Last year, we dressed up as Josie and the Pussycats and actually won a prize (that we never used, come to think of it). We decided to just do a '50s theme. And we don't know but pearls seemed to have tied all our outfits together.


Binky actually did a '50s DIY project but ended up not wearing her dress. She stitched a poodle cutout on it—complete with a leash! Super cute. Laika channeled her inner Audrey Hepburn. I tried to do a Betty Draper but my brother told me I was more a Peggy. Whatever that means, I haven't exactly caught up with Mad Men. It's funny, though, because this is actually something I'd wear on any other given day. Maybe I was born in the wrong era. IDK.


As you can see, not a lot of people really dressed up. But when this girl stepped in, we all had to turn and look in her direction. She had fiery orange hair sticking up from her head and she was in a flesh bodysuit. She came as a Troll! Hahaha! Best costume of the night, I think.


And well, look at me in a club, drinking... water. Hahaha! I woke up past 8 this morning, which is late in my book. I've spent all day on the computer, only taking breaks to go to the bathroom and eat. I don't think I'm going to be out like that any time soon. I've reached my quota, hehe.

Three-in-One

Our November issue just hit the stands this week. It's our annual Hollywood issue and we've got not just one but THREE awesome covers. Emma Watson (who has a loffly accent! Still can't believe we were on the phone with her three months ago.), the cast of Glee and The Vampire Diaries.

Some of you might be wondering if you have to buy all three covers. They're actually all in one issue. We shot a super short video to show you how to change the covers.



If you're a big fan of everything celebrity-related, be sure to grab your copy of Candy!

Homemade is Always Good

I've been thinking of what to make since I had leftover buttercream frosting (vanilla tinted pink and chocolate) from a shoot I did last week. The easy thing to do was make some cupcakes and frost them with the buttercream. But since I saw a link to Smitten Kitchen's homemade Oreos (this is one of my favorite blogs ever!), I figured I'd give it a try. I also got to use my brand new Silpat from my friend Kaich and her mom. I have one from Silicone Zone but I've always wanted this one because I'd always see it on TV. Haha!


So my oven has been acting up. When I turn it on for pre-heating, it lights up and the fan turns on. Then, right when I'm about to put my tray in, it decides to shut itself off! Eep. I think it may be faulty wiring but I'm not sure. Time to send it back to the oven doctor aka electrician. Does anyone use an electric oven here? Has this happened to you?

Ended up with 40 cookies but since my oven was turning itself off and then back on again, the heat was hardly constant. /: The cookies didn't spread out or flatten. They turned out more like crinkles. Haha!


So I could've just dusted them with confectioner's sugar, and they'd be perfect little chocolate crinkles. But I was on a mission to use my leftover frosting.

I got around to buying a cooling rack from Living Well in Podium. Before I did, I was making use of the circular grill that came with our turbo broiler. d:

I still ended up with the tub of chocolate frosting (didn't get to use it) and a bit of pink vanilla buttercream, but these homemade Oreos (baby whoopie pies? crinkle sandwich cookies?) will have to do for now until I get my oven fixed. Don't they look pretty?

Songs I Like: Estelle Feat. John Legend - "Fall in Love"

Though I don't always agree with John Legend's lyrics ("Now you can't say I don't love you/Just because I cheat on you" WHAT? NO.), I love his voice. And I love Estelle. This video has Jesse Williams. IDEK. Press play. You'll see what I mean. (: