These Little Wonders

Monday, January 30, 2012

Lugang Cafe

We once had dinner at this restaurant located at Mall of Asia and I 'm sure that I will go back for another meal. Lugang Cafe is one of the restaurants brought to us by Bellagio Group of Restaurants. Lugang Cafe, in particular, has many branches across China. Their first branch opened at the Greenhills area (along Connecticut St.) and while their second branch is at SM Mall of Asia (G/F, infront of Tokyo Cafe).

We are actually lucky enough to be able to get our seats in a short period of waiting time (we were there by 6pm), because when it was already 7pm, people were starting to gather up outside and there sure were a lot of them waiting to be seated. I think that by seeing this, it gives you an idea of how good their food is.

one of their chefs making noodles

a cool and complicated coffee maker

The interior and design of the whole place is very modern and sophisticated. The place is also very clean and spacious. Foodservers were all courteous and prompt, they were all serving us with a warming smile. Now, let's talk about the food.

Cantonese Mushroom Stir Fried Noodle

We only ordered a few dishes since there were only four of us. All I can say is that, most of them are really good and reasonably priced. For a preview of their menu, I found this album on flickr, which can be a big help. I also believe that once you see their menu, you would really be tempted to try at least a single dish from every category they have. ^.^

Three-Cup Chicken

Sweet and Sour Pork <3

Steamed Lapu-Lapu with Tauso

This post is actually incomplete because we weren't able to try their enticing desserts. But sure enough, I will try those on our next visit. For now, I hope I have given you a good reason to try Lugang Cafe. ^.^

SM Mall of Asia Branch:

G/F SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Dr

Pasay City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 555-0219

Greenhills Branch:

116 Connecticut St., Northeast Greenhills

San Juan City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 775-7599

Monday, January 23, 2012

Chap Chae (Jap Chae) - failed

Did you know that my internship is over?! And because of that, I planned to cook Chap Chae today. By the way, 恭喜發財 or Happy Chinese New Year!

I think I failed in cooking this dish. :( I did follow a certain recipe plus my instinct but I guess I failed. You may ask, "Why I think so?". Well it is because my Chap Chae was too dark, the noodles that is. But the flavor was also lacking. Overall, it was edible but not satisfying. :)) At the same time, I feel like I am being hard on myself haha..

And since it was edible, I might as well share the recipe for all of you to try and tweak. ^.^

250 g. mung bean noodles or glass noodles, cooked according package instructions

1/2 cup light soy sauce

3 Tbsp sesame oil

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp garlic, minced

2 Tbsp oil

1/2 onion, sliced thinly

2 cups fresh or dried shitake mushrooms

a few shrimps (used in replacement for beef)

carrots, julienned

spinach leaves

bell pepper, julienned

Procedure:

Cook the mung bean noodles according to packaging instructions then set aside.

On a wok, stir-fry the garlic, onions, shrimp, carrots, mushroom, bell pepper and spinach. Add in the soy sauce, sesame oil.

Lastly, add in the noodles and season to taste.

It is quite easy to make but i still have to practice and try cooking this again. Wish me luck in having a better outcome next time. ^.^ If you have any comments or suggestion, please!! tell me.. ^.^ Thanks!