Nomama Artisanal Ramen

Lately, I've been really craving for ramen. I was thinking.. Wrong Ramen, Ramen X, Ramen Bar when my mom mentioned that she wanted to try Nomama Artisanal Ramen. So we went there after my final exams which I think was the best time since I can just eat and eat, and enjoy whatever the place has to offer and not worry about any exams the next day.

So here's our Nomama experience...

We arrived at the place 5:30 in the afternoon, without any reservation but we were lucky enough to be accommodated. Still, it's best to have your seats reserved as the the place can only accommodate a few groups. Plus they are only open during these hours:

11:30- am - 2:00 pm and 6 - 10:00 pm (Mon-Sat)

12 noon - 3:00 pm and 6 - 9:30 pm (Sundays)

Nomama's working station...

Since this was our first time, we were all clueless on what to order. But of course, there has to be ramen! Ahhh those ramen on their menu list! I just couldn't wait. The server said that their bestsellers are Nomama Ramen and Wagyu Steak and Onion Ramen. The supervisor was even kind enough to explain to us the menu. He mentioned that Nomama makes use of the very best local and organic products they can source.

What we ordered:

Pork gyoza (classic pork and cabbago dumpling), Php 125

Soft shell crab with buttermilk dressing (crisp soft shell crab, dairy dressing, tomato and cucumber, greens), Php 275

I loved this despite the dressing being a bit spicy. If you guys don't know, I am definitely not a fan of anything spicy, but I'd order this all over again!

Nomama Ramen Regular (house pork stock, special miso-sesame blend, chashu, tamago), Php 340

This is one of their bestsellers. After tasting it, you'd know why. You have the option to order a regular size (Php 340) or a junior size (Php 220). I prefer this over the one I ordered for myself (Wagyu steak and onion ramen) which happens to be their other bestseller.

Wagyu steak and onion ramen, triple onion and miso pepper butter Regular (kitayama flank seared with onions, sake and miso butter topped over noodles and served with soubise tonkatso broth), Php 590

As you would notice, Wagyu steak and onion ramen is presented on a plate because its soup is served on a separate bowl. This one's good too but I found the Nomama ramen a little more flavorful. Junior size costs Php 390.

Nomama seafood (premium, soft shell crab, snapper, prawns, with kobacha, eggplant), Php 360

Everything is yummy!

chili garlic glazed chicken with soy caramel (roasted free range chicken with chili and garlic glaze, mushroom bok choy stir fry), Php 375

This chick surprised me the most! We ordered this last but it's definitely not the least among the things we ordered. It wasn't spicy at all! However, the description says, mushroom bok choy stir fry, and as far as I know,  bok choy is a chinese cabbage. Isn't it? But we didn't see or taste any leafy green. Instead, the chicken was served on top of a tasty mashed squash. I'm not sure it was squash but it tasted like one. :)) Regardless, this was my favorite! I wouldn't mind having this for dinner everyday. :)

To sum it up, our Nomama experience was fantastic. I'd go back for the Nomama Ramen, the soft shell crab salad, chili garlic glazed chicken, to try their dessert (desserts are quite interesting!) and most of all, their remarkable, committed staff. Thank you Nomama! No wonder you're hailed as one of Esquire's Best New Restaurants (2013).

Nomama Artisanal Ramen

FSS Building 2

Scout Tuason cor. Scout Castor St.

Laging Handa, Quezon City

Philippines

Business Hours:

11:30- am - 2:00 pm and 6 - 10:00 pm (Mon-Sat)

12 noon - 3:00 pm and 6 - 9:30 pm (Sundays)

Tel No. 921-4913

Visit them on Facebook

Love always and all ways,

Shiara

P.S. I failed to ask what Nomama means. Do you guys know? :)

Gigi's Coffee and Cupcakes

A lot of people are celebrating their birthdays this month of August and I wanted to give them a little treat. I was thinking of the usual – cake or cupcakes. I was in Eastwood last weekend and luckily, found Gigi’s Coffee and Cupcakes. So I went for cupcakes.

Being away from all the other food establishments in the area, you can easily miss Gigi’s if you are not well acquainted with Eastwood City. It is located at the lobby of Felina Corporate Plaza, just past Citibank.

However, as you enter Felina Plaza, this place cannot go unnoticed.  The interiors are mostly white and green.  As I am always fascinated by a predominantly white interior, I found the place very pleasing. Plus, it gives out a garden-feel, as you can see the floor is covered with artifical Bermuda grass. 

The place is homey and quite relaxing despite being situated in a lobby. There's also free Wifi. The only concern I have is that there were only 4 tables with 3 chairs each that I waited for a few more minutes before I was able to get a seat. Although they provide extra chairs at the other end of the shop, these are high armchairs which are not at all comfortable to sit on.

There are a lot of flavors to choose from: 

Red Velvet

Sea Salt Chocolate

Butter Cream

Coffee

Mocha

Green Tea

Peppermint

Oreo

Lemon

Orange

Raspberry

Cookie Butter

Butter Rum

Lavender

Choco Chip Overload

White Chocolate

Chocolate

I bought a box of 6 (Red Velvet, Sea Salt Chocolate, Green Tea, White Chocolate, Choco Chip Overload and Raspberry) for Php 235. Individual price is Php 40. This is cheaper compared with other cupcake shops considering the quality is not compromised. 

Sea Salt Chocolate and Red Velvet

What I have tried are their bestsellers: Red Velvet and Sea Salt Chocolate, both of which I found a bit too sweet especially the red velvet. Probably, it's really best to pair them with a hot tea or coffee next time. But overall, they tasted good plus they were so soft and moist so that's an extra point. I also had a bite of the Green Tea and loved how the tea-ish flavor blended with the sweetness of the cupcake.

One of my friends enjoyed the White Chocolate, the other found the Choco Chip Overload okay but the Raspberry was too sweet for us. 

Will I be back? Yes, for the green tea and sea salt chocolate and to try the other flavors as well. 

I did not get the chance to order their drinks. Have you tried any of them? What can you recommend?

The August Babies

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUYS! :)

Gigi's Coffee and Cupcakes

Felina Corporate Plaza Lobby,

Eastwood City,

1110 Quezon City

Philippines

Mon - Sat: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sun: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Tel No. (02) 234 2842

Love always and all ways,

Shiara

GILAS PILIPINAS

Photo by Jerome Ascano

Just like any other Filipino out there, I feel truly proud of this team not just because they reached the FIBA Asia Finals but because I watched them bled their hearts out. They were able to put up a great game that everyone will surely remember. It was epic, phenomenal, brave and overflowing with passion and enthusiasm. 

Yahoo! PH Sports/Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images 

I may not have seen them play live, nor watched their every game for that matter but from what I witnessed on TV during their battle (semifinals) against Korea, I already know that no matter what they would still be champions. In that fight, in that game, they are champions.  And that win, that moment, gets me and is the very reason why I watch basketball.

Tonight, they lost against Iran but again, for all Filipinos, they already are champions even before that game started. They may have been awarded silver but they made it shine like gold.

Photo by Jerome Ascano

Photo by FIBA Asia/Nuki Sabio

The Filipino nation is proud of you, Gilas! Thank you.


Love always and all ways,
Shiara

First

Hey ho! I hope you guys are doing great. :)

I'm not really much of a talker nor a good writer. Also, I'm quite a beginner with blogging. I mean, I've posted stuffs before on other sites but I barely consider them as blogs. But I really think I could share a little something of anything, of everything. So, I created this blog.

I am currently in a medical school - an aspiring doctor and a struggling third year medical student so I do hope I can put up with blogging at least every now and then. Everybody needs a break from their usual day anyway, right?

How about you? What are you up to? :) I'm already thinking of what to share to you in my next entry. I just can't wait. :) See you beautiful people! 

Love always and all ways,

Shiara