All posts by Heart2Heart

Oishii Boston

By | Travel | No Comments

The hotel recommended this restaurant since we were looking for Japanese in BostonOishii Boston (1)

Oishii Boston (2)

So nice to see Chef Ting Yen Owner and Chef of Oishii Boston- “My father owned restaurants, and growing up in different places I always witnessed my father teaching his employees that “you have to “use your heart to cook your dishes”, and the chef’s job is not simply just to “throw food on plate.” When I was 14, I remember helping him with the restaurant work after school even though he had over 20 employees in his restaurant. One day I told him that I wanted to be a chef like him and become his apprentice and he believed that I was being very naive.

He decided to put me into the kitchen and treated me like the other workers, because he wanted me to feel how hard this type of work was. As the economy began to get worse, as well as my father’s physical health at the time, it was a practical need for me to help him. By the time I graduated high school, I was thoroughly trained with all the culinary skills of a chef. The most important lesson that I learned as a chef growing up, in a time with little refrigeration and high expectations in the freshness of the ingredients, was the diligence in waking up early to get fresh seafood at the fish pier. In 1985, I landed in Seattle, Washington, From Seattle, I worked as a chef in a various locations such as Portland, OR; San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; New York, and Boston. I wanted to open up a restaurant incorporating my particular multicultural background and style. In 1998 December 17th, I opened Oishii Sushi Bar.”

Chef Ting Yen Oishii Boston

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Sushi CounterOishii Boston (4)
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Checklist Meny for Sushi, Sashimi, Robatayaki and TempuraOishii Boston (10)

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When you order a bunch they fix it so nicely!!
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My favourite of course was the Specialty Sushi – Foie Gras with truffle oilOishii Boston (15)

More SashimiOishii Boston (16)

Ama Ebi!  I like it that they serve the head also and it was so good! Oishii Boston (18)

Since it was lunch time and we were quite a group – we made it easier by ordering from hereOishii Boston (12)

LOVE IT!!!  I did not try this one but I love how big the tray is with all that food for US$ 20.00  Kasieki Lunch Choice AOishii Boston (17)

Choice C Gyu Kaku Donburi was my order and I super loved this!!!Oishii Boston (19)Click below to go to their website

Welcome to Oishii Boston Located in South End, Boston. Oishii Boston offers comprehensive sushi menu. Our friendly and experienced sushi chefs create contemporary and delectable Sushi selections for our wide range of customers. 1166 Washington St, Boston MA  02118

Welcome to Oishii Boston Located in South End, Boston. Oishii Boston offers comprehensive sushi menu. Our friendly and experienced sushi chefs create contemporary and delectable Sushi selections for our wide range of customers. 1166 Washington St, Boston MA 02118

Givenchy Rider’s Bag Fall Winter 2015 Collection

By | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

For Fall/Winter 2015, Riccardo Tisci reveals a new style of bag for Givenchy: the Rider Bag.

The look of the bag combines the spirit of New York with practical military influences.

It comes as a synthesis of all Givenchy’s signature elements: a pure and architectural structure matching an urban, sophisticated approach.

The Rider bag comes in two styles, a street-ready backpack, and a everyday messenger bag.Both feature high-quality leather trimming, silver and palladium-finish hardware.

Givenchy's Rider Bag (13A)Givenchy's Rider Bag (13B)

 

The backpack is a lightweight style with roomy interior, while the messenger bag features a cross-body strap.

 Givenchy's Rider Bag (2A)Givenchy's Rider Bag (2B)Givenchy's Rider Bag (1)

In the Philippines, Givenchy is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center and Level 1, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for further information.

Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachusetts

By | Travel | One Comment

A lovely dinner in a beautiful home. Looks like a photo from a magazine!!!  Thank you Tito Ralph and Tita Babot for hosting us
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Everything is just so beautiful.  I love the vibe in the house when everything is so colourful, bright and happy.  That is Tita Babot for you 🙂  She brings sunshine into everythingDinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (3)

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Fresh Pink peonies! Love this appetiser tableDinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (5)

Spotted!  Cabaña Workshop personalized linens all over the house! Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (1)

Love their kitchen!!!Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (6)

Tita Babot says this is her bonding time with her kids 🙂  LOVE!!  Cooking with the boys Romano, Rafa and Ramoncito.  Tita Babot is the one behind the beautiful details in the house.  And she is a super duper cook!  She prepared dinner. Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (15)

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The Chef Rafa preparing steak!Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (7)

Even the sink is so pretty!!!Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (16)

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Everything was so good!!! Love homemade food.

Green Peppers with Mushrooms
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Love the corn soup!!! I will share with you the recipes from Tita Babot!! 🙂Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (24)

Mushroom soup – YUMMY!Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (25)

Rafa cooking the steakDinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (18)

YUM!!
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Everything was good but my favorite was her chicken which is like an Iberian chicken but less complicated.  It’s a Garlic and lemon chicken.

Marinate for a few hours with garlic, lemon,  olive oil, salt and pepper and leave it in the refrigerator. Then bake in the oven for 45 minutes then leave in oven for around 30 minutes Yum!!!!
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 For dessert!!!! All yummy!! From Russo’s market (Watertown, Massachusetts ) – Strawberry shortcake  Cheesecake, Berry cake ( not sure of the name ) and Carrot cake! All yum!!Dinner by the Joseph Family in Massachussets (27)

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 Our hosts for dinner.   We super love this family – Tito Ralph and Tito Babot Joseph and their kids Rafa, Ramoncito, Rocio and Romano. Tita Babot is the sweetest and most amazing mom, wife and homemaker and her kids are all so good and brought up so well. Tito Ralph we love ever since forever because he loves us (haha) and is such a great friend!! Always enjoy being with them!!
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Visiting the Josephs in Massachusetts

By | Homes and Interiors, Travel | One Comment

Visiting our very good family friends in Massachusetts – The Ralph Josephs 🙂Visiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (2)

 The one and only daughter of Tito Ralph, Rocio.  The super pretty and sweet Princess of the family. She is the reason the whole family is in Boston 🙂   She’s already in college studying in Bentley. I saw her grow up as she is the same age as my eldest son. She loves it in MassachusettsVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (1)

Love their beautiful home which is all a reflection of all the love Tita Babot puts into everythingVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (4)

A beautiful Country home 🙂  Master BedroomVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (5)

with fresh flowers!Visiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (6)

BedroomVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (17)

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Another bedroomVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (20)

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with a shared bathroom for the two roomsVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (16)

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Guest BathroomVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (7)

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GardenVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (21)

PatioVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (13)

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Super neat garageVisiting the Josephs in Massachusetts  (8)

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Legal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey

By | Travel | No Comments

Our whole family loves Legal Seafoods from Lolo down to the 4th generation

Lolo benny legal seafoods Crispy Montauk Calamari – WE LOVE THIS!! We have this in all kinds

 REGULARLegal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (2)

Rhode Island
Crispy Montauk Calamari Thai style

Thai Style

Calamari Montauk legal seafoods

Buffalo Popcorn ShrimpLegal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (3)

Crab Quesadilla

crab Quesadillas Legal Seafoods

Romano Encrusted Soft Shell Crab

Romano encrusted soft shell crab legal seafoods

Fried OystersLegal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (4)

Fresh Oysters

fresh oysters legal seafood

Sauteed MusselsLegal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (5)

 Warm Spinach and Feta Dip – LOVE THIS TOO IN BOTH KINDS

with Whole Wheat Pita chipsLegal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (6)

With Crabmeat and Crab ChipsWarm spinach feta dip with crabmeat and crab chips legal seafoodsLegal Lobster – SteamedLegal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (7)

Legal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (8)

Ceasar SaladLegal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (9)

Fish and Chips! YUMMY!!!!Legal Seafoods Garden State Mall New Jersey (1)Fish and chipsCrispy Fish Tacos

Crispy Fish Tacos Legal Seafoods 2

Haddock

Haddock legal seafoods

Click below to go to their website

Legal Sea Foods sets the standard for seafood restaurants, offering the freshest and highest quality seafood, an extensive wine list and superior service.

Legal Sea Foods sets the standard for seafood restaurants, offering the freshest and highest quality seafood, an extensive wine list and superior service.

Hamleys Luvley Day

By | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

On July 25, 2015, Hamleys, the finest toy shop in the world, will have a LUVLEY event to treat their beloved friends and customers. A day of glittertastic fun, the event will feature products from the Hamleys Luvley collection.

 HALD Leaflet - Edit 4

For a minimum purchase of Php1,500 in a single receipt from July 1–25, 2015 at the Hamleys Central Square store, a customer and one child will have access to the event which will include a kiddie makeover workshop among others.

WHAT: A day of glittertastic fun! Come and join our Luvley girls for a kiddie makeover workshop in-store and learn how to use products from the Luvley Boutique.

    • Learn the art of Luvley Nailtastic and Cutesy Colours Make-up!
    • Glitter-fy yourself with a Glitter Tattoo!
    • Luvley-fy your hair!
    • Check-out the exclusive face-painting booth!
    • Enjoy sweets and treats at the dessert station!
    • Show off your Luvely lool at the Photo Booth!
    • …and lots more
    • WHEN: Saturday July 25, 2015                                                                                                                                 2PM to 6PM
    • WHERE: Hamleys store, Upper Gorund Level of Central Square at Bonifacio High Street                            Per DTI SPD Permit No. 6076 Series of 2015

Luvely Curlies

Just how did Goldilocks do it? Well, we’ll let you in a little secret with our fabulous Luvley Curlies kit which contains everything you need for perfectly twirled tresses! The kit contains 18 curlers and one styling hook and is really easy to use – a great way to complement any party wardrobe.

Have a Luvley Day at Hamleys Luvely Curlies (1)Have a Luvley Day at Hamleys Luvely Curlies (2)

Luvely Glittertastic Tattoo

It’s a little-child-friendly make-up that any girl will love! Luvley kids love to sparkle and the Luvley Boutique are experts in the world of all that glitters. Luvley Glittertastic is a blingtastic body art set for children who like to dress up and enjoy creative play. The glitter stencil set for glittery body art is suitable for children aged 6 years and over and can be applied safely to the face and body. The set includes: 6 non-spill glitter bottles, 10 stencils/tattoo templates, 2 brushes & glue. Perfect for parties, dress-up, sleepovers and as a gift.

Have a Luvley Day at Hamleys Glittertastic Tattoo (1)Have a Luvley Day at Hamleys Glittertastic Tattoo (2)

Luvely Cutesy Colours Makeup

Does your little one love getting dressed up? This Make-Up Set will keep them busy for hours! The Luvley Cutesy Colours Make-Up Set is packed full with child-friendly make-up so your child can have even more fun. The Luvley Cutesy Colours Make-Up Set is a gorgeous carry case containing: x2 eye shadow compacts, x1 blush compact, x1 lip-gloss compact, x2 lip glosses (fluid), x2 lip gloss sticks, x4 lipsticks, x4 nail polishes, x 4 make up applicators. Great for little princesses and perfect for sleepovers and parties.

Have a Luvley Day at Hamleys Luvely Cutesy Colours Makeup (1)Have a Luvley Day at Hamleys Luvely Cutesy Colours Makeup (2)

Like Hamleys Philippines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HamleysPhilippines.

In the Philippines, Hamleys is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group Inc., and is located at Central Square Bonifacio High Street. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian

By | Foodie | No Comments

Looking for a peaceful and cozy place in Tagaytay to have a good meal, Read today’s Food and Leisure section of the Philippine StarCooking with leave and love in Tagaytay cafe voila Philippine Star July 23 2015More photos and the menu here 🙂

A few weeks ago we went all the way to Tagaytay and it was worth itCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (35)

It’s so romantic here, my couple friends had to HHWW haha!!

Ned and Janet Horani Cafe Voi La Tagaytay

Tita Ica told me that the theme of the place was supposed to be Swiss which explains why the facade of the building looks like this, but she managed to mix everything with what she wanted to create and she says it is an extension of her home- When you go inside that is how her home feels and looks like.  She is in a way sharing herself and her home with the people who come to try her cookingCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (37)

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (39)Kaffir lime leaves which she grows in the garden of the restaurant – Boi la means cooking with leaves 🙂  Cafe Voi LaDSC05767

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Outdoor seatingCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (7)

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Tita Ica tells me that I should go back at sunset so I can see the fog from her place 🙂  Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (34)

It’s not only Asian food and pizza but she has steaks as well!!Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (2)

Since everyone always takes the view from the front ( and its the most photographed part of the restaurant ) I am showing the view from the side 🙂  Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (6)

Collection of jars from all over the worldCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (18)

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Where we ate 🙂Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (3)

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Delicious lunch spread made with love
Cafe Voi La Tagaytay lunch spreadFood always tastes better when shared with great company.  Thank you to my good friends Ned and Janet for accompanying us.  This is proof that I did not eat all that by myself! haha 🙂

Ned and Janet Hourani Cafe Voi La Tagaytay2

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Breads are all made in the restaurantCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (14)

Special Senator’s salad which is named after Senator Villar who owns the development where they are in – Crosswinds, Swiss Luxury Resort, Tagaytay, one of Britanny’s luxury collection.  The area is past the beautiful Starbucks in the main road.  Driver further and it is still in a quiet part where there are not too many developments yet so it is nice to go now!Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (38)

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (42)Cafe Voi La Signature Satays – A MUST!!!!
Cafe Voi la Signature Satay – Chicken, Beef, Prawn and Pork still grilling as they place the Balinese griller on the table. Make sure to eat the turmeric rice with authentic turmeric from Vietnam Satays CAfe Voi La Tagaytay

I love that her curry is not spicy. I wrote about this in the articleCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (20)

Delicious Pad Thai inspired from Chiang Mai. Quite a big portion and could be good for 3 to 5 peoplePad Thai Cafe Voi La
Pad Thai Cafe Voi La Tagaytay

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Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (13)Tita Ica is very particular about her food and drinks – she told me that when she goes to Starbucks she tells them what to do! haha!!  So be assured that all her concoctions are unique to her recipes 🙂
coffee Cafe Voi La Tagaytay

Collection of teacupsCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (17)

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (45) Cafe Voi La’s Vietnamese coffee which uses coconut milk! Sip it from the bottom to the top. A must try!
IMG_3406Thai Iced coffee – This time sip from top to bottom! 🙂 DSC05765

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (15)

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Bar 🙂

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (4)with a brick oven brick overn cafe Voi La TagaytayCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (41)

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I remember one very important message from Tita Ica that day – she told me that if you want something or you want to do something, you can always do it if you really want to.  It’s very true and can be applied to many things in our life.  Don’t say you cannot cook or you cannot build your own dream home, because if you really want to, you will do it 🙂  Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (33)

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Dessert here is a MUST!!!Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (1)

You can arrange to pick up the whole cakes from Alabang -just call them and let them knowCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (19)

A MUST! The cheesecakes!! Salted Caramel Cheesecake!

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Mango FloatCafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (21)

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By the end of July, they will be opening the basement of Cafe Voi La which will have a bakeshop.  As you enter, it will be the bakeshop which is this

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and a wine bar in partnership with Jim Araneta of the Bottle Shop called the GoDown. They will be serving pintos and craft beers, and wine and cocktails, whisky and more! A good reason to go back!
Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (31)

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (30)

Cafe Voila by Ica Manalo Sebastian (29)Click below to go to their website

Cafe Voi La Facebook Page

Dino Brooklyn

By | Travel | One Comment

Brooklyn is the “in” place now for dining and we were happy to try Dino
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 So happy to see the hubby’s cousins who I love –  Raul and Jenny with their daughter Mia. Thank you for a wonderful dinner at Dino Celebrating Mia’s graduation from Pratt Institute with a BS Fine Arts Major in Communication Design. Congratulations Mia!!! Dino Brooklyn (7)

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CalamariDino Brooklyn (8)

BurrataDino Brooklyn (9)

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CrostiniDino Brooklyn (10)

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 I chose a unique dish again that I LOVED! Spaghetti limone

 Simple yet so delicious!!! Fresh lemon with Parmegiano ReggianoDino Brooklyn (15)

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