When in HK, eat local: Ending my 3-year fantasy at The Peak Lookout

Jake and I celebrated our seventh anniversary in Hong Kong last September. I've been meaning to write about the restaurants we've tried and new places we've seen in our go-to happy place but first, I just HAVE to share how I finally got to eat at The Peak Lookout!

Ever since I first saw that rustic straight-out-of-a-fairy tale structure three years ago, I have been constantly obsessing over the place. I even bought a magnet as pasalubong for Jake to remind him that HE HAS TO TAKE ME ON A DATE THERE. When we went for our sixth anniversary last year (yes, we know no other place but HK), the date didn't happen and I was left with another year of desperation.

On our last day for this year's trip, we finally managed to head up to The Peak to fulfill my cheesy dream. I skipped like a happy little fool from the terminal and crossed the road towards the facade to finally end my 3-year obsession.

I was like a child who finally saw Santa's workshop -- just gazing at my surroundings, soaking it all in. Three years of waiting to see the inside of a place can do that, I guess.

We went after lunch at around 3pm so we were lucky to have tables of our choice. Since I've been obsessively Googling the place (and emailing the very nice and patient concierge), I knew exactly where to sit - outside, at the corner nook with a view of the sea. 

And x marks the spot. I have no words to describe how perfect our view was, and how that moment felt so magical for me. You know how Alice (in the original movie) kept trying to squeeze herself into that tiny doorway with a view of the rose garden? This was exactly the same feeling. The Peak Lookout was my rose garden and I finally managed to enter it!

Since we were there for merienda, we only ordered desserts and lattes. I have to say, even if we didn't order from the lunch menu, the service was still impeccable and we were treated like we ordered a full-course meal. You'd expect a snooty vibe from such a nice place but the staff were all nice and friendly.

For our cakes, Jake ordered his usual New York cheesecake while I had the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb. Consistent with all reviews I've read, the menu was pricey but then again -- you're paying for the ambiance and the view.  

This was sheer perfection, though.

I am definitely coming back! I'd love to see the whole place lit up at night. Must be extra romantic!

Can you imagine this garden all lit up with fairy lights? The Peak Lookout is definitely a must-try when in Hong Kong. You'd be hard-pressed to find a restaurant with a better ambiance and view for a romantic date!

Reservations are recommended, especially for peak hours:
The Peak Lookout
121 Peak Road, The Peak
Hong Kong
(take The Peak Tram or the minibus from Central)
info@peaklookout.com.hk

When in Boracay, eat local: Zuzuni's Mati Chocolate Sin

I've passed by Zuzuni so many times whenever I'm in Boracay but never bothered to check the place out. Located in Station 2 near Havaianas, this place has always caught my eye mostly because of the all white facade and bright interiors plus the promise of authentic Greek food.

Jake and I finally checked the place out last May to try their desserts. I always associate Greek desserts with flour-less chocolate cakes and Zuzuni's Mati Chocolate Sin was no exception. Lo and behold: 

They bake the cake upon ordering and you get this warm, straight from the oven, rich Valrhona cake served with Vanilla ice cream. Valrhona chocolate is my favorite kind on a cake and I loved the richness of this dish. Priced at P250 for a personal-sized cake, I felt it could have been a bit bigger for sharing. Offhand, it was a bit gooey on the inside and I had hoped for a smoother feel but this is a must-try for any chocolate lover on the island.

Since it was mid-afternoon on a hot, summer day, I was itching for a cold latte. They recommended their namesake cappuccino, the Zuzuni Freddo Cappuccino (at only Php 90!) which was a Mediterranean specialty. Basically, it's sweetened, chilled espresso topped with frothy milk. I loved the rich dark golden brown color and it was strong enough to keep me going for the rest of the day (and night). 

Desserts and coffee by the beach always make me a happy girl! Also, just found out that the restaurant is part of the Zuzuni Boutique hotel, which can be pretty cool if they also have Greek-inspired rooms ala Manos Greek Taverna Hotel in Tagaytay. Check out their website below!

Zuzuni
Station 1, Boracay
+63 36 288 4477

When in Boracay, eat local: Kasbah

It's unusually rainy for November and I woke up wishing I was at the beach. I also watched a Moroccan travel special last night and woke up wishing I'll have Moroccan food for lunch. Given the slim choices for Moroccan cuisine here in Manila, I'd have to satisfy my hungry belly with this post about Kasbah from our last Laboracay trip.

When in Boracay, eat local - is what I always say. Cheap guilty pleasures at Andok's are forgivable, but I always make it a point to visit the restaurants which can only be found on the island. Although Aria and Kasbah now have branches at Fort, I think there's still something to be said about eating at the original Boracay branches with a view of the sea.

Kasbah is known for its Moroccan food and colorful pillows dotting the powder white shores of Boracay in the quieter part of Station 1. Since we stayed at Residencia, we were right beside the place and didn't have to wait too long to get a free table. 

However, because we were there for the Labor Day weekend, the place was packed and service was exceptionally crappy. I was with five hungry boys on a scorching day and we were mildly pissed at having to wait too long to get our iced teas and appetizers. Thank goodness they can make a good hummus, it made up for the long wait.

Although the menu is quite pricey, the good thing is that most items are good for two to three people. Some of the boys ordered kebabs (I forgot if it was lamb or beef), while the rest of us ordered two tagine -- a slow cooked stew that comes in a colorful pot. I knew I had to order one since I just saw a Moroccan food guide on TLC before we left. 

I kind of wish the waiter left the pot lid for us to play with after he served our tagine. It would have been fun to take more pictures of the exotic-looking dish with complete props. 

Kasbah gives you the option to order a solo or for sharing tagine. We ordered one kefta tagine for sharing, which was more than enough for four people. The others ordered the solo tagine which was huge enough for two hungry boys.

Our kefta meatballs were tender and I can't even begin to describe the flavors of the stew which ranged from spicy to sweet, the kind that can only be achieved with a slow-cooking process. It was worth the loooong wait!

And look at this! What a creative way to turn an otherwise shabby washing area into something cute and pretty!

Kasbah
Station 1, Boracay
(beside Discovery Shores)
(036) 288 4790

Turning 25 at Maria Luisa's Garden Room

Jake and I are always on the lookout for non-mainstream date places. There's something about well-kept secrets that I particularly love, especially knowing how the service and ambiance will always feel homey and personal.

For my 25th birthday, we went to Maria Luisa's Garden Room tucked inside the Makati Garden Club. We only heard about it from Jake's mom and instantly fell in love with the pictures she posted online. You have to be there to appreciate the charm and quaintness of the place where it feels like stepping inside a cozy, secret garden cafe. It's a Pinterest/Etsy dream come true.

I love the little details in every nook and corner. All the servers were also nice and attentive, given how it was a holiday and the place was nearly packed when we were there. I appreciate how they treat you like you're the only customer.

Given the menu, I couldn't decide whether it was a French or Spanish restaurant or a fusion of both. The whole menu had a European vibe to it so I'll go with that. For drinks, Jake and I enjoyed our lemon strawberry shakes which was a bit bitin since it was very refreshing that I couldn't help wanting more.

While waiting for our orders, we were given complimentary starters! Some restaurants will just send a basket of bread and butter your way for free appetizers, Maria Luisa's turns up the notch with a yummy plate of prosciutto on pumpernickel. 

Our entree was the artichoke and chorizo casserole in three cheeses served with a basket of the restaurant's signature homemade bread from their Baltazar Artisan Breads line. Jake and I loved this dish A LOT. It was cheesy, creamy, and had generous servings of chorizo. The bread was perfect for dipping into the casserole dish, in a P.G. kind of way.

While waiting for our main dish, I couldn't help but glance up occasionally at the Gatsby-inspired art deco chandelier hanging above our table. Somehow, it blends well with the feminine vibe of the place, giving it an old glamour kind of feel.

We initially ordered the filet mignon but was told later on that they ran out. Since we were already halfway into our Merlot braised oxtail main course, we had to quickly decide on an additional dish to avoid a long waiting time. This was a big mistake on our end since we chose the lamb shank that's also Merlot braised and didn't even think how it won't differ from our current dish.

I really liked the oxtail in fabada beans and (even more) chorizo. It was tender and perfectly cooked in a way that wasn't nakakaumay. The filet mignon would have complemented it well.

By the time our lamb shank in sweet beets and couscous arrived, I was already craving for another flavor. I wish we took the time to examine the menu when prompted to order a replacement dish early on. I would have gone for something seafood to counterbalance all the meaty flavors of our first two dishes. 

The lamb shank was good, though. I think Maria Luisa's Garden Room can pretty much deliver when it comes to exceptional food and service. I must make it a point to explore other items on the menu when we return (and we will!).

And honestly, there's no better place to celebrate my birthday! This place is so ME! All those years of obsessing about The Secret Garden have finally paid off, I found  the restaurant version of it!

Even the powder room entrance is perfect! It's a magic portal come to life! :-)

It's a bit hard to find the place if you don't have specific instructions. From EDSA, turn right at Ayala then turn another right towards the Urdaneta village gate. It's tucked inside Makati Garden Club and don't count on spotting any signage advertising the place. Oh, and bring loads of cash since they aren't currently accepting credit cards (and some items are quite pricey). I would recommend you make a reservation and call them in advance at +632-5527051 to secure a table, especially during peak hours.