tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53139855833735307472023-11-17T00:22:25.112+13:00The Keen BeansKarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-1777765212702733962013-03-19T20:46:00.000+13:002013-03-19T20:46:24.518+13:00Food Adventure: It's More Fun in The Philippines!<br />
Hello our lovely foodies!<br />
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Apologies for the delay in posting. Here it is! My Food Adventure during my 4-week vacation in the Philippines! I have to say, I probably spent half my pocket money on food! I also got too keen to try out the food that it slipped my mind to note the names and prices of what I ordered - whoopsies. What I remembered is to take photos of the scrumptious meals I had!<br />
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Without further ado, here are the top restaurants and cafes (in no specific order) I went to during my food adventure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, Mr. Litson says hi :"> nomnomnom</td></tr>
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Stop #1: Asuncion's Cafe at Pulsar Hotel<br />
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My good friend Jeremy manages Pulsar Hotel and the two restaurants in the hotel, one of which is Asuncion's Cafe. He invited me to have dinner and give feedback on their specials. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised by the fusion dishes he chose for our group! This would be a great place to go to when celebrating special occasions, or when you're trying to impress a date ;) And if you're ready to try out new dishes! I especially loved the adobo ribs - oh so goood!<br />
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Asuncion's Cafe is located at Capitol Hills, Caggay, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6biXgmwmXz4i-RzG-QKwuTbrREg-ay6joy-lP3_8BVmBMrr9dm1serYv8uojXELvJ5ZC0om0F7CCCS6-UBpKJSrOTwn52NBPlCupzmweC4W4HORj02DbQBwmqdyblwpZdJDdsiEJA5Q/s1600/IMG_20121226_204346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6biXgmwmXz4i-RzG-QKwuTbrREg-ay6joy-lP3_8BVmBMrr9dm1serYv8uojXELvJ5ZC0om0F7CCCS6-UBpKJSrOTwn52NBPlCupzmweC4W4HORj02DbQBwmqdyblwpZdJDdsiEJA5Q/s640/IMG_20121226_204346.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asuncion's Cafe at Pulsar Hotel<br />
http://www.pulsarhotel.com/</td></tr>
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Stop #2: J. Co Donuts & Coffee<br />
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With the rise of cupcakes and the like, it was very pleasant to find a really nice donut shop. To be honest, I didn't understand what the fuss was about when I first went in with my friend Ariana. Luckily, my initial non-interest was quickly replaced by glee when I tried their donuts - I especially loved the lychee flavoured one (the one with the green decoration)! I would definitely go back for more so I can try their other flavours!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-taNRvoe3ZpCI-lpqi7nUp9HN7rKt_cRku-7nrZpB4pc5c5XYaIe_6FvcS6gsdiD2T-01XPxX0W3tQr0ySfsRwLUpwEuH4P-6ebCasGLJK7_RP04JcwlawvjM0qtYfXQW1tl94NKUsPU/s1600/20130121135543252.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-taNRvoe3ZpCI-lpqi7nUp9HN7rKt_cRku-7nrZpB4pc5c5XYaIe_6FvcS6gsdiD2T-01XPxX0W3tQr0ySfsRwLUpwEuH4P-6ebCasGLJK7_RP04JcwlawvjM0qtYfXQW1tl94NKUsPU/s640/20130121135543252.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J. Co Donuts & Coffee</td></tr>
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Stop #3: Yaku - Japanese Restaurant<br />
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I think it's safe to say now that my favorite cuisine is Japanese. I never get tired of sushi, tempura, udon, gyozas, I just love them all! I had lunch here with my college friends Ange and Miguel. The food was amazing, and moderately priced (as I recall). I had some Prawn Tempura and Pork Katsudon. Yuuum!! I think the coolest part about the restaurant is the little remote thing on the table where you push a button and it's connected to all waiters' watches. I thought that was very efficient of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NR1xzo8advJcBDvcv_Mn29IzY0U_qiTmkCebkEey106UioyAAZKaN7VbiZ-W43LAaFrtmPtvOKx3sJW2D8JxtOrneZ2yffyCugBlP4NjHKbisqFyKSBnmd7He-zGxl2LOD6rUfxzkPA/s1600/20130121155032903.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NR1xzo8advJcBDvcv_Mn29IzY0U_qiTmkCebkEey106UioyAAZKaN7VbiZ-W43LAaFrtmPtvOKx3sJW2D8JxtOrneZ2yffyCugBlP4NjHKbisqFyKSBnmd7He-zGxl2LOD6rUfxzkPA/s640/20130121155032903.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yaku - Japanese Restaurant</td></tr>
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Stop #4: Sumo Sam - steaks, seafood, and sushi<br />
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Here's another Japanese restaurant for ya! I went here with my high school best friends, Ariana and Sam. Firstly, their servings are huge! We all ordered one main each and some sides, and were so surprised to see their serving size. I had the salad, Prawn tempura, and sashimi - all very fresh and scrumptious! I especially liked the story on their menu, I thought that added a bit of home-y feel to the restaurant.<br />
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I went to their Greenbelt, Makati, branch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSNi_KTnmImG06r_x7AH30zl13N6dUiPVo5ywpTAkuLYxLm92g_V3YAIEgHq19S_RWBI2Y8akwMjJtMyc4QbTkqFggpSdU-7PU3Oxw-VxBa4HAqVt6lA9qlx_rwiVXXhDPRZQSK4ml_U/s1600/20130302180658334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSNi_KTnmImG06r_x7AH30zl13N6dUiPVo5ywpTAkuLYxLm92g_V3YAIEgHq19S_RWBI2Y8akwMjJtMyc4QbTkqFggpSdU-7PU3Oxw-VxBa4HAqVt6lA9qlx_rwiVXXhDPRZQSK4ml_U/s640/20130302180658334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sumo Sam - steaks, seafood, sushi<br />
http://www.facebook.com/ilovesumosam</td></tr>
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Stop #5: Mexicali<br />
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This is my favourite Mexican restaurant of all time. I am yet to find one here in Auckland that can replace the Mexicali Restaurant in Glorietta, Makati. I've loved this place since I was a little girl and I made it a point to visit it again when I went home. I was very glad that it was still there! I was a bit disappointed with the service though, but other than that the food still tasted amazing! I had a chicken burrito (my usual), and some nachos and quesadillas. The chicken burrito was heaven! I love how they make it even, not like some places where you'll have all the meat in one part then the other part is just rice.<br />
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This is definitely the restaurant I miss the most! I guess the challenge now is to find one in Auckland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNycHRbJiLkBq6Fjkn6unR4yt6GBPSP5Bhs5CNxTzDSZyGbY8WtJNgOyugp9XTWAmlA7hiW2ewZ-CQ0NvSPzMN9x3XKyoY3otlGD2oS2CRiA4rh9Po52JVqiKRwyJcDN3xtGNPUBbg9o/s1600/20130302175546004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNycHRbJiLkBq6Fjkn6unR4yt6GBPSP5Bhs5CNxTzDSZyGbY8WtJNgOyugp9XTWAmlA7hiW2ewZ-CQ0NvSPzMN9x3XKyoY3otlGD2oS2CRiA4rh9Po52JVqiKRwyJcDN3xtGNPUBbg9o/s640/20130302175546004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexicali<br />
http://www.mexicali.ph/</td></tr>
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Stop #6: BINONDO!<br />
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I saved the best for last! I spent a whole day with my dear friend Ange, and her friend Leonard who acted as our tour guide. This was my first time visiting Binondo, and had no idea that it was famous for its Chinese food! Needless to say, I had my fill of dimsums, dumplings, and noodles that day! It was also my first time to try Sugar Cane juice - I had no idea that it was so good! My favorite was the egg tarts from Lord Stow's bakery. I love a good egg tart, and the ones I had that day was the best I've ever had! Freshly made, very tasty - not too sweet - and the pastry was perfect - not too "puffy" so I didn't make a mess when I was eating them. I was eating from around 8am till 5pm that day and we broke Leonard's food stops record of 5 - we went to 7 different places! woohoo! Will definitely go back next time I'm home!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXQpndSl4qmLSYpqVY87A9eB71j3Q2WOSCRFdma8kBsqryJORgm402RijRaH0lpbVw-Z9xlqtN1MNRVqfG52wMsmFjp9bDZ5J1Nit7E82hCzeqpwOAmYQyoCmOGxbw4RWrnBsbRWDulc/s1600/20130302181349585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXQpndSl4qmLSYpqVY87A9eB71j3Q2WOSCRFdma8kBsqryJORgm402RijRaH0lpbVw-Z9xlqtN1MNRVqfG52wMsmFjp9bDZ5J1Nit7E82hCzeqpwOAmYQyoCmOGxbw4RWrnBsbRWDulc/s640/20130302181349585.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binondo Food Trip!</td></tr>
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There you have it foodies! Hope you enjoyed the food adventure! If you want to see more photos, I'll be posting the single photos on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thekeenbeans" target="_blank">facebook </a>page :D</div>
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'Till our next food adventure!</div>
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Love you lots,</div>
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Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-7220721484729831502013-01-30T18:58:00.000+13:002013-03-18T22:49:32.018+13:00What To Do: Overripe AvocadosYOLO!<br />
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Like me, I'm sure all of you have these little things here and there in your kitchen that you have no idea how to use or where to place. Sometimes the only solution is to just chuck them in the bin. BUT before you do that, let's see if we can put that something into good use, okay?<br />
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Hello dear foodies,<br />
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This is it! I may have gone bonkers, but I'm going to present to you... drum roll... a new little series called "What To Do"! (Cue applause)<br />
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And today's item is overripe avocados! I was going to make some sandwiches with them, but I forgot and now they're overripe. The horror!<br />
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However do not fret, because aside from being really tasty, avocados are known for their moisturizing powers. (Yes, I mean powers! *Avocadorium Skinsmootthsa!*) In fact you may have seen them as an ingredient to a lot of hair and skin treatments! So let's turn this baby into skin food.<br />
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There you go! I would suggest leaving it in for 30 minutes before rinsing it off, but it's all up to you and how comfortable you are with it. :)<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Overripe Avocados</li>
<li>Olive Oil</li>
<li>Coconut Cream</li>
</ul>
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You can even tweak it a little bit by adding other ingredients like:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Oats (for exfoliation)</li>
<li>Original Yogurt (as a coconut cream substitute)</li>
</ul>
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If you're going to do this, let me see, cause I wanna see, so let me see and comment in the links to show me the awesomeness you have made!</div>
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I love you guys!</div>
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In craziness and food,</div>
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Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-66067940515605263562013-01-20T19:45:00.000+13:002013-01-20T19:47:23.377+13:00Here and back againHey foodies!<br />
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Did you miss us?! Because we definitely missed you guys! *cue tears of joy*<br />
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This is just a quick update of all the fun stuff you'll be seeing real soon, so you better stay tuned!<br />
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If that wasn't enough you should definitely watch out this week, because our dear keen bean Karyn is back from the Philippines and she'll be sharing all the foodie goodness you can imagine! Really! Yes! We're serious!</div>
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And finally, we've been cooking up a little teaser for what's to come this year. So watch and be hungry little foodies! Mwahahahahahaha!</div>
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Love,</div>
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<br />Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-24672717552489375072012-06-16T19:11:00.000+12:002012-12-20T00:35:25.461+13:00Daruma (Sushi-Go-Round)<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello food groupies!</div>
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It's time to share another food adventure! :D If you're following us on twitter and facebook, you might have seen a teaser photo we published yesterday (if not, you can like our facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka" target="_blank">here</a>! So, on to the newest food adventure!<br />
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<b>Quick Review:</b></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Hiiiiiii! Welcome to today's food adventure! If you guessed sushi, you're right! If you guessed SUSHI TRAIN, that's even better! Yay! We went to the recently opened Daruma (Sushi-Go-Round) to have some yummy sushi and to enjoy the sushi train! If you want more Japanese food check <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1112881053"></span>here</a>, if you want the pictures and reviews scroll down now!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8f4W-uxsu5PK4ZlMAgzFb8_NHlKb4ZjVLYpEH5Y8DYKRJdaykgpuJ3edbqG90Cu_oKoJccIh3vlnWuhGynmiFCw4Hif3mFDgyxZD4NWpA2ljhY57qpAdSnOREijnbQaJ_juSf74ge0-j/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8f4W-uxsu5PK4ZlMAgzFb8_NHlKb4ZjVLYpEH5Y8DYKRJdaykgpuJ3edbqG90Cu_oKoJccIh3vlnWuhGynmiFCw4Hif3mFDgyxZD4NWpA2ljhY57qpAdSnOREijnbQaJ_juSf74ge0-j/s640/IMG_0044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Awesome Daruma Logo</b></td></tr>
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Hi food groupies! Kaka here :)</div>
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Today's food adventure brought me to my very first sushi train restaurant! It was so exciting! We went in and were very enthusiastically greeted by their wait staff, and we got seated straight away. The rules in eating there is simple, you get a plate of sushi from the train, and you keep that plate with you. The color of the plate corresponds to a specific price. It's like yum char, where you pay for each serving you get. Now for some people, this might seem a bit on the expensive side, but I assure you, it is worth it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52KH_wQWmaJCxG4jNvzplxAM07MWvS9vh0NxA-CVx3mPna-lVpIdGRXwK5fdL29v2T81n6O6nUmMN48fE53rflk6RdqwNOLuDDaCc-PRHgXkuFS2GyVXtVSDs5mphz7nzgABN2vqMViax/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52KH_wQWmaJCxG4jNvzplxAM07MWvS9vh0NxA-CVx3mPna-lVpIdGRXwK5fdL29v2T81n6O6nUmMN48fE53rflk6RdqwNOLuDDaCc-PRHgXkuFS2GyVXtVSDs5mphz7nzgABN2vqMViax/s640/IMG_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Plate Pricing Scheme</b></td></tr>
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Every single sushi I had was divine, my favorite was the<i> seared miso salmon sushi</i> (photos to follow) I loved it because the fish was so soft that I could hardly tell I was eating semi-raw fish! It also tasted great, they had this sauce that was lightly drizzled on the fish that was somewhat sweet and gave the sushi a very different taste. At least it was different from what I've tasted before. We actually ended up having two plates of this sushi! It was that good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9gtNCxSF-kqOrRiA_uT41Og0MiTdKJybfjzPVjKgx-nOkV2ZJ2l5cEY4GXD7rW86xEp8PWkC_A4COJXOQ3rtyCjDS2v0OdbqCklewm4RlDghWnJwKlH4FQ9DXHLiVlLZmzNBSi_S5Vid/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9gtNCxSF-kqOrRiA_uT41Og0MiTdKJybfjzPVjKgx-nOkV2ZJ2l5cEY4GXD7rW86xEp8PWkC_A4COJXOQ3rtyCjDS2v0OdbqCklewm4RlDghWnJwKlH4FQ9DXHLiVlLZmzNBSi_S5Vid/s640/IMG_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Seared Miso Salmon: $3.20</b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I also really liked the </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">seared garlic mayo red prawn</i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (it was my first time to eat semi-raw prawn. it was sooo goooood!). I never knew raw prawn could taste so sweet! It was very tender, just like the seared salmon, and it had just the right amount of garlic mayo which complemented the sweetness of the prawn. yummyyyyy!! :D</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1tzeFcOY8HchZa6m992Nt-tijhGxdKH7YBbiTabZBOFk9qhs0KXlwU016RhcWt3vrxTMne0mhbEilNUg8wARNb7oUsLs5EedgU8BuciJDm0LKbbl-oTopb8AIfTPDoNaogbo8T5jaKbe/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1tzeFcOY8HchZa6m992Nt-tijhGxdKH7YBbiTabZBOFk9qhs0KXlwU016RhcWt3vrxTMne0mhbEilNUg8wARNb7oUsLs5EedgU8BuciJDm0LKbbl-oTopb8AIfTPDoNaogbo8T5jaKbe/s640/IMG_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Seared Garlic Mayo Red Prawn: $4.50</b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">We also had some takoyaki, and I really liked it! (Tata's a bit weirded out by the fish flakes so I ended up having majority of it.haha) It was nice and crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy inside. I also liked that there was more than one piece of octopus in it </span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Takoyaki: $8.00</b></td></tr>
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When we've had our fill of sushi, we moved on to dessert! They had 3 choices of dessert, we ordered the home-made pudding and the taiyaki & green tea ice cream. The pudding tasted kinda like egg tarts without the pastry, of course lol, but it also had this sweet, caramel topping that tastes so familiar, but I can't remember what it tastes like! haha. I really liked the pudding, personally, I don't like sweets, but this dessert had balance so I thought it was really good. With the taiyaki, I was a bit surprised that I ended up liking it. I'm not really a fan of green tea ice cream (don't judge me!), but it was a great complement to the taiyaki. So I loved that too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETjJsKekIyEikzS0khcP98h0bUqYwneawycZeLuoNZ8sTmY2nXdg3RtRoUYUr6cMGhRQg-H08LP539nCIdPWN5PB49oPDOIdU1UiyJh3ZjX12hmqWt9Oc1RmNH_4VeVl3e3gR5a7cy-8T/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETjJsKekIyEikzS0khcP98h0bUqYwneawycZeLuoNZ8sTmY2nXdg3RtRoUYUr6cMGhRQg-H08LP539nCIdPWN5PB49oPDOIdU1UiyJh3ZjX12hmqWt9Oc1RmNH_4VeVl3e3gR5a7cy-8T/s640/IMG_0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Homemade Pudding: $4.50</b></td></tr>
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<b>Verdict: </b>I am giving Daruma two thumbs up and 4 spoons! :D I definitely recommend this restaurant to someone who is looking for great-tasting sushi and is not afraid to shell out some cash! Mind you, it's not super expensive, it's only expensive if you compare it to fastfood sushi places, like the one in malls. You'll definitely think it's worth it after you have some of their sushi anyway. Also, the staff are very friendly and helpful. I also like the fact that you can eat at your own pace because you're basically serving yourself (except when you make special orders). We didn't have to wait long for the dessert either. So, yeah, if you've got a craving for some good sushi, this is the place to go to!<br />
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❤❤❤</div>
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Tata orders you to eat here!</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">What does a stack of plates usually mean? It means we had a sushi affair. I will now cheat on pasta, sandwiches and burgers, because sushi is my new love. We were supposed to eat here last Saturday for lunch, but because of </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">unforeseen circumstances it became a Friday dinner date.</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_wP9Jxb7wJGJ27yWou7ts_863sELroJUPTcEeNyTxuiP-7n_EL6TQD83leRD18bz7gGZPKJsMCfjgiwzArRS-O72aQb1FAvvy7cgd0ALuSn3XMR50LZGL3z3dc2JKX1T2jOz5VKN_UWL/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_wP9Jxb7wJGJ27yWou7ts_863sELroJUPTcEeNyTxuiP-7n_EL6TQD83leRD18bz7gGZPKJsMCfjgiwzArRS-O72aQb1FAvvy7cgd0ALuSn3XMR50LZGL3z3dc2JKX1T2jOz5VKN_UWL/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The 12 plates of gluttony!</b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My mouthgasm started with the </span><i style="text-align: left;">Seared California Roll. </i><span style="text-align: left;">It was a beautiful crab and avocado mixture that was topped with a seared salmon and drizzled with small fish roe. Sushi has never been this good for me and maybe it means I can never go back to the dried fast food sushi places. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3uIhgMNTPL0Igym9bm1eh-s54j7GAT5kcBeBZNlpVP8nGApgJqLfrMI4YhRc8f6KHgv6rMLRel830lr3_b0ITngfChSMosn5GQ_qKhuiESlB1MLflPaeOPV8dZeodJPhVG-CVHoEw5HD/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3uIhgMNTPL0Igym9bm1eh-s54j7GAT5kcBeBZNlpVP8nGApgJqLfrMI4YhRc8f6KHgv6rMLRel830lr3_b0ITngfChSMosn5GQ_qKhuiESlB1MLflPaeOPV8dZeodJPhVG-CVHoEw5HD/s640/IMG_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Seared California Roll: $3.80</b></td></tr>
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My second love was actually the <i>King Fish Garlic Mayo</i>. All fish, but no real fishy aftertaste. It was heaven to chew. It was really soft and it blended we with the rice that I personally couldn't distinguish the two. The fresh spring and red onions were awesome accents to the whole taste as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltRjpsZmtfNdLYc5A5GXiR3K3SDrfTmeaxRNM2-GrtpCFBWDuRj7PKLEotZsOJ-WvwcFZqOpdIwNtKI31YQltnJpEqcDD2C3fNA6HNnoHHlLK8rr_fhpgV7d4YTwIGKHPC54Bg4qu_xxt/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltRjpsZmtfNdLYc5A5GXiR3K3SDrfTmeaxRNM2-GrtpCFBWDuRj7PKLEotZsOJ-WvwcFZqOpdIwNtKI31YQltnJpEqcDD2C3fNA6HNnoHHlLK8rr_fhpgV7d4YTwIGKHPC54Bg4qu_xxt/s640/IMG_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>King Fish Garlic Mayo: $3.60</b></td></tr>
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The most expensive sushi we had was the <i>Salmon Roe</i>, it wasn't my favorite, but it was an exciting experience. Each time it cam around, we were tempted to try it out because we've honestly never had it before. We gave in and gave in to the fresh egg and cucumber sensation. The cucumber were actually a necessary addition, because it complimented the fishiness of the eggs. It was a great subtle taste and unlike the saltiness of caviar, it wasn't overpowering at all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Salmon Roe: $5.00</b></td></tr>
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Desserts were a soft end to the brilliant dinner. The homemade pudding and the taiyaki with green ice cream were subtle flavors that allowed us to cleanse our fish adorned palletes.<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Verdict: </b>Maybe because this was our first sushi train we really didn't know what to expect, and the overwhelming goodness got to us. I'm throwing four spoons at this little place. I really enjoyed everything from the first bite to the last sip, so this definitely deserves a two thumbs up as well. It was bit pricey when everything was actually combined together, but that might be because of the fact that we ate so much. I'd definitely recommend that you come here! Okay? Yes? Agreed!</span><br />
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Some more sushi eye candy (that filled our belly) before we go!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXkfwVW2Lnqny1FLuYmpdOoRs5-GDcBpCxzMn-gyHnJ_WqtxG0B-aPDY6DCOCflIZiXmHLheoFhe5HpwBa5htNXnyUaPcc06cG2HH5sSDzGdkDLwnTWePg8HAAR0u01FTjUOc79MJ17Yq/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXkfwVW2Lnqny1FLuYmpdOoRs5-GDcBpCxzMn-gyHnJ_WqtxG0B-aPDY6DCOCflIZiXmHLheoFhe5HpwBa5htNXnyUaPcc06cG2HH5sSDzGdkDLwnTWePg8HAAR0u01FTjUOc79MJ17Yq/s640/IMG_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Quite yummy with a chili spice kick!<br />Yakitori Chicken Roll: $3.60</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC1wTJsn6UBmhMKiL1POhyphenhyphen1Qfg4zuJlP78yErxgQWXyFwvGul7zFpRrI7k88YrnkdL8as4SIylP7M4GVEJWg1fHHGlVc0Gwvl7VI_SZiEf2O9xU2K0soUcbeJD2zdSk4OLPGXgvNch_Rk/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC1wTJsn6UBmhMKiL1POhyphenhyphen1Qfg4zuJlP78yErxgQWXyFwvGul7zFpRrI7k88YrnkdL8as4SIylP7M4GVEJWg1fHHGlVc0Gwvl7VI_SZiEf2O9xU2K0soUcbeJD2zdSk4OLPGXgvNch_Rk/s640/IMG_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sweet and tasty, but it was cold.<br />Vegetable Tempura: $3.20</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uRXpPpSpts2y6jLbYQ__CW3dC0c-t0XCC1QYpCWDe3EH2FZ2DuhtgRk1EmQHIYk-2_36oudLrp5MLChbAsTr3-Ds55Qv0fppfZHgFHPZMwUtpKdQRf82WoDhnaXjy2poc0wSlzbmpQ_J/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uRXpPpSpts2y6jLbYQ__CW3dC0c-t0XCC1QYpCWDe3EH2FZ2DuhtgRk1EmQHIYk-2_36oudLrp5MLChbAsTr3-Ds55Qv0fppfZHgFHPZMwUtpKdQRf82WoDhnaXjy2poc0wSlzbmpQ_J/s640/IMG_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nice spice, and interesting taste!<br />Seared Chili Mayo Scallop: $3.80</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz-cv370ZTP2wSYFWEFElVIYWFgQw92ruwfJDoVLg_UFxPhiMdxJZsYCsTe_E-6nIflpxXM2Lwiwvsd3LQ9dfUA5HVqc76QdTpvdPfGaNRpn_sjhI2IpgQec7tsTMS7_IbmJltFQLePRf/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz-cv370ZTP2wSYFWEFElVIYWFgQw92ruwfJDoVLg_UFxPhiMdxJZsYCsTe_E-6nIflpxXM2Lwiwvsd3LQ9dfUA5HVqc76QdTpvdPfGaNRpn_sjhI2IpgQec7tsTMS7_IbmJltFQLePRf/s640/IMG_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cheers to the sweet sauce to the grilled eel.<br />Grilled Eel: $3.80</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aGLnrnOTOj-s5jqmbzhlIOCfD0DFRnC6Hz6PNjWlcxoxkAi2BMRGNhFK78stSGcr1EZREs1bkC1S9YEtk1ostug91kxHg3C4xQ2amEgy8uwK6ywPi4FtgwDslcKhn1wggC1wBiDGtzGf/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aGLnrnOTOj-s5jqmbzhlIOCfD0DFRnC6Hz6PNjWlcxoxkAi2BMRGNhFK78stSGcr1EZREs1bkC1S9YEtk1ostug91kxHg3C4xQ2amEgy8uwK6ywPi4FtgwDslcKhn1wggC1wBiDGtzGf/s640/IMG_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Light tender taste.<br />Trevally: $2.80</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVUhUtpXTRN8ZW35K4ZIgFv2KOAlCjjZUEtg6_xCJI95K_dOAmSfKuX1_fEhqGQyxKpAP85Soi7yE3dTcDhhICMUNzKvGcWPIaXiv6r-ov3pDUEwB_GrVneiQtI5fz0eAaAPfx0pKtk3K/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVUhUtpXTRN8ZW35K4ZIgFv2KOAlCjjZUEtg6_xCJI95K_dOAmSfKuX1_fEhqGQyxKpAP85Soi7yE3dTcDhhICMUNzKvGcWPIaXiv6r-ov3pDUEwB_GrVneiQtI5fz0eAaAPfx0pKtk3K/s640/IMG_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It was a tough fish, but still no fishy taste!<br />Flucke Fin: $3.60</b></td></tr>
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Love,<br />
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Want to eat here too? Restaurant details are below.</div>
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<b>Daruma Sushi Go Round</b></div>
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451 Ti Rakau Drive, East Tamaki</div>
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Auckland</div>
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Check out <a href="http://www.daruma.co.nz/" target="_blank">website</a> for their business hours and contact number.</div>
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Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-88927352978081004122012-06-02T19:11:00.001+12:002012-12-20T00:33:30.195+13:00UoA Special: Relax LoungeHello hello food groupies! :D<br />
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Welcome to part three of our UoA Special! Today we'll be reviewing the Quad's Relax Lounge. Maybe you've seen it before but never really had the time to go in? Get a preview right here, now!<br />
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<b>Quick Review:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyuvd2jg0lbpnm3m1dcdB-1LolLtagJrSfLVS5Xefx80-3GwL_5pqU4UcDbOdziEvK-FjsdgbgBurngwLbp8EhyphenhyphenI_C0QCnuvML0PT4jXi0arZR5n2UkjahyphenhyphentLOHnrizc_qI1Tdelg0dzz/s1600/KarynMeh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyuvd2jg0lbpnm3m1dcdB-1LolLtagJrSfLVS5Xefx80-3GwL_5pqU4UcDbOdziEvK-FjsdgbgBurngwLbp8EhyphenhyphenI_C0QCnuvML0PT4jXi0arZR5n2UkjahyphenhyphentLOHnrizc_qI1Tdelg0dzz/s320/KarynMeh.gif" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXACgRXkONpx7py03XM6MEiGTb-Rt2bV4GRJVeD1Fv9C1Ynxou6RN8wTNcEfiXINw17hEi-zm1qjNQ4LIc8NBPZrPfLwOeps3DNaT3XKmDRV-zpjAZzUfjNwtEE7MPu9NLykwuta0msKgu/s1600/TataMeh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXACgRXkONpx7py03XM6MEiGTb-Rt2bV4GRJVeD1Fv9C1Ynxou6RN8wTNcEfiXINw17hEi-zm1qjNQ4LIc8NBPZrPfLwOeps3DNaT3XKmDRV-zpjAZzUfjNwtEE7MPu9NLykwuta0msKgu/s320/TataMeh.gif" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Hi guys! Kaka here!<br />
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Now, I didn't know about this cute cafe until about my 2nd year at uni, but when I found out about it I fell in love with their interior! It's so cute inside! There are cute little windows with potted plants along the ledge, and nice couches and the lighting makes the ambiance so good as well! I could probably hang around here all day! The first time I went there with Tata, we were too full to have food so we got a drink each. I got a White Chocolate Mochaccino, which sadly didn't taste half as good as starbucks' :( I was disappointed coz I could hardly taste the white chocolate in it, it almost tasted just like a cappuccino. However, I thought I shouldn't fully judge the place yet as I haven't tried their food menu..<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjC8LoxQAnM-zKnELOdT9IFANGj4lvw8WkRS_3ovUeQ9mBu1uFtbT2R6Kp1Mpdb7fZboY9HDgKny7W2gtTu5W-xNLStCNySbCApUDPvirjVBAlv3EJ3HqGi92sGsL2KlXGEk_vDTzyMg/s1600/PA200765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjC8LoxQAnM-zKnELOdT9IFANGj4lvw8WkRS_3ovUeQ9mBu1uFtbT2R6Kp1Mpdb7fZboY9HDgKny7W2gtTu5W-xNLStCNySbCApUDPvirjVBAlv3EJ3HqGi92sGsL2KlXGEk_vDTzyMg/s640/PA200765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's drink: White Chocolate Mochaccino<br />Tata's Drink: Cold Lemon Iced Tea</b></td></tr>
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The next time I came to Relax Lounge, I tried their Mexican Tortilla Stack and got a Mochaccino as well (it was freezing!!). It tasted good, I was a bit surprised that it didn't come with a side of salad though. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to ask for it or something, but I just always expected a meal like this to come with a bit of greens on the side. Instead there was some sweet chilli, and tomato sauce. It tasted good, it was basically like chilli con carne in between tortillas, with melted cheese on top. I think I might have liked it more if it was spicier. Here's a photo of my meal:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG88EEbmbgBYTyDmbeVLpdaheE88L731ynNLgGxE7f88dPbZy-8APXQye0B_6eQdpx2LGciXUmLWTUQwNFOTrSgBsQipvG4zchhpV2b-x3XAOus-f0-Qmevn9dE9kT63jX7MvpbT-osss/s1600/karyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG88EEbmbgBYTyDmbeVLpdaheE88L731ynNLgGxE7f88dPbZy-8APXQye0B_6eQdpx2LGciXUmLWTUQwNFOTrSgBsQipvG4zchhpV2b-x3XAOus-f0-Qmevn9dE9kT63jX7MvpbT-osss/s640/karyn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mexican Tortilla Stack: $8.90</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fz49-wweXnO5JyLNHLTpZZbEu5IMuqVxA1qqha3jU-TFNg6jWpzsaftWaAYZf1pEcXglEZVfypTYQ6VhANVBfnmmrHPuRmLXh7Bc2aOqk9MPEbdGZQsSzAcW3_GHVoqxsPJvzB283s8/s1600/karyn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fz49-wweXnO5JyLNHLTpZZbEu5IMuqVxA1qqha3jU-TFNg6jWpzsaftWaAYZf1pEcXglEZVfypTYQ6VhANVBfnmmrHPuRmLXh7Bc2aOqk9MPEbdGZQsSzAcW3_GHVoqxsPJvzB283s8/s400/karyn1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b>My first meal of the day! haha<br />Mochaccino (large): $4.20</b></td></tr>
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<b>Verdict: </b>I give Relax Lounge 3 spoons. Their food selection isn't as varied as the other cafes at uni, and sadly, I didn't love their coffee as well. What I loved though, was the way they designed their interior! It was so homey and just made me feel so comfortable!</div>
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❤❤❤
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And because Tata couldn't be there for the 2nd trip, I invited the duo behind the very cool psych blog - BrainBreaking (if you're a psych student at UoA you've probably read about their blog on Psyche!): Marnelli & Pin to be my guest eaters! If you remember, Marnelli won our Happy Hearts Giveaway, and Pin was our first guest eater in our <a href="http://keenbeans.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/tasca-cafe.html" target="_blank">Tasca</a> Cafe review. Keep reading to see their thoughts on Relax Lounge! First off is Marnelli's review!</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Relax Lounge is super cozy and I love the ambiance. I love the little details in little corners. The food is just average though. Not bad, but not awesome. I liked my fruit danish, it was alright. And green tea is green tea. [haha!] </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Okiedokie..That's all! :)</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>xx </i><i>Marnelli</i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeXRCiweowDkzH-Weg9noU4AefECv6D_52b-6PC749M2gjhpGKvQw09kkiQ8f37XVy0b_qaHH-3wyNZG52nFSKHHcP9lQtR3ZH1LyKorSHnsSKoFHGeXG0gSqq-5hVo07ypOAiajWBAc/s1600/marnelli1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeXRCiweowDkzH-Weg9noU4AefECv6D_52b-6PC749M2gjhpGKvQw09kkiQ8f37XVy0b_qaHH-3wyNZG52nFSKHHcP9lQtR3ZH1LyKorSHnsSKoFHGeXG0gSqq-5hVo07ypOAiajWBAc/s640/marnelli1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here's Marnelli with her danish and green tea :)</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuspbxbUY0t9SUq7cJ3uW2_zzzugxVmmp0eAH9XMzykP5ier8ZZb1jOnNiPpTPQREcjJlidDlJ_fUNFryOBXklAr_5ywT-UBvll7dovgWDW-_QQGkgYHwgS0uac8Qv2tOrmp667T7FdCk/s1600/marnelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuspbxbUY0t9SUq7cJ3uW2_zzzugxVmmp0eAH9XMzykP5ier8ZZb1jOnNiPpTPQREcjJlidDlJ_fUNFryOBXklAr_5ywT-UBvll7dovgWDW-_QQGkgYHwgS0uac8Qv2tOrmp667T7FdCk/s640/marnelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A closer look at her Fruit Danish: $4.20</b></td></tr>
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Wondering what Pin thought? Read on to find out!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Hello again lovely food groupies!</i> </blockquote>
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<i>First off, I was so happy to get a chance to eat with kaka again, as uni has been a lot less exciting without both Tata and Kaka there!</i> </blockquote>
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<i>So I went to Relax Lounge with Kaka and my BrainBreaking co-blogger Marnelli (because we both love coffee!) for a quick afternoon snack. I love the place because of the cozy and warm atmosphere, and because of all their cute furnitures! It makes you feel like you're in some European cafe! They even had a new lamp when we went there!</i> </blockquote>
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<i>The food though is pretty average, In fact, you can get the chocolate danish which I ordered from another cafe in uni. But chocolate danish is still chocolate danish, and it's awesome. I absolutely love the chocolate in it (surprisingly, I enjoy it more when it's crunchy and not melted! [Pin had her danish toasted for the first time]). I ordered a cappuccino, and the little sprinkles of chocolate powder in it was really yum (you can tell I needed my chocolate fix that day).</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>So if you're not feeling particularly picky about your food, and you want a really lovely place to chill out in uni, then Relax Lounge is for you! Until next time then!</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>xoxo,</i><i>Pin</i></blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJKioHGVtW85mhuzCojyInBnD1i39-8i4Q8Nzdkn6jmVMTmf_cATjK0tsDYSdvg6_WnGWt6x5bqB6ddbUOVbaRY7Cf-zkKB6QcZ-cuPhJ5mLYjrofgEgoTcPwK3XCEDFgyPsB_8nUXfU/s1600/pin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJKioHGVtW85mhuzCojyInBnD1i39-8i4Q8Nzdkn6jmVMTmf_cATjK0tsDYSdvg6_WnGWt6x5bqB6ddbUOVbaRY7Cf-zkKB6QcZ-cuPhJ5mLYjrofgEgoTcPwK3XCEDFgyPsB_8nUXfU/s640/pin1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here's Pin and her chocolatey meal! :)<br />Cappuccino (large): $4.20</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tFSSkjjEnfVacopxAjYv_d8EWiYJV2_ZoMjCGg-p2JcuD5WFtGGg6JgX-OIqtJLfpVv6y7HopJOOZhgpvT2MmdPKs9UpM14vljHnTGDxDpBrmGNM2tYNfowITIi_wDB8a2hAER4EA5g/s1600/pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tFSSkjjEnfVacopxAjYv_d8EWiYJV2_ZoMjCGg-p2JcuD5WFtGGg6JgX-OIqtJLfpVv6y7HopJOOZhgpvT2MmdPKs9UpM14vljHnTGDxDpBrmGNM2tYNfowITIi_wDB8a2hAER4EA5g/s640/pin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A closer look at her Chocolate Danish: $4.20</b></td></tr>
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When things get in the way of food it really really sucks! >:( I'm a bit sad that I wasn't able to join in for the little redo in the cafe, but to be honest it wasn't really one of my favorite places. When I drank their ice tea it tasted like water and food coloring. We were laughing so much because I put in so much sugar just to get some semblance of taste. However, I can't really be mean and criticize the whole place because of one sill ice tea, can I?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23zdwPlHB0xY3w28PrVK8rb-Vjw8Db2Q_sBlpe01kLbFBr3n_5pRue8oJ6VQjq20xue3c5hGJf2RJhV3VdvS2exiZ0e-XBmxdJEHW9o-ujN8-fmOKI6j8oNlmJifdvqgPUOyAFofXwLHU/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23zdwPlHB0xY3w28PrVK8rb-Vjw8Db2Q_sBlpe01kLbFBr3n_5pRue8oJ6VQjq20xue3c5hGJf2RJhV3VdvS2exiZ0e-XBmxdJEHW9o-ujN8-fmOKI6j8oNlmJifdvqgPUOyAFofXwLHU/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ice Tea and Coffee</b></td></tr>
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I probably could, but I can't! Because despite the fail-ness of the drink the actual place would make me want to come back. The ceiling was interesting, the choice of furniture was amusing and best of all, I cannot really shun them to a boo without really eating anything!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLrb26TUkDUL06e7VOGXmHjEyz0hjj0fLDrO2lKEcuLuX4acf8QsZd5X_7alu4V9u_3wqeqgOs1olykMDyhNsPaELw1b3MH6nLtB4lOzvtNLdGBIFBrhnAvwUtygr6u7K2A0qB_2pW9Jj/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLrb26TUkDUL06e7VOGXmHjEyz0hjj0fLDrO2lKEcuLuX4acf8QsZd5X_7alu4V9u_3wqeqgOs1olykMDyhNsPaELw1b3MH6nLtB4lOzvtNLdGBIFBrhnAvwUtygr6u7K2A0qB_2pW9Jj/s640/IMG_0100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Relax Lounge</b> </td></tr>
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<b>Verdict:</b><br />
So I will temporarily give this place a Meh with 2 spoons. However, I will update this when I get the chance to eat again.<br />
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See us a few months ago when we were still scouring uni for its glorious food choices in its slightly pricey cafe!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPSfwlt2Md933j3-9ZmcjINheGNiukqyuUUWo69TXS1OdW_hNMJ1HdDgfHjoad4tWdq4cRAt8KA_bNwlsQ8iiQpCM15tGywU0VqO6sKufKIapGCCsJDHeikEB5UA1d7Lrhixvuc9u7MIH/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPSfwlt2Md933j3-9ZmcjINheGNiukqyuUUWo69TXS1OdW_hNMJ1HdDgfHjoad4tWdq4cRAt8KA_bNwlsQ8iiQpCM15tGywU0VqO6sKufKIapGCCsJDHeikEB5UA1d7Lrhixvuc9u7MIH/s320/IMG_0105.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiY5Li6YxJ33eclpJR5gaVHZRU6FnWx2Ze9cbPTJnKF-laKfprNd2fly3PUQ5FuH5t3XWk-wt2sXxORoT9gPlyyCMvHvQJ8VImfP_0uBTCyCZqv3Y048tG9UR3tEaGkN9xxC-Hi0HvVbt/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiY5Li6YxJ33eclpJR5gaVHZRU6FnWx2Ze9cbPTJnKF-laKfprNd2fly3PUQ5FuH5t3XWk-wt2sXxORoT9gPlyyCMvHvQJ8VImfP_0uBTCyCZqv3Y048tG9UR3tEaGkN9xxC-Hi0HvVbt/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Well that's it lovelies! Remember to check back again next week for some awesome food stuff. Also please visit Pin and Marnelli's awesome <a href="http://brainbreaking.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Psych Blog</a>, it's full of awesome posts that tells and in depth about everyday things we do! Check it out!</div>
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Love,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!<br />
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<b>Relax Lounge</b><br />
34 Princes Street, Auckland CBD</div>
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Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-63594330200263916372012-05-19T18:26:00.000+12:002013-02-11T23:44:42.871+13:00Eight - A Culinary Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello Hello food groupies!</div>
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We're putting a pause on the UoA Special for the moment as we share with you the exciting news that we have, just recently, graduated from The University of Auckland! We'd also like to share with you the delicious food we had to celebrate this great moment in our lives! On our Graduation day, we found out we booked the same restaurant! (Great minds do think alike!! haha)</div>
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Read more about our food adventure in Langham Hotel's <b>Eight</b>!</div>
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<b>Quick Review:</b></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Before anything, look at us wearing our regalia! :"> Soooo awesome!<br />
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Now for today's food adventure that is Eight!</div>
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You might be wondering why the restaurant is named that way, it would be our pleasure to show you why...As this post's title says, Eight is a Culinary Journey - it is an all-you-can-eat restaurant that boasts eight open kitchens offering eight different "destinations". </div>
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I, Kaka, went here with my family for lunch on my Graduation Day. When we got in, we were seated to our table straight away, were given menu for drinks and to the first-timers, they explained how the restaurant works. Basically, there are eight roads you can take in this culinary journey, each road with a different taste. Being the food-lover that I am, I made it a point to try something from every road (as would anyone who loves food would understand!). Walking into the space where the kitchens were, I went straight for the sushi - I really felt like sushi at the time, so even when the Dessert Road was calling out to me, I had to satisfy my sushi craving first! But because the food was too good, I kind of forgot to take photos of the little bits I tasted from every road (bad food blogger! :( ). Anyway, I managed to take some photos from a couple roads.</div>
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It's such a funny coincidence, but while Kaka enjoyed Eight for lunch. I, Tata, actually celebrated my graduation at Eight for dinner! True enough I got the easiest thing and went for Sushi. I had some seafood and grabbed some meat off my boyfriend's plate. I love the variety and all the little bits and pieces that were available. It was pretty late and I went on an eating spree, so I wasn't actually able to take a lot of pictures. Check out the photos below that I mashed with Karyn for a glimpse of the awesomeness.</div>
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<b>Dessert Road</b>: cold & hot desserts AND they have a chocolate fountain. 'nuff said.</div>
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<b>Great Ocean Road</b>: seafood & oyster bar! unlimited prawns, oysters, mussels, and other seafood? I was in food heaven! <3</div>
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<b>Spice Route</b>: curries, tandoori, homemade chutney and special cheese & garlic naan cooked on request. YUM!!<br />
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Typing this post is making me want to go back soon! At $50 per person for lunch, it was more than worth it. And because it is in a five-star luxury hotel, their service and quality of the food are both excellent.<br />
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Other roads are:<br />
<b>Route 66</b>: steaks! American style!<br />
<b>Silk Road</b>: dim sum, and noodles cooked on a hot wok right before your eyes!<br />
<b>Tokaido</b>: sushi and sashimi! If you can't find the sushi you want they'll make it for you! + Miso soup!<br />
<b>The Garden Route</b>: freshly tossed salad with veggies, dressing, and other ingredients of your choice. Yummy caesar salad for me please!<br />
<b>Champs-Elysees</b>: breads, pastries, crepes and pancakes prepared on-the-spot, and the very delicious bread & butter pudding!<br />
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<b>Karyn's Verdict: </b>No doubts about it, I give Eight Two Thumbs Up and 5 spoons! They're definitely on my list of "special occasions restaurants"! If you're not the buffet type of person, they also have ala carte dining. Either way, if you want a different dining experience, this is the place!<br />
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Oh, and they gave me a gift for my Graduation! On the plate was 2 pieces of chocolate: 1 dark with strawberry filling, 1 white with a bit of dark chocolate at the top; and a green macaroon with purple filling! Soooo cuuuttteeee!!! Thanks Eight! <3<br />
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<b>Tata's Verdict:</b> How can the variety ever be less than stellar. I love everything and I love the dessert station. I want to go back again and get into it some more. The best thing about Eight is how helpful all the staff were and how cute each kitchen was. It made the whole dining experience even better. Until the next visit.<br />
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Love,<br />
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<b>P.S. </b>Check back in two weeks for another UoA special.</div>
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Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!<br />
83 Symonds St, Auckland CBD<br />
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For more information on booking, prices, and their menu, visit their <a href="http://auckland.langhamhotels.co.nz/restaurants/eight.htm" target="_blank">website</a> now!<br />
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<br />Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-14129408734897471322012-05-12T17:28:00.002+12:002012-12-20T01:20:16.366+13:00Kaka turns 22!Hi food groupies! Kaka here...<br />
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Firstly, I'd like to apologise for this late post - blame Graduation! But anyway, it's here and I have some amazing Japanese food to share with you! :D<br />
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I celebrated my 22nd birthday last April 17. I gotta say, this was probably the most low-key birthday celebration I've ever had. I had lunch with my parents and big bro at Hokkaido Restaurant & Bar. I usually only go here when I want a delicious dinner, and when I can afford it. It's a bit on the expensive side, but I was happily surprised when they gave us a special lunch menu. I ordered my favorite Pork Katsu as a lunch set - it came with a bowl of rice, miso soup, & a side salad. Here's photos of my meal:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always love the side salad, something about their dressing makes it oh-so-good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5mVwpgc29BSQdgPBFx6gdCTKud4LhGT8spiA7hnjHndRHdEo5MAKbeobnAZDnuolbCLa4ymVfWOh9utbdHgh9HBrngDq_pjcB6eGmLwLh6x9O3d1hGOiDzF1pirovKqR0TEvkeLy3C4/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5mVwpgc29BSQdgPBFx6gdCTKud4LhGT8spiA7hnjHndRHdEo5MAKbeobnAZDnuolbCLa4ymVfWOh9utbdHgh9HBrngDq_pjcB6eGmLwLh6x9O3d1hGOiDzF1pirovKqR0TEvkeLy3C4/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my Pork Katsu! <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My big bro had the Sukiyaki lunch set- it's like Chinese Hot Pot except it's for one person only. The lunch set included sushi, and bite-size pieces of fried fish, oh and a salad! haha<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKQEf3j1786bK4BHndaA8SxWlifXyqLUm3QEqaaq6Zn3QVAn3wn4tIyn3F0xHbu1x6rVxUlqxphDnVdnrUO_cOW8exS5_P8ewQmsayHA7PnatV5qNaaD3ka4o2cs36Vj5pMh9fpXcEws/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKQEf3j1786bK4BHndaA8SxWlifXyqLUm3QEqaaq6Zn3QVAn3wn4tIyn3F0xHbu1x6rVxUlqxphDnVdnrUO_cOW8exS5_P8ewQmsayHA7PnatV5qNaaD3ka4o2cs36Vj5pMh9fpXcEws/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how they serve the Sukiyaki. Check out those rolled-up raw beef!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3X4UIEOU4JCLk1fSnTn11ZuIeDPCVj1PZYUHg72GGJQyvkUC5j_yViHZsMy20CWREGnpEkrCyEuNL1Z4nDNEKpBdsRGTXQvryr00nh-WbOcS3JcBz-OP8ycD8fkpmLpLZ-5bg3WUJJc/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3X4UIEOU4JCLk1fSnTn11ZuIeDPCVj1PZYUHg72GGJQyvkUC5j_yViHZsMy20CWREGnpEkrCyEuNL1Z4nDNEKpBdsRGTXQvryr00nh-WbOcS3JcBz-OP8ycD8fkpmLpLZ-5bg3WUJJc/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crumbed fish! :D</td></tr>
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Mum & Dad had some sushi, prawn tempura and tried something new<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIc30zpmaTSSy80acgjIlCYd2qruH5UWvS8q3wtnC4R0TQGdnlY6MckgoqqW-wFxUJ3V7HTFgkrIZOxskS4gFLhO2IgvRMGzO3cpXAGC1WIslFZwqAofjHV9TZuKqpr3gQAq14wGgBLY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIc30zpmaTSSy80acgjIlCYd2qruH5UWvS8q3wtnC4R0TQGdnlY6MckgoqqW-wFxUJ3V7HTFgkrIZOxskS4gFLhO2IgvRMGzO3cpXAGC1WIslFZwqAofjHV9TZuKqpr3gQAq14wGgBLY/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dad's sushi - actually, the little tree on dad's sushi plate...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9J15yrwGKlSl1dN9fQrpakz_uwH_h-I2YHAbLN94EG1l40J38PyKvcUErODYJDLNqKzZE8yUr7XG38vcje30Xw-VJFFzXtI0woikBqV5hxQSmFjD1T9SPuJZr3F2x5l4_mupkNUXsx0/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9J15yrwGKlSl1dN9fQrpakz_uwH_h-I2YHAbLN94EG1l40J38PyKvcUErODYJDLNqKzZE8yUr7XG38vcje30Xw-VJFFzXtI0woikBqV5hxQSmFjD1T9SPuJZr3F2x5l4_mupkNUXsx0/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can't go to a Japanese resto and not have tempura!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCL8WjR-b3S9wb9s_QakapOJeBuiEL522kQJ-nX_PtRcFwZdEwYRJc6iDy8Cc8tLb5fbAKylJI-42-tiyVpjWb9De946NJtiquNbOpvpV-EViXLwI4GorlsgjJCVZALlTAPAlXLJBv9s/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCL8WjR-b3S9wb9s_QakapOJeBuiEL522kQJ-nX_PtRcFwZdEwYRJc6iDy8Cc8tLb5fbAKylJI-42-tiyVpjWb9De946NJtiquNbOpvpV-EViXLwI4GorlsgjJCVZALlTAPAlXLJBv9s/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon cooked on a hot plate with capsicum and melted cheese on top.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8JrDzEX3S60LleMQIslE6EJ9EGEyj4YcNwcKbnOlJtYVDkrZJKaqkELyXZTm-aGdYecfKGWBHwoGNIWvd_5WXU4fps6XVcG_wPmoQam1lCDYkf6fnbsABkeKNoczc0OwesgC6cNsGOc/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8JrDzEX3S60LleMQIslE6EJ9EGEyj4YcNwcKbnOlJtYVDkrZJKaqkELyXZTm-aGdYecfKGWBHwoGNIWvd_5WXU4fps6XVcG_wPmoQam1lCDYkf6fnbsABkeKNoczc0OwesgC6cNsGOc/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant with melted cheese on top. Yea, we like cheese ;)</td></tr>
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After lunch, we went home to have some "cake". It was a great lunch though! It was good to spend time bonding with my family over a nice lunch. Shouting for everyone also felt good! All these (and more, not in the photo) only came to around NZ$100.00 - for 4 people that's pretty cheap...Here's a photo of my cake! I'm not really a cake person so I got us a dozen donuts from Dunkin' Donuts instead! :D<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCwwY2BK4XMjZl0DJz92SBIlpHm3L3QXpoaxRtPwi0Fe0ZgWghbcWYglKY7yCD-Y4z-REeI_myodNrwcRu7GgZZA5JdEWRjTgXAVO3sPiUBlVq-65QzB9hfh_Dm5pd6n5SfMwqybP7vQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCwwY2BK4XMjZl0DJz92SBIlpHm3L3QXpoaxRtPwi0Fe0ZgWghbcWYglKY7yCD-Y4z-REeI_myodNrwcRu7GgZZA5JdEWRjTgXAVO3sPiUBlVq-65QzB9hfh_Dm5pd6n5SfMwqybP7vQ/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't the one with the chocolate fish cute? :D</td></tr>
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Then we had a bit of a photo shoot out in our backyard before I had to go to work. Yes, I worked on my birthday. haha.<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>Two thumbs up for Hokkaido! I give them 4 spoons for consistent good customer service every time I go there, having great ambiance, and serving the meals within a reasonable amount of time...oh and I forgot to say their food tastes amazing!<br />
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Unfortunately, I couldn't find a website for Hokkaido :( But if you're interested, here's directions to the one I frequent:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=71+Lunn+Avenue,+Auckland&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.735377,86.572266&t=m&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=71+Lunn+Ave,+Mt+Wellington,+Auckland+1072,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&ll=-36.89009,174.833937&spn=0.012013,0.018239&z=15&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=71+Lunn+Avenue,+Auckland&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.735377,86.572266&t=m&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=71+Lunn+Ave,+Mt+Wellington,+Auckland+1072,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&ll=-36.89009,174.833937&spn=0.012013,0.018239&z=15&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>
</div>
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Love,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl90Vw6j4ZAJ3nDWMUCzjB93co4z-DVsuuI7pcv3e_CNLiYLBoSuw-d5tSIrLadRvWQH_mt0B-1llqDKFuDAS7a8Oec2KqBPmTh6WPK_GndNBIm79hQ0oJbvLdi4-5vYNdvB58YCBKbCHy/s1600/Kaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl90Vw6j4ZAJ3nDWMUCzjB93co4z-DVsuuI7pcv3e_CNLiYLBoSuw-d5tSIrLadRvWQH_mt0B-1llqDKFuDAS7a8Oec2KqBPmTh6WPK_GndNBIm79hQ0oJbvLdi4-5vYNdvB58YCBKbCHy/s200/Kaka.png" width="200" /></a>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-42631445042817249212012-04-16T00:04:00.002+12:002012-12-20T01:18:32.393+13:00Meet-up with our first giveaway winner, Marnelli!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hiiiii food groupies!</div>
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How have you been lately? Check out our meet-up with our Happy Hearts Giveaway winner, Marnelli Jauregi! She won a $30 Theobroma (The Chocolate Lounge) gift voucher! yaaayyy <3</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX0P8gTiu1fLiJxe62lJXTrjofiiJkYYa1tLD4m1NTaGEU4Of4yHds0f2KE7paFPMzwzWiHOg-n0pdZyDyySFbY4CFQm_RgaGaLzV9MIrYzL4HnRwCoeD5l_2e3nlyXNMFAVfQ5Pi_js/s1600/P4130641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX0P8gTiu1fLiJxe62lJXTrjofiiJkYYa1tLD4m1NTaGEU4Of4yHds0f2KE7paFPMzwzWiHOg-n0pdZyDyySFbY4CFQm_RgaGaLzV9MIrYzL4HnRwCoeD5l_2e3nlyXNMFAVfQ5Pi_js/s640/P4130641.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Marnelli is Pin's co-blogger in the awesome Psych blog that is Brain Break. If you remember, Pin was a guest eater in our <a href="http://keenbeans.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/tasca-cafe.html" target="_blank">Tasca</a> post. As a special prize, we've also invited Marnelli to be our second guest eater! She loves food just as much as we do, plus she also has her personal blog where she uploads her delicious baked goodies & her food adventures. Visit her blog <a href="http://sweetsandbrains.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sweets and Brains</a> to know more about her! We rendezvoused at Newmarket in Auckland to give her her prize and of course, to have lunch! Here's some photos from our meet-up:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21vubqZKgsADAVN70Z7ZMPBGr0O4yP80-02yo-E7BpZ8JqnBxbkcGWpdhvCLvYsUGtLDLssMu92gBGOBxkbWjQC8qS8XMOelFdzuvIEAky_zgc_DTIQusRuW3mvBW-6Imv7gvCVocJzE/s1600/P4130639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21vubqZKgsADAVN70Z7ZMPBGr0O4yP80-02yo-E7BpZ8JqnBxbkcGWpdhvCLvYsUGtLDLssMu92gBGOBxkbWjQC8qS8XMOelFdzuvIEAky_zgc_DTIQusRuW3mvBW-6Imv7gvCVocJzE/s640/P4130639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PprwdJBEeOwqimuHKzH4bpWrFzOafzB8HjvfS0clRaub_YY0Md98nM9EcCxpSId557wD5WvNAsQkiKvxOHAB28ZC4_CJhqPTJyEfnW4D2945DT4BCqOp5n_elWxLDO9mrdWOUj2kxJw/s1600/P4130640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PprwdJBEeOwqimuHKzH4bpWrFzOafzB8HjvfS0clRaub_YY0Md98nM9EcCxpSId557wD5WvNAsQkiKvxOHAB28ZC4_CJhqPTJyEfnW4D2945DT4BCqOp5n_elWxLDO9mrdWOUj2kxJw/s640/P4130640.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a little message from Marnelli:<br />
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I won Tata and Kaka's giveaway. Yay! Anyways I met with them last friday and it was fun! Foodies unite! I got my prize and got the chance to try out the food at Selera. It was my first time to eat there and the food was good. </blockquote>
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Anyways thanks for having me I really enjoyed it! And thanks for the Theobroma gift certificate! Looking forward to eating there soon!</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRUQqxkpXqpeUaAAzAQLC9l_EZCGE3LalpsF-AP5Ab5T_6hpoeQOTLa8iPgoYc5v-0b3LbRwvQ2T4fKyzzVZyROz5OBo5gSIXX-CBWHM-PjztluyDv42tN9_g5G9oXhCqsOEdxHQw9yM/s1600/P4130642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRUQqxkpXqpeUaAAzAQLC9l_EZCGE3LalpsF-AP5Ab5T_6hpoeQOTLa8iPgoYc5v-0b3LbRwvQ2T4fKyzzVZyROz5OBo5gSIXX-CBWHM-PjztluyDv42tN9_g5G9oXhCqsOEdxHQw9yM/s640/P4130642.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Again, we'd like to thank everyone who joined our first giveaway! And congratulations to Marnelli for winning the awesome prize! Keep checking back for more food adventure and giveaway updates.</div>
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Love,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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P.S Check back in two weeks for a new restaurant review!</div>
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Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-34770163078001788762012-04-01T20:15:00.000+12:002012-04-01T20:15:53.722+12:00UoA Special: Excel CafeHello Students and/or Foodies!<br />
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This is part deux of our <b>University of Auckland Special</b>. Ready to go hunger up and experience with us cafe's all around uni. Our next stop is the Excel Cafe in OGGB. If you're a commerce or first year student, you probably have one or two or all of your classes in this awesome building and a building needs food sources of course, so this is one of the two cafe's in this part of the university. Come check it out!<br />
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<b>Quick Review:</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeDi2a5vLepvFYkrQNAjxhIdNqHwKAfPUeBoxv5cv6pdXzQ7Da-OrScW9dUtNAPVprILB2Rf7ILW7NmKuujD14R4_Oa6tbSKeJtrsrTol1NAXtMbk0cb6AxDQMOHsidXlEALy91VU5mm8/s1600/TataYum.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeDi2a5vLepvFYkrQNAjxhIdNqHwKAfPUeBoxv5cv6pdXzQ7Da-OrScW9dUtNAPVprILB2Rf7ILW7NmKuujD14R4_Oa6tbSKeJtrsrTol1NAXtMbk0cb6AxDQMOHsidXlEALy91VU5mm8/s200/TataYum.gif" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVYUhJ7eAlqHa8ijiRt4FlfT-6XrX8QEg3Ltj9dRGWimjXRQzfviD01MSa-SpHnYMw-k3zjlzauA2voD9VDk2HVkIVxXOY94SxaOOWpufTkUl8SqFY7sddYqUTonxQXvchLbx3hP1dEkx/s1600/KarynYum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVYUhJ7eAlqHa8ijiRt4FlfT-6XrX8QEg3Ltj9dRGWimjXRQzfviD01MSa-SpHnYMw-k3zjlzauA2voD9VDk2HVkIVxXOY94SxaOOWpufTkUl8SqFY7sddYqUTonxQXvchLbx3hP1dEkx/s200/KarynYum.gif" width="150" /></a></div>On to the food!<br />
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During the final days of uni, I had started an addiction with frank drinks! I started consuming everything with it in tow. My meal for that day was a large plate of chicken ravioli in pesto sauce.<br />
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Excel cafe offers many other sandwiches and salads that can be scavenged from other cafe's. I however have always had a preference for this particular place mainly because of its location and its mind blowing pesto sauce. My favorite, not pictured, is their chicken pesto sandwich. I must admit this place is a bit pricey, but its a good source of hunger busters without having to dreadfully walk all the way to the quad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfphMyW26w2yWkJ7Yzub_7uRieAuUkBMmbVDfE2p-NOfEWwZ98XN2h0mJheJucgY66_aInjbe7-nxJUxbYrAF8Q509dtxKzPVNY5CP4vTDnRKP9Xt8dkM_AsdiSVsRPGvl0CkFfuswn8I/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfphMyW26w2yWkJ7Yzub_7uRieAuUkBMmbVDfE2p-NOfEWwZ98XN2h0mJheJucgY66_aInjbe7-nxJUxbYrAF8Q509dtxKzPVNY5CP4vTDnRKP9Xt8dkM_AsdiSVsRPGvl0CkFfuswn8I/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's Drink: FRANK KEY LIME, LEMON & BITTERS ($4.50)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5KcfH1C6-LcE9KSzdiBHahzWvcCOIKzSH2gL8HpWHDho8iLYlePF-n9hvkyGnDjyl0eIpwRVX_n52AeFvZ0pbgHn5KqRtgW_kAL8Ayf1lhG0GavwHGgkw9r4nNmuK72b0jODkGR0pmQi/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5KcfH1C6-LcE9KSzdiBHahzWvcCOIKzSH2gL8HpWHDho8iLYlePF-n9hvkyGnDjyl0eIpwRVX_n52AeFvZ0pbgHn5KqRtgW_kAL8Ayf1lhG0GavwHGgkw9r4nNmuK72b0jODkGR0pmQi/s640/IMG_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's Meal: CHICKEN RAVIOLI IN PESTO SAUCE ($11.50)</b></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpEoZaG2dhh_Ye2Q0ThPEpJCmW3cC7lKrBXAkb6GjSyZMseDpOlNdzlupgdb_kds2pAzLZxUHxFV-KQAlXCNtABvvKcuwG_ppIj3H1Cn0acTkBCNHSOllErg24ucLDjp91bAZGXaoMdiv/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpEoZaG2dhh_Ye2Q0ThPEpJCmW3cC7lKrBXAkb6GjSyZMseDpOlNdzlupgdb_kds2pAzLZxUHxFV-KQAlXCNtABvvKcuwG_ppIj3H1Cn0acTkBCNHSOllErg24ucLDjp91bAZGXaoMdiv/s640/IMG_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I really liked this particular pasta dish. Mainly because the chicken ravioli was way better than the beef number I consumed from La Porchetta. If you don't remember, click <a href="http://keenbeans.blogspot.co.nz/2011/12/la-porchetta-eat-live-love-italian.html" target="_blank">here</a> and read on!<br />
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The chicken filled the pasta nicely and the pesto sauce blended nicely with the whole dish. Now to be sure, Excel cafe will not be replacing your favorite pasta place, but it's a good source of snacks and fillers when you're studying at OGGB.<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>Excel Cafe, excels at 4 spoons! My experience has always been grand, although its not a gourmet meal, it has always been quite satisfying!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">❤❤❤<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Hello again food groupies and welcome to our 2nd UoA Special cafe review!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Being a Commerce student, my uni home has always been the Owen G Glenn Building (OGGB), and I've grown to love Excel Cafe. It's conveniently located at OGGB's atrium, so no need to walk up to the quad (yay!). And their staff are nice & pleasant to talk to as well.</div></div><br />
If you've been following us from the start, you already know that I'm a coffee-drinker and have had barista experience. So when I order coffee from a cafe I always have high standards. Today I ordered a Mochaccino. I was disappointed at the first sight of it. Knowing that a Mocha has to have a dome (of froth), and that it was a bit messy with the chocolate powder literally all over the cup and saucer. However, my disappointment was placated by the taste. It was a good mocha! The perfect combination of sweet & bitter. Just a reminder though, the taste of the coffee in cafes that use manual espresso machines really depend on the barista. I've made a mental note of my barista in Excel cafe and was glad to see him there that day! :D Not sure if he still works there though...But yeah, when you get a coffee that you love, remember your barista! Anyway, on to the food! scroll down a bit to check out my Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli in pesto sauce.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNX1ibK3cR15XkVNXnCMzIj_N44JhpltYmoxIAmqQWSgfEMi5AWZK0EyCvtvrHH25hyphenhyphenzjCwjYwmgM-s7dDVlgpTUDez9A-az7ybEDLG7CbjVH2GRj7HPZiBiT3M444I97mOPS1PCOH0A/s1600/PB081004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNX1ibK3cR15XkVNXnCMzIj_N44JhpltYmoxIAmqQWSgfEMi5AWZK0EyCvtvrHH25hyphenhyphenzjCwjYwmgM-s7dDVlgpTUDez9A-az7ybEDLG7CbjVH2GRj7HPZiBiT3M444I97mOPS1PCOH0A/s640/PB081004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's drink: LARGE MOCHACCINO ($4.50)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSltgVs9jOdPU_k7RROATmd-JV1y54AKeiB4YMfLcT7gph3qDxqZPpQwmKZW9zZ_7W17uwEa7_nHsWSMcLepYVryB_wQvyI7XeXW7-YvskQTtUehUYsqzlLwOuZxpbTMJ2K2EyoQYWbQ/s1600/PB081010.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSltgVs9jOdPU_k7RROATmd-JV1y54AKeiB4YMfLcT7gph3qDxqZPpQwmKZW9zZ_7W17uwEa7_nHsWSMcLepYVryB_wQvyI7XeXW7-YvskQTtUehUYsqzlLwOuZxpbTMJ2K2EyoQYWbQ/s640/PB081010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's meal: SPINACH & RICOTTA RAVIOLI WITH PESTO SAUCE ($11.50)</b></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9MfqyTYxDLGfZ-WYMmk8ktEPG_CHJowFQA_90DOKAduV26J27ZIFvPn3ge_hRnOUHc4aBkxz6yKMUkrkMgc2xckAaJEz236_Fz1yQiIFiZrI-0SdzFC4XsUfVukIQwNmRZoUTxjXJYs/s1600/PB081011.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9MfqyTYxDLGfZ-WYMmk8ktEPG_CHJowFQA_90DOKAduV26J27ZIFvPn3ge_hRnOUHc4aBkxz6yKMUkrkMgc2xckAaJEz236_Fz1yQiIFiZrI-0SdzFC4XsUfVukIQwNmRZoUTxjXJYs/s640/PB081011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Oh, looking at the photos makes me want to have some now! First off, my ravioli seemed a bit under-cooked for my taste. The folded edges were slightly hard to chew. But that didn't stop me from loving the taste! I loved the filling of the ravioli, with their pesto sauce and the cheese, and the slight taste their pepper brings to the dish. It is a bit pricey, but if you want good food, then it's not too far from OGGB Level 0! Also, they have really good paninis and salads. Try them some time if you're not up for a heavy lunch :)<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>I award Excel 4 spoons as well! For consistently providing great tasting food and awesome customer service. Check them out next time you're in OGGB!<br />
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More to come in two weeks!<br />
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Love,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>P.S. Remember to like our fb page and follow us on twitter for updates!</b><br />
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Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!<br />
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<b>Excel Cafe</b><br />
Level 1, OGGB<br />
12 Grafton Road, Auckland CBD</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=oggb&ie=UTF8&hq=oggb&hnear=&t=m&ll=-36.852909,174.770894&spn=0.006009,0.00912&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=oggb&ie=UTF8&hq=oggb&hnear=&t=m&ll=-36.852909,174.770894&spn=0.006009,0.00912&z=16&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-50767343415415236392012-03-15T20:53:00.001+13:002012-03-17T21:46:04.470+13:00UoA Special: Strata Cafe and Giveaway Winner!Welcome back food groupies!<br />
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</div><div>This post is very special since it commences our <b>University of Auckland special</b>. So if you're a student of our beloved university, we're hoping this can help you in finding that awesome but elusive lunch place! Now let's get on to it. First up is Strata Cafe!<br />
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<b>Quick Review:</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyuvd2jg0lbpnm3m1dcdB-1LolLtagJrSfLVS5Xefx80-3GwL_5pqU4UcDbOdziEvK-FjsdgbgBurngwLbp8EhyphenhyphenI_C0QCnuvML0PT4jXi0arZR5n2UkjahyphenhyphentLOHnrizc_qI1Tdelg0dzz/s1600/KarynMeh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyuvd2jg0lbpnm3m1dcdB-1LolLtagJrSfLVS5Xefx80-3GwL_5pqU4UcDbOdziEvK-FjsdgbgBurngwLbp8EhyphenhyphenI_C0QCnuvML0PT4jXi0arZR5n2UkjahyphenhyphentLOHnrizc_qI1Tdelg0dzz/s200/KarynMeh.gif" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXACgRXkONpx7py03XM6MEiGTb-Rt2bV4GRJVeD1Fv9C1Ynxou6RN8wTNcEfiXINw17hEi-zm1qjNQ4LIc8NBPZrPfLwOeps3DNaT3XKmDRV-zpjAZzUfjNwtEE7MPu9NLykwuta0msKgu/s1600/TataMeh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXACgRXkONpx7py03XM6MEiGTb-Rt2bV4GRJVeD1Fv9C1Ynxou6RN8wTNcEfiXINw17hEi-zm1qjNQ4LIc8NBPZrPfLwOeps3DNaT3XKmDRV-zpjAZzUfjNwtEE7MPu9NLykwuta0msKgu/s200/TataMeh.gif" width="150" /></a></div><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Almost forgot! We're announcing the <b>WINNER of our Happy Hearts Giveaway</b> in this post so make sure you read up to the end to find out if you won the $30 voucher! <3</div><div><a name='more'></a><br />
Why hello there friendly friends! Kaka here, how have you all been? :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well, today is the first of a few posts we'll be having on cafes in the University of Auckland. We thought we'd do you UoA students a great service by reviewing them and sharing our food experiences while we were still at uni. Starting with Strata - the cafe in IC4 that we all think is exclusively for postgrad students. Anyway, Tata and I went in and there was a massive queue. I almost wanted to turn back and just eat at the quad but I noticed the line was moving quite fast so we stayed. Here's what I ordered that day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WbHPwq8WWbIYqZffOsEJbpgloXK-vN9fQCSmffMcFoMcIrAi_WCzCBR16r3QWEcPkFWLUzqqiM6W7nzaiTuHIh-qAq_wYhYs6AT68No5CVrKAmY79YZOhk2sQZp3HsX8lVS061oFf7PK/s1600/Strata_kakadrink.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WbHPwq8WWbIYqZffOsEJbpgloXK-vN9fQCSmffMcFoMcIrAi_WCzCBR16r3QWEcPkFWLUzqqiM6W7nzaiTuHIh-qAq_wYhYs6AT68No5CVrKAmY79YZOhk2sQZp3HsX8lVS061oFf7PK/s640/Strata_kakadrink.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's Drink: ICED MOCHA ($4.70)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAdSwsPMsg4QRmdY2DEzjELGL3Si_ZJ1A-g3XJHBB9Uy5TziaqIga99b8vrUyrrFAwPVfU9XatWYJGW3qjSvARJNB1CWxlu7ahebf_FJIqRiwSR1hgUiJgP6iDCTrT9YlX1xtREZARM4/s1600/PA280958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAdSwsPMsg4QRmdY2DEzjELGL3Si_ZJ1A-g3XJHBB9Uy5TziaqIga99b8vrUyrrFAwPVfU9XatWYJGW3qjSvARJNB1CWxlu7ahebf_FJIqRiwSR1hgUiJgP6iDCTrT9YlX1xtREZARM4/s640/PA280958.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's meal: CHICKEN SCHNITZEL W/ FETA CHEESE & ROQUETTE SALAD ($13.50)</b></td></tr>
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Looks yummy, right? Well, it is! I loved the fact that they had outside seating. It was a hot day so it felt good to be sitting outside with the wind softly blowing, while I sipped on my Iced Mocha. The drink came in a normal sized glass (it's small if you compare it to <a href="http://keenbeans.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/momo-tea-britomart.html" target="_blank">Momo Tea</a>'s glass though), and tasted pretty good - not too sweet, and not bland. The only complaint I had was that the ice didn't seem to have been blended long enough since there were big chunks of it in my drink. As for my schnitzel, it was cooked to perfection! Nice and crispy on the outside and tender and juicy chicken inside. It came with salad, which I thought could have used more feta cheese (but maybe that's only because i love feta cheese?), and a side of sweet chilli sauce. I admit, I'm not a big fan of sweet chilli sauce, but it was a nice addition to the schnitzel and gave it the kick it needed to be a memorable meal. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><b>Verdict: </b>Overall, I would recommend Strata for, maybe, a treat day while you're at uni. It can be a bit pricey compared to what you can get from the quad. But you know you get those days when you just want to eat something nice, on a plate, and is brought to your table. If you don't want to walk too far and you're already in IC, then Strata's worth a visit. I also noticed their sandwiches and paninis were selling rather fast, which could probably mean that they're nice and yummy too! :D I give Strata 3.5 spoons!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">❤❤❤ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tata is in the house!!! Literally!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have fond fond memories of Strata and yet it is not my favorite cafe. I've always been an OGGB girl, thus I have a sense of loyalty towards Spicers (More on that next time). However one thing that always captivates me, when I'm on the top floor of the IC is the fantastic trees hanging about the balcony! That's atmosphere for you!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlcRBB_-D736ZEzW1oEZEbANEwQGnZFXl3o6m59mmCHagmUeC3v0qhT_xtVLr3LHWodNHVhVgBA4xHwX3yMaMnFXkXLyEZdSyhak8XgSurgsO1b8IFoNe4k0plXKEHKROteRreMvHl4BZ/s1600/Strata_tatadrink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlcRBB_-D736ZEzW1oEZEbANEwQGnZFXl3o6m59mmCHagmUeC3v0qhT_xtVLr3LHWodNHVhVgBA4xHwX3yMaMnFXkXLyEZdSyhak8XgSurgsO1b8IFoNe4k0plXKEHKROteRreMvHl4BZ/s640/Strata_tatadrink.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's drink: BANANA SMOOTHIE ($4.70)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO4-p0jzH4V66gxfWcnAzVaPIZmzRKG8spmWgOZ_gN4yFK0-is6CePoZHgZBBff4UnhFXk7uaDQrnJhzCTtnDo407KmLkJftQo3apiKyE6zbVRGIgIx48DtqeOb3kFEVhqx2TuHIYQIQ/s1600/PA280954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO4-p0jzH4V66gxfWcnAzVaPIZmzRKG8spmWgOZ_gN4yFK0-is6CePoZHgZBBff4UnhFXk7uaDQrnJhzCTtnDo407KmLkJftQo3apiKyE6zbVRGIgIx48DtqeOb3kFEVhqx2TuHIYQIQ/s640/PA280954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's meal: PASTA W/ FIELD MUSHROOMS ($11.00)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxHYGuNbHOSgnA_80S5BDqrWCd1eQtPPgYGpMquSDdyg6T2hU2yMfQbpFGdOJiYpce8AmxMoRKb9eTJu1Q_gwv9ofREnIfokWGypra2z2mkHzgl4lfQs7N27BPzxSCXRtr0T89rGzfJc/s1600/PA280955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxHYGuNbHOSgnA_80S5BDqrWCd1eQtPPgYGpMquSDdyg6T2hU2yMfQbpFGdOJiYpce8AmxMoRKb9eTJu1Q_gwv9ofREnIfokWGypra2z2mkHzgl4lfQs7N27BPzxSCXRtr0T89rGzfJc/s640/PA280955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I have to be honest, because what use is this review without honesty? This particular meal from Strata was quite disappointing. The pasta dish was quite bland and even if mushrooms are always a favorite, it didn't help at all. The cheese on top wasn't the best it could have been, as if they grated something that was hard after being left in the fridge without a cover. The only redeeming part of my meal was the milkshake, which I finished quite quickly.<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>All in all I am giving Strata a 3, which is actually a better score because I did have good moments in Strata. I had divine pastries and sandwiches which got me through long tumultuous days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixursiKmz-heE2ZPE_kx7svo-gWVVrlUjFf7aSP1YuMd4SkjwlIQkU2zVbFVpkfdciPg3ndZp1nm-adKSbLg9ujWB7LVldzMR1A5-IID4Z68i36-hooANisF8NWMYQ0gdlYnaaov80si4/s1600/IMG000458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixursiKmz-heE2ZPE_kx7svo-gWVVrlUjFf7aSP1YuMd4SkjwlIQkU2zVbFVpkfdciPg3ndZp1nm-adKSbLg9ujWB7LVldzMR1A5-IID4Z68i36-hooANisF8NWMYQ0gdlYnaaov80si4/s640/IMG000458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>GIVEAWAY WINNER:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, what all of you probably have been waiting for! The winner was picked randomly from the list. We would like to thank all the participants and we'll be sharing some more goodies for you soon, so remember to like our facebook page and/or follow us on twitter for updates!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the winner is...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpulbkKA4CnJzhHBv2LREurgbdzJevYgkoeZt5-U5I-pxOiEIJ-2yS2VOuFrTArx1-3cixm4ccVefzgldIvIqvhca535Vn8ogTwaQcmHqo-6e32nKl_Re27E2hRJ89j7VuPcE7TaoU6psE/s1600/Giveaway_01_Win.png"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpulbkKA4CnJzhHBv2LREurgbdzJevYgkoeZt5-U5I-pxOiEIJ-2yS2VOuFrTArx1-3cixm4ccVefzgldIvIqvhca535Vn8ogTwaQcmHqo-6e32nKl_Re27E2hRJ89j7VuPcE7TaoU6psE/s640/Giveaway_01_Win.png" width="640" /></a></div>Come back again,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!<br />
<br />
<b>Strata Cafe</b><br />
Level 4, Kate Edgar Information Commons<br />
11 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=9+Symonds+Street,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&aq=&sll=-36.852364,174.769966&sspn=0.002146,0.005284&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=9+Symonds+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.852016,174.769907&spn=0.00601,0.00912&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=9+Symonds+Street,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&aq=&sll=-36.852364,174.769966&sspn=0.002146,0.005284&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=9+Symonds+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.852016,174.769907&spn=0.00601,0.00912&z=16&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
</div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-64034075639761833392012-03-02T00:03:00.001+13:002012-03-17T21:43:32.061+13:00Happy Heart Giveaway Extention!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWV1GGF78DZU8blF8xr1kfKWlp0MratJQzpUyPtZCfVM050sUF977qa9C5jk86rA_KKV5o-LrAK5oKsKcN0yxueyg7w8ooCzgDcuUktyrwNtgJg74vG9Y0BAZZ6G98SCBzy8XqKuXj653/s1600/HHG-Extension.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWV1GGF78DZU8blF8xr1kfKWlp0MratJQzpUyPtZCfVM050sUF977qa9C5jk86rA_KKV5o-LrAK5oKsKcN0yxueyg7w8ooCzgDcuUktyrwNtgJg74vG9Y0BAZZ6G98SCBzy8XqKuXj653/s640/HHG-Extension.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Happy Hearts Giveaway is extended! Join now for a chance to win a $30 Gift Voucher to the Theobroma Chocolate Lounge! Indulge in this sweet chocolatey yummy goodness!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Steps to win:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Like our page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Answer the question "How did you celebrate Valentine's Day?" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka?sk=app_190322544333196" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Simple enough? Start writing and get the chance to win this prize!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-15189308460175683832012-02-29T22:56:00.004+13:002012-03-17T21:44:33.471+13:00Cape Reinga Weekend and Giveaway Prize!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hello fellow food-lovers! It's good to be back, writing this post for all of you. Unfortunately, we don't have a restaurant to share with you in this post. But! We have something better! Our group of friends, Tata included, have started a February Road Trip Tradition. Last year we went to Goat Island, this year we went for a weekend trip to the Bay of Islands, the northern tip of New Zealand's North island..Read on to see my (kaka) adventure! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out <span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Cape View and Rarawa Beach: famous for its super fine, white sand. When I first saw it I thought it almost looked like it was snow!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKruOrUbWWXJSl6bYvC7PKv7eQIHfmwBvX8JY2XJEwnZZfuLoPlvBCNbeSReZ0Zo8t-XLIJHok92Zhaw6JoOUIE-rbafJWBWkeeh7KpUwxjUTPrRgV5nqti5MHNCSBkl8QmGOSfOcLw/s1600/joyce8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKruOrUbWWXJSl6bYvC7PKv7eQIHfmwBvX8JY2XJEwnZZfuLoPlvBCNbeSReZ0Zo8t-XLIJHok92Zhaw6JoOUIE-rbafJWBWkeeh7KpUwxjUTPrRgV5nqti5MHNCSBkl8QmGOSfOcLw/s640/joyce8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rarawa Beach. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white;">Here's more photos of the places we visited:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">- Te Kao, Local Ice Cream Shop - the "best ice cream shop in the far far north": because I wasn't really up to being spontaneous that day, I went with Hokey-Pokey ice cream. It's vanilla ice cream with small round bits of honeycomb toffee. yummy! I have to tell you though, their "single scoop" is nearly 4 scoops! so worth it!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukj11GLXamC6TeNJCjlWP6CxwtD3ji4q5yYKJ7bKIxXUzXDZaslkWdmGivWWMo-etvQOUo1RN4A9577iqG0lMKTS4aqg2Gl5Q1LE8RvpoEO7jR8ZmWtuEUpwqmGg4ODqxWWeCDb-r8Zk/s1600/joyce7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukj11GLXamC6TeNJCjlWP6CxwtD3ji4q5yYKJ7bKIxXUzXDZaslkWdmGivWWMo-etvQOUo1RN4A9577iqG0lMKTS4aqg2Gl5Q1LE8RvpoEO7jR8ZmWtuEUpwqmGg4ODqxWWeCDb-r8Zk/s640/joyce7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped at the "best ice cream shop in the far far north"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;">- Cape Reinga: where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet. The Maori people also believe that this is where your spirit will go before you leave this world, visiting the Pohutukawa tree before going back home. The view was breathtaking! Everywhere I looked it was like staring at a postcard, it felt too good to be true. If you ever have a chance to visit New Zealand, make sure you go to Cape Reinga :)</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHICCQ58u7Jh4-T4N62uRU_Vsg2g9q8E-Ceavfna-00ZTf0bk4Teuuss51Wv1VZ_gMz9MM4uuom6DtntolOHnlgJokDZu4XROqHiGS4_OUCj8ZtQjrsZrr160lccj6pzJC93OpL_ahARw/s1600/P2250400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHICCQ58u7Jh4-T4N62uRU_Vsg2g9q8E-Ceavfna-00ZTf0bk4Teuuss51Wv1VZ_gMz9MM4uuom6DtntolOHnlgJokDZu4XROqHiGS4_OUCj8ZtQjrsZrr160lccj6pzJC93OpL_ahARw/s640/P2250400.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cape Reinga. What. A. View.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;">- Te Paki Sand Dunes: according to our bus driver, the Northern part of the North Island used to be a sand bed which explains why there are sand dunes. Or something along those lines. haha. So we went and climbed a sand hill (dune) then went sand surfing! I admit, I was so scared to do it the first time, and ended up eating so much sand! (it's like salt, except it's not salty.haha) But I did it a second time and it wasn't as scary anymore. It was very exhilarating, made me feel so alive.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjKBQMoLYqc71g2JJQeaoetFq_f4UkmFmSzv2wRtFDn84VOfD3Q7coRhVWv5DUUQIS129nUMJqgUnuA7LnKVCtT-2SB0L4R1-U0M1SezdAgSRnbkWL431OebBC3SqYB_xmFgjDGQ20GE/s1600/pin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjKBQMoLYqc71g2JJQeaoetFq_f4UkmFmSzv2wRtFDn84VOfD3Q7coRhVWv5DUUQIS129nUMJqgUnuA7LnKVCtT-2SB0L4R1-U0M1SezdAgSRnbkWL431OebBC3SqYB_xmFgjDGQ20GE/s640/pin1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand surfing at the sand dunes! Thanks for editing the photo, Pin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since this is a food blog, of course there'll be photos of food! :D We had make-your-own pizza night after our day-long tour, we also had some yummy tacos! (unfortunately, it was so yum I didn't have time to take a photo coz we all just dug right in). The next day we cooked some steak, sausages, and bacon on the barbie then went to the beach for a swim before we headed back to Auckland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-AIsWF-SdwgsTnlLH5Bi0ujfN6ehpx_T11dWzDuruqtZmjmNfNS-RR_livd-27T8t_QvyOTsSsi4mVB7uHWFnQemcS1b5LZnirc9biozK-gd1KjkqIaQ06tAXerPUxECuQbcq9D_Ccg/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-AIsWF-SdwgsTnlLH5Bi0ujfN6ehpx_T11dWzDuruqtZmjmNfNS-RR_livd-27T8t_QvyOTsSsi4mVB7uHWFnQemcS1b5LZnirc9biozK-gd1KjkqIaQ06tAXerPUxECuQbcq9D_Ccg/s640/food.jpg" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Joyce and Pin for taking these photos! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks for reading this post groupies! Don't forget to read right up to the end for the giveaway prize details! :D</div><div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">❤❤❤</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Howdy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My weekend hasn't been nearly as exciting as Kaka's was. Due to some events, I wasn't able to come to the annual shindig! I was also a bit under the weather. :(</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But here are some highlights of my Saturday. I hope we'll find a place to eat in Wyndham to review soon! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6my7BiZRHML2WyO0peUodea1CpaaOm_kK71dMNfpii3zWR2aGDJVlrLZtUDeEDpf7a20rIbTWOAd1M6PpmtU-jgqOG-0GbW1-IiJ9C7VPwWY7TgFksaGj6_bCTGGwpFsr2wl20vODtYl/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6my7BiZRHML2WyO0peUodea1CpaaOm_kK71dMNfpii3zWR2aGDJVlrLZtUDeEDpf7a20rIbTWOAd1M6PpmtU-jgqOG-0GbW1-IiJ9C7VPwWY7TgFksaGj6_bCTGGwpFsr2wl20vODtYl/s640/IMG_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found these little cuties in a friend's house! Angry Birds Game! :"D</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctqBQfidXoNqodboggF1PwmbuifO0Anang_ORSrJaXIifNK8a9IxT43yShHeFVZ_dJyu8burmnBCEZB1bcwJsCZjnomIyIq6YnPLsFQdRwvI-4hQwarvgxESyCMqtEPhS8uNu0pelHrNO/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctqBQfidXoNqodboggF1PwmbuifO0Anang_ORSrJaXIifNK8a9IxT43yShHeFVZ_dJyu8burmnBCEZB1bcwJsCZjnomIyIq6YnPLsFQdRwvI-4hQwarvgxESyCMqtEPhS8uNu0pelHrNO/s640/IMG_0110.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eID3AMterGNs7CXxCq1m4VN4NBAS-BpVTq06CiFXa5rkZiEA54nI9raCYDIMSw1PU6y9iW3cYlOiNr4zoBhLiOY7RAO5fe6lmiNHFw7DQm8YzCuGha-Bglz-3yHsUGSIPaBnZJP6FYhM/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eID3AMterGNs7CXxCq1m4VN4NBAS-BpVTq06CiFXa5rkZiEA54nI9raCYDIMSw1PU6y9iW3cYlOiNr4zoBhLiOY7RAO5fe6lmiNHFw7DQm8YzCuGha-Bglz-3yHsUGSIPaBnZJP6FYhM/s640/IMG_0111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know there weren't any foodgasm adventures in my part of the post, but I promise to bring full on foodie love on the next one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love always,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>P.S. Giveaway prize details below!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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As I'm sure you are all aware, we currently have a giveaway competition going on at the moment, and we haven't announced the prize yet! Sorry! But here it is.....The chosen Valentine's Day celebration will win a....(drum roll please!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">$30 gift voucher for theobroma,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Chocolate Lounge!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Theobroma serves a wide range of hand made Belgian-styled chocolate products - chocolate pieces, drinks, and some very yummy food like waffles, and fruits with chocolate! If you want to know more about their menu, visit their New Zealand website <a href="http://www.chocolatelounge.co.nz/" target="_blank">here</a>. To join, like our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka" target="_blank">facebook page</a> then click on "Happy Hearts Giveaway" on the lefthand side then type away! :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">*Giveaway available only to Auckland residents.</div></div></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-48779133489816351472012-02-16T19:04:00.004+13:002012-03-17T21:43:52.573+13:00Oh happy day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Belated) Happy Heart's Day food groupies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Read on to see how we celebrated Valentine's Day and a <b>special giveaway announcement</b> at the end!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Hiiiiiii there! Kaka here :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nando's has always been one of my go-to restaurants, especially when I'm craving spicy chicken. So since it was Valentine's Day yesterday, I decided it was time to once again taste Nando's wonderful peri-peri sauce. And because I received my first pay from my first "real" job - YAY! :D - I thought it would be nice to take out my mum and dad to dinner and dessert. We went to Nando's Lunn Avenue, this branch is still relatively new, and it's my favorite. Although it looks exactly the same as the other Nando's I've been to, this one has a homely feel to it. It's probably because their service people are so nice and bubbly. I ordered the Family Fiesta for the three of us. It comes with 1 whole chicken, with mild peri-peri sauce (you choose from: lemon & herbs, mild, hot, or extra hot), and 2 large sides. I chose their spicy rice and coleslaw as the sides. Check out the photos below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15kTwoacd-Vh0jKQAwyeIu4NoOxsRXsbqcu3Z1Uyv2BYeI41301y-t61qBXxUlIaaO0Qpya5hI2euwqe53tJfZroe_HcXdr6w-eAARyFNgaM9zSTpHHYFW-39wy9JZS9NWoNYf_N61RU/s1600/P2140168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15kTwoacd-Vh0jKQAwyeIu4NoOxsRXsbqcu3Z1Uyv2BYeI41301y-t61qBXxUlIaaO0Qpya5hI2euwqe53tJfZroe_HcXdr6w-eAARyFNgaM9zSTpHHYFW-39wy9JZS9NWoNYf_N61RU/s640/P2140168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWajbQv79kndPqlaN3WxBdsKsw2C7lk3CzqnCiZ3nqEwdZ4KkkkVtx2j3VkZqYydaxv8RCRei8zcDHJwuAPAYQg06VwVf2ifemR-7u4WYivNMBmpeH1TQvb2vGBupVl16zDYYjFfQlBQ/s1600/P2140169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWajbQv79kndPqlaN3WxBdsKsw2C7lk3CzqnCiZ3nqEwdZ4KkkkVtx2j3VkZqYydaxv8RCRei8zcDHJwuAPAYQg06VwVf2ifemR-7u4WYivNMBmpeH1TQvb2vGBupVl16zDYYjFfQlBQ/s640/P2140169.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole Chicken with Mild Peri-peri sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByIlfQ_RFDFZhaeZeao5j-RYxZrBSiav8XuIoqtaZ3DZO8eKbwJda9nGgzIYqeeN8M2lFaTlNVnQ8V8L7brQJd1K7mkgs3DaopI3j4B4sjTEMr_h7d8Ba3EcckfOLy7btikj_ojis5nk/s1600/P2140170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByIlfQ_RFDFZhaeZeao5j-RYxZrBSiav8XuIoqtaZ3DZO8eKbwJda9nGgzIYqeeN8M2lFaTlNVnQ8V8L7brQJd1K7mkgs3DaopI3j4B4sjTEMr_h7d8Ba3EcckfOLy7btikj_ojis5nk/s640/P2140170.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy Rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD0nnbC7Cpb4YC4fNzJyLOMbcmKOqxbmdx5iMq9h0XzlSJNW0PsUbKjsB4DX_QOYN0__4VrhfjZmgRAltJbBdCtR5KYrY0n4XSrcGj-eXUDOnF_0YPljuw8Fy6nrqqKYLz6M_os7yheA/s1600/P2140171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD0nnbC7Cpb4YC4fNzJyLOMbcmKOqxbmdx5iMq9h0XzlSJNW0PsUbKjsB4DX_QOYN0__4VrhfjZmgRAltJbBdCtR5KYrY0n4XSrcGj-eXUDOnF_0YPljuw8Fy6nrqqKYLz6M_os7yheA/s640/P2140171.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coleslaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks yummy huh? Well, it was indeed very yummy! Quite honestly, I was a bit surprised that we finished it all haha! But we did, and we were very satisfied by the end of our meal. The rice was perfectly cooked, and tasted great, the chicken was perfectly grilled (as always), and the coleslaw neutralised the spiciness of the chicken. Overall, it was a great dinner! Then we went for <a href="http://www.moevenpick-icecream.com/" target="_blank">Movenpick</a> (also on Lunn Avenue) for some tasty dessert. Unfortunately, my camera ran out of battery and I wasn't able to take photos - boo me!! :( Feel free to click the link to see what Movenpick has to offer. My personal favorite is Maple Walnut, but I like Lemon & Lime too :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, there you go! That's how I spent my Valentine's Day with my loved ones :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yo! Yo! Yo! Tata is in the house!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Valentine's Day has always been quite eventful for me. It's always quite exciting and different. Unfortunately this year I was sick. I went to the doctor that morning and spent the rest of the day resting and flicking through channels with my boyfriend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was kind enough to just chill with me. So instead of going out he brought me flowers and chicken congee. I made some cheesecake with strawberry, which we feasted on while watching E! news.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH3UCXNMztRXkvQL0qSxsRIcm6zxW19iarqiVRNtkU1Ox7wzaFY_3Nz-UmBfEpDyndBFInN96GW8BSIWlDCCu49PEgz_WPyGCOzOsWjwtN3Yfs6JOsw1PTjUAIPb106enjddymkFe7wi8/s1600/Photo0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH3UCXNMztRXkvQL0qSxsRIcm6zxW19iarqiVRNtkU1Ox7wzaFY_3Nz-UmBfEpDyndBFInN96GW8BSIWlDCCu49PEgz_WPyGCOzOsWjwtN3Yfs6JOsw1PTjUAIPb106enjddymkFe7wi8/s640/Photo0191.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_I7ryKFe1Fh7uxTt7_4gckB5sW8H1YtXPHPsiB-IN8l7crcR8uuaUHsWVZdrUZsRoaGFTe0mpx2ymKp37_iRdDpGrs92ev2bWTaF1iZT8-mziTUWZumkMdA-LzTsyX6Cu3CEN34zsiuF/s1600/Photo0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_I7ryKFe1Fh7uxTt7_4gckB5sW8H1YtXPHPsiB-IN8l7crcR8uuaUHsWVZdrUZsRoaGFTe0mpx2ymKp37_iRdDpGrs92ev2bWTaF1iZT8-mziTUWZumkMdA-LzTsyX6Cu3CEN34zsiuF/s640/Photo0186.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU0MF0qEDdJlEsoJY4fPIlrm61NJ49X6S2N6EKN-P9n33lI3czrqeodyDHvXJoNfS2jWWky4jREoqqor1935mTGxjKDyJ44KCYFmcLr8zwKr1-_gTmd3ZTLZY_8ke0aO37oHIdx4YSXvQ/s1600/Photo0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU0MF0qEDdJlEsoJY4fPIlrm61NJ49X6S2N6EKN-P9n33lI3czrqeodyDHvXJoNfS2jWWky4jREoqqor1935mTGxjKDyJ44KCYFmcLr8zwKr1-_gTmd3ZTLZY_8ke0aO37oHIdx4YSXvQ/s640/Photo0188.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry for the blur photos. I used my phone to take them and my hand was shaking. It was a good day and I enjoyed it despite the unlucky circumstance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Hearts Day Giveaway!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey Foodies! We're very keen to know how you celebrated your Valentine's day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In order to enter, all you have to do is like our FB page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka" target="_blank">here</a> and tell us what you did for Valentine's in our giveaway app <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka?sk=app_190322544333196" target="_blank">here</a>. Easy enough, right? All the details can also be found in our facebook page</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The chosen one will receive a very special treat from us!* We'll let you know in our next post what the prize is, but it'll definitely be food-related! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Want to eat here too? Restaurant details are below!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Nando's Restuarant</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">71 Lunn Avenue, Mt. Wellington</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out their <a href="http://www.nandos.co.nz/menu/index.html" target="_blank">New Zealand menu</a> and their <a href="http://www.nandos.com/" target="_blank">official global website</a> for more information! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=71+Lunn+Avenue,+Mt+Wellington&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=71+Lunn+Ave,+Mt+Wellington,+Auckland+1072,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.89009,174.833937&spn=0.012013,0.018239&z=15&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=71+Lunn+Avenue,+Mt+Wellington&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=71+Lunn+Ave,+Mt+Wellington,+Auckland+1072,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.89009,174.833937&spn=0.012013,0.018239&z=15&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Give-away for Auckland residents only. Maybe in the future, we'll be able to expand this to include international followers. Fingers crossed!</div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand-36.8900819 174.83394539999995-36.9201474 174.81100239999995 -36.8600164 174.85688839999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-33340317994850469012012-01-30T20:00:00.002+13:002012-03-17T21:46:04.471+13:00Neighbours Restaurant - Auckland CBDHello friends,<br />
<br />
It's time for more food goodness and this time we've actually come full circle! Last year when we started our blog, we actually shot our moving quick review gif's in this restaurant.and we realized just this month that we haven't really reviewed this awesome little place. So come and see a sneak peak of the amazing food! <3<br />
<br />
<b>Quick Review:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B6a2dLMJqKPe52pEssLh1HQPxh_F7LL6y7sesV3htCytjT3SNhcLiEVgB9oURDjs48nfUzXK1FVdyYF3dZ62pjXX44fCmUnNSgk30S6WkSv0dE4tyhSw36WAJd23iFPtbCBJKXAwrjbu/s1600/Tata-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B6a2dLMJqKPe52pEssLh1HQPxh_F7LL6y7sesV3htCytjT3SNhcLiEVgB9oURDjs48nfUzXK1FVdyYF3dZ62pjXX44fCmUnNSgk30S6WkSv0dE4tyhSw36WAJd23iFPtbCBJKXAwrjbu/s1600/Tata-Yum.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let the yummy-ness begin!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
I could say that this is one restaurant that Kaka and I often visit. It's our go to place for quick and yummy snacks or really great and cheap meals. They offer a variety of food with rice or noodles and some favorite snacks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIC2KBfhA4uZcVWd6yL8rVFwDXr4tse0OaDWQjEQN5JZz-zydfl4ldX_x9mFzCXprD_Rlp2fUa0fyrGeuvY0MiFn5KUBq7vdrkomEbigh6wYwhTJBNh9USCOxBpkfIuCjhfPy47mG809c/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIC2KBfhA4uZcVWd6yL8rVFwDXr4tse0OaDWQjEQN5JZz-zydfl4ldX_x9mFzCXprD_Rlp2fUa0fyrGeuvY0MiFn5KUBq7vdrkomEbigh6wYwhTJBNh9USCOxBpkfIuCjhfPy47mG809c/s640/IMG_0565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's Meal: FRIED PORK CHOP WITH NOODLES ($11.00)<br />
FISH BALLS ($4.00)<br />
TOFU JELLY WITH PEARLS ($4.50)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The picture above was my meal and looking at how much there is, makes it so obvious that I was really hungry! The fried pork chop was really good and tasty. I think anything with breading in this restaurant is awesome. It must be the spices in them. The noodles are always too much. I always feel like I'm endlessly eating. I should call it the bottomless noodle soup. The fried fish balls are always a tasty addition. I like having some sort of snack to compliment what I already have!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we come to the tofu jelly, also known in the Philippines as Taho, and it's my greatest guilty pleasure. I can eat this stuff forever! I think if we were asked one reason why we often go back to this place it would be that. It's that awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b9u9I32xnNreU1cvBBelLsAPJ1VYylQ_MZLtu_rrGgZ0pTi2iObhsZKvmU6maLIJBsXjlKFNaWBi3zPohMF9n7VT2zazFaiLEjoTCtnmf5mbDnax6kCbQGsytQGNsyTFSCVBJXGpSm9Z/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b9u9I32xnNreU1cvBBelLsAPJ1VYylQ_MZLtu_rrGgZ0pTi2iObhsZKvmU6maLIJBsXjlKFNaWBi3zPohMF9n7VT2zazFaiLEjoTCtnmf5mbDnax6kCbQGsytQGNsyTFSCVBJXGpSm9Z/s640/IMG_0566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVkh5h3p-_fFK5EDWTEHGavKsmPBmcg8hc6ej2HdG5-sDqMRqCkvXIUQu6dg2WzYOVxwqx_QoiYIQ_2X3Twu7QMGmHr6br4Y4UbU0Zelfgsa_a0SxR-n9P8UGWmtMJN9o3UCrzaEgJ0ZX/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVkh5h3p-_fFK5EDWTEHGavKsmPBmcg8hc6ej2HdG5-sDqMRqCkvXIUQu6dg2WzYOVxwqx_QoiYIQ_2X3Twu7QMGmHr6br4Y4UbU0Zelfgsa_a0SxR-n9P8UGWmtMJN9o3UCrzaEgJ0ZX/s640/IMG_0560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Verdict: </b>If the pictures weren't able to make you salivate yet. It sure has reminded me to go back for some more! I really like the easy menu, it's not the most unique and spectacular food in the world, but its cheap, fulfilling and they have taho! I mean come on, how can you not like that? I'm giving them a super thumbs up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Hi friendly friends! Kaka here...<br />
<br />
How are you liking the sound of Neighbours Restaurant so far? Yum, huh? :)<br />
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I still remember the first time I came here with Tata. It was such a great day because we finally found a place that served taho (tofu jelly with pearls)! Anyway, we went down the stairs and were greeted by this really nice and soft shade of peppermint green. They had a wall of photos of everything they had in their menu, and the way to order was you get a little piece of paper beside your desired meal and hand it to the cashier. The paper has the name and price of the meal/snack. Very fast and hassle-free!<br />
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I usually order noodles when I go here, but I could never finish it so today I decided to try out one of their rice dishes. So I ordered the Taiwanese Sausage on rice and of course, Tofu jelly with pearls. Here's a photo of my meal:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc23fOZFbPKhJSYsWoFCRISZeweUemAz_D22ykpnxg-mVeldsj-9KVTqBi_vzqt4Ljh40p8CVYpvC4g4BbtMGlZS-Lv8ikgSJwbPkHiheE33p19FrzduT7fVuFhvhIHUoFwPponGrKVIB/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc23fOZFbPKhJSYsWoFCRISZeweUemAz_D22ykpnxg-mVeldsj-9KVTqBi_vzqt4Ljh40p8CVYpvC4g4BbtMGlZS-Lv8ikgSJwbPkHiheE33p19FrzduT7fVuFhvhIHUoFwPponGrKVIB/s640/IMG_0571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's Meal: TAIWANESE SAUSAGE WITH RICE ($12.00)<br />
TOFU JELLY WITH PEARLS ($4.50)</b> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG6fCWeCbFArwNtO-VQVYvbm_vOyk-oYpvyKSpW-UJSB8A_NXo5ZaDneSaOba_ONtsAzqw6sZ-MjS-5zGRP-PAU37uVzgeDT3sgA0nda1igxhWMYRto_4B8Srj_wvRfCYKAKHmv8jJZHT/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG6fCWeCbFArwNtO-VQVYvbm_vOyk-oYpvyKSpW-UJSB8A_NXo5ZaDneSaOba_ONtsAzqw6sZ-MjS-5zGRP-PAU37uVzgeDT3sgA0nda1igxhWMYRto_4B8Srj_wvRfCYKAKHmv8jJZHT/s640/IMG_0568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_99MrK9ssz6uINnyj4TNcYVjEXW9VhTBZef_XOXh61zQyA6j5Xmgd0FVBwqz86NnZ4mBu_2WJUqmlU1DJlh-gaEriTI49dYWVvcc5WLNAd35ZBwnGFHypq1G5awdDkWcyk3K5FdClPYe/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_99MrK9ssz6uINnyj4TNcYVjEXW9VhTBZef_XOXh61zQyA6j5Xmgd0FVBwqz86NnZ4mBu_2WJUqmlU1DJlh-gaEriTI49dYWVvcc5WLNAd35ZBwnGFHypq1G5awdDkWcyk3K5FdClPYe/s640/IMG_0572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh so yummy taho <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're curious about all the other stuff in my plate, it's tofu, string beans, and more veggies. All their rice dishes come with these. At first I couldn't really taste the sausage, but I soon realised that I couldn't taste it because I kept having a spoon of tofu jelly (which is a sweet treat) before I have some of the sausage. So, I stopped doing that and just ate the sausage with the rice. It tasted good, as good as any Taiwanese sausage I've had. I actually really liked the tofu and the other veggies it came with. The veggies balanced the strong taste of the sausage, so that it wasn't too overpowering. After eating my meal, I ate my tofu jelly really slowly savoring every bite. Sooo good!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Verdict: </b>If it isn't obvious yet, I am giving Neighbours Restaurant Two Thumbs Up! :D This place is definitely in my list of "Favourite Restaurants" in Auckland. To all you Filipino food groupies living in Auckland, if you're craving for some taho, Neighbours is the place to go to! I should tell you though, that they serve it cold (not hot, like we traditionally have it), but it's just as good! Well done Neighbours! See you again soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love food always,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><b>P.S. We are changing our quick review photos soon. So if you're as excited as we are, then check back on the 15th for another food review!</b><br />
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<b>Don't forget to check us out on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/tataandkaka" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://keenbeans.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!</div><br />
<b>Neighbours Restaurant</b><br />
8 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD<br />
113 Meadowlands Drive, Howick<br />
Visit them to learn more about their menu.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8+Lorne+Street,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&aq=0&oq=8+Lorne+St,+auck&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.735377,86.572266&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=8+Lorne+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.849861,174.766141&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=8+Lorne+Street,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&aq=0&oq=8+Lorne+St,+auck&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.735377,86.572266&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=8+Lorne+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.849861,174.766141&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
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<span id="goog_662311008"></span><span id="goog_662311009"></span>Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-86991505821597749222012-01-15T19:13:00.005+13:002012-03-17T21:46:04.472+13:00Kanda Sushi & Grill Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hi food groupies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How's your 2012 so far? Any delightful food stories you wanna share with us? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In this post we're doing a two-part review of Kanda - the new Japanese restaurant at Ti Rakau Drive. Kaka will review their lunch eat-all-you-can package, while Tata is in charge of their dinner buffet. Also, we've got some exciting announcements for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Read on, and enjoy the sushi, udons, and tempura! Make sure you read 'till the end for our exciting news! :D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">友人</span><span class="" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">こんにちは!</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div>If you can't read Japanese, that translates to "Hello friends!". At least that's what Google Translate said. haha! Anyway, how was your New Year's celebration foodies? And how's 2012 treating you so far? I gotta say, it's only the 1st month of the year and all my January and February weekends are now booked for parties! Looks like I'm gonna be busy partying all year!..Moving on to the review! I went to Kanda with my parents for Christmas lunch. Check out our photos below enjoying the yummy yummy sushi Kanda has to offer in their lunch menu!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and my plate full of sushi <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meet my mum!<br />
Check out her page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BloomWhereYouArePlanted.fritzii" target="_blank">Bloom Where You're Planted</a> for inspirational quotes and her beautiful photos.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kanda has a very different style of serving their customers. You come in and are greeted by a friendly waiter/waitress, then you'll be seated almost instantly. Once seated, your waiter will give you their menu and a piece of paper. On that paper is a list of everything offered and you just write how much you want beside the name. For example: 4 salmon sushi. That means you'll get 4 pieces of salmon sushi. Pretty straight-forward.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before anything, I would like to say that I never used to eat "real" sushi. For me, real sushi are the ones made with raw fish and I shudder just at the thought of eating raw fish. So the only sushi I've tasted are those with cooked ingredients in them. However, Kanda changed my mind regarding salmon sushi. Here's some photos of their salmon sushi:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salmon and seared salmon sushi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp_KYp8cHaAXuuJ3V75vPNJXG4cvN9YAqTqzSriUWjp4RotaOMHkbDFKi1O61ICM7VyVr2vV93HyVD7pk32jU5zzLLKr-FtFceXAIyQ-hZVIhMOgObmjgl6X1ZMVgihAly4PqNCQqRTQ/s1600/j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp_KYp8cHaAXuuJ3V75vPNJXG4cvN9YAqTqzSriUWjp4RotaOMHkbDFKi1O61ICM7VyVr2vV93HyVD7pk32jU5zzLLKr-FtFceXAIyQ-hZVIhMOgObmjgl6X1ZMVgihAly4PqNCQqRTQ/s640/j.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seared salmon sushi (close-up)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was apprehensive at first thinking that it would taste horrible and that it might induce vomiting. I took a piece of salmon sushi, dipped in soy sauce with wasabi and ate it in one bite. It was divine! For raw fish, I didn't even taste the yucky raw fish I had imagined, it didn't smell either. It was a great first time to eat real sushi. All thanks to Kanda! Now I can confidently say that I eat sushi.<br />
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Other than salmon sushi, we tried a whole bunch of other sushi as well. Their lunch menu consists of various kinds of sushi, fried rice, udon, chicken and salmon teriyaki, and dumplings, among others. Check out photos of our order:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They also offer free tea. I forgot to ask what tea it was but it tasted really good. All I know is it's not green tea. The taste was completely different, it was very subtle. The only thing I would recommend is for their wait staff to have a stronger grasp of the English language. Some of their waiters found it hard to talk to us when we were asking questions, and had to call someone else. Other than that, everything was perfect. I almost forgot to mention the price! It's $17.99 per person for all-you-can-eat sushi. For me, that's incredibly cheap (since I can eat a whole heap of sushi) if you compare it to buying it individually at sushi shops. By the way, their lunch hours is 11:30am - 2:30pm. Make sure you come in early so you have ample time to eat all the sushi you want!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Verdict:</b> Overall it was a great food experience! I would definitely come back for more! Actually, I've already made plans to come back. I shall forever remember Kanda as the reason why I now eat real sushi. So, if you love sushi and are after high-quality sushi at an affordable price I recommend you pay a visit to Kanda Sushi & Grill Restaurant. Two Thumbs Up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ohayou Gozaimasu Minna!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When they said Japanese buffet, we said "Challenge Accepted"! I've already been to Kanda twice and to be sure I'm going again! They have such a wide range of choices and their dinner menu is absolutely superb. They charge $32.99 from Friday to Sunday and $29.99 for the rest of the weekdays for their dinner menu. I loved the variety of food and the atmosphere of everything. They serve quite fast and I always have a plate full of food waiting to be consumed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Verdict: </b>It's everything I ever dreamed of and more! Kanda is the equivalent of a Japanese fast food restaurant that is well priced and serves good quality Japanese food. It's not the next five star Japanese cuisine, but it fills the stomach in the best way possible. So if you have the chance, do check them out! The meal is worth it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Arigatou,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>P.S. Here's the exciting news we can't wait to tell you! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>To make things easier for all you food groupies out there, we've created pages on other social networking sites. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>If you have tumblr, twitter, and facebook accounts, follow/like our page. Links below! </b><b>:D</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Check us out on <a href="http://keenbeans.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">tumblr</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/tataandkaka" target="_blank">twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tataandkaka" target="_blank">facebook</a>!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!<br />
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<b>Kanda Sushi and Grill</b><br />
295 Ti Rakau Drive<br />
Visit them to learn more about their menu.<br />
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</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=295+ti+rakau&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.371738,86.572266&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=295+ti+rakau&hnear=&radius=15000&t=m&ll=-36.92739,174.896507&spn=0.006004,0.00912&z=16&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=295+ti+rakau&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.371738,86.572266&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=295+ti+rakau&hnear=&radius=15000&t=m&ll=-36.92739,174.896507&spn=0.006004,0.00912&z=16" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-29284500631382350452012-01-15T18:59:00.001+13:002012-12-20T01:21:07.688+13:00Tata Turns Foodtastically 22Welcome back food groupies! How's the new year treatin' ya? For our first post for 2012, we've decided to make it extra special. Join me in wishing our good friend, and fellow food groupie, Tata, a happy happy birthday!<br />
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And since it's her birthday, I (Kaka), am giving her free reign in this post :D Read more of Tata's 3-day birthday celebration, and all the yummy food she celebrated with!<br />
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Hello friends! <br />
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It's official, I'm old-er! But I take comfort on the fact that in a few months, Kaka will be too! >:))<br />
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I know that twenty-two is not that old, but it seems so far away from twenty-one. However, I'm glad to report that my love for food has not changed one bit! This week has been a whirlwind of intense food nomgasm!<br />
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Celebrations here and there has totally made me fat. The first two pictures show the birthday cake on my actual birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSNoNyXmvsj20uQSGsH8rstod3nmpiWD82iMtkJjo8PS27CXQ6aH2AnHpxjr6Lw6LzeVQa_HaDDcP7oS09clRwlPLzQzNnxyzcyvIt04UGD4aWeFbwCF5TPPnQidX7JuFzzj0wpAZ3iJZ/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSNoNyXmvsj20uQSGsH8rstod3nmpiWD82iMtkJjo8PS27CXQ6aH2AnHpxjr6Lw6LzeVQa_HaDDcP7oS09clRwlPLzQzNnxyzcyvIt04UGD4aWeFbwCF5TPPnQidX7JuFzzj0wpAZ3iJZ/s640/IMG_0125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a chiffon cake with custard and peach fillings from Rio Kitchen, an awesome Asian cake shop who also makes a variety of bread and sweet treats. If you're interested, check out their website details below. I really loved this cake because it was so soft and the icing was a light sweet cream. It wasn't hard and it felt very foamy! It also looks so gorgeous that I didn't even want to eat it first!</div>
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On my birthday party the next day, I invited my closest friends for an intimate wholesome fun celebration. Included in my guest list (of course) is my ever so beautiful, most amazing friend ever Kaka! She took these pictures and tasted all of the food I prepared!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnZZdw5qPbGtX6IFSMrs9W2tg8sMExVcqYNoRXPirurrKW2acLONNhNyDiqOOKs0rcPxHddt8bArqVk7Vf40BSGupimlHK7BuOlgZ87ioHR7uTqSrXSL8_aFWTJcouAcpgXuS7zmk_m0f/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnZZdw5qPbGtX6IFSMrs9W2tg8sMExVcqYNoRXPirurrKW2acLONNhNyDiqOOKs0rcPxHddt8bArqVk7Vf40BSGupimlHK7BuOlgZ87ioHR7uTqSrXSL8_aFWTJcouAcpgXuS7zmk_m0f/s640/IMG_0131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Brownie Cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qC_oqXjiaF_9mm8Lstn8AESe98Yy45AQW3-5iD7vthDEoCRqZSP9Js0XEzQBAnIIHfOKgwLqM3CkXtkdCIGwmOGcVTvnzyiMBq6nj7RkoUGHHVSYp4G4PQCb6FjW-FEeDbcRuI4Dc3OV/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qC_oqXjiaF_9mm8Lstn8AESe98Yy45AQW3-5iD7vthDEoCRqZSP9Js0XEzQBAnIIHfOKgwLqM3CkXtkdCIGwmOGcVTvnzyiMBq6nj7RkoUGHHVSYp4G4PQCb6FjW-FEeDbcRuI4Dc3OV/s640/IMG_0133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Cupcakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNitlhJ7PtZjKAAgMSAMT_Is-0rZlHvTFLcqcJsiSpcep71HsiSmwdluZHSDWSWshUFzFcOp9bSzsAbesXWI6IGL5Fx9hU6TWsU_BorEDw01hQ2a0ACJph0HGqzZoCeGMpMGLNvbVZCyBP/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNitlhJ7PtZjKAAgMSAMT_Is-0rZlHvTFLcqcJsiSpcep71HsiSmwdluZHSDWSWshUFzFcOp9bSzsAbesXWI6IGL5Fx9hU6TWsU_BorEDw01hQ2a0ACJph0HGqzZoCeGMpMGLNvbVZCyBP/s640/IMG_0135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">♥</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtDwDOJUsyaFPuRaIk5Kd1DzPsAlmKBkMH1bg7Va8hHrTK70M5Kpkg6bFxDDtEVlN7JiNNI7L1MnSyz5j4PMcxov0WOPuAPD0apV27IlQC76jIHykyQ0FAGpEmYbfAp1kB4pntkJdX9Yz/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtDwDOJUsyaFPuRaIk5Kd1DzPsAlmKBkMH1bg7Va8hHrTK70M5Kpkg6bFxDDtEVlN7JiNNI7L1MnSyz5j4PMcxov0WOPuAPD0apV27IlQC76jIHykyQ0FAGpEmYbfAp1kB4pntkJdX9Yz/s640/IMG_0136.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-tone Jellies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2lUtXZpbpF4i0HiLNsU_fAf66Gw2TLnxlITZUFmxxPL3FbUsk2Ni-NyIXU46hvOl0dKGrGwJLv-fOf8g-ZoTbioq_ihr0c-72QhKa4V5ln-LvI6y_TFkdjzg8PkyEEgpjxyfqEiwrkzJ/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2lUtXZpbpF4i0HiLNsU_fAf66Gw2TLnxlITZUFmxxPL3FbUsk2Ni-NyIXU46hvOl0dKGrGwJLv-fOf8g-ZoTbioq_ihr0c-72QhKa4V5ln-LvI6y_TFkdjzg8PkyEEgpjxyfqEiwrkzJ/s640/IMG_0138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sausage Rolls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYnyNllO8PXuyzSQVZbeDFU3NI4XU-SoXFVHt27DbkkVQ1iY3xDXggm8LVWZjJu-ivhYALK4w-VZ7iob6RcKt23UTyjO3OKZ9K8KYjSPv0de8OtkK6u_19PeIVODZ5hyphenhyphencwAbAkkiocxPD/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYnyNllO8PXuyzSQVZbeDFU3NI4XU-SoXFVHt27DbkkVQ1iY3xDXggm8LVWZjJu-ivhYALK4w-VZ7iob6RcKt23UTyjO3OKZ9K8KYjSPv0de8OtkK6u_19PeIVODZ5hyphenhyphencwAbAkkiocxPD/s640/IMG_0139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Chicken!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqE4nMTiGdhJfXiI3akDN4OPRdM3WlNUvTyd1ZBzZrXCQjXx1h-8vs4suCE8Ticl8OmTWLRWY3G2jSAUaNbr4Z0ZE4H44RaB57rCwYF4Vm485wRNvLa6OuhcwUEWXmmb0pWgP4MUbh4mV/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqE4nMTiGdhJfXiI3akDN4OPRdM3WlNUvTyd1ZBzZrXCQjXx1h-8vs4suCE8Ticl8OmTWLRWY3G2jSAUaNbr4Z0ZE4H44RaB57rCwYF4Vm485wRNvLa6OuhcwUEWXmmb0pWgP4MUbh4mV/s640/IMG_0161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iCzTR7ZHR3__lilTKNAqcMfdNJnzpeYsFuMDwgNQBG2BTWWwKLsq9gGrJ49e92CNLj2M_sOG1oxWzHdGMGgIC-OzteKwhLydTir42NkL8jeP6-i9XbsXbL0tlzp8nZq-i81e5lPDnRdM/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iCzTR7ZHR3__lilTKNAqcMfdNJnzpeYsFuMDwgNQBG2BTWWwKLsq9gGrJ49e92CNLj2M_sOG1oxWzHdGMGgIC-OzteKwhLydTir42NkL8jeP6-i9XbsXbL0tlzp8nZq-i81e5lPDnRdM/s640/IMG_0162.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turon</td></tr>
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The feast included a brownie cake, colorful vanilla cupcakes, two tone jellies, chicken, spaghetti and sausage rolls! The last picture is something called 'Turon', which is a famous Filipino treat. Do you want to know more about it?</div>
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After my party, the next day, my family decided to go out for dinner. We ate at a Japanese Buffet named Kanda Sushi and Grill. It's so yummy and they have so many choices! Watch out for our review in a post coming soon for this intense eating experience!</div>
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Thank you for looking through my birthday food!</div>
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See you later,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s1600/Tata.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s200/Tata.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>P.S. Don't forget to check the Kanda review that's coming right up! </b></div>
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Interested in Rio? Details are below!</div>
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<b>Rio Kitchen</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.riokitchen.co.nz/index.php" target="_blank"><b>http://www.riokitchen.co.nz/index.php</b></a></div>
Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-65516021581621616372011-12-31T20:35:00.001+13:002012-03-17T21:43:10.173+13:00Christmas Celebrations: Tata & Kaka Style!How was your Christmas celebrations? Did you get what you want for Christmas? :)<br />
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Sorry about the late post groupies! We've both been having too much fun relaxing (and eating) that it slipped our mind to publish a post yesterday. Anyway, we thought we'd change it up a bit. This post won't be a review of a restaurant, but will be a peek at Christmas celebrations: Tata & Kaka style!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Happy Holidays Food Groupies! Kaka here :)<br />
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Check out the muffins I baked!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge1wp5HGJ28zYg2Rao-46nTWp9hVfKmlhnELpdmsH_NhGFKJwOBnTwD5VKokrSR4f8BC-PO7OdGXhQku5FDgsKTPcUesIPVdvdEl43S5vLDAtIgWotZUltc79jOQBmyiaCkA3uvjJmH4/s1600/muffins%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge1wp5HGJ28zYg2Rao-46nTWp9hVfKmlhnELpdmsH_NhGFKJwOBnTwD5VKokrSR4f8BC-PO7OdGXhQku5FDgsKTPcUesIPVdvdEl43S5vLDAtIgWotZUltc79jOQBmyiaCkA3uvjJmH4/s640/muffins%2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Strawberry & Cream Cheese<br />
Bottom: Blueberry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Don't they look yummy? Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of the Blueberry & Cream Cheese muffins :( But according to my family and friends, they were really good! This was my first time baking by myself. It was like the Christmas spirit released the baker in me! I baked a total of 36 muffins that day! Out of that 36 muffins, I didn't have any. haha I just wanted to bake and bake and bake some more! If you want to know the recipe, it's really easy! Since I'm an amateur, I bought <b>sweet muffin mix </b>from the grocery, some organic blueberries, strawberry jam, and cream cheese. Just add water, milk, and a couple of eggs to the mix, mix it with a wooden spoon until creamy then add the blueberries. For strawberry and cream cheese, pour a bit of the mix in the baking tray, then jam, then mix, then cream cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 mins at 150 degrees celcius (i think). Easy right? :) Usually, there'll be instructions on the muffin mix's packaging on how to bake muffins. I just followed the instructions in mine. Or you could google other recipes. I only made these flavors 'cause these are the only ones I like.<br />
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</div><div>Anyway, I spent my Christmas Eve with my family and some close family friends. I'm sorry about the not-so-glamorous photo of the food. I was too eager to eat that I forgot to take a photo before everyone dug in! We had potato salad, roast chicken and pork, pork barbecue on a stick, grilled asparagus, some sausages too. And for dessert: blueberry cheesecake, fudge brownies, and smores! yuuummm!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnUgHBiR5S885frpz_za4Grce8RJgPKcBkPzFyHm1dTlVvDhE1bqHCpyql_HKGI0MSWWEFmCKmagix6Ii7QRTqVDTdDlOw4fXfCekZznLA-jx6i-o2Zs4BLwbiVFloCD0HLv7TyOHlRs/s1600/375181_10151083919080510_727835509_22494209_1196338961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnUgHBiR5S885frpz_za4Grce8RJgPKcBkPzFyHm1dTlVvDhE1bqHCpyql_HKGI0MSWWEFmCKmagix6Ii7QRTqVDTdDlOw4fXfCekZznLA-jx6i-o2Zs4BLwbiVFloCD0HLv7TyOHlRs/s640/375181_10151083919080510_727835509_22494209_1196338961_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, everyone was already gathered 'round the table with plates on their hands when I took the photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>We also took some individual, and family, photos! And being me, I took more than one! haha (but I'm not posting them all here!) </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI98qhAKA4KFY7wQ-uJv3JSCMCj5k1MUbps9O1dbzxJNJ4tQXZMLScrXCoW8ew_8QP3OvnQ4h0_FbKg1jevKHZv_QT__a81yqGKrTe_tPROznJrKq3N2V7Ia99oxu-6fqRyE873IBi-hs/s1600/393926_10151083942860510_727835509_22494402_1713739899_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI98qhAKA4KFY7wQ-uJv3JSCMCj5k1MUbps9O1dbzxJNJ4tQXZMLScrXCoW8ew_8QP3OvnQ4h0_FbKg1jevKHZv_QT__a81yqGKrTe_tPROznJrKq3N2V7Ia99oxu-6fqRyE873IBi-hs/s640/393926_10151083942860510_727835509_22494402_1713739899_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my photo by the tree :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkBoQNR7qlxEQpugDfV47bqWD8AFyIkwlPNV02Ii5nn5nPzgmXCRM6LxO6hrgXDgS-M6s0MvCZlmVO49z_tPCAIoKcGW7_axhfZ0BbtE2Ny5vc3towtnfBDEG3emoOgsdtQQVxoy8h04/s1600/384576_2315660576176_1389301652_31872419_1829933602_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkBoQNR7qlxEQpugDfV47bqWD8AFyIkwlPNV02Ii5nn5nPzgmXCRM6LxO6hrgXDgS-M6s0MvCZlmVO49z_tPCAIoKcGW7_axhfZ0BbtE2Ny5vc3towtnfBDEG3emoOgsdtQQVxoy8h04/s640/384576_2315660576176_1389301652_31872419_1829933602_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's me pretending to be a model (Find the similarity with Tata's outfit photo ;) )</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVZe0Aa8hyphenhyphenUI6HieboQWfRopm2pSGNy4C9oQ1prJ1TjkG310L7keG1kw_D1-CWP8LJgGahtfxdhygkP_J2TFY0PhtQa7ojTiGQn_KlGUDp0dmzOVVSit2uuE224BYFONxpGttHURHb20/s1600/400727_10151083932785510_727835509_22494282_1405419827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVZe0Aa8hyphenhyphenUI6HieboQWfRopm2pSGNy4C9oQ1prJ1TjkG310L7keG1kw_D1-CWP8LJgGahtfxdhygkP_J2TFY0PhtQa7ojTiGQn_KlGUDp0dmzOVVSit2uuE224BYFONxpGttHURHb20/s640/400727_10151083932785510_727835509_22494282_1405419827_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet my wacky family! I tried to look for a "serious" photo, but found none. haha</td></tr>
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</div>So that was my Christmas! Nothing fancy, but made special by friends and family. How was your Christmas? As for the New Year's celebration, I'm still debating whether to stay home, or accept one of the many invites to close friends' and family's house. Whatcha think? What about you? How are you celebrating the end of 2011, and the beginning of 2012?<br />
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HELLO 2011 food lovers! It's me Tata and I have some Christmas food stories for you! <3<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Me and the boyfriend decided to do a Christmas Eve brunch at The Coffee Club. I love the fact that they had an all day breakfast menu, so I was quick to grab the bacon, egg and toast meal with vanilla milkshake. He chose to get a chicken sandwich with a side of chips.</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyGjf_HQo-R2mlGAUhm3uh2VhYyITDWWh5cMqODoolJKsyA3yyxmxoKAMDrgsd6YiEvyqLpI5KE7bkdgcE1dzqYEPejJq1wZCV2CAxoBbGELH-7DXVrxHdrKThXomj7laWR0K5Z9MahGw/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyGjf_HQo-R2mlGAUhm3uh2VhYyITDWWh5cMqODoolJKsyA3yyxmxoKAMDrgsd6YiEvyqLpI5KE7bkdgcE1dzqYEPejJq1wZCV2CAxoBbGELH-7DXVrxHdrKThXomj7laWR0K5Z9MahGw/s640/IMG_0047.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Christmas Eve dinner with the family and some close family friends. We had shrimp, steak, baked potato and bacon, asparagus and bacon salad and some baked macaroni! YUM! If you're wondering why it's so bright outside, it's because the sun sets so late during this time of the year. The days are really longer than the nights.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zbg3MfBsnK3uEsgLF3C0pxPu4J0L0TgR3e6CV8ovPCTApyUj3usBfBV40I5l03h7B-igviI0GGeYZ7bl7K5opsIehsGcKueagFnBe5TQC9oKIV-vDzmseoRi5vezY7RboYnurzYtPviF/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zbg3MfBsnK3uEsgLF3C0pxPu4J0L0TgR3e6CV8ovPCTApyUj3usBfBV40I5l03h7B-igviI0GGeYZ7bl7K5opsIehsGcKueagFnBe5TQC9oKIV-vDzmseoRi5vezY7RboYnurzYtPviF/s640/IMG_0064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had some treats that was quickly consumed as we waited for Christmas! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHjOvJ0dEFXEP11qa23poP489SIczUfCDB6ph93W1RQ_YZgyN_AOJdt4pYzoUosOpkI2yiIP8wbi5R1ORmFmxLMuoHIZQor4oGQO712rJTCm7EZYbzQ1eyPtpHMzS6Bu3EY_KrS1_Ndpc/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHjOvJ0dEFXEP11qa23poP489SIczUfCDB6ph93W1RQ_YZgyN_AOJdt4pYzoUosOpkI2yiIP8wbi5R1ORmFmxLMuoHIZQor4oGQO712rJTCm7EZYbzQ1eyPtpHMzS6Bu3EY_KrS1_Ndpc/s640/IMG_0073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the family, blocking the tree. :))</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCl7bQsRuyGTw4I1aGMCPv05Pd5u3XoaSVprrC2i3M1kF2RjEhszB6DFtwp-SvIGFatdrH0WjTJu5Q06LmdzKqFCyBw3KFZ3Q9fBjN8b7LS5RNv1LlHKYqQQbmO1QsMJCVl3AziQENUNp/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCl7bQsRuyGTw4I1aGMCPv05Pd5u3XoaSVprrC2i3M1kF2RjEhszB6DFtwp-SvIGFatdrH0WjTJu5Q06LmdzKqFCyBw3KFZ3Q9fBjN8b7LS5RNv1LlHKYqQQbmO1QsMJCVl3AziQENUNp/s640/IMG_0101.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Christmas Eve outfit! Funny story, I was browsing my news feed and saw Kaka post some Christmas pictures and we had the same pose, same foot popped! Although she posed with the opposite side facing the camera, it was really funny. Well I found it funny anyway!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gJjoctxDMKOQ6dwViECGf-_bMtbvTOVBs4CRIaIya0OZjnYaJX8nOlahRzKieaC6h7VEQ-8lVXm-Yo2UXNAeiEPNAocnE0ybW6qBD8JWPhip5BkJeHXu4vg9L3a4VwEDZFHmhuMHXs4Q/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gJjoctxDMKOQ6dwViECGf-_bMtbvTOVBs4CRIaIya0OZjnYaJX8nOlahRzKieaC6h7VEQ-8lVXm-Yo2UXNAeiEPNAocnE0ybW6qBD8JWPhip5BkJeHXu4vg9L3a4VwEDZFHmhuMHXs4Q/s640/IMG_0108.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally we spent Christmas lunch and afternoon at the beach and then we made our way to our friend's house at the place they used to film Xena the Warrior Princess at! Cool huh!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRAOC6UiryzTUdVbyitypcKemKkuWX0tLKDO3q7TlZSWtBtaDmwvAv3acaWQVa9uOIOKXhiJwc7QfhrbVrrry06WDBQDfnnpbPvJ2e2gqtCYHawW_Ny34rQxvBV6dZziP4b8cRjl9I6Ff/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRAOC6UiryzTUdVbyitypcKemKkuWX0tLKDO3q7TlZSWtBtaDmwvAv3acaWQVa9uOIOKXhiJwc7QfhrbVrrry06WDBQDfnnpbPvJ2e2gqtCYHawW_Ny34rQxvBV6dZziP4b8cRjl9I6Ff/s640/IMG_0124.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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There ya go folks! We loved sharing our Christmas celebrations with you! Here's to a great 2011 with all of you and an even better 2012! We'd love to hear how your Christmas went, and your plans for New Year's. Flick us a comment and tell us all about it!<br />
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For the love of food,<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;"> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">P.s. We've got something special in store for all you food groupies out there. Be sure to check back in on January 15th, 2012 for a nice surprise</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">!</span></b></div><b><br />
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</div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-76695670819610189552011-12-15T17:12:00.002+13:002012-03-17T21:46:04.473+13:00La Porchetta - Eat Live Love - ItalianCiao Lettori!!<br />
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Time for some tasty Italian food!<br />
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Quick Review:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2jYoHNCCvrFTON-iNULkfQJi7VWgJibxUlPshil-jDLKzo0fsCh8FOWxFZNlW2yeBgnVN6LoL8mr0xm8lRRsVCdG8cvNLgg-DEuCibpVXHdHdt0m24q3z_y_u-Qjnjkw3FJg5UmZKT0r/s1600/Tata-Meh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2jYoHNCCvrFTON-iNULkfQJi7VWgJibxUlPshil-jDLKzo0fsCh8FOWxFZNlW2yeBgnVN6LoL8mr0xm8lRRsVCdG8cvNLgg-DEuCibpVXHdHdt0m24q3z_y_u-Qjnjkw3FJg5UmZKT0r/s1600/Tata-Meh.gif" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><div>Hello hello food groupies! How's your Christmas holidays going? Any special plans? Oh, what's your Christmas menu like? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment at the end of the blog and tell us about your Christmas food plans. In the meantime, check out our review for La Porchetta (Italian restaurant), recommended by our good friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/johnyboi">John Dexter Abaya</a>. (He also bought us three pizzas as a treat! yum!) Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8aEu8yyK1LfnBwQS29jLd9hShlVWRVVqpKmHOGRrR5u3vZ-TewKHDQX2GkrW3nM9xOU1blEJUsvpG4kLyoCYv8fv8yIWV6x1yp27g5NDzP6FA7YAW3cIcg_R1lbGqgpppnpeGUyrFas/s1600/PB171195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8aEu8yyK1LfnBwQS29jLd9hShlVWRVVqpKmHOGRrR5u3vZ-TewKHDQX2GkrW3nM9xOU1blEJUsvpG4kLyoCYv8fv8yIWV6x1yp27g5NDzP6FA7YAW3cIcg_R1lbGqgpppnpeGUyrFas/s640/PB171195.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's meal: CALABRESE TORTELLINI ($15.80)<br />
Italian style salami, red capsicum, olives, onion & chilli in a Napoletana sauce and tortellini pasta</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Ciao food groupies! Actually, I've been to this restaurant a few times already [<i>The first time was actually Tata's birthday!</i>]. Unfortunately, I've always experienced not-so-good service whenever I go. But that didn't stop me! I've always loved pasta dishes, so I try different kinds of pasta dishes every time I go here. This time, I had the Calabrese with tortellini pasta. And I'm glad I did! So far, I can say that this is the best dish I've had. If you have a tolerance (and liking) for spicy food then I recommend you try this spicy pasta dish. For me, it was the right level of spicy since I was still able to taste the other ingredients (salami, capsicum/bell pepper, olives and onions). Just a reminder though, if your tolerance level for spicy food isn't that high then this might not be a good choice. [<i>This was too spicy for Tata</i>] Anyway, the pasta was cooked just the way I like it, not too soft that it becomes soggy and not undercooked that the folds in the tortellini are hard. Their service that day was better than my previous experiences, so that's a good point for La Porchetta staff. Waiting time for the food wasn't that long too. However, I would recommend that they "pimp" their interior just a bit. You know, to make it feel more Italian-y. The setting inside the restaurant was just like any other restaurant so that kind of gave out an <i>ordinary</i> vibe to the place. As I always say, ambiance is everything! [<i>No, I don't really always say that. But it is important to me.</i>]</div><br />
<b>Verdict: </b>I would definitely come back to try more different pastas and pizzas! If you're ever craving gourmet pasta dishes then you should definitely try La Porchetta! I'm not Italian so I wouldn't really know what <i>authentic</i> Italian dishes taste like, but I can say that their dishes are delicious and worth it. I ordered the entree size and it filled me up - and I eat a lot. Two thumbs up for La Porchetta today! :D<br />
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</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5koFgr57vtb-Y1A49NSZUHlRv7hv_mRF9RHUytD9EY8h0HKJy0JzmkhQCmzfbWR_bSNfHhU-TrOY3666haqqWcw_rSI23-xjjOF9nQKsHrwWE7eidMK8kWEwNEyoPc4n6BTqPBzuo38O/s1600/LaPorchetta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5koFgr57vtb-Y1A49NSZUHlRv7hv_mRF9RHUytD9EY8h0HKJy0JzmkhQCmzfbWR_bSNfHhU-TrOY3666haqqWcw_rSI23-xjjOF9nQKsHrwWE7eidMK8kWEwNEyoPc4n6BTqPBzuo38O/s320/LaPorchetta.png" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
</b><br />
I know my quick review says meh, but in all honesty my tolerance for Italian food is always high. Pasta is a huge weakness and I'm easily pleased. <3 However something that enhances the food itself is always the service and I've been here plenty of times (sometimes they like me, sometimes they want me to leave as quickly as possible). It's the vibe they give you, like they are waiting for you to finish your food. Anyway, the food was always great and yummy, so no complaints there. I told you I'm easy to please.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncCWIV-56-agNllBovakEIN5r4LZD7eQiMyqEV_0ddxZy2KpA4_oSE-_z71bxjSMcG15zAec4t3hfy2YPQ1VG73Gn3ZxGJqUnq8TLt6JFKbNXBb9jJIARbil-Bsc0TkZG6mvt116Flck/s1600/PB171203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncCWIV-56-agNllBovakEIN5r4LZD7eQiMyqEV_0ddxZy2KpA4_oSE-_z71bxjSMcG15zAec4t3hfy2YPQ1VG73Gn3ZxGJqUnq8TLt6JFKbNXBb9jJIARbil-Bsc0TkZG6mvt116Flck/s640/PB171203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's meal: MUSHROOM SAUCE RAVIOLI ($11.40)<br />
Freshly sliced button mushrooms cooked in a tempting cream sauce with freshly grated Parmesan on ravioli</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, this time around, I didn't mind the service. They were polite and maybe not as welcoming as those new restaurants. I've realized that it's not that they don't like me, it's just that they are not the warmest bunch, but it's fine. I ordered a ravioli with mushroom sauce. Perhaps this was my mistake! I chose a pasta that would've been better eaten with red sauce. So once I got it, I did not like my meal and I didn't even finish it. I even gave half to Dexter.<br />
<br />
The sauce was fine, it was the ravioli that I didn't like so much. The beef inside was so mushy it felt like I was eating mush.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2ApN1m_fBWLtTf-i1Zlr1tvTE_FrCpSEyX4lMmWhJmidkiN9gVFZQ1gnW3oVPcMgELew0NjPyTVJ87DsDJe9pVzh94pXxOUfGF7JdZubYXdVchY_RckzRuzVD6I7DCwnmOst-CiQ7lEE/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2ApN1m_fBWLtTf-i1Zlr1tvTE_FrCpSEyX4lMmWhJmidkiN9gVFZQ1gnW3oVPcMgELew0NjPyTVJ87DsDJe9pVzh94pXxOUfGF7JdZubYXdVchY_RckzRuzVD6I7DCwnmOst-CiQ7lEE/s640/IMG_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mushy Ravioli. :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you can see from above, it doesn't have texture (I expected a chewy sensation), so it felt very unsatisfying. On the other hand, it could simply be my fault for ordering a less acidic sauce with it, opting for the lighter taste of the mushroom may account to its failure to satisfy me. Which is why I can't really give it a boo and looking back I actually did enjoy the other food Dexter provided. (Pizzas - See below - YUMMM!)<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Verdict:</b><br />
So La Porchetta, for now my experience was a Meh~, but I will come back again with a better prepared order in mind and hopefully will result in the best experience possible!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5koFgr57vtb-Y1A49NSZUHlRv7hv_mRF9RHUytD9EY8h0HKJy0JzmkhQCmzfbWR_bSNfHhU-TrOY3666haqqWcw_rSI23-xjjOF9nQKsHrwWE7eidMK8kWEwNEyoPc4n6BTqPBzuo38O/s1600/LaPorchetta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5koFgr57vtb-Y1A49NSZUHlRv7hv_mRF9RHUytD9EY8h0HKJy0JzmkhQCmzfbWR_bSNfHhU-TrOY3666haqqWcw_rSI23-xjjOF9nQKsHrwWE7eidMK8kWEwNEyoPc4n6BTqPBzuo38O/s320/LaPorchetta.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Wait! There's MORE!!</b><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">You can't go to an Italian restaurant without having pizza! Our friend Dexter bought 3 pizzas for our group. Here they are:</span><br />
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</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DwnqL1cOC1W0x1GlWqAtl_v_2OFTOgSQSvo3LY2yTE80B-CdK1Pm6dejBeP8OWSt1Ry2uiYDQ20K9-xxkQNOUXtKJrR1i0kPhakKv5YKSSodKC5GZYgjFAu50PU62NZkbJF999RY50E/s1600/PB171212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DwnqL1cOC1W0x1GlWqAtl_v_2OFTOgSQSvo3LY2yTE80B-CdK1Pm6dejBeP8OWSt1Ry2uiYDQ20K9-xxkQNOUXtKJrR1i0kPhakKv5YKSSodKC5GZYgjFAu50PU62NZkbJF999RY50E/s640/PB171212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>SUPER SPECIAL ($14.70)<br />
Tomato base, mozarella, ham, anchovies, mushroom, olives, capsicum & hot salami</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDF4vDAQlEJpchkYZ9iUUMi_a7VYMarxaC9MoSqXxdw8ksoYHfF9LfGfGxkzg2B1-aHNZlWFBZMMrOk1M1pTXXpkbYsl4hazJeEOuHJ6Km7Lzr9imq8oAohIQ42VI52CPWoBmO_ra7Skv3/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDF4vDAQlEJpchkYZ9iUUMi_a7VYMarxaC9MoSqXxdw8ksoYHfF9LfGfGxkzg2B1-aHNZlWFBZMMrOk1M1pTXXpkbYsl4hazJeEOuHJ6Km7Lzr9imq8oAohIQ42VI52CPWoBmO_ra7Skv3/s640/IMG_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>VEGETARIAN ($12.50)<br />
Tomato Base, mozarella, mushrooms, olives, capsicum</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx3r4-Gi5Cyvhc3i0tWuok0Uus1oOQx26NrRXTjM4T8Z3FjjOhL9jKiycEZdW3FP1NJ6Imr1YP9Nq0Ahxl-m9BI5aWfliJ7el2w8D9xJ-rX6oDSeTtyexwt8TSAPOe2nL_GgpI8d9nSM/s1600/PB171213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx3r4-Gi5Cyvhc3i0tWuok0Uus1oOQx26NrRXTjM4T8Z3FjjOhL9jKiycEZdW3FP1NJ6Imr1YP9Nq0Ahxl-m9BI5aWfliJ7el2w8D9xJ-rX6oDSeTtyexwt8TSAPOe2nL_GgpI8d9nSM/s640/PB171213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>FOCACCIA RIPIENA CHEESE ($14.70)<br />
Mozzarella, garlic, basil, and olive oil</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Needless to say that these pizzas will own those fastfood pizza you get delivered any day! Thanks Dex!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23R7iotrBU9PBbr5FIIzx7F_po94h1qeBOXyS55T3-aBcWUhvXqkQY4tKV7NvucTTGHSaSHmRVR5TcTVEkOTrazOeaZo4DPbpetcy6ZF8bXGm0Lp5K5CTiNmMJ6bwKwY5uY-rcyu08tr1/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23R7iotrBU9PBbr5FIIzx7F_po94h1qeBOXyS55T3-aBcWUhvXqkQY4tKV7NvucTTGHSaSHmRVR5TcTVEkOTrazOeaZo4DPbpetcy6ZF8bXGm0Lp5K5CTiNmMJ6bwKwY5uY-rcyu08tr1/s640/IMG_0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L-R: Tata, Dexter, Kaka)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Ciao food groupies,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>P.S. </b><b>To all you Filipino food groupies out there, check out Noel Bautista's <a href="http://ylbnoel.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">personal blog</a> to read about his experiences living here, in New Zealand. Who knows, maybe his blogs might entice you to fly here and witness the beauty that is New Zealand!</b><br />
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</b><br />
Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!<br />
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<b>La Porchetta</b><br />
<b>51 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD</b><br />
<b>Visit their <a href="http://www.laporchetta.com/index.php" target="_blank">website</a> to learn more about their menu.</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=51+Hobson+Street,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&aq=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.371738,86.572266&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=51+Hobson+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.847492,174.761667&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=51+Hobson+Street,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&aq=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.371738,86.572266&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=51+Hobson+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&ll=-36.847492,174.761667&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
<br />
</div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-84280776805328233122011-11-30T16:57:00.002+13:002012-03-17T21:46:04.475+13:00Tasca Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hola friendly friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've always been attracted to the area where we stumbled upon this quaint little Spanish food haven. But we didn't expect this cozy place to serve so much goodness!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Quick Review:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOFLWNJlc98XVNDg4YdgO3ORcoysKwYdS23nhbIbQOEEGxid4C-DrQsNtbD5rQsw6PMBXZxpkKM01b17Qx3kyMDWBac370DlbE8z4H8wkbZ_-jhyoYgm1eOaL3Q3vPa2l_f-ZKsfSblDw/s1600/Tata-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOFLWNJlc98XVNDg4YdgO3ORcoysKwYdS23nhbIbQOEEGxid4C-DrQsNtbD5rQsw6PMBXZxpkKM01b17Qx3kyMDWBac370DlbE8z4H8wkbZ_-jhyoYgm1eOaL3Q3vPa2l_f-ZKsfSblDw/s1600/Tata-Yum.gif" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jQIIv9z3-sqrMEvhOg7R8zRBAY2uAuq51ehiu6e7cZNV9wnM0y2zhD8T2NZNZtaKOYb2j524Eb51XCjj3x6oQknQswqwMxbczjsZP7_-Y2IdN8YdufqF8D0ERAV6uFzbGkAjmN9c9F9i/s1600/Pin.Gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jQIIv9z3-sqrMEvhOg7R8zRBAY2uAuq51ehiu6e7cZNV9wnM0y2zhD8T2NZNZtaKOYb2j524Eb51XCjj3x6oQknQswqwMxbczjsZP7_-Y2IdN8YdufqF8D0ERAV6uFzbGkAjmN9c9F9i/s1600/Pin.Gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also have a guest judge this week! Click the link to read more! :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b></b></div><a name='more'></a>Hello again food groupies! another day means another day to try new food at a new restaurant! We decided to step out of our comfort zone (Asian foods) and try this Spanish restaurant, Tasca. Upon entering, I immediately noticed the beautiful pictures, and paintings on the walls, and the "mood lighting" they had.<br />
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</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoia5Y1QUT6WUXE339IO6SvnTI78pYdxbl_6bKgvHy7ZO27EaEJDtNN4V01kRXSCwbsAEJy_-XhfkSUQ2IeWYffCnFbCc_az6Ynb3mky2UqDtg-FV2KUPcpKI6ihxRsqheIAJXp7OYDir8/s320/DSC00012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am, perusing their menu. So much good food I can't choose!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKXIpBXJ2aWRVDipouociRNPkSfQryc8Y-aD4rJ2YG00yr2AItic13POoWYlt-bME8WnuCLwA2EifdLrDRSJmyywkNdgAIeNpncWoTNdsjzda1dGDwP4DjusmmNNE_5xnnXaIXMtXvBff/s1600/DSC00014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKXIpBXJ2aWRVDipouociRNPkSfQryc8Y-aD4rJ2YG00yr2AItic13POoWYlt-bME8WnuCLwA2EifdLrDRSJmyywkNdgAIeNpncWoTNdsjzda1dGDwP4DjusmmNNE_5xnnXaIXMtXvBff/s640/DSC00014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>MOCHACCINO ($4.50)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStFGzRb9_ttTUa67pmZu8oHphKcfFgXpQc6VLHISDjtgSKHqQIWp-iDNg-TAGfqHe8RhBQJrccwknjPevO40dTmQLeYwAhWxqJSLv8Wl7IhGcMfDTlDamFRTTSPngfoE018JQP64y0UMj/s1600/DSC00019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStFGzRb9_ttTUa67pmZu8oHphKcfFgXpQc6VLHISDjtgSKHqQIWp-iDNg-TAGfqHe8RhBQJrccwknjPevO40dTmQLeYwAhWxqJSLv8Wl7IhGcMfDTlDamFRTTSPngfoE018JQP64y0UMj/s640/DSC00019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Karyn's meal: CALAMARES ($19.90)</b><br />
Marinated calamari , pan fried with olive oil, sea salt & garlic with lemon, aioli, salad and fries</td></tr>
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I was really keen for some squid rings that day so I opted for the Calamares. It was wonderful! Beautiful presentation, and I was glad that the squid rings were not battered. It had just the right amount of aioli, and the flavor of the salad and the squid blended together so well. It was divine! The fries were cooked perfectly, not too crisp, and not soggy. For my drink, I ordered a bowl of Mochaccino (it was raining that day, and I wanted something ti warm me up). I'm not really a Mochaccino person, I'm more of a Caramel Latte girl, but I wanted to try something new that day...and I was happily surprised. Having had barista experience, I can say that the milk was frothed perfectly with the right amount of froth for a mochaccino. It tasted great too, and what I really liked about it was that it wasn't scalding hot. The temperature allowed me to savor the bitter-sweet taste of coffee and chocolate. Yum!<br />
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</div><b>Verdict: </b>Highly recommended! If you're after a nice lunch at a nice, homey, and cozy place, this is the place to go to! Just remember though, the price range is a bit expensive at at least $15 for a main for lunch. However, it will definitely be worth it! Good food, nice service, and impressive interior! Will definitely come back for more!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdP9mvsuVjyhyphenhyphen4k2ACQPVMnlm28aiLcAG5n1BMXYq2lAntv11Sjh2IyntbKZACTO4qRuaWUqAmfPSZ8o8Djo_fRRuSkKwy3O0zAxYDDCCTQtpIUD5tZ0I_jwGQVLCRde-j9D8OzFX1-NA/s1600/Tasca.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdP9mvsuVjyhyphenhyphen4k2ACQPVMnlm28aiLcAG5n1BMXYq2lAntv11Sjh2IyntbKZACTO4qRuaWUqAmfPSZ8o8Djo_fRRuSkKwy3O0zAxYDDCCTQtpIUD5tZ0I_jwGQVLCRde-j9D8OzFX1-NA/s320/Tasca.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Let me begin by saying how much fun this day was and finding this restaurant was just an amazing bonus!<br />
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The thing about Tasca that really inspires is the location. On our way, we found ourselves travelling through this little cobblestone street and then unassumingly hidden in between some bustling shops was this little homey retreat. Finding it felt like stepping into another culture. The mismatched furniture, different colored glasses and the random pillows were just perfectly imperfect. It was amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>TURKISH APPLE TEA ($4.00)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's meal: CHICKEN &SHROOM PIZZA ($20.00)</b><br />
Caramelized onion, roasted red peppers and sour cream</td></tr>
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I have never had Turkish Apple Tea before and it was really interestingly sweet. It sort of felt like apple juice heated and believe me, I tried doing that at home and it was not the same. So it was a really great pair with the yummy chicken and mushroom pizza, which is a combination you can never really go wrong with.<br />
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I loved the sweetness the onion and red pepper added to the dish. It was a great contrast between the mild taste of the soft pizza crust.<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>I give this place a SUPER recommendation. I was won over by the great atmosphere and lovely food. I'd like to visit it again and again! I wish you guys could see it, it felt like I was at home. Or maybe Spain. Or maybe anywhere!!! I love it, I do, I do, I do... Oooh!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdP9mvsuVjyhyphenhyphen4k2ACQPVMnlm28aiLcAG5n1BMXYq2lAntv11Sjh2IyntbKZACTO4qRuaWUqAmfPSZ8o8Djo_fRRuSkKwy3O0zAxYDDCCTQtpIUD5tZ0I_jwGQVLCRde-j9D8OzFX1-NA/s1600/Tasca.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdP9mvsuVjyhyphenhyphen4k2ACQPVMnlm28aiLcAG5n1BMXYq2lAntv11Sjh2IyntbKZACTO4qRuaWUqAmfPSZ8o8Djo_fRRuSkKwy3O0zAxYDDCCTQtpIUD5tZ0I_jwGQVLCRde-j9D8OzFX1-NA/s320/Tasca.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Now, we know you're dying to meet our guest eater. So here she is! Pin Orejana, is currently in her last year of BS Psychology in the University of Auckland. She's a very close friend and loves good food, just like us! She is also half of the duo that is <a href="http://brainbreaking.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Brain Break</a> - The Psych talk over tea time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW-4xZ-MXlkHUhIa9Z7jPOOedDN4thRR7d-NxYurocL12nr2sf9H8oWnJfG_yg6DYRJtj44ul8oitPz2V_YpBpg-2Lcn3kkSEEfwQbcyFsl_tLnq9weMDh4jeZ5Auswz6HJergdu_BUxd/s1600/DSC00024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW-4xZ-MXlkHUhIa9Z7jPOOedDN4thRR7d-NxYurocL12nr2sf9H8oWnJfG_yg6DYRJtj44ul8oitPz2V_YpBpg-2Lcn3kkSEEfwQbcyFsl_tLnq9weMDh4jeZ5Auswz6HJergdu_BUxd/s320/DSC00024.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our good friend, and special guest, Pin Orejana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's Pin's review for Tasca:<br />
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It was a rather rainy, yet nice day out in the city when I was out with Tata and Kaka for an afternoon of quality girl time. I remember planning a lunch date with them, with all of us arriving later than 12 in the afternoon, until our lunch date became a late lunch date. We were all starving and but initially had no idea where to eat. Tata suggested Tasca, a little restaurant by Vulcan Lane specializing in Spanish cuisine. Tasca, is Spanish for “unpretentious, local, backstreet bar / eatery, offering a few tapas to accompany the drinking” <br />
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The atmosphere of the restaurant actually began on the outside. They couldn’t have chosen a better setting for their cafe, with the classic, old-European styled pavements of Vulcan Lane on the outside, and the warm, cozy interior with wooden furniture, red brick walls, and soft lighting. Tata, Kaka and I decided to sit at the back of the restaurant, with sofas, and paintings up the wall for decoration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuctcsPZ9EHVZPcUWsrTrvqAnreBRA_jgdtXtAfMynkK5OjiKcBMwCiQXYyM-15wIZMN0vXKlLIlAX2wG5AIIN5QYy-dQ-0U6wM0ZN_0xn9vv3-YO2kPilcqXP_LGO2zwFueCnObFqq1m/s1600/DSC00021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuctcsPZ9EHVZPcUWsrTrvqAnreBRA_jgdtXtAfMynkK5OjiKcBMwCiQXYyM-15wIZMN0vXKlLIlAX2wG5AIIN5QYy-dQ-0U6wM0ZN_0xn9vv3-YO2kPilcqXP_LGO2zwFueCnObFqq1m/s640/DSC00021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pin's meal: ROASTED CHICKEN & RED PEPPER SALAD ($17.9)</b><br />
Toasted almonds & feta cheese</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4e_EmzbNzc/Tk9ne6G7k6I/AAAAAAAAARc/_5vH3M5SmxA/s1600/DSC00022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I had the Roasted and Red Chicken Salad for lunch, because I was feeling rather healthy that day. I thought it was going to be a small serving, but the proportions were huge! I really enjoyed the salad because it was actually filling. It had enough chicken chunks to go with the fresh greens and the dressing. The salad was mixed with almonds and feta cheese, and for someone who does not usually enjoy nuts, I loved it with the salad. It gave a deliciously crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. And of course, who wouldn’t want feta cheese with their salad? I had ordered some lemonade to accompany the salad, but I preferred the Turkish Apple Tea that Tata ordered. <br />
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I had an awesome lunch with friends, and I loved the homey atmosphere of Tasca. The people were really great too, and offered to take a picture of the three of us once we finished our meals.<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>Overall, although it was quite pricey for me, it was worth it since there was friendly service, good, filling food and comfortable atmosphere. I would gladly go back for another girls’ day out.<br />
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Interested to hear more from Pin? Visit her personal <a href="http://thenecessaryblog.wordpress.com/">blog</a> now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg355HSdkmiVo7Hm5dT4DNgtyWPr-yVFJboZSi4DZinbImsjnQEaIG5zohFw1wuu0y_MQGaD6pHn4Nu31EZ0mvhywv5ep0xqzHXA5G92KX-AZBQWnUsT3pkbZXdBLv_teQfWJHN7nv9B0-H/s1600/DSC00026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg355HSdkmiVo7Hm5dT4DNgtyWPr-yVFJboZSi4DZinbImsjnQEaIG5zohFw1wuu0y_MQGaD6pHn4Nu31EZ0mvhywv5ep0xqzHXA5G92KX-AZBQWnUsT3pkbZXdBLv_teQfWJHN7nv9B0-H/s640/DSC00026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of our friendly waiter! (L-R: Tata, Pin, Kaka)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>More food to come,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">P.S. Check back in two weeks for a new restaurant review! (and possibly a Christmas special) :D</b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">P. P. S. How do you like our new banner and background? We're playing with different concepts before we decide on our food blog's final look. Your comments, and suggestions (if you have some), are deeply appreciated. Thanks a lot guys!</b><br />
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Want to eat here too? Restaurant details are below!<br />
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<b>Tasca Cafe</b><br />
<b>34 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD</b><br />
<b>Visit their <a href="http://www.tasca.co.nz/">website</a> to learn more about their menu.</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=34+Vulcan+Lane,+Auckland+Central,+Auckland&aq=&sll=-36.847118,174.766833&sspn=0.001217,0.002642&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=34+Vulcan+Ln,+Auckland+Central+1010,+Auckland&t=m&ll=-36.847148,174.766506&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=34+Vulcan+Lane,+Auckland+Central,+Auckland&aq=&sll=-36.847118,174.766833&sspn=0.001217,0.002642&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=34+Vulcan+Ln,+Auckland+Central+1010,+Auckland&t=m&ll=-36.847148,174.766506&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div>Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-37745861601469403612011-11-15T15:32:00.002+13:002012-03-17T21:46:04.476+13:00Momo Tea Britomart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hola friendly friends!</div><br />
First, I'd like to apologize for the long wait. We've both been busy with University requirements and our part-time jobs and only now found time to work on this. With that said, let's begin with the review of Momo Tea (Britomart)!<br />
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<b>Quick Review:</b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2jYoHNCCvrFTON-iNULkfQJi7VWgJibxUlPshil-jDLKzo0fsCh8FOWxFZNlW2yeBgnVN6LoL8mr0xm8lRRsVCdG8cvNLgg-DEuCibpVXHdHdt0m24q3z_y_u-Qjnjkw3FJg5UmZKT0r/s1600/Tata-Meh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2jYoHNCCvrFTON-iNULkfQJi7VWgJibxUlPshil-jDLKzo0fsCh8FOWxFZNlW2yeBgnVN6LoL8mr0xm8lRRsVCdG8cvNLgg-DEuCibpVXHdHdt0m24q3z_y_u-Qjnjkw3FJg5UmZKT0r/s1600/Tata-Meh.gif" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />
This was actually an accidental discovery. Tata and I were just walking around trying to find a nice place to eat when we stumbled upon Momo Tea. You see, we thought there were only 2 Momo Tea's in Auckland, 1 in Birkenhead, and the other in the city which was called "Momo Tea Express" (now "Hulu Cat Express") since they didn't serve full meals. So it was a happy event when we stepped in and saw that they offered full meals!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearl Mania! <3</td></tr>
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Looking back, the restaurant had a good ambiance. However, they could have done better with newer seats. Most of their sofas had ripped seats (this was soon replaced with new seats as we found out when we returned the following week). We sat and expected the kind of service we always got at Momo Tea Birkenhead - not good. However, they were very pleasant. I ordered my favourite Rock Melon Milkshake with Pearls and it was ready in less than 5 minutes! :D soooo yum!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNjN3MngkXvWDEAEmUW-UYRjDKCxUpyhCLzhD2YUz_2imqWu6rgm8axnXwT_BFt0bb2WZYXSHST6Mh1eb8Yk1yxenfVcUa3nLDoUe_35EJAQIZ5TRF79Jvos4m93bjeM3jZy0Ua5BThwO/s1600/Photo0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNjN3MngkXvWDEAEmUW-UYRjDKCxUpyhCLzhD2YUz_2imqWu6rgm8axnXwT_BFt0bb2WZYXSHST6Mh1eb8Yk1yxenfVcUa3nLDoUe_35EJAQIZ5TRF79Jvos4m93bjeM3jZy0Ua5BThwO/s640/Photo0033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's drink: ROCK MELON MILKSHAKE W/ PEARLS ($7.50)</b></td></tr>
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj308CJg8EeNR5KLCaNM5UcVT8obL-BjGhCvLkhB1visZZJXSVA7RHNuDJOajdehNwchda51UOrgVchdqsVPKX9glR70idm_oxEuz_H2FYUdUYo1RlO1BYYWtNAhdFspuY6S3fQ6Ep_c2rB/s1600/Photo0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj308CJg8EeNR5KLCaNM5UcVT8obL-BjGhCvLkhB1visZZJXSVA7RHNuDJOajdehNwchda51UOrgVchdqsVPKX9glR70idm_oxEuz_H2FYUdUYo1RlO1BYYWtNAhdFspuY6S3fQ6Ep_c2rB/s640/Photo0040.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's meal: RICE NOODLES WITH EGG GRAVY ($11.50)</b></td></tr>
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For my meal, I ordered noodles with egg gravy. Like the milkshake, I received my meal without having to wait a long time. The aroma was so good that I dove right to it and started eating. The noodles was cooked properly, and the egg gravy and other ingredients' - chicken, prawns, veggies - tastes blended so well. Needless to say, even if it was a big serving, I managed to eat it all because it was so good!<br />
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<b>Verdict:</b> So, what do I have to say about Momo Tea (Britomart)? TWO THUMBS UP! I definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who's after an affordable and worth-it meal. And to anyone craving Rock Melon milkshake ;)<br />
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There ya go lovelies, keep checking our blog for more food reviews!<br />
<br />
Aspiring food guru,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl90Vw6j4ZAJ3nDWMUCzjB93co4z-DVsuuI7pcv3e_CNLiYLBoSuw-d5tSIrLadRvWQH_mt0B-1llqDKFuDAS7a8Oec2KqBPmTh6WPK_GndNBIm79hQ0oJbvLdi4-5vYNdvB58YCBKbCHy/s1600/Kaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl90Vw6j4ZAJ3nDWMUCzjB93co4z-DVsuuI7pcv3e_CNLiYLBoSuw-d5tSIrLadRvWQH_mt0B-1llqDKFuDAS7a8Oec2KqBPmTh6WPK_GndNBIm79hQ0oJbvLdi4-5vYNdvB58YCBKbCHy/s200/Kaka.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQxeGMbzWGHaz003n6QkXaNxEAOxEu4ulksVBMKPysy5ucifytodl0oWPR6f248MpI3en-Zk8zcEVYsrKSLyDLSXPQxdhjRd58-_lsflyzJxzJd_nyPO1tc4h4joLBAChVFtycHfeERr8/s1600/Momotea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQxeGMbzWGHaz003n6QkXaNxEAOxEu4ulksVBMKPysy5ucifytodl0oWPR6f248MpI3en-Zk8zcEVYsrKSLyDLSXPQxdhjRd58-_lsflyzJxzJd_nyPO1tc4h4joLBAChVFtycHfeERr8/s320/Momotea.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Why hello there,<br />
<br />
First of all, I genuinely like Momo Tea. They serve food fast, the have them in these gigantic servings and I simply LOVE bubble tea. Actually I love anything with pearls. I really do! So I had to take all my bias for pearls away and judge the food.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqruYqumSht3vWSyEe4u6Rm3Mtha9A2kimr18rkZp8wPSuwRRZpceYxaSf4evyYhhv5Unjn6yZ5I9MfUYMn-7Y9u8chslFF-ppeD4TRdmSPjIj4nYhxm0vbzKJm_8Qd-jk6w_3Ed-awit/s1600/Photo0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqruYqumSht3vWSyEe4u6Rm3Mtha9A2kimr18rkZp8wPSuwRRZpceYxaSf4evyYhhv5Unjn6yZ5I9MfUYMn-7Y9u8chslFF-ppeD4TRdmSPjIj4nYhxm0vbzKJm_8Qd-jk6w_3Ed-awit/s400/Photo0034.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>MANGO BLACK TEA W/ PEARLS ($6.50)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>BTW: My drink was heaven. I'm actually becoming less of a milk tea person and going for the cold tea with pearls type of girl instead.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7DdF_5vbz3IfrjNui9o7K_fPrmxy9kXoFA5Phh4a2-Td46jFT6fLTt_HHgafo9h-VGYyD-uyAjPeAplNvKkuoZSRrzKRs-f8S8lmgY_8JnUp3HJbAV9M-UQhcnWjPMj103f2XXFPdAY2/s1600/Photo0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7DdF_5vbz3IfrjNui9o7K_fPrmxy9kXoFA5Phh4a2-Td46jFT6fLTt_HHgafo9h-VGYyD-uyAjPeAplNvKkuoZSRrzKRs-f8S8lmgY_8JnUp3HJbAV9M-UQhcnWjPMj103f2XXFPdAY2/s640/Photo0036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's meal: MALAYSIA STYLE FRIED RICE NOODLE ($11.50)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The thing about this meal is that it was blazing hot when I got it. I burnt my tongue trying to eat it! However, yes I admit, that was my fault. It was a big serving of noodles meat and vegies. The first bite was good, I was exploring a new taste. The next one was still hot, but I was hungry so I took anyway. The third and fourth and fifth and maybe sixth were all like that. Maybe we can even go as far as the tenth bite, it was all plain and good! However after a while, my taste buds didn't want to finish it. I was tired of eating it and I wasn't as enthusiastic. It was sad really. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Verdict: </b>It was alright. Great service, great tea and yet just a plain average meal. I will come back though, it's worth another shot (and a different order). YAY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until we eat again,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s1600/Tata.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s200/Tata.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Momo Tea Britomart</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>28 Fort St, Auckland CBD</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Visit their <a href="http://www.momotea.co.nz/">website</a> to learn more about their other branches.</b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=28+Fort+St,Auckland+City&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=28+Fort+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&vpsrc=6&ll=-36.845912,174.76789&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=28+Fort+St,Auckland+City&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=28+Fort+St,+Auckland,+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=m&vpsrc=6&ll=-36.845912,174.76789&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-91321769502789097262011-11-01T00:37:00.002+13:002012-03-17T21:46:35.645+13:00A Halloween SpecialHola food groupies!<br />
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How have you been? Well, we've been busy slaving in the kitchen all day...actually, not all day, just for a couple of hours making yummy creations to share with you in today's Halloween special! Here's a teaser of what's to come:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP8aEdnOE_qmaUf8Ec6F829eXxGVB2Z97Wv7m6cprbSkMoQJe5QfIigc6xXC3TY1eE6jkG31nBoDnnRCCgWDFjea2jnfiLz1NhuB4y_KehhzjNpXtdZ6ghc53T7OKJ42j9fgMa9NR7OuG/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP8aEdnOE_qmaUf8Ec6F829eXxGVB2Z97Wv7m6cprbSkMoQJe5QfIigc6xXC3TY1eE6jkG31nBoDnnRCCgWDFjea2jnfiLz1NhuB4y_KehhzjNpXtdZ6ghc53T7OKJ42j9fgMa9NR7OuG/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgnEyhhxNAjhlMW_lTOE0v-GwAmO8HW0PVTcCBPeK0Q8bz8FUEol0BgupttyV-egXao4sNRGuiEwKYkkrZ3gtj6gVreTCIwI1h7P_LyjrG13e0ldBmd2btDw5JFKePF-y2hHtEWEugjXQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgnEyhhxNAjhlMW_lTOE0v-GwAmO8HW0PVTcCBPeK0Q8bz8FUEol0BgupttyV-egXao4sNRGuiEwKYkkrZ3gtj6gVreTCIwI1h7P_LyjrG13e0ldBmd2btDw5JFKePF-y2hHtEWEugjXQ/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lXtUdfiZ0r28RvfKkqIPEV8WeC0LJ-K4BlCi81tZjrAEL6nWUffeC1IYb2rLODxYHYtIfuGrARPJkvnlUEtV-zCeRGtAhX93uV-og3x481uu_DNtcF__UQWbiPumRKaU4Ulh7oEIMSRD/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lXtUdfiZ0r28RvfKkqIPEV8WeC0LJ-K4BlCi81tZjrAEL6nWUffeC1IYb2rLODxYHYtIfuGrARPJkvnlUEtV-zCeRGtAhX93uV-og3x481uu_DNtcF__UQWbiPumRKaU4Ulh7oEIMSRD/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We made these gorgeous cupcakes (they're real yummy too!) to share with all you Food Groupies!!nom nom nom..... They're actually cookies and cream flavoured, with vanilla frosting. And we used real Oreos for authentic flavour!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYDgCMKkySHHv0CWVsBgy2X31g9bsvb4WNJP_Xlkp3DwcUPfuMNHnaplK4krcMqNWwUe0tm1vN2LjFwcDU85aGROuUPKlJo_rrm1rE-wJsKt2nuqS_qAgwvcqHJNdDit0jy0BpMNWcAcf/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYDgCMKkySHHv0CWVsBgy2X31g9bsvb4WNJP_Xlkp3DwcUPfuMNHnaplK4krcMqNWwUe0tm1vN2LjFwcDU85aGROuUPKlJo_rrm1rE-wJsKt2nuqS_qAgwvcqHJNdDit0jy0BpMNWcAcf/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We cooked and decorated them ourselves too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Well, Tata did most of the baking and cooking..I just tasted it.haha - Kaka </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>No, you didn't! I was eating more things than you! - Tata</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5UcF3IX4whxk6AdigtkAbh503-nUlv_jIVQCvyYZqYGvKrM_esjc2ZOfiV03Ww00xeOZb5O_aMjsLIHOO4Iyw_ECRdMWAZD2C8Xz_PVrKt10XIVJLz411wBboBPwYGvd_Jsr0PZskfG3/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5UcF3IX4whxk6AdigtkAbh503-nUlv_jIVQCvyYZqYGvKrM_esjc2ZOfiV03Ww00xeOZb5O_aMjsLIHOO4Iyw_ECRdMWAZD2C8Xz_PVrKt10XIVJLz411wBboBPwYGvd_Jsr0PZskfG3/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And since we loooove it when our food has fun twists, we used Oreos as our cupcake's base! Look!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA56n04oGcjATkg3Jb8sZ_j8VLJdBEayo5sjKkdoyCMlaubcbYOPkaSfJZ_ijuwiQtZzod-NVSpTaNaDyZAYJ40acLHA8SmKe9KiOiTs3z1hrEb7o4-T3zz0gH2OMORSESutR3nx1Ui6pR/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA56n04oGcjATkg3Jb8sZ_j8VLJdBEayo5sjKkdoyCMlaubcbYOPkaSfJZ_ijuwiQtZzod-NVSpTaNaDyZAYJ40acLHA8SmKe9KiOiTs3z1hrEb7o4-T3zz0gH2OMORSESutR3nx1Ui6pR/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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So here's the result of our hard work:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino0wB3hQ7n1zbEkh1tLEV8obFeSNGxkUkdIPtYugSo-sKOkAsvnodiEOIJkFHkXlSVFuTWPvEz6eocOBgDh5wUOl8MFvvgmxZzUJhbAdSRExR1DlES9bXhGj7BmdQNKufB4F8e1GKweVy/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino0wB3hQ7n1zbEkh1tLEV8obFeSNGxkUkdIPtYugSo-sKOkAsvnodiEOIJkFHkXlSVFuTWPvEz6eocOBgDh5wUOl8MFvvgmxZzUJhbAdSRExR1DlES9bXhGj7BmdQNKufB4F8e1GKweVy/s640/IMG_0443.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiderweb without the spider - yet!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1wy5c6nzAEV6_tdIpXs2kGDOt-wSNOsGqXgQE6Kes17RtRbgxPOmWJJr7QW_D9E5cgsT4RDsp-BpaUM6X3_yRVuVrfuTxX36FkjO-jEF5tkfnNbbfIJ9IeJlUgQjgyAlUodJ5RLkLAai/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1wy5c6nzAEV6_tdIpXs2kGDOt-wSNOsGqXgQE6Kes17RtRbgxPOmWJJr7QW_D9E5cgsT4RDsp-BpaUM6X3_yRVuVrfuTxX36FkjO-jEF5tkfnNbbfIJ9IeJlUgQjgyAlUodJ5RLkLAai/s640/IMG_0451.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't have a halloween without a tombstone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI078KMhzK4j5Bl-Wa4sajkfIRKY7M1zIy8zEmFES2-yvsiJdQJMT9rmXFbT0xCrKYKpkor-RKEdjmFQjbXWtTI73GfqTW7Qx297_ma86RJw4lbIWzOp6XlnMqDyw2eCMJ6AA0hiQwyosP/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI078KMhzK4j5Bl-Wa4sajkfIRKY7M1zIy8zEmFES2-yvsiJdQJMT9rmXFbT0xCrKYKpkor-RKEdjmFQjbXWtTI73GfqTW7Qx297_ma86RJw4lbIWzOp6XlnMqDyw2eCMJ6AA0hiQwyosP/s640/IMG_0452.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they're eyeballs... No not spaghetti...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nGxE7YTFsdj2134nIRpAzoJYMGMJuKp3RGzHJvMor482l5l5I6KYvPfzWa4Gh5uYl9iUJsa1Pkonivd6sRKLpKnKpRx6dJ8hTKv87CvfNfhh1KAJ-M1tQ2sSUrZUOiFhieq3VK3Odcb7/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nGxE7YTFsdj2134nIRpAzoJYMGMJuKp3RGzHJvMor482l5l5I6KYvPfzWa4Gh5uYl9iUJsa1Pkonivd6sRKLpKnKpRx6dJ8hTKv87CvfNfhh1KAJ-M1tQ2sSUrZUOiFhieq3VK3Odcb7/s640/IMG_0471.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you like our monster? Because he likes you... To eat anyway!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7SaCSV9CwnPPy2FEudG1fD_2f7dEWG8wvwj0UwAm9Mhw4B057HN8Oc6nL-W_MrXt_nQaz19KNxdx0OuAiK8fzzhISptdLJ_8otzx5ScYEKJOnTIdIzwdFWDjgmFyVeG0VxuNBWQ1Wrx2/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7SaCSV9CwnPPy2FEudG1fD_2f7dEWG8wvwj0UwAm9Mhw4B057HN8Oc6nL-W_MrXt_nQaz19KNxdx0OuAiK8fzzhISptdLJ_8otzx5ScYEKJOnTIdIzwdFWDjgmFyVeG0VxuNBWQ1Wrx2/s640/IMG_0472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Booo~</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r9ruKmqu5Zgyd5-j35p6zSW-8ln7K5fxBNDr-1eBEzZJElmovrisKFah4ODpJbSqbQx5umFZPE2yVnB-nmh2A5XjsVrjTFTcl_lpvzIENCUElcTZyWPDBQwAOQehDRWMCsDotKnmKzDR/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r9ruKmqu5Zgyd5-j35p6zSW-8ln7K5fxBNDr-1eBEzZJElmovrisKFah4ODpJbSqbQx5umFZPE2yVnB-nmh2A5XjsVrjTFTcl_lpvzIENCUElcTZyWPDBQwAOQehDRWMCsDotKnmKzDR/s640/IMG_0476.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess who died...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dbCfVBxWK5WAZDsZxoqhxiLYCzSZkhpZkVaiKjVNdOTEBWkioqkm3QgpBLPCctyH9LfGE5-TyDDtyCme7KvFTKkxwO8QCh_zckTQ7Vn7m019qo5mzyLACaDB_bt9an7aUnuiCh4qZXiT/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dbCfVBxWK5WAZDsZxoqhxiLYCzSZkhpZkVaiKjVNdOTEBWkioqkm3QgpBLPCctyH9LfGE5-TyDDtyCme7KvFTKkxwO8QCh_zckTQ7Vn7m019qo5mzyLACaDB_bt9an7aUnuiCh4qZXiT/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did... :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04nJE_t6DPY1Vh4I_mulTuY2mUfh9dX5x6WWWsDDnjTlDS1iKPSkakznFoYNb1UTfoS0KKuM-JtD4Wb5-UTa1wDvC9WEbVGsRUBpFPOJIon7llP6G4n1A4P5VlhCAxCNtv01vhBs5G5Pf/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04nJE_t6DPY1Vh4I_mulTuY2mUfh9dX5x6WWWsDDnjTlDS1iKPSkakznFoYNb1UTfoS0KKuM-JtD4Wb5-UTa1wDvC9WEbVGsRUBpFPOJIon7llP6G4n1A4P5VlhCAxCNtv01vhBs5G5Pf/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, joke, we still had to make these...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pkW02Qxz9cv2Ie0jU49FoSbcF_-YEV7M365OhhYy6Yep7cBJOuPXDFqsNqTMhyZ17i9r5j9T5qfeiY-DYz1_kDON-Ex-sVsZoR5uTESshJKK2cAyARvUwMlvEdxEFaIl6w6HXs7NxU3l/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pkW02Qxz9cv2Ie0jU49FoSbcF_-YEV7M365OhhYy6Yep7cBJOuPXDFqsNqTMhyZ17i9r5j9T5qfeiY-DYz1_kDON-Ex-sVsZoR5uTESshJKK2cAyARvUwMlvEdxEFaIl6w6HXs7NxU3l/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spiderweb has a spider!!!</td></tr>
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Want the recipe? It's real easy! We just bought a cake mix followed the instructions and added crushed Oreo's! Then we used writing icing and instant vanilla frosting for decoration. Yes, we were lazy. So what, it's halloween!!! Ok, time for you guys to make your own little treats!<br />
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In food and ghosts,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s1600/TataKaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVD_sXm-Q2NRHRPjiWT2gMxg5QuUCbY-S-uWdKMye02ULRjBZFp4MBpyQQnVgvd8qnOGyrR86PNlnrvNF73Qz9sBJhEu2nbWGEJnWxNcua6OhF1jMC-NBe0XgjKNxIc75npRfGgu_SVQb/s320/TataKaka.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b>P.S. Check back in two weeks for a new restaurant review!</b>Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-33733521281179158142011-10-19T19:26:00.001+13:002012-03-17T21:46:04.479+13:00Daikoku - Izakaya/Japanese Cuisine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello fans,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Talk about neglect. Sorry for taking so long. Here is some tasty Japanese yumm for you! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Quick Review:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhrErtZX7gz_W0PJ1s-_Jkr83BFTVvCHCUDLVpAClDcun9c4dtkUXSt3hizVxCh_F7eI9EOj-sAsmHX6pdx8auJbgDG6TqSQ9mRMJz2e9FiTw8LWpe4ZmtB3HKxfOCk09kceAz7LSIrN/s1600/Karyn-Yum.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B6a2dLMJqKPe52pEssLh1HQPxh_F7LL6y7sesV3htCytjT3SNhcLiEVgB9oURDjs48nfUzXK1FVdyYF3dZ62pjXX44fCmUnNSgk30S6WkSv0dE4tyhSw36WAJd23iFPtbCBJKXAwrjbu/s1600/Tata-Yum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B6a2dLMJqKPe52pEssLh1HQPxh_F7LL6y7sesV3htCytjT3SNhcLiEVgB9oURDjs48nfUzXK1FVdyYF3dZ62pjXX44fCmUnNSgk30S6WkSv0dE4tyhSw36WAJd23iFPtbCBJKXAwrjbu/s1600/Tata-Yum.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt8OhF6b1JlZeRO7W_xXPqzzddsrTL1pg29xsXswE4Mi2Zl7fzUM3qaQJudGao7A92087F-RbpVmoJ7cwW5qUILwQfCwd9eYft1_yzjdTFCl75khjTUJBz64Im4AOKeF-XIZz7xIuaBgU/s1600/Photo0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt8OhF6b1JlZeRO7W_xXPqzzddsrTL1pg29xsXswE4Mi2Zl7fzUM3qaQJudGao7A92087F-RbpVmoJ7cwW5qUILwQfCwd9eYft1_yzjdTFCl75khjTUJBz64Im4AOKeF-XIZz7xIuaBgU/s640/Photo0024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>PRAWN TEMPURA ($5.00)</b></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ramen is love. I enjoy eating ramen, especially spicy ones! So when we sat down at Daikoku and I looked at the menu, I immediately decided to have the Hot Energy Ramen. All I can say is, I wish I had a bigger stomach so I could have finished it all! Daikoku's Hot Energy Ramen consists of pork and fried vegetables in a spicy miso flavoured soup, and is one of the spiciest ramen they serve. Here's a photo of my meal:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M5sWtpx6nQOCPZuPS4lZZ0NcSIp-d2KX_EVf2JbQHnX6NjMF2Wi9Czhr5fdpUpr3JpvZba2-Mqk3QyhZ-hFgcOio2pmnRyG6I4nP6qWoYAAkkOwvgy2ueDiDgo2A20Rk1lkm5ApjPqy6/s1600/Photo0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M5sWtpx6nQOCPZuPS4lZZ0NcSIp-d2KX_EVf2JbQHnX6NjMF2Wi9Czhr5fdpUpr3JpvZba2-Mqk3QyhZ-hFgcOio2pmnRyG6I4nP6qWoYAAkkOwvgy2ueDiDgo2A20Rk1lkm5ApjPqy6/s640/Photo0027.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's meal: HOT ENERGY RAMEN ($13.50)</b><br />
Ramen with pork and fried vegetables in a spicy miso flavoured soup</td></tr>
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This wasn't my first time to eat at Daikoku but this was my first time to eat at this branch. I'd have to say that their interior was very beautiful and clean, as what you can expect if you've visited other Daikoku restaurants before. The service was quick and we were seated at a table within 5 minutes. We also didn't have to wait long for our meal to arrive. I loved it! The noodles was cooked perfectly, the meat and vegetables' taste blended well with the spicy miso soup. The spiciness (you know what I mean) was just divine. For someone who can handle spicy food, this was perfect. It definitely hit the spot. So if you're after a spicy ramen, but want to try something new as well, and you've got a big appetite that needs satisfying (their serving is huge), I definitely recommend Daikoku's Hot Energy Ramen! Oh, almost forgot, the prawn tempura was lovely too. It came with a special dipping sauce, which initially, I thought was just plain mayonnaise, but it wasn't. I'm not entirely sure what it is but it tasted really good with the prawn.<br />
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<b>Verdict</b>: I give Daikoku TWO THUMBS UP! So if you're keen to have some Japanese Cuisine, be sure to try Daikoku restaurant and you'll surely get your money's worth!<br />
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Aspiring Food Guru,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhhVe22fyntv22A6dziI-2qRKIDPqhmWWmzugQfuREPYlRXF-cEf2840zZ4tgcUeg2C9NfGXc5JwF7WLEhXgHAK040Qrm-bi_nTzw9m9iEw5Pmz5bvRH0nXNw-DmFHSUOaYfhsH2HI8ky/s1600/daikoku-restaurant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhhVe22fyntv22A6dziI-2qRKIDPqhmWWmzugQfuREPYlRXF-cEf2840zZ4tgcUeg2C9NfGXc5JwF7WLEhXgHAK040Qrm-bi_nTzw9m9iEw5Pmz5bvRH0nXNw-DmFHSUOaYfhsH2HI8ky/s1600/daikoku-restaurant.png" /></a></div><br />
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Hello there,<br />
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What can I say? Prawns make my eyes turns to hearts and they're so yummy I had to order one for myself as well. One order of prawn tempura is never enough for two food crazy people!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWJ7Dbqld7pc0tIktIsW8pZHw0FQm_BOTKI_RMFRuZbj3Y1uH6LXLjZvlKKWC_ULDvwTz7BZNhaVtip7pJlinNiemV7UoqaXVxYmJTPMy5lcQUrZESAyJkZX8Ht9r5Ek3Qg78lFG8udcn/s1600/Photo0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWJ7Dbqld7pc0tIktIsW8pZHw0FQm_BOTKI_RMFRuZbj3Y1uH6LXLjZvlKKWC_ULDvwTz7BZNhaVtip7pJlinNiemV7UoqaXVxYmJTPMy5lcQUrZESAyJkZX8Ht9r5Ek3Qg78lFG8udcn/s640/Photo0028.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's meal: TERIYAKI CHICKEN DON ($12.00)</b><br />
Chicken with teriyaki sauce on rice<br />
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</tbody></table>The chicken was alright, it was a wonderful sweet and salty combination! I think I enjoyed the chicken more with the bean sprouts and the salad than the rice. Although rice generally compliments it, I think I wasn't feeling the rice at that time! Bad food critic, bad food critic! HOW can you not enjoy rice. I don't know, I really don't know. :{) Mustache.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Verdict: </b>I would recommend this as a simple lunch place. Great variety and the food is decent enough for the price. Bonus that the ambiance is really cozy! I'm really keen to try other Daikoku restaurants as well, I heard they offer quite a different experience!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><3,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s1600/Tata.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s200/Tata.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Want to eat here as well? Restaurant details are below!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Daikoku Restaurant</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>25 Victoria St West, Auckland CBD</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Visit their <a href="http://www.daikoku.co.nz/">website</a> to learn more about their menu.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=25+Victoria+St+West+Auckland+C.B.D.&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=25+Victoria+St+W,+Auckland+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&vpsrc=6&ll=-36.848693,174.764585&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=25+Victoria+St+West+Auckland+C.B.D.&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=25+Victoria+St+W,+Auckland+1010,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&vpsrc=6&ll=-36.848693,174.764585&spn=0.003005,0.00456&z=17&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
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</div></div>Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-5857243747222443022011-06-04T01:33:00.001+12:002012-11-07T22:40:36.145+13:00Zap - Authentic Thai Cuisine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello Food Groupies,</div>
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Welcome to the first installment of our food reviews. Yum yum yum!</div>
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<b>Quick Review:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjletkRgCFXYNI-M0ms8JCbcXiRYZIrDujCvETr4fcdoaCZzNyHIKP7Ep4GFLz-3wyaJmhD4_VkfYVQKbPh4MEzOZeJ4tffxWNYLwDxXHVe-N_pHbPqtKg7aZf-x9cqD6vCJvx0y0GATR8m/s1600/Tata-Boo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjletkRgCFXYNI-M0ms8JCbcXiRYZIrDujCvETr4fcdoaCZzNyHIKP7Ep4GFLz-3wyaJmhD4_VkfYVQKbPh4MEzOZeJ4tffxWNYLwDxXHVe-N_pHbPqtKg7aZf-x9cqD6vCJvx0y0GATR8m/s1600/Tata-Boo.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ZDhXfTPQzzKm71-X5YahC6r63R-gMXrRrns3m28PAOjNmGG5VO9pIfLutDtNDdwRPh6wZGvURe76Z55jM0Qt2D2hPPywRgmS7aBdWXunNiTvy08-Vg2VgNsf_swRmrsHgV0mEtZw5bd/s1600/Karyn-Meh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ZDhXfTPQzzKm71-X5YahC6r63R-gMXrRrns3m28PAOjNmGG5VO9pIfLutDtNDdwRPh6wZGvURe76Z55jM0Qt2D2hPPywRgmS7aBdWXunNiTvy08-Vg2VgNsf_swRmrsHgV0mEtZw5bd/s1600/Karyn-Meh.gif" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J9xhY7oOtvDUupGx3ZNMaPp2dn20JIj846vHY-3rosAymgfoLRkJeOfQYDGfsIBoN4OKwPVZgkVj4KDPpRRcWH1NyR2uYlteC0_RdcleasboVoq_hHQsg-3JaWsRDVUEa1l548w9H_HN/s1600/Photo0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J9xhY7oOtvDUupGx3ZNMaPp2dn20JIj846vHY-3rosAymgfoLRkJeOfQYDGfsIBoN4OKwPVZgkVj4KDPpRRcWH1NyR2uYlteC0_RdcleasboVoq_hHQsg-3JaWsRDVUEa1l548w9H_HN/s640/Photo0281.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tata's Meal: PAD GOLDEN CHICKEN ($13.00)</b><br />
Stir fried egg noodles with tomato sauce, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots & onion</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkBMkg0SEUaVpPjJtLQKqlcODzLBeF5hrvGkpRX7rKVi8f-qnWIH_pDfWTWr-VLaVIlvP5kS-ei0tNaFNlypwLUlXpPP-CXUN9MbKPbm9gT60kmnNBE-DfLsKJj-w8vJBSXDfX9C5UiCQ/s1600/Photo0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkBMkg0SEUaVpPjJtLQKqlcODzLBeF5hrvGkpRX7rKVi8f-qnWIH_pDfWTWr-VLaVIlvP5kS-ei0tNaFNlypwLUlXpPP-CXUN9MbKPbm9gT60kmnNBE-DfLsKJj-w8vJBSXDfX9C5UiCQ/s640/Photo0282.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more look!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfwh79llM3Sj7F5rpuVPHls5ZTSrjK5KyChLTXqQDQQsX5-_LjVcylYWKNNzBWmTXGEDfAWam1UxyNI_StaQJnIYQknFcqsI2_GmOR5zpUNBkuzWiTtHVD82QSxhygXgiE5BcCrpqibEv/s1600/Photo0284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfwh79llM3Sj7F5rpuVPHls5ZTSrjK5KyChLTXqQDQQsX5-_LjVcylYWKNNzBWmTXGEDfAWam1UxyNI_StaQJnIYQknFcqsI2_GmOR5zpUNBkuzWiTtHVD82QSxhygXgiE5BcCrpqibEv/s640/Photo0284.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up! Zooom!</td></tr>
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On to my review! I ordered the Golden Chicken Pad Thai. I didn't enjoy the fat egg noodles as much as I thought I would. I think I should stick with egg noodles next time. The sauce was extremely sweet and didn't flatter my taste buds at all. If there was a bit more taste rather than an overdose of sweetness I think I would have appreciated it more. </div>
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<b>Verdict:</b> I would recommend this to people who like gigantic servings of over sweetened noodles. But for me, I'm not going to be ordering this soon. So Booooooo Golden Pad Thai, Booooo!</div>
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On the other hand, I will try this place again, I've been here before and I actually enjoyed my meal. Even if I wasn't able to finish it. (I never finish it anyway, the servings are gigantic!)</div>
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<3,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s1600/Tata.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviZMf3C1UJjeMTewe00DErVQSOto6MSMuZEskUJxtgcTzlkF3TF0avrKwoYvso_RitVye4dWCFh4SMfc_Xyp7MV_lAXoPSzDuoA-IE4O2AvThraKyBouoRjphH-xu91rz-OoIlSMOjm4f/s200/Tata.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ec33FHnjWHjcR5aVnNBaovPhEnwhqaYgm7FSDB_vOvl6H97U4m3ND9LAdEmBrrcVMLd4sF3pATcp4T2vylYES1r7QEkqOgLUyHRAoQR9WcgKlqETa1_lOP-G98YEzPUmGOm6s7iesZS/s1600/Zap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ec33FHnjWHjcR5aVnNBaovPhEnwhqaYgm7FSDB_vOvl6H97U4m3ND9LAdEmBrrcVMLd4sF3pATcp4T2vylYES1r7QEkqOgLUyHRAoQR9WcgKlqETa1_lOP-G98YEzPUmGOm6s7iesZS/s320/Zap.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hi! Kaka here :)<br />
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This was my first time to eat at Zap. I was very excited to try my Chicken & Prawn Pad Thai. Tata has been hyping this place to me for ages. So I was really looking forward to a mouth-gasm! Here's some photos of my meal:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-g-0s7VimSWLGGPaSZWI3mSggobFWUWaiUQX2O9GAxWj5V1jVPc6aPUTokijUiR16Fn8IhrXIkjeT2KgEER1LfimFCX8mo9s0b1qZB_kHtmJmmgweIknt440IfeomQJkxxBlsVt1uB6Y/s1600/Photo0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-g-0s7VimSWLGGPaSZWI3mSggobFWUWaiUQX2O9GAxWj5V1jVPc6aPUTokijUiR16Fn8IhrXIkjeT2KgEER1LfimFCX8mo9s0b1qZB_kHtmJmmgweIknt440IfeomQJkxxBlsVt1uB6Y/s640/Photo0285.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka's Meal: PAD TAI PRAWNS ($16.00)</b><br />
Stir fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, spring onion, and tofu & crushed peanuts.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5FOQ9gYoNBqK9UfWtChHwHUxEJHVIzjwyPdPqxrt8j2U9WTfjcOD-74Ht-y43-q5htrm4aJ40tw-9LIodU8324gSSSvq0BWYVF7mO2Z0QR9e9ZbBbZ88mGySLgVkRPprMQUJm0WwI_dM/s1600/Photo0286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5FOQ9gYoNBqK9UfWtChHwHUxEJHVIzjwyPdPqxrt8j2U9WTfjcOD-74Ht-y43-q5htrm4aJ40tw-9LIodU8324gSSSvq0BWYVF7mO2Z0QR9e9ZbBbZ88mGySLgVkRPprMQUJm0WwI_dM/s640/Photo0286.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same angle, different look.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZONdiaaEPxbSE_YJkkXshc0fIus5esAbfslfROHSR7tZXjWMyHQOdmXOfMW_0PjRaZ2HjHQCV-K5zWQ8P2tqKLeFAsaKrZXoCirSBgDqHgazWKPYB5A_pGAler_TjqXAfc7pZKtiRw07N/s1600/Photo0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZONdiaaEPxbSE_YJkkXshc0fIus5esAbfslfROHSR7tZXjWMyHQOdmXOfMW_0PjRaZ2HjHQCV-K5zWQ8P2tqKLeFAsaKrZXoCirSBgDqHgazWKPYB5A_pGAler_TjqXAfc7pZKtiRw07N/s640/Photo0287.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same angle, different look. Maybe. Haha!</td></tr>
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Looks good right? I'd have to say that it was good but not great. It was a bit disappointing when i had my first bite since it was a bit on the bland side. I also noticed how there was a total of THREE prawns in it. For a Chicken & Prawn meal i expected more. I still ate it all though, I was starving that night! lol That being said, the noodles was very nicely cooked, and their service was wonderful. The interior had lots of cultural decorations and the ambiance was just right.<br />
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<b>Verdict:</b> I wouldn't recommend the Chicken & Prawn Pad Thai, maybe next time we dine here, I'll try a different meal and we'll see how Zap goes from there. For now, I give Zap a "MEH".<br />
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Aspiring food guru,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl90Vw6j4ZAJ3nDWMUCzjB93co4z-DVsuuI7pcv3e_CNLiYLBoSuw-d5tSIrLadRvWQH_mt0B-1llqDKFuDAS7a8Oec2KqBPmTh6WPK_GndNBIm79hQ0oJbvLdi4-5vYNdvB58YCBKbCHy/s1600/Kaka.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl90Vw6j4ZAJ3nDWMUCzjB93co4z-DVsuuI7pcv3e_CNLiYLBoSuw-d5tSIrLadRvWQH_mt0B-1llqDKFuDAS7a8Oec2KqBPmTh6WPK_GndNBIm79hQ0oJbvLdi4-5vYNdvB58YCBKbCHy/s200/Kaka.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3kY2EaU6vNCHnxFtSrfxPtZ3GOP_xhg4GfTOOqqt9jAsDSa3TLo-xkeb9WQ2IAlLL_Pade6h-9rrfM_evP2qpBpJBbeIq1DgCLjZRuINiTiMVxWby6YyYU7VWJZNx2TC-30bKmWiifqY/s1600/Photo0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3kY2EaU6vNCHnxFtSrfxPtZ3GOP_xhg4GfTOOqqt9jAsDSa3TLo-xkeb9WQ2IAlLL_Pade6h-9rrfM_evP2qpBpJBbeIq1DgCLjZRuINiTiMVxWby6YyYU7VWJZNx2TC-30bKmWiifqY/s640/Photo0289.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes we like taking pictures.</td></tr>
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That's it! Farewell! Till we dine again!</div>
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Want to eat here too? Here are the details!</div>
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<b>Zap - Thai Restaurant</b></div>
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<b>10 Commerce St. Auckland CBD</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Visit their <a href="http://zap.getcellgroup.com/">website</a> to learn more about their menu.</b></span></b></div>
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Gitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-6875219390809129062011-03-15T19:54:00.000+13:002012-03-17T21:44:56.228+13:00When we're not eating, we...<a name='more'></a>make animated GIF's. :)<br />
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Welcome to the crazy world of eating and blogging!<br />
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Yours in cake and ice cream,<br />
TataGitannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06587651204715530055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5313985583373530747.post-73489635069107505262011-03-14T14:16:00.000+13:002012-03-17T21:43:10.185+13:00Meet my band!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Kcpd0-ulcOPT8d9lNIzaZA7u_qSWwdZpG0BmSIylcbwJI7UGCs4WxKs-uwJEu72WLsUQUiNNu4ar09XDXfugJTurBzv5k3mdMHXhMCSbcdVGmE9eM2_XWl0VpK5IS7w9nGXTqb4S60/s1600/rainy-wednesdays-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Kcpd0-ulcOPT8d9lNIzaZA7u_qSWwdZpG0BmSIylcbwJI7UGCs4WxKs-uwJEu72WLsUQUiNNu4ar09XDXfugJTurBzv5k3mdMHXhMCSbcdVGmE9eM2_XWl0VpK5IS7w9nGXTqb4S60/s320/rainy-wednesdays-copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Tony, Kiril, Karyn, Owy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Hi, we're called Rainy Wendesdays. <br />
<a name='more'></a>We are a Filipino band that plays different genres of music. Recently, we performed at the Filipino Students' Association's Acoustic Night. That was actually the first time we performed together, as Rainy Wednesdays. We sang Just a Smile, Tumatakbo, and Time In (all Original Pinoy Music). We had a blast! Hopefully we'll be able to find more free time to jam and share our love for music to everyone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Keep rockin'!<br />
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love,<br />
Karyn x</div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05974167551411303084noreply@blogger.com0