A Day With Skaters

Tags

Converse, Converse Asia Crown, Converse Philippines, Converse Spring Summer Collection, Kenny Anderson, Mike Anderson, shoes, SM Makati, Trinoma

Bought myself a new pair of shoes. It’s been a while since I went shopping. I’m currently trying to work out a busy work schedule and hadn’t had time to even unwind. Last Saturday, I decided to treat my mom, two aunts to an early mother’s day treat at Glorietta mall. I grinned when I saw that SM Makati was on sale. So after a happy merienda time with my relatives at Kamayan Restaurant, my mom and I went shopping for shoes. And there at SM Makati, I saw a pretty and cute phaeton gray Converse boots. Limited Edition. On sale. I had no second thoughts. I immediately asked the saleslady for a size 6 and settled for a 5 1/2.

Which reminds me of my date with TeamMFJ-mates at the Converse Asia Crown late last March. The Converse skateboarding event was a big hit for skateboard enthusiasts based in the Philippines. Plus, we got to see the two famous top US-based professional skaters Kenny Anderson and Mike Anderson at the event.

Kelly Anderson, preparing for take-off…

at a press conference

A lot of skaters were already trying out their slick moves at the raised platform set up at the Mindanao parking lot at Trinoma. Some of them are actually joining the competition and vying for the title of being the first official skateboarding ambassador of Converse Philippines and will compete in a skateboarding event in China.

We, spectators (because we’re not into skating), made a pitch for Converse’s latest Spring Summer Collection at the sides.

If I had done my shopping right then and there, I would probably go over my credit limit with my HSBC credit card. Buti na lang, I was able to restrain myself from being an impulsive buyer and just wait for the right time. To get my mind out of shopping, I went back to the platform and settled to watch the heart-stopping board moves of participating skaters.

The Red Paper Boat

Tags

acrylic on canvas, arts, Bible, Chris Mirang, Christ, Christianity, God, Holy Trinity, NIV, painting, Proverbs, the red paper boat

This acrylic painting was given to me as a thank you gift. Thanks to Mr. Chris Mirang, one formidable hyperrealist painters in the Philippines, whom I had earlier featured here in my blog and at the lifestyle section of the Manila Bulletin. At one glance, one might think this is just a simple, idyllic scene in a pond. But truly, this creation is laden with so much meaning.

The Red Paper Boat signifies man in a journey of his life and experiences the vast disturbances while in water. But the red enamel coating it gives it the buoyancy needed to keep it steady. Why red? I asked Kuya Chris. Red, he said, connotes the blood of Christ that saved man from sin and gave him eternal life.

The three koi fish symbolizes the Holy Trinity which guards, guides and consoles the Christian man in his life journey. As man go through life’s struggles and victories, the Lord keeps watch nearby and influences the water’s current to steer the red paper boat in the right direction.

With this painting, I am reminded once again of God’s goodness and wisdom. Indeed, even simple scenes in everyday life like this gives us an insight on His power and omniscience.

Viewers looking at this piece may have a different interpretation. But for Mirang, this is how God is speaking to him when he worked on this craft. And I agree with his analysis 100 percent.

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails,” Proverbs 19:21. (NIV)

The Red Paper Boat (2010), Acrylic on Canvas, Chris Mirang

 

 

 

Reminiscing Seoul

Tags

Anguk Station, Beewon guest house, Bukchon Hanok village, Center for International Korean food, Changdeokgung Palace, Insadong, Jongno3-samga Station, Mahabodhi Temple, ondol, ondol floor heating system, Seoul, Seoul subway, South Korea

Two of my friends went to Seoul for a five-day vacation during the Holy Week. I envy them. I sincerely wished I could have joined them because I want to see the city during spring time. But I had to beg off; I need to prioritize my mom because she is celebrating her 70th birthday. Seoul can wait.

When I visited Seoul last October, I was amazed to see the orange foliage of  trees that signaled autumn has arrived. It was really momentous and I had a  very “seoul-” ful experience, allowing me time to discover something new with myself and experience a soulful journey while here vacationing.

Prior to my friends’ visit, I recommended that they stayed at the Beewon Guesthouse in Insadong where Jen,  friend and fellow travel blogger, stayed when we traveled to Seoul. I was actually the one who chose this place after scouting for affordable hotels at Agoda.com. Jen and I enjoyed our stay here even though it wasn’t extravagant. After all, who needs to stay in an upscale hotel in Seoul when you would be out in the streets the whole day to savor the city’s sights and famous attractions.

Actually, the main reason I chose Beewon is because of its proximity to Changdeokgung Palace (top photo). It’s only a five minute walk from the guest house and its also near Bukchon Hanok village. Our temporary abode was hard to find at first, because you have to pass through narrow streets. But shortly after being acquainted with the streets and subway we find  the place easy to navigate.

At Beewon, we got acquainted with a German father whose daughter is working in Seoul, a Japanese girl (I think she’s a model or an actress), a guy I thought was French, and a Chinese national at the pantry where we have our breakfast daily. It was really fun talking to people from different races. To our excitement, we also got to talk with some Filipinos who checked-in at Beewon a day before we were supposed to go back to Manila.

Inside Beewon's lobby

traditional Korean masks

I also liked the fact that we were given a spacious room at a building located at the other side of the guest house. Plus, there’s a fridge and a mini pantry where we can cook our own meals. I also liked the fact the floor was warm. It must be the “ondol” — the Korean underfloor heating system–which helped us keep warm and I felt sheltered us from the punishingly cold air outside.

inside our room

the apartment where we stayed

There’s a nearby convenience store, a bank, a mini-mart and two nearest subway stations: Anguk and Jongno3-samga. There are also plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops just along the street. We also dropped by the Center for International Korean Food also located in this juncture. Just around the corner (going to Anguk Stn.) near the entrance to Changduk palace is a gas station, while on the other end (near Jongno3-samga) you’d find a hanbok store and a Korean music instrument shop. There’s also an obscure temple nearby which we discovered on our last day, around the time we were about to board the shuttle bus back to the airport.

Unfortunately, for my two friends whom I urged to try the place during their visit were disappointed over Beewon. The first who arrived with a friend had to sleep at a dorm-style room shared with other guests. They were told that the room they booked for is unavailable because the guest before them paid a hefty price to extend his stay. So they slept at the dormitory for two nights before they were given the room they were paid for. The only consolation is that they were refunded at least W39,000  for the two nights they lost.

A week later, another friend, went alone in Seoul and arrived there just in time for the start of spring. She experienced the same thing but at least only for one night and was also given a refund. She was given the room just near the reception area and found it was a bit small. But she was happy then because she had unlimited access to wi-fi. There’s no wi-fi at the other building.

the Mahabodhi Temple we chanced upon near the guest house

I guess my friend and I just experienced God’s goodness and favor that we didn’t experience such kind of hitches when we made our first visit to Seoul. There were misadventures but it was altogether pleasant and FUN! Nevertheless, I hope travelers like us wouldn’t have to experience unfortunate incidents like this in the future. My friend (the one who got to stay for two nights at the dorm) told me she felt  a bit dissatisfied with their Seoul-experience. But at least they were consoled by the fact that the city of Seoul has so many magical places and must-see attractions that made the misadventures still worthwhile memories to keep.

Korean music instrument shop

I sincerely hope I could go back to this city any time soon. There is so much to see and explore. There are other plenty of nice guest houses in Seoul which I think Jen and I will have to try.

Holy Ice Cream!

Tags

dark chocolate ice cream, eating, food, Holy Week treats, ice cream, ice cream maker, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home, peanut butter ice cream, Summit Publishing Jeni Britton Bauer, Yummy Magazine

What I like most about spending Holy Week alone at home is the chance to catch up on doing what I love most: eating and cooking. As far as I’m concerned, this is the most exciting time for me, to be able to  catch up with me and myself, get a general cleaning of the house done and test my prowess in the kitchen. The latter won. And I found myself pulling out my mom’s dormant ice cream maker inside one of her closet.

I was giggling when I found it and promised myself to start making ice cream since I bought a Yummy magazine (Summit Publishing) November 2011 issue where they featured the works of Jeni Britton Bauer’s ice cream creation, excerpted from her book Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home. Since mom is away somewhere on a retreat, I had all the time to prepare at least two variations:  peanut butter and dark chocolate ice cream!

I was afraid at first, thinking I would make a huge mistake and all the ingredients I bought (a bit pricey) would go to waste. So I made sure to read and reread the recipe again and again while making a mental note of the procedures I needed to follow. I started with Peanut Butter ice cream because I felt more confident following the recipe.

I had to start off assembling all the ingredients needed which are 2 cups whole milk, 1 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 ½ ounces cream cheese softened, ½ cup natural peanut butter,  ½ teaspoon salt (I used less because the peanut butter I used is already salty), 1 ¼ cups Nestle cream, 2/3 cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons honey.

First, I had to make a slurry by combining 2 tablespoons of milk with cornstarch. In a medium bowl, I whisked together the peanut butter, cream cheese and salt until smooth.

Then in a 4-quart saucepan, I combined the remaining milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup and honey and brought it to a rolling boil for four (4) minutes. I had to remove it from heat for a while and gradually added the cornstarch slurry, then brought it back to heat (about 1 and a half minute) until it slightly thickened. After removing it from heat, I gradually whisked the hot milk mixture to the peanut butter mixture until smooth. I had to be careful though because it is so hot.

After mixing it thoroughly, I set it aside to prepare a large bowl and fill it with ice and water. Then I proceeded to pour the mixture into a 1-gallon zip-top freezer bag, sealed it and submerged it in ice bath. To make sure it will cool faster, I put the bowl inside the freezer to speed up the process together with the canister of the ice cream maker. After 30 minutes, I retrieved  the freezer bag and poured its content on the frozen canister and began to spin the ice cream maker.

And after 30 minutes, tada! I have my creamy peanut butter ice cream! I packed the ice cream into a little storage container and pressed a sheet of parchment paper directly on its surface. I think this is to prevent freezer burn. Then I put the container at the coldest part of the freezer and freezed it overnight.

The following morning, my Peanut Butter Ice cream was a success. And this made me excited and confident to start off with my dark chocolate ice cream.

Now, I didn’t know making the chocolate ice cream was easier! All I had to do is to gather ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup brewed coffee (good thing I had brewed coffee in the morning), ½ cup white sugar, 1 ½ ounces bittersweet chocolate chips.

The rest of the ingredients for the ice cream base were relatively the same (except for the honey which I used in the peanut butter ice cream). And so all I had to do was to make the chocolate syrup: in a small sauce pan, I  combined the cocoa, coffee and sugar, bring to a boil (about 30 seconds) over medium heat and stirred it until everything is dissolved, removed it from heat before adding the choco chips and let it stand for five (minutes).

For the ice cream base, I whisked together the cream cheese, warm chocolate syrup and salt until everything is incorporated. Using the same recipe and procedure, I made the milk mixture and made it slightly thicker again with the cornstarch slurry.

When I had both the milk mixture and the chocolate syrup ready, I gradually whisked the hot milk into the chocolate mixture until smooth then proceeded to put it into a 1-gallon freezer bag again and submerged it in a cold bath.

 

After 30 minutes, I put everything again inside the frozen canister of the ice cream maker and proceeded to churn the mixture. This time around, freezing the chocolate ice cream was much faster and I enjoyed eating it after four hours.

 

After I surveyed my creations, I couldn’t keep myself from uttering: “Hallelujah!” Thank God for summer because it’s the season we can help ourselves from having some of the best things in life…

 

 

This is just heavenly!

Dining at good ‘ole Casa Roces

Tags

Casa Roces, food, Kape Chino, Malacanang, President Benigno Aquino III, travel

I didn’t know that a side trip to Malacanang, the seat of power in the Philippines and where the country’s top powerful leader resides, would be fun and entertaining. Early this year, we went to Casa Roces one quiet Friday to celebrate the birthday of a friend who works beside the most powerful person in the country right now, President Simeon Benigno Aquino III. Spy promised to treat us to a sumptuous lunch, and so, what better way to meet all of us without having to neglect his duties than to treat us to Casa Roces which is just a stone’s throw away from Malacanang.

At the outset, one would think its a high-end residential place, except that the cars I saw parked outside clearly states it is a favorite destination of some people. After disembarking at the entrance, we were enthralled at the elegant ambiance that set off a vibe like we’re back in the late 60′s.

I actually have a thing for old-houses-turned-restaurants. As if ghost stories would suddenly creep up in our conversation. However, at this point, I didn’t think about one. All I did was marvel at the grandeur of the interiors of this restaurant.

We were ushered to a room upstairs. Where we all felt so homey and at ease at once. You got this feeling like your grandmother is just at the other room so you need to be quiet. I really felt time-warped as if I was transported back somewhere in time.

A view of Malacanang from the window

We came here to catch up on the latest gossips and talk about the latest in politics. But good conversation without good food? Nah. It just don’t happen. We sampled the bestsellers in this restaurant which made good table-talk too.

Crispy Lengua Ceasar Salad

 

I ordered a roasted squash soup, which I found superb. Because we were so hungry, I didn’t get to take a photo of it as well as what the others ordered like the Spaghettini Gambas ala Jillo, Pork Belly Humba, and Pinakbet with Vigan Bagnet. For dessert we enjoyed a plate of Turon Ala Mode and Fried Suman With Mango Sauce and Spanish Chocolate over a cup of coffee.

As if we’re not yet satiated, Spy got us a loot bag which contains Kape Chino’s, (the restaurant downstairs), specialty cakes! Yummy!

 And afterwards all I can say is: Gracias!

I’m Walking on Sunshine…

It was hot and cloudy in Manila that day when McDonalds Philippines introduced their newest product line: the four McFloat Summer Medley at their El Pueblo, Ortigas branch, last week. The muggy weather plus the usual traffic in EDSA is making me irritated as I tried to hasten my way to the venue.

I was late. But not too late, I guess, for lunch. I found my three other MFJ teammates already seated and chomping off their crispy Chicken McDo. Good thing, Angie, Jen and Gelo had reserved a seat for me so that when I arrived I immediately ‘attacked’ my lunch with gusto.

Catching up with their conversation, Angie told me I wasn’t too late. Xian Lim hasn’t arrived.

I replied: “Sino yun?”  (Who’s he?)

“Ano ka ba? My Binondo Girl.”—goodness! .. I didn’t think I’d know the guy because I hadn’t been avidly following MBG. But I do know about this TV series aired over “Kapamilya” ABS-CBN and of Kim Chiu.

And so when the actual event started and the four new different flavors of McFloat were presented the four of us eagerly squeezed our way inside the room upstairs packed with people excited to see Xian Lim.

And when he was finally introduced, I’d say McDonalds’s didn’t go wrong rooting for him as their next endorser—a fresh, sunny, inspiring “boy next door” bloke, who is as refreshing as the Blueberry Sprite McFloat, Four Seasons Sprite McFloat, Green Apple Sprite McFloat and Honey Banana Sprite McFloat he is promoting.

I was actually star-struck when he entered the room. He’s a tall guy and I’m impressed that he’s got a nice voice. In fact he sang for this TVC with his very own rendition of Katrina and the Waves “Walking on Sunshine.”

While he was busy talking about his career, hobbies, and childhood experiences with McDonalds, I was sipping one of the newest concoctions offered to us. I personally liked the Honey Banana McFloat flavor.

But I’m sure you’d like to try the others…

 

Cheers to a sunny life!

Reflections of a Filipino visual artist

Tags

arts, Chris Mirang, Filipino artists, God, hyperrealist, painting, realism, reflections, Twentieth Century Filipino artists, visual artist, watercolor

Last month, I got a rare invitation from an award-winning Filipino realist painter to view his masterpieces right inside his home. It was an opportunity I dare not miss; after all, it’s not every day I get to know somebody who is a staple in the visual art scene. I am no art connoisseur but I have a knack for art works especially those that were crafted with ingenuity. That is why, when Christian “Chris” Mirang’s wife, Jo (or ate Jo) asked me for some publicity help, I eagerly accepted the invitation to view his works.

I’ve met some visual artists and heard about quite a few but I find Kuya Chris an exceptional realist painter. When I viewed his latest set of works at his home in La Marea in San Pedro, Laguna, I was really impressed at his God-given wisdom and talent. He is actually preparing for his fourth exhibit this month, March 24, at the Art for Space in Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, and which he titled Reflections.

I like the fact that he is a versatile painter. A fine arts, major in advertising graduate of the Philippine Women’s University, Mirang has had numerous occasions to showcase his talent and win in competitions. He was featured by Manuel Duldalao in the Century of Realism in Philippine Art  and included him in the roster of Twentieth Century Filipino Artists by the author. In a candid interview, Mirang tells me his forte was actually watercolor painting. But this year, he is emerging with a new set of painting using oil and acrylic.

When I asked him why he chose oil and acrylic as his medium for his fourth exhibit, Mirang said it’s all because he has recognized that potential buyers are very hard to find these days.

“It’s really difficult to sell a painting. Some clients don’t want watercolor painting because they have to buy a glass frame to effectively preserve the painting. Others actually think oil and acrylic is the most expensive medium.

Aquarelle, however, is a difficult and challenging medium to use that is why it is also expensive. However, aware of the impact of the global  financial crisis, Mirang shifts to oil and acrylic which is potentially cost-effective.

“I admit it’s difficult nowadays to sell even just a piece, but I trust in God’s word. I do so by faith. I know that with Him all things are possible.”

More importantly, Mirang said he made it a point to use his visual talent to bring about God’s glory and to advance his kingdom.

Indeed, one would be amazed by his testimony which was reflected in the following portraits he painted.

Class of Glass

From Bird's Point of View

Reflections 2012

Reflections #9

Up Close

Reflections # 10

I am so fortunate to have met a guy like him. Not only is he a God-fearing artist, he uses his passion for the virtual arts to share God’s grace and goodness and inspire everyone to live life happily and blessed.

Korean dramas I watched last year (2011)

Tags

Arirang, Baby-faced Beauty, Glory Jane, GMA-7, Go Hyung Jung, Han Ye Seul, KBS World, Kim Tae Hee, King of Baking Kim Tak Gu, Korean dramas, Lee Yo Won, Lie To Me, Man of Honor, My Princess, North Korea, Romance Town, Secret Garden, Song Seung Hung, South Korea, Spring Day, Spy Myeongwol, Surgeon Bong Dal Hee, Yoon Eun Hye

Cute, cheesy, and crazy…

Yes, that’s how I remember these Korean dramas I’ve watched last year. I hope anyone reading this would agree with me.  I’ve enumerated some of them.

 

Spy Myungwol aired by KBS was a hit for me. Starring Han Ye Seul as the beautiful, kick-ass North Korean spy, she had a great chemistry with Eric who plays Kang Woo–a Korean Hallyu star that the NK wants to kidnap. HYS is a great tandem also for Lee Jin Wook who plays NK officer Choi Ryu. Though the filming of this drama suffered glitches, with HYS walking out in the middle of the dram, I found myself enjoying this rom-com. Its great that even after the controversial ‘spat’ she had with the director, the rom-com ended well and good.

Secret Garden, on the other hand, became popular in the Philippines after GMA-7 aired it on prime time TV. This fantasy-based rom-com may have been a little confusing for some with the constant switching of bodies of Gil Ra Im (played by Ha Ji Won) and Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin). But make no mistake it’s a tear-jerker too.

Baby-faced Beauty also got me hooked. I may not be a fashion junkie but I loved the story of Lee So Young (Jang Na Ra) a 34-year old budding fashion designer who falls in love with a 25-year old university graduate.

Romance Town, meanwhile, is a story of housekeepers working in a rich household. This rom-com explores that rags-to-riches love story but with a healthy twist of greed apparent in the early episodes. Watching this K-drama made me feel like I won the lottery.

I won’t lie to you, but Lie To Me really got me bored at it during the first episodes. But as the rom-com progresses I find myself wanting to know how two successful career-oriented individuals find the time to overcome hitches in their relationship. Honestly, I watched this mainly because of Yoon Eun Hye (Princess Hours).

I wouldn’t forget My Princess even if I wanted to. This K-drama series really got me seeing Kim Tae-Hee (Iris) in a different light. KTH who plays an ordinary college student who suddenly finds out she’s a royalty. But she figures out that life as a princess can earn you fans and “anti-fans” and that she is no Cinderella, as she learns the heavy responsibility of being the nation’s princess. Also, I  rooted for KTH tandem with Song Seung Hun (East of Eden) who plays “Mr. P” or Park Hae Young a diplomat who was put in charge by the South Korea’s president of educating our princess. This rom-com really led me into an emotional roller-coaster.

Man of Honor or Glory Jane was not originally on my list but after seeing my mom watching it avidly every Wednesday and Thursday night at KBS World, I got interested myself. What got me also into this drama was the fact that the writer was the one who wrote Kim Tak Gu or Baker King which I previously also watched. And I noted similarities to it. Though it ended on a positive note, still I think the ending was left hanging.

 

 

 

 

Apart from these K-dramas, I was happy to watch a rerun of the dramas of two of my favorite Korean actresses: Lee Yo Won’s Surgeon Bong Dal Hee  and Go Hyun Jung’s Spring Day both on Arirang TV.

 

 

Watching SBDH made me think of American medical drama ER. This drama is about a first year resident doctor, Bong dal Hee, played by LYW, who strives to become a successful surgeon despite having a heart problem. How she and her senior boss Ahn Geun (Lee Bum Soo) finally ended up together despite getting off from a bad start is something you shouldn’t miss. It’s very heartwarming and full of life lessons.

 

Spring Day is said to be loosely adapted from Japanese drama Heaven’s Coins. It’s a story of a lady Suh Jung Eun (played by GHJ) who suffered a trauma so great that it made her mute. Two doctors vied for her attention: one who helped her overcome her past and enabled her to use her voice again and his step brother who was there for her when the latter lost his memory in an accident. It’s a heavy drama that makes you wonder if sibling rivalries would never end and if true love would finally be possible for a quiet and gentle woman. GHJ’s portrayal of that woman here is very much so different with her acting as Mishil,  the cunning leader in Queen Seon Deok. 

 

There are others, but I think I will reserve another writing space for those other Korean dramas I’ve watched

The Two Koreas

Tags

books, Demilitarized Zone, DMZ, Korea, North Korea, reading, Seoul, South Korea, the Two Koreas

An online journalist lent this book to me. When he heard I was visiting Seoul last October, we had a casual conversation about Korean literature and history and told me he was able to buy a book detailing about Korea’s contemporary history at a book sale going on at a university some years back. He hadn’t finished reading it but he graciously loaned it to me.

The Two Koreas, a contemporary history, revised and updated, written by Don Oberdorfer. An American professor at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University and was a journalist for 38 years, 25 of them with The Washington Post.

I took this book because I was drawn to Korean history the same way I did with my own country’s history. Theirs is intriguing and tragic. Reading through this book, it touches on the origins of the emergence of the Two Koreas, north and south; the influence of the United States in the national policies of South Korea; the role of neighboring countries, China, Japan, Moscow; and the nuclear weapons issue of North Korea.

It’s very informative and educational and complements my understanding of the nation’s political affairs and gives insight on the political future of North Korea. I definitely will finish this book and pray I could come back to Seoul to get a glimpse of the forbidding Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Wursty, Wursty!

Tags

dining, food, food trip, FoodStreet, German cuisine, German restaurant, German sausages, Mediterranean salad, Ortigas Home Depot, Pasig City, Schnapps, Wursty

I’m not a fan of German food, well at least, that’s what I thought before I got to try Wursty! Wursty!

It was one Thursday night when a sweet friend, Cely, decided to bring me along to a see an acquaintance who first introduced her to this newest  diner located at the FoodStreet in Ortigas Home Depot in Pasig City. Honestly, when she first asked me if I’m up to try authentic German cuisine, I had second thoughts.

The first and the last time I entered a German restaurant, as I recall was  six years ago when I was asked to attend a special event held in Schwarzwälder at the Atrium in Makati City. I can’t say it was a good experience then, maybe because I didn’t get the chance to savor the dishes served correctly because I was in a hurry.

But when she asked me if I would go along with them, I decided not to waste the opportunity. Maybe this time, a German  food trip would be worthwhile.

Ed Lindo, consultant of this franchise, and Maureen de Lantar graciously welcomed and ushered us to our dining table. With a loud dance music on the background coupled with a dark interior with subtle lighting on, we initially felt being on party mode. Looking around, one might initially feel the place is stuffy because of the small space, but I admire the furniture, including the tables and chairs, which Maureen said were all from Finland. After starting on some conversation, we allowed ourselves to just get the feel of the place while munching on some crunchy pretzels.

Some of the food we ordered while waiting for other friends to arrive included the Mediterranean salad, and their famous bratswurst–one spicy and one that’s sweet.

After a while we were introduced to the owner, Marem Kocak, jolly Belgian, who immediately engaged us to a warm conversation on local politics. When I asked him what ‘Wursty’ means he simply said it means “sausages.” Marem boastfully announces that Wursty, Wursty! offers the best of authentic German food.

To prove his point, he made us try Wursty’s bestsellers:

The Chicken doner, for me, was a winner.  Looks like its a German version of the  Shawarma but its much better. It was served to us hot off the grill and the crunchy texture of the veggies complemented the sauce and the slices of grilled chicken in the wrap.

Wursty’s grilled chicken with complementary fries and garden salad on the side  was also memorable. You actually don’t need to put sauce into it because biting into the chicken, you’d already find it so tasty. I wish I can get their secret recipe for this.

We’re also glad to know we didn’t go wrong in choosing their Mediterranean salad. The veggies are fresh and crunchy, alternately helping ourselves to a mouthful while feasting on the chicken and sausages.

We were practically having a feast. We were so full we were bursting, but Marem wasn’t finished showcasing the best of Wursty, Wursty! We were then cajoled to take a shot of Schnapps.

I’m not a drinker so I was hesitant at first. I thought the red wine I ordered earlier would suffice but Marem was persistent and challenged us to try down it in one go. Unfortunately, I’m the only who didn’t get to finish my glass. However, I find its fruity taste refreshing. Ed said Schnapps is not really a hard drink. On the contrary it helps  aid digestion.

I just like the fact that these little shot glasses are marked bad shot, good shot.. cute!…