I saw this Groupon deal for Hapa Izakaya recently and thought it would be nice to try out this restaurant with my friends. The deal that we got was $15 for a $30 worth of food and drinks for at least two people. I called in to make a reservation just to confirm that it is available on the day and time we wanted. The staff told us that only 6:30 time slot is available on that Saturday night and that we have to leave at around 8 because a large group of party will be dining at 8:30. I actually didn't think it was really welcoming for a first time customer to get an early leave request on their initial visit. But, anyway, reservation booked. Groupon bought. On the Friday, I got a call from the restaurant confirming the time and again they asked us if we could leave at around 8 because of the party. Okay! I get it. Then, on the day of, we arrived at exactly 6:30 pm sharp. The staff greeted us when we asked for our table and for the third time they asked us if we could leave at 8 pm for the party to come in after. Wow. Pushy much? I haven't even sat down and ordered yet.
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{Candy Crush Birthday Cake} |
I was planning to retire from making cakes after the hectic process and stressful experience of attempting a 3D sailboat cake for a baby shower party (post to come). Then, 4 days just before my relaxation getaway trip to Cuba, I got a request asking me to make a chocolate birthday cake for his girlfriend who is addicted to playing the popular game Candy Crush. I thought it's a very cute idea to transfer a game idea onto a cake. I get really excited to anything game inspired. It's so much fun and stimulate my creative juices (My first game inspired project was an edible Angry Bird Cake Topper). I was so tempted by the idea because Candy Crush is so popular these days. So, I convinced myself to take on this challenge.
We got a $500 voucher for each person discount courtesy of Sunwing Vacations that expires by the end of the year. So, obviously being a financially-wise family, we would take advantage of this great bargain and escape from the cold weather here in Toronto. After, short-listing to several high rated resorts within our preferred time period, we finally landed on a destination and resort, the Memories Paraiso Azul Beach Resort in Cuba.

I'm glad there was no line ups when I was there with my friend a month ago. The hype probably died down a bit or perhaps the crowd normally don't crave for ramen in the afternoon. The restaurant is located downtown, a small urban decor of casual wood furnitures. We were lucky to get seated right away. Their menu is very simple. I always have the perception of thinking that if the menu is short listed, it means that the restaurant is specialized on those dishes.
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{How can it be a good friday without a good homemade breakfast?} |
Every now and then, I get bored of eating the same breakfast every morning. So during the weekends or when I am on holiday, I try to make myself a fancier alternative with still the same ingredients found in my fridge. I eat spinach salad everyday at work, so there's always a box of spinach sitting in my fridge. For breakfast this holiday, I try to incorporate these spinach into my dish so that they can be finished sooner. And yes, another breakfast dish with eggs.