As part of our “get-fit” program, R. and I got into running. But the recent rains have put a damper on things so we turned to a sport we both enjoyed, a sport easy enough to lure our friends into doing with us — table tennis.
After a few wild-goose chases, we learned that there was a table tennis facility for rent in the Gilmore area (near the residence of our friend, M.). So we drove through excruciating heavy traffic along the EDSA-Shaw-Ortigas area (undoubtedly exacerbated by this) to meet up with M. — only to find that the place was closed for the night because we failed to make a reservation before 5:30pm.
So what happened when our best laid plans got flushed away in the rain in the muggy streets of Metro Manila? Why, we ate, of course!
Mien-san in the Gilmore (near corner Santolan St.) Quezon City area practically hypnotized us out of our disappointment with its simple, steaming hot Taiwanese cuisine.
Hot, steaming Siao-long Pao (above) — I’ve had this dimsum before but I didn’t know its name until this night. And now I shall keep it in my memory (and tummy) forever!
Their dipping sauces were stars in their own right. I especially liked the white vinegar with ginger. I’m sure there’s more to it than just adding those ginger slices, and someday I plan to uncover the mystery.
After walking off the dimsum, Yang Chow fried rice and fish fillet with oyster sauce at Fully Booked in Greenhills, we went to the nextdoor Starbucks for something sweet (Froyo and Fruits in Ice Cream were closed).
I’m glad I tried the Dark Berry Mocha Frapuccino (new seasonal flavor) the barista suggested. It wasn’t too sweet or too cough-syrupy, the way raspberry flavoring tends to taste. And the complementary Raspberry Cheesecake was simply decimated between R. and I (see evidence below).
Do I feel guilty for pigging out instead of working out? Maybe a smidgen, but my tastebuds are still swooning over that Mien-San meal and my tummy’s merrily sloshing that Dark Berry Mocha frapuccino — I think I’ll live.
*photos of Mien-San food taken from Greener Pastures
*photos of Starbucks drink and cheesecake taken by me via Motorola phone