Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
My ultimate comfort food early this year was the frozen brazo with a layer of powdered graham crackers at the bottom. My son would pick it up from his friend’s, Anton Khemlani’s, house. I thank God I broke that wicked midnight habit.
The brazo was the most divine journey as I savored its softness before hitting the sweet custard in the middle only to be taken to new heights as I reached the finale of a graham layer. I wish I could find a photo but I’m sure it photographs better in my memory.
The brazo came from Fancy Cakes which we used to visit in Il Terrazo. Now it has found its home in Magiting Street in UP Village, just past Mini-Stop and beside Moon Leaf and Chooks-To-Go.
UP Village is turning out to be a foodie haven with its rows of specialty restos not found anywhere else. (I promise to take photos of this neighborhood.)
Fancy is a cozy little place, embracing you instantly with its prettiness.
Such a cheerful, fancy nook in what is otherwise a practical, down-to-earth neighborhood.
The day we went there, the brazo was nowhere to be found. I guess they just make it for special friends.
But the tiramisu was inviting.
The chocolate cake beckoned.
But the cupcakes won!
Not only is the place an eye candy, this one’s a real candy.
We sampled the bestseller, Romeo and Juliet. The evil that is the dark chocolate is topped by heavenly white icing. Sinful and heavenly at the same time.
I like that Fancy started out with my son’s friend going around his friends’ houses at night after classes, selling slices of cakes so we could sample them. I like that my son’s friend truly, truly likes their cakes and can talk about them passionately even with his friends’ moms! And I like discovering places before they become too commercialized. So Fancy has a sweet place in my heart.
And, remembering myself finishing that slice of brazo takes the edge off being in the middle of a nasty work week.
Have a great Wednesday!
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Friday, September 9th, 2011
It was our kids’ first trip to NYC, 7 years after the 9/11. They found a kinder city. People cared.
The subway ticket person in our station became our friend. Strangers helped people who struggled with their bags. Commuters humored kids selling M&M’s on the train by shelling out a dollar for each one. We got a feeling that people watched out for each other.
We lived in The Bronx for more than a month. ‘Took the subway almost every day to Manhattan and other parts of the city. And pounded the streets not exactly knowing where they would lead us. But we always found our way.
And the kids learned to cook, do their laundry and navigate the city.
And they found these, too.
Home.
Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom, Battery Park
The Positive Brothers
The Subway Performers
Hanging On
Rocking On
Hop On
Hail a gypsy cab.
Broadway
Play.
Pray.
Rebuild.
Survive.
Peace.
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Friday, September 2nd, 2011
It felt good writing that. Our home at the farm. ‘Reads like a dream, right?
Let this be an eye-candy post. Without the usual musings and over analysis that I sometimes fall into. Okay, most of the time.
Truth be told, I got this deal from the Deal Grocer site where a 3-day-2-night stay came at 38% off. Not bad at all.
The deal specified a stay at The Sulu Terrace. Kinda rustic. If you want a real feel of a farm, this is it!
But we got an upgrade to the suite. And we didn’t ask for it. It just happened- they were all of a sudden making all these arrangements. We were super happy!
This is the walkway to Palmera 6. A few steps away is the spa. How convenient!
Come on in.
Let’s see it!
How fabulous!
And the banyo? Open shower. You bathe under the sun or under the stars or with rain falling on you. One way or another, it’s amazing!
This bao is a guide for the staff. This means “tidy up the room.” Turn it over and it means “Do not disturb.” Coolness!
In the morning, you wake up to misty windows and doors.
The suite comes with a pet.
This is Tiger’s favorite spot.
The backyard. All to ourselves!
The huge picture window right in front of the bed.
Thanks, Jennifer, for the upgrade.
And remember my line on perfect timing? I was walking around talking loudly to Tiger and when I turned around, I almost, almost (!) collided with this man who asked me in the softest whisper, “If you want to see the falls, I can take you there.”
All I could mutter was, “Oh, I thought I was talking to my husband.”
But he did take us around, speaking oh-so-softly and walking slowly while I talked way too loudly and skipped while walking. (If you know me, my voice isn’t that loud at all.)
Of course, I asked him, “How come you know everything about this place?” Yes, I felt so silly. But then, he was really, really kind. Too bad he flew back to Delhi for a baby shower on our last day at The Farm.
Meet, Mr. Naresh Khattar. Thanks, Mr. Naresh, for the tour.
So, what to do at The Farm aside from meditating, power walking (with the Iron Women who intimidated me I backed out!), indulging at the spa, sleeping, cleansing and eating healthy?
Have coffee and take as much time as you want.
Walk aimlessly.
Sit.
Play with the peacocks.
Enjoy the quiet. Be with yourself.
This reads like an ad but I think The Farm at San Benito deserves all the awards it got. And just to be clear, my wallet was severely harmed in the making of this post. 
But it was worth it.
The weekend is about to begin.
Where to?
Happy weekend!
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Thursday, September 1st, 2011
So, what to bring to a shoot?
An extra shirt.
A mosquito repellant.
A hat if it’s on location.
A jacket or a wrap if it’s inside a studio..
Your medicated 1.5 liter water bottle. Like La Greta. Except mine is Summit. Hers is Evian. A world of difference!!! But same principle- hydrate. Sige na.
Your organizer, of course!!!
And your laptop.
But this post is not about work.
It’s all about bags! The ones we bring to the shoot.
Happy Thursday!
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