WARNING, do not read if you are hungry.

For my birthday two weeks ago, I decided to hibernate and spend some alone time up in a cabin. It was just me and my yaya for a good 4 days and 3 nights. It was wonderdul. I took naps, listened to my music, played games on my iPad, slept early and woke up late. I walked around the village and got my fill of fresh air. 

Now that I am back to civilization, I have very dear friends that want to celebrate my birthday with me. First up was Jasmin and Dennis and they treated me to a delightful dinner in Sala. 

This is my Chef Colin Mackay Overload Experience. 

We all had the 5 course meal and up until now, I still can't forget how delicious everything was. 

Let me show you. 

Jasmin and Dennis had the fish. 

And I had the duck. 

The pannacotta is to die for. Absolutely yummmmmmy!!!

Of course we had our happy liquid but because I ate, I didn't get drunk. 

When one proved to be insufficient, we headed back to the poolside of The Peninsula and had another. Perfect way to end the evening.

Thank you so very much Jasmin and Dennis for showing me so much love. 

The very next day, Venisse and Joanna had my birthday lunch at Blackbird. In all honesty, I was more impressed with the food I had this time and now, I am even more excited about going back for more. 

Next time, there will be no sharing for this order. ALL MINE. 

Cheers to all our travel plans! 

It's funny that all our arms are crossed over our bellies but after what we had for lunch, go figure. 

Thank you Ven and Jo for a wonderful lunch. 

Because I absolutely admire Chef Colin and how consistently good the food his restaurants have, our third dinner celebration was held in People's Palace. This time, with my good friends Victor and Liz Aliwalas. 

Photo courtesy of howomg.com

This is actually my first time to try this fresh spring rolls as I always get the fried one but this is my new ultimate healthy favorite dish! 

HAD to have noodles as it is a birthday must. 

Always and forever one of my orders, Chicken with Cashew. 

Morning Glory with pork. 

And for that evening, we HAD to try the strawberry pavlova. SOOOO much better than the passion fruit. 

Fried Banana fritters with coconut ice cream. 

To my dearests, thank you for celebrating with me. I truly had a blast. 

Believe it or not, next week, Sala Bistro is on my list. Stay tuned. 

The Blackbird Experience.

Located at the old Neilson Tower along Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Blackbird is the newest baby of Chef Colin Mackay. 

Two weeks ago, I was invited by fellow food blogger, Joel Nunez to experience the dishes that I would see and drool over when someone posted photos on Instagram. 

Upon entering, the very chic and cozy cocktail area is what you will see first. To the left is a bar where you can have a drink or two while waiting for your table. 

To the right is a lounge that I will surely spend a lot of my evenings at. 

It is also where Joel and I had dessert. 

First up, drinks. I had a mango mojito. Very yummy but I still can't figure out what to do with the mint leaves in my mouth after I take a sip. 

Reminds me of my favorite Vietnamese dish. This pork belly skewers with lemongrass and lime noodles will get you excited for the main course. 

But of course, one kind of appetizer is not enough so we had crab cakes on a bed of coleslaw. If it had three more, I would have been happy to have this for my main course. 

I have two words for this. EMPTY PLATE.

If the restaurant serves burgers, then you must try it. That's the golden burger rule. I enjoyed the tomato compote on top of the cheese. I would usually do away with the fries but not this time. 

The branzino, a white fish fillet baked to a crisp yet juicy and tender inside. 

Make your reservations way ahead of time. It is after all the hottest place to dine and it will be for a very long time. 

Blackbird, 828-4888.

To my partner is many, many unspeakable crimes, thank you. 

Joel Nunez and your bloggerina.