Hap Chan with Bong

Last Wednesday after doing yoga I found myself craving for comfort food and good company (I spend most of my time alone because of bar review).

It was a good thing my friend Bong was available. I picked him up in UP and then we thought about where we wanted to go. We had a hard time because both of us were starving. We ended up driving to Tomas looking for a place where they serve soup. 

While driving, I remembered Hap Chan, a Chinese restaurant my family used to visit often. I liked their jumbo siopao so much that my Tita would order it for me for take out many a night during exams.

I knew they had a branch somewhere in Tomas but because of deficient brain functions due to starvation, Bong and I got lost. Foursquare however led us to their E. Rodriguez branch.

Hap Chan had been expanding recently and had re-fashioned their restaurant image. As compared to before, their restaurants are now more posh:

Fancy furniture and lanterns

This is just me, but I preferred the overall feel of the old Hap Chan, which was more down-to earth and busy (I miss 'em dimsum carts!).

Both Bong and I ended up ordering their beef brisket mami (P120 for solo serving). Serving size was good, and the soup was good with that comforting umami taste. I like that it was served hot enough. However, the beef was tough and wasn't as tendon-rich as I hoped. Considering that this dish was supposed to be a best seller, I was disappointed.

Bong putting pepper in his soup

We also both ordered their bola-bola siopao (P80) (We're two peas, I know!). I'd have to say, although the taste was still there (Hap Chan siopaos have that distinct taste that I love) It seems like Hap Chan is now scrimping on its ingredients. The meat was not as siksik  as it used to be. Same for the bun texture. The sauce is also more malabnaw now.

Bola-bola siopao

Me and my siopao 

Lastly, I ordered their hakaw (P85). Bong ordered siomai instead. I'm afraid that their hakaw also suffered from their scrimping. There were more extenders than shrimp in 'em. So sad. :( Still tasty though.

Hakaw

In spite of Hap Chan betraying my fond memories of it, Bong and i still had a good time. You can't beat good company :). Also, we were super starving and "Masarap kumain pag gutom". Haha.

Best. Babies. Ever.

My babies are the best. I just had the most pleasant Friday night :). 

Ashley and Patch surprised me with a care package

We had dinner in Zark's where Abbi and Yanna followed

My Triple Threat Burger

Patch and myself

Thank you sooo much babies! You made my week :)

Happy Sta. Rosa Day!

Look who paid me a visit today...

Me and my two best friends, Lovely and Deniece

They drove all the way from Laguna to visit me in Starbucks Katipunan. They didn't have work today because it's Sta. Rosa day. I love these girls! We had a nice time catching up. I super missed them. 

I don't have much time for blogging these days because I'm on double time with my review, but I just had to post this one.

Here's to hoping I'll have time to post the many other pictures in my phone.

Now back to studying.

P.S.

You can follow me on Instagram @missyvalle. Hehe.

I made pancakes today! ^_^

I got a little restless earlier while I was studying Corpo. I just couldn't concentrate. When I would get restless I would usually play a game on my iPad or maybe watch an episode of one of my comedy series, but this time I wanted to do something a little bit more productive. It was around 3:00 pm and I haven't eaten lunch so I decided to cook something.

For some reason, I wanted pancakes and coffee. I thought this would be a perfect match to my study session. I remember we bought a big box of Bisquick pancake mix so I got that out of the cupboard.

Bisquick, milk, an egg, and butter to line the pan

The recipe on the box was for a big serving so I made half of what was instructed. 1 cup of mix, 1/2 cup of milk, and an egg. I used butter instead of oil to line the pan.

One thing I learned while cooking is that butter burns pretty fast. I put the flame on its lowest setting and yet the butter still turned brown fast! I just threw the burnt butter in the sink..

Thankfully, the pan was lined with butter enough so that the pancakes didn't stick. It took me a while to make round-ish pancakes..

 My reject pile :(

I was able to make a pretty pancake on my third try. The key is to not put too muck batter so you can flip it easily. Also, in flipping pancakes, confidence is key! :))

My pretty pile :D

I was so relieved that I didn't burn any on the pancakes. I decided to put Nutella and bananas on them.

I think I did a good job plating this thing, don't you? :D

 Using my camera's "food shot" mode

Mmmmm pancakes with coffee! The perfect study food on a rainy day!

Now back to studying. :)

I finished Tax today!!! :D

Sorry. I'm just so happy I finally finished my first reading on Tax! Wah! SO HAPPY.

To celebrate this moment, I took some time to do my nails:

Happy Missy!

I'm so proud of myself. I can do my own nails now. Also, I can now do my own make up, and even dye my hair! Hooray for DIY stuff! The things I learn during bar review. Haha. 

Okay, back to studying. I have mock bar on Saturday! Also, I now have a JOB waiting for me! :D :D :D

CRUNCH TIME!!!