Kozui

Kozui atmosphere is, in a word, refreshing. The lime green interior gives the place a light, airy feel. That is until after a few minutes when you realize there is no aircon and its just a fan blowing. Aircon turns up in a while then for some reason, dies again later... it gets a bit stuffy.

The menu is a bit unfamiliar with drinks like fruit blend "koriachi". I stood infront of the cashier for a good 3 minutes not knowing what to order, and the guy just waited for me. No recommendations, no suggestions, no help in interpreting the menu. My fault though, I should have asked. He and the other server argued though, when i asked if the chocolate cake had nuts.




So i ordered the tearamisu (P90) (in photo, made of green tea obviously) and the mint jelly fruit blend koriachi (tall - P115). i figure, I couldn't go wrong with a lime based mint flavored icy drink with green tea jelly. Well, the drink was odd. I could taste the lime somewhat, i could taste the green tea somewhat, but the mint tasted more like basil. Shrinkgirl said it was refreshing. I just kept saying odd.

The tearamisu was a surprise. No green tea-ish taste here. The cake was moist not dry as I expected. The cream cheese layer was sweet and pleasant. The green powder looking thing on top was quite interesting.

M ordered jap style hummus (don't know what its called) which had a sesame flavor to it. Interesting, i would eat this as a snack. The flat bread that came with it was nice and chewy. She also ordered the zaru soba (cold soba) and again, i was pleasantly surprised with the sweet spicy flavor of the dipping sauce.

I don't think I would suggest to come back here or recommend this place to anyone. But if someone asked me to meet up there, I wouldn't refuse. While the menu selection isn't great, the food is ok. I'll have to try a different drink though.

Check out www.kozui.com

A Glorious Past

Sadly, It seems that is all it has.  A glorious past.  

The Manila Hotel, built in 1912, has served as residence to royalty, political figures and celebrities.  I remember going there as a child, I would wear my best dress and my one and only piece of jewelry, a leather strapped watch. i felt I had to be on my best behavior befitting a place so elegant. 

The facade, with Christmas lights draped around the canopy, not all of it lighting

It isnt really very dilapidated or in disrepair.  It just has that old and musty feel.  Not elegant nor graceful.  It seems like no thought was given to preserving its stature, its beauty, its look.  Cheesy signs and decor abound.  There aren't many guests around and the staff seem sluggish.  Uniforms are drab and boring.  And the merienda buffet (P400) was un-inviting and un-appetizing.
 

Cheesy signages in big bold gold lettering

Poolside, with old lounge chairs and side tables

It was disppointing.  Once so vibrant and alive, one of the country's best hotels, now The Manila Hotel has only a past to boast of.  Its present is dreary, and its future even bleaker.

The Empire and a Perfect Sandball

My sister spent the entire morning building her empire. She and my niece patiently looked for sea "treasures" to put on top of each post. And my nephew claims to have made the perfect sand ball.