It's the first day of the new year: 1-1-11. What an auspicious set of numbers! First day, first month of the new decade.
Cliched though it may be, it also signifies new beginnings, new chances. It might just be another day after all, in this cycle of life, but there is a certain psychological closure in ending a year and beginning the next. Calendars mark more than the passing of days, but provide emotional milestones as well. The concept of Janus as the god of doorways is quite apt, indeed.
Resolutions are de rigueur during the start of every year. Whether they are actually followed is beside the point. The mere thought of changing something, or doing something new, for the next 365 (or 366) days provides an energizing force for most, with he hope that these don't fizzle out and go pfft early on.
I have one resolution for the year, which I hope to sustain with the help of this blog.
It is to Give Thanks. To be more grateful for all the blessings I receive, and express my gratitude in a more immediate way. To recognize that everyday pleasures are gifts in and of themselves.
At least once a week, I would like to write about at least 3 things that I am most grateful for. At the end of the year, I would like to browse over these year-round entries, and smile at the recollection of all the good that has happened.
I would like to kick it off now:
- The gift of a healthy and loving family. Sure, there may be times when the little ones are a bit too rambunctious, or the hubby seems to be too glued to the computer. But hey, isn't it better to see one's kids running around happily in the comfort of one's home, wanting their parents' company, than seeing them preferring to stay outside and be with others? That they have the energy to romp and tumble and sing and dance, than see them sick and weak with illness? That the hubby opts to spend time with the kids and have a bit of play-time at the computer, rather than playing around someplace else? It is all a matter of perspective.
- The gift of food, clothing and shelter. And so much more. We have been blessed to be able to provide these things to our family. There are times when we accept these as commonplace, and forget just how lucky we actually are. Then a trip to an orphanage, or a glance at those who can barely make ends meet, makes eveything come into focus once more. There, but for the Grace of God, go we.
- The gift of writing. I have always had an affinity with the written word, both in the reading and in the crafting of it. I hope to further hone this skill by writing more, and not just in the ways I have been used to. I'll make sure and provide updates on this blog...
As I type these words I am more thankful than ever. Life may not always be as easy-peasy as we want it, and there will be tears interspersed with the smiles. But all of these help us learn, and grow, and mayhap, be all the better for it.
Our team went to Tagaytay last Friday, and Marcia Adams' place was the restaurant of choice. We were the day's first guests, and we arrived around 9 in the morning, as we had arranged to have a planning session there first. Luckily the Sunset Lounge was all ours at the time!
It was drizzling at the time, and the staff were readying the chairs and tables as we came in. Fortunately the light rain soon subsided, and the heavy plastic covers were lifted from the Tuscan-style windows so we could all enjoy the view. This was my third time there, and new things catch my fancy every time. These bric-a-brac on the wall of their Sunset Lounge are interesting counterpoints to the greenery outside.
I was actually intrigued by the menorah.
The place had a kind of "shabby chic" vibe. The solihiya chairs evoked images of a genteel era long ago.
This wall hanging with colored glass, as well as the vase of flowers in the corner, added to the comfortable feeling, encouraging one to just sit back and lounge around.
The lighting fixtures were conversation pieces themselves. I particularly liked the chandelier.
These yellow flowers added bright punches of color to the dining tables.
The cold water was served in a glass pitcher with a crocheted cover -- a really quaint touch.
Then it was time for eating. Hurray!
There was freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven. I was again trying to make a yin-yang symbol from the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (see the post about Buon Giorno), haha!
The soup for the day was a hearty vegetable, bean and bacon (or was it ham?) soup. It was very flavorful, the veggies being neither too mushy nor too raw, retaining just the right crunch. The ham complemented the flavors beautifully, and the beans rounded it all up.
I always look forward to their Aegean Salad -- very fresh, with a tangy dressing that tickled the palate without being overwhelming. There was grilled pear, Italian ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, roasted pistachios on a bed of mixed greens. I was surprised though that this was not part of the set menu any longer which, just earlier this year, included an appetizer, salad, main course, dessert, and drinks.
The first time I went there I had the Classic Shish Kebabs with couscous. I usually steer clear of lamb dishes, as I usually experience a certain after-taste: "maanggo". Marcia Adams' take on this however, removed that bias. There was no after-taste, and the meat chunks were juicy but well-cooked. The onions and peppers were sweetly crunchy. This time around the kebabs were served with rice. The kebabs were a bit overdone, with quite a bit of charring evident. They were still packed with flavor though.
There was also Corsican Beef Stew served with couscous, a thick, hearty dish reminiscent of caldereta and mechado. Full bellies were the result!
All of these were washed down with Bundaberg ginger beer, a non-alcoholic drink that provides a fizzy, clean taste with a hint of ginger and citrus.
Dessert was Grilled Orange with Dairy Ice Cream, and Panna Cotta with Lemon Sauce. The grilled orange was served warm, with dark grill marks attractively cross-hatching the surface of the peeled orange. The cold ice cream contrasted wonderfully with the fruit, and the honey sauce drizzled around the plate added sweetness to the tart flavors. The Panna Cotta looked so pure and simple, its light and tangy taste a refreshing way to cleanse the palate.
After all that feasting, we just had to walk around and explore a bit, just so we could say we got a bit of exercise as well! The grounds certainly evoke images of Italy-- sun-dappled, verdant, drowsily peaceful -- really a little pocket of Tuscany in Tagaytay!
The hallways invite visitors to meander along, and a stroll outdoors provides one with whimsical little surprises here and there, like the cat-shaped plant pot, the head-shaped planters, the burbling fountain, and the bricks lining the outdoor passages.
For those planning to visit their place soon, one just has to be aware that they do not have a credit card facility yet. Notwithstanding this minor detail, the fact remains that Marcia Adams is one of the better eating places in Tagaytay.
Here is a picture of Marcia herself in front of their gate, as she saw us off.
All in all, it was an enjoyable experience. The air was cool, the food was wonderful, the hosts welcoming. Both Neil and Marcia Adams came by to have a short chat, and Marcia accompanied us outside as we said goodbye -- they usually do this with their guests, and I believe this is one of the things that keeps their patrons happy.
Good food attracts guests into coming by. Good service is what keeps them coming back.
These days, "Oh no!" seems to be our toddler's pat answer whenever she is asked about something that she doesn't know.
Us: Where's your blanket?
Toddler: Oh no! (then proceeds to overturn her pillows)
Us: Where did you put your slippers?
Toddler: Oh no! (promptly looks underneath the chairs)
Us: Where's your kitty cat doll?
Toddler: Oh no! (goes to her older sister's room to rummage around there)
Us: Do you know where your milk bottle is?
Todder: Oh no! (smiles mischievously)
Right now it's just so adorable to hear her say these words.
I'm not too convinced whether we'd still find it cute when she's in her teens and we ask her this:
Us: So would you happen to know where the car is?
Teen: Oh no! (with a sheepish grin perhaps?)
