After many years, I decided to go back to the “foodies” circle and get myself familiar again with the new and popular places to dine. Way back in college I would often read articles written by Doreen Fernandez (well-known food critic, author, and columnist) and get excited to try out the restaurant or the meal she has made a write-up on. For several years I have passionately enjoyed the places and experiences of sharing delectable dishes with friends and families until I became busy with the demands of the corporate world and starting a family. My thoughts on food had always been there and fortunately with good friends, I have decided to get back to the groove and write about my first love – savoring delicious food!
This is turning a new leaf in my life and there’s no better time to start it than on 11/11/11. Coincidentally, I was invited to a formal opening event of a new restaurant in Makati called Sugarleaf. My writer/friend was coming in late and so I had to join the blessing and the whole program by myself. I took the time to go around and study their products. Sugarleaf caters to healthy organic meals with both a cafe and a mini grocery store to boost their advocacy. Personally, I admire healthy meals but have some reservations on the taste until I tasted some of their prepared dishes. They were serving sandwiches and wraps using organic ingredients in generous fillings with Kefir dressings. I tried their Free-range chicken sandwich with Dijon mustard, baguette with Norwegian salmon on lettuce and lemon balm-dill, salad with homemade vinaigrette, and their crab stick and mango wraps. The combination of their main ingredients in a sandwich may be very common but what sets them apart are the dressings that went with it. It all blended well together and I can’t seem to get enough of the wraps.
My personal favorites at Sugarleaf are their Kefir Mango smoothie and Macadamia nut pie. The smoothie was very refreshing and I can’t say if it can substitute a good yogurt drink, or a mango shake. It tastes and feels like something fused together - a healthy drink with the yummiest taste. Their macadamia nut pie was sweetened just right and they used low-glycemic sweetener which is a big plus.
- Sugarleaf - Mango Kefir
As I was enjoying the food and contemplating on starting my own blog site, lo and behold I had the chance to meet and chat with Anton Diaz – famous blogger on food and travel, at the event as well. Now that’s screaming “start your own blog site!” Nothing can be clearer than that.
Nov 11, 2011 is turning a new leaf in my life. “Catching some Zzzs - and live the dream” is the best way to name my site (thanks to my dearest cousin Suby). Catch more of Zelle as she goes to different places, meet new faces, and savor new dishes to passionately live the dream of everything delicious! More of Zzzs to come!!
