The issue of backing up my data has been on my plate for the past few months. The primary concern was really my older PC that my dad uses. It's getting old, the hard drive freezes, and so I've been wanting to shift the old data into the external drive. He hasn't been around much so I haven't gotten around to it and assuming the data is still intact since it just hangs, and doesn't completely prevent access. My current PC is also starting to act up as the fan on the power supply goes into loud whining every once in a while and then decides it's fine again.
I have to say though, of all the computers, my Macbook Pro was last on the list of things expected to fry. Shame on me. This is either the second, or third time I haven't backed up my data properly. It is a pretty complete disaster if I do, my photos, and recent projects are all on it without any form of backup and it'll be a complete disaster if I'm unable to scavenge any existing data.
Have I learned my lesson? Yes. Again. Will I actually apply the lesson towards the future? I hope so.
Hoping that I can still recover my files. And then when I'm done sulking I can start cursing Apple.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Super Mario Galaxy Fini....ARGH
So I thought I finished Super Mario Galaxy. And now I realize that you actually have another 120 stars to go through with Luigi. I wanted to be done with this game already. My only consolation is that it will only take less than half the time to do it the first time because everything will exactly be the same. It's just frustrating I have to redo it.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Jeffrey's Manila Restoreview Roundup
Angels Kitchen, Connecticut Ave, Greenhills
This restaurant has an identity crisis. The restaurant's walls are bare. The back wall is painted green, but the side walls are white. There's a couple of old 70's style floral leafs, and some mirrors, but other than that, the restaurant has no attitude or message to convey to say "This is who we are".
The thin bread crisps they serve as munchies are bland and not crunchy enough. They taste like they're old and given to you just because they don't want to give you fresh ones. Granted, they serve pate with the bread crisps, but the pate itself is quite tasteless. Even ;
The Pumpkin Soup was decent. However, it was inconsistent as we ordered it twice, and it was good on the first order, but the second serving tasted bland.
I tried the Lamb Chop Curry? It was alright, nothing spectacular. Nothing to write much about. It's pretty standard. Lamb... covered with curry.
Their "Fruit Splash" is more like "Not Enough Fruits mixed with too much ice". I could barely taste anything. It was mostly watery and made me feel like a retard for drinking something with no flavor.
The cuisine is mostly home style cooking. Home style Filipino, and other regional home style dishes in general. It's mainly Filipino cuisine, but not limited to, there are some select dishes from different regional cuisines, like Malaysian, and Indian. It's more of a potpourri of dishes anyone can prepare at home.
The one thing that does redeem this restaurant is its desserts. The Banana Chocolate Cream Pie is deeeelish! Not enough chocolate though, or else the balance is perfect.
The Apple Pie covered in caramel was quite scrumptious. Incredible crust! Oh my! The one issue I had is that the pie is served cold. The waitress also told us not to get it a a la mode for the pie because it's already covered in caramel. She was wrong, customer's always right. It tasted better after we got the vanilla ice cream anyway, but the pie would have been even better served hot.
Overall rating: 4/5
Zucchini's Vinotek and Grill (Redux)
Strike, the lunch menu is exactly the same as their dinner menu.
Have I ever mentioned that their Apple/Pumpkin Cream Soup was excellent? No? IT IS EXCELLENT. Can you hear me now? IT'S EXCELLENT.
Their Tomato Soup is also top notch. This is the first time I've tried their French Onion Soup, and now I've come to the conclusion that the soup entrees are Zucchini's best offerings.
The Duck a L'orange was tres excellente. Duck is one of those dishes where you either cook it right, or it tastes like crap. I was delightfully surprised with the texture, but mostly the Rosti Potatoes that came underneath the duck pieces.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Cyma Estiatorio, 1/F Greenbelt 2 Ayala Center, Makati
Attitude! This place is overflowing with it. With the unified "Opa!" from the staff upon lighting of an order of "Flaming Cheese" and the white stucco walls and chic modern Greek hybrid murals and lighted glass, it's a very relaxing dining atmosphere.
I've forgotten what I ordered, but most of the dishes were pretty good. The salad is excellent. The one thing I didn't like was their lamb, and the Greek potatoes, they weren't sour enough. But it's not fair for them, any Greek I taste has to go up against my experience with food at The Mad Greek.
Overall rating: 4.2/5
This restaurant has an identity crisis. The restaurant's walls are bare. The back wall is painted green, but the side walls are white. There's a couple of old 70's style floral leafs, and some mirrors, but other than that, the restaurant has no attitude or message to convey to say "This is who we are".
The thin bread crisps they serve as munchies are bland and not crunchy enough. They taste like they're old and given to you just because they don't want to give you fresh ones. Granted, they serve pate with the bread crisps, but the pate itself is quite tasteless. Even ;
The Pumpkin Soup was decent. However, it was inconsistent as we ordered it twice, and it was good on the first order, but the second serving tasted bland.
I tried the Lamb Chop Curry? It was alright, nothing spectacular. Nothing to write much about. It's pretty standard. Lamb... covered with curry.
Their "Fruit Splash" is more like "Not Enough Fruits mixed with too much ice". I could barely taste anything. It was mostly watery and made me feel like a retard for drinking something with no flavor.
The cuisine is mostly home style cooking. Home style Filipino, and other regional home style dishes in general. It's mainly Filipino cuisine, but not limited to, there are some select dishes from different regional cuisines, like Malaysian, and Indian. It's more of a potpourri of dishes anyone can prepare at home.
The one thing that does redeem this restaurant is its desserts. The Banana Chocolate Cream Pie is deeeelish! Not enough chocolate though, or else the balance is perfect.
The Apple Pie covered in caramel was quite scrumptious. Incredible crust! Oh my! The one issue I had is that the pie is served cold. The waitress also told us not to get it a a la mode for the pie because it's already covered in caramel. She was wrong, customer's always right. It tasted better after we got the vanilla ice cream anyway, but the pie would have been even better served hot.
Overall rating: 4/5
Zucchini's Vinotek and Grill (Redux)
Strike, the lunch menu is exactly the same as their dinner menu.
Have I ever mentioned that their Apple/Pumpkin Cream Soup was excellent? No? IT IS EXCELLENT. Can you hear me now? IT'S EXCELLENT.
Their Tomato Soup is also top notch. This is the first time I've tried their French Onion Soup, and now I've come to the conclusion that the soup entrees are Zucchini's best offerings.
The Duck a L'orange was tres excellente. Duck is one of those dishes where you either cook it right, or it tastes like crap. I was delightfully surprised with the texture, but mostly the Rosti Potatoes that came underneath the duck pieces.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Cyma Estiatorio, 1/F Greenbelt 2 Ayala Center, Makati
Attitude! This place is overflowing with it. With the unified "Opa!" from the staff upon lighting of an order of "Flaming Cheese" and the white stucco walls and chic modern Greek hybrid murals and lighted glass, it's a very relaxing dining atmosphere.
I've forgotten what I ordered, but most of the dishes were pretty good. The salad is excellent. The one thing I didn't like was their lamb, and the Greek potatoes, they weren't sour enough. But it's not fair for them, any Greek I taste has to go up against my experience with food at The Mad Greek.
Overall rating: 4.2/5
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Jeffrey's Manila RestoReview 2008: Florabel
Florabel, The Podium
The restaurant's contemporary wooden design with dimmed lighting is accentuated by simplicity of the plastic table lights. I would probably say that any type of electric lighting is cheesy, but the smooth, curved plastic-shelled lights they use as table lighting actually gives a statement of the restaurants simple, but elegant atmosphere.
The appetizer I ordered, the 'Duo of Tuna & Sashimi' is sheer genius. I would have walked out happy just having eaten that appy.
It was a very well rounded presentation of seared tuna sashimi, a risotto mixed with tempura chunks and morsels of tuna sashimi, and mesclun salad.
I was a little less impressed with my main entree. The 'Pan Seared Prawns and Scallops in Lemon Caviar Butter' with risotto had a very weak taste. It relied too much on the butter to give the rice and seafood flavor. The scallops were seared perfectly. Just enough to give it a crisp texture. Just enough that it was still soft inside. The risotto was a little too hard for my taste, it could have been because it was made with wild rice, but I still disagree with it. Risotto should be soft enough so that it feels like it melts in your mouth.
My disappointment was short-lived. For dessert, I ordered their Chocolate Souffle with Yuma, accompanied by vanilla ice cream, and fruit compote. I didn't mind having to wait the 20 minutes for them to prepare this because ultimately, it's chocolate ecstasy. Oh how the warm, hot soft chocolate souffle just melts on your tongue. MMMMM
Overall rating: 4.5/5
The restaurant's contemporary wooden design with dimmed lighting is accentuated by simplicity of the plastic table lights. I would probably say that any type of electric lighting is cheesy, but the smooth, curved plastic-shelled lights they use as table lighting actually gives a statement of the restaurants simple, but elegant atmosphere.
The appetizer I ordered, the 'Duo of Tuna & Sashimi' is sheer genius. I would have walked out happy just having eaten that appy.
It was a very well rounded presentation of seared tuna sashimi, a risotto mixed with tempura chunks and morsels of tuna sashimi, and mesclun salad.
I was a little less impressed with my main entree. The 'Pan Seared Prawns and Scallops in Lemon Caviar Butter' with risotto had a very weak taste. It relied too much on the butter to give the rice and seafood flavor. The scallops were seared perfectly. Just enough to give it a crisp texture. Just enough that it was still soft inside. The risotto was a little too hard for my taste, it could have been because it was made with wild rice, but I still disagree with it. Risotto should be soft enough so that it feels like it melts in your mouth.
My disappointment was short-lived. For dessert, I ordered their Chocolate Souffle with Yuma, accompanied by vanilla ice cream, and fruit compote. I didn't mind having to wait the 20 minutes for them to prepare this because ultimately, it's chocolate ecstasy. Oh how the warm, hot soft chocolate souffle just melts on your tongue. MMMMM
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Blogging drought
I have been without internet for the past few days and with all the preparations for my grandma's funeral, I've been busy.
I'm tired, exhausted, and when I get back to Canada, I'll be overwhelmed again with the load of things I have to do.
My brain is bursting with exclamations of incomprehensible jargon as my mind is struggling with the load of responsibilities and obligations.
The one respite I have I guess is watching some Discovery Channel here. I have nothing to do at my house when I'm at home so I can actually watch television. One really interesting show I saw this morning was a special on Ayurveda. It is the traditional, or rather, aliopathic, form of medicine that is used in India. I think these forms of natural medicine should be considered more seriously in modern medicine on the basis of having been used and been effective for a long time. They have existed before the invention of modern scientific standards and really have no reason to be ignored. Besides, it's much more fun being rubbed down with oil rather than popping a few pills.
I'm tired, exhausted, and when I get back to Canada, I'll be overwhelmed again with the load of things I have to do.
My brain is bursting with exclamations of incomprehensible jargon as my mind is struggling with the load of responsibilities and obligations.
The one respite I have I guess is watching some Discovery Channel here. I have nothing to do at my house when I'm at home so I can actually watch television. One really interesting show I saw this morning was a special on Ayurveda. It is the traditional, or rather, aliopathic, form of medicine that is used in India. I think these forms of natural medicine should be considered more seriously in modern medicine on the basis of having been used and been effective for a long time. They have existed before the invention of modern scientific standards and really have no reason to be ignored. Besides, it's much more fun being rubbed down with oil rather than popping a few pills.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Mourning
I felt bad in December when I didn't come back to Manila when my grandfather passed away.
My conscience is a little less guilty since I came back to at least see my grandmother before she passed away. I've been busy for the past few days because of the funeral arrangements for my grandmother. It's a little complicated with Buddhist customs, so I'll outline it later. But I'll be here at the funeral home(?) for at least 4 more days until her body is cremated.
My conscience is a little less guilty since I came back to at least see my grandmother before she passed away. I've been busy for the past few days because of the funeral arrangements for my grandmother. It's a little complicated with Buddhist customs, so I'll outline it later. But I'll be here at the funeral home(?) for at least 4 more days until her body is cremated.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Jeffrey's Manila RestoReview 2008: Duo
Duo Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Serendra Piazza - Fort Bonifacio Global City
Their menu has a good selection, but there is no creativity at all.
We started with the Tessie Tomas salad for appetizers. It was very good. The shiitake mushrooms gave it an earthy flavor while the seafood lightened it. The cheese was a little too strong for salad though.
The Steak and Foie Gras was excellent. The steak was cooked to tender and moist medium rare perfection. The Foie Gras was a little bland though, the lack of flavor made the dish completely about the steak. I don't know what the chefs at Duo are thinking, but trying to fool the customer is a no-no. Sneaky attempts at trying to mix people's perceptions, by mixing the meat and potatoes into a single mound so they all look alike, is down right devious.
The Mint-crusted Lamb was ho-hum. The mint-crust was something new for me. But the preparation was sloppy. The meat was not consistent for each lollipop, and the garlic mash was too salty.
The waiters were unprofessional. We brought a birthday cake, and yet, when they came out with it from the kitchen, the waiters held it for a little girl to look at. I would have said nothing if the child was from our party, but she wasn't. And if the cake is ruined, how the heck are they going to make up for it?
The menu is lacklustre. The overall generality of dishes allows the chef to do whatever he wants with a dish on that day. There is no focused vision on the flavors of the restaurant. The plating and originality of the dishes is a complete disaster. I know it's a steakhouse, but the chefs should still have pride in making each entree distinct and visually identifiable. From what I saw, the dishes were prepared just to spec to match the menu description.
Overall Rating: 3/5
This was my first trip to Serendra out at Fort Bonifacio.
I was looking for a website for Duo, but I found a review instead. I love his style. He's a professional travel writer/critic so he has experience writing polished articles. I need to get a new camera so I can actually do that, my DSLR is way too bulky to carry around. Some day, I hope I can improve my writing and be able to write a little more professionally. I'd love to be a pro food critic. That'd be the funnest thing to do. Eating for work. =D
Their menu has a good selection, but there is no creativity at all.
We started with the Tessie Tomas salad for appetizers. It was very good. The shiitake mushrooms gave it an earthy flavor while the seafood lightened it. The cheese was a little too strong for salad though.
The Steak and Foie Gras was excellent. The steak was cooked to tender and moist medium rare perfection. The Foie Gras was a little bland though, the lack of flavor made the dish completely about the steak. I don't know what the chefs at Duo are thinking, but trying to fool the customer is a no-no. Sneaky attempts at trying to mix people's perceptions, by mixing the meat and potatoes into a single mound so they all look alike, is down right devious.
The Mint-crusted Lamb was ho-hum. The mint-crust was something new for me. But the preparation was sloppy. The meat was not consistent for each lollipop, and the garlic mash was too salty.
The waiters were unprofessional. We brought a birthday cake, and yet, when they came out with it from the kitchen, the waiters held it for a little girl to look at. I would have said nothing if the child was from our party, but she wasn't. And if the cake is ruined, how the heck are they going to make up for it?
The menu is lacklustre. The overall generality of dishes allows the chef to do whatever he wants with a dish on that day. There is no focused vision on the flavors of the restaurant. The plating and originality of the dishes is a complete disaster. I know it's a steakhouse, but the chefs should still have pride in making each entree distinct and visually identifiable. From what I saw, the dishes were prepared just to spec to match the menu description.
Overall Rating: 3/5
This was my first trip to Serendra out at Fort Bonifacio.
I was looking for a website for Duo, but I found a review instead. I love his style. He's a professional travel writer/critic so he has experience writing polished articles. I need to get a new camera so I can actually do that, my DSLR is way too bulky to carry around. Some day, I hope I can improve my writing and be able to write a little more professionally. I'd love to be a pro food critic. That'd be the funnest thing to do. Eating for work. =D
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Jeffrey's Manila RestoReview 2008: Zucchini's
Zucchini's Grill and Vinotek, Quezon City
I have to come out and say I'm a little biased about this place. My previous trips here have been nothing but beyond expectations. I can still taste their wonderful Cream of Apple and Pumpkin Soup (with roasted walnuts and apple chips) and the Lamb Lollipops with Saffron-infused Rice.
However, this actually works against them for my review today. I was expecting nothing but pure gourmet ecstasy. Sadly, I was not as impressed this time around.
For appetizers, we shared a Sea Scallops dish served multiple ways, and a Duck Breast Salad. The Sea Scallops dish had nothing memorable and was mostly mush. Even the element served with foie gras lacked flavor. The salad looked pretty appetizing but alas the duck was overcooked, and eventually renders the dish flavorless just as a salad dish with overcooked meat.
The soup never fails to impress. I tried the Roasted Mango Soup instead of the usual Apple/Pumpkin. It tasted more like Squash soup as it was more savory than sweet. I think it was probably a squash soup mixed with some mangos, and mango bits to give it a little bit of a sweet after-taste.
The Lamb Lollipops a la Provencale (with Escargot Ragout, Cauliflower Puree, and Zucchini Florentine) was pretty interesting. The taste of the lamb paired with the Provencale sauce was quite disappointing, but I was more interested in the sidings. The Escargot Ragout had a very subtle taste but a very distinct presentation, it was mixed light and airy, similar to a garlic mash. The Zucchini Florentine was some spinach contained in a section of zucchini, covered with some melted cheese. Disappointed by the taste, but presentation is still wonderful.
Dessert? I can't really remember if Zucchini's has good desserts or not. I ordered the "Frozen Coconut Souffle". I've never heard of such a thing.... souffle, that's frozen? (Okay, maybe it's because I'm just not an experienced gourmet.) Plating, presentation, and originality are all off the charts. This was some crazy concoction from the chef's demented psyche. The base of the dish was thin slices of pineapples caramelized with sugar and created little saucers of pineapples. On top of that in the center was some type of frozen coconut custard, similar to panna cotta, accented with a cherry on top. This was more a work of art than food. Visually impressive, but hard to eat. The custard was alright, but the pineapples were very hard to cut, and definitely way too sweet.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
I have to come out and say I'm a little biased about this place. My previous trips here have been nothing but beyond expectations. I can still taste their wonderful Cream of Apple and Pumpkin Soup (with roasted walnuts and apple chips) and the Lamb Lollipops with Saffron-infused Rice.
However, this actually works against them for my review today. I was expecting nothing but pure gourmet ecstasy. Sadly, I was not as impressed this time around.
For appetizers, we shared a Sea Scallops dish served multiple ways, and a Duck Breast Salad. The Sea Scallops dish had nothing memorable and was mostly mush. Even the element served with foie gras lacked flavor. The salad looked pretty appetizing but alas the duck was overcooked, and eventually renders the dish flavorless just as a salad dish with overcooked meat.
The soup never fails to impress. I tried the Roasted Mango Soup instead of the usual Apple/Pumpkin. It tasted more like Squash soup as it was more savory than sweet. I think it was probably a squash soup mixed with some mangos, and mango bits to give it a little bit of a sweet after-taste.
The Lamb Lollipops a la Provencale (with Escargot Ragout, Cauliflower Puree, and Zucchini Florentine) was pretty interesting. The taste of the lamb paired with the Provencale sauce was quite disappointing, but I was more interested in the sidings. The Escargot Ragout had a very subtle taste but a very distinct presentation, it was mixed light and airy, similar to a garlic mash. The Zucchini Florentine was some spinach contained in a section of zucchini, covered with some melted cheese. Disappointed by the taste, but presentation is still wonderful.
Dessert? I can't really remember if Zucchini's has good desserts or not. I ordered the "Frozen Coconut Souffle". I've never heard of such a thing.... souffle, that's frozen? (Okay, maybe it's because I'm just not an experienced gourmet.) Plating, presentation, and originality are all off the charts. This was some crazy concoction from the chef's demented psyche. The base of the dish was thin slices of pineapples caramelized with sugar and created little saucers of pineapples. On top of that in the center was some type of frozen coconut custard, similar to panna cotta, accented with a cherry on top. This was more a work of art than food. Visually impressive, but hard to eat. The custard was alright, but the pineapples were very hard to cut, and definitely way too sweet.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Monday, January 28, 2008
Portal humor
A Day In the Life of a Portal Turret
It's a little nerdy humor, but it's great. It will only make sense if you've played Portal.
It's a little nerdy humor, but it's great. It will only make sense if you've played Portal.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Jeffrey's Manila RestoReview 2008: Buon Giorno
Buon Giorno, Tagaytay
Modern Italian. That sums it up pretty well.
We started with a number of appetizers Frutti Misto fried seafood platter, creamy Pumpkin Soup, and Pepperoni pizza. They were all are fresh interpretations of very traditional dishes.
The entrees were all cooked to perfection.
I ordered the rack of lamb and it was tender and delish. Their Prime Rib was also superb. Perfect and moist, I have no complaints whatsoever.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
On our way back from Tagaytay, we got some pastries from a place called Rowena's.
Mmm... damn. If you ever go by, pick up some of their buko tarts, ube tarts, strawberry or blueberry tarts. DAMN. They are all good. I've never had such good buko pie tarts before. It's so creamy it tastes like egg custard. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Not too sweet, not chunky. Creamy and delicious all around.
Modern Italian. That sums it up pretty well.
We started with a number of appetizers Frutti Misto fried seafood platter, creamy Pumpkin Soup, and Pepperoni pizza. They were all are fresh interpretations of very traditional dishes.
The entrees were all cooked to perfection.
I ordered the rack of lamb and it was tender and delish. Their Prime Rib was also superb. Perfect and moist, I have no complaints whatsoever.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
On our way back from Tagaytay, we got some pastries from a place called Rowena's.
Mmm... damn. If you ever go by, pick up some of their buko tarts, ube tarts, strawberry or blueberry tarts. DAMN. They are all good. I've never had such good buko pie tarts before. It's so creamy it tastes like egg custard. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Not too sweet, not chunky. Creamy and delicious all around.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Jeffrey's Manila RestoReview 2008: Cafe Uno
Cafe Uno, Tomas Morato
They always have a unique variety of dishes, varying locations of culinary inspiration.
Their uniqueness doesn't carry much weight though. Their cooking is absolutely terrible.
Appetizers
The Roti with Onions and Gruyere started everything off with a nice twist. Roti's not usually served wet, but I liked the new approach to a standard cultural (Malay) dish where it's served dry with some spicy sauce.
Scottish Smoked Fish Chowder, was too smelly. Too salty. It was something new, but most people wouldn't be able to take a few sips before throwing up from how smelly the fish was. I know it's supposed to be salty because it's smoked, but you don't want people to be choking on it. They need to lighten the concentration.
The Green Pea Puree was standard fare. It's just puree of green pea.
The Grilled Wrasse was more fried than grilled, the fish was actually pretty tender, but the onion sauce was way too salty and too strong.
The GrilledBarramundi was even less thrilling. The fish lacked any flavor at all. The bean sauce they used to try and cover up the lack of flavor was still lackluster and merely a reminder of how unskilled the chef is.
The salmon was alright. A little overdone, but nothing special.
So far, the only dish they actually had any success from what we tasted was the Rack of Lamb with horseradish. Perfect counterbalance sauce for lamb.
Dessert
Creme brulee. TERRIBLE. The creme was not cooked enough. It wasn't creamy at all. It had the consistency of cheesecake. It was warm. How can you serve creme that's not chilled? And to top it off, the sugar wasn't completely caramelized.
The Chocolate Fallen Cake was okay.
Overall score: 2/5
They always have a unique variety of dishes, varying locations of culinary inspiration.
Their uniqueness doesn't carry much weight though. Their cooking is absolutely terrible.
Appetizers
The Roti with Onions and Gruyere started everything off with a nice twist. Roti's not usually served wet, but I liked the new approach to a standard cultural (Malay) dish where it's served dry with some spicy sauce.
Scottish Smoked Fish Chowder, was too smelly. Too salty. It was something new, but most people wouldn't be able to take a few sips before throwing up from how smelly the fish was. I know it's supposed to be salty because it's smoked, but you don't want people to be choking on it. They need to lighten the concentration.
The Green Pea Puree was standard fare. It's just puree of green pea.
The Grilled Wrasse was more fried than grilled, the fish was actually pretty tender, but the onion sauce was way too salty and too strong.
The GrilledBarramundi was even less thrilling. The fish lacked any flavor at all. The bean sauce they used to try and cover up the lack of flavor was still lackluster and merely a reminder of how unskilled the chef is.
The salmon was alright. A little overdone, but nothing special.
So far, the only dish they actually had any success from what we tasted was the Rack of Lamb with horseradish. Perfect counterbalance sauce for lamb.
Dessert
Creme brulee. TERRIBLE. The creme was not cooked enough. It wasn't creamy at all. It had the consistency of cheesecake. It was warm. How can you serve creme that's not chilled? And to top it off, the sugar wasn't completely caramelized.
The Chocolate Fallen Cake was okay.
Overall score: 2/5
Friday, January 11, 2008
The blurring of desktop and web
There is a merge/shift in using web technology to create complicated desktop applications. Desktop applications normally take a much more difficult approach using desktop programming. It is starting to create a paradigm shift in the design of web application technology with the introduction of development frameworks such as Prism by Mozilla, AIR by Adobe, and Silverlight by Microsoft.
This new wave of integrated technology allows for rich Internet applications to be made into a desktop experience. Although each of the technologies has its own strengths and weaknesses, all of them are striving to push integrated web media onto the desktop. Hopefully more of these new media applications will hit the desktop and revolutionize the stagnant slow, dull desktop applications of the past 20 years.
This new wave of integrated technology allows for rich Internet applications to be made into a desktop experience. Although each of the technologies has its own strengths and weaknesses, all of them are striving to push integrated web media onto the desktop. Hopefully more of these new media applications will hit the desktop and revolutionize the stagnant slow, dull desktop applications of the past 20 years.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Sony HDR SR12
Wired has a brief video up on the new Sony HDD Camcorder at CES. I'm a little skeptical about it since most consumer level camcorders are unable to perform any decent quality in their recordings.
However, the review talks about recording in full HD, 1080p quality. That's a pretty big leap in modern video quality for consumer level products. The reviewer also talks about the image stabilization feature taken from the Sony Alpha cameras. If the camera even delivers on either of the two features, it'll be so far ahead of the competition.
However, the review talks about recording in full HD, 1080p quality. That's a pretty big leap in modern video quality for consumer level products. The reviewer also talks about the image stabilization feature taken from the Sony Alpha cameras. If the camera even delivers on either of the two features, it'll be so far ahead of the competition.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Bill Gates has humor!
Bill Gates' retirement video from CES. Hahaha. I gotta give props to him for having humor and making light of himself.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
Happy 2008!
I'm going to start it off on a sad, sober note.
I always thought of myself as someone who's a very solitary person and I would be okay not being with family.
Well, that's gone straight out the window. This is my first holiday season (Christmas and New Year's), spending it without family. Mostly just together with friends. And well, friends are friends, they're not family. I have really been in a rut. I just realized how much I miss them. It's like some type of psychological torture.
Now a little bit wiser and less solitary, but still feeling lonely.
Another year has passed, and I have grown some more.
I'm going to start it off on a sad, sober note.
I always thought of myself as someone who's a very solitary person and I would be okay not being with family.
Well, that's gone straight out the window. This is my first holiday season (Christmas and New Year's), spending it without family. Mostly just together with friends. And well, friends are friends, they're not family. I have really been in a rut. I just realized how much I miss them. It's like some type of psychological torture.
Now a little bit wiser and less solitary, but still feeling lonely.
Another year has passed, and I have grown some more.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Microsoft vs. Google
The theoretical or perceived notion that Google is going after Microsoft is somewhat of a joke. Google itself has not stated in any shape or form that they are intending of attacking Microsoft, but of course, Ballmer goes after everybody, not just Google, because he's just that kind of guy.
Eric Schmidt of Google states, "velocity matters." It sure does, and that is the one of the biggest reasons that Google succeeds. Software update cycles are commonplace and take place behind the scenes. If you haven't noticed, Gmail has done a major upgrade two weeks ago dealing with performance issues and a number of interface upgrades. This type of velocity doesn't take place at Microsoft which has a history of forcing upgrades for security issues, but also releasing patches way too far apart giving users somewhat of a disparate upgrade experience. The Microsoft periodic upgrades will shock people because of major changes, contrary to what Google does is by constantly changing their interface slowly and allowing users to test it out features one at a time rather than being overwhelmed with a complete interface overhaul.
How can someone state that Google is out to make money. Sure, it make tons of money. But it's all advertising.
For all of its achievements, no one can point at Google stating that its primary interest is to make money. Their bottom line so far is providing free services which have improved the overall Internet experience for everyone. Yes, Google's products are encroaching on Microsoft's marked territory (Office applications) and thus issuing a challenge, whether intended or not.
But, seriously, if people choose Google, then it's obviously for a good reason.
Google is much more serious about designing usable and innovative software. And everyone knows the bottom line is Microsoft is still about making money.
Eric Schmidt of Google states, "velocity matters." It sure does, and that is the one of the biggest reasons that Google succeeds. Software update cycles are commonplace and take place behind the scenes. If you haven't noticed, Gmail has done a major upgrade two weeks ago dealing with performance issues and a number of interface upgrades. This type of velocity doesn't take place at Microsoft which has a history of forcing upgrades for security issues, but also releasing patches way too far apart giving users somewhat of a disparate upgrade experience. The Microsoft periodic upgrades will shock people because of major changes, contrary to what Google does is by constantly changing their interface slowly and allowing users to test it out features one at a time rather than being overwhelmed with a complete interface overhaul.
How can someone state that Google is out to make money. Sure, it make tons of money. But it's all advertising.
For all of its achievements, no one can point at Google stating that its primary interest is to make money. Their bottom line so far is providing free services which have improved the overall Internet experience for everyone. Yes, Google's products are encroaching on Microsoft's marked territory (Office applications) and thus issuing a challenge, whether intended or not.
But, seriously, if people choose Google, then it's obviously for a good reason.
Google is much more serious about designing usable and innovative software. And everyone knows the bottom line is Microsoft is still about making money.
Shopping bags
The new trend in fashion and functionality is the emergence of reusable shopping bags.
These aren't the ordinary paper bags that stores provide for you to carry your purchase. They're all new plastic, or fabric-based bags with designer graphics of a higher production quality. The new trend in bags are flash, but they'll also store your stash! People are using them as an extended purse, storing items for daily use that would otherwise not fit in a regular purse.
It is a step into the future of preventing paper waste. It is an environmental boon that may also be a marketing and advertising bonanza. People gladly use their bags as a sign of being in style, but also mark themselves as slaves to the brand. I guess being a billboard is a small price to pay for going green.
These aren't the ordinary paper bags that stores provide for you to carry your purchase. They're all new plastic, or fabric-based bags with designer graphics of a higher production quality. The new trend in bags are flash, but they'll also store your stash! People are using them as an extended purse, storing items for daily use that would otherwise not fit in a regular purse.
It is a step into the future of preventing paper waste. It is an environmental boon that may also be a marketing and advertising bonanza. People gladly use their bags as a sign of being in style, but also mark themselves as slaves to the brand. I guess being a billboard is a small price to pay for going green.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Portal
I require some brief counselling and cake.
I just finished Portal. That has been one of the best video game experiences I've ever had. It's not a violent game at all but it is so rewarding and satisfying to play. It sends your mind to the wacked out dimension of thinking in lateral dimensions where you can create dimensional portals so you can walk through them and show up somewhere else in the same dimensional space. Confused yet? You just need to think in portals.
It's a thinking game that focuses on puzzle solving and that's why I love it. There is no relatable game play experience out there.
It requires a certain understanding of physics and I think it's possible to allow kids to play this in school as a demonstration in basic physics concepts such as kinetic energy and momentum.
Portal makes physics fun!
I just finished Portal. That has been one of the best video game experiences I've ever had. It's not a violent game at all but it is so rewarding and satisfying to play. It sends your mind to the wacked out dimension of thinking in lateral dimensions where you can create dimensional portals so you can walk through them and show up somewhere else in the same dimensional space. Confused yet? You just need to think in portals.
It's a thinking game that focuses on puzzle solving and that's why I love it. There is no relatable game play experience out there.
It requires a certain understanding of physics and I think it's possible to allow kids to play this in school as a demonstration in basic physics concepts such as kinetic energy and momentum.
Portal makes physics fun!
Monday, December 10, 2007
MattLAN
Ah damn. I was at Matt's place in Maple Ridge on Saturday. It was a pretty late LAN, which kinda sucked. We did a round of Battlefield 2, CS1.6, and tossed in a couple rounds of Halo3 for X360. It was a pretty good turnout. There was around 7 of us, though the late start was a waste. Most of us were sleeping by 5 but a couple were up until 7. Buncha crazies. They even went for breakfast after that.
I really miss LANning. I'm starting to get too old for it, but I haven't done enough of it to not want to do it.
I really miss LANning. I'm starting to get too old for it, but I haven't done enough of it to not want to do it.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Wacky weather
Only the other day, it was 0 degrees and the whole day was a contiguous stream of snow. Flurries pouring over the city blanketing it in white. That's all fine and dandy, but then today it was 13 degrees and torrential rain for the whole day.
There's probably going to be another water turbidity warning here like last year. The water level was really high this morning when I left for work, the canal/ditch on my street were almost overflowing. I've never seen it at that level before.
The effects of extreme weather are screaming in our faces. El nino, la nina, global warming, whatever it is, we have only seen the start of it.
There's probably going to be another water turbidity warning here like last year. The water level was really high this morning when I left for work, the canal/ditch on my street were almost overflowing. I've never seen it at that level before.
The effects of extreme weather are screaming in our faces. El nino, la nina, global warming, whatever it is, we have only seen the start of it.
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