Tapas

My first tapas experience was back in 2005 when my mom took me to this restaurant in Evanston, IL. I loved it- the ambiance, the food, the portion, the concept. I've been to that restaurant with my parents many times after and I always remember the good food and good times spent there. With a free Friday afternoon, my mom and I met up at Tapas Barcelona here in Bangkok to relive our old tapas experience. We've had paella from here before to go, but eating at the restaurant is a much more immersing experience. The only downside was a group of Japanese housewives who must've been drunk (from their large jug of Sangria) as they were conversing rather loudly.

With the happy hour deal, I ordered us a glass of Sangria, which my mom objected and asked for a small pitcher instead (and no, we didn't end up joining the housewife crew in hollering). I've never had Sangria before so I have nothing to compare this one too. It was alright...could've had more fruits.

My mom's Bilbao lunch set: Ensalada Verde, Mejillones Rellenos, and Calamares Fritos.

My Barcelona lunch set: Jamon Serrano, Pan con Tomate, and Croquetas de Jamon y Huevo 

My mom loves Paella (she even bought a paella pan years ago but no one has made any yet) so we ordered Paella Maricos. By the time it arrived, we were full already so we took it home. Overall, we liked every dish we ordered and would eat here again. There are many other restaurants in the area so it will be difficult to decide what to eat next when we're in that neighborhood.

Ayutthaya

A few weeks ago, my family and I, along with other relatives, went to visit my grandma in Ayutthaya. I haven't been there in a decade, but everything still feels the same- the homey, small town feel. Most of the people that live on the main street have been there for decades- my aunt got to see her childhood friend who she walked to school with over 50 years ago.The food prices are still low which was a surprise for me when I got change back. The lanterns must have been decorations from Chinese New Year that was never taken down.

Check out the old capital Ayutthaya, a world heritage site, which is an hour away from this area here.

OMM 0412

April has been a crazy month which ended with a bang. I didn't go out much but I did get a chance to try this cheesecake at Farm Design. You have to love their logo and cow-themed cheesecake.

Book

That Used to be Us by Thomas L. Friedman

I had to read his other book The World is Flat twice in college, and both times, I skimmed through to get enough material to write essays. When I saw this book, I figured it could be an interesting read and I could learn something new. While the book is focused on America, the problems- global warming, education, infrastructure, deficits, etc- are issues many countries are facing as well.

The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1 by Scott Kelby
I've had this book for ages but finally came around to reading it. I've always been interested in photography but never had time to take classes or dedicate time for self-study. This book provides a lot of useful tips, some of which are obvious but not used. I'm taking down notes as references. Hopefully, it'll improve my skills and I'll be more committed to take better pictures.

Movies
The Bodyguard
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol *my pick*
Charlie Bartlett
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Pleasantville

TV Show
Game of Thrones
It took me a while to finish the first season despite many great reviews and urgings from friends who said I'd love the show. I had technical difficulties watching the pilot then it was the confusion of who's who. I like the later episodes more as I became more familiar with the characters and back stories.

I'm looking for new tv shows to watch- anything you recommend?

Life as a Journey

I've been writing down quotes I like in my planner for the past few years as they inspire me in many ways. When I came across this one by Cameron Diaz  last week in InStyle magazine, I thought about how I've been making my life better every year and how I will keep working to make it better. What has made your life better? Have a good weekend!

Photo: Pinterest

Blueberry Dessert Pizza

One of my favorite cooking blogs is Spoon Fork Bacon- they have the best recipes and great pictures to entice their readers. When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to make it- it's easy to make and the ingredients are easy to find.

Though my pizza doesn't look as presentable as SFB's, it turned out yummy. Confession: I got too lazy and didn't grate enough mozzarella- either it was too little or it all melted (which leads to confession #2: I didn't really measure anything...just estimated). With leftover blueberries, I added some into gin and tonic, a nice afternoon thirst quencher.

Are there cooking blogs you like? I need to check out more, so if you got any, do share!