So much for that 30-day blogging challenge, eh? Major fail on the first attempt. But thanks to all the readers who have (surprisingly) stuck with me throughout the blog drought! As I said, it’s been a little busy at the office lately, and I explained that there are a lot of developments in Metro that are worth the occasional sacrifice or two. In my case, it’s been blogging.
Like many twenteensomethings, I’ve also started to realize that I can’t do everything that I want to do all the time, because it means that I spread myself too thinly that way. So I’ve started to make more time for my family, my friends and hey, even myself (I signed up for a gym membership three days ago because I was tired of complaining about gaining weight and not doing anything about it).
Let me explain the gym membership. I generally supervise all the food articles that come out in Metro because I love food: looking at it, talking about it, thinking of the stuff I ate hole-in-the-wall and travel guide-approved restaurants here and abroad. However, I also like clothes and being able to fit in them without sucking in my stomach the whole time. A magazine editor’s obsession with food is well documented: we spend our time either scarfing food down, or not eating at all. Clinton Palanca was right when he said that avoiding food (for fear of being fat) is also just the same as constantly eating–either way, you’re obsessed with food.
But I digress. As I said, I already spend a good part of my time doing restaurant reviews, so I theoretically should be avoiding these places on my off days. However, since I got the Enjoy card a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been going out a little more because the darned thing just gets me so many deals! I’ve already been to Chocolate Fire twice since then, and Mr. Jones once (I scored free hot chocolate twice, plus a slice of cherry pie). Before going out, I check if the restaurant/bar I’m going to visit is listed on the Enjoy app on my iPhone. This obsession with food is not healthy, and this tiny red card is not helping at all. I admit that the card was a gift; prior to getting it, I wasn’t so sure if I would pay P1,995 for a general lifestyle card, but since I started using it, I have to say it’s worth its value—many times over.
But in my defense, who can really resist a place like Chocolate Fire? The first time I went there was for a review with friends and colleagues Ryan, Geolette and Twinkle. Now, I don’t always revisit a place I go to for a restaurant review, even if it’s well-rated. Some factors come into play: price points, location, type of cuisine. I’ve had some really good food from high-end restaurants that I’m certain I’ll never return to, and some so-so places that aren’t worth the hype. Chocolate Fire doesn’t have insanely delicious dishes, but their chocolate is good and most importantly, consistent.
Dark chocolate-dipped strawberries: a relatively healthy treat that combines antioxidants (yes, I fool myself that way).
Dipped Pringles! The milk chocolate ones are my favorite. I get them every time I visit.
Assorted truffles. I like the ones with nuts and the dark cocoa truffles best.
Lady Gaga jelly candy (of course, dipped in chocolate). Not my thing, though. I just find them cute.
All the Chocolate Fire photos are by Ryan Fernandez; some of them first appeared in Metro. You’d better not take them without permission!
I haven’t used the Enjoy coupon booklet because it’s hard to lug around, and because I’m saving the coupons for another day. In the meantime, I’m happy with my card. But for now, I think I’m learning how to juggle things without falling flat on my face. So hello, blogging! I’m back.
(Day 1, 30-Day Blog Challenge)
got one for myself a few weeks ago, and so far managed to use the card once at Banana Leaf. apparently, they didn’t have people like me in mind when they came up with this whole thing. :p
Haha! Just the free roti or something? Hassle lang kasi to bring the coupons eh. After a while though, the card comes in pretty handy when you remember the establishments that have it.
wow napabili tuloy ako ng potato chips. ididip ko nalang sa nutella hehe
nakaka gutom yung pinost mo bianca;)