1hungrytraveller

Sizzler Barbecue Restaurant

2006-10-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

I know everyone has a penchant for grilled foods. Who would'nt fall in love with the heavy scent of a smoking slab of meat atop glowing hot coals. It is the smell that reminds you of outdoor gatherings, pool parties and beach outings. Makes you wanna grab a cold beer immediately.

There is a small barbecue place in Greenhills where they serve large portions of grilled meat and seafood at very affordable prices. Sizzler Barbecue Restaurant is located behind Luk Yuen; beside "The Shops"; fronting Ortigas Ave. In here you can find all sorts of grilled foods; chicken, fish, baby-back ribs, squid... etc. (the list goes on). It's a good place to quell your barbecue cravings without breaking the bank.

Spare Ribs --- sweet and spicy, perfect with Worcestershire sauce

Chicken Barbecue --- a good alternative for KFC's original recipe.

Sizzler Barbecue Restaurant
G/F Greenhills Shopping Center
Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan
7210595

North Park

2006-10-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

A typical night at the office. Selle and I were discussing our favorite topic ----- foods, when all of a sudden we craved for Razon's famous halo-halo. I imagined those cold, creamy, shaved ice traversing down my throat and we got all I excited and immediately went to the closest Razon's we know which is Shopwise Cubao. We had Pancit Lug-log and Halo-halo there and then went home feeling satisfied, relieved of our haunting food binges.

The following night, we talked about how delicious the Halo-halo was and we suddenly realized that I still can't get over it and I told Selle that we go back after shift. This time we dragged Eric along and decided to try the Razon's in Glorietta.

We got there early and the mall is still closed. Unwilling to wait, we dropped the Razon's plan and went to North Park instead.

Complimentary tea to start your dining experience.

North Park is one of my favorite Chinese Restaurant. And Lemon Chicken is what I usually order here, though I decided to pass on it for the day and got a TaiPao instead (I'm also not in the mood for a rice meal). All of us shared the Toast Noodles.

Soy Milk

TaiPao ---- North Park's version of McDonald's Quarter Pounder

Toast Noodles

Aniseed Beef Tendon ---- tastes like Pares, only better.

JT's Manukan Grille

2006-10-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

If your looking for great tasting chicken barbecue --- cooked Ilonggo-style, then head to JT's Manukan Grille. This curbside culinary wonder had been attracting loyal patrons for many years now. The place is always packed with customers every time. The place looks like your regular carenderia-type food joint. Nothing fancy here --- no lavish interiors and cozy lighting, the place isn't even airconditioned --- just a hole in the wall with small wooden tables, monobloc chairs and a tiled countertop. The only "decor" on the place would be the movie posters glued unevenly on the walls.

JT Manukan Grille.

The main attraction here is really the chicken. I must say it is one of the best tasting chicken barbecue I've tasted. The chicken is very juicy and the meat is so tender. They say that the secret for a great tasting grilled meat is in the marinade and I must say that JT did a great job in concocting their marinade. My meal of choice here is one chicken pecho, one garlic rice and drizzle everything with chicken oil. Yum!!!

JT's famous chicken inasal.

Spare Ribs and various grilled chicken parts.

The place is owned by Joel Torre (hence the name JT's Manukan) and I do often see him here. Rumor has it that JT scouted the best chicken inasal chef in Bacolod and brought him (or her) to Manila to work for him. They also have a branch in Eastwood and Sgt. Esguerra Street.

JT's Manukan Grille
#4 Granada corner Valencia Street
Ortigas Ave. Extension, Quezon City

#26 Sgt. Esguerra Street
South Triangle, Quezon City

Citywalk I – Icon Tower
Cybermall Eastwood, Quezon City

Dangwa / Dimasalang

2006-10-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

It's your wedding anniversary tomorrow and you wanted to surprise your lovely wife on your big day. You figured out that you'll decorate your whole living room with her favorite flower in the morning so she will be greeted with a horde of fresh flowers upon waking up. Your plan is to secretly to get up at 3AM, buy tons of flowers, then head home, fill the sala with beutifully arranged flowers... and finish this before she wakes up... around 5AM. But then reality struck... a dozen of roses can cost around P500-P2000 in your favorite mall's flower shops... and with the sheer volume of flowers you need, it will definitely cost you a fortune. And even if you can afford it, where in Metro Manila can you find a 24 hour flower shop that can provide you that many flowers. Then fret not, there is a place in Manila that can bring your dream to a reality.

The Dimasalang/Dangwa Flower Market holds a broad selection flowers and is open 24/7. It is located in Dos Castillas Street, Sampaloc (near University of Sto. Tomas). The flowers are being imported everyday from Northern provinces like Baguio, Cagayan, etc so you will be sure that the flowers are still fresh. And over a hundred vendors to choose from, you can haggle your way around and find the cheapest blooms that you need. My mom got two bundles of assorted flowers for P80 here. I think the best time to go to Dangwa is when the flowers just arrived and distributed (around 2 to 5 AM) when the flowers are at their freshest and the supply is still plenty.

So the next time you'll be needing a lot of fresh flowers for any ocassions, Dangwa is the best place in Metro Manila where you can find them.

Dimasalang/Dangwa Flower Market
Dos Castillas Street Sampaloc, Manila

What to Pack / Travel Packing Tips 2 of 2

2006-10-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

4. Jackets

A thin, lightweight jacket is a must for every traveler. Even if you are going to a tropical place because it can be very cold at night, on airport/airplanes, on buses, trains and other air-conditioned transport. It's a big plus if the jacket your bringing is water-proof so you have extra protection for those unexpected wet moments like rainshowers or when riding outrigger boats. if your traveling to a place with a colder climate like snowy areas, take a thicker fleece instead of that wind-breaker type jacket.

5. Towel

There are super-absorbent, fast-drying towels that's specifically made for travellers. They are very small, compact and is very easy to pack because it doesn't eat that much space. They're also as absorbent as those big, beach towels. If this is too expensive for you (they can be very expensive), you can opt for a smaller, lighter regular towel. (just make sure to hang it to dry every after use).

6. Medication, First Aid, Personal Hygiene and Cosmetics

First Aid/Medical Kit - you can make a small pouch bag as your first-aid/medical kit. Although medicines are widely available along the way, its always a good idea to have some sort of first aid with you. The following items should be present in your kit:
a. motion sickness pills
b. pain relievers
c. flu tablets
d. anti histamine pills
e. diarrhea relievers
f. Band-aid (plaster)
g. cotton
h. antiseptic ointment

For people taking special medication, (like asthma, etc) bring at least twice the amount of medication needed for the duration of the trip and place the extra supply on a separate location just in case you main supply goes missing. Also check if it's legal in your destination if your carrying prescription medicine.

Cosmetics and Toiletries- shampoo, soap, hair conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrush, deodorant and alcohol are the things that should be in every traveler's vanity kit. Remember that almost all city sells these basic items so only bring small portions (unless you're using a very specific, hard-to-find brands)Ladies can bring cosmetics/make-up. Always remember to stick with the basics - foundation, lipstick/lip gloss, cheek blush/tint and concealer. Go with neutral, skin tone colors so you can easily match it with the surroundings/culture (you don't want to overdo your make-up especially if you're in a foreign place)

Other hygiene necessities - nail clippers, sanitary napkins, feminine wash, tweezers, razor, mosquito-repelent lotion and sun block cream.

Always pack dry and wet items on separate bags/pouches. It's better to have a small toiletry organizer. It's water-proof, very compact and have a lot of pockets to segregate your gear. Use small bottles for liquid items and get the ones with a screw-in cover (not the pop-open ones, because they really pop-open inside your bags).

7. Electronic Gadgets

We all know that electronic gadgets are allergic to extreme conditions and are very fragile. A splash of water or a single, hard fall of your backpack is a nightmare for people carrying electronic gears. These babies are also the most expensive things your carrying. To be safe, always place your electronic items on a separate bag and hand carry it. Make sure that the bag is well-padded to protect it from minor bumps. An insurance is also highly recommended for that very expensive laptop or DSLR camera.

Some common electronic items for travelers:

Camera -always bring spare batteries and memories. Don't forget the battery charger so you can recharge your batteries when you have access to a power outlet. It's also a good idea to bring the user's manual (if it's not that big) or detach the Troubleshoting chapter of it, so you can refer to it if your camera broke down.

Portable Computer - being the most expensive and most fragile item that you'll lug around, it's logical that you should provide a separate bag for it. Get a bag that doesn't scream "LAPTOP INSIDE, STEAL ME!!!" and yet comfortable to carry with lots of room for paraphernalia.

Mobile Phones - this is not a problem to carry nowadays. New models are very small, compact and can easily fit on your pocket. (just make sure that it stays there.)

Compact Audio/Video Player - need to listen to your favorite tracks while traveling? Bring an MP3 player with you. Great for long travels. It can shake-off boredom or block-out annoying sounds when your trying to get some sleep aboard a public transport. Same with mobile phones, the size is relatively small and you can just hang it around the neck or clip it under your belt.

Flashlight - bring those big, heavy-duty torch flashlight when hiking, camping. For city travel, you can opt for those key-chain LED lights.

8. Other Essentials

Personal Identification - always carry your passport, student ID (useful for discounts), international drivers liscence and a lot of passport-size pictures for visa/visa extension. Also provide photocopies of you IDs (at least two copies of each).

Money/Finances - don't forget to bring your credit cards, ATM cards. Don't keep all your funds in one ATM card or you'll be sorry if you lose it while traveling, get at least two cards, preferably the one internationally accepted (Cirrus, Plus). Also keep photocopies of the cards just in case.

Others - other items essential for traveling are as follows:
a. Swiss Army Knife
b. several Zip-lock bags
c. Duct tape
d. Padlock
e. Calculator
f. Spoon-Fork-Bowl set
g. Travel guides

Last words: There are really no definitive checklist of things to bring when traveling. You could bring more or less than the things specified here. Everything depends on the length of travel and the condition of the place your going. As a general rule, pack the most important things first, then things you intend to bring which is not available on the location your going to. And then pack the rest last, making sure that you leave at least 15 to 20% of your bag space free for souvenirs and "pasalubong". Also allot an emergency fund when traveling for unforseen circumstances.

What to Pack / Travel Packing Tips 1 of 2

2006-09-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Travel packing had always been a nightmare to many travellers/tourist especially for me and Kathy. We usually argue on what needs to be brought for a trip. And most of the time, we end up with a very heavy bag and lots of unnecessary things inside. Based on experience, a large, bulky, heavy bag can be very difficult when boarding a motorcycle, bus or any public transport. Walking around lugging a heavy bag is also very taxing on your back and you end up resting more rather than exploring the place you're visiting. A giant, oversized bag also is not comfortable as you will always feel like there is something sticking out of it.

In travel packing, everyone says "pack light", but how can you you pack light if you really wanted to bring your favorite pillow with you when travelling or you want to wear a different pair of pants everyday.

There is a famous adage in packing, it is "Lay everything out that you absolutely must take, halve it and take twice as much money." I always fancy travelling with only my wallet and a suntan lotion along with me, then buying the rest of the stuff I need on the spot. The problem is that I don't have that much money and I feel that it's very impractical to do it.

I made a basic list of things to bring when travelling.

1. Bag

A durable backpack or luggage is an investment especially for people who travel a lot. When you are purchasing a bag, be sure that the bag you are getting is sturdy. Check the material used and pay close attention to the zippers, plastic clips, handles and straps. Also check the bag's construction, are the seams double sewn or not, are the pockets placed on the correct spots, are all the zippers working. Be sure that the bag is big enough to accomodate everything you need to bring.

2. Clothing

Upper Garment - Three short-sleeve shirts or any silmilar upper garment, one nice polo shirt and one long-sleeved shirt (mosquito protection). Make sure that the fabrics are made of light, quick-drying materials so you could easily wash and dry it overnight ready to be used the following day. You can bring less if you want for you can always buy more locally (which can double as a souvenir).

Lower Garment - Two pairs of pants. One formal-looking light pants made from quick-drying fabric and one for cold, wet climate. Maximum of two hard-wearing shorts, make sure that the material is also quick-drying. Leave your jeans at home, I assure you can't use it 80% of the time.

Underwear - three to four pairs of underwear would do for men(remember that you can always wash them) And if your rich, you can opt for those fast-drying, moisture-wicking odour resistant type. Women can bring more pairs obviously because they are smaller, and a bra or two (sports bra is a good choice). Also bring socks (mot more than three to four pairs) especially if your tour involves a lot of trekking and walking. If your hitting the beach or traveling with sandals only, bring at least one so you can have something to cover your feet for those unexpected cold nights.

Remember to roll your clothing when packing them in bags other than folding them, you can fit more on a smaller space. For underwear, you can pack it on plastic bags or keep them togther using rubber bands (bring extra plastics to separate dirty items) .

3. Footwear

Your footwear is most likely the biggest thing you're bringing when traveling. Generally, one light running shoes or low-cut sneakers and one durable sandals would suffice. If your trip involves long days of hiking and trekking in cold, snowy or wet areas, bring hiking boots instead of your running shoes.

The type of footwear you bring really depends on the condition of the place you will go and the activities you're doing so plan it wisely. Don't bring that bulky basketball shoes when you know you're hitting the beach or go mountain trekking with your flip-flops.

...to be continued

Salcedo Weekend Market

2006-09-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here's something for all of you who cant find time to shop around during weekdays. There is a weekend market that opens every Saturday morning from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati.

Once you're there, you will be greeted by a heavy, inviting smoke coming from a variety of grilled meats and fishes. Fresh produce are being sold mostly fruits, seafood and veggies. For the most part the place is like a food fair rather than a market because most stalls offer prepared and cooked foods.

There is also a plant section that offers flowers like roses, orchids and jasmines. Herbs (mint, oregano, thyme, etc) growing on pots are also available, which you can buy and replant somewhere in your garden.

The market is being managed and supervised by Brgy. Capt. Nene Lichauco with the cooperation and support of the Makati Comercial Estates Association Inc.

Salcedo Community Market
Jaime Velasquez Park, Tordesillas
and Leviste (formerly Alfaro) Streets
Salcedo Village, Makati

Sentro 1771

2006-09-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

I love sinigang. I can say that Sinigang is my most favorite Filipino dish (especially the beef variety). And I'm very critical about it, there is a level our sourness that I like that I can't even describe ( but I'll know when I taste it). My mom cooks a very good Sinigang dish. It has the right level of sourness that I like in a Sinigang. She said she puts two packs of Knorr Sinigang Mix (Tamarind base) for every liter of water. Kathy's mom also whips up a wicked Sinigang dish. I like the sabaw's thickness and they prefer to use the pig's tail instead of the usual pork meat that we often see in sinigang. But eventhough I love Sinigang so much, I'd always skip this dish whenever I'm dining outside fearing that I might end up very disappointed with the taste because they did'nt get the right amount of sourness. The other night Kathy and I dined in Sentro 1771.

Sentro 1771 is a nice place in Greenbelt 3(beside Bubba Gump) that serves modern Filipino dish. Sentro 1771 I believe is a member of the Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants that includes Chateau 1771 and Sidebar both in El Pueblo, Ortigas and Portico 1771 at Piazza Serendra, Bonifacio Global City. The place is normally jam-packed with waiting people outside but that night there are a few vacant tables so we decided to give it a try.

Sentro's dim, cozy interior.

Upon seeing the menu, I was very surprised, one entry read "Sinigang na Corned Beef". I suddenly imagined long, shredded strips of beef with vegetables in a sour Sinigang broth. I know corned beef goes well with eggs and pandesal but Corned beef and Sinigang... I don't think so. I immediately asked one of the staff if the Sinigang is any good and she quickly responed with a smile that it's one of their bestsellers. What!!! has the Philippines gone mad??? Corned beef... Sinigang what's next? Nilagang Meatloaf!!! I decided to give the Sinigang a try, figuring out that if it's their bestseller, then it must be good. Kathy ordered Garlicky Adobo. I told Kathy silently "Hon, if the Sinigang is awful I'll share your Adobo, ok!Ü" There were other interesting things on the menu like Fried Kesong Puti---- too expensive for a side dish for me, Boneless Crispy Trotter ---- next time, with my Dad who likes Crispy Pata so much, Rated GG ---- hmmm... i don't know, all that for a galunggong, maybe I'll give it a try if someone treats me here.Ü

Sinigang na Corned Beef --- Sentro's Bestseller

Garlicky Adobo

Minutes later a staff came with an espresso cup and a spoon. She asks us to try the sourness of the Sinigang. WOW..this is new! I get to customize the taste of my Sinigang. The was surprized that the taste was standard Sinigang, no funky flavors, good, old Sinigang taste that I like. I requested to amp up the sourness a bit. When the food was served, I realized that the beef used was the part also used in making Corned beef..."kaya pala Sinigang na Corned Beef". I must admit that, I really like the Sinigang, the sourness was right on and the meat is not tough. The Sinigang was served on a palayok atop a fondue tray with a lighted candle below. Kathy also liked the Adobo. The Adobo was a mixture of pork and beef cooked in atsuete and topped with fried, crunchy garlic bits.

Kathy enjoying her stay in Sentro 1771

Sentro 1771 is a good place if you want to sample Filipino dishes. I recommend it especially if your looking for a place where you can bring your tourist friends who like to sample our food or your balikbayan relative who's craving for that long-awaited Filipino food.

Places to See Before You Die

2006-09-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through the list by Patricia Schultz of 1000 Places to See Before You Die, visually touring each and every one of them from the pictures provided (while day-dreaming exploring the places and imagining taking pictures of those amazing landmarks). The list took me from the Buddhas of Borobudur to Zanzibar's Stone Town. But then, reality bites and I suddenly realized that it's almost impossible for me to visit all that's on the list. Imagine the time, money and effort one would dedicate in order to finish this very ambitious goal. And is there really an existing individual who actually completed this extensive list of places/cities around the world that even a travel show host will have a hard time accomplishing. I guess there are a handful of folks who can see it all, but for the other 99% of the population, we would have to be contented just seeing them on photos.

1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

However, I stumbled upon a shorter list of "places to see before you die" on the internet. It was voted by 20,000 Brits and compiled by BBC last 2002. It was aired on their "Holiday Special" and I found the list over the web (http://xtramsn.co.nz/travel/0,,12734-5837578,00.html). I believe that this is a more realistic list to complete, but it still requires plenty of resources (time, money, effort) to dedicate for you to complete it. I personally haven't been to any of these locations, but I know (and I really hope) that someday I will be able to put the last check on this checklist. Ü

So for all you dreamers right there, here's BBC's 50 Places to See Before You Die:

1. Grand Canyon Stand and soak up its grandeur or get in there and get active - the Grand Canyon has to be seen to be believed.

2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Be amazed by the reef's intricate coral formations, ornate reefs and more brilliantly coloured fish than you could shake a stick (or flipper) at.

3. Disney World, Florida Kids of all ages will succumb to the magic of Walt Disney world in Orlando.

4. South Island, New Zealand Our own South Island has it all: stunning snowy peaks, crystal clear waters, and scenery so striking it can pass for the mythical reaches of Tolkien's Middle Earth.

5. Cape Town, South Africa The city sits amongst one of the world's most striking landscapes, promising plenty of fun and good value to boot.

6. Golden Temple, Armritsar, India Sacred and serene, this beautiful temple attracts thousands of people annually.

7. Las Vegas, USA Show tunes, slot machines, all you can eat buffet - Vegas has them all.

8. Sydney, Australia Sunny, sophisticated and extremely good looking, the lure of Sydney's iconic landmarks, its urban harbour and charming residents make it a popular draw for tourists.

9. New York, USA The city that never sleeps has an inimitable energy and enough hustle and bustle to ensure you'll never be bored.

10. Taj Mahal, India Built as an eternal symbol of love, the magnificent Taj Mahal never ceases to amaze.

11. Lake Louise, The Rockies, Canada The spectacular jewel toned lake sits among snow capped mountains in one of Canada's most picturesque national parks.

12. Uluru, Australia An Australian icon with an air of mystery and an aura of natural beauty.

13. Chichen Itza, Mexico The famous Mayan pyramids serve as a testament to one of Mexico's ancient civilisations.

14. Machu Picchu, Peru The ancient Incas built this city high amongst the Peruvian clouds in one of the most remote locations on earth.

15. Niagara Falls, US/Canada The spectacular waterfalls straddle the Canadian/United States border.

16. Petra, Jordan The ancient city impresses with the beauty, intricacy, and sheer scale of its carved buildings.

17. Pyramids, Egypt The man made marvels are the jewel in Egypt's rich sightseeing crown.

18. Venice, Italy This fairytale city is equal parts European sophistication, stunning scenery and romance.

19. Maldives The word 'paradise' couldn't be any more appropriate for this group of Indian Ocean islands.

20. Great Wall, China The wall isn't called great for nothing, stretching a mind-boggling 6,700 kilometres across China.

21. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe border Named for the British Queen, the might and majesty of these falls hasn't wavered.

22. Hong Kong The fast pace and mish-mash of cosmopolitan cultures means Hong Kong is never boring.

23. Yosemite National Park, USA America's natural grandeur is on full display in this Californian national park.

24. Hawaii Tropical paradise really does exist, and it's here in the sun-drenched Hawaiian islands.

25. North Island, New Zealand Beautiful beaches, miles of gorgeous greenery, magnificent mountains and geothermal action, topped off with a cosmopolitan city or two.

26. Iguacu Falls, Argentina/Brazil border These dramatic waterfalls are surrounded by tropical rainforest and exotic wildlife on the Argentinian/Brazilian border.

27. Paris, France The City of Love or the City of Light? Whatever you call it, it's a city not to be missed.

28. Alaska, USA Talk about a winter wonderland. The United States frozen frontier is the place to come for majestic scenery and a chance to see wildlife at close quarters.

29. Angkor Wat, Cambodia The remoteness of this beautiful temple only makes it more appealing.

30. Mount Everest, Himalayas Who doesn't fancy making it to the top of the world?

31. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil This irresistible city is a combination of sexiness, flamboyance, violence and beauty.

32. Masai Mara, Kenya This spectacular game reserve is home to the Masai people and the ultimate in safari experiences.

33. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador The place where Darwin came to study the unique animal population is a nature lover's dream.

34. Luxor, Egypt The Nile-side city is home to a wealth of ancient Egyptian monuments.

35. Rome, Italy The Eternal City is rich in history, filled with must-see monuments and overflows with Italian style and sophistication.

36. San Francisco, USA California's northern city has gorgeous good looks and an infectiously laid back vibe.

37. Barcelona, Spain Visitors to the Catalan city will be welcomed with Gaudi and the epitome of European style.

38. Dubai, UAE A shopping mecca that emerged from the Middle Eastern desert.

39. Singapore An enticing combination of colonial legacy, cultural diversity and progressive modernity.

40. La Digue, Seychelles Turquoise waters, white sands and exotic palm fringed beaches.

41. Sri Lanka The striking island nation is spicing things up as an increasingly popular holiday destination.

42. Bangkok, Thailand Thailand's capital is a hectic mix of the modern and the traditional.

43. Barbados, West Indies Adjust to life on Caribbean time on Barbados' picturesque shores.

44. Iceland The isolated nation boasts some of the world's most striking geothermal scenery.

45. The Terracotta Army, China This astounding army of thousands has been drawing visitors in since its rediscovery in the 1970s.

46. Matterhorn, Switzerland The mountain stands high in the Swiss Alps, towering over towns on the Swiss/Italian border.

47. Angel Falls, Venezuela The route to reach the world's highest waterfall isn't easy, but it makes the sight all the more impressive.

48. Abu Simbel, Egypt The imposing temples built by Ramses II sit close to the Egyptian border with Sudan.

49. Bali, Indonesia The idyllic Indonesian island is a beautiful combination of spirituality, natural beauty and a taste of the exotic.

50. Bora Bora, French Polynesia A shining example of Pacific perfection, Bora Bora is a mixture of mountains, lagoons and azure seas.

(photo inset: The first picture is the Bora-Bora in French Polynesia, photo from http://images.43things.com/place/00/01/c1/115178lr.jpg. The second one is the North Island in New Zealand, photo from http://www.rene-schwietzke.de/imagelib/landscapes/slides/beach.html. The third is Niagara Falls in the US and Canadian Border, photo from http://www.dcicomp.net/pics/scenic%20wfalls%20380%20-%20niagara%20falls.jpg. And the last photo is The Eiffel Tower in Paris, photo from http://www.photo.net/philg/digiphotos/200101-d30-paris/eiffel-tower-tilted.half.jpg.)

Bubba Gump

2006-09-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

There's a place in Greenbelt where they “always had a chair on their table for hungry folks”. They serve great-tasting, Southern and Cajun cuisine in huge portions. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a heaven for shrimp-lovers with a casual and comfortable dining ambience that is very kid-friendly.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market is a chain of seafood restaurants inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump. (wikipedia) The restaurant has a Southern-barnyard feel, complete with wooden floor planks, aged-wood chairs and tables and incandescent light bulbs. Forrest Gump memorabilia are used to decorate the place. Movie costumes, framed film-scenes, vinyl records, and car license plates adds to the laid-back, rural, southern feel of the place.

Mama's Southern Fried Chicken

Calamari Rings

Kathy enjoying the food in Bubba Gump

Though Bubba Gump is famous for their shrimps (and most people flock here because of it), we come here for a different reason. Kathy loves squid and like the Calamari Rings here so much and I personally like the Mama’s Southern Fried Chicken. So every time we dine here, it’s these two entrees you’ll always see on our table and sometimes we order dessert (either Alabama Mud Pie or Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae) if there’s still room for more food.

Forrest Gump's Memorabilias (young Forrest's leg brace and school uniform)

Forrest may have said, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.", but in Bubba Gump, you can expect that you’ll always get good food and good service.