My Last Birthday Treat

Tonight officially marks the end of my birthday week, and Papa Cali and Mama Julie totally made my 19th celebration awesome! We went to Century 20 at Daly City for Transformers 3, and I thought the film was the best one of the series. While the story was simple, and did not contain anything different from a typical Transformers movie, the mind-blowing explosions and robot-killing action made it worth every penny! I contemplated sharing a few of my favorite scenes, but decided I didn't want to be a spoiler and make T3 less exciting for y'all. Nonetheless, I do promise it won't disappoint, and it would probably give you a ride of your life   if you're in Chicago that is. LOL.


Anyway, let's proceed to the funnest part of my Saturday.... FOOD! Papa Cali and Mama Julie has done everything they possibly can to make my 19th a blast, Red Ribbon, Kani Kosen, White Russian, etc    and they did!    so it was my turn to treat them this time. Thanks Daddy!! We drove to ShabuWay in San Mateo for some authentic Japanese shabu-shabu, and the Large Kobe Style Beef platter we ordered was beyond delicious. The last time we were here was when my dad and sister visited in October, and we found their kobe beef and vegetables still tasting as fresh and good as ever.

Good times from last October. I can't wait for Dad's visit this month!

Papa Cali and I ate so much that we even had to get an additional plate of beef, while at the same time stealing some of Mama Julie's (she pays more attention to the veggies! YAY FOR US!)

ShabuWay's Large Kobe Beef Style Plate

Nothing's good without rice!

I'm not a veggie person, but ShabuWay's assorted vegetables were incredibly fresh and flavorful!

Since we were already in the neighborhood, and Peet's was just a few blocks away, being a self-confessed mochaholic, how could we not pay Peet's a visit? Papa Cali and Mama Julie were even most willing, people always fall in love over a cup of coffee    and I could definitely feel the love between them. Yikeee! :">

Only happily married couples can smile like this!

I, on the contrary, simply enjoyed my white chocolate mocha by myself on the lonely side of the table. Hahaha! Peet's has the best white mocha in my opinion    well, next to Cafe Reina, obviously.

Peet's White Chocolate Mocha and Papa Cali's fave Iced Chai Latte

After a busy day out, we finally headed home, just in time to make the beautiful landscape and sunset unique to the Bay Area    when it's not foggy. Haha!

Isn't that beautiful? Life is a blessing. 

☮ and ♥, Denice

Kani Kosen Celebration

I turned 19 last Tuesday, the 28th, and life has been nothing but great to me. While I intensely miss my family in the Philippines, there still remains two factors that really simply make my day: good food and good company; and I was blessed to have both!

We wish Uncle John was here!

Mama Julie surprised Papa Cali and I by inviting Tita Kaye, Amber, and Johnny to dinner with us at my favorite sushi place, Kani Kosen. The last time I saw the Cloutmans was almost two months ago, so getting to hug and catch up with them just felt so refreshing! I do wish Uncle John got to come along though.

The first thing we ordered was Charlie Brown, which is basically deep fried California Roll. It was so funny even, because when Mama Keiko called out "Charlie Brown" as she gently placed the sushi on the table, Johnny thought she was referring to him and replied "No, I'm Johnny Boy."

Glance over Amber's face for a second. Yes, that's the look of a very happy and satisfied customer!

Amber is happy with her Charlie Brown Roll!

The highlights of the night, however, were the New York Roll for Mama Julie, "Rock 'n' Roll" for Papa Cali, Spicy Albacore Tuna Roll for Tita Kaye, the Tori Karaage with broccoli and dip for me, and last but not the least, Seafood Tempura for Johnny and Amber.

Rock & Roll (eel, crab, and avocado) and Spicy Albacore Tuna Rolls

Tori Karaage (tender, deep fried morsels of chicken)

Johnny's favorite Seafood Tempura (fish, prawn, squid, and vegetables)

While I love sushi and Japanese, sometimes a birthday ain't a birthday without gifts and dessert! Thank you so much for the cupcakes Johnny!

Kara's Cupcakes

Kara's Cupcakes' Chocolate Velvet is pure bliss.

And the Victoria's Secret Bombshell Cologne is just the BOMB! I love you Amber! Your birthday card was incomparably sweet too! Y'all made my day! I'm already making use the Seagate external hard drive Uncle John and Tita Kaye gave me. I am so thankful!

Amber is teaching me to love pink, and I am!

This is the single cutest and most adorable birthday card I've ever laid eyes on!

☮ and ♥, Denice