Restaurant Review: South Garden Quincy

If there is a place we frequently visit, it's South Garden. Firstly cause it's in my 'hood but also because it's comparable to Chinatown taste wise. As they say, to know  if an ethnic restaurant is really good-- go check who goes there. If it is frequented by people other than the ethnic people whose suppose to represent the place--- it's not authentic. The keyword there is authentic. I am not saying it it's not good. If you like watered-down, westernized version of the food, it could be good for you. To give an example, PF Chang's is good to so many non-Asian people but certainly not authentic enough for us. 

That said, this is authentic, good food and certainly the environment purports the Asian vibe. 

Asian TV show, check. Asian decor, check. Asian foodies, check!

 Again, if you are one of those fine dining only kind of people, then we can't be together dining out. 

On Fridays and Saturdays, be ready to wait for at least one hour for sitting. But our family love the food. 

Here's my regular order. 

Hot fried calamari--- crunchy and flavorful!

Haiyan chicken. Delicious! Personally, I'd order the duck version but Mr. Hubbs is not a fan of duck. 😜

Seafood topped pan fried crispy noodles. Extremely satisfying. The seafood is not the frozen type. The vegetable is always crunchy and fresh! 

Watercress sautéed in garlic. Simple dish which is utterly delicious. This visit, I think this was overdone but I attribute it to the Friday rich of customers. Usually, it is crunchy and fresh. 

This is my Asian comfort food. What about you, do you like going to ethnic restaurants?

Coming Home

Happy Friday!

This week has been a nightmare for me. The commute is just beyond ridiculous. 

But today is Friday and nothing beats coming home to these cuties!

Tell me your favorite thing to come home to!

College Talk Already?

Coming from outside after playing in the snow, I asked KC if she wanted to eat. She said yeah, prepping her pancake. I then told her steak is done. "Forget pancakes, I'm having steak!"

She comes over, hugs me tight then, " when I come home from college, you'll cook me steak, right?"

Huh? Oh, no! 

Fridah's Baby Shower

How's your weekend? Mine is awesome. Although it started out bad coz of a migraine, time spent with family and friends after is just priceless. 

Technically, you're supposed to only have ONE baby shower. But if you've got friends who'd like to throw you another, why not? It's just another reason to get together and party! If you ask me it's a win-win!

The baby shower was hosted by Marisol who, if you're a long time reader of this blog, you'd know she's one of my BFFs here in Boston. Her home was transformed to a baby-themed party while we were all packed, cozy and toasty inside while it was freezing out! We were late coz of my migraine and also coz Mr. Hubbs is going to work the nightshift this weekend. Anyway, when we got there all of them were there. I jokingly said " ang dami kong friends" coz you have to "beso" everyone. Hahahah!

We had a whole spread of food!

But the winner? This cake!

Everyone had fun with the games Marisol prepared! The "toilet paper diaper" is always fun! 

I realized we have so many babies in our group now! Look!

I didn't  have photos of the toddlers coz you know-- toddlers! They can't stay put! There's Precious, Yshi, Rap and Jem! 

But the greatest news is ....  another is on the way! My anak-anakan Iris is 4months pregnant! Wheeew, another baby shower soon! Here she is with her husband Bernard! 

As with any other gathering of our group, endless chatter and laughter and pictures! 

Blooming si Buntis!

Here I am with my BFFs! I'm genuinely sad that Grace is moving to another state but also happy that now she will be settled! 

Thank you for all the love and good times my dear friends! Gifts are appreciated but the memory and time spent are forever etched in our hearts!

Boston's Going to Another Parade

Those who follow me on Instagram already were flooded with Super Bowl updates. 

Today, Bostonians are braving the snowy sidewalks to celebrate and just to get a glimpse of their local heroes. As for me, my hero that game is Malcolm Butler! 

Will update you more but here's a photo of some kids going to the parade. This should make for an interesting commute! 

Juno, The Blizzard of 2015

Juno sound so innocent. We'll not when it's a blizzard. Anyway, I don't have to let you know details of Juno. I'll talk about how we were when were couped up in the house with nowhere else to go. 

I was really scared at about 4am when I woke up. Mr. Hubbs had to report to work night shift so I was with the kids. I feel safe and secure when my husband is around. I feel he can solve any problem that comes our way. That night was scary. The wind was so strong I felt the huge glass window would just crack and that thought was with me the whole time so inward unable to sleep after that. I spent my time Instagram-ing the event. 

Restaurant Review ( Legal Seafoods)

A long time ago, I used to write my reviews of the restaurants we visit. We like to eat out--- fancy or wall-in-the-hole. I stopped, I got harassed by someone  defending Fire and Ice in Boston's Back Bay. 

Anyway, I figured I'd write again so here's my first review. 

We used to frequent Legal Seafood. It's a  Massachusetts native. There used to be one by the South Shore Plaza but iwas always crowded and had that "bar" feeling rather than a family restaurant. We visited again today in their new location--at South Shore Place, by Sheraton Braintree. 

The place was packed but very subdued which I like. A short foyer greets you and right there is their bar outfitted with huge TVs. It's also where the oyster bar is. We were seated immediately and we got one of those back area. They had open kitchen concept, which is good if you want to see the food prep. For me, not a big deal. 

The wait-staff are well trained-- very warm and kept distance when signaled. I don't really like waiters/waitresses coming back to me ALL THE TIME. the ceiling is warm--- they had wood beams which matched the wood floors. Because they are on the second floor of the building, they had huge glass windows which afforded diners a view of the mall and highway. Hahahah! Seriously, it's beautiful out with the snow capped trees. 

The food is ok, not great. Seafood is fresh I have to say. They take pride in that.  The price is a little bit on the higher side and I would say expensive dining option for a family on a regular basis. 

I had their triple seafood. 

The shrimp is excellent but the clam strip is needing of more meat. Hahahah. They could have made whole clams with the price. 

Pherry had their fried shrimp. They were huge and fresh according to him but I know it wasn't at par compared to what he's had before coz he left one. If you know Pherry, he would not leave a shrimp, he loves them. 

Chris had their seafood casserole which according to him was smooth and really garlicky. He liked it. 

He let me  taste their scallop and it was fresh. 

Overall, I like the fact that the seafood is prepared fresh and you can see quality but the food is nothing to write home about. Considering the price, I would give it Not-So-Llaga. I have three rankings by the way--- Never Llaga, NotSo, VeryLlaga. To get the VeryLlaga one, price, quality and ambience should appeal to a family like ours  keep in mind, I don't mind paying premium if the food is great. I don't mind hole in the wall type if the food is great. 

Hope that helps! 

... And remember, food tastes better with family and friends!

Blackout Bullying

I know you've heard me so many times telling you how proud I am of my kids. As parents, we all take pride in many different ways--- academic excellence, sports actions or civic heroism. 

Today I will tell you how I am so proud of my daughter's Pinterest-worthy idea for anti-bullying week in school. She brainstormed a whole lot and came up with this: cheap,creative, easy and to the point! In advertising or any campaign-- these qualities are premium points. 

Here it is! 

And here is my pretty princess who has the most beautiful heart! 

It's Patriots Day in School

If you do not know by now, my kids go to Quincy Public. Also, I ltoo should know, I am a huge sports fan--- particularly football and basketball. But--- I am crazy over Tom Brady of the Patriots. 

Today, I was glad the first question of Josh was--- "mom, where's my Patriots' jersey?" 

Here are my lovely kiddos. Sadly, high school I believe don't do spirit days anymore. 

Then Josh' fiends from his old school came to see him!  

I bet Mr. Hubbs will be glued to the TV eventhough he is working tomorrow night! 

Go Pats! It's so good to be a Bostonian when you are a sports fan---- Celtics, Sox, Bruins, Pats and the Revs!

New Year's Celebration

First things first: I was sick since the Sunday before the new year. So sick, I took 6 500mg Tylenol at 4pm hoping I'd be better for the new year. Nope, made me drowsy and by the time I woke up, I was at Wollaston ( my regular stop) stood up as fast and upon realizing I wasn't supposed to get off there, I went back right in but by then the doors have closed and I fell.to.the.platform--- face first. No, I never told anyone, no one cared enough to ask, I had one bruise on my right knee but I just attributed it to my pain killing skills. Ha! Anything to drown the pain. 

I took the kids to my in-laws where few friends and family celebrated new year with us. 

I am telling you, I have the most amazing friends. From non-sense talks to deep politics--- we can talk all about it. 

But my fave shots are the ones with my little munchkins!

I think it's Allen's debut on my blog! 

Jem and Ate KC!

And this kind of pictures are my fave. Depicts true meaning of family time. 

Hey KC, what with the eye?

On New Year's Day, we went to see few ice sculptures in Boston! 

Then we all decided to eat. Why not?

Then I woke up to this:

Oh bliss!

How about you, how's your new year?

 If I may be honest, my life is not perfect, far from it. But those who matters to me I know love me back and that's all I care. Sure, we need to vent, cry secretly, endure pain silently but in the end--- love triumphs, family wins and above all--- I rise --- slowly, heck-- painfully but I do. This year I claim it. It's for me. I love me. Because without that, I can't love back and I can't forgive and forget. Who am I kidding, I can't even construct a sentence properly because I am sobbing while typing this blog entry. When people really get to know me, they are amazed on how I live my life inspite of. There's  no trickery or facade I create, I just choose to be happy. I choose to care for and love my family. I choose to get up and rise every single morning and see the beauty of the world inspite of the darkness of the night. I get lonely and vengeful sure, but that's just for a moment. I shake it off and put a brave face on. 

The consequences of carrying the burden of pain is too much. It isn't hypocritical to smile inspite of either. It's life. It's life. It happens. Just think about the consequences of your words, actions to the people you say matters to you. Look at it this way, if you can trash talk your friends and loved ones--- what does it say about them? How about to you? If you built a family, stand by it, stand by them. If you have a friend, support her/him--- the only time you can be called such is when you actually defended your friend without their presence. 

How can you care for other children when you can't even care for your own? How can you greet your friends when you can't even kiss your wife, how can you plan a party when you can't buy a gift for your best friend? 

It's never too late to see the goodness of the people close to you. Sometimes we look too far for love or friendships or attention we neglect the people who loved you when you were no one and most likely to be there when you're by your lonesome. 

For this 2015, I want all of you to know, I'm not always the happy person you see. I have my own pains and sufferings, sometimes it's even hard to be me. 

I just rambling now. And crying and hurting. Happy new year, hope you're all happy!