At Market Café in New World Manila Bay (see generally 6.082 Lobster, Baby.) — unbelievable that a buffet would earn this distinction, such is the power of lobster.
A revelation in dried fish (see generally 6.019 Meoktae).
BEST BASTARD
At Tu’s Place, a restaurant that skilfully and playfully reinterprets local dishes to suit tourist palates (see generally 6.107 Rourou Taster).
BEST HOSPITALITY
If only every host could be so thoughtful (see generally 6.331 Nasi Lemak) — another buffet!
BEST MEALS THAT WEREN’T FOR DINNER
Whereas the worst aspect of duty travel, for me, tends to be the crappy food in hotel buffets, the breakfast/lunch buffet — buffet?!?! — was consistently amazing at the Kempinski Hotel in Amman, Jordan (though not the room service food prepared by the same kitchen) (see generally 6.156 Jordanian Grill Platter), further enhancing my newfound appreciation for middle eastern cuisine (see below).
On Singapore Airlines, flying from Manila to Singapore to Brisbane (on the way to Honiara), the overall comfort and service on both flights, as well as the business class lounge in between, plus the variety of foods and beverages throughout, was a privilege to experience (see generally 6.237 Coconut Panna Cotta).
A simple yet significant stride in the evolution of Korean cuisine (see generally 6.288 Ddeok-Miyeok Guk), like that time last year when I added an egg to doenjang jjigae (see generally 5.303 Doenjang Jjigae with Egg).
BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGH (cuisine)
Just starting to learn about the vast culinary traditions spanning the Eastern Mediterranean region, already it’s having a strong influence on my cooking (see most recently 6.363 Turkey & Artichoke Wraps).
Most of the good stuff happened in the early part of the year, when I was perhaps more open and attuned to positive experiences.
Recently, I’ve struggled with the notion that the blog may be suffering from a lack of enthusiasm, as suggested by the perfunctory writing (see generally 6.222 Crunchwrap Supreme), which may signal the need to shut it down (see generally 6.318 Flash-Fried Bugs…)
BIGGEST WASTE OF MONEY
The confluence of many factors, all dumb, particularly me (6.333 Jacked…).
BIGGEST WASTE OF MONEY…AND TIME AND EFFORT AND CONCERN AND CALORIES
Yours is one of the better blogs I’ve read. Awesome pictures, amazing food, and a fair dose of cynicism, humor, and sarcasm. Even better, it’s not littered with “LOLs” or “OMGs.”
Hopefully the blog doesn’t feel like a chore. Feeling a sense of obligation does tend to put a damper on enjoyment.
Don’t quit! You could always change it to “give me this month” or “give me this week” or “give me this sennight” – but don’t quit altogether! Your blog is great.
Like I’ve always said, GMTD has always been a very personal endeavor — or “narcissistic” as LY put it. But it’s rewarding to get feedback!
I’m looking forward to Cycle 7, as the family will be joining me in Manila, early June hopefully, so documenting the transition back to regular family mode should be interesting. And we’ll move to another part of town, where there’s lots of great restaurants to explore together.
don’t quit! what else would i do to procrastinate when i get to work? at least 365 of those 18,000 views are me.
Another supporter here 🙂
Yours is one of the better blogs I’ve read. Awesome pictures, amazing food, and a fair dose of cynicism, humor, and sarcasm. Even better, it’s not littered with “LOLs” or “OMGs.”
Hopefully the blog doesn’t feel like a chore. Feeling a sense of obligation does tend to put a damper on enjoyment.
Don’t quit! You could always change it to “give me this month” or “give me this week” or “give me this sennight” – but don’t quit altogether! Your blog is great.
Thanks guys for your enduring support.
Like I’ve always said, GMTD has always been a very personal endeavor — or “narcissistic” as LY put it. But it’s rewarding to get feedback!
I’m looking forward to Cycle 7, as the family will be joining me in Manila, early June hopefully, so documenting the transition back to regular family mode should be interesting. And we’ll move to another part of town, where there’s lots of great restaurants to explore together.