Quote of the Day

" Enchant, stay beautiful and graceful, but do this, eat well. Bring the same consideration to the preparation of your food as you devote to your appearance. Let your dinner be like a poem. Just like your dress." -- Charles Pierre Monselet

I completely and entirely agree.

Restaurant Week Boston- Top of the Hub

800 Boylston St # 52
Boston, MA 02116

I regretted closing my 2 weeks of Resto Week mararthon at Top of the Hub. The only reason I went there was for the gorgeous view and to take advantage of the unreasonably priced menu with the Resto Week specials of $33 ++. This was my third time here and indeed I always enjoy the ambience. However, for all three times, I was always directed to the bar to wait for my table. I mean, you cannot not order anything when you’re hogging the counter space. I ended up ordering my typical Mojito. And it was oh so gooood. This was my new favorite place for my usual drink. ( the Mojitos just keep on getting better and better from one place to another) We got our table 30 minutes later and was slightly disappointed to be tucked in a corner instead of by the windows where you can enjoy the whole view of Boston.
The Resto Week menu was very minimal. I started off with the clam chowder, excited for the typical Boston cream like soup. What came was a tomato based soup filled with potatoes and non visible clams. I was confused for a while and then accepted the fact that I had ordered a modified version of the famous chowder. Although I vowed to order something else other than fish, I didn’t have a choice (I don’t eat red meat) and ended up with the order of the spicy flaked salmon. It was terrible. I had a third of my fish and gave up. It had a weird mixture of sweet miso like paste underneath the fish and the base sauce did not complement each other at all. There was a tangy, sweet, sour confusing flavoring. It's usually very hard for me to be unimpressed of a salmon dish. But this has got to be one of the worst. I closed the meal with an order of the crème brule. This was the only good part of the meal. It was of a large size in which I could only finish half. But I do have to admit it’s one of the best brules I’ve ever tried. Overall, if it wasn’t for the gorgeous view and the company of my lovely friends, I would be pissed that I ended up spending $50 for a meal I hardly touched…
Food:2
Presentation:2.5
Quality:2
Service:4
Ambience:5

Rating:3.1

Outfit for the Night: (I'm on the right. Sorry my outfit's not very visible)

Adam white tee + American Apparel Bandage Skirt + Grey Tights + Yigal Azroeul Leather Jacket + Fendi B Bag + PLV heels

Restaurant Week Boston- Sibling Rivalry

525 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116

Sibling Rivalry is definitely the best Resto Week restaurant by far. Everything from the food up to the ambience, it was perfect. When we came for our 8:30pm reservation, the place was packed. And altho we had to wait 30 minutes for our table, I didn't mind it at all. The nicely decorated place is a mix of modern and classy. The dimly lit dining area and cozy couches contributed to the homey feel of the restaurant. What impresses me most of the place is the concept of it all. The variety options of the menu are seperated to 2 sibling chefs specialties. And every night, the two brother-chefs supposedly "battle it out" in the kitchen.

I started off my muchly anticipated meal with the tuna tartar and sushi rice complimented with a selection of sauces. Following that I had the order of the fried flounder. I loved it. With a surprising garnish of cheese and also drizzled creamy dressing over the top, the crunch of the fish and the diced potatoes all blended very nicely. Although at times it tasted slightly salty, my glass of Riesling was perfect to maintain the tasty wonderful flavor. I closed my meal with an order of bread puding with vanilla ice cream on top. IT WAS HEAVENLY. The sweetness of the bread with the stuffed blueberries beneath it, and the ice cream to put it all together; it was the perfect way to complete my very satisfying meal.

Food: 4.5
Quality: 5
Presentation: 5
Service: 3
Ambience: 5

Rating: 4.5

I have got to try something else other than fish!
Outfit for the night:

Forever 21 Tank + Blank Jeans + H&M Oversized Cardigan + Saks Heels + Balenciaga Clutch

Restaurant Week Boston- Marliave

Marliave
10 Bosworth St
Boston, MA 02108

Marliave was hidden in the corner of a sketchy alleyway off in the Beacon Hill area. Upon entering the restaurant, the creaky door and staircase gave me a bad first impression right away but I later then found out that it’s been around for over 100 years. Although the service was pretty bad, (the waitress didn’t even know how to describe the entrée that I ordered) the food was generally good. And best of all, it was of a generous portion. Perfect to satisfy my then growling stomach. I started off with the lobster bisque. It was light and that of the perfect flavoring. Not too tasty neither too bland. Then the trout served as my entrée. The trout was creatively presented by having 2 thin fried pieces of it to sandwich the sautéed spinach and tomatoes. It was the perfect combination of ingredients with the sweetness of the tomatoes contrasting the salty dressing and the fried trout. I liked the fact that there was that extra crispiness as you take each bite of the fish. I finished off my meal with the chocolate cake dessert with vanilla ice cream. It was generally good but then again most chocolate cakes are. Overall, it was a really interesting experience being in a building that had such a long history behind it. I just wished that they could have embraced the history in their décor and ambience even further.
Food: 4
Quality: 4
Presentation: 3
Service: 2
Ambience: 1
Rating: 2.8

Outfit for the Night:

Club Monaco Blazer + No Brand Tunic + Romeo & Juliet Leather Leggings + Marc Jacobs Clutch + PVL Heels

I finally joined in the leather leggings fashion craze! Although the craze is fading away, that's when it's even more great...oh and also, those PVL Heels has got to retire. I've been wearing them with all my outfits this week!

Restaurant Reviews

The Dailycatch
2 Northern Ave
Boston, MA
The order of The Lobster Fra Diavlo, completely and entirely satisfied my pasta cravings. Although the dish cost approximately $70, it was the perfect meal to share between us three girls. ( Probably only sufficient for a boy) The portion was humongous and included fresh lobster, calamari, and clams tossed in tomato/seafood flavored linguini. It was wonderful.

Skipjack's

100 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02116

I usually hate wasabi flavored anything. But for this one time, I decided to brave myself and order the wasabi crusted salmon. It was actually fantabulous. Not too spicy and the crusted wasabi was a very savory, complimenting garnish to the fresh tasty salmon.

Sonsei

327 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02115

The only reason why I like this place is only for its location, late hours, and their MOJITO. Their mojito has go to be one of the best around. Even better than my previous favorite in The Fireplace. Their dessert is dissapointing and their famous Chocolate Bread Pudding was nothing special. The supposed ice-cream-looking white blob was nothing but whip cream.

Outfit Transition

If you've been in Boston for more than a month (actually make that a week), you'd know how unpredictable the weather is here. That's why even when the sun out promises you a great warm day, you should always be prepared. Layering is always important. Today was a perfect example. Check my outfit out:

During the day. Mood: Happy. Weather: Spring like

No Brand Cardigan +Forever 21 Oversized Tee + Bottega Bag + Ksubi Jeans + PVL Heels

During the Night. Mood: Freezing. Weather: Back to Winter 30's
add Yigal Azrouel Leather Jacket + Louis Vuitton Scarf

Voila! All set for surviving the night

Psychology of Clothes

Lost in the City

Honestly, I HATE how I look here. (In my defense however, the outfit looked way cuter minus the jacket and scarf) It reveals my yearning for summer to come but stuck in reality that winter was still here. My first impression, “this girl’s trying too hard to be fashion forward” although yes, that girl’s me. Louis Vuitton Silver Scarf + H&M dress + Yigal Azrouel Leather Jacket + Saks Silver heels + Vintage Bag

Good Bye Summer, Hello Fall

This proves that you don’t have to wear sweats to run errands to feel comfortable. I was just walking down to Coolidge Corner to grab a cup of coffee. The outfit gradually welcomes fall and expresses how I was feeling that day “pleasantly welcoming fall with a fun understated outfit”No brand blue tunic + Club Monaco Cardigan + Tory Burch Sandals + Chloe Bag + American Apparel Grey Leggings

The Inner Child in Me
It’s cool how outfits portray your mood. I was in Martha’s Vineyard that day, exploring the island in scooters, and lazing around the grass. The happy bright colors on my tee with my more subtle shorts send the message that I’m “approachable and fun”Seven Jeans Khaki Shorts + T Bags Tee + Swatch Gold Watch + No Brand Sandals

L.A Cool
The hair up in a messy pony tail, Aviators, flats instead of heels, send the message that I “look subtle-ly stylish. Appropriate both fashion and comfort wise” despite the oversize Balenciaga bag.

Banana Republic Top + Earnest Sewn Jeans + Enzo Silver Flats + Balenciaga bag + Ray Ban Aviators +Silver Cuff from Brazil

New York Chic

This outfit proves that we girls don’t have to take ages to get ready to pull off a stylish look. Although my outfit may scream “ Materialistic, spoilt college girl,” because of my Hermes bag and LV scarf, a smile may change that. :) Zara Grey Oversized tee + Louis Vuitton Silver scarf + J Brand Jeans + Chinese Laundry Boots + Hermes bag

Restaurant Week Boston- Mamma Maria

Mamma Maria was wonderfully DIVINE. The food, the ambience, the service. Everything was perfect. I was pleasantly surprised to see the wide selection of choices from the menu for Restaurant week. Usually what you can order is pretty limited but there was an array of tempting dishes to choose from. I started off with the tuna tartar... It was fresh and the taste didn't linger long in your buds; which was wonderful for me. As for the entree, I ordered the lobster tortelli. Although at first glance I was rather dissapointed of the size, each bite was incredible. With sauteed asparugus and mushrooms thrust above it, it was phenomenal. The compliments of the vegetable and the tortelli made a surprising tease to the tongue. Although the lobster content was rather on the salty side, the handmade tortelli neutralized it. I finished off with the order of flan as my dessert. The presentation was nothing special but the flavor did it justice. The flan melts upon each bite and your buds capture the strong, sweet caramel flavor. Unlike any other flan, it had a light texture but yet a lasting taste.

As for the ambience, it was perfect. We sat by the windows and felt that we were in a cafe in Europe. The way they arranged the dining areas to be in cozy room, and lighting dimmed, brought about the essence of originality of this fine European Restaurant.

Mamma Maria is a precious treasure found in the heart of the city.

Food: 5

Quality: 5

Presentation: 3
Service: 4

Ambience: 5

Rating: 4.4

Outfit for the Night

H&M Grey Cardigan+Forever21 Tunic+Bebe Leggings+Marc Jacobs Clutch+PLV Heel

Restaurant Week Boston- Aquitaine

Aquitane

569 Tremont St

Boston, MA 02118

(617) 424-8577

Mediocre was to say the best about this place. Honestly, I was expecting much more. Upon entering the cozy french bistro, u determine your mind that the dining experience would be wonderful. For me personally however, Aquitane did not fulfill the first impression it gives its customers.

I started out with a request of Risling. In which they didn’t have. But the waiter was nice enough to offer me something similar. (Remy Parrier, Vallee des Fardins 2007) It ended up being the best tasting wine ever. I decided to skip the Prix Fixe menu and order the Crispy Salmon with vinegrette. The fish was amazingly fresh as it melts upon each bite. The dressing accompanying it however, was not as great. It was way too salty. I decided to order a dessert to neutralize the taste. I ordered Profiteroles with vanilla bean ice cream, hot chocolate sauce. Much to my disappointment, what came were little cold puffs with vanilla ice cream sandwiched in between. Honestly, I prefer Costco cream puffs. I didn’t finish it.

On a positive note, the waiter and wait staff were so friendly and welcoming. And made my dining experience at Aquitane not as disappointing as it would be. Total check for the night? $45.
Food: 2
Quality: 4
Presentation: 2
Price: 3
Service:5

Rating: 3.2

Outfit for the night

Yigal Azrouel Leather Jacket + Yigal Azrouel Purple Skirt + Jimmy Choo Silver Clutch + Pour La Victoire Motorcycle Heels

Look for Less

I LOVE this Patricia Field Belt from Sex & the City. Although a reasonable price, it was sold out for some time and behold... stumbled upon a cheaper version. Guess where it's from and how much?...



Patricia Field: $120
Forever 21: $9.80

Jewelry Collection of the Season

House of Harlow 1960

Nicole Richie's effortless style is portrayed in her jewelry collection. House of Harlow 1960 is inspired by her own personal collection and also her favorite era of the 60's and 70's. The line is unique, with unexpected touches of leather, fine quality, and also a very reasonable price range.It goes from $30-$150.

One of my favorite items from her her collection is this black leather ring with swarovskis surrounding it. The price? A surprisingly affordable $45. Collection is available in Gretta Luxe boutique in Boston.

Food in Fashion

1. Starbucks

Holding a Sbux coffee cup has always portrayed a sense of elite and style. Dsquared Fall 2009 RTW show brought it to another level by having them part of the runway.

2. Red Bull

Made popular by infamous celebrities such as Linday Lohan and Britney Spears, it is now cool to have these in hand in exchange of alcoholic drinks.

3. Pink Berry Frozen Yogurt

A common shooting location of the elite girls in Gossip Girl, Fro-Yos are IN.

4. Smart Water

With Jennifer Aniston as the face of the brand, Evian is long gone.

5. Sprinkles Cupcakes

The cupcake trend started with this pretty cupcake store in LA. Now cupcakes are the new fashion food in Boston, New York, and even back home in Jakarta, Indonesia.

10 Hidden Treasures (Around Boston)

1. Cream Puff-Japonaise, Brookline
Consist of Red Bean filling, and a reasonable portion, the mess while eating it is well worth it.

2. Cookie Delight Frozen Yogurt-Truly Frozen Yogurt, Wellesley
This picture explains it all. Yes, I got a QUART of frozen yogurt.



3. Smoked Salmon Sandwich-Cafe Mangal, Wellesley
Smoked salmon tends to be overly salty for me. But this works out well in the sandwich they have. Filled with vegetables, mayo and other ingredients that I do not know of, this is a perfect, healthy lunch meal.

4. Fresh Fruit Sangria-The Fireplace, Brookline
Armani Cafe used to have the best sangria for me. But ever since they closed down, it was surprisingly hard to find any. The one they offer here is perfect.

5. Customized Mac & Cheese-The Publick House, Brookline
This is worth EVERY calorie. You can customize the ingredient of it with an array of options. Spinach, mushroom, ham...

6. Lobster Ravioli-Bottega, Brookline
They dont make this everyday but sure is worth the wait each week. It taste great with any sauce and it doesn't have that weird stale taste that lobster contents usually have.

7. Chicken Rice-Wai Wai, Boston
This has got to be the best AND cheapest meal anyone can get around Boston. It cost $5.50 for a chunk of white rice, layered with a generous slices of boneless chicken. The special sauce that they include puts the whole meal together. This meal usually lasts me for the whole day.

8. Pistachio Cake.-Tatte, Brookline
Heavenly homemade tart drizzled with caramel sauce and sprinkled with crushed pistachio, this treat melts away in each bite leaving you to yearn for more. Altho it costs an expensive $7.50 for a slice, you deserve it.

9. Popcorn Chicken-88 Foodcourt, Brighton
Tasty, savoury chicken pieces that is usually made infront of you ( thus the wait), you can adjust the spicyness by request.

10. Crab Rangoon-Panda Express, Newton
Aparently, there's no such thing as Crab Rangoon in Asia. I had these from Panda alot when I was here for middle school and craved for it when I was back in Asia. By far the best rangoon. Other places tends to be too dry and not enough filling.

The Perfect Boyfriend Outfit

BDG Tee Grey Cardigan + Fred Perry Striped Black & White Shirt + Diesel Men's Skinny Jeans

Black Chuck Taylors + Panerai Watch + Diesel Dark Brown Belt + Ray Ban Silver Aviators

Men of Style

Best Dressed Male Celebrities

1. Zac Efron
I know, I know, I'm embarrased to admit it, but I love the way he dresses up. He pulls the casual/messy look perfectly and not to mention he wears chuck taylors ALOT. This is how 20 year olds should dress like.

2. Jake Gyllenhaal
He always pulls of style with ease and make it look a million bucks. A simple touch of a scarf, pulls this whole look amazingly. ( and no, scarves are NOT girly)

3. David Beckham
Yeah, this one's a questionable one. He runs a thin line between metro and stylish. But loveeee it when guys can pull off the cardigan. I usually like the way he dresses in jeans and his beanies. Not so much his suit looks.


4. George Clooney
George Clooney never fails to be the best dressed during award seasons. However, he exemplifies the importance of dressing according to your age. He pulls off the suit look perfectly but not so much in the casual wear arena. Even if he is George Clooney.

5. Patrick Dampsey
Most guys stick to grey, black, and white. Although he's often seen wearing those colors, Patrick Dampsey shows alternative ways to put in color to your wardrobe. He dresses appropriate to his age, and is able to look put together with a youthful vibe.