SLURPPPPPPPP!*

That’s what self-taught connoisseur and famed Master Tea Blender David DeCandia told me and a group of bloggers earlier to do with our paper cups filled with tea. Apparently, this allows you to actually enjoy and bathe your mouth with the full aroma of tea versus just plain sipping and gulping the drink down.

Sleepless and caffeine free, off we went to The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Paseo Center branch) with a vague idea of what’s about to happen. Before the introduction and the actual cupping session, we’ve been asked to drink and drink water to clear our palettes. Jayvee and I had to drink more than what the others had because we just split my favorite salad from CBTL, the Chinese Chicken Salad:

“I will never get tired of youuuu…”

Going back, here are some snaps from our interesting class earlier:

David and the gang

Juned, (1/16 of) Lauren, and Fritz checking out the tea leaves

CBTL’s tea vs. its competitors (the one on the right is Tazo from Starbucks)

Let the cupping begin!

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Good news to all chefs, caterers, and local food service professionals! Armed with our very hungry stomachs, Jayvee and I rushed to Cirkulo Restaurant last April 1 to check out Unilever Foodsolutions’ latest offering. While much do not apply to me since am not (yet heeeheee) working in the kitchen professionally, their new website got me all hyped up!

You can submit your own recipes (make sure you create an account!) and download the ones submitted by the other foodies (yes, it’s not restricted to food professionals). The site is still on the works but a handful of recipes (found in the “Fresh Inspirations” page) should keep you busy for now (I am so drawn to the Grilled Lamb and Mesclun!)

Press kit is found under the cut.

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Sometime four years ago, I created this program with 2 more girls that will allow a mobile phone user organize an event with just a few clicks. In this J2ME program, you can actually pick your venue, theme, book suppliers, and create your guest list in less than 10 minutes. The idea appealed to me because I love organizing events but hate the hassle of talking to a third party who will cut you out the last minute.

What does this geeky story have to do with my entry? Well that’s sort of dream #1: be able to organize an event to the last detail sans the headache. Just last Friday, Diamond Hotel invited me together with other members of the press to “get married.” I know it sounds silly but hey, where can you actually get married without the cost and the jitters?

“Getting married is probably one of the most important decisions a person will make in his lifetime – saying those vows and committing to an eternal relationship. This milestone deserves nothing less than a memorable wedding ceremony fitted to your needs and taste,” says LA Popa, Diamond Hotel’s Banquets Sales Manager.

That said, Diamond Hotel came up with a handful of pre-nuptial festivities and wedding (reception) themes that’s sure to appeal to those who just got their left ring finger rocks.

Ting Hun

Diamond Hotel offers a Chinese engagement party giving couples a chance to experience an authentic Ting Hun. From the ceremonious serving of tea to the doling out of engagement gifts, let everyone know that a commitment of love is about to be sealed inspired by a culture that gives utmost importance to the announcement of their engagement as much as the wedding itself.

Spa Inspired Bridal Shower

Diamond Hotel offers the bride and her friends a rejuvenating celebration of the big day. They can relax under the skillful hands of Diamond Hotel’s trained masseuse as they give soothing hand, foot, back and head massages as well as enjoy other wellness treatments that will definitely relieve all wedding anxieties.

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