breakfast with my family

THIS WEEKEND have been one of the most wonderful days ever! My mom and dad are always excited to come to Manila to see us and bring all the food they could think of. She knows I love fish, so the freezer was well-stocked with sausages, tinapang bangus,basasong and salmon. Everybody was noisy like we were kids and we slept late.

7am, CIRCLES,Shangri-la Makati

We headed to Circles for our breakfast.Usually when the family gets together,we go someplace where we could relax and just talk about everything. So as we entered the resto, we were greeted with a friendly crew, the familiar sweet smell of waffles and pancakes and the low buzz of people who just woke up, sipping their coffee quietly and ruffles on the morning paper. I scanned the room, it was brightly lit and chefs were busy preparing sausage links, dairy products. The tables were cherry oak with big white plates orange mugs and orange mats to compliment the restaurant's theme. There was a pastry bar with white chocolate donuts,muffins with raspberry,cheese, and orange flavors. Beside it was a wide spread of fruits, toasts,whipped cream, waffles,mascarpone and syrups. Across the bread counter, there was an attractive line of crushed ice with yogurt,and bottled juices in it. The cereals section was easy to find since the spot gloat of colorful little wheels in big bowls (Cheerios or Froot Loops, my best bet), cornflakes, granola bars, pitchers of fresh and skimmed milk, fruit juices and big blocks of different cheeses like Gouda, Camembert, Parmiggiano,Ementhal, Blue, Brie, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Goat cheese and cream. I stayed away from the cheese board much as I can because it can be so addictive once I take one bite. Right across our table was across the carving station with links of hungarian, bratwurst, veal and chicken sausages, pots of freshly cooked and baked potatoes, baby asparagus, seared salmon squares and eggs benedict with creamed spinach. The Chinese food section boast dumplings, steamed pork ribs, chicken feet and a lot of mouth-watering goodies inside their small rattan-like steam baskets. While the Japanese chefs were uber busy preparing the sushi, maki and yakitori spread. What I love about the place is its exclusivity. People didn't really care about other people's businesses so two brownie points for Shang for keeping the privacy in place. Our pictures didn't do justice to my description, there was just so much food to keep track of.

Me and my dad started with the greasy, heavy stuff. We loaded our plates with bacon, ham, salmon, croissants, and hashbrowns while the rest of my family got something healthy like cereals. Our table was nothing short of jams,marmalades and honey.

I didn't take a lot of pictures since we were enjoying ourselves so much. We kept laughing and shared stories about what we were up to and our plans for life. I savored every second with my family, and nothing gives me a natural high like this. After drowning myself with milk and yogurt juices, I was ready to turn in and go home. But Car and my mom loves to shop and the day was just starting so they headed to Glorietta, my Dad went someplace for his business meeting and as for me, I went home to take a nap, I was meeting Tina that night for some drinks.

It's always been tradition for all of us to get together and try different restos. Good thing I came from a family of foodies!