a happy ending

Crissie missed us ☺.  So we had dinner last night.  It was difficult to decide where.  We knew it was going to be in Alabang and that was it.  Half way there, we decided dinner was to be at Sophia’s.

Adel by the entrance of Sophia's Mediterranean deli

Adel was set to have Grilled Lamb Chops.  He saw that there was also a Whole Slab of Ribs on the menu, so I got that so we can have the best of both dishes.  Crissie contemplated, and referring to a review that we saw, ordered Chicken Kebab. The review said, “it melts in your mouth”, let’s see.  We also got Pumpkin soup and Greek Village salad.   

Much to my lamb chops-loving husband’s disappointment, they were out of stock.  We were told after all our orders were already placed in the kitchen.  This means, they were not briefed on what menu items were unavailable.  Hay!  Umasa pa naman kami.  I ordered Osso Buco instead.  The server said this is their specialty, so I was hopeful it will really please me.  I was hungry!

Crissie and I started with the salad.  I really enjoyed it.  The greens were crisp and the tomatoes were sweet which perfectly matched the capers and black olives.  The sourness of the balsamic vinegar dressing was prominent but not overpowering; went really well with the generous chunks of feta cheese.  If (IF) I go back to Sophia’s, I will definitely have this salad again.

Greek Village salad

Adel is a pumpkin soup guy.  He was not pleased with this bowl.  Its texture was too thin.  So if you want that ‘pureed pumpkin’ feel, this one’s not for you.  From the spoonful I had, I thought it lacked flavor and creaminess.

All the main course dishes were served at the same time.  That’s good service there.  So we had 3 huge platters on our table.

Crissie’s Chicken Kebab did not live up to its review.  There was no way it could melt in the mouth as it was dry.  It also did not live up to its name as it was served off the skewer.  Chicken kebab minus the skewer equals dried grilled chicken.  Alas, it looked like a really healthy dish with those fresh greens.

Adel’s Whole Slab of Ribs was served already sliced.   He was expecting a whole slab - in tact, dry-rubbed, grilled to perfection.  Oh well, ribs are ribs.  They were tender and flavorful, just a bit too saucy for my husband’s taste.  The Aglio Olio that went with it was mine.  Good.  More garlic and parmesan shavings can make it better.

My Osso Buco was red!  Not that it wasn’t supposed to be.  Crissie described it as “like afritada” only it wasn't chicken, while Adel said “it looks like mechado”.  Both of those, I am not a fan of.  Patay!  In all fairness, the veal shanks were huge and the meat was fork-tender.

Mashed Potato was paired with Osso Buco

If you’ve dined with us, you will know it should not end this way.  We want to go home happy.  HAPPY ENDING = COFFEE.  Proud coffee junkies we are, Crissie and I.  So across the street we went, to UCC Coffee Café.

What with this sight, I was instantly happy!  It was heaven on earth!

UCC's cake display will welcome you into their cafe

I stood in front of this for a good 10 minutes, looking at each sweetness there is.  Grabe!  Deadly, as what Crissie says when she sees a Canonigo.

Whilst taking a mental note on what to try on the next visit, I voted for the Chocolate Xanadu as the night’s finale.  It was faultless with UCC’s brewed house blend.

it had everything!  chocolate ganache, chiffon, marshmallow-y mousse and a nougat-y base

Curiosity had us try this wasabi and caramel cake.  It wasn’t at all bad.  A bit too sweet, but the wasabi kick sets it aside.

If we pushed it further, we could’ve ordered for BTS.  It is a chocolate cake that is probably so rich, sweet and to-die-for.  I assume it is.  What else can be Better Than Sex? (insert *wink)  I did not want to try it for I would not want the validation of its name to come from me.  Adel would’ve killed me! Hehe!

Coffee and cake waited for Dennis to arrive.

Dennis, Adel, myself and Crissie

Before we knew it, we were mapping out our route for our Bisita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday.  14 complete stops were plotted, moving from Las Piñas to Alabang, then finally to Parañaque.  It might help you.

1. Parish of the Last Supper of Our Lord
2. St. Joseph Parish Church - Bamboo Organ
3. Christ the King Parish – Las Piñas
4. Our Lady of Fatima Parish – Philam Village
5. Mary Mother of the Church - BF Resort
6. Mary Immaculate Parish Nature Church
7. Our Lady of the Pillar Parish
8. Holy Family Parish Church - BF Almanza
9. St. James The Great
10. St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana Parish
11. San Beda Alabang Chapel (Benedictine Abbey)
12. Jesus the Divine Healer Parish – Tahanan Village
13. Resurrection of Our Lord - BF Parañaque Phase 1
14. Presentation of the Child Jesus - BF Parañaque Phase 3

By the way, it was definitely a happy ending.  We all missed each other.  The rest of you TTF, see you on Thursday, okay?

Sophia’s Mediterranean Deli and UCC Coffee Café are both at Westgate, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang.