Call (center) Girl Diaries

The problem with working nights is that nothing is open. We have to content ourselves with crappy ass food the convenience stores have. I don't now about you guys but I can only take so much McDonald's and chili dog from 711. There is, literally, such a thing as death by saturated fats.

I can actually brown bag it but most of the time, I don't have enough time to cook something that I'd really like to eat during my lunch break. (I know, I'm picky. If wanting to eat nice gourmet food is a crime then freaking lock me up. Don't get me wrong though, I will gobble up a can of corned tuna with white rice like any kargader sa pier) I have done this and so righteously shared it with my adoptive work family (Thanks Team LA) but I feel guilty when I don't have enough or when I didn't cook anything.

Sometimes, there's just that infernal craving for a lunch out. One of our (and I say our because it's usually me and my work wife, LA) favorite haunts is Metro by Tokyo Tokyo.

Back in the 90's, Tokyo Tokyo used to be the in thing for Japanese fast food. They had relatively inexpensive meals that had a semblance of Japanese into it. I say semblance because during those days we weren't as "exposed" to cuisine as we are now.

It was the "in" thing to do - Go out with friends on a Saturday, watch a movie and have a meal at Tokyo Tokyo. The fast food chain lost its appeal (and flavor) as the 90's started to lose its fight with the new millennium
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Metro is not quite authentic Japanese but more of Urban Modern Japanese eating. I'd like to think of it as "an old lover/friend trying to reconnect with you". Their market after all, are those young ones who have visited their stores all those Saturdays in the 90's.

This particular branch at Valero St., Makati is quite pleasant. The interior is minimalist and practical but with a modern touch such as the huge flat screen TV on the wall. I love how they've mixed the feel of dark wood and red accents.

The food is relatively affordable and it is actually yummy. Our favorite is the steak. (Again, I said it's not quite authentic Japanese because I'm pretty sure Japanese restaurants won't offer steak and fries. Granted, the fries were either Nori or Wasabi flavor - an attempt at putting in the Japanese theme still). Last night, I had the Spicy Seafood Ramen and trust me when I tell you it's really freaking SPICY!

I just wish they'd stop having those acoustic players on weekdays. For one, they can't pronounce "th" properly and that grates my nerves. Second, the place was not built for entertainment like that. The music's too loud and it is more bothersome than relaxing. But we like the food so we stay and comment sarcastically each time the singers open their mouths.

Coffee is another staple in our lives. I usually go to the "other" coffee shop but last night, LA wanted to get Seattle's Best Coffee. She was having a particularly rough day so I was her beck and call girl.

The first thing I saw was the wall installation. I thought it was very creative and pretty and quaint. They don't have this in the "other" coffee shop. I gave the shop a mental thumbs up for decor.

I like going to shops that make me feel like I'm not in the Philippines. It gives me that certain thrill in escaping my life, even for a couple of hours. Seattle's Best Coffee on Valero St. kinda gives that feeling.

I'm still not a fan of their coffee though. For some reason, I still like the taste of my white chocolate mocha, half soy, half non-fat, no whip, warm coffee from the "other" coffee shop.

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A meal, coffee, a couple of smokes and the company of a good friend - that's a good night.