jin loves to eat: Mom’s 60th at Bistro Marinero ♥ ♥ ♥

Nostalgia.

That is the theme I want for Mom’s 6oth birthday party.

Weeks before the date, I looked around the historic walled city of Intramuros for the perfect venue. I need it to fit around 40 people comfortably, and I want the whole place to ourselves.

And at the corner of General Luna and Sta. Potenciana streets, I found it.

I found the perfect venue in Bistro Marinero

To go with our Nostalgic theme, we present a photo slideshow of my mom in her younger years and have “Young Aggie” standees made

And we also have these customized bag tags which also double as place cards for our guests

Even the cakes spell N-O-S-T-A-L-G-I-A. Clockwise from top: Estrel’s Caramel Cake (Thank you, Uncle Simeon & Auntie Tess!), Diamond Hotel Supermoist Chocolate Cake (Thank you, Uncle Frank!), Pacita’s Mocha Cake (Thank you, Auntie Pacita!), Prune Cake (Thank you, Steve & Prin!), and Diamond Hotel Baked Cheesecake (Thank you, Auntie Babie!)

I (and my mom) love calla lilies and the color violet. Therefore, The Centerpiece.

If you notice, in the glass cabinets are life vests, helms, compasses and other marine-related paraphernalia. This is because Bistro MARINERO, whose tag line reads “A Seafarer’s Voyage of Cuisine” aims to give diners a cruise ship experience.

That is Uncle Dennis wanting to be a helmsman

SURPRISE!!!

All my hopes for a sepia-colored affair crumble as people in red start to fill up the room.
I guess there is never gonna be a proper themed party with Chinese families.

Thank you, Uncle Simeon, Auntie Tess, Auntie Beth and Uncle Johnson (not in photo)

謝謝, Auntie Guada and Auntie Clarita!

The Kiddos (okay, they’re teens but they will always be kiddos to me)

I guess they approve of the souvenir bag tags Smile

Now, THE FOOD.

Cream of Three Mushroom Soup – even this one tastes nostalgic, like how I enjoy my soup when I was still in grade school, before the discovery of wild mushrooms, portabellas,
cepe cappuccino, truffle foam and the likes

Pomelo Shrimp Salad – probably the only dish the guests didn’t enjoy

Everyone stands up and attacks the buffet

Then everyone sits down and eat like there’s no tomorrow

Asado Roll (notice the food labels have that nostalgic feel, too!)

Fresh Lumpiang Ubod

Honey-Glazed Roast Pork – really good (which is actually equivalent to excellent when coming from a person who dislikes pork)

Lemon Baked Fish

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Spaghetti Pesto

Donna’s Homemade Mushroom Potato Gratin. Thank you, Donna!

Paella Mixta by Peewee Morato

Paella Negra by Peewee Morato

Mango Float – the brutal assault before I have the chance to take a decent photo is a testimony of how good this mango-cream-graham dessert is

After dinner, we play the surprise video greetings we compiled for Mom.

Just the cute, witty and touching parts

Thank you for the wonderful edit, Tiffany Tuazon!

Singing, wishing and blowing of candlesssssssss

The Sisters

Our family (missing Ryan, Meme, Mei, Shoti & Riyanne) + Kim and Benjie.
We couldn’t have done it without both your help. Muchas Gracias!

Gwama: THIS IS NOT MY DAUGHTER! GIVE ME BACK MY DAUGHTER!!! WAAAHHH!!!

Doggie bags for guests: Aggie’s Favorite Ube Ensaymada from Diamond Hotel

A big part of the night’s success I owe to the staff of Bistro Marinero. With their warm and professional service, everything is a breeze.

And this is the very kind and accommodating manager, Miguel Castro.
Thank you, Miguel, for all the help! (And look how thoughtful, he dresses in red!)