What I particularly love about living near the Tomas Morato area is getting to discover the most…read moreunassuming restaurants in the most random ways. I was driving home from work one night and since it was unusually traffic on my usual route, I decided to make a detour that lead me to Lola Idang's. I have always had the notion that any restaurant that's been around for more than 50 years must be good. While I'm not quite sure how long they have been around, I've been told that they're pretty popular in their other branches. Naturally, I had to go for their popular Pansit Malabon. Upon first bite, I knew I found a new favorite. Their version of the well-loved pansit dish is full of flavorful and doesn't skimp on the ingredients. While I prefer my noodles a little softer, there's nothing else I would change. Next time, I'll make sure to be back to taste their other dishes.

By the name itself, you can expect to gain a bit if comfort from the selection here. Beginning as a…read moresmall house along white plains that turned into a makeshift restaurant, it was through Lola Idang's that I was introduced to the concept of craving. Barely passing by it's original location, it was years before I would encounter it's signature fried chicken and garlic rice combination. Each passing year in between being filled as well with fantasies of when I'd be able tot ry it again. With another branch now at Visayas Ave, I've finally bid my longing for it goodbye! So what to try? Though originally a panciteria, what actually stole the show was it's signature fried chicken. Rolled in salt and pepper and deep fried withoutany additional breading, this scrumptious chicken will remind you of Max's yet just slightly better. At 280 pesos for one whole chicken? Their kitchen and poultry supplier better prepare because I may be the reason for chicken's extinction!

Deovir is an artist's heaven…read more This could actually be my only statement and it would pretty much sum up Deovir. They have so many items available for use of artists which cannot be found in bookstores. Being the premiere art supply store, they have a wide range of products, from brushes, paints, paper, pencils, etcetera. This goes for even supporting materials such as thinners, binding mediums, and other art-related needs. Being not so familiar with and not comfortable in exploring painting mediums, I recently called them to ask for advice as to what I can use for an upcoming project. I needed to use a paint that would adhere well to textile, will be permanent despite washing, but needs to likewise have the correct consistency for brush calligraphy. With a short discussion of my options, I knew what I needed and even had my orders prepared already for payment and pick-up. Indeed, it pays to go to a specialized shop for, well, special art needs.

For me, a trip to Deovir is always entertaining. I've been known to stay for more than an hour…read moreinside the small space, just browsing through different art and craft materials without a specific agenda in mind and thinking about the creative possibilities. There are canvasses of all sizes ready to be spread with acrylics, oils, watercolors, pastels, etc. There are reasonably-priced, artist grade brushes. There are craft foams, polymer clays, charcoals, and a lot more. If there is something that I need for a craft or a project, I immediately look for it in Deovir. And I get a sinking feeling if I cannot find it in their shelves, because that means that I am unlikely to find it anywhere else locally. The staff are very helpful, and they know what they are talking about. There was this time when I was assembling a painting kit as a gift, and a friendly salesperson gladly discussed the comparative pros and cons of acrylic and oil, and why the former might be better suited for a novice than the latter. Seriously, I look for excuses to visit this store even though I know that it's not good for my wallet. They also have an online shop but sadly, the online inventory is very limited.