Some like it hot!

The current food craze in the metro right now is Mexican cuisine. A few weeks ago, this author featured an entry on one Mexican resto that recently opened at the Fort.  This entry is all about a new establishment located in Makati Ave (opposite A Venue), called Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar.  Definitely not your high profile, fine dining thing but this chic canteen style concept by Elian Habayeb and Ines Cabarrus is something good enough to keep the entire city barking.  Authentic cuisine is presented conveniently in 1-4 step process of easy ordering from filling (steak, chicken, pork, veggies) to dish type ( taco, burrito, burrito bowl, salad) with add ons (Mexican rice, chili, nacho grande, chips & queso, tortilla soup) and topped with a drink (tequila,margarita, michelada, draft or imported beer and soda).  Definitely a must go for everyone and those foodies out there who really like it hot, hot, hot! Its finally one of the few havens to hangout without worrying about what you're going to wear.  The very simple and laid back resto-bar is uber chill where one can spend hours having drinks and pica-pica. Plus, they do have attractions on some nights of the week one wouldn't want to miss.  So if you really feel like just hanging loose with yummy booze, Chihuahua is the perfect place to go to that will give you more than just a bite.   

Love the cool sign.

Perfect space.

Relax and hangout.

Walk this way.

Check in counter.

Hot is haute!

The perfect crunch for munch.

Taco with EVERYTHING on it.

Must-have steak on soft taco.

Tic-Tac-O!

Re-filling station.

Arf!!!

Wall spotting.

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar is located at 7838 Makati Avenue across from A-Venue, 1209 Makati, Philippines.  For more information visit www.chihuahuamexgrill.com

Moda Italia

Rustan's yesterday presented as part of their Italian Festival 2011 a fashion show called "Moda Italia" held at Greenbelt 4 in Ayala Center, Makati city.  A tribute to fabulous Italian fashion, the runway presentation paraded collections of global brands such as Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tods, Bulgari, Fendi, Pucci, Zegna, Armani Exchange, Furla, Diesel, Marlboro Classic and Coccinelle. The style team was bigger than the usual suspects because it was a combination of three teams (the authors associates, fashion communication students and apprenticeship class).  Loved the collections specially when you know the pieces are made of the highest quality and from one of the fashion capitals in the world. It was the biggest backstage cast where each model had a stylist, dresser and of security (because of the merchandise).  Despite the heavy rain in the afternoon, the well attended show directed by Jackie Aquino and the JCA team turned out to be an enormous success.  A night of beautiful faces, fantastic food and fabulous style celebrated all in the great Italian way.   

Viva Italia!

Uber chic Tiffany chairs.

Finishing touches.

SOme of the bags and shoes.

Bags. bags and more bags.

Apprenticeship students (from left to right)  Weelisa Ang, Gihanie Rabo and Jeric Brylle.

FashCom students(from left to right) Jeanne Khe, Teri Marcelo and Pam Bassig.

Associate stylists(from left to right)  Rudolph Leonor, Donna Gonzales Lim, Mikka Velasquez and Reg Rodriguez.

The style team at work.

Our backstage partners were a lot store representatives and security.

For a moment, backstage was a blur.

The bible--sequence guide.

View from the stage.

30 minutes before the show.

All about FASH content--uber model and tv personality Bianca Valerio.

Hair and makeup was inspired by the July 2011 US Vogue cover of Emma Watson.  Blood red lips and polished slick hair.

Modern Neutrals. Glennys Mesa in Tods.

White wash. Rodina in Ferragamo.

Mod Glam.  Luisa in Ferragamo.

Tokyo Drift

After a series of Objects D' Art, the author decided to take a short break and put in a resto entry for a change. Monday last week, half of the team was already on vacay while the rest had to do a shoot.  The team had to get the pullouts as soon as the mall opened so we could set up and prepare for the shoot at 2pm.  The pullout  was quick so the author decided to bring the kids to somewhere they haven't been for lunch--Little Tokyo.  Located somewhere beside Makati Cinema Square, the Japanese village inspired area is like an oversized zen garden surrounded by interesting quaint Japanese restaurants.  One wouldn't expect a cluster of restos in the heart of Makati since side by side or block by block buildings stand tall in towering proportions.  A study in contrast it may seem, but being there a little before noon felt like we were transported to Japan.  Style takes a new form with interesting landscapes and design.  So serene and quiet, I could almost hear stillness speak.  As much as we wanted to go around and check everything out, the scorching heat on our skin made us feel we were literally baked under the sun.  After our realization and take note we didn't bring sunscreen, we rushed for cover and ended up in Nodasho.

A whole new world.

Wishing for the yellow brick road.

Bonsai.

No sticks, all stones.

Food for thought.

So we ended up in this restaurant and were their first guests of the day.  The author unfortunately wasn't able to take pictures because it was too dark and honestly didn't think he had a camera until after our meal.  We had sushi, sashimi, noodles and salad marinated in vinegar--yummy.  Everything was fresh, and I don't mean from long storage or fridge.  People started coming in and all the customers were either Japanese or Caucasians-we were the only Filipinos at the time.  The menu had an extensive selection of sashimi, sushi and noodles not mention their special lunch offerings. The food overall was fab, not too heavy and most importantly super reasonable.  Definitely planning to come back with the team in complete attendance, and am sure everyone will be in for a gastronomic delight. Something all the foodies out there will truly love. 

Mikka wearing a top, necklace and sunglasses all by Forever 21, skirt by
Wisdom, bag by Longchamp and shoes by Matthews.

Rudolph wearing a white top by H & M, trousers by Mundo, belt by SM, sunglasses
by Ray Ban, messenger bag and shoes both by Topshop, 

The author wearing organic tee by Pull and Bear, black linen trousers by Uniqlo, 
pinstriped shoes by Joey Samson, sunglasses by Balenciaga and oversized quilted 
tote by Vera Bradley.

Nodasho Japanese Restaurant, Unit 14 Little Tokyo, 2277 Chino Roces St., Makati City.
Tel 8402741.