This Is 30

It's finally here. The day that I've been dreading, the day that I succumb to the dark side. Okay---not really, Obi Wan. I just turned 30, is all. THIRTY. I tell ya, the first thing I did when I woke up was run to the mirror and check for signs of ageing...let's see...Grey hair? Nope. Wrinkles? Eh, the usual weird ones under my eyes when I smile. Sagging skin? Not really. That's it?! I guess it's not so bad. But then there's the other list of telling signs: Countless wedding, baby shower and baptism invitations, numerous newborn pictures pouring in on Facebook, swapping tequila shots for a glass of sangria, the nerds back in school now ruling the world, having a seemingly non-existent metabolism (bye-bye bacon cheeseburger pizza diet) and a newfound appreciation for platform heels.

It's weird how I'm always in deep thought while I'm in the shower that I was able to experience a myriad of emotions while looking back on the things that I've done (and didn't do) as well as the decisions that have brought me to where I am now. Truth be told, there are things in the past that I would like to amend like attempting to eat leftover mexican food, but in stories such as this, we simply cannot. Hindsight is always 20/20 and having to lament on the shoulda-woulda-coulda's is just a waste of...well, everything. As you all know, I am my worst critic and I can't help but still beat myself up for feeling like I've never really accomplished anything, given that this is supposed to be a significant milestone. But then I realize, that the beauty of celebrating a milestone is that you can look back at everything and be able to celebrate the good, the bad and even the ugly. So what if I'm not tying the knot yet? If I don't have kids of my own yet? If I'm not yet earning 6 or more figures? If I still don't know what I'm supposed to do in life? If I still don't know how to put make-up on without looking like something that Edward Scissorhands spat out? Boy, do I have a looonngg way to go.

I'm dying to turn a new leaf over.
I want to...
- fight for a cause (leaning towards animal rescues, in the name of my Skyler)
- detach myself more from any sort of narcissism.
- be more mindful of the things I say or do...Hey, I only speak the truth. But I know I have to tone it down a bit  :)
- be more discerning with the company I keep. Only offer my friendship to people who truly appreciate it.
- spend more time with my parents and siblings, because they always have my back. Love you guys!
- eat more stuff that's good for me but tastes awful.
- be more adventurous and explore uncharted waters.
- not go chasing waterfalls... and stick to the rivers and the lakes that I'm used to. Hmmm...that sounded way cooler in my head than out loud. Wushoo. I got you hummin' to a tune, didnt I?

So anyway, dramatics and biological clocks aside, I think age is just a state of mind but exfoliating twice a week helps too. Let's not waste this day of celebration, shall we?

It's my birthday and I'll cry, eat and drink and go nuts if I want to...

So to mark a beginning of a new decade, I decided to be a little bit more adventurous with my birthday dinner. And I thought, what better restaurant to fit the bill than The Bazaar by José Andrés.

I'm going to spare you from a pseudo-food critique report and simply say that this has been by far, one of the most interesting and innovative dining experience I've ever had. I mean, they had me at "liquid nitrogen" and "air bread". Here's one of the staff mixing some nitro drinks:

The Interiors

Disclaimer: I apologize for the poor quality of some photos. I transferred all the good ones from my Canon to my PC but my hard drive completely died on me so 50% of the photos here are low res photos from a camera phone! *sob*

The restaurant was a huge space split into four. There's the main dining area "Rojo y Blanca", the bar "Bar Centro", the dessert bar/lounge "The Patisserie" and the hidden dining area, "Saam" for those who prefer the restaurant's most luxurious dining experience.

Rojo y Blanca

Check out the wall filled with back portraits.

Bar Centro

I don't know if this was still considered part of Bar Centro but the chairs were freakin' awesome!

The Patisserie

The Patisserie has a wide variety of items to satisfy your sweet tooth and you can just imagine me all googly-eyed while scanning through all that sugary stuff on display.

El Baño - Totally making this up..can't resist to show the nice ladies' room, though! hahaha.

On to the food!

For those of you who haven't tried this place out, be reminded that they serve everything tapas-style...meaning: it's impossible not to order several plates to satisfy your hippo appetite.

This was the air bread. It's pretty much a best-seller here.

I think this is the Sauteed shrimp and behind it is the Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks. I'm bad with names.

The caprese salad called Not Your Ordinary Caprese Salad. The mozzarella is at a liquid state but it only bursts into cheesy goodness in your mouth.

Oops sorry forgot what this was. Tee-hee.

Jicama Wrapped Guacamole.

Eggplant Tempura - Oh my yum!

Sweet Potato Chips.

Overall, the ambiance and food were all very much worth it. I wouldn't suggest though coming here if you've got a growling appetite 'coz you'll end up re-ordering food just like we did and that can easily run the bill to the hundreds.

So, this is 30. Feels like 21, tastes like chicken.

Toodles!