What I ate: Da Massi

Da Massi was the first restaurant in Trastevere where I had my first fresh pasta with mushrooms. Well, it wasn't really mine since my boyfriend was the one who ordered it but I hijacked his order. I originally ordered pasta with anchioves which was also delicious but I much preferred the mushrooms. It was a melt-in-your-mouth good!  

I love how Italians keep it simple. Very few ingredients per dish but it has the best flavours! You can really taste each ingredient and nothing is masking it. The ingredients are fresh and they are the star of the show!

15 Random Observations of Japan Part I

Allow me to revisit my time in Japan in 2014. It was my first time to visit this amazing country and I was blown away by the food and culture. I can't wait to go back to Japan this month! Here are my random observations of Japan..and I'm sure I will be adding more to it after my trip. 

1. No tipping at restaurants.
2. Shop at 100 yen stores for souvenirs.
3. ATM's can be found at JP Post offices.
4. Food can be great souvenirs.
5. Convenience stores will become your best friend. It has everything you need.
6. Kimono pajama's are provided in hotels.
7. Face mask is a must when you're sick.
8. Do not eat the leaf wrapping for the pressed sushi.
9. Always remove your footwear when stepping inside a temple/house.
10. Packaging is key.
11. Bullet trains run every 15 minutes.
12. Everyone is very polite and quiet. 
13. Vending machines are everywhere.
14. Fast & efficient service.
15. Bikes are everywhere.

Aperol

I'm not much of a cocktail person because most of the time I've tasted overly sweet drinks although I make an exception when I go to warmer climate. I drink daiquiri, pina colada, or a margarita. I also think cocktails are overpriced (I'm cheap). 

But one night, my boyfriend and me were walking around Trastevere. We weren't hungry yet so we didn't go inside a restaurant but instead we decided to grab apertif's. We spotted an empty patio table and I made my boyfriend order me a drink. I told him to surprise me and he came back with aperol spritz. I never had it before and I was surprised that I liked it. It's more bitter than sweet so that was really good. 

Now, we make our apertif with Campari instead of Aperol and it's delicious! Happy Friday!!! I'm so happy it's a long weekend. Happy Family day weekend!

Warby Parker Spring 2016

I first heard about Warby Parker in 2013. I was looking for stylish and affordable eyeglasses when I found their website. I was in heaven! 

It took me a long time to decide which pair to order because I wanted every single pair. I ended up getting the "ballard" frame. And because my prescription changes every two years, I'm now on my second pair and I ordered the "preston" frame. Now, I'm itching to get new pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses since they introduced their 2016 Spring Collection. 

As you can see above, the Spring 2016 eyeglasses collection comes in bold colours! Perfect for changing your look for the season. And if you don't need to wear eyeglasses, you can freshen up your look with sunglasses. I love that the frames looks classic and it comes in fun colours. You can also get your sunglasses with prescription ;)

Ordering is a breeze and the people from Warby are always there to help. I've asked so many questions before I order and they are always happy to guide you.

And the best part is when you buy a pair, you give a pair to someone in need. It's a win-win! Now, which one should I get?

Gelato in Naples & Procida

My gelato mission didn't end in Rome. I had to continue with it in Naples. I was not disappointed with all the flavours I tried. And a small cup of gelato was cheaper here than in Rome.

Gay Odin - (several locations). It's a chocolate and gelateria shop. Since the shop's specialty is chocolate I ordered the super chocolate and almond gelato flavour. I loved the richness of the chocolate. It was soo good!

Generoso gelato - (Via IV Novembre, 106, Ercolano NA). This shop is located in Ercolano. Went on a day trip to visit Herculaneum and on my way back to Naples, I found this shop. Super cheap gelato for €1.50. I got the strawberry and melon flavour to beat the heat that day.

Casa Infante - (Piazza Vanvitelli, 80129 Napoli). This is my favourite gelateria in Naples. I got the Mandarin dark and the Amalfi. The Mandarin dark was really good!!!! and the Amalfi had chunks of dried fruits. Really recommend this one!

Antica gelateria del Corso - (Island of Procida). My first mission when we docked in Procida was to get gelato. Found this place and ordered Pistachio and Baccio. And I came back before we left the port. My second cup was strawberry and I can't remember the second flavour. Good but nothing too amazing!