Craving for Ice Cream

One sleepy November 1 afternoon , I found myself craving for a serious ice cream merienda. Problem was, I didn't just want the regular ice cream from the grocery. I wanted ice cream with the works. I wanted chocolate drizzle, I wanted marshmallows. In short, I wanted it pimped out.

I told Liv about my predicament and being the trouper that she is, immediately said yes and only asked that we take Andrea with us. Of course.

All that's left was figuring out where to go.

Not being in any mood for much driving, I had to get the ice cream somewhere close. The place needed to have something for Liv other than ice cream (most probably in the way of good cake) as Liv's so not an ice cream person. Come to think of it, it wouldn't hurt if they also had real food to prep our taste buds for the anticipated sweet indulgence. Oh, and since we were taking Andrea, I also had to consider her need for space to crawl on and do a measure of walking practice. Lastly, it shouldn't be too damn expensive for merienda.

With all these factors to consider, there was one place my brain could come up with that probably addressed all our issues.

Hot Rocks.

It's somewhat weird now that I think about it (ending up in a steak joint for merienda). But that's what happened and it totally worked.

The staple pitcher of iced tea: We always get this I think more for the pretty and refreshing color more than anything else.

Food:

Having decided that it would be a sin or a waste of energy at least to go to Hot Rocks without getting a steak, I got a Hot Rocks Prime Rib.
It's been quite a while since I had steak here and as I saw it coming out of the grilling area I must say I missed it. The steak was expertly done by the"taga ihaw". Better than usual even, because being the only ones eating there at that time, he had the opportunity to focus all his talent into our lone prime rib steak.

The result: Beautiful.
It had the smoky outer flavor that sinks into juicy prime rib flesh as you bite into it. Of course you don't expect a huge slab for P140 (or thereabouts) but for merienda it was just right.
We didn't eat the rice that came with it and I forgot to tell the waiter I wanted a side dish of veggies (bummer). Oh well, I was just getting started.

Liv wanted something lighter and more merienda-ish so we got a pizza. Tomato Basil Pizza that is. Another beauty. Super light and garden fresh in flavor. The crust was very thin it was barely there. The downside is, if you've got a pretty big appetite, this P100 pizza will barely pop your belly button.

Andrea also had fun moving from table to table in between courses.

As a fitting finale to our impromptu merienda, I ordered what initially prompted our Novenber 1 merienda adventure.

A scoops of Ice cream on top of blocks of chewy brownies drizzled generously with chocolate syrup (only P90+!)... There's just nothing like being able to realize a vision set by your hungry mind.

They also serve amazing cakes which Liv's just crazy over but due to our heavy "appetizers", she just opted to have a couple of spoons of my ice cream while I cleaned up the rest. Damn, I thought I'd get to try my ice cream with her cake too...