Tried dining in Pepper Lunch twice at a time when you need to line up to get seated. Both times, we were eager for our meals .... too eager it was hard to relax and enjoy it.

There was no long line this time. And here in Chinatown where we plan to take our 168 shopping to the next level, it was a good way to start the day. At 11 am, it's brunch for us who love lingering on our beds. A sizzling plate of beef teriyaki for moí and a salmon and chicken meal for my elf.

Both were good. Hungry that we were, we cleaned our sizzling plates in no time. Good to find Pepper Lunch in the food court of Lucky Plaza here in Binondo. Parking fee maybe exhorbitant but it's the only place where one feels safe parking a car and dining without hygiene issues ;-)

Happy shopping, everyone!

For more travel blogs and dining tips, LIKE me on Facebook: Lifeisacelebration.

This all day cafe and bakery in a spot where Crustacea used to be in Rockwell serves single-origin coffee as early as 7am. But trust me, it is more than just a breakfast place.

Hatch 22, obviously a play on the phrase "Catch 22", is more famous as Chef Erwan Heussaff's new place. You know, the brother of every Filipino's dreamgirl Solenn Heussaff..... And boyfriend to another dreamgirl Anne Curtis.

We ordered and shared a bread basket and sausage platter. But my growing boy had his fav stylized tapsilog. Tender slices of beef on a bed of garlic rice topped with fried egg.

I love bread. And my growing boy loves his rice. The bread basket and sausage platter is good for the 3 of us sharing. Brioche, cinnamon roll, 3 kinds of sausages , accompanied by potato wedges, butter, jam, mustard, beets, etc.

Hatch 22 should be drawing in the same breakfast crowd patronizing nearby Starbucks and Pancake House. But I'd like to head back one evening and try some of their handcrafted cocktails. All-day breakfast place transforming into a bar as the sun sets. Love it!

There are other items we tried: the bestseller Fish & Camote Chips my young lady swears is soooo yummy and the Hangover Shells which I can do without. Bad choice. :-( I skipped the Hatch Pie and instead tried the Cinnamon Roll. Not bad.

Check out my other blogsite "lifeisacelebration" for travel, lifestyle and food tips.