#dragon age coleslaw

[mochiflxwer]

redid that animatic i did a couple months back :] i like it a lot more ehe

[howlingwolf23]

Cullen explaining something about battle arrangements and preparedness

Inquisitor - and I call that Cullen's law

Varric - and I call a cabbage based salad Cole's Law

Cole - no? My only rule is to be nice

[benefits1986]

tgis mnlllllluhhhh

And so, Daddy A and Baby Dragon A misadventures evolve. EMS.

Weekends these days mean errands and more errands. While there are happenings outside errands, I make it a point to say no more and more for a change.

Daddy A told me that he was eating lunch in no less than TGIF. Sabi ko naman, sus. Bakit doon of all places so no choice kung 'di dun na lang din ako. Gusto ko sana since madalang naman akong kumain sa labas is Bonchon just because gusto ko lang plus bibingka sa Via Mare saka ginumis tapos batchoy sa Ted's. 'Yun lang. Mura pa. LOL. Kaso, nagpa-eme tatay ko na first time daw niya kumain sa TGIF so, ayun na nga.

Tawang-tawa ako kasi andaming can not CTRL + ALT + DEL memories sa TGIF branch na 'di ko na lang reveal kung saan ages ago. Sabi ng tatay ko, kaya raw pala ayaw kong kumain dun kahit nagpaparinig na siya e dahil daw ang dami kong uminom ng unli mojito. Sabi ko naman, unli nga e. Saka minsan na lang din naman akong uminom. Ansarap kasi apaka init sa South kahapon. Syempre, as a senior na pa-diet daw, salad, clubhouse, saka mango kaemerutan drink order niya. Since may mga inayos pa ako para sa mga paganaps, sabi ko, siya na lang kumain. LOL. Sabi niya, gara ko raw. Sabayan ko naman daw siya since first time niya. Sabi ko naman, takte. 'Di naman siya salat since 2019, pero ewan ko naman bakit ayaw niya i-try on his own. Sabi niya, ilang beses na daw siya nagpapasaring sa akin. So, ayun na nga... sinabi ko na. Nilapag ko na ang mga kaganapan sa TGIF ages ago. Hahahahaha. Nagulat na naman siya lalo na nakarami tayong mojito kahit akala ko matanda na ako for this indulgence.

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Sabi niya: Anak, wala pang isang oras, uhaw ka pala talaga sa alak. Saka ang tapang nung inumin mo kahit parang masarap. KALERKKKZZZ. 'Di kasi ako masyadong nakikita ng tatay kong nainom kasi 'di naman siya manginginom. Saka ewan ko, basta, ang cadence namin, kaya ko sarili ko saka 'di ko siya inaabala, oks kami. Alam naman niya mga lakad ko pero 'yung details, no reveal na lang kasi baka ma-stress lang siya.

Minsan din, sinasamahan niya ako lalo 'pag may mga about panawid sa ngalan ng taxes, death, and dogs. LOL.

Ansarap pa rin ng sliders na medium rare, coleslaw, calamari kahit maalat, shrimp poppers, onion rings, atbp. LELS. 'Di ako mahilig sa burgers pero goods dito. Simple lang saka 'di siya ma-eme. Pati desserts, ilang teaspons full of sugar lang, solb ka na rin.

Nagre-recommend na rin tatay ko ng mga movies sa suking Netflix niya kasi talaga namang sulit na sulit. Mostly, Tagalog, syempre. Maraming sablay pero may puwede na. LOL. Meron na siyang nalalaman na kesyo maganda raw shots saka ilaw kahit 'di super ganda ng story kasi mabagal. OPAK. On the road to film critic na yata siya as a boomer. Abangan!

So, ang napili niya are Lolo and the Kid kahit gusto ko ng tigilan mga ilang minutes into the watching it. Sabi niya, gusto raw niya ulit panoorin e. O 'di sige. Minsan na lang ako manood, siya pa rin nasusunod parang nung kabataan ko. LOL. Some things never change kahit Netflix era na 'di po ba?

So, ayun. Nagets ko naman why niya gusto panoorin with me. Naluha na naman siya. Sabi ko, tumigil siya kasi magkaiba sila ni Joel Torre kasi kahit ano pang shitzones niya bilang tatay, ang importante, e, 'yung ngayon. LUH. Hahahahaha. Naluha lalo. E totoo naman e. Saki sabi ko rin, tulad ni Joel Torre, formative years ng kids ay until 7 years old or so, and naging decent naman 'yung bata. Tapos sinabi rin niya na ang moral ng story, ay legit daw ang Polaroid. Galing niya diyan kaso nawawala rin quality ng Polaroid prints sa pag-tagal ng panahon. EME.

Tuwang-tuwa si dad sa Through the Years, ako naman, hindi at all, because it's a song of the past, too. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA. Tacca. Pero gets ko naman siya. Kairita pero nakakatawa kasi ang immature ko talaga noon hanggang ngayon. CHZ.

Sana talaga maka-bike kami sa Old Manila kasama si Vici. Sana soon. Saka sana makahanap na ako ng helmet. LOL.

Napadpad din kami sa Monday First Screening. Oks siya overall saka feeling ko, apart from seniors, ang market niya is mga aging millennials. HAHAHAHA. Fight me. 'Yung tawa ko sa nonchalant at OA plus fave ko talaga umarte sina Ricky and Gina lalo ngayong na silver fox na sila both. I cannot help but see Gina's ultherapy kaya naman, magiisip-isip talaga tayo kasi gravity is grabe, teh. Ganun talaga unless major overhaul gagawin sa mukha which is hindi talaga ubra for me.

Maganda in general 'yung script and lumalaban sa When I MetChoo in Tokyo. Pero, eto, light talaga na may tagos. EMS. Ni-edit pa yata 'yung Oble if I'm not mistaken. Strong na super flawed and unapologetic female lead ang atake without going overboard. Saka mata-mata acting talaga ni Gina, panalo. As in. 'Yung moral ng story na 'to for me ay 'di ko na lang reveal because... abangan! Hahahahahaha. CHZ.

So, what?

Weird and wonderful surprise talaga na andito na kami ng tatay ko. Tumiti-TGIS na kami ng walang dumadanak sa "dahas" ng mga awayan meaning verbal battle, fight. Ganern. Saka, napaguusapan namin in a himay-himay way 'yung mga experience namin ng walang ego which is favorite na favorite namin. Sabi nga ng tatay ko, takot na talaga siya sa akin lalo ngayon. Sabi ko, keep up na lang kasi sa kanya ko naman talaga nakuha init ng ulo ko e, mas malala nga lang, honestly. LOL. Kidding aside, siguro naman, 'yung nanay kong magaling, naghehehehehe na with slow clap sa other side, kahit munti. Dapat lang noh? Taas ko pa siya ng kilay with matching rolling ng eyes and RBF smirk. Tapang ko na 'di ba? Abangan!

[andrastesknickerweasel]

Another 100+ degree heat wave is upon my area (37.8+ C for all my non-American friends), so it’s time for some more dishes that require no oven/stove!

Check out the Master Post to see what this wacky project is all about and get the cookbook to join in the fun!

Coleslaw from Rivain

Difficulty: 1/5.  No cooking required!  I was even super lazy and just got a bag of pre chopped/grated green cabbage and carrot so I didn’t have to bother with it.  Also full disclosure, I just eyeballed the measurements on everything, as the recipe was for such a large quantity and I wanted to make like a handful, and it would have gotten ludicrous trying to measure like a 1/16 teaspoon or something.

Ingredient cost/accessibility: 1/5.  Produce based meals tend to be the cheapest.  Full disclosure, I didn’t see the celery salt in the recipe until I got home, and I wasn’t willing to go out and get some (one of the few spices I don’t have), but I doubt it would have made a monumental difference or been expensive.  I also didn’t put raw red onions because I hate them so much I wouldn’t have wanted to eat the dish at all.

Taste: 2/5.  Meh.  I don’t like coleslaw as a general rule, and this didn’t change my mind, though I will say the mango and pineapple certainly make it a bit more exciting than your run of the mill deli counter coleslaw.  I used the tiniest amount of hot pepper imaginable, but I did use some damn it!  I guess if I HAD to make coleslaw for a potluck I would make this, but I hope to never find myself in a mandatory coleslaw situation to begin with 😬

Suggested pairing: Coleslaw is such a BBQ/picnic food to me, so anything you’d drink there.  Pop, beer, etc.

Suggested pairing: Oghren, and only in pulled nug sliders, as is the only acceptable use for coleslaw.

Now for some dessert.  Plums au Sucre from Orlais

Difficulty: 1/5.  Very easy, just takes a bit of time to soak the plums, so not the ideal dessert for the impatient.

Ingredient cost/accessibility: 1/5.  Literally 4 ingredients, none of them expensive.

Taste: 4/5.  It’s very good.  Sweet but still a little tart, refreshing.  I’m also digging the sour cream, though I don’t know what cookies are meant to be served with this.  I have oreos, but something tells me that’s not the traditional Orlesian way.

Suggested pairing: Vivienne.  It’s sophisticated and just a little bit decadent.  The perfect treat after a long day/night of playing the Grand Game.

And lastly lets get drunk!  Pride of Afsaana from Rivain

Difficulty: 1/5.  Just pouring over ice, easy peasy.

Ingredient cost/accessibility: 2/5.  Dark rum and amaretto in this one, not too uncommon, so some might already them in their liquor cabinet.

Taste: 2.5/5.  Right in the middle.  It’s not bad at all, but it’s nothing to write home about.  There’s only 1.5 oz of alcohol and a shit ton of orange juice, so it mostly just tastes like orange juice.  

Suggested pairing:  Sebanders, so little alcohol in it that Sebastian wouldn’t feel that Chantry guilt and Justice probably wouldn’t notice, so if Anders knocked back like a dozen* he might get tipsy. 

*No matter how little alcohol, I wouldn’t recommend drinking a dozen of these in short succession.  Anders has that warden constitution, you however do not.  Drink responsibly ;)

[casspurrjoybell-17]

HEART'S DESIRE - CHAPTER 30

*Warning: Adult Content*   

"You okay, Kit?" Montreal Hunter asks, setting a gentle hand on his back.

Kit Montaine looks around, drinking in the scene that surrounds them but it is not fear that makes him shiver.

It is wonder. 

They are gathered in a small clearing at the edge of the woods, beneath the spreading boughs of a solitary tree. 

With the moon in hiding, only the shimmer of summer stars softens the blackness of the sky and many lanterns and candles keep the dark at bay. 

The lanterns are little globes of colored paper and hang from the branches of the tree. 

Dane’s Mate, Julian Hart has worked some Fae magic, too and tiny firefly sparkles light the air, while the songs of crickets in the meadows and frogs in a nearby streams lend a quiet, wild music to the night. 

Beneath the tree, four long tables are arranged in a square, laden with a feast that awaits the alphas' return. 

Hot dishes rest in heated pans, while ice keeps chilled things cold and fresh. 

Everyone contributed something, even Monty and Kit had made a peach cobbler that Monty said his grand-mama taught him to make. 

Besides that, there's Sasha's crispy fried chicken ‘and tofu for Monty’ and buttermilk biscuits from Monty's mother, corn on the cob and fresh fruit salad from Martin's family, spicy gumbo from Freya and something called 'beignets' which were like square doughnuts topped with powdered sugar, from the mysterious Darius L'Amour. 

There was grilled salmon and rice from Noah and his Dragon/Mate, Ambrose Thorne and a watercress salad that Julian made.

 At least it's not waffles, he had said. Even Kit’s cousin Ophelia is here, with her baby, Kitka and her human/husband, Ed. 

They'd brought a coleslaw and kebabs with fresh garden vegetables and aromatic sausages. 

In all, the combined scents makes Kit’s stomach ache with hunger, while the peaceful gathering itself has him in awe.

"Yes, I am well," Kit says, answering Monty's question at last. 

"It is only that I have never seen an Ascendance ceremony before."

"How do the Mortaines transfer power, then?" he asks.

Ophelia, who shares a blanket with Kit on the sweet dry grass, laughs at that. 

"They don't. Obadiah challenged his own uncle as soon as he came of age. Kit and I weren't born yet but people still talk about it."

Kit nods. 

"They say the battle lasted all night and only ended when my uncle tore out his uncle's throat and drank his blood, just as the sun rose, all red in the eastern sky. He's ruled unchallenged ever since."

Monty shudders.

"Lords. I still can't believe mom and dad wanted to join the Packs. If Dane hadn't met Julian when he did..."

"We didn't know," Astrid Hunter says, making Monty jump as she appears at his back, apparently having overheard. 

She settles on the blanket, sitting cross-legged, and smiles at them. 

"The Mortaines keep their secrets well and the face they show the world isn't the face they show at home. At least, that was the case until recently. When we matched Dane with Selene, we knew the Mortaines were fierce and proud but we did not suspect that they were also vicious and cruel. If we had, we would not have agreed to the arrangement, peace or no peace."

Ophelia snorts. 

"No wonder you got trouble now. Selene's a spiteful bitch, if there's something she wants that she can't have, she makes sure nobody else can have it, either."

Astrid nods. 

"Have you thought about staying? No one would blame you if you pulled up stakes and took your family as far from here as you could. Joseph's got family in Georgia and Dane's got his territory out West. I'm sure you'd be welcomed, either way."

"That's kind of you," Ophelia says, 

"But Ed and I have talked it over and we agree that running isn't the answer, this time. We could be Outcasts all our lives, running from place to place, always lookin' over our shoulders for Mortaines. For Kitka's sake, we'd rather put our trust in your strength and take our chances on a better life, here."

She glances at her little girl, where she plays with Luna and Luca nearby. 

When she'd set the baby down with the twins, Julian had gone stiff and watched anxiously, worried that Luna and Luca might be too rough with her, or not want to share their toys, or might not accept Kitka at all. 

Instead, they had welcomed her readily and been surprisingly gentle with the little half-wolf girl. 

Luna had even given her the stuffed fox to hold, pressing it into her arms with an exclamation of ‘fuks!’

“You're right, too," Ophie continues. 

"About my former Pack, that is. They're good at hiding things. Just look at poor Kit, outside the family, no one even knew he existed. And nobody dreams of choosing their own Mate, it's all about power and the 'strength and purity of the line.' Not like here, where you actually love and care about each other."

Kit shifts uncomfortably and looks towards where Monty’s brother, Martin sits a few yards away with his four children and his mate, Elena. 

Kit knows Monty’s worried about Martin and he doesn't blame him. 

Martin’s family isn't like Monty’s but people don't see what they don't want to see and it's easy to turn a blind eye when others don't want to be seen.

"Actually, Mom, there's something I'd like to talk to you about," Monty says.

"Of course." She looks at him expectantly but he shakes his head.

"Maybe later, alone?"

She nods and the talk turns to other things. 

Some minutes later, the musical howls of two wolves rise from the darkness, signaling the alphas' return. 

They enter the clearing together Dane a towering figure beside his father's more slender form. Whatever secrets passed from father to son, the exchange of power is complete and Dane radiates strength. 

His family cheer and congratulate him and he receives their praise with quiet humility. 

Kit can't quite bring himself to join in with equal enthusiasm, though. 

The Hunter family see hope in his strength and power and Kit does, too but he also know that what Ferrault will see is a worthy Challenger.

                                                       ~ ☾ ~

Kit’s misgivings are soon forgotten amid the festivities and feasting. 

He has never seen such an array of delicious foods, much less been invited to partake of it. 

Monty encourages him to try everything and before long he is too full to take another bite. 

Sleepy and contented, he leans against Monty where he sits with his siblings, on benches around a little fire and listens to them talk. 

They speak of memories from their childhoods, shared adventures, silly mishaps and innocent dreams. 

It makes Kit a little sad, not to have known any of those things but he’s happy, too, that Monty did and that now he is sharing them with him.

"Kit?" 

Monty nudges Kit and he realizes someone has asked him a question.

"Sorry?"

"I just wondered if you'd tried any of the books I brought for you," Noah says, smiling. "I hope they're not too difficult. I can help you if you have any questions."

Noah had given Kit a fresh stack when he arrived, a mix of Wolf history and legend, some charming children's tales and a big heavy one of various mythologies.

"Oh! Yes, I've read them and I enjoyed them very much," Kit says, returning Noah’s smile with gratitude.

"Which ones?" Noah asks, blinking from behind his gold spectacles. 

He is smaller than Martin and prettier, in a way.

"Well, a-all of them."

Noah narrows his eyes at Kit. 

"And you understood them?"

"I... I think so."

"He's a fast learner," Monty says.

"I couldn't have read all those books in the time since we arrived and I've been reading since I was three," Noah replies and to Kit, he says... 

"Okay, who was Aruna and why did the Wolves of the north revere her?"

Nervous sweat prickles Kit’s skin at the unexpected question but fortunately, he had just read that story the night before, so it was fresh in his memory.

“Sh-she was a huntress who f-fell in love with the Wolf-God," he recites hastily. "He t-took her as his Mate and their child was the first whose nature was both Wolf and human."

Noah nods, his eyes widening with astonishment.  

"That's correct."

"What does that prove?" Noah's mate, Ambrose asks, firelight reflecting from his dark eyes and long, red-brown hair. 

"He might've heard that story anywhere."

"No," Noah shakes his head. 

"I borrowed that book from the shop. It's probably the only copy and it's not the sort of story the Mortaines would tell. Gods mixing with humans, Wolves mixing with all kinds of things, not exactly the pure-breed narrative."

"There is even one tale where a Wolf falls in love with a rabbit," Kit says, eyes wide. "I was afraid to read it, at first because I feared it would be a tragedy but it is actually quite humorous."

Noah draws a breath and pushes his glasses up his nose.

"I believe you, Kit," he says firmly. 

"I only wanted to be sure. I've been doing some research of my own, actually and I think your fast learning is a kitsune ability. In some of the legends, foxes don't begin to absorb knowledge until they're one-hundred years old, but that's likely an exaggeration. My theory is that this is the reason you were never taught to read or allowed to go to school, I think your ability to soak up learning like that is the key to unlocking your true potential. Your family didn't want that to happen yet because if it did, they probably wouldn't have been able to control you any more."

Kit stares at Noah, ready to tell him he doesn't have any potential to unlock but Ambrose, winks one ember-bright eye at him.

"I was kept in a similar way, once," he says. 

"If I'd somehow managed to understand and embrace my inner fire... Well, my family would have been reduced to ashes long ago. But then I do not know if I'd have met my lovely little wolf and I would not trade him for the world."

Noah blushes a bright coppery-red and elbows his mate in the ribs. 

Ambrose merely grins, shows slightly long, sharp teeth and Kit wonders at the two of them, Noah is so gentle and quiet, while his mate seems as volatile and dangerous as fire. 

They make an odd pair but they seem to balance each other, just as Kit hopes that he and his Mate shall too.

"Do you have any more?" Kit asks, looking at Noah. 

"Books, I mean?"

Noah laughs. 

"No. I didn't expect you to go through them quite so fast. But I can get more, if you'd like."

Kit nods and leans against Monty's side. 

"Yes, please. I would."

If Kit does has some hidden potential, some secret power to unlock, he wants to discover it, so that he can protect my Mate and his family, as they have protected him. 

First, though, he needs to make Monty his...

                                                     ~ ☾ ~

Later, after the celebrations have ended and the feast has been cleared away and all the little lanterns and candles are extinguished, Monty and Kit retreated to their tent. 

They have a choice of two narrow beds or a single, wide one and since Monty had been busy at the time and had left the decision to Kit who chose the wide one. 

In his whole life, he had never felt so safe or so comfortable anywhere as he did in Monty’s arms and he would rather have slept with him on the bare ground than alone in the most luxurious bed. 

He knew Monty did not trust him and his feelings for him, books were not the only source of learning. 

Kit had observed him and his family and those around him and the more he observed, the more he began to understand. 

If he were more human, he would surely have been broken by his sufferings, surely, as Monty said, he would not wish to be touched or held by anyone. 

But he had been raised like an animal and treated like an animal and so, to some degree, he had thought and experienced things like an animal, too.

There was 'good' and 'bad' 'pleasant' and 'painful' hungry and not-hungry want and fulfillment. 

Simple feelings for a simple soul. 

Kit had lived in a box with blank walls, knowing only what had been told to him and not daring to seek more. 

Now, it was as if the bottom had dropped out, the sky expanded to the distance of the stars and he had only begun to realize the freedom he had. 

It was true, he had been starved of affection and love and now he thirsted for a gentle touch and a kind word but not from anyone. 

Monty was wrong to think Kit trusted him, that he loved him, only because he was the first person he had met who treated him like something worth caring for. 

Kit trusted and loved Monty because he was someone worth caring for.

 Now, Kit just had to convince him of that. 

Kit had already used the shower and changed into his sleeping clothes and now Monty returns from washing and strips out of his own garments, facing away. 

A single lantern hangs from the top rafter of their wood-framed tent and shadows are sharpened by its slanting light.  

Monty's shirt lifts, revealing his muscled back and broad shoulders, fluid strength beneath earth-toned skin. 

He casts it aside and sheds his pants and Kit’s breath catches at the sight of him. 

He has seen plenty of naked men, most of them have frightened him. 

Now though, a seed of want awakens in his core, like a sprout pushing first leaves towards the warm sun's light. 

Kit looks away as Monty dons his night clothes and his pulse quickens as he comes to lie at his side, at his nearness, at his scent and Kit finds himself hungry once again, though food is not what he desires. 

Now Kit wants Monty, all of him, as his own. 

As his own heart's desire.

"Hey Kit," he says, smiling as he lies on his side, facing him. 

"You have a good time tonight?"

"Yes." Kit nods, shifting a little nearer to his heat.

"That little Kitka's something else, huh? Looks so innocent with her big blue eyes and blonde curls and before you know it, she got Luna and Luca eating out of her hand. Two little alphas and a half-wolf and—"

"Monty," Kit interrupts, moving a little closer and sliding his hands over Monty’s shoulders. 

"I love you."

Monty’s breath catches in surprise and his dark eyes go wide. 

"Kit..."

"You love me, too, don't you?" Kit asks.

"I..." 

Monty shuts his eyes and takes a breath. 

"Yes. I love you, Kit."

Sitting up, Kit straddle him, lying atop his chest to kiss his mouth but Monty pushes him away.

"Wait."

"Why?"

Monty lays a muscled arm across his eyes and shakes his head and to Kit’s distress he see tears slide down the sides of his face.

"I can't, Kit."

"Why?" Kit asks again. 

"I want you and I love you, you love and want me. We're mates. Why can't we?"

"Because I'm not ready," he whispers. 

"I'm sorry, Kitty. You gotta understand. I... You'd be my first but... not the first to break my heart, if I'm wrong."

Stung, Kit moves off him and lies at Monty’s side again, facing away this time.

"Tell me," Kit whispers. 

"I've told you everything. So tell me, Monty, why are you afraid? That's what Mates do, right? We're there for each other, no matter what."

Monty is silent so long, Kit thinks he must have fallen asleep. 

Then he speaks, his voice is rough and raw with a mix of emotions Kit can't begin to understand.

"Alright," he says. 

"But this gonna take a while and I won't blame you if you change your mind, after you heard it all."

Kit rolls over to face him again and leans close to briefly press his lips to his.

"No. I'm here to stay. I'm yours and you're mine. Like your mom and dad said, all I want is more time with you."

He bites his bottom lip and takes a deep, ragged breath.

"And I won't hold you to that, Kit," he says, with a soft sadness in his eyes. 

"We only met a few weeks ago and you... You don't know me, yet. You don't know everything. Once you do, I won't blame you if you change your mind, okay? I won't blame you one bit. I'll still love you, though, no matter what. I'll love you anyways."

Kit shuts his eyes as Monty kisses his brow. 

He expect nothing less, from his heart's Mate.’

"I belong to you, Monty," Kit reminds him. 

"You can tell me anything."

And so then, Monty tells Kit everything.

[image-id-incorporated]

[ID:

1. Patrick Weekes tweet. "I mean, in some ways I'd consider it optimistic romance with, you know, definitely the suggestion of a happy ending." The phrases "optimistic romance" and "suggestion of a happy ending" are underlined in red.

2. Patrick Weekes tweet. Quote tweeting Mark Darrah who writes "Who's this handsome fellow? Stolen from the desk of at Karin Weekes for ... reasons." Patrick responds: "Very smart doggo, makes mistakes but does his best, wants his ball back, sorry for mess he made. 13 out of 10, would hug (art by at fluid fire)."

3. Tweet by twitter user with a Russian name meaning kitty or pussy (at Koshkaah). "That whole dragon age 4 teaser was basically just [this]." Two-panel comic of Abraham Lincoln and a bald vampire with pointy ears. First panel reads "So, inquisitor." Pause. The vampire arches their back and sticks their butt out. Second panel reads "You found me."

4. Daniel Kading responds to the previous tweet. He writes: "Well it certainly sounds like something at Patrick Weekes would write." Patrick responds to this with "Okay listen."

5. Twitter user nutmeg tweets: "playing Dragon Age Inquisition and who allowed literally every character (not solas) in this game to be so hot?" Patrick responds with a GIF of Solas. The GIF is presented here as a still screenshot, and the character is far away from the viewer and has their back turned. He's raising his hand up to a glowing thing on a stick which may or may not be an important object in Dragon Age. (ID note: I'm not familiar with this series. Please forgive me.)

6. Chloe Ingram tweets: "At Patrick Weekes, in the Trespasser DLC, why does Solas look so much angrier at romanced Lavellan than befriended Inquisitor?" Patrick responds: "Because he's hurting?" Kami [Shepard] responds: "Well, that's a great way to start my day, *big smile,* With a lot of feels. Thanks. *big smile*"

7. Patrick tweets: "Solas is this fade-walking visionary who is deeply and paradoxically committed to both the truth and the myths people make."

8. Thread of tweets by Patrick: "Gracefully accepting things as they are rather than risk screwing up trying to make the world better," is a bad message sent in bad faith. It's not just lazy. It's the assumption that life just sucks, and you only make things worse by trying to help. That's so pessimistic. The more time travel stories I watch, the more I hate "Don't try to change something. Some things just can't change."

9. Twitter user coleslaw tweets: "Hey at Patrick Weekes does solas eat ass though. does solas eat ass." Johnny the Shriek responds "He does. This is a dumb question." Patrick responds: "Right?"

10. Tweet by Patrick: "I'm not, like, exclusively pro-Solas! I freely acknowledge that he's full of sexy tragic flaws from being too sensitive and wise and caring too much!"

End ID.]

A collection of Solas posts from Patrick that I especially love :)

[moonbeaned]

post ten facts about yourself and pass it on to ten faves 💕💕💕

I’m a fav whaaaat I’m so honored! You’re the sweetest thank you. ❤️❤️❤️

1) For starters I have seasonal allergies. Like trees and stuff. But I’m also allergic to feathers and fur, so no pets for me ;~; Fortunately, I’m not allergic to any variety of medicine (or food) so I can pet all the cute animals I want as long as I take it. (I forget sometimes though…)2) I wear glasses/contacts! I’ve had to wear glasses since I was little. I also have astigmatism, which my contacts are designed to help correct. 3) My birthday is February 26th, 1998 and I was born on a Thursday. Also my name (Aundrea) is the feminine derivative of ‘Andrew’4) I’ve played the piano since I was 5 and started composing at the age of 13. Now I don’t have much time for it, but I really love music. Because I don’t compose very much anymore, I mostly just work on covers and whatnot. 5) My favorite animal is a Turtle, but my favorite mythical animal is a Dragon6) I don’t like Tomatoes, Grapefruit, Coleslaw, Plain black coffee, Essays, Chartreuse, Neon Pink, and thick vertical lines.7) I’m a first year Fine Arts major in college with a focus in graphic design. My minor is music. I intend to get my BA in four years. I don’t plan to get a Masters. 8) My parents are still together, and I have a younger brother. He’s two years younger than me and he’s about 6'5" (196 cm) he calls me short a lot :/ We grew up in a mostly military neighborhood so we don’t have any childhood friends who live nearby. 9) My ethnicity is English, Irish, Scottish, French, German, African American, Native American (and probably more we don’t know). My mom is white and my dad is half African American half white.10) I got into Kpop around 8th grade, but fell out of it for a few years during high school. I got back into it around 10th grade because my then boyfriend was into it. I stayed ever since. The first group I ever stanned was UKiss, shortly followed by Shinee! Same goes for Tumblr, I had one when I was 14 and had it for about a year, then deleted it, and I just got it back last summer.

[notatreeblog]

Young Chefs’ Club is a monthly subscription box for children. Each themed package includes a mixture of both STEM activities and food related recipes and activities. This box comes from America’s Test Kitchen whose been educating adults on cooking and food science for 25 years and now they are bringing that same education to children. This box is perfect for kids aged 5+ and this is their inaugural box! Subscriptions are $24.99 monthly and ship free. Subscription to longer terms to get reduced subscription prices. NAT received this package at no cost for review purposes.

Subscription Box Unboxing

Subscription Box Review

Our first glimpse inside the Young Chefs’ Club package. It’s important to note that the recipes that are included in these boxes are tested by a group of more than 5000 kids and they have to have AT LEAST an 80% approval rating … making this great for those very particular little palettes!

Everything that came in our Taco Truck themed package. I have to say that we take Taco Tuesday in our house very seriously so I was super pumped to get this box!

  So what is all this stuff? 

Our box insert. This tells us about the subscription and the Taco Truck theme for the month.

Every package from Young Chefs’ Club comes with a little pin that kind of embodies the box for the monht. Love this Team Taco pin and guess what… Mom’s stealing it for herself!

  The first recipe in our box are DIY Corn Tortillas. Along with our recipe we also receive this cool plastic tortilla press… which if you’ve ever tried making your own tortillas can imagine how helpful this is. The circle on the bag allows kids to see visually the size expectation as well, which is nice.

I really love all the information that is included in the recipe cards. It doesn’t just explain the what… but it also explains the how. I know as an adult this is imperative for me to learn and think it must be for the kids as well!

  Our next recipe is Vegetable Tacos. This is a great vegetarian alternative to traditional tacos and includes black beans, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, zucchini, corn and your DIY tortillas. Check our IG stories on Tuesdays for some of these great creations.

While this is labeled an intermediate recipe if you have kids that are in the kitchen with you frequently they’ll probably have lots of fun creating this! The colors of the vegetables are beautiful and the recipe calls for mashing the beans (which keeps most of your taco filling inside, so clever) which I think most kids would find pretty darn fun!

  Our next recipe is Cabbage Slaw. This is a beginner activity and is great for younger kids who just want to mix things and experiment! The best part is it’s just a three ingredient recipe; green coleslaw mix, lime juice and salt!

Another thing I like about this subscription are the scientific facts they include about food! For instance this card explains that the salt in this recipe draws water out of the cabbage making it more crunchy and delicious!

  Each box from Young Chefs’ Club comes with a “Make it your way Challenge” These give kids options and allows them to be creative.

The back of the card gives kids ideas and also breaks the taco down into four different parts to make it a little less overwhelming. There’s the wrapper, filling, toppings and sauce. All looks yummy to me!

  Next up in our box is an Experiment. Here’s we’ll see how the acids in lemons keep avocados from turning brown!

I love that this card asks kids to make a prediction about the halves of avocado (one has lemon juice and the other doesn’t). The scientific method in real life, creating hypothesis!

The back explains the why of the experiment and encourages children to try with other acids like lime juice or vinegar. This is a quick experiment that is great beginners and older kids alike!

  Our next recipe is Pickled Red Onions. I have been on a pickling kick lately so I knew we had to try this one out. This is great for beginners and uses just five ingredients; red onion, white wine vinegar (I didn’t have that so I mixed red wine and white vinegar), lime juice, sugar and salt.

This is a simple recipe and while this can be used on tacos you can also use this on burgers, sandwiches and I think a great addition to salads as well!

First you’ll thinly slice the onion and set aside in a bowl.

Then in a small saucepan you’ll combine the vinegar, lime juice, salt and sugar.

You’ll bring this to a boil on high heat and then turn off your burner.

Finally, you’ll add the liquid to your bowl. Allow mixture to cool and then drain your onions and serve with your dish. I actually kept my liquid and jarred these onions! I think the longer they marinate in that vinegar the better they’ll get!

  Each package from Young Chefs’ Club comes with a Technique card as well. I like this as it gets kids a little more acclimated with different kitchen tasks. This first is how to shred meat and will be used in coordination with our Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe (coming up)

The back of this card tells us about braising meat and how that not only tenderizes meat but also creates a flavorful sauce.

  Our final recipe in this box are Chicken Tinga Tacos. This is a more advanced recipe but that doesn’t mean little ones can’t help and be a part!

So we’ll be using that braising technique in this recipe to get very tender chicken thighs made in a smoky tomato chipotle sauce. We’ll also be using our DIY Corn Tortillas, Cabbage Slaw and Pickled Red Onions for this recipe!

The back of our card explains what the tinga recipe means and how Chipotle peppers (which are actually smoked and dried jalapenos) relate to it. It’s all really interesting!

  And of course a Taco Truck themed box would NOT be complete without an actual Taco Truck.

First the kids color in their Taco Truck!

Even Penny who is 12 wanted to get in on this action!

I think this came our super cute but we aren’t done quite yet!

Next you fold the edges.

Next you’ll join each of the edges together and either tape them or glue them. I chose to tape them because I felt like it would last longer. Adding the money on top was my crazy kids’ idea.

I think this was so cute… it made me smile.

And my kids added this ad hoc window to the side which made me laugh!

  In each package from Young Chefs’ Club there is also a sheet of stickers that fits into the theme of this box. I love these. I know my kids want them but I can’t bring myself to share!

  There’s also this big fold out poster that is double sided. The first side encourages kids to build their own Taco Truck Menu. There’s space for a name, logo and menu including tacos, sides, drinks and desserts.

Belle named her Taco Truck, “Belle’s Beloved Tacos” and her logo along with her tacos will be in the shape of a B. I laughed out loud at that, so cute!

Our her menu for tacos are veggie tacos, carnivore tacos and hard shell tacos and a SUN TACO (still not sure what that is). For sides we have chips & dip, rainbow chips, spicy fries and potato chips. Drinks will be the Green Dragon, Unicorn, Lemonade and Chocolate Milk of course. Our desserts at Belle’s Beloved Tacos are Choco Tacos and Candy Roll Ups.

I think it’s a most excellent restaurant idea!

The other side of this post explains to children the secret science of corn tortillas, a process of nixtamalization for soaking and pickling corn kernels to get the desired consistency and flavor for Masa Harina.

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Belle had a lot of fun coloring this in!

  The final item in our Young Chefs’ Club package is this packet of Chipotle Morita Chile from The Spice House which will be used in our Chicken Tinga Tacos!

  So in summary

Presentation: Everything is package well and is clearly marked and simple to follow in this package and everything arrived to us perfectly.

Quality: I feel like the recipes are so well thought out and everything is made so that it’s easy for parents and children to follow and the recipes really are high quality!

Curation: I couldn’t be more thrilled with the curation of the boxes from Young Chefs’ Club. Not only are they brought together excellently but I love that this is a comprehensive package, that combines experimentation, creativity and science with a bonding activity like cooking! Can’t wait to see what Young Chefs’ Club has in store for the future!

  Subscribe to Young Chefs’ Club

    Young Chefs’ Club Subscription Box Review + Unboxing | October 2019 Young Chefs' Club is a monthly subscription box for children. Each themed package includes a mixture of both STEM activities and food related recipes and activities.

[icefireeclipse]

Ice’s Annual Post for 2018

So here is my annual post of everything that I did over the course of 2018. Now one major change in this post from last year and the year before is that, I only updated this post at the end of the month instead of gradually as these events occurred. Which means that some events that may have happened at the end of the month are among the first on the list, so basically it’s all scrambled.

 Now I know with certainty that each of these events happened in the corresponding month, as I otherwise didn’t even post it so I believe for next year (if I’m still on Tumblr) I won’t do that again and go back to updating these in chronological order.

Without further ado, here’s the list! 

January:

Purchased a few games on Steam for the Winter Sale

Played through Season 8 of Overwatch

Signed up for a Payment plan for my college

Watched Moana for the 1st time

Ordered a tax return transcript with my dad’s help

Played Go fish with Uno Cards for the 1st time

Tried homemade coleslaw for the 1st time

Started University at a 4 year college for the 1st time

Got my Certificate from my tech college in the mail

My sister got a new car: A 2006 Volkswagen Beetle/bug? idk

I renewed my driver’s license

I now have a regular license instead of a probationary one

Got my liquor licence for my job 

Got a car wash for the 1st time this year

I got a new purse and knee length boots as an early birthday present

February

Had really bad insomnia on the morning of my birthday

Officially end my teenage years

Got a fuck ton of gift cards on my birthday!

Joined my 1st club at campus

Played What do you Meme for the 1st time

Found out that I’m suffering from chronic stress

Went to IT on campus and finally got access to the computers there

Had my history class cancel twice in two weeks

FINALLY WENT TO THE DOCTOR FOR MY HANDS THANK GOD!

Got diagnosed with eczema and got cream for it

Watched some of the Winter Olympics

Hands are finally improving after 11 months of dry bleeding hands

Started watching Yugioh for the 1st time

Downloaded Yugioh Duel Links on my phone

Began sinking into Yugioh hell

Played Scribblenauts for the 1st time (check name later)

Went to a Study Abroad fair on Campus

Went to Olive Garden for a late birthday dinner

Tried Calamari for the 1st time

Discovered that I may be able to drop out of my math class

Wrote a poem for the 1st time in a long time

Changed my phone homescreen

Made some homemade essential oils for the 1st time

March

Watched the live action Fullmetal Alchemist movie

Found out my dad got a Sheltie puppy for his birthday

Dropped out of remedial math after passing the placement exam

Met with my advisor for Fall Semester classes

Got free pizza from some business at work kinda randomly

Played and beat Life is Strange Before the Storm

Stressed about Midterms

Watched Black Panther in theaters 

Took the midterms for the 1st time since AP Bio in high school

Spent most of my Spring Break working

Bought a Sudoku book for myself just because

Used my job’s carwash for the 1st time

Got an Ultimate Car wash for the 1st time

Played Brigitte on Overwatch for the 1st time

Played The Moon Sliver for the 1st time

April

Got some candy for Easter/April Fool’s Day

Played through Season 9 of Overwatch Comp

Watched Spiderman: Homecoming

Bought a faux leather body con dress for the 1st time

Bought makeup for the 1st time

Finally got to go to prom: Queer Prom! 

Finally got the chance to wear my prom dress

Attempted to play Rise of the Tomb Raider...my computer can’t run it without horrible frame drops....

Started playing Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition

Got Yugioh Duel Links on Steam

Got the okay to to buy a Playstation 4 after the semester is over

Worked with two minors in a row at my job

Had to go to work and prom in a fucking blizzard in the middle of April...

My gas station closed the north station for the first time since I worked there due to said blizzard

Watched the 636th episode of The Simpsons

Wore lipstick in public for the 1st time

Played through the first few minutes of Realmyst: Masterpiece Edition

Started hearing wedding plans for my dad and stepmom

My dad got surgery for his hernia, was successful

May

Went to see Infinity War in Theaters

Was elected into council for the LGBT+ club I’m in on campus

Saw the new Steven Universe episodes

Bought Tongue in Cheek, I suppose is my 1st NSFW purchase ever

Also bought pasties for the first time

Worried about finals and took my finals 

Passed all of my finals (A, A- and a B+ to be exact)

Started my Interim course about Modern American history

Got straight A’s in the 2 exams for that class that were in May

Purchased a Playstation 4 Slim and 4 PS4 games

Car battery died on campus so I was stranded there for 2 hours

Got my haircut at a salon for the 1st time in a long while

Bought a funeral dress and attended a funeral for my mom’s boyfriend’s mother

Someone left an old box TV at the car wash at work. That was interesting

My sister fainted at a baseball stadium while singing the national anthem and had to be hospitalized for dehydration, she later was released a few hours later 

Went to that same sister’s high school’s graduation a few days later

Went to see Deadpool 2 in Theaters

Returned the 1st set of my textbooks that I rented 

Found out what role I’m going to have in my father’s wedding

June

Kinda forgot about June oh shit

Took my last exam of my spring semester

Passed with straight A’s in my Interim class

Rewarded myself by hooking up my brand new Playstation 4

Finally got to play Until Dawn, ended up killing Emily and Sam 

Started playing Rise of the Tomb Raider on PS4

Played Overwatch on PS4 for the 1st time

Got invited and later attended grad party for friend from high school

Spent most of June either playing PS4 or going to work

Started working on weekdays again for the 1st time since January

Introduced Steven Universe to my step-siblings, currently watching Season 1

Made dinner for my step-family for the 1st time, a chicken alfredo recipe from Tasty

Bought fireworks for the 1st time by myself

My mom’s boyfriend got a new puppy, Bella, without telling anyone

Played Gone Home on PC for the 1st time

Bought about 70 dollars worth of games during Steam’s Summer sale

Also bought a few games on PS4 during E3 sale

Watched Below her Mouth for the 1st time

Saw Deadpool 2 again, this time with my mom who wanted to see it

May or may not have started writing fanfiction again during this month

July

Ordered my textbooks

Started reading the Umineko no Naku Koro ni Question Arcs

Finished the 1st Question Arc and started the 2nd one

My dad’s dog got fixed in late July, went perfectly

Dentist appointment at end of the month

9 minutes late to work due to traffic

Went up north for a weekend

WENT TUBING FOR THE 1ST TIME IN 6 YEARS THIS IS A BIG DEAL! (am afraid of tubing on the water due to childhood trauma so this was huge for me)

Got to see my dog go swimming, she’s so good on the boat!

Watched the Steven Universe Heart of the Crystal Gems Bomb OMG

Saw White Diamond’s reveal

Commuted to Kitsune Kon 2018

Bought a whole bunch of posters

Finally bought a copy of Death Note Mafia after 5+ years

Went to the Ramen eating contest there

Bought a whole bunch of food for my step-siblings

August

Not much happened in August tbh

Finished the Umineko 2nd Question Arc

Went to work....uh yeah

My cat had a bladder infection and I thought he was going to die...scariest 4 days of the year

He recovered thank goodness

Went school supply shopping

Got a new backpack for the 1st time since junior year of high school

Received my new textbooks for the semester

Tried Chocolate Molten Lava and Pumpkin Spice lattes from Starbucks for the 1st time

Met with the council members of the LGBT+ club I’m in for the 1st time

Played through Undertale’s Neutral and True Pacifist Routes

Got an account on Chess.com for some reason

Went to see The Meg in theatres, loved it!

September

Went back to college/classes

Tried aligot for the first time

Also tried artichoke hearts for the 1st time

Got a tattoo appointment

Got my very first tattoo (to cover up a scar wound)

Had to wear a bandage on my left hand for 5 days due to said tattoo

Visited my campus’s LGBT Resource center for the 1st time

Started browsing for next semester’s classes

Started learning Japanese in an actual classroom for a change

I went from knowing zero hiragana/katakana to memorizing all hiragana and some katakana in one month!

Taking math hopefully for the last time

Got back into playing Rise of the Tomb Raider since July

October

Midterms in October....

Got a C+ on my math class but since I suck at math that’s okay with me

Everything else got A’s on 

October kind of went in the blink of an eye

Signed up for classes next semester

Wore a leather dress for Halloween just because I wanted to wear leather

Met with a faculty advisor

Had a Japanese Midterm that I did super well on! A+

Bought Hitman 2016 and played it for the 1st time

Bought Oxenfree which I’d been meaning to do for a while

Got a new umbrella from my mom

Discovered a Steven Universe White Diamond AU Blog

November

Donated to a Patreon for the 1st time

Finished Rise of the Tomb Raider (finally)

Started and finished playing Beyond Two Souls

Started playing Bloodborne (help me)

Went to a SAFE training session (that I realized halfway through I didn’t really need but got me out of work I guess)

Saw Ralph Breaks the Internet in theaters

Also saw Bohemian Rhapsody in theaters

Didn’t have to work at all on Thanksgiving break

Ate ham for the 1st time on Thanksgiving 

Went to a buffet restaurant for Thanksgiving for the 1st time

Had my 1st Japanese Oral examination (passed 96.75%)

My dad and stepmom got a cat, Shadow and then gave him away in less than 2 weeks (still bitter about it)

Had a thanksgiving dinner the Saturday after with my stepmom’s family for the 1st time

Saw She-Ra on Netflix for the 1st time

December

Got a pay raise at work

Went through the hell that was finals 

Passed all my classes thankfully (Two B’s, A- and an A) 

Finished taking my final math test

Now officially done with math in school!!! (passed with a B)

Got Guess Who and Connect Four for my step-siblings for Christmas

I got my sister a Webkinz retired Pegasus for Christmas, something she wanted since she was a child (really proud of that)

Got Sonic Forces/Mania, Dark Souls Remastered, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Hitman 2, Quantic Dream Collection and for Christmas

Went to see Welcome to Marwen with my grandma for the 1st time

Played Cards Against Humanity with my family for the 1st time (that was an experience)

Also finally got my family to try out Death Note Mafia for the 1st time, which had mixed results but that’s okay :)

Fuel my car with gas went down to under $2 for the 1st time 

Finished Umineko’s 3rd question arc (finally) and started the 4th and last one

Started playing Sonic Forces for the 1st time

Got new windshield wipers on my car

Introduced my step-siblings to Tomodachi Life on the 3DS

Skimmed through the raw version of Junjou Romantica Act 48

Played Super Smash Bros Ultimate for the 1st time! 

[thehungrykat1]

The Garage VR Zone & Food Park Opens at City of Dreams Manila

City of Dreams Manila has been one of my favorite dining and entertainment destinations ever since it opened in 2014. I have always been fascinated with its exquisite restaurants such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, and The Tasting Room. But if there was one thing that seemed missing at the sprawling integrated resort, it would be a casual mid-level dining area that would be suited for guests looking for quick but high-quality meals. So I was really excited to find out that City of Dreams Manila has finally unveiled the country’s most attractive Food Park and VR Zone called The Garage.

This new food and entertainment destination is unlike any other food park I have visited in the country. The Garage does not just offer a wide range of casual dining choices from well-known restaurant brands, it also lets guests delve into the immersive Virtual Reality experience provided by Bandai Namco Amusement from Japan, one of the world’s leading video digital entertainment development companies in the world. The Hungry Kat was invited to the Grand Opening event of The Garage last October 14, 2018 and it turned out to be a one-of-a-kind experience filled with gastronomic delights and pulse-pounding games which I will truly never forget.

The Garage is located at the upper ground floor of City of Dreams Manila, just in front of the popular Dreamplay. The integrated casino resort takes pride in its many non-gaming activities and this is the area where most families and children usually stay, so The Garage provides a very convenient dining option for hungry guests. Entrance is free so everyone can enjoy its upbeat and energetic vibe.

I was met at the entrance by Ms. Romina Gervacio, Director for Public Relations at City of Dreams Manila who also happened to be celebrating her birthday that day. 

The Garage is set in a 2,714-square meter air-conditioned area which used to be part of the hotel’s parking building. The location is quite spacious, with plenty of plush and comfortable sofas, seats, and tables scattered across its vast floor area. Its modern industrial interiors cater to a 563-seating capacity and was designed by award-winning Paris-based creative design agency, Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design, a group known for its strong sensitivity to contemporary design aesthetics.

Giving the food park further life and vibrancy are various graffiti works of two prominent names in the street art scene, Kookoo Ramos and DeeJae Paeste. You can find their works of art carefully hidden or elegantly displayed along the walls and corners of The Garage.

There are several dining areas available, so just pick a spot and then head over to the carefully curated selection of food and beverage trucks and trailers available at the cool and comfortable food park. 

Hosting the day’s grand opening activities was KC Montero who brought along his energy and spirit to match The Garage’s entertaining activities. The food park offers a unique concept as it brings together 10 of the hippest names in the food and beverage industry and combines it with a VR Zone unlike any other in the country.

Kunihisa Yagisita, General Manager of Bandai Namco Amusement was present to welcome all the guests to the grand opening of The Garage. The company is honored to partner with luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila and bring to this exciting destination their first VR Zone entertainment facility in Southeast Asia.

It’s time for me to sample some of the awesome dining options available at The Garage, so let’s check out these 10 well-known establishments which include Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster and Juiced. The casual dining experience is also enhanced with the sustainability drive of City of Dreams Manila. Only eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable plates, utensils and take-out bags are used at The Garage.

I love how they have designed the trailer trucks and integrated them into the space. You can really feel the open and casual ambiance, but without the sweltering heat.

Pizza Grigliata serves nothing but hot, freshly-made artisanal pizza which are uniquely prepared. Their pizzas are handmade from scratch everyday using thin crust dough topped with the freshest ingredients which are torched and grilled. 

Hollywood’s most popular hot dog stand since 1939, Pink’s Hot Dogs, can also be found at The Garage after opening their first Philippine outlet at Bonifacio Global City in 2016. I ordered their Tokyo Dog (P250) which comes with tempura flakes, unagi sauce, coleslaw, wasabi mayo, and togarashi. They also offer the iconic The Hollywood Legend (P280) which is a medley of Pink’s eponymous hotdogs with chili, cheddar cheese, mustard, and chopped onions. Just beside it is Farmacy Ice Cream which serves fresh homemade ice cream “the right way,” together with an extensive array of comforting treats such as milkshakes, sodas, coffee, and pastries. I had the Triple Scoop (P230) which had scoops of double chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream.

El Chupacabra is a casual street taco bar in Poblacion, Makati which was one of the pioneers of the massive foodie scene in that area. They serve a delectable array of Mexican-influenced dishes as well as uniquely-tweaked versions of popular local plates. 

Apart from Mexican-style street tacos, El Chupacabra is also known for burritos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken sticks. I don’t usually frequent the busy Poblacion area so this new outlet was a great opportunity for me to finally try their offerings. Best of all, parking is never a problem at City of Dreams Manila with their complimentary parking building.

I do love ramen and anything Japanese so I was happy to find the trailer for Ramen Santouka. The origin of this ramen shop traces back to Hitoshi Hatanaka who opened his own ramen shop in Hokkaido in 1988. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s well-loved ramen is characterized by its mild, pearl-colored Tonkotsu soup which is carefully prepared by taking the time to simmer the pork bones before adding vegetables, dried fish, kelp and other special ingredients.

I tried two of their popular ramen variants including the Kara-Miso Ramen (P395), a spicy ramen made with pork broth and seasoned with miso and hot spices. My favorite was the Awase Aji-Ramen (P380) which is their specialty ramen made with a combination of shio, shoyu, and miso ramen. I had never tasted a ramen using all three of the most popular flavors so this was really a surprising and satisfying discovery.

Another food truck specializing in Japanese cuisine is Katsu Sora which specialized in my new comfort food, tonkatsu. The restaurant is known for serving dishes that use four kinds of world-class pork that are of the highest quality: Iberico, Kurobuta, Shimofuri, and Sakura. This time, I ordered the Ebi Furai Katsu Set (P455) which comes with three huge tiger prawns deep fried in wood-fired panko, creating a crispy exterior while remaining plump and juicy inside.

Alongside the well-curated food and beverage outlets at The Garage are City of Dreams Manila’s own exceptional outlets servings beverages and desserts. Juiced offers a variety of freshly squeezed smoothies, slushies, and juices for those into healthy concoctions.

I tried two of their best-sellers including the Avocado Booster (P240) smoothie and the Sunburst (P280) from their Detox line. Both were indeed refreshing and made with only the finest ingredients. Coffee lovers should head to The Roaster which offers an array of gourmet coffee creations made from freshly roasted Philippine beans. In keeping with the resort’s sustainability campaign, the beans are sourced from coffee growers and farmers in various communities supported by the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc.

Those into heavier drinks can go to The Bar with its selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s specialty cocktails include The Garage (P380), a heavenly combination of Jack Daniels whiskey infused with apple cinnamon honey, peach syrup, apple juice, and ginger ale.

Also a favorite is the Manila Five-O (P350), a cocktail made with brandy, Malibu rum, Grand Mariner, pineapple juice, and orange juice. You can also try the Jasmine Red (P220) signature iced tea made from Jasmine tea, apple juice, calamansi with honey, and grenadine.

End your meals with some sweet desserts from Chocol8 which features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms and enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices. They offer white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate bars and chocolate tiles. You can also marvel at some of their displays which are all made from pure chocolate!

But what sets The Garage apart from the rest of the local food park industry is its unique VR Zone which features a new generation entertainment facility that offers an exhilarating and startling experience with top-of-class Virtual Reality technology.

There are currently three VR games on hand at the VR Zone but more will be coming in the next few months. You can buy single player tickets for P450 each or you can avail of their group packages for up to four players. There are some age and height restrictions in each game so make sure that the kids only play games appropriate for them.

The two-minute Ski Rodeo is a steep downhill ski simulator that lets a player ski a vast snowy mountain course with sharp slopes and steep drops. Your goal to finish at the fastest time possible within the allotted time. I wanted to try this out for myself, but because of my recent Hip Replacement Surgery, I don’t think I’m ready yet for this type of hip action.

I was more than ready though to hop on the Mario Kart Arcade GP VR. The three-minute Mario Kart game lets you play as either Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Yoshi and step right into the action-packed world of the Mario Kart universe. Your goal is to race against each other until the finish line through a course filled with traps. This highly sought-after game can be played by up to four persons who will battle for greatness.

This was actually my first time to experience a virtual reality game and I was really impressed with the clarity and total immersive experience of the game. I really felt like I was inside the game and racing against my opponents, especially with the 360-degree viewing angles. It was amazing that I could also reach out my hands in the air to catch useful items like hammers which I can use to pound on my enemies. We all looked funny waving our arms around but I was totally hooked on the game! Unfortunately, I ended up last among the four, but I’ll get them next time.

This next attraction is definitely not for the faint for heart. The Hospital Escape Terror can be played by up to four participants who will be entering a horrifying experience unlike any other. The lines can be quite long for this VR game which can last up to 9 minutes per group if you all end up surviving the terror. The goal is to escape and survive the dark, cursed, and abandoned hospital while being restrained on a wheel chair.

I couldn’t believe that I would be sitting in a wheelchair again in this game, because it was just a few weeks ago when I was still using a wheelchair in the hospital after my surgery. Thankfully, this is only a VR game but when you are inside it, everything really looks real! I have to gather up all my courage just to stay on my chair and not run outside, but it was really an experience I will not forget. 

If you think you are ready to face all these VR challenges, then go and visit The Garage at City of Dreams which is open daily from 10:00am to 2:00am. Don’t worry, if you just want to relax and dine at some of the best restaurants in the city, then you can always just stay at the food park and enjoy its beautiful surroundings. Whatever the case, The Garage is destined to be one of the hottest dining and entertainment destinations of the year.

The Garage

Upper Ground Floor, City of Dreams Manila, Entertainment City, Parañaque

800-8080

www.cityofdreamsmanila.com

www.facebook.com/cityofdreamsmanila

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ironically this scene cemented that these two would be endgame for me

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The High Priestess

my first try at dragon age tarot with my inq asala :] and cole. obviously. but

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HAPPY DRAGON AGE DAY :D !!!! HERE ARE SOME CENTAURS OF THE INQUISITION !!

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thinkin bout these two again :3

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some asala and cole (coleslaw, if you will) centaur sketches before i sleep

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MANNN ive had so many cool ideas for asala as an inquisitor but i never share them because im always like “ahhhh i dont wanna step on the feet of the writers....i dont wanna go off script or make it not fit in the storyyyy...ahhh...” 

ive looked through about 3 dragon age blogs and have learned this is not only common but encouraged and im feeling a lot more comfortable here