BATGIRL, VOLUME ONE: THE DARKEST REFLECTION by Gail Simone, Adrian Syaf, and Vicente Ciffuentes

Barbara Gordon was always my favorite DC character. Her transformation from Batgirl to the Oracle was nothing short of inspiring, but as much as I loved her as the Oracle, she is, in my mind, forever Batgirl. Yes, her successors, Cassandra and Stephanie, were impressive as well, but Barbara really takes the cake as DC's number one girl. In my opinion, at least.

Gail Simone's tale of her return as Gotham's female Knight was extremely well-written, albeit flawed. Barbara's fight with the first villain, Mirror, showcased her intelligence, perseverance, and her determination. Her struggles to heal emotionally and psychologically after her physical recovery was well portrayed. The second story, however, was hastily done and less exciting than the first. In fact, the second story was a bit disappointing.

The art was spectacular. The fight panels were engaging and dynamic, while the stunt panels were absolutely stunning. Some of the illustrations just seemed to leap off the page.

Overall, I give this graphic novel a 3 out of 5 stars. Of course, this is only the first volume. I bet it'll get better from here. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: A GAME OF THRONES by George R.R. Martin

There are two things I love about rainy days. One, it makes the otherwise hot weather cool. Two, it gives me an excuse to stay snuggled up in bed and read, and what better rainy-day read is there than the 800-page novel that you've had to wait ages to read? That, for me, is George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones, the first in the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

I was first introduced to the book series by my older brother, who is a fan of the HBO miniseries. Like all bookworms, I wanted to read the book first. Sadly, there was an ongoing war at home over who gets to read the book first. Out of the six of us in the family, I am the third to read this.

When it comes to literature, I devour fantasy novels. I love reading about magic, new worlds, epic battles, strange creatures, and all that jazz. Luckily, A Game of Thrones has all that.

Needless to say, I enjoyed reading this book immensely. The story is definitely action-packed. The range of characters is very diverse and the book has the right amount medieval other-worldliness to be a complete nerd explosion.

The book is told from the third person limited point-of-view of eight major characters: Eddard "Ned" Stark, his wife Catelyn Stark, their daughters Sansa and Arya, their son Bran, Ned's illegitimate son Jon, the queen's brother Tyrion Lannister, and the princess-in-hiding Daenerys Targaryen. This method of narration allowed for a full telling of the story, which was needed considering the interdependence of the different characters's story lines, but led to the occasional muddling and dragging of certain parts of the book. There were also some parts of the different character story lines that I felt the book, in its entirety, could have done without, and I'm not just talking about the sex.

The different character stories make the plot very intricate, but not without a price. Some of the characters's stories were better and more interesting than that of the other characters. For example, I definitely enjoyed reading about Jon and Daenerys more than about Catelyn and Sansa. On the positive note, it was very interesting to see the different events happening from different sides of the story.

The characters of the book were very interesting. All characters had their own flaws, making them remarkably human (despite the fact that some weren't all that human). Even upright and honorable characters had their flaws. Not all characters were given the chance to develop as well as others, a plague all books of this length and range seem to have, but the ones that George R.R. Martin focused on developed well. Some of characters were unlikable, but, like in life, we cannot expect to like everyone.

I'd give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book has its flaws, but I believe that the good points definitely make up for its bad ones. Now, I can watch the miniseries on HBO and be a fangirl!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

Home Concoctions: Carlo's "Mexican" Salad

My brother Carlo came up with this recipe while we were in the flat which I share with him on school days. Carlo calls this a Mexican salad, but to be honest, it's not a recipe unique to the Mexican cuisine. The only reason he calls it Mexican is he adds refried beans, salsa, and nachos. The time he whipped it up for us at home, he used Doritos instead.

The salad was surprisingly tasty and very filling. It's ideal for university students.

Romaine lettuce

Salsa (ready-made or homemade will do. My brother used the Tostitos mild salsa)

Canned corn (whole kernels)

Ripe mango

Refried beans (Any brand will do)

Nachos or Doritos

Wash and spin the lettuce before arranging it on a plate. Heat up the refried beans and spread it out over the lettuce. Spoon some salsa over the lettuce and refried beans. Next, cut the mango and get the meat from its cheeks with a spoon. Place it on the salad before adding the nachos or Doritos. Voila! Eat and enjoy!

Easy, simple, and filling enough to be a meal on its own. My brother and I had a lot of fun assembling this dish. Nothing like heavily-topped salad which pretends to be healthy. Hahahaha. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

SUPERMAN: RED SON by Mark Millar

The fantastic illustrators and inkers of this graphic novel: Dave Johnson, Kilian
Plunkett, Andrew Robinson, and Walden Wong

In 2003, comic book writer Mark Millar presented the ultimate what-if scenario in DC Comics. Millar, along with his fabulous artistic team, redirects the rocket ship that carries baby Kal-El to Earth, veering it away from Jonathan and Martha Kent's homey farm in Smallville for the fields of Ukraine while it is under the Soviet Union. In Superman: Red Son, the Hero of the American Dream and the All-American Icon becomes the Comrade of Steel and the poster boy of the U.S.S.R.

Comic book companies seem to be very fond of what-if scenarios, which can be very risky. If not done correctly, these alternate universes can turn out to be just well-funded, badly-written fan fictions. Millar, however, proves his writing prowess by masterly manipulating Superman's back story. Not only does he successfully paint a picture of a communist Superman, he also provides a gripping and creative story with multiple ingenious plot twists (especially the ending), exciting action, amusing name-dropping, and dynamic characters. 

Millar's characters develop very well throughout the graphic novel. One of the things I find wonderful about Millar's work is the fact that he did not simply move the DC characters to the Soviet Union, give them the Russian versions of their names, and make them do the same things they do in the mainstream universe. In Red Son, Millar really changes everything to make it a more compelling and more believable what-if story, though there were some changes made which I didn't understand how Superman's not being raised in America could have affected it.

To be honest, I am not a fan of the Man of Steel. I find him to be irritatingly self-righteous, naively big-headed, and too much of a boy scout in tights to be likable. His only saving grace is that he fights for the common good without any reluctance. In Red Son, Superman is every bit as self-righteous, big-headed, naive, and boy scout-y as he is in the mainstream continuity, but he stands for the ideals of communism instead of democracy. In Red Son, he also fights for what he believes is right, but he enforces his ideas of right and wrong differently. But it's not all nobility and goodness in this title. As Superman continues his fight for communism, he slowly becomes his own version of a dictator. 

Red Son features other key players in the DC Universe. There is Lex Luthor's portrayal in this graphic novel, which is nothing short of amazing. At one point in the graphic novel, I found myself rooting for Lex Luthor instead of the man in tights. Lois is present, of course, though h her interaction with the Comrade of Steel is quite minimal. James "Jimmy" Olsen is there as well, though he is much cooler here than in the mainstream continuity. Other members of Superman's rogues gallery like Brainiac (still as awesomely dangerous as ever), Bizarro, and Metallo make appearances as well.

Other DC heroes leave their mark on the story as well. The most prominent among them is Wonder Woman, which irritated me because she is the DC hero that I hate after Superman. Batman is as amazing as ever. Still fueled by his parents's murder, he aims to take down the soviet government. The Green Lantern Corp. (always a pleasure to read about) makes a small but exciting appearance as well. 

When it comes to the plot and the characters, my comment is "MORE". I wanted more action with Batman, the Green Lanterns, and even Bizarro. There could have been more in terms of relationship exploration between the different characters. There could have been more about the Warsaw Pact and the Cold War. Generally, the graphic novel could have afforded to have more going on. Don't get me wrong: Millar's work is undeniably excellent, but it leaves much to be desired. 

As important as the plot and the characters is the theme, something which Millar never fails to present very well. Red Son, like many of Millar's stellar works, carries multiple themes. These themes includes democracy versus communism, the fine line between benign dictatorship and despotism, and the difference between what is right and what is ideal.

Let's not forget about the art (which I am guilty of doing from time to time). The art, in my opinion, was fantastic. The art in Red Son is engaging and attractive. Many of the panels can leap off the page. This is the kind of art that I think most, and I emphasize the word, superhero comics should have.

Overall, I give Superman: Red Son four out of five stars. It is one of the better Superman titles that I have read and is one of the best alternate universe story arcs that I have encountered from both DC and Marvel. I definitely look forward to reading more from Millar, a comic book genius, and seeing more art by Red Son's four talented artists. 

Food Trip Day Part 3: High Tea Party

My last meal for Food Trip Day was eaten in a friend's house. Seven friends and I gathered together to have a high tea party, complete with cute little tea cups and finger sandwiches. Since I do not know my friends's internet privacy policies, I will not be posting pictures in which they appear.

The tea selection was made up of English Breakfast, green tea, and a mystery tea from a brand called Spic's. For food, our gracious hostess prepared homemade scones, tuna finger sandwiches, tomato, cheese, and basil canapes, and French apple tarts with vanilla ice cream. The food was delicious, the tea was warm and mild, and the company was nothing short of wonderful.

Thus ends Food Trip Day, a celebration of family, friendship, and food. The comforts of life.

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

Food Trip Day Part 2: Greeka Kouzina

On Food Trip Day, lunch time was spent with my mother and my brother in Greeka Kouzina, the one month old Greek restaurant near the hospital where my mother works. My family loves Greek food with a passion, so we were very excited to eat in this new restaurant. We ordered an interesting line-up of food.

For starters: Melitzanosalata with pita bread

As an appetizer, we ordered Melitzanosalata, Greek eggplant dip, with pita bread. In general, I hate eggplants, but I couldn't stop myself from slathering the meltizanosalata all over my piece of pita bread! The dip was flavorful and smooth, while the pita bread was warm, soft, and tasty. Definitely something to tickle your tastebuds as you wait for your food.

Fig Roka Salata

Fig roka salata was the next dish we ordered. It was excellent! The lettuce was crispy, while the dressing, though in need of a little more sugar, gave it (the lettuce) a little kick. The walnuts added more a crunch to the salad. The sweet figs, the light cheese, the vinegar, and the sun-dried tomatoes all complimented one another, while the arugula topped of everything else to make a wonderfully delicious salad.

My brother's main course: the lamb gyro

For his main dish, my brother ordered the lamb gyro, from which he allowed me to take a bite. The gyro was bursting with succulent lamb, mild feta cheese, and juicy tomatoes. When eaten with drizzled lemon juice and garlic sauce, it makes a wonderful Mediterranean wrap. I can't wait to order my own gyro soon.

The lamb gyro's side dish: patates triganites

The lamb gyro comes with your own choice of a side dish. My brother, being a potato-lover, chose patates triganites, potatoes with feta cheese and a Greek version of gravy sauce. It was so good that my mother and I couldn't help but get seconds.

The other main dish: lamb shoulder with baked potato wedges

The other main dish that we ordered was the grilled lamb shoulder with baked potato wedges. The lamb was juicy, tender, and full of flavor. I loved it! The potato wedges, however, were a bit of a let down. It didn't have much flavor, and the garlic sauce could only do so much to help it. Luckily, it didn't detract from the excellence of the lamb shoulder.

The lamb shoulder's  side dish: moussaka

Like the lamb gyro, the lamb shoulder comes with a side dish. For our side dish, we ordered the moussaka, which I describe as a Greek lasagna with eggplant. As I mentioned earlier, I hate eggplants, but I couldn't keep away from this dish! It was delicious, albeit a bit oily. Even the eggplant tasted in this dish!

Dessert: Greek Yogurt

For dessert, we ordered two scoops of Greek yogurt with honey and pistachio bits. After one spoon, I fell head-over-heels with this dish. The yogurt was creamy, rich, and tangy, a taste which complimented the sweet, golden honey. Every spoonful was a delight to my taste buds.

The decorative light fixtures

I would also like to compliment the restaurant's decor. The bottom floor of the two-story restaurant was a comfortable room with a high ceiling, making the room seem large, white walls with one wall covered in white stone, giving the room a modern Mediterranean look, and large windows, letting in a lot of light (if eating there for lunch).

Seated at the table next to us was the owner's father, who told us that his son, who received formal training in French cuisine, taught himself to cook Greek cuisine. My mother couldn't help but praise his son for the exquisite food.

Greeka Kouzina is definitely a restaurant I want to return to. With a comfortable eating area and wonderfully divine food, this restaurant is fit for the gods!

Food Trip Day Part 1: Cafe Ysabel

Because of the three very interesting meals which I had in three different locations on the same day, yesterday was what I call "Food Trip Day".

The first meal was, of course, breakfast, which I shared with my mother. The two of us went to Cafe Ysabel,  an old, colonial house-turned restaurant.  After poring over the menu, we decided to order and share the tinapa rice and a truffle cream omelette souffle.

Tinapa rice with scrambled eggs and tomatoes.
Sorry about the photo quality. The lighting in the restaurant is
to take pictures (even with flash).

The word tinapa is a Filipino term for "smoked fish" (usually milk fish), so tinapa rice is simply smoked fish fried rice. Scrambled eggs with chopped tomatoes top the mound of rice in the center of the plate. The fried rice itself was very tasty, though I felt that there could have been more fish flakes mixed in. The eggs were moist but in need of a little salt.

The truffle cream omelette souffle.
The waiter swears that this is made of only two eggs.
Two extremely-well beaten eggs.

The truffle cream omelette souffle is a LARGE mound of omelette souffle covered in a white truffle cream sauce. The omelette souffle (or souffle omelette, whatever you wish to call it) was very fluffy and tasty. If it were smaller, I would have been able to call it "light", but even when split, the dish gets a wee bit heavy. The cream sauce was flavorful and rich. This dish is definitely something to order again, but not when you're alone.

Cafe Ysabel's decor and ambiance is something of note as well. Located in an old colonial house, the restaurant is decorated with antique sculptures of cherubs, tiles, stained glass, and wooden columns. There is an old-styled bar in the restaurant where the drinks are made. The light fixtures are made up of antique lamps which hang from the ceiling. As beautiful as the lamps are, they give off little light, making the restaurant a bit dim and a bit sleepy looking. 

Based on the food itself, I have no qualms about eating again in Cafe Ysabel, though it would neither be my first nor last choice. 

WATCHMEN by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

When it comes to superhero comic books and graphic novels, I’m more used to the save-the-city-from-the-Joker and the stop-Doctor-Doom’s-evil-schemes set up, so Alan Moore’s Watchmen is a pretty unique read for me.

At first glance, one may think that Watchmen is simply about costumed heroes in New York. Looking deeper, however, one will see that it is much more than that. Alan Moore’s tale presents to the readers the violent and dirty world of vigilantism, the askew morality of society, the fine line between right and wrong, and the light and darkness of human character.

           

The line-up of characters is very diverse. Present in the story are idealists, cynics, reluctant heroes, antiheroes, fighters, cowards, phonies, and super-humans. The superheroes in the graphic novel aren’t all like the gung-ho, morally upright costumed vigilantes seen in the pages of DC and Marvel Comics. To use the most obvious examples, characters like the first Nite Owl and Captain Metropolis reflect the classic boy-scout superheroes, while characters like Rorschach and the Comedian represent the darker, grittier, and more violent side of the field of vigilantism. Even the smaller civilian characters represent aspects of the human psyche and of society.

            

Vigilantism and crime isn’t the only theme of the story. Watchmen becomes very philosophical and critical, discussing right versus wrong, the value of human existence, the end justifying the means, what makes someone a “hero”, and even the definition of sanity (one has to admit, the purportedly insane Rorschach saw the world with unnerving clarity).

            

Considering that it was published in the 1980s, Watchmen is a landmark graphic novel. Alan Moore intrepidly tackled things which weren't discussed in the field of comic books and superheroes at that time, something which I greatly appreciate and admire about him. I also like how Moore used minute and tiny details to either imply or foreshadow (this subtlety suited the story quite well) and how nothing (plot device and character) presented in the graphic novel was pointless.

Yes, it opened up the darker side of superheroes and had a hand in the emergence of the heavier and more serious tone that comic books carry nowadays, but it was not the perfect graphic novel. While I enjoyed it immensely, both plot and art, I cannot say that it was the greatest graphic novel ever, given that it had its rough spots here and there.

            

Overall, a great read. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in comic books and superheroes.

Here are some quotes in the graphic novel which I thought were worth sharing:

"We gaze continually at the world and it grows dull in our perceptions. Yet seen from another's vantage point, as if new, it may still take the breath away."

"No. Not even in the face of Armageddon. Never compromise."

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

Mom & Tina's Bakeshop and Restaurant: The Return

My mother, my brother, and I decided to return to Mom & Tina's Bakeshop and Restaurant, but this time for breakfast. While Mom & Tina's has a breakfast menu, I opted for something from their list of sandwiches: The Shrimp Sandwich.

It would be an understatement to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how the sandwich looked. Filling the bun was a heaping pile of breaded shrimp. The sandwich was even dripping with thick and creamy tartar sauce. Truly, there is no scrimping in this restaurant.

It was so beautiful that I had to post another picture

It was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! The shrimp was thick and chewy, while the batter was crunchy and tasty. The tartar sauce was tangy enough to complement the shrimp. The bread was tasty, as was the french fries (but who can really go wrong with french fries?).

For dessert, we ordered a slice of carrot cake. The cake was wonderful! Moist, flavorful, and sweet, it was the best carrot cake I had ever tasted. Sadly, I forgot to take a picture of it before we three gobbled it up.

Oh, well. Maybe next time.

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

The Genius of JK Rowling Knows No Bounds

One of the many reasons JK Rowling is a certified literary master:

As can be seen at the bottom right corner of the list, I am not its creator.

Good old JK. The magic of the Harry Potter series is limitless.

Until always, 

Lemonjuicesodapop

KICK-ASS, VOLUME 1 by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

As a fan of Mark Millar's work under Marvel and DC, I was very keen on reading one of his original works. Kick-Ass did not disappoint! I loved how the graphic novel poked fun at the world of comic books and the concept of superheroism. Plus, a stereotypical, teenage comic-book nerd putting on tights to fight crime - well, who doesn't like a comedic premise like that? It's something most, if not all, superhero fans have fantasized about at least once. 

I liked how the dialogue and the narration generally stayed within a teenage sensibility(sometimes, writers can forget the narrator's age), yet still managed to be witty and darkly humorous. It was also fun to see the exaggerated and satirical picture of vigilantism that the graphic novel presents. The graphic novel doesn't have much depth, but, in my opinion, depth wasn't what the book was going for. 

Managing to be gritty enough to suit the violence and the darker aspects of the graphic novel yet bright enough to be associated with superhero comics, the art was very well done. It was unnerving at first to see so much blood in the panels but I guess that's really what comes with fighting crime.

Overall, a masterfully-executed graphic novel and a great read!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, VOLUME 2 by Allan Moore and Kevin O'Neill

I can't say that I preferred this plot over the first one, but the character development that occurs in this volume was just wonderful!

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, VOLUME 1 by Allan Moore and Kevin O'Neill

Set in an alternative Victorian England, a team of unique individuals is assembled to aid Her Majesty’s Empire when its capital is in a time of impending peril. 

I was first introduced to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2003, when the film adaptation was released. Though I did not think much of the movie itself, I did enjoy the idea of different literary characters banding together to be the Victorian version of the Avengers or the Justice League. So, nine years later, I decided to buy the graphic novel after finding it in a bookstore.

The graphic novel and the movie are very different. I prefer the roster of the graphic novel, as well as the team dynamics where Mina is the leader instead of Quatermain. Even the characterization of each member was better in the graphic novel, though I did not like how Mina needed to be saved twice at the beginning of the story (on the plus side, her independent spirit, headstrong personality, and capable leadership make up for it). Every member of the League has a deep flaw or issue which he (or she) must grapple with, giving the characters depth. 

As a self-proclaimed literature nerd, I was very amused by all the well-placed literary references and allusions. I also liked how Kevin O’Neill didn't try to make the images glamorous as other period pieces. It is only fitting since the story itself is gritty as opposed to glamorous. 

The plot, too, was better than the one used in the movie, though I agree with Allan Moore’s statement that some plots are really only fit to be in comic form. This might be one of them, unless an extremely clever artistic teams can find a way to make this one work onscreen.

Well, on to the next book!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

INVICTUS

My required readings and textbooks for the first semester of freshman year. Hell Week is over and I have survived! After a week of sleepless nights and countless hours fretting over papers and poring over books, I I can rest!

Here is the poem that kept me going through all of it:

"Invictus" by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


Here's to a good break!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

Mom and Tina's Bakeshop and Restaurant: A Family Affair

On the last leg of hell week in school, my mom stopped by the condo that my older brothers and I share. For dinner, we decided to eat in Mom and Tina's, a bakeshop/restaurant across the street from the university.

There, we ordered a chicken and spinach lasagna to share, then ordered our own separate dishes. The lasagna was really tasty, but a bit small. To be fair, though, it wasn't meant to be shared between three people. A side note: it's of an Americanized Italian dish (which isn't a bad thing). Anyway, being one of their best-sellers, it is a must-try in Mom and Tina's.

Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

My individual order was the lengua con setas (beef tongue and mushrooms). It was a very good dish! The lengua was tender, the mushrooms and the sauce were flavorful, and the mashed potatoes were very smooth and creamy.

Lengua con setas

For dessert, we ordered a small Toblerone walnut torte and a slice of peanut butter and chocolate fudge cake to share. The torte was a very delightful and light desert. The cake, however, is a real show stopper. The chocolate and the peanut butter are perfectly balanced and the cake itself was moist. The first bite I took made me jump in my seat! The cake is very rich, though, so I couldn't eat a lot of it. Despite that, this cake is definitely something to go back to Mom and Tina's for!

The pièce de résistance, peanut butter fudge cake

Toblerone walnut torte

Mom and Tina's has a homey, New England-esque feel to the place. When you're there, it's best to go with your family or the friends that you consider family.

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

B&T: Burritos and Tacos

First thing's first, I am sorry that I wasn't able to post much recently. It was hell week for me in school. But now, we're going on a gloriously long break!

The weekend before hell week started, my mother, my older brother, and I ate in B&T: Burritos and Tacos, a small Mexican restaurant, while waiting for my younger brother to be dismissed from school.

When ordering your food in B&T, you must first pick what kind of food you want to eat (ex. burrito, taco, enchilada, quesadilla, flautas, taquitos, etc.). Next, you order the kind of filling you want inside it: beef, lamb, chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, lengua (beef tongue), or pure vegetables. After picking your filling, you can opt to have your order "wet", where they cover it in a special sauce, or "dry."
We ordered a lamb quesadilla, an order of lamb taquitos especiales, and an order of flautas which had lengua and steak filling individually.

Lamb quesadilla

It's a big order though, so I suggest you share it with someone

The quesadilla was nothing short of heavenly! Every bite was bursting with flavor. They did not scrimp on anything, especially the lamb. The different ingredients and spices were well balanced and suited the lamb very well. Also, the tortilla wrapper that they use wasn't too thick, that way, the flavor of the filling really came out. It really was a show stopper. The order is HUGE so I would suggest sharing it with someone.

Lamb taquitos especiales

The taquitos especiales, though smaller an order, were just as fun to eat as the quesadilla. The taquitos are covered with cheese and a special sauce, making it a bit messy to eat. It's worth it though because the taquitos were great! The filling, of course, was divine and the sauce was excellent. Definitely a must try in this restaurant.

Flautas. The order originally had four pieces, but I forgot to take a picture before we started eating 

One was filled with beef and the other with lengua (beef tongue or the tongue of a cow)

Generally, the only difference between taquitos and flautas is the kind of wrapper they use. Since the flautas have no especial version in the B&T menu, they have no sauce on top (but they, and all the other orders, come with complementary salsas or sauces on the side). The flautas were very good too (the lengua filling was pretty spicy), but they weren't as exciting as the taquitos and the quesadilla. If I were to rate the dishes that the three of us shared in this meal, the flautas would be the third (the quesadilla would be the first).

The owner was there in the restaurant that day. He told us that he got his recipes from a kind old Mexican cook he met while he was living in Texas. He suggested that we try the burrito or the burrito frito  next time.

Oh, there definitely will be a next time!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

Which Side Do You Belong To?

What My Room Looks Like Right Now

(c) http://ralphandchuck.wordpress.com/

ILUSTRADO by Miguel Syjuco

I finally finished the final novel for my Introduction to Fiction class. What a novel this one is! 

Falling under multiple genres like meta-fiction and postmodernism, Ilustrado tells the story of Miguel, a young aspiring writer whose mentor, Crispin, dies in a violent and mysterious way. In order to make sense of his death and possible murder, Miguel travels to the Manila, which is in great social unrest, to piece together Crispin's life and to search for the manuscript of the controversial novel Crispin was working on which went missing after his death.

This was really literary roller coaster, but in a good way. Interspersed with Miguel's narrative are excerpts from Crispin's past works and the biography that Miguel is working on while on his quest. Talk about intertextuality (with fictional text!). 

Though it was a bit difficult to read through at first, this is a really good book. Very original and unique, Ilustrado brings to life unique and idiosyncratic characters while painting a picture of a city which is at the brink of a political and social turning point. A definite must-read, Ilustrado is what my literature classmates and I call "the Inception of Literature."

Now, for the problem at hand: how will I write an explication paper on this? D:

Very True

Oh, Odie...

Another Rainy Day

Another rainy day, another blog post, another hour of procrastinating.

While reading Miguel Syjuco's  Ilustrado, one of the assigned novels for my literature class, I came across this line:

"Clichés remind and reassure us that we’re not alone, that others have trod this ground long ago."

This is, in my opinion, a very interesting way of looking at it. Whenever people use the word cliché, it is with a negative connotation. Miguel Syjuco's view of it, however, is of a positive and comforting note. It goes to show that things are never really one-sided and that there is always more than one way of looking at the same thing. 

I just thought I should share this quote. It may not be a deep philosophical reflection on the meaning of life or any of those literary quotes that people see on tumblr, but it gives you a new view on the concept of clichés. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop