Breakfast at Dongwu Hotel Taipei

東吳大飯店 Dong Wu Hotel Taipei
258, Section 2, Yan-Ping North Road, 103 Taipei, Taiwan
886 (02) 2557-1261

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Dong Wu Hotel Taipei is located at the heart of Taipei that is a small and elegant hotel.  I enjoyed our stay there as it was clean, neat, quiet and has free wifi!!

We stayed there from September 18 to 21 and of course, free breakfast is included in our room rate.  Every morning, we made it a point to go down to the basement to eat the buffet breakfast.

Non-hotel guests can also eat breakfast for 198NT.

Taipei Story House

Taipei Story House
181-1, ZhongShan N. Road, Section 3, Taipei 10461, Taiwan
886 (02) 2587-5565
admission: 50NT

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Taipei Story House was built in 2003 by a tea trader as a museum dedicated to Taiwan life culture.  The building was said to be inspired by a building a tea trader saw during his visit on the 1900 Paris Expo.

The Story House holds exhibitions, lectures, cultural performances & tea-related activities with the objective of preserving the heritage site, making it part of our modern life.

Located beside Taipei Fine Arts Museum lies Taipei Story House.  The featured exhibit at the time I visited (September 18) was Story of Old Trees.  I learned a lot about trees and its story.  The exhibit ran from August 29 to November 29, 2009.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Taipei Fine Arts Museum
181, Section 3, ZhongShan N. Road, Taipei 104, Taiwan
886 (02) 2595-7656
admission: 200NT

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You know what I find sad?  That there was a place that I visited in Taipei that I could only appreciate because I saw it for myself but am unable to share it with you.  See, we were not allowed to take pictures :(

Anyway, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum started on December 24, 1983.  This museum showcases modern art work.  I've heard that it is the only museum devoted to promote & display such art pieces.  The Taipei Fine Arts Museum features works from the permanent collection as well as exhibits that change every now and then.

Confucius Temple

Confucius Temple
275 Dalong Street, Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
886 (02) 25923934
admission: free

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This is a very famous temple in Taiwan that replaced the original 1879 temple that was damaged during the Japanese occupation.  Confucius is known to be China's greatest educator & you could see all his teachings at this temple.

Reconstruction started in 1925 and was funded through donations by the followers of Confucius' teachings.  In 1971, the temple was donated to the state of Taiwan and the Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board was setup.

Guitar 101 Lesson - a much needed one!

I recently joined a free Guitar 101 session organized by a wellness circle in our office.  They really treat this seriously and I'm glad I attended.  Why?  For one thing, I really like to learn how to play the guitar.  Also, I bought my guitar way back in 2002 but until now, I still don't know how to use it hahaha!

I learned a whole lot at this 2-hour lesson.  There is soooooo much information!!  Care to join me?  I don't know if you'll learn anything from me but worth a shot right?  So here goes:

Giving Help to Sitio Maislap

My time at Sitio Maislap is one of the most heartwarming experiences.  Seeing my friend and pastors giving time to help out the people in need and knowing friends & former colleagues shelling out money to give out to the poor is just touching.

Sitio Maislap, Baranggay San Isidro is located at Montalban Rizal.  Shailoh Church, Rock Church together with the help of my former colleague Agnes organized this charity event yesterday.  We were able to reach out to 50 families with over 70 children.

Wheatberry Bakery & Cafe

Wheatberry Bakery & Cafe
84 Scout Castor corner Scout Tuazon, Baranggay Laging Handa, Quezon City, Metro Manila Philippines
(02) 374-8470 local 107

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Last Wednesday, I was able to catch up with a super long-lost friend.  I was too hungry as I just finished my usual wednesday work-related conference calls.  It was late and since there were too many cars along Tomas Morato Street in Quezon City, we decided to meet up at Wheatberry along Scout Castor Street.

I've been there before but only tried out their desserts then.  I liked their desserts so I was a bit excited to find out if their meals were good as well.

New Moon was Eye Candy

I was lucky enough to catch the premiere of New Moon by Wrangler last week.  Thanks to Jonel for giving me his extra ticket.  I'm glad I was one of many who got to watch the movie before it opened in theaters nationwide.

What can I say?  The movie was TOTALLY eye candy.  Jacob's overly toned abs & body overshadowed the story, literally!  He was just too sexy to watch.  Almost all the girls cheered when Jacob came out without any shirt on.  To be honest, my eyes were glued on the screen as well.  He was just yummy! hahahaha!

Edward on the other hand, really looked like a vampire.  His make up was too obvious and too white.  I could even hear people joking that Edward was wearing the same lipstick as Bella.  He just looked too pathetic in the movie as well.

Roch's Body Fat is at 34.5%

Our office launched a challenge for its employees called the FQ challenge.  This is aimed to give us a better work-life balance.  Ofcourse, It is an exciting way for us to be more determined and also a great way to inspire us to aim for better fitness quotient.

Last week was our weigh-in for baseline measurements.  I was totally shocked and became a bit (okay, really very!) worried about my result.  Would you believe my body fat is 34.5%????!?

Bedtime Discoveries by Johnson's Baby

Last week, I got invited to an event that I thought was a product launch.  When I arrived at the venue, I got the shock of my life that it was actually a mommy event!!!  I was like, what am I doing here?  I'm single & no baby hahahaha!

Honestly, this is one of the most informative & most organized event that I have attended.  This is very crucial for mommies.  I learned a lot from it even though I don't think it's applicable to me.  As information is so much useful, I'll just share with you what I learned. :)

Blog Watch Press Conference

Yesterday, Blog Watch held its press conference at Max's Restaurant along Jupiter Street in Makati.  We formally launched the site which aim to give Filipinos what they need in order to be a better-educated voter in time for the 2010 elections.



Blog Watch aims to cover underplayed stories in various formats (podcast, video, articles) that traditional media cannot cover due to limited resources and time.  Our stories are those that promote voter's education & automated elections, campaign fund sources & expenditures, background of candidates, platforms, social issues & commentaries on current election scene & the candidates.

Terra Wellness Spa Signature Massage

I've been pretty stressed for the past few months.  I don't really know why.  Maybe I lack rest & exercise or better yet, I just need a massage!! :)

I have been looking for a place that provide soothing massage and I've received a lot of suggestions.  One is Terra Wellness Spa located in Discovery Suites, Ortigas.  If we wanted to try out a spa establishment, why not try their Signature Massage right?

Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner

It is every girl's desire to have a Belle De Jour Planner.

So yes, I definitely want one.  For a fact, it's very girly & also very useful.  It has tons of discount coupons from various brands which shopaholics like you would love.

Now that I'm more serious with my goals,  I would want to have a planner that I could bring along with me everyday.  I have a lot of habits that I would want to break & I also have habits that I would want to make.  Having a BDJ planner could really help me keep on track as to where I am with my goals.

Roch's Ultimate Comfort Food

Whenever I feel sad, tired, stressed, frustrated or overly hungry, I crave for my favorite food.  What is my ULTIMATE comfort food? It is KFC Hot & Crispy Thigh Part Chicken!!!



I don't know why I love it so much. I guess it is finger lickin' good, tasty, fresh and juicy just as advertised! I only love the thigh part but since we don't have the liberty to choose which parts we want to order, I need to choose the wing part.

This is what I usually order: Box of 6 Hot and Crispy Chicken (Php 353).  That's 3 pieces thigh part & 3 pieces wing part.  I really would have chosen to have all 6 thigh parts!  KFC you need to allow this!!!

Happy 5th Birthday Mozilla Firefox!

To celebrate five years of Mozilla Firefox, the Mozilla Philippines Community, Globe Telecom & AIM organized an event last November 21.  I had the pleasure to be part of it.



I've been using Mozilla Firefox for quite some time.  I really love that we have an alterantive browser to Microsoft Internet Exploer because I really dislike using IE.  One thing I love most about Firefox is that it is customizable.  I love love love the add-ons!  There are hundreds of it that we can adjust to our own style and liking.

I actually was surprised to learn that there is an active community of Mozilla Firefox users in the Philippines.  They even have campus reps!

2012 the Movie

Last Saturday night, I joined Stef and her family to watch the movie 2012.  We saw it at Trinoma Mall in QC.  Wow, there were too many people in the mall!  I found out that people were lining up to watch New Moon (I'll post review soon).  Good thing, I had already watch that movie.  This time, I got a chance to watch 2012.

Thanks Stef!

As I was saying, I watched the movie thinking that I could get to see the ever infamous "2012 phenomenon".  I don't have time to read.  I do know this: December 21, 2012, according to the Mayans is believed to be the end of the world.

John and Yoko

John and Yoko
2/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila
(02) 729-8698

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Yesterday, I met up with Christina.  It is such a rare occasion for me to go and eat at Greenbelt 5.  I'm so used to eat at Greenbelt 2 and 3.  So sometimes I feel that whenever I go to Greenbelt 5, I'm always at a loss as to where to eat.

Anyway, so yesterday, we opted for John and Yoko.  It was because I kept raving that their wagyu rice is soooooooo delicious!  Definitely, this is a must try!

There wasn't too many people dining because it was early evening when we entered.  Would you believe that after an hour, the place started to fill up?  Certainly, nice business for John and Yoko despite the expensive price of their dishes.

Family Game Night

If there's one thing that I really love to do as a group, it would be to play board games or any other games we can do for fun.

Since I live alone, I don't have that chance to have any Family Game Night in my lifetime.  I do wish to have one.  What I do to make it into reality is to have a game night with friends instead.  Friends that I treat as family, which is why I can still call it a Family Game Night.

Family Game Night can do a lot of things.  It can bring people together.  It can bring out competitiveness in everyone.  It also brings out excitement and adrenaline.  Let us not forget the fun factor in the game and the smiles and laughs you get to share with everyone.

Get to Know the 2010 Automated Election Machine

Hello, I am the 2010 Automated Election Machine.

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Precinct Count Optical Scan but you can call me P.C.O.S.



For the 1st time in history, the Philippines will be embracing technology and will transform greatly the electoral system of the country. I’m so glad to be part of the history.

I’m so honored to be one helping the Philippines move away from the known flaws of the old ways. I am proud to say goodbye to dagdag-bawas.

I Am Nicely! is Giving Away a Vintage Stylish Cellphone Mobile Design Watch Necklace on Her Birthday

Hi, guys! I would like to invite you to participate in another blog contest that I am joining in celebration of Nicely's birthday on December 7. It is so easy to join!

Here's the mechanics:

1. Copy and paste Nicely's entire post (including the necklace photo below) in your websites, blogs or facebook notes.
2. Kindly fill in the blank: All I wish for Nicely is continued happiness & joy in her life.
3. The title of your post must exactly be "I Am Nicely! is Giving Away a Vintage Stylish Cellphone Mobile Design Watch Necklace on Her Birthday"
4. To validate your entry, please leave a comment and your entry's link on Nicely's post so that she can check and get back to you as soon as possible. Please don't forget to include your full name and e-mail address, too ☺

The RH Bill Talk with Risa Hontiveros

What is the RH Bill? House Bill No. 5043 or the Reproductive Health & Population Development Act of 2008 is an act providing for a national policy on reproductive health, responsible parenthood & population development.

Why am I blogging about this? Well you see, last week, I had the chance to meet with Liberal Party senatorial candidate & AKBAYAN representative, Risa Hontiveros. On a personal note, I was really impressed with how Risa Hontiveros greeted us. She could have just seated and said her piece, but she went around the room and shook our hands one by one. Now that's what we call courtesy.

Branding U - How to Stand Out among 90 Million other Filipinos

*Important Announcement - I just got word that this has been postponed.  Tune in for more updates*

I'm set to attend the biggest Personal Branding Program on December 4.  Two of my friends, Randell & Carlo will be speakers for the event.  They are very prominent in their fields and I admire them for their skills & achievements.

With them sharing how they become successful together with author Efren Cruz is an opportunity everyone of us should grab and NOT let go.

Branding U is for employees, businessmen, freelancers--- even career politicians.  It is about establishing the right skillset and credentials.  It is about using new media and the internet to extend your influence.

Seattle's Best Coffee

Seattle's Best Coffee
R2 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive cor. Estrella St., Makati, Philippines

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Earlier today, I met up with 2 of my closest female friends.  We meet up every now and then, usually 2-3 times a year.  We either meet up for coffee, dinner or lunch.  Since Shar is already married & Stef is busy with her work & social life, we just catch up and have our very girl talk on rare meetup occasions.

This time around, we decided to go to Powerplant.  It has been such a long time since I last visited Powerplant mall.  It has really changed a lot.  One place that really caught my eye was Seattle's Best Coffee.

My Big Love Movie Review

While everyone in the Philippines were busy watching Pacquiao-Cotto fight, I was watching the TV screening of My Big Love.

This movie was from 2008.  The stars were Kristine Hermosa, Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga.  Well, I think the title says it all that it is about love.  What the title doesn't say is that this movie is also about looking beyond the physical aspects of a person.

Ortigas Park

Ortigas Park
Don Francisco Ortigas Jr. Road (former Emerald Avenue), Pasig, Philippines

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There was a seminar I attended at Ortigas Center last weekend.  During the break, I walked around the area because I was sooo bored.  I ended up stumbling upon this wonderful park located in between buildings.  It was just a refreshing sight!

The 1,590 square meter park was developed by Ortigas & Company to celebrate its 75 years of existence.  It was opened to the public last December 2005.

Thousand Cranes Shabu-Shabu

Thousand Cranes Shabu-Shabu
2/F Greenbelt 3 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila
(02) 729-8640

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The only shabu-shabu place I know is located at Greenbelt 3.  It has great ambiance.  Even if you're eating something hot, you won't feel uncomfortable.

Service though is a bit blah coz there were only 4 staff that day.  So there was only 1 manning the kitchen, 1 manning outside area, 1 manning the inner area & 1 manning the counter.  How could they serve customers with over 15 tables & they were undermanned?  tsk tsk!

The No Nonsense Seminar on Finance

I attended Randell Tiongson's No Nonsense Seminar on Finance: How to Invest for the Future last week.  I must say there is really NO nonsense in this seminar.

I've been to several seminars on finance before but I ended up disappointed because I felt that it was more of a marketing scheme for them so people can invest on their company.  The examples & theories were just so common.  Some even used Robert Kiyosaki's teachings that has been overused by lots of companies already.

With Randell's seminar, all the things that we NEED to know about investing is there.  Each & every slide that Randell showed to us is crucial for us to know so that we can be on our way to financial freedom.

Graund Launch of C2 Classic Cuisine in Greenhills

C2 Classic Cuisine
18 Missouri Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 723-2347

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I attended the Grand Launch of C2 Classic Cuisine earlier this past week.  We were served different dishes which we can sample and critique.  I said critique because most of us invited are from media.  They didn't disappoint.  The food is good & well-presented.

Though I was late, they still served food to newcomers.  I wasn't able to taste the other menu items because I was 2 hours late!  Good thing, they had backups so I was able to sample some of their dishes. :)

MTV Emerge

I stumbled upon the MTV Emerge Website today.

I ended up browsing the site for an hour.  I was looking for the best artist deserving to get a recording contract with Jeepney music.  There were too many works posted and all of them are really nice.  I wanted to look for something very Filipino as I think this is what is lacking in our music industry now.  Most of the popular music artists now are just doing english revivals and I'm getting sick of it.

Just to give you a background, MTV Emerge is a platform for unsigned music talent in the Philippines.  This is where they can showcase their original work and be given an opportunity to win a recording contract.

Budget Reform is TG Guingona III's Main Advocacy

When I got an invite for the bloggers meet with TG Guingona III, I was like, “who is this guy?” The only thing that entered my mind was, he is probably a relative of Teofisto Guingona. But why is he running for senator?



When I saw him, I said to myself that ahhhh.  I’ve seen him on Television.  Still, the question remained. Who is he? He’s not popular. How can he win the election?

Chiz, I'm Confused

The first time I met with Chiz Escudero was in August 2009. There was a bloggers Meet and Greet Chiz Escudero event. I asked him straight out during that first meet & greet, if he was running for the presidency.Without hesitation, Chiz Escudero answered, “yes”.

At the time, I was quite impressed at how determined he was & how confident he was that he can lead the change for our Philippines.

We all know what has happened since then:

• Cory died.
• Mar Roxas dropped out of the race, and
• Noynoy Aquino is now the Liberal Party’s candidate.

Then all of a sudden, Chiz Escudero quit his party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). Like a lot of people, like many of his supporters, I was confused.

Shomal Kebabs & Curries by Hossein

Shomal Kebabs & Curries by Hossein
R-4005 Level 4, Trinoma Mall, Edsa North Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines
(02) 901-5613

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I bet, if you've been reading my blog that you've already noticed I love Persian food.  Just last week, I blogged about Arya Persian Restaurant.  I've been craving a lot lately for comfort food.  I guess this is because of the stress I've been feeling these days.

I love the way the restaurant was designed.  It has its Indian, Persian, Arabian feel into it.  I especially love the chandeliers on the ceiling.  I can't seem to take my eyes off it.

Nestle Fitnesse 14 Days to Show Off Your Shape Contest

Would you like to have a fabulous figure in just 14 days?  Not only that but get a chance to show off your fabulous figure after, and win a wardrobe like this:



No, I'm not joking!  What do you need to do to have that fabulous figure and a chance to win that Chanel dress or a dress designed by Manila's finest fashion designers?

Join Nestle's Fitnesse 14 days to Show Off Your Shape Contest!

保安宮 Pao-an Temple

保安宮 Pao-an Temple
台北市大同區哈密街61號
886 (02) 2595-1676
admission: free

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保安宮 Pao-an Temple is by far the best temple I have visited in Taipei.  It had such beautiful design, painting & carvings in the building.  People do go there for a certain purpose & is one of the leading religious places.

Upon entering, you will be able to see a guide on how to go around 保安宮 Pao-an Temple.  It will tell you where to visit first and which spirit to worship.

Action Photography Workshop at R.O.X.

Last night, I attended the Action Photography Workshop at R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor eXchange), Bonifacio High Street.

It was a free 2-part workshop with professional photographer Benjamin M. Chan of Blacksheep Photography.  The topic was Action photography 101 and was co presented by Canon.  I've been wanting to learn this as I've been unsuccessful with my action shots.  I know I've been doing something wrong and would want to get tips from a professional action photographer.  So this was a good opportunity.

I Love Makati Video Contest

I spend most of my time in this city compared even to the place where I live.  Ironic, isn't it?  Well, that's just because i work in Makati, the business capital of the Philippines.  A great place to work in, and I truly believe everyone treats Makati as their choice of workplace.  All the big companies have their offices here.

Cheap Movie House in Taipei

If you're a movie buff and in a budget, you would love this movie house located at 公館 Gongguan area, Taipei, Taiwan.

A normal movie ticket in Taiwan is sold between 290NT to 320NT.  This cinema, 來來佳佳大戲院 (go the movies) only costs 100NT for 2 movies that were just shown 2 to 3months ago.  Wow!

Kalye Juan

Kalye Juan
CKB Center, Tomas Morato corner Scout Rallos, Quezon City, Philippines

(02) 376-2508

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Just near Timog circle lies Kalye Juan, a Filipino restaurant that is open until wee hours.   I just got off a weekly late-night conference call and I haven't eaten dinner.  So as not to rush closing time, this place was perfect for dinner.

With the tagline "Pagkaing Pinoy.. Mga Paborito ni Juan Dela Cruz", you already know that everything is sooo pinoy.  I was just too hungry that I wanted to order almost everything I saw on the menu ahhaha!  But I know I can't, so we just ordered 2 dishes, 1 fried rice and drinks!  Ended up sooooooo full but satisfied!

Arya Persian Restaurant

Arya Persian Restaurant
Unit L-9 Promenade Mall, Greenhills, San Juan City, Manila
(02) 994-4879

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After reading Fran's blog post about Arya, I wasn't able to resist and ended up craving for Arya Persian Restaurant.  I've been contemplating about it the whole afternoon.  I asked my friend if we could just eat at Arya instead of our previously agreed upon restaurant to visit.

It was not my 1st time to eat at Arya's.  I loved their beef koobideh a lot.  That was what I  intended to order! :P

公館 Gongguan

公館 Gongguan is a popular shopping district in Taipei.



公館 Gongguan caters mostly to students as this place also houses the 國立臺灣大學 National Taiwan University.  When we visited, I think about 80% of the people walking & shopping around it were students.

Metropolis - a Series of Philippine Indie Films

Philippine Independent Films is fast becoming popular worldwide.  This is proven by the awards the Philippines has been getting from respected award-giving bodies.  These films boldly embodies the Filipino experience with excellent artistry & insight.

With this in mind, I suggest that you go see the Indie Sine at Robinson's Galleria on November 24 (November 21) for Metropolis, a series of independent film screenings.

寶藏巖 Treasure Hill

寶藏巖 Treasure Hill
Lane 230, Sec. 3, Dingzhou Rd., Taipei
886 (02) 2364-8105

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Beside Taipei Water Park is the 寶藏巖 Treasure Hill.  I really wished we entered because I missed a whole lot!  Apparently, Treasure Hill was once a village full of unauthorized houses.  It then formally became a village featuring buildings as if it was in history.

Taipei Water Park

自來水園區 Taipei Water Park
No. 1, Siyuan Street, Taipei Taiwan
886 (02) 8369-5104

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After lunch, we were walking around the area when we noticed the "Taipei Water Park".

However, when we entered, it seemed like it was abandoned or closed.  The pool had no water.   There were no attendants by the ticket booth.  There were no people inside.

It seemed like a great place so we took pictures anyway, even without the flowing water around the park.

Jaypee Online's Thanksgiving Giveaway

I joined Jaypee Online's contest today.  If I win, it would be a good excuse to move HeaRty's Haven to a webhost.  This will definitely make my site even better than ever!

The contest runs till November 30.  Jaypee is giving away US$1,500 worth of cash, premium Wordpress themes & web hosting.  Perfect for bloggers, right? :P

I really hope I win!

Globe Tattoo Broadband Seems Interesting

Sometime ago, I posted about an event I attended regarding Globe Tattoo.  It was about a SIM card that is good for calls, text & internet.

I got curious when I stumbled upon Kevin's post about Globe Broadband Tattoo.



Globe Broadband Tattoo is service provided by Globe Telecom.  It enables us to connect to the internet wherever and whenever we are.

重順川菜餐廳 Chong Shun Restaurant

重順川菜餐廳
台北市羅斯福路三段三一六巷八弄三之二號
886 (02) 3684549

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My mom wanted to show me the cheap movie house in Taipei.  Before we went for a visit, we satisfied our stomach first :P:P  Mom said that there was a restaurant nearby w/c served super delicious food.  So we went there.

The first thing I noticed was that the people there were ssooooo accommodating.  The owners were taking care of his customers himself.  He kept asking us how the food was, if we want anything else, etc. etc.  Service was just superb!