been to so many places around the world in just one afternoon.

It felt like summer despite frightening forecasts of the big debut of an end-of-the-world typhoon.

The sun was our friend, and we indulged on its generosity. And so, in fresh white outfits, big bags, sandals and shades, Nowie, Marion and I scoured the Legaspi Market for a hearty brunch today.
 

Be greeted by the pulsating beat of drums (forgot to ask what instruments those are) upon entering the market.

Where they sell those tiny quiche. I got Salmon and Broccoli, P50. It was a bit dry and a bit bland.

Pretty stall. Upon closer inspection, they sell French pastries.

Yogurt shake (strawberry, mango, blueberry) for P60. Servings are big; fresh ingredients. Very refreshing, tangy, sweet, perfect thirst-quencher. Highly recommended.

P130/styro. Authentic. So much pistachio in every bite. Stacks of phyllo pastry interlaced with butter and nuts. Surprisingly light (despite the butter), not too sweet. (naglalaway na ko as I type)

Bumped into the legendary pole-kitten-slash-savvy-corporate-magnate-slash-hot-in-her-pixie-cut Tin Rodriguez, who happens to live just across the park. Also, Lian, get well soon!

Also pretty-in-her-pixie-cut, freshly-jetset, collar-bone-bearing, all-glorious-in-her-all-white-sundress, our very own Nowie

Hands down one of the best burgers in town: can compete alongside Burger Ave with its juiciness. Each bite is packed with so much flavor, well-seasoned. Five stars. :) Can't go wrong with burger+ rice for less than a hundred pesos. 

oh, amo el arroz, but my love-affair with it has been cut short. Spanish fare in Legaz: everything could have tasted great, especially the Paella Negra (which I've had before), if it were fresh from the horno. Pricey, though. Hope they amp the flavor of their paella. 3/5.

Manfredd's wine stall, where Marion and I had our comprehensive Wine 101 within 30 minutes, months ago. Manfredd has wine selections from all over the world, and he even has wine from lesser-known places. I remember him telling us that good wine can be found in Kosovo. His wines are fair-priced. Range: P600 and beyond. He wasn't there a while ago, though.

Have to taste Thai fare from this Thai culinary master. Next time, though.

Cute guy and his hot Russian chef girlfriend. We got Golubzi, those Russian cabbage rolls of pork and rice with sauerkraut. P100/3 pieces. Price is okay, could have been better if the cream was more flavorful. Will try pasta next time. 

I had Ricotta and Spinach +Tutta Carne  pizza (10" for P180! Really good! Thin, chewy crust, fresh ingredients, not very oily), salmon quiche and Banana Nutella crepe from the French creperie (P80, better than Cafe Breton). Marion and Nowie had burger+rice (very, very sulit).

Half- Ricotta and Spinach, Half Tutta Carne. Yes, delicious. Hot. 4/5.

Banana Nutella crepe

Salmon/Broccoli quiche

Golubzi (Russian cabbage rolls)

Marion's half-eaten burger and rice. ohemgee I want it so bad. now!

Also sold in Legaspi Market are footwear (espadrilles, those really cool pocahontas-like shoes, etc) art, organic food and produce, clothing and jewelry, and even plants (from the landscape artist where we got Uershula, Marion's uersh-uersh condo plant, may it rest in peace). 

These stalls are actually a reprieve from the usual sunday pasyal in malls. Oh, and so much culture in one place.

Very happy with our mid-day romp at the market

kung matatatakan lang ang passport eh naka-apat na tayo today (French, American, Italian, Russian).

Time to bring out those foreign language phrasebooks once again, because we might just need those Je m'appelle's and muy delicioso's and quanto's for Sundays to come.

*photo credits to Nowie and her brand-new Lumix.