Last two weekends ago, I took my family to SM Aura. After window-shopping, we headed out to Silk Road Thai Bistro (Bonifacio Global City) for dinner in advanced celebration of my sister’s 21st birthday.
At her age and with her limited interests, I wasn’t sure what to give as a gift. The safest present must be FOOD and bonding time, so I treated them to dinner in a place I consider one of the best now in the metro. For the material thing that shouldn’t be missed, I got her a pair of shoes and you’ll know more about the story below. π
Treat to My Sister’s 21st Birthday – Dinner at Silk Road Thai Bistro
Gosh, I didn’t want to turn this post into another food review, but the thought of sharing my descriptions of the taste and presentation of the food just can’t stop the food blogger in me. So this is to share how we found Silk Road’s offering for the night, briefly:
I didn’t make any reservation but we were lucky to find free seats at once. The restaurant staff still recognized me as one of the bloggers who dined in there last time. The manager was extra helpful still in giving us recommendations of food from the menu. We occupied a smaller table and later transferred to a more spacious set as the previous customers left.
While waiting for our orders, we watched the crowd ebb and flow in the room and took pictures with the enchanting backdrop. I’m glad my family liked the place as much as I do. Silk Road Thai Bistro is where beautiful people spend money to nibble and drink. π
We started with Tom Khai Gai (PHp 300) which consisted of chicken, coco milk and galangal soup. The taste was something that resembled laksaβsour, a little spicy but really good. As an appetizer, it deserved a gold star.
The next dishβBlack Pepper Soft Shell Crab (PHp 395)βwas something I wanted to try for the longest time. The caramelized soft shelled crabs were cooked with tomatoes, onions and spring onions. Every part of the crab was edible so you don’t have to worry about chewing and swallowing everything into your mouth. Layer upon layer of delicate seafood it’s a winner, even though a teeny tiny bit of extra chili in the mixture might have made it even better. Maybe a sip of wine will make all ails go awayβand have you coming back for more! π
To complement the strong taste of the crabs, the Silk Road Signature Rice (PHp 330) made with mixed vegetables, lemongrass, egg, pork crispies and Thai chorizo came fittingly through the table. The ingredients did not stand out though, so it was like eating plain white rice. Anyway, the rice was fragrant and I have no other complains.
For Daddy, we skimmed through the Vegetarian section of the menu tons of times until the restaurant manager told us those viands still contained a bit of meat and eggs. He suggested the Tofu Wrap Vegetarian (PHp 320) which originally was “Siam Chicken Wrap” on the menu. The kitchen staff amended the star of the recipe from “chicken” to “tofu.” And the result? A reasonably tasty, reasonably healthy, and reasonably priced alternative.
Lastly, we had the Chiang Mai Khao Soi (PHp 305), a pride of North Thailand. We didn’t realize that it was another soup. Although made with different ingredients (chicken curry with two types of egg noodles) as compared with the Tom Kha Gai above, we thought they were very much alike so we should not have ordered it. Oh well, at least now we know.
It can be overwhelming walking into Silk Road Thai Bistro again, staring at the bevy of yummy options on a spread of their menu, and finally ordering. Any self-contained dish seemed palatable and okay in my book. π Everything was well worth the money for the effort of this restaurant and it’s virtually impossible not to leave full and happy.
Other Gift: Celine Shoes
When we were back at home, my sister opened her presentsβshoes (from me), shoes (from my mom) and shoes (from my dad)! And they’re all of the same brand: CLN. π (The shoes are meant to be shared as my mom, sister and me happen to have the same size.)
A Sole-ful Birthday: Why Shoes for Someone Who Turned 21?
Obviously I’m not following our Cantonese feng shui when I bought the shoes from Celine. FYI, shoes in Cantonese is “hai” which sounds like a sigh. Some people depict giving of shoes for a birthday as giving sorrow in life and expecting the recipient to have a great deal of bad luck or “sha chi.” In other Chinese belief, giving shoes means breaking up or ending friendship. π― Aiyoo, I don’t care about these and I had to stop thinking about the meanings because my intention was way different.
Since she’ll be working as a corporate trainee next term (hopefully after passing her thesis at the end of December 2013), I figured one of the best things is to introduce items from the corporate wardrobe. We got her platform heeled shoes to make her feel comfortable; the colors (black and brown) are versatile enough to be paired with any clothing.
The good thing about these shoes is that they’re not classified as “designer shoes” that probably won’t last longer than a season. At the same time, they’re not made from cheap materials that could leave our feet blistery and sweaty. CLN shoes are the perfect compromise.
Best of all, the price is just right. At PHp 800-1500 per pair, we know we got solid, well-made kicks that will last well for the next two to three years or until we get tired of wearing the same design. Our shoes at home do not have a “shelf life,” but if we do decide to ditch them, we won’t feel like wasting a fortune.
Wrap Up
For most people, turning 21 is an ultimate birthday, a commitment that is taken seriously. Why? It’s a coming-of-age milestone that marks that a person is now “all grown up.” But no, it’s not going to be the best and biggest birthday of one’s lifeβbecause every birthday could be celebrated in whatever grand way you choose.
We celebrated my sister’s birthday with a rather simple but happy family dinner and loaded her with shoes that fit appropriately to the career life that optimistically would be meaningful and productive. π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Now I know! when a chinese family friend gave a shoes to my sister, she insist that my sister have to pay her even for only Php1,I did not know that there’s a reason behind it. :)I leanred something new today. π
For the CLN,though the brand is not “imported” but it’s a known brand with a great quality too and I must admit that they have a lot of nice design even for corporate or personal use. π
You are such a sweet sister. π
Hey Willa! I haven’t heard of the PHp 1-thingy either haha. Yeah we love CLN shoes!
Thanks! π
Good food for your sister’s birthday! Happy birthday!
Yes, we’re blessed and I thank God for that. Thanks for your greeting. π
Wooow!! CLN shoes!! I hope someone would give me a pair of CLNs on my birthday too! Haha! Happy happy birthday to your sissy! β₯β₯β₯
Haha thanks, Kim!! π
i love the food at Silk Road Thai Bistro food was really good and not that expensive..
When you order those unique and great dishes that can’t be found elsewhere then you know you have something deserving to be spent for. π
You love your sis! The gift was amazing. I agree with those people who have limited interests sometimes we get confused what to give. But I can’t resist to see how the food was served and how it tasted.
Haha. Thanks, Earl. It’s so funny how you commented the gift was amazing when you have not seen it yet! π Maybe my description of it was clear and bold enough already? π
At first, I thought you gave your sister a Porsche but the food bonding should also be alright.
Oh wow! π HOW I WISH I CAN AFFORD A PORSCHE. π
You’re just too sweet, sana sister na lang kita. LOL I am quite familiar dyan sa Chinese tradition about giving shoes as gift. My late dad used to tell us, bihin mo kahit singko, para raw mawala yung malas.
Yes, traditional Chinese I guess are too superstitious and even now some people still follow the beliefs. Haha thanks, Papa Leng. π
I really envy people who have siblings. Having a sister is a happy journey for me, this is where you connect emotionally and physically. Sad to say, I’m the only child.
But I am happy now my two daughters which I see now as my two instant sisters. π
Good for you to have two daughters. Parents-children relationship nowadays are like barkadas, wherein parents understand the needs of the kids more than the previous generation which was more strict and tight.
You have the same features. Belated happy birthday to your pretty sister π
Everyone says that, so much so like we’re twins! Thanks. π
happy happy birthday to your sissy! she is now officially, “forever 21!” hihihi. i like the idea of bonding with sisters, my sis would do this a lot too. but with my younger bro as well:)
Thanks, Caroleen! π Everyone can feel like forever young. π
Belated Happy Birthday to your sister!
The privilege of having a loving sister! π I wish I have one too!
Aw thanks. You just reminded me to not take having a sister for granted. π
Hi,
I am Shenaz and I am a blogger.
I came across your website through Google and I really liked it. I have noticed that you have written few articles similar to my blog niche.
I am interested in acquiring a link from one of your old blog posts(particularly from http://rochkirstin.com/gifts-to-my-sisters-21st-birthday-dinner-at-silk-road-thai-bistro-shoes/) for which i am willing to pay.
Let me know if you are interested so that we can discuss more about it.
Best Regards
Shenaz Kadri.
Hi Shenaz, you can email me at rochkirstin@yahoo.com to discuss. Thanks.