A disappointing trip to Villa Mama's

 Villa Mamas - Saar

Yesterday we decided to go to Villa Mamas! We gave it a chance although we weren't very creative with our choices.

The place is room feels cozy giving off an impression of a clean cottage house in the European country side, although the first impression I got from reading about it was it revolving around Bahraini tradition.

The service was definitely off and below expectations. There wasn't anyone to greet us and take us to a table when entering the door. The place was packed on a weekend during lunch, however that does not justify it. When seated, and upon ordering, the waitress appeared to look glum and unhappy. There usually are empty plates on the table, and when we were served the food, we happily lifted them so that the servers can place the plates with food however they just LEFT us there holding the plates. We had to actually tell them to take the empty plates. Every time we asked for condiments, it looked as though it was a dreadful task for the waiters as they simply left it at our table and left without looking at us. Through the duration of the meal, we noticed that the head chef or owner, whomever it may be, was taking rounds around tables but ignored us. This is not an issue at all as I don't believe it is necessary but taking into account the service that we had, it only made things seem worse.

The place was beautiful, I liked that it was quite far than the usual 338 area. Our food were good but did not have anything special in them. My jog buddy and I ordered what I believe was some sort of cheese dish called Penne Mountain that had spinach and bechamel cheese while I wasn't adventurous at all and went for the creamy delight chicken. I don't think that the prices were worth it at all, and seems to be a bit exaggerated for the type of food they offer.

We had a side of fries just for the buds and my most exciting for that morning was the lemon juice. It was just amazing.

 
The total bill came to 20 dinars almost equally shared among our meals. You can find their menu at this link. I'm not saying this place sucks but that I haven't found something that I liked however others might find joy in the dishes served. I'll probably not come again as there wasn't anything there that compelled me to stay.

Greatest brownies ever made

I'm a fan of many DIY things, from deodorants, fixing car dents, to baking goodies .. no, I just mean food ..

So one field that I am focusing on is finding the right brownie recipe online, and oh yes I did. I've made them two days in a row and can't be any happier. I would like to attribute thanks to this website: AllRecipes

If you compare this to the website, I only changed the sugar measure, added coffee and removed the peanuts. And yes, added the sauce. The sauce is my mothers secret recipe to everything sweet and deadly, ever since I was a kid. Or at least part of what I think my mom's recipe is. (Hint: I don't imitate her cooking too well ..)

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 cup white sugar
2. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
3. 2 eggs
4. 2 tsps vanilla extract
5. 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
6. 1/2 tsp baking powder
7. 1/4 tsp salt
8. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or bar
9. Coffee option: 2 -3 tbsp coffee, 1 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp hot water, all mixed in a cup
10. Optional: white chocolate chips

Sauce:

• 1 can of condensed milk
• 2-3 tbsp butter
• 3-4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder or bar (up to you)

Directions:
Preheat oven, oil a 4x12 in. baking pan.

Mix everything from 1 - 8 in a bowl. Then you can mix in the coffee if you want to. Later spread it onto the pan, leaving some left in the bowl. Then sprinkle the optional chips and cover it with a thin layer of the brownie mix.

Pop that thang into the oven! at say 350-ish, medium heat. Let's say check on it in 20 minutes.

While waiting, get a sauce pan or anything that you would make sauce in. Low fire, throw in the butter. Once melted, pour the condensed milk. once slightly mixed, throw in the powder. Some of you might experience that the powder does not mix well. That's okay. All you need to do is keep mixing for 10 or more minutes. Change the fire to medium but you'll have to constantly stir it. Once you're satisfied with the thickness, switch off the fire, keep stirring for a bit then dip your finger into that sinful bowl of happiness to steal a taste.

Once the brownie is done, let it cool down then pour the sauce over it, let it cool again. In 20 minutes, you'll have the best time of your life! Cheers!

Here are some pictures for the eyes on your tongue.