New playground

Greenbelt 5 is the latest playground of Manilans, especially for dining and shopping. Other stores/restaurants established in other complexes have put up branches here, but always, when a place is new, people flock to it like bees to honey. Some return when they find services and merchandize to their liking. For restaurants, it’s the quality of food plus gracious staff that normally bring back habitues. Judging from the ‘regulars’ and new faces, one that has gained the approval of the lunch crowd is Chateau 1771 on the ground level, at the back facing Greenbelt 2. Both times that we have been there, the place was full. And rightly so, for the team that carved its name originally in Malate, has brought their celebrated tradition of No Borders Cuisine, characterized by innovations on a variety of international cookery, to this new outlet.

The place is like “Spring,”  meaning it is refreshing, bright and beautifully done in vibrant shades of yellows, greens and oranges; even the “Little Girls’ Room” is eco-friendly green. There’s enough elbow room between tables, which have hooks for ladies’ bags under. If diners are seated on the Promenade side,  the stylish open kitchen is in full view, affording them the pleasure of watching the kitchen brigade execute their orders. The Master of the Kitchen is Chef Vicky who has outdone herself in the many new dishes on offer – Beef Braciole, thinly sliced meat done with provolone cheese, garlic and shallots (P350),  Prawns and Shitake Salad (P360 and P550). We were intrigued by the Egg-less Caesar Salad (P280/P200) which, as the name suggests, does away with eggs, but uses anchovies for flavor. On our second visit we were craving for Osso Bucco, that delicious Italian concoction of veal shank we normally  slow cook in wine and lots of tomatoes at home. Vicky’s version is done with Portuguese-inspired tomato sauce and beer served on top of linguine pasta. But we nearly didn’t have it for it was not among that particular day’s selection. The Chef came to the rescue and graciously obliged. We had a  fabulous lunch! It was a perfect main course that followed the Raclette (P310) that started us off to a satisfyingly delicious meal. The Osso Bucco is tagged at P550 but two small eaters can share this ample portion. Desserts are heavenly, if sinful, but indulge anyway – we are allowed once in a while.

Pepsi has come out with Deluxe, a flavored drink with zero calorie content. It comes in two variants, Créme Caramel and Strawberries and Cream. We got approval (for this) from the cola-drinking members of the family. We have also alternated this with the afternoon coffee that we usually take. At the moment this is available only at Watsons.

We headed North on the highway a few days ago and found ourselves at Robinson’s Place on EDSA and Pioneer street. The security guard at the main entrance was a welcoming gentleman, leading us up the steps and making sure we did not get  wet from the slight drizzle when we got out. It was one of those leisurely mornings, hence we lingered on more than usual,  moving from one section to another.

One medium-size Japanese melon cost P66.95. It was sweet and soft. Two mangoes (large) was at P45.95. As with all other supermarkets, they have an array of seasoned ready-to-cook meat – among them breaded pork chops which we fried to a crisp as baon the following day. It sells for P10 a piece. We admire CDO for successfully expanding their line with flavorful items. Its  450 gm pack of embutido (three 150 gm rolls) is at P60, while the Mekeni brand belly bacon (250 gms) is at P56.50. We have acquired the habit of meticulously looking at the stores’ racks for  detergents/laundry/cleaning aids, always wanting to compare quality and price. Some disappointments have happened and we will see if this will come about again with what we bought.

Supersavers is Robinson’s home brand for various products, normally priced at a few centavos lower than popular brands. We got the anti-bacterial dish washing liquid of l90 mls for P16 per, surely a bargain. Carrying the same brand, garbage bags are packed in 10s up to 100s. The single roll of 10 pieces is selling at P24.50. Large fresh eggs go for P64.75 a dozen. That morning was indeed well-spent.

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