Breathless at Christmastime?

Six days before C-day. Who would not be breathless? There are so many things to look forward to – family reunions, delicious food, lovely presents. Yet somehow, a few of us become a bundle of nerves, because as Murphy’s law dictates, one or two important people are missing from the must-give final list, food items are not complete, etc.

Don’t get frantic, here are some pahabols to help you relax. Sylvia Miguel can assist you. Call 0917-8810032 for her collection of personally prepared Yuletide table fare – duck or chicken paté with crostini for P470, date and walnut bars – P750, and the perfect American ham (leg), 6.5 kilos at P1,150 a kilo. S&R membership store (in Alabang and The Fort) is an ideal one-stop shop for various culinary needs – Sansur Pomace extra virgin oil is a very good substitute for pure and extra virgin selling at P989.95 for a bottle of 5 liters; Kraft Mayo olive oil at P199.95 a bottle of 30 ounces; Kirkland’s café cappuccino, P699.75; Illy Coffee for P679.95. Packed food includes turkey meatballs, 1.5 lbs for P389.95; US white turkey with gravy, P719.95 and Australian tenderloin tagged at P1,419.95 a kilo.

Burp! Excuse Me! at 266 Ibuna, San Juan, tel. 744-4154, is as busy as any other. This year they introduced new breads – the olive bun with caramelized onions at P200 for a pack of six and Mediterranean loaf stuffed with tomatoes and olives, also at P200. They have a holiday pork roast which comes with mushrooms and bacon at P800, good for six to eight people, as well as old fashioned callos, likewise at P800. For dessert, the ladies have come up with individually wrapped bread pudding at P200 for a tray ten pieces.

Drop in on one of the branches of French Baker and pick up any of their bakery products for quick fixes, the latest being the super soft ensaymada smothered with grated cheese, P90 for a pack of six, and Swiss cheese bread at P120. Good news for French Baker habitués, their latest meal offering in selected branches (Mega Mall, Mall of Asia, Ali Mall and Sta. Lucia) is a 200-ounce Angus beef burger at P275. Diners are provided with plastic gloves and towellettes so dining will not be messy. A thoughtful gesture, indeed. Hand it to owner Johnlu Koa to exert extra effort to please customers.   

We did not realize that the Midtown Ramada hotel in Ermita has been converted into a mall until we went to lunch with two gracious ladies, Abbey and Princess, of Bistro Ravioli. The entrance on Pedro Gil, which opens to the former hotel lobby, is still the way to get into the Midtown Wing of the complex where a massive row of eateries will immediately overwhelm any visitor. Choices would be difficult to make, but we were set to meet the duo to sample their pasta specialties. Why concentrate on ravioli? Because practically every noodle outfit offers the familiar spaghetti with tomato-based sauce. They made a good decision. The bistro serves a different culinary experience with regard to texture, for one.

The group makes their own dips and sauces, cures their own meat, and innovates on traditional Italian recipes. The grilled foccacia with spinach dip or the pizza frita with boursin cheese can start whetting one’s appetite. Ravioli, of course, will be the main course – select the flavorful salmon in saffron cream sauce or spinach and feta cheese in pesto sauce. For something heavier, there’s diablo wings, really spicy and crispy. Need more? Choose the shrimp and basil pesto pizza. Cap the meal with either tiramisu with generous shaved chocolate topping or panna cota with strawberries. Prices are reasonable.

After lunch, shake a leg and visit the massive Robinsons Supermarket on the ground floor. It is huge, spanning the ends of Pedro Gil and Mabini. They have the Super-Saving line of packed food items including luncheon meat, noodles, oils and sauces. Other items include extra virgin olive oil at P425 a liter and pure at P405; cherries from Healthy You at P18.75 each; White Wings cake mixes; Berenberg Australia products including caramelized onion for P165 a bottle of 280 gms; turkey stuffing for P230; palm and shiraz marinades at P90 a packet; soy honey garlic sauce for P219.25.

In another area is an aquarium for live fish, among them lapu-lapu at P345 half a kilo. Tilapia is sold at P60 and bangus at P69, also by the half kilo which can be a bit confusing. Now relax, save some energy for merry-making and spiritual renewal.

Have a blessed Christmas!

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