A Sinulog Special: Sweets from the Queen

CEBU, Philippines - Selling like hotcakes this time of the year are regional delicacies as “tinabuan” or “pasalubong” or others refer to as homecoming gift/souvenir items/travel gift to loved ones.

Ever present in the shopping list are, of course, the succulent Cebu lechon (sealed and packed by kilo), export quality dried mangoes - among other dried fruits, the tasty puff pastry that is otap, Liloan’s rosquillos (cookies), Carcar’s crunchy chicharon (pork cracklings), the breakfast star that is danggit (rabbit fish), among other specialties to take home.

Meanwhile, a heap of sweet treats from the Queen City of the South are creating quite a stir among the sweet tooth. These are slowly becoming popular travel gifts that even people from the capital are raving about it, hence the positive online reviews.  So, take a piece of Cebu via these non-traditional “tinabuan”.

THE CUPCAKE THEORY’S FAB FIVE

Cupcakes are a huge hit in metro Cebu given that some of the online sellers now have their own stand-alone shops. One of them is baker Arvy Enjambre-Lopez whose fascination for gourmet cupcakes and hand-carved cakes had her establish her own showroom cum cupcake shop along Juana Osmeña Street. Arvy amusingly christened her cupcakes to her customers’ delight: Sultry, Sexy, Red (the best selling red velvet) with signature cream cheese frosting; Cookies & Cream (moist chocolate cuppies with cookies and cream frosting; Vanilla Happy (soft vanilla cupcakes with classic vanilla buttercream frosting); Chocolate Addiction (with dark chocolate buttercream frosting); and Mint To Be (chocolate cuppies with peppermint frosting and chocolate sprinkles). TCT’s whimsical and rich handcrafted cuppies made from the finest ingredients are the perfect match for every palate. They come in boxes of four at P208; six at P308; a dozen at P598 and solo at P58. Shelf life: three days at room temperature while five days if it’s refrigerated.

CAFÉ MARCO’S MALICIOUS COOKIES

I’m such a huge fan of these freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies with white and dark Belgian chocolate chips whipped by pastry chef Rodelio “Rodel” Galvez of Cebu’s only five-star hotel Marco Polo Plaza. These chewy, delish cookies, only available at Café Marco, are simply scrumptious that all chocolate chip cookies pale in comparison. Well, frankly, Marco Polo’s kitchen brigade nor Chef Rodel did not name them as such but by cookie fans after lots of bites. Try it yourself and discover why they have been named Malicious. It’s best to place your orders a day before pick-up. Call 253-1111. Malicious cookies are available daily at Café Marco, pegged at P44 for two pieces.

CEBU BEST MANGO CHOCOLATE

Belgian chocolate-covered dried mangoes, anyone? Yes, that’s dried mango strips of approximately 110mm long and 3.5cm in thickness (max) dipped in the goodness of dark Belgian chocolate. The artisan-made Cebu Best’s Mango Chocolate is individually wrapped to keep its freshness and is best enjoyed at room temperature. The marriage of flavors of the dried mango and chocolate interestingly makes this take-home dessert a treat! This product spinoff is available in Kultura (in SM), Stock Exchange and Cebu Besto Pasalubong Atbp. (along Salinas Drive, Lahug) at P780 for a box of 24 and P430 for 12 pieces.

DON MERTO’S LES CHOCOLATERIES BELGIAN LACE COOKIES

Thin, crisp, simply divine and delightful! Don Merto’s Belgian lace cookies are to die for. Enjoy the luscious Belgian chocolate decadence in this coffee/tea match which is best served cold.  Flavors: Semi sweet, dark, white and mint (or assorted – a combination of all flavors). Don Merto’s is located along Juana Osmeña St., Capitol Site or they have a stall at Shopwise Cebu along Bulacao, Pardo. Prices: 300g-Php375, 500g-Php535 and 600g-Php635.