Pavlova and eating Thai - DIRECT LINE by Boy Abunda

Anna Pavlova was a Russian ballet dancer. She was famous for her elegant grace. A special dessert was named after her. This cake is New Zealand’s national dessert but I was told that the Australians claim it’s theirs, too. I hope this will not cause any international conflict! But I will not be surprised if it does because this is one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted in my life. Pavlova basically is a merengue base cake with cream and fresh fruit.

The other day, I received Pavlova from my good friend Maricar Espina-Aguila, wife of my dear friend Boy Aguila. Pavlova was just so divine. I felt so beautiful that I had to thank Maricar. You don’t feel beautiful too often these days. Here’s Maricar’s story:

"The first time I encountered the Pavlova was in Australia. I was amazed by the light and airy texture of the cake and how appetizing it looked. After savoring its sensual delight, I nagged our dear host and good friend, Ambassador Ariel Abadilla, to always serve us this dessert whenever we would visit them in Sydney.

It was always something to look forward to after the exciting diplomatic dinners of the Abadillas at their home.

"Upon coming back to Manila, having made the rounds of cooking schools and having the passion for food (and, of course, the guts to try something new in the kitchen), I made Pavlova. Finally, after succumbing to my determination to make it perfect, the Pavlova was locally born.

"There was, however one catch: I couldn’t get myself to waste the egg yolks of the merengue base (must be the Cebuana in me)! I therefore concocted a light creamy custard sauce to compliment the tartness of the fresh fruits.

"I first served this dessert at the birthday parties of my daughters Eirene and Zorina. The response from their friends and other guest was overwhelming. Their friends and friends of their friends would beg me to accept orders. I now offer this dessert when we cater through Happy Chefs."

So, if you want to taste Pavlova and to feel beautiful, text Maricar at #09178118163. Aside from Pavlova, she has other delightful teasers like BTS (Better — Than — Sex), cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls and drop-dead-net brownies.

No wonder my friend Boy Aguila is a well-behaved and devoted husband to Maricar. Pavlova must be better than sex. Or is it, Boy?

It’s a Thai!

Andrew, Oging, and Edmon are not rivals of John, Carlos and Stephano. A.O.E. are not singers and if you don’t know them you would think they are movie stars. All three are in their mid-’20s and are successful entrepreneurs. They all went to Miriam College, with Andrew and Oging taking up Business Administration and Edmond, Advertising. Andrew thinks Edmon looks like Rico Yan and Oging, Keempee De Leon. Oging thinks Andrew can double for Zoren Legaspi.

But why are we talking about Andrew, Oging, and Edmon? We found ourselves pigging out at Thai — In — a — Box on Pasay Road. The three guys say that they also have a branch at Meralco Ave. Pasig. You don’t have to be a jueteng lord to be able to afford Thai — In — a — Box because the prices are reasonable and you don’t have to go to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to confirm how delectable the food at T.I.B. is.

We played a little game that night which proved more enjoyable than the delicious mango pandan delight, as our dessert. Asked what they would serve the following stars if they visit Thai — In — a — Box, here are what Andrew, Oging, and Edmon said. 1. Ai-Ai de las Alas — "bagoong rice, because she is unique.". 2. Rosanna Roces — "Sea food red curry because it is hot." 3. Ara Mina — "Beef with chili paste because it’s flaming hot." 4. Pops Fernandez — "Spring rolls to keep her body fit." (This is what they recommend for the health conscious) 5. Mark Anthony Fernandez — "Thai steak because it’s a hungry man’s portion." 6. Fernando Carrillo — "Who is he?" 7. Martin Nievera — "Chicken pandan because it’s one of her best."

Andrew, Oging and Edmon never imagined they would go into the restaurant business until they realized that it was worth a try after all. As barkadas they would always go out with their girlfriends and friends and relatives of their girlfriends to various restaurants until they ran out of restaurants to visit. This is how Thai — In — a — Box was born.

All three friends love Thai food. Each one is also involved in a different business. Andrew is into trucking and forwarding, Edmon is into courier services while Oging is in the construction business. Andrew is the aggressive type, Edmon is the kind-hearted one while Oging is the silent type. But all three are passionate lovers of business — and Thai food.

After that dinner at T.I.B. I came into the conclusion that the best offerings of the restaurant are Andrew, Oging and Edmon.

Unfortunately, they are not in the menu.