You need not be perfect in Heaven

In the classic battle of good versus bad, it’s always the good that triumphs. No wonder people want to go to heaven – the place where all is good. Even in the gastronomical sense, people still choose Heaven. That is, Heaven N’ Eggs.

Built on the idea that everybody wants a piece of heaven on earth, the four branches of Heaven N’ Eggs at Market Market, Eastwood, Tomas Morato and Glorietta 1 have been making loyal clientele of families and young urban professionals feel so blessed every time, anytime they drop by. A year old now, Heaven N’ Eggs is almost always remembered initially by people who have been there for its whimsical ambience.

Where else can one wolf down food surrounded by immaculately white, pillow-y clouds set against blue skies reminiscent of clear summer days in the countryside? Where else does one enjoy small talks while sitting on white washed seats designed like swings on porches adorned by clinging vines? Where else do winged servers masquerading as angels (or is it the other way around) cheerfully take and bear orders from royals? After all, customer is always king.

Let’s talk about the food in Heaven N’ Eggs. Take the items that made it famous namely the typical breakfast or merienda fares of pancakes, waffles and omelets. Pancakes and waffles are always freshly served, and they come in generous portions and are reasonably priced. The variety of fillings and toppings that one can choose from is a dream come true. Pancake syrups of Heaven alone come in four flavors namely peach bubblegum, coconut, pineapple and, of course, maple. And pancakes can replace rice or bread in select set menus. Talk about a pancake resto that lives up to its name.

The egg part in the omelets is thinned to a point where stuffing barely lays neatly inside just waiting to burst open as soon as someone pokes a fork into it. And if you want the eggs in your omelet without yolk, then that’s what you’ll get. Interestingly enough, the way eggs are fried in Heaven N’ Eggs reminds one of home: not perfectly round and with a bit of brown in the edges. See, in Heaven, you don’t need to be perfect. It’s what’s inside that counts.

But pancakes, omelets and waffles are not what Heaven N’ Eggs is solely about. Over the last year, the diner has expanded its menu to cater to every craving that might strike anytime; items that appeal more to those in search of fun dining experience.

The milkshakes – they come in different flavors. Chocolate, melon, vanilla, strawberry… the list goes on. Sodas are do-it-yourself, too, as every Heaven has soda fountains that gush out carbonated water. Add your choice of flavoring (strawberry, lychee, vanilla, bubblegum, etc.) to the fiz and, voila, you’re back to the days when people had to go to pharmacists in Escolta for their cola kick. Or when kids still drank Kool Aid.

Are you watching your weight? Surprisingly, for a diner that serves big, Heaven has you in mind, too. There’s the Grilled Salmon, for one that can be requested served with brown rice and summer vegetables. No, the cook nor servers won’t mind your being finicky.

As they say, Heaven is the great reward where you get exactly what you deserve and what the heart desires.

Right now, Heaven N’ Eggs is making people doubly happy – ecstatic even – after having introduced its dinner baskets. Among these are the Fish N’ Chips, The Basket of Chickies, Brazil versus Germany and Chicken Terriyaki. The first two are coated with powdered Graham crackers and come with dip options of New York Cheese, Blue Cheese and Gravy. Brazil versus Germany is actually churasco (barbecue Brazilian-style) meets sausage (that originates from its namesake here). Chicken Terriyaki is the best.

Each of the above can feed up to three persons. The most expensive dinner basket is just over P300. Do the math and know that the cost per head is equivalent to eating fast-food. Only Heaven N’ Eggs is of better quality in every respect (ambience, serving size, flavor, ingredients used, cooking method, etc.) so that’s more value for your money.

If you’re a beef person, you try the Angus Beef at least once while you’re still on earth. Currently one of its best-sellers, Heaven N’ Eggs uses the second most tender yet juiciest part of the cow, its Hanging Tender. The distinct gamy flavor of Hanging Tender is so good that it almost rivals tenderloin.

And at 1/5th the price of beef prime cuts, the Angus Tapa is ridiculously cheap but decadently (what with eggs on top) good. We suspect that it might be venial sin to enjoy a plateful but, you’re in heaven. Other must-try in Heaven are the Sinatra Stick Omelet (thinly sliced beef with tomato-based, slightly spicy sauce), Elvis’ Ham and Cheese and the Macarena.

Since I’m part of the movie industry, perhaps I could picture it for you better accordingly: If Heaven N’ Eggs were movies it would be any of Meg Ryan’s feel-good films like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless In Seattle and You’ve Got Mail. Or those of Regine Velasquez’s Pangarap Kong Ibigin Ka, Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw and Pangako.

There’s always the happy ending no matter how hellish the plot is. A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. A smiley at the conclusion of a text message.

Heaven N’ Eggs is another proof that good wins ultimately.

And that happiness definitely sells.