Hair apparent gets the royal treatment

When you reach my ripe and "vintage" age, every strand of hair on your head that you can still truly call original and "homegrown" is as precious as the most perfect diamond. One can talk of great hairpieces, weaves, toupees, transplants and grafts, but that’s all mere cover-up (literally?), because at the end of the day, who really wants thinning hair or "going bald" problems? When one is much younger, it may be cool to sport buzzcuts and even shave one’s head, but that’s done as a conscious fashion statement, secure in the knowledge that one can just grow it back when the statement goes stale. So, for someone in my "Reality Bites" tonsorial state, what "less" we may have, means so much "more" to us.

If you’re looking for the hair salon that will provide you the ultimate in making your hair feel like it’s the crowning glory of your existence, the Kerastase Institute on the ground floor of 6750 Ayala Avenue is one sure bet. Found within the ESA Salon that’s owned by Ed and Renna Angeles, the Institute provides services (but here, they’re called programmes and rituals) that utilize the latest in hair technology. Straight from the Kerastase research laboratories in Paris to the sleek and modern, but comfortable, interiors of the ESA Salon.

Some years back, Ed had been kind enough to throw my way the home therapy treatment known as Intervention Antichute L’Aminexil. Along with the special shampoo, Kerastase Bain Prevention, I noticeably felt that even if it wasn’t actively encouraging new hair growth, it was, at the very least, effective in preventing any further loss. Now, there’s the new improved Intervention Antichute L’Aminexil GL. The GL stands for gluco-lipid, a patented nutri-energetic molecule (high energy glucose and nourishing lipid), and without any doubt, I am recommending this improved version. The glucose supplies energy and allows the root to guide the molecule, while the lipid constitutes an essential fatty acid, giving hair substance and body. The GL actively combats collagen stiffening at the roots, a main factor causing hairloss. I felt a thickening of my hair in spots where I had previously noticed a thinning that had me worried to the gills.

As for the rituals that the Institute is ready to offer as highlights to the ESA Experience, one is whisked to the dressing rooms, given a locker and is asked to put on the robe and slippers. One’s hair is analyzed, so that the proper ritual/treatment can be "prescribed." A check on the roots and follicles is done. The shampooing section means E-Z Boy type lounge chairs and right there and then, with the shampoo and massage I got, I was ready to fall asleep and never leave the shampoo section. With my normal scalp but slightly dry hair, I was given the Aqua Oleum, Masquintense Bain Satin 1 and Lait Vital Proteine conditioner ritual.

Something like just over 90 minutes for the full ritual, and I have to admit, my head of hair truly felt like it had been pampered and given the royal treatment. While several salons all over Metro Manila do carry the Kerastase products of L’Oreal, I’m not certain how many provide the rituals and treatments that are part and parcel of the Institute’s range of services. The Institute actually faces Ayala Avenue; but because of the road construction currently going on, one alights by the corners of the 6750 Building.

Brunch-ing out

Bringing my three boys out for lunch or dinner can be more of an ordeal than your regular Sunday "pleasant dining experience." While the three behave and all eat well, there are individual preferences that can create friction from the outset. One wants a good steak, another wants fish or this particular restaurant. While one is in the mood for Japanese, the other may be looking for Chinese. It goes on and on, and favoring one over the other will only turn me into stone as far as the "rejected and dejected" are concerned. You’d think, "Hey, one will be eating good food no matter what; and there’s always next time for your choice," but petty jealousy and the start of "little grudges" can rear their collective heads if you’re not careful.

Established routines like Paseo Uno’s buffet at the Mandarin brings smiles to all the three; but of course, one is always on the lookout for other options. We got to check out the brunch at M Cafe the other Sunday and am glad to report that my three boys gave it their six thumbs up! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., one can avail of M’s Brunch and there’s live jazz music thrown in to create a unique dining experience.

The M Cafe brunch is eclectic with a capital E; and truly takes the word brunch literally, by deconstructing and making sure elements of both breakfast and lunch are present throughout the four hours. What this meant was that while our showing up a little after 1 p.m. meant we could partake of classic lunch dishes, my boys could go different, and have stuff like cereal, waffles and pancakes for dessert – and boy, did they go for that!

As one enters the resto, the appetizer station beckons. There are Vietnamese spring rolls, unagi nori, eggs with asparagus, assorted maki, chicken adobo rolls, tomato orange and kesong puti and chicken pate. At the next stop, there were choices of soba, mini siopaos, congee and champorado. While the opposite station had main course options of roast duck in tortilla wrappers, or leg of lamb.

By the side door, I espied the buffet fare that’s set outside, by the al fresco bar and dining area. Thinking at first that this was just an extension of what was available inside, my kids were ecstatic to find a whole new set of choices. One station was dedicated to cereals, waffles, pancakes, bread and cheese. Another was omelettes, fresh pasta and a seafood salad bar (mussels, gindara, prawns and squid). The dessert fare includes your own halo-halo buffet, choice desserts such as mango sticky rice and brazo de lemon. Trust chef Sau to go that extra mile to bring you something that’s different enough to provide a twist, and yet hark back to something that keeps it close to "comfort food."

As to why this M Brunch became such a hit with the boys, let me give you the example of Matteo. He started off with mini-siopaos and unagi nori, moved on to leg of lamb – but then pigged out on waffles with chocolate sauce and cereal! For him, it became an afternoon adventure into eating the food he loves even if it’s at the wrong time of the day. Me, I just smiled and was happy they weren’t heaping curses on me, or giving me the "evil eye." Thanks, M!