Greenbelt 3 makes dining fun

Those who have raised children will agree that it is so much easier to feed the little tykes when eating is made an interesting and fun-filled activity. Threatening the child with horror stories about malnutrition is not a psychologically sound method. Neither is showing agitation when the little one refuses to eat. The intelligent child will quickly get the idea that snubbing food causes mom or dad to worry, and as a result he may become a problem eater to demand even more attention.

With a little effort, parents and caregivers can make meals fun for their wards. Imagination goes a long way in turning mealtimes into stress-free and interesting occasions. Aside from serving tasty, nutritious and aesthetically pleasing meals, the resourceful caregiver can use mealtimes to promote communication aptitude and creative thinking. For instance, a picky eater can be convinced to eat a full meal while playing a "pretend" game. For example, a spoonful of food can be transformed into a make-believe airplane seeking shelter in the safety of a hangar (the mouth.) A mouthful of food may be transformed by imagination into a mass of cars being compacted by giant metal-crushing teeth. The possibilities are endless. Through storytelling and games, both the body and creative mind of the child are nourished.

It is infinitely more complicated to alter the eating habits of the adult problem eater. So used to skipping meals or bolting down indistinguishable masses of food to save on time, the adult risks ulcer and malnutrition. During luncheon or dinner meetings, he may be too concentrated on securing the business deal to be able to thoroughly appreciate the nuances of flavor. For this type of person, restaurants are judged according to their financial viability, not for the food they serve; and eating becomes part of an inevitable and boring routine.

To relieve the boredom of the usual food, and to promote socialization while eating, the level 3 of Greenbelt 3 has been turned into the Fun Dining Area. With many restaurants and recreation alternatives available, the jaded diner is encouraged to rediscover the fun in eating.

"What we have is a wide array of food choices that make up for a totally new and exciting dining experience," says Myrna Fernandez, senior division manger, Commercial Centers Group of Ayala Land Inc. "With this unique mix of food variety, we offer more than the usual. We are confident that our new level 3 will be a big hit for people who like to have fun or for those who simply want to chill out and unwind."

A sampling of the fare offered in the various food outlets in the Fun Dining Area is interesting. Pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, rice bowl meals, and cakes are served with outstanding fruit smoothies at Fuzion. However, a popular attraction of that Singaporean franchise is their bright orange cloth-covered daybeds. While it is considered the zenith of bad table manners to put up one’s feet while eating, the diner at Fuzion is encouraged to kick off his shoes, relax and lounge in the daybed while he eats. Breakfast in bed is a rare treat, and the best part of dining at that restaurant is that one can have lunch, snacks or dinner while lolling in bed. Alone or with a group of friends, this is a pleasurable indulgence indeed.

For those whose idea of socialization consists of hanging out in a bar and drinking like a fish, a healthier alternative would be to hang out for meals and good conversation at Fish & Co. instead. The restaurant serves delicious fish and seafood dishes, and it is a good idea for groups to share several dishes to be able to sample more of the interesting and tasty items on the menu. Cocktails are served at the restaurant, so one need not necessarily abstain while rediscovering the pleasures of good food with family and friends.

Big eaters will surely enjoy the big servings and grilled food of National Sports Grill, while the calorie-conscious will enjoy the preservative-free, fresh fruits and vegetables in shake, salad or soup forms in the Miami bar setting of Fresh Bar by Big Chill. Authentic Thai street food such as po pia thod (spring rolls,) somi tham (papaya salad,) and tom yang goong(hot and sour soup) are available at Blue Ginger.

After a sumptuous meal, one could move to either Cold Rock for the fun experience of creating your own unique ice cream concoction with over 50 varieties of fruits, nuts, cookies and chocolate; or Cheesecake Etc. for their heavenly desserts, pastas and sandwiches.

For inveterate multi-taskers who need to do something else while they eat, a unique treat offered at Greenbelt 3’s Fun Dining Area is to be able to engage in a wide selection of board games while dining.

After the big meals and delicious desserts, and while on the way to even more fun pursuits at Fuma, Timezone and the state-of-the-art Greenbelt 3 Cinemas, the irrepressible sweet tooth may experience a guilty craving for yet another sweet pastry. Not to worry, Go Nuts Donuts, a reliable favorite, now serves lite-version donuts. And even the weight watchers remain happy.

The Fun Dining Area of Greenbelt 3 is a convenient and pleasant venue for dining and relaxation for the A-type achievers who inhabit the bustling financial district of Makati. Working hard for a good future is extremely commendable, but once in a while, the go-getters should be reminded to slow down, relax and have fun with family and friends. Fun is important, too. After all, like the old adage says, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy – and Jill an extremely boring date.