I crave Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - For Cravcings, Christmas is about celebrating with good food and the spirit of giving.

On the occasion of its 21st year, Cravings is helping 21 kids have a better future through “Cravings Wish Drink.” Diners who avail of the Christmas drink offerings — raspberry kiwi freeze and fruitcake ala mode shake (which also come with a Christmas crave bear) — a portion of the cost will be donated to Operation Smile.

“In light of what has happened this year, we decided to share smiles and do our bit for those who need it,” said Badjie Trinidad, CEO of Cravings. “We have chosen Operation Smile because we have witnessed how the lives of kids are transformed with the organization’s help.”

Cravings has always been a part of family gatherings since it started 21 years ago. This time, the restaurant came up with packages to help ease preparations for parties whether at home, office, school, or club.

From the kitchen are Noche Buena packages that can make holiday dinners fulfilling. Good for 20 people, the three set packages include classic favorites and new offerings from Cravings. For set A, feast on fetuccini carbonara, garlic chicken and gravy, barbecue of pork spareribs, confit of fish in olive oil, and a sweet devil’s food cake.  Set B includes spaghetti with bolognese meat sauce, chicken cordon bleu, roast beef pot roast, pan-roasted salmon fillet with teriyaki sauce and a chocolate caramel cake. Last of the set includes pasta puttanesca, roast chicken with Italian stuffing, braised ox tongue and mushroom casserole, Cajun spice-crusted fish fillet, and pistachio cream cake. The three packages will be available until Jan. 6, 2010.

From the bakeshop selection, indulge in a whole line of goodies like assorted cookie flavors which include chocolate chips, oatmeal and lemon poppy seed.   A box of six costs P150.

Cravings also offers a wide assortment of freshly baked bread and cakes which include almond butter cake, carnival fruit bread, holiday bread, and Christmas wreath bread. Holiday cakes include fruit cake, white Christmas cake, pistachio cream cake, chocolate caramel, double chocolate, and devil’s food cake. There are assorted dessert bars like cappuccino brownies, fruitcake fantasy bars, blondies, and butterscotch.

All-time holiday favorites include chicken galantine, pasta paella, roast chicken with Italian stuffing, roast turkey with chorizo and chestnut stuffing which can be delivered at your home.

For information, visit or call Cravings branches in Katipunan, Quezon City, 426-6681/ 426-6567; Shangri-La Plaza Mall, 635-6087 to 88; Fraser Place, Makati 815-4271; Tomas Morato, Quezon City, 426-9736; Festival Mall, 850-4437; and the newly opened outlet at the third floor, Eastwood Mall, 313-9164,  or visit the web site at www.cravingsgroup.com.