100 days of healthy eating at Eastwood Mall
Growing up, it was impossible not to appreciate the magic of nature on a daily basis. Whether it was herbs, spices, or fresh produce, I was exposed to the benefits of incorporating healthy ingredients in food, and it is through this influence that health is part of my culinary repertoire today.
We are all more health-conscious but we sure don’t want to give up good taste. Fortunately, Megaworld and its restaurant-partners have introduced 100 days of healthy eating, a movement that emphasizes healthy preparation and a balanced diet to help you stay in shape. Endorsed and recognized by the Asian Food Channel, it is the first part of the Megaworld-wide Green Summer Passion program that advocates well-being and a pro-earth lifestyle with organic markets and fun runs as part of the activities.
As Megaworld Commercial Division head Kevin Tan said, ”Given the trend of a healthier lifestyle and conscious dining, finding your balance is important to our clientele and we are proud of the results of our collaborative efforts with our restaurants and their resident chefs during this campaign.”
Health matters, but so do your taste buds, and at Eastwood Mall, you can indulge without feeling guilty. With the sun shining bright and light breeze wafting, the taste of summer is not only around but also on your plate, and going green is comforting and delicious.
Cookbook Kitchen’s sun-dried tomato pasta Cookbook Kitchen
With a refined touch and using the best products available, Cookbook Kitchen has produced fresh, soul-satisfying meals that are instant crowd pleasers. A popular hangout, this relaxing spot has gained the reputation of serving up lip-smacking signature dishes like vegetable terrine, a medley of vegetables smothered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, topped with fresh basil. For those who can’t resist pasta, I highly recommend the sundried tomato pasta, a mouthwatering blend of tomato, fresh black olives, basil, Parmesan cheese, and penne pasta. Chef Gen Capati’s gentle hand has brought out the full flavor and goodness of his healthy cuisine.
Cookbook Kitchen is located at the ground floor, 1888 Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City.
Momo Cafe
Guaranteed to give you an eye-opening experience, Momo Café is a cozy, casual joint that serves generous portions that are worth your money. The gourmet salad is a delectable blend of savory and tangy flavors, a combination of grapes, oranges, tomatoes, walnuts, hard-boiled egg, crisp lettuce, and vinaigrette, a toothsome dish that will play with your mouth. For mains, the pan-seared shiitake mushroom-crusted Norwegian salmon with vegetable risotto gives an interesting textural contrast. It stands out in taste and is fantastic to share with friends. Food-wise, chef Kalel Chan is spot-on, and Momo Café is a gourmet experience indeed.
Momo Café is located at the ground floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City. Call 900-1006 or 07.
Uncle Cheffy’s vegetarian panizza Uncle Cheffy
Chefs Mao and Mark Joseph Bajaro have done their fair share of tinkering in the kitchen and have come up with culinary masterpieces. With newfangled creations like Cheffy pasta — pasta strands deep-fried to a crisp, tuna bits, tomato, basil, bell pepper and olives — the menu has unique twists.
I was especially taken with the vegetarian panizza, a crispy thin-crust, wood-fired pizza. With every bite happily oozing with soul-comforting melted mozzarella cheese and incorporated with various veggies, you will soon realize that you have nibbled your last piece. With a fertile imagination, Uncle Cheffy has plenty of creativity to woo you for return visits.
Uncle Cheffy is located at the 2nd floor, Eastwood Mall Libis. Call 383-7215.
Cheffy pasta at Uncle Cheffy Trattoria Italia
With its plush dark wood and comfortable seats, it is difficult to resist the many temptations of this establishment. With creative offerings like Pagotini Salad, a combination of asparagus, celery and red bell pepper, wrapped in paper-thin grilled eggplant and cheese with tomato salsa, it is both scrumptious and nutritious. With clever ingredients and stylish presentation, the ravioli broccoli gives appealing bites without the heaviness common to hearty meals. Seriously good!
Trattoria Italia is located at the ground floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis. Call 569-4412.
Weekend Organic Market
All weekends of May, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastwood City Walk 2.
100 Days of Healthy Eating is ongoing until June 11 at Eastwood City, Venice Piazza, Burgos Circle, and Newport Mall, with over 150 AFC-loved dishes.
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For recipes and schedules visit www.sylviareynosogala.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/SylviaReynosoGalaCulinary. Children and Teens Junior Workshop 2 (3 lessons) is until May. 13. For reservations, call 671-4489 or 98 or 72.
