More finds on the third floor

The newly-opened Atrium in the center of SM Megamall is like a breath of fresh area in an otherwise packed mall. Widely-spaced halls and walkways prove that shopping, even during the mall-packed holidays, can be a pleasurable experience. The skylight and open-plan layout gives the new mall space a light feeling and makes the shops, like the soon-to-open La Senza, an underwear store that stocks neat underwear basics along with frilly lingerie, all the more accessible to shoppers. 

Lacoste Footwear: Step to   stylish beat

Few can beat the preppy offerings at Lacoste Footwear where I found cute, ‘80s style slip-ons with neon prints, preppy canvas flats in pastel hues and denim spectator shoes in the sweetest colors. The label is proud of its luxe French heritage, constantly churning out natty deck shoes and canvas flats that wouldn’t look out of place at a yachting party or paired with crisp tennis whites.

All Flip Flops: Printed matter

Step into style with Havaianas’ newest releases. The flip flop chain never seems to lack customers. Fresh from a recent opening, Megamall Atrium’s All Flip Flops was packed to the brim with customers purchasing an average of two pairs per person. These adorably printed slippers make the perfect stocking stuffer for loved ones. Choose from glow-in-the-dark styles to fashionable peacock-printed versions.

Pizza Hut Bistro: Pizzas and so much more

For clients with more discerning tastes, who prefer a little more ambiance with their pizza, Pizza Hut Bistro offers the same menu, with bistro specials which are updated regularly. Providing a more “upscale” experience, Bistro serves seafood and pasta, along with a range of specialties and appetizers at portions generous enough to satisfy the hungriest of families.

Curry Curry House: A taste of Japan

A family-owned business and the first of its kind, Curry Curry House (tel. 631-8470) is a concept based on Japanese curry dishes. “We discovered curry in Japan during one of our many family trips to Tokyo,” says chef and owner Jun Jun de Ocampo. Japanese curry is used more as gravy, according to de Ocampo, with a more mellow flavor than its Indian counterpart. Drenched over generous servings of teriyaki chicken or tofu or beef sausage, it’s a surprisingly new dish that should make Japanese cuisine new again.

Espada: Tailor-made style

Thai label Espada has all the basics covered. Corporate apparel — blazers, pencil skirts and crisp white blouses — is plentiful. For nights out, knit dresses in navy and plum looked suitably holiday-ready when paired with tights and platforms. For day wear, sweaters in cotton knits, white pants and satin blouses offer comfort and practicality in one stylish package.

French Baker: Hearty French fare

The pastry chain has made a name for itself offering affordable meals well beyond your typical merienda fare. From healthy house salads to richer fare like Beef Burgundy Casserole, the restaurant’s version of beef bourguignon, a robust beef stew cooked in red wine sauce with pan-roasted seasonal vegetables and rice, The French Baker knows how to serve hot, filling meals that hit the spot.

Amici: Family-friendly meals

The third franchise after the original Don Bosco branch, Amici is the popular family-friendly place that offers Italian favorites at budget-friendly prices. Pastas come in sharing portions, while proteins, like their roast chicken, rarely go above P200. One only has to look at the number of tables filled with families heartily digging in to their dishes to know that this establishment knows everything about great Italian food.

Dairy Queen: Ice cool classics

Cool treats like the Christmas Dill Bar, Peppermint Cake and Yule Flip Peppermint Blizzard from Dairy Queen transport everyone into a wintry wonderland. Any of these frozen goodies can put you in the perfect Christmas mood, despite the warm weather.

Eat & Go: The classic cafeteria

Dubbed “fast, casual dining,” Eat & Go resembles that trendy eatery once featured in Sex and the City. Food served cafeteria-style, with trays lined up and food presented over steaming heaters behind a glass display, make for a much easier selection. Instead of poring over menus, it’s a simple case of point and eat at this establishment.