Putting the 'pow' in Power Plant

If you’ve been to the Power Plant Mall lately, you may have noticed something in the air. It could be the aroma of a cheesesteak sandwich wafting up from the Concourse, but it’s more than that. We’ve noticed a much-appreciated effort at zoning, starting with the Independent Lifestyles area, which morphed into Archaeology. Now there’s a kids zone and a new fashion zone.

Plus they have an actual space dedicated to Sunday Mass — and not just a table, crucifix, and Monobloc chairs plunked down in the middle of the shopping floor.

But what keeps us coming back to this mall and not any other are the one-off stores. Here’s the latest at the Power Plant mall.

Bacchus Épicerie (Level R1)

If a foodie died and went to heaven, it would look like this. Shelves and counters are stocked with imported wines, candies, teas, meats, cheeses, cookware, and ingredients from the luxury end of the supermarket scale. Because it’s owned by brothers Clifford and Alex Lichaytoo who also own Bacchus Wines, you know you’re going to get quality stuff here.

My personal favorites are Argento red wine from Argentina, Valrhona chocolate from France, Skylark corned beef brisket from Wisconsin, and Lavazza coffee from Italy, which you can sample for free, freshly brewed.

Accessory Lab (Level R2)

This glam boutique was a dream project of partners Rodina Chua-Velasco and Ingrid Chua-Go (the latter more popularly known for her used-luxury-bag business Tresor and her blog (http://www.thebaghag. blogspot.com).

Their shop is like a walk-in jewelry box where you can pick the ring, earrings, necklace, or bracelet for any given occasion.

Consigners include Daphne Oseña-Paez, Janina Dizon Hoschka, Candy Dizon, Victoria & Beatrice, Benjamin Yap, and Hoopla.

They also sell raw stones and crystals for feng shui and personal luck. And don’t miss the brand-new Goyards for sale!

Elbert’s Cheesesteak

Sandwiches (Level P1)

The tarpaulin that has caused many a salivation has finally been taken down after five long months.

This “branch” of Elbert’s Steak Room has only one thing on the menu: the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Choose from American cheddar or provolone cheese, or with marinara sauce, as well as with extras like mushrooms and jalapeño. Or order with no cheese.

Prices start at P290, but that’s because you’ll get an eight-inch hoagie roll stuffed with 100-percent USDA choice-grade beef topped with chopped caramelized onions. Yum!

SoFA Retail Lab (Level P2)

You might miss this 128-square-meter space because it’s partially hidden by the boarded-up Seattle’s Best Coffee (which has yet to open).

Owned by the School of Fashion & the Arts (SoFA), the clothes and accessories sold here are from its students, alumni, and faculty members.

Aside from selling unique creations, the huge space also holds free workshops on shoe and bag design, fashion illustration, makeup, styling, and visual merchandising.

The store is a “pop-up” — meaning it’s temporary — which explains the unfinished “industrial” look. So visit now because this will close by the end of the month — and pop up somewhere else.

Giordano Concepts +

Giordano Ladies (Level P2)

One of our must-stops in Hong Kong, we’re glad this finally opened here right before Christmas.

Giordano Concepts shares a space with Giordano Ladies on Level 2 of the Power Plant, the difference being Ladies is more simple but stylish, while Concepts is funkier and younger.

Career women would love Giordano Ladies’ best-selling cardigans and dresses, while Giordano Concepts caters to trendy men and women, with best-selling jackets and shoes.

You’ll spend more than your regular Giordano store with price points beginning at P2,000+ but you’ll appreciate the cutting-edge patterns and designs offered here.

What you won’t see are the winter clothes seen in Hong Kong — no wools or down jackets — not that we need those anyway.

Royce’(Level P3)

At long last Filipinos coming home from abroad can tick one item off their pasalubong list.

Before Royce’ opened at the Power Plant last December, many of us found it necessary to hoard boxes of Nama chocolate before heading to the airport.

Now we can stop stressing as Royce’ Manila opens on the top floor right next to the chapel.

During the holidays, hundreds of shoppers flocked to the Royce’ store to fill up their Christmas lists. Not surprisingly, stocks were wiped out in no time.

The good news is, Royce’ is once again fully stocked for Valentine’s Day with two special items: the Nama Caramelizer and the Kokutoh black sugar chocolate.

Prices range from P250 for a large milk bar to P580 for a box of chilled Nama chocolate (highly recommended).

A box of Royce’ Collection containing 10 different kinds of Royce’ products will set you back by P2,100 but is sure to give joy to its receiver.

As an added Valentine treat, look out for the Royce’ pop-up store in Greenbelt 5, right next to Adora on the main level.

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Liza Ilarde is the editor-in-chief of Travelife magazine.