A big (dirty) Salad Bowl

It is pathetic how the stretch of C. M. Recto, a block from Divisoria Mall, has been turned into a dump site for the mountainous refuse from sidewalk vendors who can not be convinced to leave the street. Cruising along on an early morning, we were struck by the sight of mounds of bruised cabbage leaves, carrot peelings, rotten tomatoes, ubod bark and everything one can think of by way of vegetables, thrown into what a family member described so graphically–a salad bowl, a dirty salad bowl!

Adding to this unsightly picture of today’s decaying society are the scavengers, digging for what they can salvage and eat. There was one garbage truck, but that would never be enough. Fronting the mall, the street is as clogged with merchandize, leaving hardly any space for vehicles and even people to traverse. Can "BF" Fernando succeed in disciplining and convincing the vendors to move into the markets? Seemingly, he is having a very difficult time. In the meantime, crowds will multiply and health hazards such as heaps of litter will continue to be carelessly thrown into the streets, without regard for the shoppers’, scavengers’ and even their (the vendors’) welfare.

Finally we were told that regional manufacturers of food stuff will be having their permanent display area in Metropolitan Manila. By the time this column comes out, that center should have opened at the Kalayaan Hall at the back of the Quezon City Hall. This has been long awaited by consumers whose appetite for unique specialties from the provinces has been whetted during the many food fairs held in the city.

At the recently-held Asian Ethnic Food Fest at the World Trade Center, we were referred to the "Trendiest Products" display, which featured some very attractively packed items, worthy of world-class attention. Basically these are meant for export and hopefully, will add to dollar earnings of the country. Of those exhibited, we noted the microwavable plastic trays with lids containing delicacies such as buko pandan, kutsinta, suman and bibingka produced by Grehgers, which have a shelf life of 6 months. When finally approved for export, these kakanins will finally go international.

We did not realize that the people of Bataan have done well with their processed fish products until we encountered Bataan’s Best and the group called Lingap-Dagat based in Balanga. Happily they avoid using MSG. Their offerings range from vacuum-packed smoked tilapia to crispy dilis in microwave safe plastic containers. The ladies manning the booth told us they’d be at the Kalayaan Hall. Look them up.

Rosa Foods is based in Kalibo, Aklan and they have this super jumbo longaniza (nearly a foot long) at P85 per. Aside from meat products, they also manufacture pickles and a line of pica-pica including chips and crispy shrimps. Also part of the Trendiest Group is the new offering from Seachamp, Boston-style Clam Chowder (very good) and Cream of Shrimp and Broccoli, selling from P70 per in various outlets. New is the Turkey Ham Leg from Maxinne’s, at P300 a kilo. They are in Mandaluyong City.

In Quezon City, at the corner of Data and Matimyas, is Malou’s Cakes and Nuts, which has been well received by trade fair attendees. The lady baker has injected the flavor of ginger into her brownies and we must say, they came out very well. A collection of a dozen of her vari-flavored sweets costs from P80 per. Also carried are a variety of nuts–almonds and walnuts from P100 a kilo, among others.

Still unavailable in Manila are the products of Savor de Silay (Negros). The lady behind the kitchen has concocted a trio of spreads: Jalea de Tomate, Marmelada de Cebolla (onion marmalade) and Salsa Manga, all smooth and perfect food enhancers or spreads on their own. Like the very popular lumpiang ubod from Negros, this is one of their outstanding food products. Take pride in what is Filipino! 

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Lydia D. Castillo’s e-mail address: [email protected]