The carnival is gone

But the fun will linger on. That big dome, an institution called Fiesta Carnival, bade its regular patrons ‘goodbye’ from its original location in the Araneta Center, Quezon City, on which has risen the new, sprawling (more than 25,000 sq. m.) Shopwise Araneta, launched a fortnight ago with a cheerful carnival a la Cirque de Soleil, promising to continue the family paseo concept, highlighted by one-stop shopping and snacking, to those who have made a habit of spending their leisure time in that area.

What would draw the crowds are basically the medium-priced merchandise from fresh foodstuff to houseware and garments, and the friendly (attentive) service, hallmarks of Shopwise stores (Alabang, Libis and Makati). We made our way to that part of the store where the fresh and frozen food are. The aisles are wide; in fact, by our estimate, a car can get through. That makes moving about with a loaded kart very easy. Happily, this visit enabled us to cook kare-kare for the family this weekend. Having missed this dish for quite a while, still we had to put it off for the last two weeks, because ox tail commanded a very stiff price in some supermarkets (nearly P400 a kilo). Here it is tagged at P249.25. Other meat offerings include beef neck at P132.25 a kilo, knee cap (which we cannot do without for nilaga, no matter the cholesterol) at P114.75, boneless brisket at P188.75 and T-bone steak at P219.75.

Scallops in shells are available at P314.75 a kilo, ulpot lapu-lapu (the fair-skinned one) at P209.75 and shrimp (suahe) for P400. Magnolia chicken goes for P95/kilo which is P5 cheaper than at wet markets. At the vegetable section, onions are P27.75 (red) and P23.75 (white). By this time, we needed to rest our feet. We found the dining area, where there are tables and chairs for those who want to take some snacks. We noted My Kitchen, which is actually a space with a stove and a sink, ideal for cooking demos.

Lined up in this area are food stalls, including Leoning’s Kitchen that serves palabok and Asian Food Express that sells Chinese fresh lumpia and cuapao, each for P45.We found an old acquaintance Rolly, manning the A Bite of Italy outlet, where one can get tasty pizza in the original paper-thin crust, flavorful sauces (for pasta) and the new panzerotti or Italian dough (empanada-like) which goes for P50 a box of 6 pieces. The pizzas come in an ideal size (solo), from P40 to P50 per. Try the Margherita or the vegetarian. There’s more: flavored oils, pickled vegetables, even wines.

There’s ample parking for Shopwise clients on the second floor of the structure, good for at least 400 cars. It should make shoppers happy, since they won’t have to struggle with the crowd in this very busy complex.

Last week, we motored to Tanauan, Batangas but prior to going to our relatives’ house, we dropped by the market to get some tawilis. We got there in time to get the last 5 kilos of this rare and much-desired little fish. Price has gone up to P160 a kilo from the original P120. Could be we appeared like we were city folk. Anyway, it made for a great meal, fried crisp and served with a salad of tomatoes and sibuyas bombay. Tawilis can also be cooked as pinangat with dried camias.

In Barangay San Francisco, Tagaytay City, we discovered the new concoctions of Rowena’s–ube and mango tarts. Delicious!! You can call them at cellphone number 0920 908 0318.

Back at BF Parañaque wet market, we can always depend on Yolly to have fresh kandule from Biñan. This time we got it for P150 a kilo. We chose four small ones and two medium-sized fish. The former we made into daing (marinated in vinegar, lots of garlic, salt and pepper) and the latter we cooked as dinilawan (with coconut milk, turmeric and sili leaves). Truly great comfort food.

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