Discoveries

In the course of our market research and in the pursuit of being an efficient homemaker, we have logged hundreds of hours in food outlets big and small, far and near, in small towns and cities. Inevitably, we make return visits to some establishments, just as we would have a look-see of new branches of chain stores. More often than not, we make some welcome discoveries such as updated inventories, new brands/variants, more attractive packaging and, of course, ever increasing costs. We did the rounds again these last few days and happily spotted several new finds.

Discovery 1: Puregold on Zapote Road, Las Piñas. If the chain didn’t get into the headlines nearly a month ago, we probably would not have decided to visit one of its branches in the South, even if some housewives had been giving us positive feedback, specially on the quality of their meat. The one-level structure painted the familiar green and gold is neat and well lighted. The staff are gracious and helpful. They accept all credit cards. This is a one-stop shop where one can get food stuff, kitchen utensils, home and personal care products, appliances, VCDs and DVDs, planters and furniture.

Our finds: Goldilocks’ new products. We have always enjoyed their polvoron (with cashew nuts or pinipig), but housewives preparing baon snacks for their school kids might want to get some of their Fun Bites (with cheese or eggs) at P7.75 a pack of 35 gms, or Pic a Pop (popcorn, of course). Monterey liempo for lechon kawali is at P180 a kilo, Shanghai lumpia mix at P175 and pork steak at P175. The house brand meat cuts include beef shank (P160), T-bone, P250 and sirloin (P245). In the freezers, we noted Purefood’s new processed meat line, Vida, including sweet ham (P40.50) and Ma Ling’s packed beef hotdogs (P52.25). From China is a collection of plates, saucers, platters and bowls, white or the attractive sets in blue and gold peacock design, from P15 to P168 per. If one has extra money, it may be a good idea to start buying the latter, keeping them in reserve as housewarming, birthday or Christmas gifts.

Discovery 2: At Santis at the Filinvest Festival Mall in Muntinlupa,we always find something special or unique every time we’d drop in. Recently, we were searching for canned anchovies in oil (for our new pasta sauce). They did not have this, but an enterprising saleslady referred us to an alternative–semi-preserved anchovy paste, made by La Monegasque in Lambese, France. The tube has about 100 gms of the paste which is made with virgin olive oil and costs P226. One does not use much of this, as it would render a dish rather salty. What we need is a hint of the subtle flavor hence this tube can be enough for cooking from three to four dishes.

We also got a carton of Arnott’s (Australia) 100% natural Vita-Weat crisp bread, truly a delectable choice. It’s almost paper thin, malutong to the bite and ideal for morning coffee with cheese or any dip/spread. It is 85% wheat grains and therefore healthy. If supplies last, shoppers at Santis may take home a small cookbook from Asian Home Gourmet highlighting the region’s cuisine. If you intend to make the recipes you have to buy the mixes and spices which are specifically mentioned for each dish. You can choose from rendang curry to clay pot rice. Go slow–do not pour all the contents of each packer into your pot, as you might find the dish too spicy.

Discovery 3: Available in almost all the supermarkets are packs of three-in-one coffee which must be taken chilled, very practical and the least expensive alternative to those cold coffee drinks offered by coffee houses. We first spotted Great Taste coffee caramel and soon found out that other manufacturers have produced different variants. There’s Anchor’s Mocha and also a line from Hershey’s. Price range is between P7.40 and P7.45 per. Great Taste also has powdered flavored coffee like Mochachinno in boxes of 5 packets at P59.10 each.

Go on your own ‘safari’ to all the food stops, there’s always something to discover and enjoy. Happy browsing–and buying!

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