New at South

It pays to have enough time when one goes to a supermarket, or any food shop for that matter. That gives one the chance to move around, examine the merchandise and definitely discover new items. While we have frequented South Supermarket in Alabang, it was only a few days ago that we went through all the gondolas, freezers, etc. at a very leisurely pace. We discovered quite a lot, which could be interesting and useful to many homemakers, specially those with foodie families.

New in their freezers are premium vegetables, artichokes at P102.90 for a pack of 210 gms; broccoli florets at P62.50 for 255 gms; and Brussels sprouts at P43 for a pack of 220 gms. In its place of origin, France, artichokes were originally regarded as medicinal for elderly people who are in a state of melancholy. Today, this is a precious thing. One discards the hairy central core (choke) and leaves the heart for eating. It is rich in iron and potassium. There is a selection of artichoke varieties, the small violet ones can be eaten raw. The young and tender ones can be served au gratin, as filling for omelettes, in salads or as garnish for cold and hot dishes.

Broccoli, like artichokes, was introduced to France from Italy by Catherine de Medici. It is one of the most popular spring vegetables. It is often cooked in olive oil, white wine and garlic. In our household, we have substituted this for the normal onion rings for Filipino beef steak. Try this, the veggie gives the dish a new taste. A lot of Chinese food also use this.

Brussels sprouts are the familiar green buds that resemble tiny cabbages. Again history says that these were imported from Italy by the Roman Legions. To prepare, remove the stump and one or two leaves around it, then wash well with water mixed with vinegar. Brussels sprouts are rich in sulphur, potassium and vitamins. They can be served after boiling with meat and some sauce (butter, cream or white). Bacon goes well with this when braised.

There, you’ve got three vegetables to enhance your food with. On the other hand, some frozen fruits are also available from South, like blackberries and strawberries. They are tagged at P114.25 and P175 a pack of about a kilo. They might prove less expensive against the fresh supply.

Other things we noted – packs of Shanghai fried lumpia, in two sizes for P50 and P90; meat loaf mix at P175.75; veal cutlets for P359 a pack of 270 grams, plus sauces that include the Heritage brand teriyaki sauce sold at P59 a bottle; Del Monte’s Quick and Easy barbecue sauce at P23.50; Gourmet Tomato-Cheese at P275. There are so many others, a homemaker actually does not need to do sauces and mixes from scratch. Ram has spaghetti sauce, either Italian or sweet for P42.50, and UFC’s sarsiado for P58.40.

Anlene, the milk for women who want to stay healthy and fit, will launch a new advocacy, Fight Against Osteoporosis, on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m at White Space, a new events venue in Pasong Tamo, Makati. That is World Osteoporosis Day, which should make women aware of their succeptibility to this condition. Prevention, it is said, is better than cure.

Some fine dining restaurants have resorted to offering packaged meals presumably to attract diners with conservative budgets but wanting good, satisfying meals. One such place is Chateau 1771 at Greenbelt 5. They have devised lunch boxes, each served on a native wooden tray with inlaid mother of pearl. One makes a choice from among the long list of main courses (10) with prices ranging from P460 to P750. With that goes the starter, a salad, soup and dessert. Whatever one’s craving is – meat, seafood or chicken – will be satisfied. Our group had Roast Duck with Cranberry sauce, done properly pink, Salmon Rockefeller with cheese and another salmon dish with garnishings of vegetables. The dessert was Cashew Meringue. Coffee was a separate charge. A total bill of P2,000 and more is complimented with a slice of Coffee Pie, which is their best offering.   

If you are a trade fair regular, mark the following on your calendar. From Sept. 17 to 20, Food and Drinks Asia will be held, while from Sept. 23 to 30, the Asia Food Expo will be on. Both will be at the World Trade Center. These are very good sources of new products and services related to food, specially for those who are entrepreneurs or those wanting to start new businesses.

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