Inspired by a monsignor and an actress

In suburban While Plains in Quezon City, there is this bake shop called Monsees. The owners were inspired by a religious person, a monsignor, thus they coined the brand Monsees. Their very popular hand-rolled sticks come in different flavors. Initially the owners started making leche flan and fruit cake, plus Spanish bread. The store expanded and underwent some refurbishing. It now sports the look of Meryl Streep’s shop in the movie “It’s Complicated.” Have a look, they are on 118 Katipunan.

Monsees’ baked goodies include, other than the sticks which cost from P70 to P120 a pack, special breads at P10 per, ensaymada for P70 each, pistachio loaf at P130, apricot and goat cheese loaf for P120, potato bread with olives and feta cheese at P145.

They also serve coffee and pasta dishes, such as lasagna for P225, chicken relleno for P165 and a selection of special meals.

With the holiday season fast approaching, food orders are accepted – Iberian chicken with uncooked weight of 1.5 kilo for P950, callos at P2,000 and lengua at P1,500.   

Residents of Imus and its environs will be happy to know that the Magnolia jumbo chicken, weighing an average of 2 kilos, is now available at Monterey Power Meat Shop, a franchisee of San Miguel. It is sold at a few pesos less than the price in supermarkets.

Likewise, if you want a good crown roast without spending much on lamb, get the pork at around P220 a kilo. Ask the butcher to tie up your required number of ribs, allow two per person.

 Here is a recipe for a sumptuous roast. Thoroughly rub the pork with a mix of mint sauce, lots of crushed garlic, and dried rosemary. Let stand for a while or refrigerate overnight.

When planning to serve – about 3 hours before, pre-heat oven to 210 degrees centigrade. Put the crown in a baine marie or deep baking tray. Pour the sauce, olive oil, beef broth and wine. Roast. After 30 minutes lower temperature to 170 degrees. Turn when top is brown, bathe it in the liquid, continue roasting until meat is done. You can serve grilled kalabasa cut in wedges as a side dish.

Remember the Belgian lace cookies that were available only in Cebu? No trip to Cebu would be complete without this as pasalubong. No need to make that trip anymore! They are now available in Sweets Galore (cell no. 0917-8800117). The cookies come in three sizes – 300 gms for P380, 500 gms for P540 and 600 gms for P640.

They also have chocolate and oatmeal cookies, and sylvanas. They are normally at Mercato on Sundays. Their outlet called Les Doux in Muntinlupa is in the Alabang City Arcade on South Super Highway, at the corner of the entry road to Alabang Hills.

 In the same store is the distribution center for a much in-demand item, Nathaniel’s buco pandan salad which originated on the highway leading to Bataan and Baguio. This is available in small containers at P260 per and big ones at P480.

This place is actually a haven for sweets and desserts. They have tibok-tibok at P150 and P250, sapin-sapin at P225 and ube halaya for P130.

Because the kakanins spoil easily, they are not available at all times. Deliveries are made fresh and one must call first to ensure the supply is available. It is advisable to pick up orders immediately. Call 668-1829.

For years we have heard of and supported women empowerment. Businesses acknowledging women’s efficiency have them as top honchos. Globalization of woman power has happened.

To reinforce this, the Women’s Business Council Philippines, affiliated with We Connect International, will hold Women Connect Conference Part 2, Mentoring Session on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at PTTC. 

The group, led by Chit Juan, has been attending summits in various parts of the world, and now will share lessons learned to help strengthen leadership potential with the rest of the women in the Philippines. Call 813-1028.

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