Considering stroganoff is hardly a family favorite, we thought of making it into beef rendang. But we lacked some of the usual ingredients, like galangang, candle nuts, lemon grass, turmeric, and lemon leaves.
Competition among retail industry participants is heating up. Note the emergence of new malls and stores, not only in Metro Manila but in big and small cities and towns outside of the metropolis. We are likewise witness to construction and subsequent opening of new complexes, as well as upgrading, extension and expansion of existing establishments, just as the variety and range of goods, locally produced and imported, have increased, giving consumers better choices. One big benefit is their accessibility to consumers.
Close on the heels of the opening of a massive commercial complex at Bonifacio Global City or what used to be known as The Fort, Shangri-la EDSA Mall recently opened its new East Wing, dubbed as the new Gastronomic Destination. Where the multi-level parking area was, there is a now a very modern six-story building housing perhaps the largest group of restaurants interspersed with shops carrying foreign and local brands.
The main entrance faces what they now call the Main Wing. It is almost right across Rustan’s Supermarket. A lady at the Concierge desk greets guests and gives a brochure which guides them where to take the lift. Each floor has an interesting name, representing the type of facilities available. On every floor are restaurants, therefore one can satiate a craving when the feet give up from moving around.
On the lower ground floor, called Everyday Basics, are art and home furnishing. The first floor, called Classic Luxury, houses electronics, jewelry and watches. Timeless Indulgences are on the mid level (second and third levels) where fashionable ladies can take their time choosing clothes, shoes, bags and more.
The fourth level is dubbed Urban Sophisticate with brand stores from the UK and the US, while the fifth is Hip and Chic where there are lifestyle novelties. The last and sixth level is a Leisure Haven featuring a spa. Each level has corresponding food outlets.
We were hosted at a sort of degustation lunch on the fourth level where four restaurants each presented their specialties. Akira, offering the art of sushi and teppanyaki, had picture-perfect tables with their sushi, tempura and gyosa, which had ample filling. Balboa, named after a character in a movie, is part of the Sumo Sam chain, so called because they are a fusion of Japanese and Uncle Sam (USA) cuisines. Lombardi is an Italian restaurant serving what is called “authentic†Italian dishes which, per its chef-owner David Lombardi, are made with the freshest of ingredients. Corazon has a delicious fusion of Filipino-Spanish cuisine, like lechon kawali with laing.
It is a new playground for people who love to shop and dine.
Consumer Watch. Subscribers to Globe Handiphones must examine their monthly bills very carefully. The bills normally come very late. Then for the last two months we were charged nearly double our usual consumption. A check at their Alabang office showed we were being wrongly debited, which would have cost us much more if we did not check each item in the statement. The staff who attended to us were, however, patient and gracious.
Have a happy Sunday!
E-mail comments and questions to lydiacastillo327@yahoo.com.ph.