Realizing the need for access

Realizing, perhaps, the need for access to their outlets, more and more establishments have spun out with branches in various sectors of the metropolis.

Commuting from one area to another has been problematic lately. The poor condition of the roads, the always heavy traffic situation, not to forget the many undisciplined drivers and, most of all, the ever increasing cost of fuel/gas or diesel. All these contribute to the agony of motorists, thus they tend to avoid the challenge of driving to distant places. Realizing, perhaps, the need for access to their outlets, more and more establishments have spun out with branches in various sectors of the metropolis.

One of these is Pink Berry, the company that reinvented frozen yogurt in the US almost two decades ago, infusing it with fresh seasonal fruits. After its opening at SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig sometime ago, they have put up a branch in Greenbelt. A few days ago, to the delight of residents in Alabang, Muntinlupa and its environs, Pink Berry opened its latest outlet at the Alabang Town Center (ATC), on the Corte de las Palmas area. Quite a delight, for those who like to cap their meals with this healthy concoction, or a refreshing snack.

Then an authentic Vietnamese kitchen has moved from the far and narrow road in the interior of Tagaytay to White Plains in Quezon City. We remember driving to Tagaytay one night, almost giving up because the place was so isolated. We persevered, however, as we wanted to have a truly Vietnamese meal. We did have a delightful dinner, but visiting it again was most improbable. The place is Bawai’s Kitchen, now located at 79 Katipunan avenue, Quezon City. It is a Vietnamese lady who manages it (with husband Virgilio) and does the cooking in the kitchen. She is Yong, who must have been a very pretty lass when she was young. Bawai is Vietnamese for grandma.

Actually, our first taste of a Vietnamese dish was at a restaurant quite a long time ago, managed then by a young culinary lady called Grace. She introduced, in her restaurant, chao tom, minced shrimps skewered on sugarcane sticks. It came with a sweetish sauce. This is one dish one must not miss when dining in a Vietnamese restaurant and it is offered at Bawai’s. Vietnamese cuisine involves using fresh ingredients, with natural flavors. We are anxious to try again the curry ga. Bawai’s can be reached at tel. no. 885-1445/442-9974.

Over at the E-Com Center in SM Mall of Asia, we missed attending the Burger King Battle of the Stacks, a challenge to those who can eat the most number of burgers in one sitting. We wonder how many would the winner have eaten, as he/she gets P50,000 reward. Burger stacks are made to order sandwiches of flamed grilled beef patties, melted American cheese, crispy bacon and the zesty BK sauce in a toasted sesame seed bun. Mouth-watering, and we will certainly go to the BK outlet the next time we crave for a burger.

Rustan’s at Evia offers the best monthly bargains to home cooks. They have quality meats at a buy 1-take 1 promo. Recent offerings included imported beef spare ribs at P559 a kilo, which we divided into two portions to make into pot roast and caldereta; beef shank bone-in for P339 a kilo, which we halved with a brother and Wagyu beef burgers for P428 a kilo, ideal for breakfast. Outside of this program, Rustan’s has a retinue of excellent staff, who make one feel like she or he is personally assigned, as they’d guide the shopper from one section to another, assisting in pushing the carts.           

Eat well this Sunday.

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