Another one to visit

In our effort to give our readers as much information as we can on food outlets, we have been lucky that we get assistance from people who shop, who volunteer their own discoveries. Such as this one, which was handed to us by our second daughter Mina and which would require a visit.

Poco Deli, which should mean “small deli,” originally situated in Pasig Kapitolyo, is now found in the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Our research confirms that Poco Deli was initially envisioned by the owners to be a neighborhood deli, but apparently it has been so successful that a branch had to be established in Makati. They produce artisanal (a word that is currently being used by quite a few food creators) sausages patterned after those from Germany, comfort food and cakes. All are Philippine made. We must indeed pay this place a visit. The outlet in the Ayala Triangle Gardens can be contacted through tel. no. 805-6229.

Malls and  supermarkets around town are currently undergoing renovation. SM in Zapote Road, Las Piñas is one of them. On our recent visit, we were happy to find their Prestige Lounge, which surprisingly is a large area manned by an amiable lady. The place has lots of black-upholstered comfortable chairs and tables, plus newspapers to read. Needless to say it has the “little room.” This is a relaxing place for shoppers with tired feet. Here they welcome Prestige Card holders.

Meralco is apparently playing a game with its customers. One day, they’d announce a rebate, then a few days after, they would impose another increase on their rates. What are they trying to do?

Price Watch. We noticed an escalating price of prime commodities. Magnolia chicken has gone up to P132 a kilo. In one store they were having a promo sale with individual whole chicken with a pack (about 500gms) of cut-up pieces. Leeks go for P87 a kilo. There are three grades of Sinandomeng rice, meaning one can choose which his/her budget allows. This type of rice is actually ideal as its quality is between the premium and the lower grade. Native garlic ranges from P200 to P300 a kilo. But we prefer this because of its natural “kick” and stronger flavor. Our prescribed drink, Anlene, now goes from its usual P500 plus to P640 a big can of 400 gms. It is sold in two flavors, original and chocolate.

Can you imagine our Philippine adobo acquiring a Middle-Eastern flavor? Well, try adding a pinch each of caraway, cumin, tarragon, nutmeg and cardamom, plus slices of capsicum (red and green). This recipe is preferably with chicken livers to give it a real Mid-Eastern texture.

In Festival Mall, the Muslim vendors are still there, contained in an area on the fourth floor. They are good at repairing broken chains, necklaces, etc. at minimal cost. Be sure, however, to have a strong resolve to resist (if you do not have the budget) her incessant plea that you buy her South Sea pearls.

We have received some very disturbing news about the sale (by some food outlets) of “warm” meat and chicken. Customers were told these was due to fluctuating voltage or poor power supply. Must they not make sure that freezers are at the ideal temperature? Likewise, that supermarket which checks the ATM card of a customer (for “their limits”) before swiping the cost of one’s purchase must change or abolish this policy. In the first place, as claimed by the store supervisor, we have not actually heard of a limit in ATM balances. To top it all, this man blames a faulty system of BPI. If so, why doesn’t he or the store management report or make a complaint to the bank?

Choose the store you go to. It might save your life and your anxiety.

Have a joyful weekend.

E-mail me at [email protected].