Monthly Archives: May 2017

Churros and more at the La Maripili Churreria

23 Tuesday May 2017

Posted by in Food Glorious Food, Noshes in my Neighborhood

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Churros — crisp and delicate outside, soft and buttery inside. When dipped in thick, hot Spanish chocolate, ooooh is all I can say. Churros bring me back to my childhood when I’d spend afternoons with my Dad at La Cibeles on Mabini St. in Ermita or at Dulcinea beside the Rizal Theater in Makati. Theirs are the standards by which I measure the churros in today’s churrerias.

And I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy afternoon than sitting by the window of a cozy and homey churrería, watching the world go by and enjoying crisp and buttery churros dipped in warm, rich, dark chocolate?

I like the churros at La Maripili. They’ve got what for me is the perfect crunch and light doughiness and buttery flavor. Unlike the heavy-handed doughy mixture that’s compensated for with flavored sugary sprinkles served in fast-food churro outlets. And you have your choice of the delicious churros — classic, filled, sweet, and even savory. I munched first on a dark-chocolate-coated churro, while going through the list of churro choices in the menu. Do I go with classic churros and an accompanying dip? Which dip — dark chocolate, Suizo chocolate, or salted caramel? Hmmm, I want to try them all! But, for now, I tried Suizo. Lovely! But I prefer it WITHOUT the whipped cream.

They also offer filled churros — Catalan cream, chocolate and chili mousse, dulce de leche, and more — as well as churros with savory toppings like Jamón Serrano or Chorizo and honey! And if that’s not enough to make my head spin, they also have churros with your choice of coating — dark chocolate, dark chocolate with flaky sea salt and olive oil, white chocolate, strawberry, mango, and hazelnut! Arg, I want to taste them all!!!

Obviously, one visit is simply not enough. I came back a second time, this time to try their other fare, such as their choices of Huevos dishes and their pastas. Although the chorizos and jamón serranos were generous, I do wish there were more huevos than queso in their servings. If there were, then it would really be great breakfast fare, washed down with yummy Spanish chocolate. And I do give two thumbs up for their Mac & Cheese, with its triple-cheese bechamel (gouda, cheddar, and mozzarella) and the addition of chorizo and a dash of chili. I could easily finish up 2 servings of this — really good! And the fresh-baked, perfectly toasted breads that accompany these are excellent, created by their master bread baker Chef Bruno Tirel.

On the downside, though — we found out only too late after we had run up a hefty tab that they do not accept credit cards! What restaurant that’s been up and running for about a year now does not have credit card amenity? I would have appreciated it if the cashier or the manager had told us beforehand. Thankfully, we had enough cash among us to pay for our feast.

But all that aside, if I were jonesing for churros, La Maripili is my “pili” (choice in Filipino).

If you want to know more about churros, read about it at http://theprisma.co.uk/2011/07/17/churros-a-secret-history/

La Maripili is at the ground floor of the Sykes Bldg., at the Alabang Town Center. For reservations, contact +63-905-5187422 (not that you really need one as it is seldom full). Another branch has opened at the Ayala Malls the 30th in Pasig.

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Remembering the Butterfly Iced Tea

16 Tuesday May 2017

Posted by in Flashback

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In the midst of this intensely hot and oppressively humid summer, my thoughts turned to iced tea. Not just any iced tea, but… the legendary Butterfly Iced Tea.

Those of my generation would know what I’m talking about. That sweet, frothy, and refreshing iced tea concocted at the Butterfly Restaurant — by day, the watering hole of golfers along U.P. Diliman’s long University Avenue, when there used to be a large golf course there, and by night, a folk house where the hippies and musicians of the 60s and 70s loved to play and hang out. I don’t remember which hole the restaurant served as I’m no golfer, but I do remember my avid golfer uncle, Tito Mars Allas, once or twice took us kids there and I had my first taste of that delightful iced tea.

Allmytea Iced Tea à la Butterfly

With this summer’s heat index rising to around 41°C (105°F) and humidity at ridiculous levels, I turn to Allmytea Iced Tea concentrate to fix myself an à la Butterfly Iced Tea. Of all the iced tea products, this for me approximates the taste of that iced tea concoction of my youth.

It is recommended to pour 1 part Allmytea concentrate to 6 parts water, but I just usually wing it. What I do is pour a mixture of Allmytea and water 1:2 into a thermos or any long sealable container filled with lots of ice cubes. Then I close it tight and shake it vigorously like Tom Cruise in “Cocktail”. I pour that icy, foamy mixture all into a tall glass with the right amount of cold water and more ice and drop in lots of lemon slices. Ahhhhhhh, that’s what I call an almighty refreshing drink! Take that, summer!

I usually find Allmytea iced tea concentrate at the Landmark Supermarket.

Let’s Talk Tacos at La Chinesca

05 Friday May 2017

Posted by in Food Glorious Food, Mexican Food, Noshes in my Neighborhood

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From the name to the food, this place defies expectations in a most delicious way.

When I first heard of a hidden gem named La Chinesca, I immediately thought it was just another Chinese food joint. To my surprise, I learned that it is actually a Mexican taqueria owned by Chef Bruce Ricketts. Odd name for a taqueria, I thought. But it seems that La Chinesca is a real neighborhood in the Mexican city of Mexicali and is historically the home of the largest Chinese community in Mexico. I’m not sure how Chef Bruce Ricketts chose La Chinesca as the name for his eatery, but it is said that it is in Mexican food he is at his happiest and his training in Japanese cuisine helps make his Mexican concoctions extra-special.

Yes, there are tacos and tostadas BUT DO NOT expect the usual Mexican fare. Chef Bruce wields his amazing creativity and culinary finesse in all that he puts out. From the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted (the sprinkle of sichimi togarashi gives it that unexpected and addictive punch on the palate), served on a traditional Mexican molcajete (volcanic rock mortar)… To each and every taco and tostada! Of course you’ll find the familiar Carne Asada and Carnitas — done perfectly, which goes without saying — but he has come up with other exciting and toe-curling delicious combinations as well. You simply have to try the other extraordinary toppings and fillings, such as: Tripitas Taco — beef intestines, watermelon, chile de arbol, onions, and cilantro; Chivo Taco — Barbacoa-style goat a la plancha, jicama, sesame, salsa verde, and feta; Guisada de Res Taco — stewed beef shoulder, tongue, bell pepper, rice, and pinipig; Pulpo Taco — octopus, garlic and cilantro purée, potatoes, and salsa burracha; Tuna Tostada — Fresh raw tuna, doubanjiang mayonnaise, lime and orange, Maggi, onions, and peanuts.

And many many more, depending on the availability and freshness of the ingredients they procure. It isn’t an absolutely fixed menu, so expect a delicious surprise with every visit. And don’t forget to ask about the off-the-menu menu. You just might luck out and get Lamb Barbacoa, served with eggplant and aguacate (i.e. avocado) purée that day!

La Chinesca is so coy, so secret that there is no sign that indicates that this is it! I have attached a map to sort-of guide you where to go in BF Homes. It’s right along Aguirre Avenue, the restaurant strip of the South — coming from the BF main gate from President’s Avenue, just go straight on. After Elizalde St., be on the look-out for Amalia’s on your right side. That will be where you’ll find La Chinesca. It’s a tiny place — with just 5 or 6 tables plus stools at the counter — that serves BIG flavors! Andale, andale!