In search of choco cookies

Sometime ago a niece gave us a box of extraordinary chocolate cookies. They were good! What can you expect when they are made of Belgian chocolates but quality and delicious taste? She said it came from Cebu, but that there was some sort of an outlet in Metro Manila. We managed to get the cellphone number of the lady who makes them, but the promised info never came. A few days ago, we flew to Cebu for a special occasion: a younger sister, who has been based there for a long time, was mounting a major stage presentation called “Women Legends,” which merits another story.

In the course of a very brief stay (about 36 hours) and with inquiries directed at the Belgian Consulate, we got the name of the store where these precious little things are sold. The paper-thin cookies are called “Dentelle au Chocolat” by Les Chocolateries, cell number 0917-6220427. There are two variants, white or brown. Rather pricey, but if you have that special liking for such delicacies, it could be worth P500 for a plastic container of 500g. They have smaller packs at P350 each. In Cebu, the outlet is Don Merto’s Delicatessen and Restaurant, at Unit 102 Ground Floor of the Banilad Town Center, telephone (32) 345-3660.

Don Merto’s is like a small version of both Santi’s and Terry Selection in Metro Manila. It sells a lot of gourmet items and serves meals. The cheese selection is varied, although they did not have Manchego at the time of our visit. Processed meats include turkey ham, turkey breast, a selection of sausages and hams. Prices are not much different from those in the big city. Other than the cookies, a sister got a pack biscotti (with almonds) under the brand Sweet Mellisa for P140 a pack of about 15 pieces. On the shelves are different brands of sun-dried tomatoes, sauces, spices and wines. Certainly, Cebu homemakers will not want for any gourmet ingredient needed to produce their Christmas fare.

Alavar’s de Cebu is a restaurant famous for its big crabs and accompanying talangka sauce. Someone remembered its old outlet on West Avenue in Quezon City. We know it was in Cebu  where it made its mark in the industry. Other than crabs, if one is wary about cholesterol, they serve fresh grilled lapu-lapu with roasted garlic. It’s a place that must not be missed. The restaurant is now located in Lahug, telephone (32) 2321808, cel number 0917-7161020. Diners can buy their special bagoong as well.

At the Mactan airport, we found piaya with ube filling at P85 a pack. Of course a lot of travelers stop by the Pasalubong stores for the pastille de leche  from Carcar, a unique biscuit from Escobido’s Bakeshoppe, found only in this terminal. Don’t buy from the first outlet you go into because, like us, you might pay more (P20) than a sister did in the next store. 

Speaking of Christmas, Starbucks has this Christmas blend which was being passed around as samplers when we had our snacks in two of their outlets (not at the same time). It is strong coffee. They also have a refreshing fruity drink as one of their new offerings. But what we would give a nine out of ten score foris to their Chocolate Nut Loaf, selling at P55 a piece, a melt-in-the-mouth moist and chewy cake.

A trip to Sta. Rosa brought us to the new commercial center around the Nuvali development. It is amazing how this erstwhile sleepy town, then called the ‘poor’ neighbor of the more progressive Biñan, has metamorphosed into a citified complex with lots of restaurants, coffee houses, and boutiques. Judging from the crowd (yuppies, etc.) that afternoon, the place has attracted residents from the town and its environs. Well and good, so now they don’t have to motor to Alabang or Makati for a cup of soothing Figaro coffee or a filling snack or meal.

Price watch. Beef sirloin is tagged at P435 while brisket is at P405. We were happy about the former which we got from a Monterey outlet. It was tender. We cooked  it in a little oil, crushed garlic, soy sauce and pepper. When nearly done, we added a few drops of oyster sauce and sliced red and green bell peppers. Try it.

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