Egg-citing

Now after lunch last week, while dad was buying the little boy's bribe, er present at Toy Kingdom, Tita O snuck off to Lord Stow's Bakery "to buy something." What happened next was I saw Hubs carrying a bag that contained a box of these egg tarts.
Now when I first heard of Lord Stow's Bakery was when it moved into the Madison Square neighborhood in Greenhills. Everyone knows that little piece of land is, um, malas or bad luck. Greenhills is supposed to be lucky for the Chinese because it is the "Dragon's head or tail," vely, vely auspicious location. Perhaps Madison Square is on the dragon's Adam's apple or tonsil or something. There was the vegetarian joint, Bodhi, before it closed down and became Panciteria Lido, and that also closed down. Then there was Bambi Sy-Gobio's Kooky & Luscious, which became a barbecue joint, but standing there now is a California Berry. The only thing that stayed in business there has been Teriyaki Boy, one of its first branches, I believe. Even the Kodak there closed down.

I do not like egg tart here or there

I do not like it anywhere!

So when Lord Stow's opened, I figured, it too, would close. So when it didn't, I decided to come in and taste one...I mean, egg tart? Chocolate tart, yes. Pecan tart, oh yes. But egg?

Say! I do like egg tart here or there

I will eat them anywhere!

I do like egg tart Lord Stow

Thank you, thank you now I know!

It says you must eat them within 6 hours of purchase or put them in the ref for up to 3 days...sounds a little fishy to me...they hardly last that long in my house...

Lunch with Joe and O

We went to family lunch on Sunday at Casa Armas at the Podium. Now for some die-hard aficionados, some say that Casa Armas is not as good as it used to be, especially after its owner Jesus Armas, (who was good friend of my auntie's) died a couple of years ago.

Segueway story: Jesus Armas flew to Spain to visit his brother who was sick and unfortunately got into a car accident while he was there, pity.

We used to go all the time. When we would go to the Malate branch my dad would always give a little extra to the serenaders so they could play his favorite Spanish songs by tableside. The Podium branch is closest to home so its the most frequented although I did try the Jupiter branch and it was God-awful.

We would pre-order the Iberian chicken, the crabs and sometimes, on a special occasion, like a birthday, the cuchinillo they would cut up with a plate.

Now we just enjoy the tapas and the sangria which is absolutely the best in Manila (I believe because it packs a punch, no pun intended). The gambas is hands down the best I've ever had, with its plump, juicy prawns, perfectly browned garlic and little slivers of spicy green chili- its great to dip the bread into this! Other faves are the bouquerones (fresh anchovy) and the angulas (baby eels), but now the former is bad for my hubby's gout and the latter seems like a sin to eat.

Segueway story: Hubs and I went to Spain for our honeymoon in 2001 and Dad's only bilin was angulas from El Corte Ingles. We went to the supermarket section and couldn't find the angulas anywhere. We had to ask where it was and it turned out to be each can of angulas was kept in a special plastic case that had to be unlocked before purchasing. It was about 25 euros for one. When we told dad, he said not to buy anymore. I think we got him a couple.

Casa Armas Podium is newly renovated, giving it an airy, family-friendly feel. The little boy enjoyed running around in there! On Sunday, we only ordered tapas: jamon Serrano, 3 orders of gambas, salpicao and garlic rice and chicken croquettas. I had some pieces of the salpicao cooked well-done for the little boy who didn't want to eat at all and was sans nanny. Reluctantly he did eat it and with the garlic rice (which he never tried before; he calls all veggies "decorations").

The gambas was as good as ever as was the salpicao. I let Hubs have all the chicken croquettas since I believe he was feeling deprived (no boquerones, no Spanish sardines, no chorizo...all his favorite...) I realized this day that most Spanish food is not good for gout...nor for picky little boys who only like beef and not "decorations"...

Casa Armas Podium

+632.687.3370

Starbucks Surprise

Have you tried the big chocolate chip macadamia cookies at Starbucks? They are perfectly moist and crunchy at the same time, exactly the kind of cookie to satiate any cookie craving. And for 55 pesos, quite a steal considering you didn't have to buy the ingredients and make it yourself. (I've often thought of how wonderful it would be to receive a box of such decadent bliss...)

I decided to treat myself to one the day after Valentine's day. Upon paying, the barista congratulated me for winning a customer voice receipt.

Wha?

Ironic of its name, its an extra long receipt that tells you to take an online survey of their service and as a thank-you, it gives you a customer number that you fill in the receipt, and when you bring it back to any Starbucks you get a complimentary tall beverage of your choice. Oh happy day!

So I did it. It asked questions like if the people at Starbucks were happy and friendly, if the establishment was clean and inviting, and if the barista recognized me or any of the group I was in in by the type of coffee drink that was ordered. People at Starbucks must think you look like a big cup of coffee.

So after visiting the same Starbucks a few days later, around lunchtime, Shaz bought her new favorite, Peppermint Frap while a cute little barista with a tray full of mini samples came out and offered us to try the new Honey Orange Latte. With a little dollop of whipped cream on top, it was heaven, especially compared to the recession coffee we've been buying due to its incomparable price of 12 pesos (anyway, the vendo coffee I get is still Roast & Ground. It says so on the front).

That little pick me up was so delicious in fact, that when I claimed my free coffee, I ordered it.

Sometimes good things really do come in small packages because when I got my tall version, it seemed it was a big cup of whipped cream and orange milk with just a hint of coffee. I usually would complain and ask for a new one, but I got embarrassed as I didn't even buy this one.

So that's the last time I'm buying, I mean, drinking Starbucks. At least with the recession coffee, you know you get what you pay for!