Of Tests and Discussions

UNILEVER
Passing by Bonifacio High Street’s Crocs Store window, you surely won’t miss a grinning Batali orange clogs-sporting standee--- that’s my good friend Joanne Limoanco, big shot chef. Ever since she became head of the Unilever Food Solutions culinary team, I had been wanting a visit to their huge kick-ass test kitchen. Finally, an official invitation.

A handful of industry practitioners were called in to the sprawling UN Avenue facility to evaluate products as part of their regular External Benchmarking or Panel Testing. It was impressive how methodical and precise the process was, almost clinical. Several variations of an item are presented, then the same samples but in application: 4 saucers of mayonnaise in slightly different formulations, followed by 4 saucers of those in a macaroni salad. The increments in flavor and mouthfeel may be subtle or distinct, so you may find yourself at times needing more than just a dainty lick. Not so glamorous after all. But it is a comfort to know that products valuable to our everyday lives are analyzed and appraised so earnestly.


And the best part… for our trouble, we got to go shopping for as much Knorr products as we could carry AND BEYOND!





BIZU
I have always been in awe of all that Bizu has made of itself. The first time I entered this French-style bistro, I almost cried. I was so inggit! Its high ceiling and purple&yellow Alice In Wonderland-striped walls are very chi-chi. But more than the furnishings, my eyes feasted on the gorgeous cakes and pastries, perfectly done. The macarons!

So when Alex Tanco called last thursday, I traveled many rush hour kilometers to Makati. As part of a series of casual Focus Discussion Groups or FDGs at Bizu Patisserie’s flagship store at Greenbelt 2, the Tanco family gathered Bizu aficionados and a few of Alex’s former teachers at Benilde to seek feedback regarding the totality of the Bizu experience. Out came course after course, expertly whipped up by Alex at the helm, capped by their anchor desserts. My top faves are the Orange Confit and Chicken Salad, Fish Burger, Mushroom Ragout Sourdough Sandwich and the 10-Hour Roast Beef. The new Goddess cake is one of the most refreshing combos in mousse- raspberry, passionfruit and white chocolate.

So it’s not only me out taking polls.

Yes, we got goody bags too!!!