Holiday Repast

Christmas is celebrated in an infinite variety of ways, but there is one universal truth-- a lot of eating is involved. And food just seems so much yummier with good friends around.

During this stretched out festive season, a few new finds were made:

SAM WON
Driving down BF Homes Paranaque's main vein, it soon becomes evident that either locals love Korean food or there are just A LOT of Korean locals. Because there are A LOT of Korean restaurants... and Korean parlors... and Korean boutiques... and Korean groceries... and Korean churches... and Korean-invaded schools.

Joanne and I chose Sam Won at the corner of A.Chioco to energize us for our wedding prep day. Despite its nondescript exterior... and interior, a renovated 80's house like most establishments dotting Aguirre Avenue, our bibimbop and bulgogi lunch truly was mashinun.


RED KIMONO
Christmas dinner with the Zobel gang was at the month-old Red Kimono at Westgate in Alabang. The Better Than Buffet promo was certainly the draw. How could one go wrong with eat-all-you-can Japanese for just P535?!!!

I confidently plunged into the challenge with Celso as my tag team-mate. Sharing is allowed so long as you each fully consume a bowl of rice and clear out the dishes. Layered Spinach and Tofu, Gyoza, California Crunch, Hot Shot Roll, Wasabi Oyster Tempura, Sukiyaki, Green Tea Halo-Halo and Banana Katsu... HA! Chicken!
www.redkimono.com.ph


COUNTRY SUITES
Finally I got to go to traditional December 24th breakfast with Gia, Tope, Liza and Jokjok. Discovery Suites' quaint Tagaytay property boasts of 7 fully-serviced suites along with a fantastic vista of Taal Volcano.

It can also be proud of their Restaurant Verbena's breakfast buffet menu. We all ended up coveting Liza's Crunchy French Toast stuffed with Nutella and Strawberry Preserves, P290.
www.discoverycountrysuites.com



MR.MOO
I discovered a treat for driving wedding cakes to Tagaytay: Mr.Moo for a lactose fix. Two kiosks are along the Sta.Rosa road, one going and another heading back. Well, that really depends on where you're coming from, doesn't it? Ok, so they have one on each side, both much closer to the ridge than farther.

They have hand-squeezed cow (P85/L.), carabao (P125/L.) and goat's (P163/L.) milk, and an impressive selection of milk products (kesong puti, goat's/ricotta/herbed cheeses, yogurt, candies, sauces, shakes... goat's milk soap). Best darn pastillas around! No sugar coating to distract from the unparalleled pure quality, and available in several flavors. Bottles are packed in ice to make sure they make the trip, but I usually down my pasalubongs even before hitting SLEX again anyway!