Christmas recipes from Maya Kitchen
MAKE your Christmas spread merry and bright with these three The Maya Kitchen-tested recipes: Marseille Seafood Soup, Lechon Belly with Bacon Saffron Rice Stuffing, and Mini Bibingka. Marseille Seafood Soup is a light and flavorful French soup that’s versatile enough that can include your family’s preferred seafood — shrimp, squid, or clams — which comes out with a cheery ochre color from saffron powder. As Noche Buena may be a bit pared down this year, ordering a whole lechon seems too much for a single household. Opt to prepare Lechon Belly with Bacon Saffron Rice Stuffing, which combines the juicy tenderness of pork belly and the crispiness of lechon, plus some earthy and sweet saffron rice stuffing surprise. To round out the Christmas feast, why not prepare a medley of Mini Bibingka in ube, buko pandan, coffee, or chocolate flavors. These recipes and more can be found at www.themayakitchen.com. Like and follow The Maya Kitchen on Facebook @MayaKitchen and Instagram @TheMayaKitchen1.
Krispy Kreme’s Winter Wonderland doughnuts
KRISPY Kreme has come out with Winter Wonderland doughnuts featuring classic snowy holiday characters and ornaments. Available until Dec. 31 only, the doughnut designs include Rudolph (a salted caramel-filled doughnut topped with pretzels and a red candy nose), the Polar Bear doughnut (white chocolate and Iced Kreme filling), the Holiday Sprinkles doughnut (hand-dipped in red or green glittergelli topped with golden sprinkles), the Cranberry White Choco doughnut (hand-dipped in white chocolate topped with nuts and cranberries), the Holiday Tree doughnut (it comes in either KitKat Green Tea or chocolate variants), the Holiday Wreath doughnut (double chocolate cake with chocolate cream cheese Icing, chocolate curls, Vanilla Kreme filling, cherries), and Santa Claus doughnut (hand-dipped in white chocolate, colored sugar coating, and Iced Kreme filling). These start at P55 a piece at Krispy Kreme stores now, or have it delivered by calling 2-888-79000, ordering online at now.krispykreme.com.ph, GrabFood, foodpanda, or LalaFood.
Mrs. V redefines a traditional Christmas
MRS. V Restobar offers special grazing boxes and a holiday-set menu from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31, 2021. The handcrafted grazing boxes range in price from P1,300 to P1,900 and include wines, fresh fruits, pastries, cheeses, and cold cuts. While there are pre-made boxes available, customers can also create custom packages based on their budget and preferences. These are limited edition boxes that will only be available for this holiday. Pre-order these glazed boxes through the restaurant’s social media pages. Mrs. V Restobar is also known for its Filipino-Spanish meals and the holiday menu highlights its best-sellers: Wagyu salpicao; tapas such as Plato de tapa frias, Plato de quezo; Salted egg tapenade and assorted canapes. These dishes can be paired with any of the restaurant’s selection of wines from reds to rosés to whites. For orders and reservations, contact Mrs. V Restobar at 6682-71211.
US meats available at weekend booths
US Meats will bring in the holiday cheer with their special weekend booths on Dec.12 and 13 at the Glorietta Activity Center, as well as Dec. 19 and 20 at The Block in SM North EDSA, and their continued presence in local restaurants. For those looking to prep their own homemade meals in celebration of the holidays, US Meats is available in groceries in the form of Johnsonville Sausages, SPAM, and Evergood Sausages. For those who like to go out and eat together at the mall, they can enjoy these premium pork and beef options at Burgoo, Yabu, Soban K-town Grill, Marugame, Outback Steakhouse, Teriyaki Boy, Pepper Lunch, Big City, Yoshinoya, TGIFriday’s, Number 1 Barbecues, Conti’s, and Jinjoo Korean Grill, among other restaurants. Customers should remember to keep those receipts for an extra treat, as anyone with a receipt worth at least P500 of US Pork or US Beef dishes from restaurants or US Meats products from supermarkets can hand them in at the Glorietta and SM North Edsa — The Block booths to redeem a special holiday present. Any receipt from Dec. 1 to 20 will be eligible. There will also be a photobooth and menus that can inform visitors about other offers. These booths will have a health check and face mask and shield requirement for all who enter, will maintain social distancing guidelines, and provide a designated sanitation area with all the necessary equipment.
‘Sparkles of Hope’ at Crimson Hotel
CRIMSON Hotel Filinvest City lit up the holidays with sparkles of hope, love, and inspiration through its virtual Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 18. The hotel’s gallery was transformed into a luminous festive spot, reusing old decorations and creative installations made out of recycled materials by the upcycling artist Jevie Pagpaguitan to keep the Christmas spirit alive. In line with the Sparkles of Hope Christmas theme, Crimson’s CSR initiatives will be focused on those who have been affected by the pandemic, including its employees and their families. Proceeds from the festive offerings and a portion of the sales from the unique plant pots made by Jevie Pagpaguitan will be donated to them. One can now enjoy the hotel’s signature menus, festive goodies, and pastries at home. Guests may choose from an a la carte menu selection from Café Eight or buy the whole set with appetizers, main course, and desserts. This season’s holiday treats and hampers for the kids and the kids at heart are available for take-out or delivery. For gift-giving, pastry-lovers may check out new pastries and flavors from Baker J. Or try out Firehouse Pizza’s Christmas cocktail collection on-the-go. Bulk orders for intimate or virtual Christmas parties are possible with Take Eat Easy — Crimson’s food delivery service for corporate requirements or out-of-hotel events. Christmas Eve dinner, reunions with friends and family, or milestone celebrations can be accommodated in any of the hotel’s private dining areas. On Dec. 11, the Crimson Club Lounge on the 28th floor will be open for diners for a four-course dinner with premium cut steaks, appetizers, and desserts. For more information on holiday promos or reservations, visit http://www.crimsonhotel.com/manila/ or call 8863-2222.
Get free pasta with Yellow Cab take-out
AVAILABLE until Dec. 31, score a free regular Chicken Alfredo Pasta — a creamy pasta topped with chicken strips, olives, and basil chiffonade — with a minimum spend of P749 in ala carte orders of Edge-To-Edge Pizza at Yellow Cab. This deal is exclusive to take-out, curbside pick-up, and drive-through orders only in all Yellow Cab stores nationwide. Order online at delivery.yellowcabpizza.com. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/YellowCabPizzaOfficial/. Meanwhile, to cut down on holiday stress, Yellow Cab suggests ordering in advance — and getting a free pizza to boot. From Dec. 1 to 21, place an order through Yellow Cab’s online delivery website, and enjoy a free 150ml bottle of Yellow Cab’s signature Red Pepper Sauce with your free nine-inch pizza of choice; choose between classic Pepperoni or a BBQ Chicken pizza. The promo is available exclusively when orders of products worth at least P999 are placed online, with delivery dates scheduled on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1, 2021.
Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Christmas
CELEBRATING Christmas is a little different this year but you can still create memorable moments with loved ones and enjoy the season safely and joyfully with Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ holiday offerings. Have a scaled-down Yuletide get-together in with an intimate banquet event at Richmonde. For as low as P1,000 nett per person for a maximum of 10 persons, get a plated lunch or dinner meal with one round of iced tea, coffee or tea (upon request), basic sound system, projector with screen, and special Christmas tokens for the attendees. Function rooms will be adorned with holiday-themed ornaments. For even smaller groups, one can opt to hold the get-together in one of Richmonde’s guest rooms. This Private Dining Experience starts at P3,500 nett for two persons and includes four hours of in-room dining between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., and set menu choices for breakfast, lunch or dinner meals. Rooms that can accommodate up to four persons are also available. Meanwhile, home celebrations with the family are convenient, worry-free, and festive with Richmonde’s Holiday Bento HotBoxes. Available for takeaway and delivery, these packed meals heat up in an instant for one’s dining enjoyment wherever one may be. Choose from a selection of Yuletide dishes good for one to two persons such as Grilled BBQ pork ribs, Marinated grilled beef belly, Seafood paella, and Osso bucco for as low as P1,000 per order. For bigger groups, HotBox Platters of Grilled beef belly with German sausages, Lemongrass roast chicken, Pan-seared salmon, Grilled baby back ribs, Roast pork belly, Tuna steak and Chicken BBQ are available starting at P2,500 per order and are good for three to four persons. All offerings are served with mixed vegetables and a choice of rice or mashed potato. For larger parties at home or at the office, Richmonde’s Holiday Party Trays have generous servings for six to eight persons starting at P1,500 per tray. Choose from a selection of dishes like Skewered chicken inasal fillet with salted eggplant ensalada, Grilled salmon with dill cream sauce and haricot beans, and Grilled beef with peppercorn or wild mushroom sauce. The hotel also has baked goodies such as Revel Bars, White Chocolate Caramel Cake, and a pack of assorted white cranberry, rocky road, and peanut butterscotch cookies. Its signature breads and pastries like the Richmonde Ensaymada, Richmonde Chocolate Cake, Pistachio Double Cream Cheese Bread), Banana Walnut Bread, Cinnamon Cluster, and Salted Swirl are also available. For a gift there is the Holiday Hamper consisting of an assortment of Richmonde’s all-time favorite freshly baked items, with a bag of ground coffee, a bottled juice drink, and a pack of tablea tsokolate in a seagrass basket and priced (P2,500). Advance orders are required with 50% deposit and a 48-hour lead time prior to pick up. These holiday items are available until Jan. 5, 2021. For inquiries, banquet reservations, takeaway and delivery orders, call 8638-7777. Orders may also be made online at www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph via the website’s e-commerce page.
Gift boxes from Naked Patisserie
NAKED Patisserie wants to make sure that Christmas is still festive and enjoyable with the launch of its latest Holiday collection of desserts, gift boxes, and giveaways. The pastry shop specializes in making premium bespoke cakes, gift sets, spreads, wines and other food using naked and quality ingredients. Known for its signature Strawberries ‘N Cream, Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffle and sweet and savory Holiday Snackers, Naked Patisserie has new flavors and boxes to try this Christmas including The King’s Crown (P6,950), a moist chocolate ganache cake finished with edible gold and Ecuadorian sugar roses; Strawberries ‘N Cream Wreath Cake (P2,850), a moist strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting surrounded with premium strawberries, sprigs of rosemary, and edible gold dust; the Luxe Chocolate Ganache Christmas Cake (P2,950), a chocolate ganache cake finished with Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles, ripened strawberries, sprigs of fresh rosemary, and edible gold dust; the Choco-Berry Drip Cake (P4,150), a moist chocolate cake covered in rich dark chocolate ganache and finished with dark chocolate drippings, chocolate ganache, crushed Oreos and premium imported berries; a Luxe Whiskey Set (starts at P6,545) which includes one’s choice of Naked Patisserie cake, Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles, and Johnny Walker Black Label Whiskey; the Luxe Wine Gift Set (starts at P4,145), with one’s choice of Naked Patisserie Cake, 12 Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles, and sparkling wine, rose, white or red wine; the Savory Holiday Snacker (P3,950), a grazing box shaped like a Christmas tree with cheeses and cold cuts, and 10 Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles; the Sweet Tooth Holiday Snacker (P3,950), with French Kiss Cookies, French macarons, Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles, candied almonds, Chocolate Covered Pretzels and more; and the shop’s Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles which come in boxes of The truffles come in three, eight, or 16 pieces (P260 to P1,250). Order online through www.nakedpatisserie.com, online store http://store.nakedpatisserie.com/ or message them on Viber at 09454685141 and/or 0965-139-6609.