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The Petron gas station by the EDSA entrance of Dasmariñas Village in Makati has become a popular detour to refill our car tanks and tummies. There is UCC Café for coffee breaks and Va Bene Restaurant for an authentic Italian fare. Both establishments have their own pull, but there are other notable shops in the complex luring people in with their own specialties. Coconuts Manila lets you in on the delicious dishes you might have missed.
1. Raclette Japanese Cheesecake from Karen’s Kitchen (P895/6-inch)
The newly renovated pastry shop makes some the metro’s best pastries, including the Red Velvet Cake that owner Karen Young has made popular. Not to be missed are Karen’s cheesecakes, which is one of the lightest cheesecakes you’ll ever have. The newest is this sweet-salty creation. It’s a product of many experiments and now that she has perfected it, we are to benefit.
Karen’s Kitchen; G/F, Petron Dasma Bldg., EDSA corner Antonio Arnaiz Ave., Makati; +63 2 5550555, 5550111
2. Hampanada from The Plaza (PHP75)
The Plaza is known for its glazed hams, which you can purchase whole or in slices according to your preferred weight. You can also dine in or take home a hamwich, which uses a classic or whole wheat pandesal and your choice of sauce. An alternative snack is the hampanada, where a generous amount of minced ham sauteed in a sweet sauce is stuffed in a flaky puff pastry. Yum.
The Plaza Premium Baked Ham; G/F, Petron Dasma Bldg., EDSA corner Antonio Arnaiz Ave., Makati; +63 2 8908446, 8434267
3. Mango Parfait from Cuerva Bakeshop (PHP100)
Its famous Mango Torte is available in two sizes, 11-inch and 14-inch, perfect big parties. But what if you simply want a slice? Go for the Mango Parfait instead. A big cup is filled with mango pudding, whipped cream and crushed torte crust. I suggest you thaw and thoroughly mix to enjoy.
Cuerva Bakeshop; 2/F, Petron Dasma Bldg., EDSA corner Antonio Arnaiz Ave., Makati; +63 2 8440966, 8448278
4. Rice with Boneless Paksiw from General’s Lechon (PHP250)
Negros Occidental’s version of lechon has been feeding many happy campers for years now. With this shop, people can enjoy its flavorful roast pig, alone or as a group of 20. Aside from the roast pig, it also has Boneless Paksiw in bottles. It also serves paksiw as a set dish with warm white rice, bottled water and sliced salted egg.
General’s Lechon; 2/F, Petron Dasma Bldg., EDSA corner Antonio Arnaiz Ave., Makati; +63 2 4086850, 9665099
