I grew up in Laguna. Eating puto, kakanin, harvesting veggies and fruits from our backyard garden and having clothes made by a dressmaker were the norm.
When I moved to the city, I loved the energy and how whenever I needed anything, I could get it fast and easy. I could buy puto or other kakanin from the grocery or I could also shop for vegetables at an organic market. It’s also a breeze shopping for RTW at any department store or order pasta through a delivery service, however, fast doesn’t always equate to quality.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to make my own puto, I just want a good puto and maybe have house dresses made by a local dressmaker.
Here are some of my current favorite things:
Isla Cafe by XO 40 Bistro’s Puto, Century City Mall, Makati
In my opinion, Isla Cafe by XO Bistro makes the best puto in the metro! The secret is that they use purely rice flour (as suppose to mixing regular flour)—it makes it soft, moist (the texture is almost like a cake) and when refrigerated can last up to three days. Aryanna and I could finish six assorted puto in one sitting! Perfect for tea time too.
When buying at their free-standing store, don’t feel awkward when the sales staff calls you Señorito or Señorita since it’s part of their customer service. Look for Joy if you’re at their Century City Mall branch.
Tip: To re-heat, steam the puto.
2. Isla Cafe’s Sapin-sapin & Malaubeng Panaginip, Century City Mall, Makati
Yes, these kakanin are also from Isla Cafe by XO 46 Bistro Filipino. Sapin-sapin is my favorite all-time kakanin. Their version is TDF! The halayang ube with leche flan or Malaubeng Panaginip is the bomb! Nothing compares.
3. Fresh produce from our backyard
Our new home has a sprawling lawn and backyard and we’ve been gardening. Last weekend, Tom bought a few plants and herbs to grow. The calamansi and green chili plants were already with fruits so we picked a few. Nothing beats growing your own vegetables and fruits!
4. Tropical print fabrics
I was walking through the mall with my daughter Aryanna and our feet led us to the fabric section of Glorietta. I saw some beautiful printed Japanese Cotton (super soft and light) and decided to buy a few yards. I want to have house clothes made. I will update you on how they turn out.
5. Cafe Ilustrado’s Machito Pasta, SM, Makati City
Machito Pasta is Cafe Ilustrado’s signature pasta. I always order it whenever I’m SM, Makati. It’s whole wheat pasta with beef tenderloin strips, shiitake mushroom, garlic, olive oil & Worcestershire Sauce. Ang sarap.
I’m missing the province. I always thought of myself as a city girl but there is something charming, cozy and easy about country living. Someday…
Comments 2
Hope Isla Cafe and Cafe Ilustrado will have branches here at Quezon City, either at Trinoma or SM North (main, the block, and @annex, or at Ayala-UP Techno Hub, so we can also have a taste of their yummy goodies. I’m also a lover of kakanins, the putos, sapin sapin and halayang ube, especially the malaubeng panaginip, I think it is really “a bomb”. I love pasta too, especially, olive oil based and preferably the veggie ones.
Thanks much for your post.
I’m Rose
Got intrigued by the pasta dish. Can u pls recreate it since i have no idea what it taste like. Thanks!