Because time is precious, the Christmas gatherings I chose to attend this year were ‘curated.’ But I most enjoyed the sit-down lunch we had at the ageless Ilustrado Restaurant where I even got to meet the daughters of the owner, Beatrice and Bernice Pimentel who act as general manager and chef de cuisine, respectively.
The occasion was to introduce Ilustrado’s Holiday Tienda offerings.These are the special food-to-go items perfect for potluck gatherings with family and friends this season.
If there’s a dish that Ilustrado is known for, it’s their paella. We definitely recommend their Paella Ilustrado consisting of meat and seafood like prawns and mussels. The arroz is the stuff dreams are made of..so rich and flavorful. A tray good for 8 persons is only P1295.
They have other kinds like Paella Marinara (all seafood) – P1395, Paella Negra, P1250; Paella Bacalao, P1500; and Paella Barcelona, P1500 per tray.
Worth looking at are Ilustrado’s signature dishes ideal for households who are too busy to cook this Christmas. The delicious and fork-tender Callos Madrilena will surely impress the guests (P1380 per tray) as well as the Chicken Relleno (P1650 at 1.5 kg. per piece).
They also have the Twice-cooked Angus Beef Shortplate (P2220 per tray). The Adobong Bagnet with Taba ng Talangka was sinful but oh-so-good! (P1500 for a serving good for 8 pax)
The desserts are equally mouthwatering. They have these reasonably priced cookies, brownies and wreath breads. This glorious-looking chocolate fudge cake will surely delight those with a sweet tooth.
The other cakes in the line-up are Baked Cheesecake, Christmas Eggnog Cake, Red Velvet Cheesecake and Rosed Watermelon & Lychee Bavarois – all priced at P1250.
Good for gift-giving are their homemade dips and dressings. We loved their Cheese Pimiento Spread (p175) and Chimichurri (P190). They also have Spicy Cheeseball, Boursin Cheese Spread, Gourmet Tuyo, Malunggay Pesto and Tablea Chocolate, among others.
The list goes on! Noodles and meat carvings…name it and Ilustrado has it. Pastas, palabok, turkey, prime rib, ham and even cochinillo.
Visit Ilustrado at 744 General Luna Road, Intramuros, Manila (527-3674, 527-2345); Café Ilustrado, 4th Level SM Makati (818-6760) or Pasteleria Ilustrado, 2nd level, Alabang Town Center (0919-845-9503) or email caterings@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph. We also advise logging on to http://www.deliveryguy.ph/ for the easiest, hassle-free way to order your Ilustrado goodies.
Bon appetit!
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