All You Need is LOVE

Forget the calories! Here's a list of places where you can devour worth-it calories!


1. SPICES (Manila Pen) - Spices, at the Pen is a favorite. Why? Their black dahl is to die for. I totally love Indian food, but the place does not serve Indian food only but other Asian fares as well. I also like their Malaysian vegetable stir-fry. The prices are steep (2,000-3,000 for two), but food is fabulous, service, excellent!

2. KASHMIR (Pasay Road) - Can you tell that I'm really into Indian food? If you want great Indian food, this is the place to go. (I've eaten in Bollywood, but I still prefer Kashmir.) I love their Eggplant and cheese dish (sort of like a stew) and their breads! For those who go to American Women's Bazaar, their stall is always a hit! Prices are moderate (1,000-1,500 for two), and the ambience is quite authentic.

3. BELLINI'S (Marikina Shoe Expo) - This place feels like home. I like that it is tucked away in Cubao, and that the interiors don't match and that Roberto kisses European style (on both cheeks) and that he is the only guy my husband kisses on the cheeks. This is where I go for my Italian comfort food. I pick out a plate of appetizers, (Uge loves the salad that Roberto fixes right before us), order my favorite pasta, Spaghetti Bellini (Manu likes Contadina), order a glass or 2 of Chianti, and finish off with their Orange cake. The clientele is a wide assortment of people and the atmosphere is very, very relaxed. There is live music, c/o a blind folk singer, and at one time, a magician that goes around showing off his tricks. Years ago, Roberto was wooed by the Ayala group, and he reluctantly set up a branch at the Greenbelt Food Choices, but it didn't work. One cannot capture the Bellini's experience fast-food style. It just doesn't work in Makati. I looove this place, the people (Roberto and Luisa, and their very hospitable staff), the food, the warm atmosphere. (Php 600-900 for two)

4. CYMA (Boracay, Shangrila Mall) - We went to Greece for our honeymoon, and we fell in love with the food because of its simplicity. Thank God for Cyma. No more craving for Greek food, we can just rush to the mall and get our fix. I so love their swordfish (seafood) souvlaki and their plate of assorted appetizers. My sister Olive loves the seared tuna salad and the clam angel hair pasta. My dad loves their lamb chops. I brought my whole family and the Fteha gang (my mom's brothers and sister, who make great hummus, so they know their meditteranean food) and they had a great time. It is a great place for those who love good food and don't mind sharing family style. It is always full, so reserve ahead especially if you're a big group. (php 700-1,000 for two)

5. SUGI (Greenbelt) - I've always enjoyed eating in Sugi. Love their spicy tuna appetizer. Everything in this place is good. I like japanese food because it is fairly healthy, and the ingredients have to be fresh. I adhere by the Okinawa diet because it makes sense and it is healthy. If it's Japanese you're craving for, you'll never go wrong with Sugi. (We also go to Tokyotown, or Japantown, by Makati Cinema Square for great, authentic Japanese food.) (php 700-1000 for two)

AND NOW FOR THE VALUE FOR MONEY EATS!

1. Serye - Filipino comfort food
2. Gerry's or Dencio's - Family style Filipino feast
3. Omakase - better than Teriyaki Boy
4. New Bombay Indian Restaurant - Potato croquettes and Bombay dahl, a must
5. Pancake House - Yummy golden waffle
6. SOM's - Thai food for practically nothing
7. North Park - Chinese comfort food
8. McDo and Jollibee - McDo fries and sundae, Jollibee's Bangus belly

BUON APPETITO EVERYONE!