I am thrilled to have rediscovered chef Florabel Co Yatco’s food. I’ve actually forgotten how tasty and easy to eat her offerings are.

 

During a meeting at Florabel’s Estancia, I was overwhelmed by the choices.

 

I ordered burrata, crispy lechon kawali, sautéed baby squid with house-made chorizo and goose liver paté.

 

As soon as the food was served, our noisy table turned quiet and all we could say was, “sarap.”

 

How Florabel manages to keep her dishes straightforward and interesting is impressive.

 

What I fondly remember about that Friday afternoon was the way we deliberately ignored analyzing the food. We just partook of it, with sheer delight with every bite.

 

The thought of the crispy liempo and the baby squid alone makes my mouth water. I can’t wait to go back and order both once more, this time with rice!

 

Blended drinks

Frappés and smoothies were a hit during my son Diego’s 15th birthday party.

 

Thanks to Torani and Café Essential Powders, you can now recreate café-style blended beverages at home.

 

I was watching how the drinks were being prepared. Nothing could be simpler. Just add a few scoops of Café Essential Powder, some full cream milk plus your syrup or purée of choice. Blend, top with whipped cream and there your have it.

 

I have worked with Equilibrium for years and have remained a fan of their entire line that includes different types of coffee, Torani syrups and purées, Dilmah teas and frappe powders. They have every conceivable ingredient a barista might need.

 

They now accept orders online (www.equilibrium.com. ph) and deliver their products to your doorstep.

 

Here are some recipes from the party you can try at home. All you need is a blender and you’re ready to go.

 

Mocha Milano

60 g Café Essentials Kona Mocha

½ oz Torani Choco Milano Syrup

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Mocha Hazelnut

60 g Café Essentials Kona Mocha

½ oz Torani Hazelnut Syrup

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Mocha Salted Caramel

60 g Café Essentials Kona Mocha

½ oz Torani Salted Caramel Syrup

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Belgian Chocolate

60 g Café Essentials Belgian Style Dark Cocoa

½ oz Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Belgian Raspberry

60 g Café Essentials Belgian Style Dark Cocoa

½ oz Torani Raspberry Syrup

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Belgian Banana

60 g Café Essentials Belgian Style Dark Cocoa

½ oz Torani Banana Puree

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Cookies and Cream

70 g Café Essentials Cookies and Cream

½ oz Torani Caramel

3 oz Milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Matcha Green Tea

70 g Café Essentials Matcha Green Tea

3 oz Milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Strawberry Smoothie

30 g Mocafe White Chocolate

1 oz Torani Strawberry Puree

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Banana

30 g Mocafe White Chocolate

1 oz Torani Banana Puree

3 oz milk

12 oz ice cubes

 

Process in a blender. Top with whipped cream and garnish as you wish.