If I come out of isolation a little chunkier, no one can comment on it. I did it in service of you all to try out what’s delicious among the kitchens that have set up shop on Instagram and other online platforms.
I noted before how every craving imaginable can be satisfied with a simple DM. Now, I bring you a list that focuses on the food shops that offer dishes and treats you thought could only be eaten if you dressed up for it. I’m talking about food that’s restaurant-worthy, without the need for reservations. I’m talking about homemade recipes delivered to your door like you’re royalty.
#1 5Topaz Kitchen Shepherd’s Pie
I first got lured into ordering from 5Topaz Kitchen by their Adobo Flakes. Crispy and pairs well with just about anything, they’re perfect on top of 5Topaz Kitchen’s Shepherd’s Pie. You get a soft and buttery mashed potato layer over a rich mix of meat and vegetables. It’s filling and can be served alone. You may also do it as a side to your evening feast.
It says it’s good for four to six persons. But that’s only if you control your portions. With no one around, you can finish this alone. I remember eating my way through this from lunch to dinner.
Fun fact: 5Topaz Kitchen is by the same people behind the clothing label Randolf.
#2 Kurimu Premium Handcrafted Ice Cream
Do you know what it’s like when you go to a fancy, much raved about Japanese restaurant with a varied main course menu but only has one item on the dessert list? You’re skeptical as to why they only serve one thing: ice cream. But when you get this said ice cream in a tiny cup, you realize: Why would they need to offer anything else?
This is what I associate with Kurimu’s handmade selections. They have three flavors. Their Matcha is made from authentic Uji Matcha, while they roast the seeds for the Black Sesame themselves. The Shoyu Caramel is “a little more difficult to make because it requires fitting a distinct flavor like soy sauce to [match] well within the context of ice cream. Even the timing and temperature is crucial to the deepness of the flavor.”
#3 Theo & Brom Gooey Ganache Magic
Someone said: Nothing is better than a rich chocolate cake. Theo & Brom replied: You’re mistaken. It’s better when you cover that chocolate cake with goo made from 100% Davao tableya chocolate.
I don’t eat this cake a slice at a time. I savor every two to three spoonfuls I have for dessert. Even the tiniest serving is going to be an overload of chocolate. Pro tip: Store this in the freezer and serve it with hot coffee.
In time for the start of the gifting season, you can get the “Made For Me” size (180g). It’s the baby version of the regular Gooey Ganache Magic Tableya Cake of 730g.
#4. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse T-Bone Kit
I could barely calm down when this T-Bone Kit was delivered to my house. You get a THICC slab of steak, sides, a house cocktail, and Canadian bacon. The kit is so well-thought-out, you even get a small container of salt to use for your steak. Remember: The right salt can make all the difference.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse saw how people would love a steak dinner that doesn’t require anything else except a trip to your kitchen. No need to wade through traffic and to fix everyone else’s schedule. You don’t even need to change your house clothes.
All you need to do is call up the nearest Wolfgang’s branch, and you’ll get to make your steak the way you want it. They also offer their other star menu items as DIY kits. For your at-home celebrations, you can also look into Wolfgang’s contactless catering and private chef services.
#5 Astrid’s Table Crab Fiesta Platter
What makes this seafood boil different from the rest of the catch? It’s the sauce. Astrid’s Table drenches their seafood platters in a sauce made of coconut milk, aligue (crab fat), and secret spices. It alone can be eaten with your rice. Not that you won’t be devouring the fresh Chilean Black Mussels, shrimps, and the huge Curacha crabs.
#6 Shop Italy PH Risotto Balls
For my birthday feast, I created my grazing spread by ordering from Shop Italy, the sister of Galileo Enoteca. Think of it as access to an Italian pantry to get your fill of cheese and cured meats. You can customize your graze box or get everything you need for a top-quality pizza and pasta night.
They also serve up authentic Italian dishes you won’t find anywhere else. A stand-out from my birthday picks are these Risotto Balls. It’s an Italian dish, known as Arancini Di Riso, that features the goodness of deep-fried cheese.
Photo courtesy of @wolfgangssteakhouseph
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