I have always believed that there is nothing better than giving the gift of food, (next to love maybe, haha). It is a sincere gesture that evokes memories of the past and pleasant curiosities of the new. This pandemic has truly proven that to be so too. There are many on-line sellers who have unleashed their talents amazingly. Food happens to be my love language so when I’m toiling in the kitchen to send you something, it is because I really cherish you. For those who don’t like being in the kitchen, there are a lot of choices out there for those near and dear to you. I continue to do my best to search for them and share them with you all.

While birthdays, anniversaries and milestone celebrations have come and gone during Covid, we have to face the fact that the holidays are here! But fret not, there’s something for everyone. Here are some decadent creations of comfort and luxury that anyone would be happy to receive. I have also decided to share different price points depending on your budgets and relationship to those in your lists.

The Amalfitana, an olive oil lemon cake by Chermaine Cuasay De Guzman is my fave discovery of the year. There’s not one person I recommended or gifted it to that didn’t rave about it. It’s a yellow battered slightly dense and moist cake with a cream cheese icing using French butter and French cream cheese with freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla bean. Wow right? The cake is designed with beautiful sprinkling of pistachios and comes with a bottle of olive oil with rind for drizzling. Lemony, light perfect sweetness and delicious. Everyone I know, including me, have gone back for seconds and thirds! (P1,500 Instagram @craftedbycg)

Lemony, light perfect sweetness and delicious.

Another discovery is for the adventurer who likes some twists on old favorites, a must try is Bibingka Manila’s Four Cheese Bibingka. It has a melted cheese filling and a topping of kesong puti and quezo de bola and is crowned with a parmesan crisp. The balance between savory and sweet is totally addicting. (P450 for box of 6 and P675 for box of 9. Instagram @bibingkamnl)

Then there’s a whole array of a long time family favorite of ours from the Jipan Bakeshops. From premium fluffy Japanese breads, to cookies and gingerbread houses for the kids. You will definitely find something for all your price points and lists here knowing that the ingredients used are of the best quality intermingled with Japanese methods and standards.

Lastly but definitely not the least is something I have happily gotten reacquainted with. The nostalgic Melo’s Steakhouse has definitely made a comeback! For your entertaining needs, family gatherings and Noche Buena or New Year celebrations, they have got it all. Cricket Mesias who owns the BGC branch has introduced Myfoodtray, take out platters which started a year ago. She and her son wanted to offer other specialties that cannot be served in the restaurant because of it’s affiliation with fine dining but are heirloom recipes that Cricket learned from her Dad, Melo who loves to cook. Old time classics we all love and grew up with.