Clueless

Once again got a call from good friend PDG but was rather surprised how frustrated she sounded that day.  She asked if I was free, which I usually am, because she was so annoyed by something.  We decided to meet and since she was already in the Diliman area, and I am aware that her mom loves Paella, I asked if it was alright with her if we tried a small but very neat place in Maginhawa Street in Quezon City that serves Paella, Sancho Churreria Manila.

The place is no more than probably 4 x 6 meters but is cozy and polished.

And I love the way their cakes look: rough, just the way I like it.  Kinda looks like a cake your grandma would bake for you, to be served at the porch of a little house on the prairie.

We ordered what we went there for, Paella.  The serving could be shared by 2 or 3 people, however, don't be deceived by the picture as the pan is just around 6 inches in diameter.  Those are just regular-size spoon and fork.

I am no expert when it comes to Paella.  I do not know what it is supposed to taste and be like, so I will have to quote (paraphrased) PDG on her verdict:


"Nothing fabulous but good enough for the price of P 240.00.  It has ample amount of seafood in it though I would have preferred it without the chicken.  I also like the rice used."



But before we were served the Paella, which took roughly 30 mins (quite long but good enough indication that they cook it only when ordered), we decided to try my all-time favorite Sans Rival and Brazo de Mercedes.

Unfortunately, the Sans Rival didn't measure up to my expectations.  It was supposed to be layers of crunchy meringue sandwiched with butter cream and sprinkled with cashew nuts, theirs is somewhat like hard bread sandwiched with butter cream and sprinkled with (over)roasted nuts that tasted like burnt monggo beans, reminded me of ginataang monggo that mother used to cook.  As regards the Brazo de Mercedes, I liked the meringue roll as it is not that soft but I am kinda indifferent with the custard filling.  I like that it was not that sweet, but I didn't like the texture, somewhat like mashed potato.


We also had a pitcher of Fresh Fruits Shake (banana (i think), mango, papaya and something else) which was refreshing enough, though it warmed even before we're done eating.

PDG didn't want coffee which we usually have after dinner.  Instead, we went to Tia Maria Cantina in Katipunan for (her) dose of alcohol.  We had a pitcher of Zombie and a plate of Cheese Fajutas.

Because it is located in QC's university belt, it was expected that the place was filled with raucous teeners squandering their rich parents' dough.


It was again a fun night of chat, although I went home with a sore throat, numb ears and without knowing why she was so pissed in the first place.