Liza, our cousin was in town from the US for some vacation. Last Sunday, she took us out for lunch at Edsa Shangrila’s posh restaurant: H.E.A.T. which stands for healthy eating, amazing taste.

There were five of us: Liza, Mei, Hiyas, Gina and me.

We started past 12 NN after doing some shopping from SM Megamall where Liza bought a trendy Swatch wristwatch which changes its face every hour. There were round thingies rotating slowly in sync. She got the ones with the crop circles, designs which were like the ones in Mel Gibson’s movie - Signs. (Biz idea: an armband that changes every time you move. Crop circles and other patterns would be a great starting point.)
With tummies raring to be filled, we charged the lines armed with plates and bowls. I started with Singaporean style sotanghon soup laced with beef, bacon, shrimp, squid balls and fish balls. It was hot, curryish and on the left side of the spicy spectrum. It warmed my belly just right.

My companions got some greens, a little rice and beef I think. Me, I went for the lengua, the beef spare ribs, lechon, Peking duck and a slice of roast beef. I like meat. Suffice it to say that each dish had a life of its own. While others would like to savor the pure taste of each preparation, I’d like to mix and match. Lechon and roast beef can go quite well together. Lengua should just be eaten by itself or with rice.

It was Japanese that I devoured next. Salmon sashimi and California maki - a plate full. My Filipino taste mixes soy sauce, wasabi and calamansi for the dip. Come to think of it, I think ANY dish will taste food with this concoction. But that’s another story altogether.

While I was busy in my own world, the ladies had grilled crab, grilled shrimp which my wife says are the best. Mei, a vegetarian went for the cheeses and some salad. Hiyas had her usual quiet demeanor, eating a little of this and a little of that. I think she would be full with half of my plate.
In between bites and gulps, we talked about the past present and future: Gina teaching Liza how to sing Mamang Sorbetero and Saranggola ni Pepe when they were still kids - to Liza’s routine in the States and then forward to what itinerary we would have if we were to spend two to three weeks with the kids in the US.

With my carnivorous and oriental cravings satisfied, it was time to bring in the sweet life: CHOCOLATES - of all sorts and coffee to boot! Just picture me doing the kuyakoy (one leg over the other, kicking in rhythm with a contented smile. Just heavenly.

The balikbayan and the two young ladies got taho with sago. Gina got some fruits - she does not fancy sweet things - ako lang daw hehehe.
Oh I almost forgot: I helped my self with three fruit sticks (green apple, red apple and cantaloupe) on the chocolate fondue (did i get it right?). And used the stick to wipe the chocolate off the plate and cleaned it myself.

With great company and great food, we forgot about dinner and went straight to bed.

I think we might go back there again.