Is your gift list complete?
We are unfortunately hampered by lack of efficient and trained kitchen assistants this season, because our two “angels” went home to their respective families after spending a few years with us. So our private kitchen is in semiretirement. We are simply very thankful that there are many good and reliable food suppliers in the city, plus the availability of some homemakers who take the opportunity to make extra money during the holidays. So we are not worried.
Food, to our mind, is the best present to give. There is something for the whole family. To start with there is Santi’s which carries the most premium items, from honey-cured Christmas ham, chocolate pralines, Christ Stollen, pastas and sauces and yes, wines. Santi’s also has gift baskets and crates.
There is Millie Reyes, whose American Virgnia ham is the ultimate in its category. It never fails to elicit ahs and oohs from any foodie. There are the baked goodies of Conti’s. They cater too.
There is the trio of Zialcita sisters who call their outfit Burp Ladies and who produce the most delectable Spanish-inspired dishes plus beautiful handmade table accessories – coasters, glass rings, etc.
One special fruitcake every Yuletide season comes from the ovens of the lady JuD Lao, whose fruitcakes are much awaited. JuD has been baking for 40 years and her fruitcakes, in many variants now, are can we say, institutions. The quality of her products has been maintained. The collection now includes Kahlua-infused loaf, ginger cookies and chewy chewkies, which are actually cookie versions of the fruitcake. Her atelier gives seasonal work to neighbors and students. Call 633-1188 or contact www.judfruitcakes.com.
Here is an addendum to our piece on the Code of Sanitation for Food Handlers. A reader, Felix Aguto, has noticed that some food servers, after going to the washroom, do not wash their hands before going back to work. We always endeavor to choose a table away from this room, so we have been spared this. We then call the attention of managements and staff of eateries.
Still it’s going to be a joyous season!
Food, to our mind, is the best present to give.