There's no way I'll be on a ranty mood today. It's the first day of the Christmas month and SI just turned 6 months old! The past 6 months have been one hell of a ride most especially for a two-time newbie mom like me. How time flies really fast particularly when you're having fun. :) So much fun!
The Celebrant: 6-month old SI
Just like last month, we also celebrated SI's special day with some special food. (Read a related entry regarding SI's 5th month feast.) Today's treat somehow adapted a "Malabon Specialties" theme as JF and I found ourselves craving for pasta and cake from two of the best homemade food shops in the area. Although not as commercialized as their counterparts, these stores already created quite a buzz for themselves because of the specialty food items they offer. It's equally a great delight that they remain to serve Malabon locals for a number of years despite the huge probability of being successful in other nearby cities in case they wish to move or branch out.
The Cake
What's a birthday without a cake? I would like to think that this baked goody defines the celebration. While most people choose Goldilocks or Red Ribbon as the default all-occasion cake supplier, I would rather try smaller shops which produce extra special pastries. That is why for SI's 6th month, I ordered from Malabon's oldest cake shop, Betsy's Cake Center, which has been in operation since 1962.
SI's 6th month cake from Betsy's Cake Center
SI's 6th month cake is an 8"x12" orange chiffon cake sinfully smothered with white icing. I can't rave enough how delicious this creation was. The white icing does not have an overpowering sweet taste just like the sugar flower decors. The chiffon underneath is so soft and will remind you that it tastes like another of their specialty, the Lady Fingers or Broas which Heny Sison, a celebrity pastry chef, described as "dreamily perfect on its own." Just in case you're a sweet tooth and you happen to drop by their shop, you'll instantly call Betsy's a dessert haven since they also offer other yummy pastries such as cream puffs, egg pies, ensaymadas, pianonos, etc. Not to mention, they also have Pinoy meals in the menu in addition to the desserts list.
The Pasta
When one hears Malabon, pansit would instantly come into mind. Yes, if you want the authentic type, visit our humble city and you won't have a hard time finding a flavorful one. However, for us locals, devouring on this specialty does not need an occasion, thus, for today's special celebration, JF wanted the made-to-order Spaghetti Bolognese by Chef Archie of Bechamel Gourmet Food Corner. The tray was over-flowing with everything - pasta, ground beef, sauce and Parmesan cheese! Also included were two styro packs containing several slices of SJ's favorite, the special garlic bread. Yum-mee!!! Truly worth the amount that JF had paid for.
Loaded Pasta: Spaghetti Bolognese created by Chef Archie of Bechamel Gourmet Food Corner
I remember discovering this small home shop when JF and I came from a nearby funeral parlor! We were walking back to the car when we passed by Chef Archie's warmly lit shop with a display cabinet full of mouth-watering brownies. I wasn't able to fight the urge. I gave in and I am glad that I did. Since then, we were hooked and we became loyal customers. One by one we were able to try his various pasta specialties aside from the pastries. I love his version of Spicy Cheesy Spirals and Pasta Marinara. He also makes fierce Cheesecakes with the New York Cheesecake as my top favorite.
Keeping the hassles of flooding aside, living in Malabon also has delectable perks. With a handful of mom-and-pop food shops around, definitely, you'll never run out of affordable yet scrumptious choices. Mentioned in my blog post yesterday, you don't need to dig deep into your pocket in order to have a superb time. I couldn't agree more.
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