Yummy

http://www.yummy.ph 91 December 2016CAZUELA G/F TheSapphire Bloc, SapphireRoad, Ortigas Center,Pasig City (mobile no.:0995-5510424)``````MUST-TRIES Gambasal Ajillo (P328), Chorizowith Clams (P264), Cernoal Horno (P395), PaellaCazuela (P358), VealCaldereta (P708), LambSkewers (P388), KesongPuti Cheesecake (P220)``````THUMBS UP For easyholiday parties, turn toCazuela. The restaurantcan accommodate upto 60 people, and offerscatering services, too.IN A NUTSHELLChorizo with Clams(top), Gambas alAjillo (right)``````Cerno al HornoNestled among the pubs in Sapphire Bloc’srestaurant row, Cazuela serves what theycall “Spanish colonial cuisine”—a menuinspired by the Galleon Trade, with flavorsfrom Spain, Latin America, and Asia makingappearances. Think salty chorizo, amber-hued paella,and grilled meats paired with sangria and cerveza—all tweaked to please the Filipino palate. It’s a headymix that ought to tease the taste buds of anyonelooking to tour the flavors of the Iberian countrysideover a power lunch or after-hours dinner.Start with tapas such as the Gambas al Ajillo andthe Chorizo with Clams. The first—plump shrimpsdrenched in spicy olive oil and fried garlic—will whetyour appetite between bites of bread. The latterfeatures a small mountain of Manila clams and saltyhomemade chorizo chunks tossed in a cazuela.Make sure to scoop every last bit of the sauce fromboth appetizers with your bread, or spoon it overwhite rice.From there, move on to the heftier dishes. Pickthe Cerno al Horno: luscious and crispy pork bellyarranged in a delicate stack topped with strips ofbacon, mango salsa, and alfalfa sprouts. Look outfor the chorizo de Bilbao stuffed inside. And, whileit’s served with a side of rice and white beans,SPANISHTREASUREFamiliar yet festive flavors stand outin Cazuela’s Spanish-Filipino spread.REVIEW BY RYAN FERNANDEZsave room for the Paella Cazuela, a houseversion of the popular Valenciana. You’llfind bell peppers, boiled quail eggs, strips ofmeat, and shrimp in this classic. A serving isgood for merely two to three people, so youdon’t have to miss out on this rice dish evenif you’re dining with just a small group. For ataste of home away from home, order the VealCaldereta, a comforting stew featuring meatthat’s been slow-cooked in tomato sauce untilit falls off the bone. The Lamb Skewers willhit the spot with familiar flavors—it’s meatgrilled to juicy goodness, best enjoyed withmint sauce.For the coup de grace, Cazuela serves amean kesong puti cheesecake made withcheese sourced from Laguna. A thick slab ofcheese—not tart, but mildly salty—toppedwith whipped cream and sweet meringue,and drizzled with salted egg caramel sauce,the dessert calls to mind leche flan withevery spoonful.Not surprisingly, wine goes well withthe food. But whether you opt for a glass ofSpanish wine or not, Cazuela will stay on yourmind even when the taste of gambas andPHOTOGRAPHY: paella no longer lingers.MIGUEL NACIANCENO.PICTORIAL DIRECTION:``````ANNA FELIPE.