By Romina Tobias
Food labeled as comfort food is quite tricky. For some, any dish that’s smothered in calories is comforting… for the only reason that it’s junk and can only be taken occasionally and I guess, makes them feel comforted (perhaps all warm inside because of clogged arteries). Then for others, it’s home-cooked meals served in fancy restaurant setting (that hot bowl of “Sinigang na Hipon” disguised in some posh-sounding name and served in expensive tableware). For me, comfort food should remind me of my happy childhood, reconnect me with my family, and should be my last meal when I’m in prison awaiting my death sentence (knock on wood).
I recently visited Mary Grace Café at Trinoma and I believe was place of visual and edible comfort. It could be your family kitchen away from home or a café with a lot of heart, I should say. Little hand-written notes from customers adorn the glass, candle-lit tables while tiny book shelves embellish the corner walls…it really is like a quaint little cottage.
I started my mid-day snack with a glass of their homemade Sangria Tea (P75). It was cold and frothy (just the way I like it) spiced with citrus, apple, and cinnamon flavors. Of course I had to have their classic Ensaymada, warmed up in the grill (P73) just enough to melt the Queso de Bola and form a crunchy top crust to its pillowy soft dough. Then I tried the newest addition to their dessert menu…the cupcake. I had Vanilla Cupcake (P50) –buttery yellow caked filled with milk chocolate ganache (which sadly already hardened in the chiller), topped with whipped cream and a cherry. It was all in all a feel-good experience…just like when my mom or Lola would indulge me with treats, served with love. And yes with a whole lot of comfort.
Want some comfort?
Click here for contact details of Mary Grace Cafe
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