(Post) Holiday Gift Ideas Close to Home - The Edible Kind!

Si Christina Brazo De Mercedes

Christmas is just a sleep away (for those who will be sleeping, anyway)!  In case you are still thinking of what to give away during the holiday season, here are some suggestions.  We know it's kind of late for Christmas and orders should have been placed days before but just keep these ideas handy, say, for New Year.

The list below are the best we've tasted. Most of all, they are from San Pablo.

1.  Chocolate Cake - Kalahi Bakery at T. Azucena near the San Pablo Cathedral.  Their no-fuss chocolate cake is still as fluffy and chocolatey as when we used to have it as children.  Brings back childhood memories especially if you are a true blue San Pableno.

2.  Brazo De Mercedes - Si Christina at Rizal Avenue near the old Manila Bank Bldg.  This Brazo de Mercedes is chewy compared to the typical ones which are nothing but air.  Sugar-conscious people would favor this since it's not that sweet.  

3.  Sans Rival - Home-based at San Francisco Terrace in Calihan.  There's no need to elaborate because as far as we can remember, when a San Pableno is asked where to get a Sans Rival, this is the place to be.  

4.  Taisan - Cake Plus by Abba at Paseo De Escudero (Bonifacio St.) near Jollibee Plaza.  The term "labor of love" would aptly describe their Taisan because it is not the usual loaf.  Theirs is a 12x16(?) rectangular Taisan that is meticulously cut to at least 60 bite size pieces and served in individual wrappers after being spread with butter and topped with grated cheese.  Their Black Forest, White Forest and Mango Cake are also worth trying.

5.  Yema Cake - Folcon Bakeshop at San Francisco Calihan. Their cake is buttery while their yema icing is tasty but not that sweet. And they win hands down when it comes to packaging.

Now if somebody could just tell us if there's a bakeshop in the City that could prepare a Rainbow Cake as delicious as that of Mrs. Poonin's (Erlinda's), we would be very happy.  If you are familiar with this cake, you would definitely agree with us that many tried to copy the cake but never really got where it should be.

Have a Happy Holiday everybody!