What to bring to...Christmas potluck parties

'Tis the season for yearly get-togethers, where food is almost always the honored guest. The big question is: “What to bring?”

Make your potluck contribution more special than the usual pancit and barbecue-on-a-stick with the following impressive food finds. 

1. Graze platter from Aperitif Catering

The titos and titas of Manila will love you when they see a pretty platter of appetizers that would pair perfectly with wine. This graze platter (P6,000) from Aperitif Catering would be welcome at any gathering and would be the perfect conversation starter. It is jam-packed with five luxury cheeses, four kinds of premium Italian deli meat, nuts, crackers, and fruits. Everyone will enjoy snacking on these chic finger foods throughout the event. The serving is good for 8-15 people. There’s also a sweet graze box (P2,850) filled with wine, chocolates, and donuts for those who want something sugary.

ZOO Store The Address Condominium, Wack Wack, Mandaluyong, Monday-Saturday, 1-7 p.m.; 6 Royal Palms St, Palms Pointe Village, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. +639175737171. Website. aperitif.ph@gmail.com

2.The Amazing Roast Beef Carving from Bistro United

If there’s one thing that would make any man’s mouth water, it’s a huge slab of meat like The Amazing Roast Beef Carving from Bistro United. It truly lives up to its name as this dish made from US prime beef belly is marinated in its special blend of spices overnight and then slow roasted for six hours. The result is oh-so tender and almost like a melt-in-your-mouth-beef experience. Get it by the kilo (P1,900 / kilo cooked weight) or per slab (P1,080 / kilo minimum of 5 kilos, uncooked weight). Best to order 48 hours in advance.

D Strip Building, 20 United St, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. +632 7061668 or +632 4702366. Facebook 

3. Lengua Sevillana from Cardinal Cuisine

From healthy diet food delivery and party trays, Cardinal Cuisine has evolved into a full catering service. It’s fairly new in the industry (established in March 2017) but it already has a full range of menu that includes pasta dishes and various meat offerings. Try the Spanish specialties such as the Lengua Sevillana (P2,650; serves 12-15 people), made with slow-cooked beef tongue. This one has thick but tender slices that are doused with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes on the side. Another good potluck idea is the Callos ala Madrileña (P2,250; serves 12-15 people) made with beef tripe that’s cooked perfectly in rich tomato-based sauce. It has bits of chorizo and garbanzos, which add texture and another layer of flavor to it.

No 8467 West Service Road, Sun Valley, Parañaque City.  +63905 4204030. Facebook. inquiries@cateringmanila.com

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4. Baked Salmon from Carlito’s Catering

Photo courtesy of DiscoverMNL (IG), shot by @luckyofdiscovermnl

A definite crowd pleaser would be the Baked Salmon with Spinach Cream Sauce (P1,800 for 10-15 people; P3,000 for 20-25 people), which both meat lovers and vegetarians would enjoy. The flaky fish is baked with a decadent cream sauce and topped with crunchy bits. Its play on textures and flavors will satisfy any foodie. For the canivores alone, there’s the deep-fried goodness of Lechon Kawali (P1,850). Moist meat, crunchy skin… Enough said.

838 San Rafael St, Mandaluyong City. +63917 5200914. Facebook. 

5. Paella from Comisario Quixote

What could be a more festive dish than paella? This famous Spanish rice dish has been perfected by Comisario Quixote co-owner, Cholo Ancheta, with his years of experience re-creating his grandfather’s paella recipe. He follows the traditional way where he cooks the rice until slightly toasted at the bottom (called soccarrat), which gives it a deeper more unique flavor. Try the Paella Negra made with fresh locally sourced squid and clams. Other variants include Valenciana Paella made with chicken and pork, Marisco Paella made with all local seafood, and Vegetarian Paella made with vegetables that are in season (starts at P3,500; good for 15 people).

Malingap Central Food Hall on 40 Malingap St., Quezon City. +63927 6393622. Facebook

6. Baked scallops from Chef U’s Kitchen

We Pinoys love our seafood and the baked scallops with dynamite (P1,900 / 25 pieces) from Chef U’s Kitchen would be a sure hit at any party. These are cooked in a special secret sauce with ebiko (shrimp roe) and served in its shells, which make for pretty presentation. Another seafood dish to taste is the baked salmon thermidor (P1,750 big tray). Order three days ahead; minimum of P3,500 for delivery within Metro Manila, plus delivery charge.

+63906 5671256 Facebook.  chefukitchen@gmail.com

7. Crab sa Bilao Feast from Dampa Express

Photo courtesy of Marga Reyes

Seafood lovers would be in heaven with the Crab sa Bilao Feast (P888 promo price until December 31; P1,688 regular price; good for 5-6 people) of Dampa Express where you can choose how you want your crabs cooked. Each bilao has around five to six big-sized crabs and you can have these crustaceans cooked in butter garlic sauce, sweet chili, or simply steamed. You can also order shrimp, squid, mussels, tuna, and more from this affordable seafood paluto and grill, which does deliveries as well. Fee varies depending on the location.

2 Xavierville Avenue corner J.P. Laurel, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. +632 9441036 / +63917 1072525. Facebook 

READ: Everything you need to eat at the newly opened Malingap Food Hall

8. Baby Back Ribs from Fig Tree Café and Events

Who could resist ribs that fall off the bone? Vegetarians, most likely, but no one else would be immune to the charms of Fig Tree’s bestseller, Baby Back Ribs (P950 for 6-8 people; P1,500 for 10-12 people; P2,900 for 25-30 people). The succulent and juicy meat has balanced combination of flavors — tangy and a hint of sweetness. The resto also has other notable party platters like the Tuyo Gourmet Pasta (P650 for 6-8 people; P1,250 for 10-12 people; P1,950 for 25-30 people) that is cooked in olive oil and seasoned with spices that complement the saltiness of the fish, then topped with cheddar cheese. Accepts dine-in, bulk orders, and catering events.

G/F Coral Center, Ecocentrum, Southwoods City, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. +63917 8222147 / +632 2092147. Facebook. figtree_catering@yahoo.com

9. Chicken Galantina from Maximo Comfort Cuisine & Casual Dining

Since 2014, Maximo Comfort Cuisine & Casual Dining has been dishing up comfort, feel-good food that would remind you of your grandmother’s or mom’s cooking. Some offerings are heirloom recipes of the owners, including the Chicken Galantina (P1,700; good for 10 people), which is slow-cooked and prepared without shortcuts, just like the other menu items. If you have room for dessert, don’t miss the Bibingka Mamon (P450 box of 3). Get some to-go!

173 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. +632 4377661. Facebook

READ: The QC spot where you can delight in the calm Christmas spirit

10. Thrice-cooked pork adobo and tinapa rice from #PigletsKitchen

It was in 2015 when #PigletsKitchen was born in the kitchen of Karla Angela Bernales. She would get food orders from her Instagram posts of yummy homecooked meals, and since then, she has created a decent list of menu items. Two of her specialties are best ordered together — Thrice-Cooked Pork Adobo (P550; good for 6-8 people) and Tinapa Rice (P450; good for 6-8 people). She would cook the adobo three times so the flavor would seep into the meat. And the tinapa rice is practically a complete meal in itself since it is topped with diced tomatoes, onions, tinapa flakes, and salted egg. These would certainly add a homecooked appeal to any occasion. For pick-up only.

Olympic Heights Condominium, Eastwood City, Quezon City. +63917 8423552. Facebook. 

11. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken

Veer away from the usual fried chicken and go for Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken set (P1,100) that comes with one whole chicken (1.5-1.8kg), five cups of regular chicken rice, and sauces (topping, chili , sweet soy, and ginger sauces). One bite will make you say “shiok” and will bring you closer to that Singaporean hawker experience. Feeling somewhat adventurous? Try a similar set that comes with olive rice (P1,200). You can even order extra cups of rice—for those not on the Keto diet. Order lead time is one full day and pick-up option only.

21 Libra St, Bel Air 3, Makati City. +632 8968940 / +63906 5084155. Facebook.

12. WABU Boneless Lechon Belly

A party is never complete without lechon! WABU’s version, one full roll of boneless lechon belly (P2,200 / 3kg; good for 10-12 people), is sure to whet a hungry man’s appetite. It may not be the most heart-healthy contribution to a potluck meal, but it is definitely a winner with its juicy and flavorful meat, not to mention the crispy skin. Available in garlic pepper and chili garlic variants; each order comes in a box with a bottle of their own spiced vinegar. Delivery charge may vary depending on the location.

+632 5021757 / +63917 8845089.  Website. Facebook. 
 

— LA, GMA News