Ice cream, halo-halo, fruit shakes, milkshakes, these are just some of the refreshing goodies that most of us probably crave for especially now that it's summer. Good news is, Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe (Ortigas) and Mesclun Bistro (Serendra and Eastwood) introduce new line of cold and refreshing items perfect for summer season aptly called SAMALAMIG.
Samalamig or palamig in vernacular pertains to cold prepared beverages here in the Philippines that usually comprised of tapioca pearls, gelatin, mixed with cold water flavored with sweet syrup and/or fruit extracts. In the past, when one talks about samalamig, Sago't Gulaman is the first thing that will pop up in mind since it is the most popular and can be found in every street corner here in the country. But as time goes by, the term is now use to pertain to any prepared cold drinks that is distinctly Pinoy. Think buko pandan juice, ice candy, halo-halo, buko juice, melon juice, and the likes. Those are just some of the well-loved samalamig.
The talented mind behind Mesclun, chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara takes this samalamig into a whole new level this time and created four impressive line of goodies that will surely make this summer enjoyable for foodies.
Mesclun's Samalamig has four selection; Carabao Milk Halo-Halo, Avocado Milkshake, Quezo Real Milkshake, and Ice Cream Sandwich. All these delightful treats uses chef Alcantara's well-loved ice cream brand, Arce Dairy Ice Cream.
Carabao Milk Halo-Halo (Php245)
This could be easily passed off as the usual halo-halo in a glass except that it has yema, two scoops of ice cream, and thin waffle wafers on top instead of the usual leche flan and ube halaya. These toppings in my opinion, are special in itself not just for the virtue of deviating from the usual but because those are just perfect combination with the entire concoction of sweetened banana and the whole she bang that a great halo-halo should have.
Yet, what makes this halo-halo really special is the fact that the shaved iced used to create this glass of enjoyable treat is made of milk instead of the usual h20. This ensures that as the shaved ice melts and incorporated to the ingredients, the flavor will retain its richness and wouldn't be diluted. Teh carabao milk which is served separately is meant to be poured over the halo-halo for added richness.
This halo-halo boasts of sweetened banana, red beans,
pinipig crunch, sago, nata de coco, and macapuno which go perfectly well
with the addicting creaminess of Arce Dairy ice cream in ube and langka
flavor. The yema was a thoughtful addition, but be sure to bite on it
or mashed it into a bite size pieces otherwise it will hardened when
soaked into the cold concoction.
Avocado Milkshake (Php195)
Imagine freshly sliced avocado drizzled with creamy condensed milk, that favorite summer avocado and milk concoction most of us loved. Only this time, imagine it way creamier because of Arce Dairy ice cream thrown into the mix for a good measure and topped with whipped cream, nuts and thin crisp waffle and you'll get Mesclun's Avocado Milkshake.
Avocado lover like me is definitely in for a treat with this milkshake as it suggests the taste of this well-loved fruit taken several notch higher. Arce Dairy ice cream is known to use carabao's milk hence, making the deal way creamier and richer.
Quezo Real Milkshake (Php195)
Cheese lovers rejoice for this cheesy and creamy and really refreshing concoction. Mesclun's Quezo Real Milkshake is something you wouldn't want to miss especially when you have an affinity for cheese-flavored ice cream. Its hick consistency proves that generous amount of Arce Dairy ice cream is thrown in and made all the more delightful with crisp thin waffle and whipped cream on top and equally generous shavings of cheese.
Between the two milkshakes, I could not quite figure out which one is my favorite because I love both avocado and cheese. Yet, having the Quezo Real Milkshake brought back so many childhood memories when cheese-flavored ice cream was a reward I usually get for acing an exam.
Ice Cream Sandwich (Php165)
Reminiscent of the ice cream sandwich I used to enjoy at the streets of U.P. Diliman, Mesclun's Ice Cream Sandwich also can stir up memories. Fluffy buns that boasts of dirty ice cream sandwiched in between, this treat is considered a pedestrian favorite especially that of students in search of something that could satisfy their cravings while working on tight budget.
Mesclun's rendition elevates this treat into a gourmet-kind-of-treat that no food snob can resist. Mesclun's Ice Cream Sadwich made use of small dinner rolls wherein two flavors of Arce Dairy ice cream (chocolate and pistachio) are sandwiched in between. Served with strawberry syrup and cream, this treat may look too small at a glance but the flavor is so big that one serving may be enough.
Mesclun's Samalamig creations are indeed perfect way to beat the heat this summer season. The use of Arce Dairy ice cream is a great move while the play on nostalgic sense that these summer treats could bring is just adorable. I was told that these offerings will last only until the end of the month but I am hoping that it will be extended since the coming months could still be as hot with the threat of El Nino according to the news. But then again, I suggest that you visit Mesclun Restaurant (Ortigas) and Mesclun Bistro (Serendra and Eastwood) soon to have a taste of these Samalamig as you beat the summer heat.
Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe
2/F, Linden Suites Tower 1,
37 San Miguel Ave.,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Contact No.: 638-7878 loc. 8207
Facebook:/MesclunRestaurantCafe
