Where to satisfy your pumpkin cravings in Araneta City
Pumpkin-shaped toy baskets and sweets are in high demand at every edge point between October and November as they ring in the spookiest season before the dazzling lights toward Christmas come.
At the heart of the City of Firsts, surprises for the most screaming celebration of the year do not only end in costumes and candies recently seen around the corner – they start right in our cravings for the orangey kind of serving on top of our tables!
Check out these squashing treats that could make us shout louder for the best-tasting “kalabasa” treats around Araneta City:
Grace Park
Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2
Brought to us by Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 is a Fried Squash Flowers with Mascarpone and Parma, together with Kalabasa Passato – Chicharon Crumble Pistacchio and many other choices from their menu that could complement these two squashy favorites from one of the restaurant portfolios of Chef Margarita Araneta Fores, the Grace Park.
While kids in costumes are busy collecting treats around the City of Firsts, their beloved parents and elderly ones are in for a melody treat by the resident musician in the middle of the Ground Floor of Gateway Mall 2 with his rendition of a timeless classic from yesterday’s hits.
Cibo
Ground Floor, Coliseum Plaza, Gateway Mall 2
Level 3, Gateway Mall 1
From Grace Park to Cibo. Chef Margarita Araneta Fores’s love for squash extends to one of her best fusion restaurant brands in Filipino culinary wonders. Enjoy Cibo’s well-prized Squash Flowers (Pizza Fiori Di Zucca) with mozzarella and anchovy alongside Summer Squash Soup (Crema Di Zucca / Pancetta), which are both ideal choices for those looking for alternative squash recipe servings.
B.E.L. Iloco
Palenque, Upper Ground Floor B, Gateway Mall
Who among us does not love Pakbet or Pinakbet?
This Ilocano favourite is one of the most affordable recipes for most Filipino households, and Chef Al Purungganan, through his B.E.L. Iloco, is bringing its pride to the tables of Palenque at Gateway Mall 2 with its “Pakbet with Bagnet” combination. The softness of squash and the crispiness of pork will always be a match made in heaven on top of every steamed plain rice.
Abé
Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2
Have you ever heard of Gule Magalang?
Like Pakbet of Ilocos, this signature Kapampangan dish is an unusual stewed vegetable dish from the Philippines composed of fresh, unprocessed vegetables usually planted in typical house backyards, including squash and flowers and topped with shrimps. Originally a local household dish believed to have originated from Magalang town in Pampanga, Abe Restaurant made it more popular with this version and eventually became one of their best sellers.
UCC Park Cafe
Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2
A roasted pumpkin puree with herbs and cream awaits those looking for something beyond coffee in this shop while waiting for the heavy traffic to subside outside, especially during rush hour or holidays. A Creamy Pumpkin with any pastry or a signature drink from this legendary Japanese coffee bar is an exceptional match.
Nono’s
Coliseum Plaza, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2
Comfort food done right at the culinary corner of Nono’s with their Roasted Squash Soup – made from oven-roasted squash blended into a creamy broth, topped with bacon bits, and served with freshly baked sourdough that will truly warm your tummy and soul with every sip.
Empanada Nation
Level 2, Cyberpark Tower 1
Sweet, bitter, crispy, and flavorful. Empanada Nation’s version of Ilocano’s favourite dish, “Dinoydoy,” is composed of squash, bitter melon (ampalaya), and Bagnet – that will magnetize your taste buds to its rich taste best partnered with rice.
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Let Araneta City help us pump our longing for more pumpkins and squash our appetite for squashes by treating ourselves to these safest havens of comfort foods this tricky Halloween season. On top of the spooky fest, this could also be a perfect time to bring our families and friends this long weekend to the City of Firsts and scream for more surprises!
Follow the Araneta City by liking its Facebook page and downloading the Araneta City app on Android and iOS to get a golden bunch of exclusive rewards and perks from the City of Firsts.
Happy Halloween, and have a meaningful reminiscing of the lives of our departed loved ones.
