A Pivotal Gastronomic Epiphany

 

This TBT photo summed up the rapture which I felt upon tasting an authentic shawarma at Global Village, Dubai in January 2017. 

From then on its mouthwatering taste became my basis of comparison for any shawarma which I would eat. None had equaled that Turkish doner kebab until I had the chance of running a marathon on June 16, 2024 in Bacolod City. Before going to the airport for my evening flight to Manila that Sunday, I decided to have my meal in this diner adjacent to the hotel where I was billeted.

Eureka! I found the taste that could be at par with the Turkish gyro. This gastronomic experience at Arabesques, a restaurant that offers Arabic Lebanese cuisine, began a quest for a visionary taste or anything that’s akin to middle eastern flavor. 

I shared this craving with Arthur, the older twin, when within a week after my Bacolod trip, I searched for an Arabic or Persian restaurant in the south. I found one in Northgate Alabang, but its location is not parking-friendly. Until we had to scout for a venue where we could privately celebrate my youngest son’s birthday on July 3. Arthur would sponsor the treat and recommended a diner which he and his girlfriend had already tried. He added that I might find the dish which I was hankering for. So the day came when the three of us would be oriented about Mediterranean cuisine. Looking at the menu I saw this plant-based shawarma and hummus bowl. The name did not pique my interest even if the "magic word" was included.  I left it to Arthur to choose for us after I had picked wild mushroom soup. Following his giving the rest of our orders, which I couldn't recall now, I curiously but eagerly anticipated them. Soon our mini culinary adventure began. 

I could say that Mediterranean cuisine partly pleased my palate because I repelled from some taste and aroma. Perhaps my ignorance about these dishes was responsible for it. Likewise, I wondered if my level of saltiness had not been reduced since I found the food bland. Well, my three sons liked the overall nighttime feast and for me, their satisfaction mattered more. 

On October 3, we returned to The Cafe Mediterranean in Molito for our family’s dinner date with Arthur’s girlfriend. He invited her so she could finally meet and talk with his Tatay before his departure the next day.  He repicked this venue after asking my opinion whether his father would like the menu there. I said "Yes" since his father, having worked in the Middle East for long, might be familiar with a dish or two which have a similarity to the local victuals that he tasted. True enough, my husband complimented everything on our table. On my part I could say that the new set of food acquainted me further with the distinct flavor of Mediterranean cuisine. However, I was open to try another resto next time. 

This hope materialized when we celebrated the twins' birthday a day late last month. It coincided with the copycat Halloween observance here in the Philippines. *rolls eye* He also extended the invite to their favorite aunt, my sister, who's been a southie peep since September and had a half-day office work that Thursday. Our generous financer had a different place in mind. This time we're going to Greece...er... Souv by Cyma!

Image Source: SOUVbyCyma

Image Source: SOUVbyCyma

Candidly, I relished in the Greek dishes in Souv at once. (This is the reason behind my not documenting all our orders for this entry. Hahaha.) Compared with the food in The Cafe Mediterranean, each course seemed to be perfectly prepared. My gustation couldn't agree more!

I articulated this feedback to my son and told him that we must come back. It would be on me this time. *chuckles*

You see both diners offered Mediterranean edibles. This resulted in my googling what make these dishes salient and delectable. According to https://amazingfoodanddrink.com/mediterranean-cuisine/ here are the key ingredients and elements that define Mediterranean cuisine:

Key Ingredients

        1. Fresh fruits and vegetables

        2. Grains and legumes

        3. Seafood and lean proteins

        4. Herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients

        5. Dairy and dairy products

        6. Nuts and seeds

        7. Sweet delights

Elements

•  Emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients
•  The utilization of olive oil as the primary fat source
•  Simplicity in preparation to highlight the natural flavors
•  Appreciation for seasonal produce and local sourcing
•  Balancing flavors, including the combination of sweet and savory
•  Shared meals and communal dining as a cultural tradition

Reading this information, I've realized how my eldest son has become consistently health-conscious. His food preference is a far cry from their unlimited samgyupsal days in grade school up to junior high. Convincingly Mediterranean dishes cater to vegetarians and health buffs like him. I think his having witnessed relatives who suffer from hypertension and diabetes is a big factor why he has this mindset and discipline. Good for us! Good for me! We have a resident "nutritionist" who regularly pointed out to me that running alone to be physically fit wouldn’t have a marked effect without maintaining a proper diet. 

Plainly my introduction to Mediterranean cookery had a big impact on me. This I pondered on when I again ate in my favorite Korean eatery two days ago. 

Eating my comfort food in Jang Ga Rae, I became aware that their healthfulness should be my subject for scrutiny. Yes, I love and periodically miss its taste, but had to remind myself that I am hypertensive and pre-diabetic. Health is wealth. Magastos at malungkot ang magkasakit at ma-ospital. These are recurring comments which I receive when fully satisfying my stomach supersedes mindful eating. Hmmm...Got to constantly nudge myself about this especially when I'm at work and faced with this menu in our school luncheonette where the choices allow my colleague/good friend and me cheat days. Hala!