’Tis the season for shopping, gift-giving, and eating—it’s also the season for getting stressed out from party-planning, so we asked food blogger and Yummy magazine’s associate publisher Frances Haw for some of her yummiest recommendations:

1) Iberian Chicken by Marge Sy


Marge Sy’s love for cooking goes back to when she still a little girl. She began selling at the Alabang Saturday Market in 2003 and then opened her stall at the Salcedo Weekend Market in 2004. As she travels, she continues to learn more cuisines and dishes to add to her repertoire. Her specialty includes a range of Spanish dishes such as Salpicao, Ropa Vieja, Lenga Estofado, Paella and of course, her Iberian Chicken, which is a real treat because of the flavors from the garlic, potatoes and all the herbs and spices that Marge uses.

Serving Size: 6 to 8 persons
How to Order:
Mobile number: (0918) 945-8845
Email: margedsy@yahoo.com
Or visit her stall at the Salcedo Weekend Market every Saturday morning.
Recommended lead time: 2 days
Price: P1,500

2) Lechon by Sabroso


Who can say no to lechon? While Sabroso is relatively new to the lechon-loving crowd, it is quickly gaining popularity because of its flavorful meat which we later found out is because of the lemongrass that they put in before roasting.

Serving Size: Ranges from 20 to 80 persons
How to Order: Call 515-8253, 515-8259, 357-0659, (0922) 841-6220
Or visit them at E. Rodriguez Ave. corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Recommended lead time: Now accepting advance orders for December; 4 days in advance if orders are made December 16 onwards
Price: P4,000 (6 kg) to P8,500 (23 kg)

3) Four Cheese Lasagna by Qitchen


Qitchen began three years ago when Shar Tan, former member of the Yummy staff, decided to make her well-loved cakes and savory dishes available for ordering. With only the best ingredients, every single dish from Qitchen has a gourmet quality but still maintains its homemade appeal.

Serving Size: 15 to 20 persons
How to Order:
Call 721-5360 or (0922) 838-0308 for pick up in New Manila, QC
Recommended lead time: 48 hours before pick-up
Price: P1,800

4) Baked Salmon by Conti’s


Conti’s baked salmon is one of the restaurant’s best-sellers. The fresh salmon is topped with their special garlic cream sauce and baked until the top turns golden brown.

Serving Sizes: Family Size: 8 persons; Party Size: 15 persons
How to Order:
Parañaque branch: 807-3388, Greenhills: 744-4184, Serendra: 856-2352, TriNoma Mall: 900-5013 to18, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna: (0922) 881-9126, (0905) 854-5110, Greenbelt 2: 756-0327, 756-0105
Recommended lead time: 1 day
Price: P850 (Family size), P1,275 (Party size)

5) Korean Chap Chae by Qitchen


Qitchen’s Korean Chap Chae is a mix of clear glass noodles with beef and vegetables and a strong peppery taste.

Serving Size: 15 to 20 persons
How to Order:
Call 721-5360 or (0922) 838-0308 for pick up in New Manila, QC
Recommended lead time: 48 hours before pick-up
Price: P1,300

6) Paella Negra by Marge Sy


Soft, flavorful rice mixed with the freshest seafood and meat, topped with swirls of creamy lemon sauce.

How to Order:
Mobile number: (0918) 945-8845
Email: margedsy@yahoo.com
Or visit her stall at the Salcedo Weekend Market every Saturday morning.
Recommended lead time: 2 days
Price: P3,600

7) Amici’s Risotto di Mare


Amici’s Risotto di Mare is served in their special party tray and loaded with fresh seafood. Amici can deliver your order straight to your doorstep, so this is a great, hassle-free way to prepare for Christmas dinner.

Serving Size: 6 to 8 persons
How to Order:
Visit any of the four Amici branches in Greenhills, SM Megamall, Don Bosco Makati and Tomas Morato or call 747-1111 to place your order.
Recommended lead time: 24 hours before pick-up or delivery
Price: P950

8) Crab Sotanghon by King Crab


Serving crabs makes the meal more fun since everyone has to use their hands. In this dish, the fresh crabs are cooked in a pot with spices and sotanghon.

Serving Size: 6 to 8 persons
How to Order:
Call 723-8820, 723-8821, 723-8823
Recommended lead time: 30 minutes
Price: P140 per kg (male), P150 per kg (female)

9) Pork Barbecue by Floring’s


Kids love barbecue, and adults can have it with their favorite beer. Chef Florabel’s is loaded with cubes of lean meat marinated and seasoned to perfection. Make sure to order a lot!

Serving Size: One person per stick
How to Order:
Call 441-0406 and look for Elsie or April. They are located in the food court of the Landmark, Trinoma Mall
Recommended lead time: at least 1 hour for bulk orders
Price: P40/stick

10) Hot Prawn Salad by King Crab


This dish, with juicy, plump prawns mixed with sweet fruit salad, makes a great appetizer or main dish.

Serving Size: 4 to 5 persons
How to Order:
Call 723-8820, 723-8821, 723-8823
Recommended lead time: 30 minutes
Price: P380

Content credit: Frances Lorraine Haw, SPOT.ph
Images courtesy of Paul Ang and Sabroso (Lechon by Sabroso)