Looking for your next local food business to order from? Whether you’re splurging on a savory feast this weekend or giving into a sugary craving, here’s a curated list of food picks to check out this week, ranging from spicy shrimp boils, lavish party trays, to sweet cocktails and more.

Illo’s Party Trays

When it comes to lavish, premium party trays of home-cooked food, check out Illo’s and their extensive menu of appetizers, pasta, seafood, beef, chicken, pork, and vegetable entrées. They’re available in half trays (good for 4-6 people) and full trays (good for 10-12).

If you’re going all out, try out Illo’s bang-for-your-buck seafood offerings, which boast of fresh, meaty pieces of fish or seafood. Their Chili Garlic Prawns (P1,000, P1,900) uses well-cooked, juicy, medium-sized prawns bathed in an addictive, spicy-savory sauce with garlic bits.

Their Singaporean Chili Crabs (P,1800, P3,300) are also a crowd favorite; fresh crabs are cut into pieces and doused in a spicy-savory-sweet chili sauce. Pair it with Illo’s Asian-inspired sweet Broccoli and Mushroom (P900). Another must-try is the Lapu-Lapu Escabeche: a huge serving of moist, tender, and fresh lapu-lapu cooked in a slightly acidic sauce, topped with bell peppers, onions, and other veggies.

Try out Illo’s cheesy Baked Salmon (P1,200, P2,100) paired with their creamy Truffle & Spinach fettuccine pasta (P950, P1,500) with a generous serving of fresh mushrooms. You could also have it with the Paella Negra (P1,000 P1,900) – moist, flavorful, soft squid ink rice topped with high-quality seafood and lemon wedges.

Illo’s Party Trays is based in BF Homes, Paranaque City. To place your orders, you can message them on Instagram or visit their website for the whole menu.

Eliana’s Happy Food

If tasty shrimp boils are what you’re after, don’t miss out on Eliana’s Happy Food – this home-based business specializes in cajun shrimp boils that are “homecooked with love.”

A kilo of medium-sized, well-cooked, tender shrimps are cooked and doused in a cajun-style, garlicky, and buttery sauce that’s savory, a tad spicy, and very addictive (you’ll need extra rice for this one). The platter comes with 27-32 pieces of shrimp (depending on availability) and corn on the cob for P1,600.

Eliana’s cajun shrimp boil is made with butter, garlic, cajun mix, and other special spices. To order, you can message them on Instagram or Viber at 09434598515.

Barcino

Why not pair your main courses with a glass of Barcino’s new Sassy Señorita sangria cocktail? The Spanish restaurant offers their new cocktail sangria blend at P349 a bottle, made and bottled in Spain.

Barcino’s sweet, fruity cocktail is made with red wine, sugar, lemon, and orange, and has an alcohol level of 7%. It’s good paired with a meal, or even as a dessert wine. You can place your orders online.

Rusty’s Oven

Cookie craving? Rusty’s Oven’s got you covered with their chunky, chewy, palm-sized oatmeal cookies made with melted bittersweet chocolate chunks and crunchy walnuts. Four pieces cost P150, while six pieces cost P220.

They also have a simple chocolate fudge cake in loaf size (P350) and lunchbox size (P250) – soft, light chocolate cake (which could be a bit more moist and dense) that’s topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Both of Rusty’s Oven’s desserts aren’t too sweet, with a nice balance of flavors.

Rusty’s Oven is based in San Juan City. You can order from them online.

Shirley’s Just Vegan

Looking for plant-based meat alternatives? Check out local vegan business Shirley’s Just Vegan – aside from their crunchy “chicharon vaboy” and plant-based “inihaw na liempo,” they now also have vegan “chick-un teriyaki” and “fried chick-un” on their menu.

The plant-based “fried chicken” is made with gluten, vegan breading, and spices, resulting in six big, crunchy, chewy pieces that should be dipped in their flavorful gravy for P295. It also comes in spicy flavor. For something chewier, the sweet-salty “chicken teriyaki” consists of sweet pineapple bits and sesame seeds – have it with Japanese rice, shredded cabbage, and your choice of condiments. A tray is good for one-two people.

Shirley’s Just Vegan is based in Manila. You can order via Instagram.

Cupcakes by Sonja

Love Sonja’s cupcakes? You can now get them in adorable mini versions called the Classic Cupcake Minis (P580), which has 12 pieces of Sonja’s bite-sized cupcakes. The flavors include four of Sonja’s crowd favorites, six seasonal offerings, and two new Parmigiano Reggiano Cheesecake and Sweet Pleasures flavors.

It’s a fun sampler treat to enjoy with family or friends; it’s easier to enjoy all of Sonja’s high-quality cupcake flavors. You can place your orders via Cupcakes by Sonja’s website or any of their food delivery partners. – Rappler.com