When I was much younger though, my idea of a perfect movie snack was Jollibee's 1 pc. Chickenjoy meal. Yes, rice! Had it not been for movie houses' banning of rice meals in movie theaters (and had it not been for my teenage I'm-too-mature-for-silly-kid-stuff thinking HAHA), I would probably continue with the rice meals. Would have. But of course, taste and social norm changes as we grow older. Ideal snacks now are food that don't create too much mess (the horror of stepping out of the theater with splotches of red or yellow from sauces), can easily be handled with one hand, but are still delectable and tasty. Burgers are okay. Fries and Onion rings, too. A slice of pizza is perfect. Any wrapped goodies whether fried or baked, are ideal.
Case in point- Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties. Warm, baked, handy, and delicious. I was fortunate to be invited by friends from Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties in Market Market to try out their dishes. The place is small with around 4 tables total, and it's splashed with colors of Jamaica. You can not miss it inspite of its size.
RC Jamaican Patties have 9 flavor offerings. I was not able to sample all of it as they were out of stock by the time I went to the place. Patty flavors are: Beef Royale, Beef Supreme, Beef Jerky, Beef Grenada, Beef Curry, Chicken Royale, Cheeze Burst, Cheeze Burst Royale, Cheeze Burst Supreme, and Cheeze Burst Jerky. Time and again they offer Tuna filling, too. Much to my dismay, more than half are unavailable for my and my companion's hungry tummies.
Apart from the patties, they offer baked mac, cookies (also out of stock), ice creams, etc. Beverage of different kinds are available, but if you want something more special and natural, they have cold tea/juice drinks for P58.00.
RC Jamaican Patties' Ceylon Tea (Foreground)
Four Seasons (Background)
Ceylon Tea, as written in the description, is truly rich in aroma and taste. It is refreshing; you can still very much taste the tea sans its bitter aftermath. Its foamy top adds a fun element to the drink. I would have ordered more if time was not a looming factor. The Four Seasons, as I took a sip, didn't falter from the usual taste of Four Seasons although surprisingly more fresh.
Our orders
(2) RC Jamaican Patties' Beef Supreme, (1) Beef Jerky, (1) Beef Grenada
Still saddened by the unavailability of the Cheeze burst selection, I went on along to order the available goodies in the menu. My disappointment though was easily replaced by joyful hunger as the ones ordered came out of the oven. Flaky, chewy, and warm, the patties are healthier because it is baked rather than fried. I love that it has crunch but is not crisp or worse, burnt. The beef filling is pureed so much so that its smoothness becomes a good juxtapose to its outer layer, creating a medley of textures and flavors in the mouth.
RC Jamaican Patties' Beef Jerky Mild
Beef Jerky is probably the best order from their classic selection. Its spiciness withholds, enough to create a kick without overpowering the totality of the flavor.
RC Jamaican Patties' Beef Supreme Regular
A classic among the bunch. If you like to eat Jamaican but is not much of a spicy food enthusiast, then this option would best suit you well.
RC Jamaican Patties' Beef Grenada Extra Hot
Not for the faint-hearted, Beef Grenada as you would expect is a fireball in your mouth. With diced red chili, you'd experience what Jamaican street food is really about.
The thing though about Jamaican Patties is that, the only best way to relish its goodness is to eat and savor one or two. A few more and its taste becomes dull.
RC Jamaican Patties' Baked Mac
My foodie companion said that unlike other Baked Mac from other fast food restaurants, and considering Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties' food-to-go nature of business, their Baked Mac does not taste cheap or processed at all. That coming from a true-blue pasta aficionado is a strong statement. I did take a bite of it and found its melted cheesiness exciting.
Movie snacks should be this easy, and this tasty! I'm looking forward to the day my baby niece be allowed inside the movie house and revive my sister and I's movie dates. This, I'm pretty sure, would be a choice of food.
Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties
4/F Market! Market!, Taguig, Philippines
www.royalcaribbean.com.ph
Facebook: rcjamaicanpatties