Category Archives: Foodie

Chowking Spices Things Up With A New And OH!SOME DISH

By | Foodie, Great Achievements | One Comment

Chowking is suddenly one of my favorite fast food places nowadays!  I recently tried their new Orange chicken and love it.  It reminds me of one of my favorite dishes, General Tso’s chicken which I have for around US$ 12.00 in New York  and at Chowking I can have it for P 69.00 🙂 Just make sure it is crispy!!! YUMMY!

and even if I did not get to dance the chicken dance I made sure I had a photo with Echo!!! 🙂

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In the middle of a long day at work or after a tiring 9 to 5, perhaps nothing can sound more enticing than treating yourself out to a nice, special meal instead of eating your regular, home-cooked fare. But don’t you just wish there was something different and exciting in restaurant menus to shake things up? Well, wait no longer – because at Chowking, there’s something oh so new and oh so delicious to wake up and titillate those tired taste buds!

From the country’s number one and pioneering quick-service Chinese restaurant chain comes the your favorite juicy and crispy chicken now with an orange twist! It’s Chowking’s new OH!some OH!range Chicken: chunks of juicy, premium meat that’s crisp on the outside and tender on the inside; richly flavored by a masterful blend of Chinese seasonings and generously topped with a tangy, amber-colored glaze and real mandarin orange bits.

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Whether for lunch or dinnertime, you can finally forgo your usual fried chicken without sacrificing the familiar feel and quality that loyal Chowking customers know and love. And like the rest of the appetizing and affordable dishes being offered by the chain, the recipe for Chowking Orange Chicken is tailor-made to please the specific demands of the Filipino palate and comes specially prepared in the kitchen of expert, Gold-certified chefs; ladled hot and fresh upon order onto your waiting plate.

So delightful is this orange twist that it shares the limelight in Chowking’s new campaign with none other than celebrity endorser Jericho Rosales and his OH!some OH!range dance moves!

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With his contagious dance move mapapasayaw ka when you get your hands on the oh! so juicy, oh! so sweet and spicy, and oh! so orange-y savory morsels.

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Indeed, part of the appeal of this new offering is that it requires no special occasion for it to be enjoyed. However, there is actually a real cause for celebration as Chowking marks its 25th outstanding year in the foodservice industry!

 

From a single store in 1985 to over 400 branches around the Philippines, United States, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Middle East, Filipinos today are never far from a rewarding dining experience at a reasonable price.

CHOWKING MILESTONES

1985 – Chowking Food Corporation is born. Its first store is strategically located at the Makati Commercial Center.

1989 – The first franchise store, also the first provincial store, opens in Meycauayan, Bulacan. The first Chowking TV Commercial airs.

1991 – Chowking launches its Food Delivery Service. Annual system-wide sales hit P118.1 Million

1992 – CFC enters the Visayas with the opening of the Bacolod Era Mall store, and Mindanao with the opening of the Limketkai outlet in Cagayan de Oro.

1993 – Annual system-wide sales reach P342.8 Million.

1994 – Annual system-wide sales hit P522 Million

1995 – Sales hit P951.2 Million.

1996 – Chowking opens 100th store. Sales increase to P1.31 Billion.

1997 – CFC steps into international market with the opening of a store in San Diego, California, USA. System-wide sales hit P1.85 Billion

1998 – Chowking tests the Middle East market with the opening of a store in Warba Centre, United Arad Emirates.

2000 – Chowking is formally acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation, the market leader in the Philippine fast food industry.

2000 – Chowking unveils its new retail identity with the opening of its SM Manila store.

2000 – System-wide sales reach P2.45 Billion

2001 – Chowking was named “Most Outstanding Filipino Franchise” by the Philippine Franchise Association.

2002 – Chowking bagged the coveted Hall of Fame award as the Most Outstanding Filipino Food Franchise given by the Philippine Franchise Association

2003 – Chowking opens in Al Ghurair Center in Deira, Dubai, United Arab Erimates.

2004 – Chowking wins Global Identity Competition besting 15,000 other entries from 30 countries. System-wide sales reach P850 Million and record breaking annual sales of P7.2 Billion with a local store network of 303 at yearend.

2005 – Salo-Salo affordables was launched, meals good for sharing. They posted double-digit record growth of P729 Million in March and opened its first store in Artha Gading Mall in Jakarta, Indonesia.

2006 – Chowking launched the One Number Delivery Service – from 702-8888 to 9-8888

2007 – Chowking won the Catholic Mass Media Award as best brand ad for their Christmas commercial entitled “NOEL”

2008 Completed P270M modernization program called “Project DMSSM” (pronounced as dimsum) for “Designed, Modernized and Streamlined Supply Chain and Manufacturing”, the two-year modernization program that started in 2006 involves the expansion and renovation of Chowking’s noodle building, and increased automation and the improved integration of food manufacturing processes in its two commissaries located in Muntinlupa City.

2010 Chowking celebrates 25 years in the business and opens its 400th store in Baguio. They kick-off this year with a new endorser Jericho Rosales and a new dish offering the OH!some OH!range Chicken meal with an more energetic image positioning to take it to the next level.

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There are things that Chowking will always deliver, though: a wide variety of items, value for money, and of course, food good enough to get you up on your feet and dance. Now, isn’t that OH!some?

Chowking is so accessible to have it all day, every day, whatever the budget; starting at P69 for the Rice Chow Meal with a generous portion of Orange Chicken and rice;

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P99 for the Lauriat which includes crispy noodles, Chicharap and Buchi;

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and P125 for the Salo-Salo Set ideal for sharing (although one may not be enough…).

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You can also enjoy Chowking’s OH!some surprises at home by dialing 9-8888 for delivery!

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Miss Mouton Cadet 2010

By | Beauty, Foodie, Giving Back | No Comments

 Thanks to Dad and Mom for inviting us to join them for this charity dinner event organized by Tita Tita Trillo ( La Vigne December 19, 2007 ) who is Chairman of Titania Wine Cellars and the mom of my Assumption classmate, Roselyn ( Travels with a Gourmet ).  It was a pleasant evening with great food, good wine, nice entertainment and all  for a good cause, the children of Tondo. Apparently this has been going on for many years already.  It was nice because we had a great evening and at the same time it was for a worthy cause.    

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Our table 

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Thank you for a superb dinner!

Chef de Cuisine – Chef Thomas Linke 

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Hosts for the evening Bobby Yan and Claudine Trillo 

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While we were having dinner, the contestants were already coming out and introducing themselvesmsmoutoncadet-13.jpgmsmoutoncadet14a.jpgmsmoutoncadet-15.jpgmsmoutoncadet-16.jpgmsmoutoncadet-18.jpgmsmoutoncadet-19.jpgmsmoutoncadet-20.jpgmsmoutoncadet-21.jpgmsmoutoncadet-22.jpgmsmoutoncadet-23.jpgmsmoutoncadet-24.jpgmsmoutoncadet-25.jpgmsmoutoncadet-26.jpgmsmoutoncadet-27.jpgmsmoutoncadet-28.jpg

 

Judges

Dr. Jorge Sarakinis – multi-talented and intelligent gentleman. He took up political economics, social human behavior, philosophy, neonatology and dentistry.He used to host political & cultural tv shows in Germany which gained him an award by the German President himself. Now he is in Manila using all his talents for the Philippines.

Ms. Sandra Poblador – former investment & private banker of Citibank NA and Bank of America. Founding member of the Philippine Women’s Business Council and President of the Wharton-Penn Club Foundation of the Philippines, she also devotes her time to charitable causes relating to education and youth.

Dr. Susan Roth – former model turned medical doctor who’s now working for Asian Development Bank

Mr. Robbie Delgado – founder and chairman of the Transnational Diversified Group Health advocate, family man, food and wine lover.

Ms. Beatriz Roxas – a creative entrepreneur with a home and lifestyle boutique in Madrid, Spain promoting Philippine furniture and handwoven silk cocoon textile.

Mr. Philippe Bartolomi – he was formerly associated with Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club, Studebaker’s Asia Pacific, The Manila Polo Club, Friday’s Resort in Boracay and now he’s back in Manila as the General Manager of Century Park Hotel Manila. 

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15 Contestants vying for Ms. Mouton Cadet and will represent the Philippines in the Cannes Film Festival in France 

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5 Finalists 

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Ms. Mouton Cadet 2010 Elaine Crispy Miles of New Orleans and First Runner Up Valerie Variou Bondoc of Ilustrado

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Auction for 15  Limited Edition Wines from Baron Philippe de Rotschild through the generosity of Mr. Xavier de Ezaguirre 

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The generous bidders for the wines  

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The Goose Station

By | Foodie | 2 Comments

We finally got to try what everyone has been raving about!  And true enough, the place was full…. but cozy  

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I only saw Chef Robert and I asked to take his photo, and he is very shy 🙂

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Carmina, the beautiful birthday celebrant

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and all her close friends 

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 And we knew almost everyone in the restaurant 🙂 

Maja, Joanna, Cynthi and Myla

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Serendra Restaurant owners -Mamou,  Cuillere and Healthy Kitchen

And Malou, you were right about the Eggs Benedict!!

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Andy and his friends 

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Heart2Heart likes the fact that the menu is simple and easy to choose from.  Everything revolves around these dishes.  

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WOW!! Degustation is how Heart2Heart likes her meal 🙂 It is the best because you have a little of everything rather than trying and picking from everyone’s dish which I do all the time 🙂  The pace is also perfect and you get to talk and enjoy the company while having a proper meal. And not to forget good wine.  I am beginning to appreciate wine now with my meals

I hope they change the menu every now and then so we can try more of their dishes.  I hope to come back here many times because I love it…

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The group however decided to just have the Express Menu which we truly truly enjoyed!!!!!!!!

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Foie Cone

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Prosciutto Brie Macaroon, Potato Glass and Truffle Puff

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Eggs Benedict Poached Egg, Fleur de Sel, Hollandaise Foam, White Truffle Oil, Bacon ” Tuille”

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Beet Garden

Textures of Beet, Corn & orange, Davao Goat Cheese, Walnut and Gingerbread ” Soil” and the rest of the Garden

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Roasted Squash Soup

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Unagi-Foie Gras Terrine

Apple ” Tartare”, Ginger bread and Chocolate ” Soil”, Brioche Toast Point, Chives

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Salmon Gravlax

White Asparagus Flan, Parmesan, Avocado Oil, Caviar, Potato Chip, Micro Greens

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Confit of Duck

Spice & Citrus Rub, Jus, Horseradish Potato Puree, Black Soy Beans, Whole Grain Mustard, Black Currant Jelly

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They did not have the 24-hour steak, so this was what they had instead

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Not in the Express Menu but from the ala carte which I cannot find on the menu- but this looked really good

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Pork Belly, Braised in Soy Mirin Broth, Red Cabbage, Rosemary Potatoes

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Chocolate Candy Bar

Earl Grey Mousse, Ganache, Biscuit, Sinful

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 Bread Pudding

Brioche Pudding, Bacon-Maple Syrup, Dark Chocolate Sorbet dsc_0392.JPG

Cheese Plate

Selection of Camembert, Double Brie and Blue Cheese with Apricots in Saffron Syrup and Date Jam

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at the beautiful W Tower

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Some info taken from their website:  Goose Station 

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Cu-chi Vietnamese Home-Style Cooking

By | Foodie | No Comments

I received a text from my friend, Ginge about this place, so we went to try it out.   It was my first time to go to Makati Golf ( a few meters away from ( THE ZONE )

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They normally close early on Saturday at around 6pm.  But they stayed opened when I called to make a reservation.  I did not know it was inside a Club.  I spoke to the owner and Chef, Chef Rica.  We have the same name 🙂  She told me she did not know how to say no when I called to reserve so she accepted.  She was very nice and she was the one serving us and making sure everything was okay

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 We were the only ones in the restaurant so it was really like we were in our own home for a home cooked meal 🙂

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It’s a good thing they still had some ingredients and most dishes were available.  This is what we had

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One of the dishes we all liked 

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 and I liked the eggplant side dish which came with the grilled pork chops so I ordered it 🙂  YUMMY!

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I wanted to order this but not available at that time:

Fresh Coconut Shake and Grilled Bananas for dessert 

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If you are in the area, why not try ( or take out ) some home cooked vietnamese food 🙂

Somehow home cooked food feels like it is made with love and Chef Rica seemed to love what she is doing…and sharing her food through her new venture

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The Ultimate Burger by iFoodTrip

By | Foodie, Recipes | 6 Comments

Last August 7, 2009, Heart2Heart featured the foie gras burger at Lusso ( Lusso August 7, 2009 ) .  iFoodTrip posted a comment at Heart2Heart.

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I was so curious, I went to the link and this was what was written…It was an anonymous blog which I found really interesting.  The way he described his burger was with so much passion – I immediately wanted to try it!!!  Click on the article below to go to the website/blog:

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After reading the blog, the next day I went to buy some bone marrow!!! I wanted to try to make the ULTIMATE BURGER!  But then they were out of stock!! Aside from  the no stock bone marrow situation, I was also worried that I would not be able to make the burger correctly.  So as I was desperate, I wrote iFoodTrip and asked what restaurant or where I could try his burger ( as mentioned in his blog ).  Apparently, iFoodTrip is the chef of one of Heart2Heart’s favorite places,  Elbert’s SteakRoom! Chef Adrian!  So nice, humble and quiet 🙂  

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  We scheduled for me to try the ULTIMATE BURGER last year but for some important reason, we had to postpone it.  But finally, 3 days ago, I dragged along my good and blooming friend 🙂 Michele, to try this burger!!!

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Of  course, at Steak Room, Lunch comes with salad or soup

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By the time we had set the lunch reservation, Chef Adrian had already invented another burger which is what he served us. So instead of having just the Ultimate Burger, we had  The Ultimate Burger Truffled stuffed with Bone Marrow!! WOW!!!! Heart2Heart loves truffles, truffle oil, truffle salt – truffle anything 🙂 And it came with a BLUE CHEESE sauce on the side!

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Here is the inside of the burger with bone marrow bits coming out. YUMMY!! Even Michele liked it and I was so happy because she is very hard to please when it comes to food as she is a chef as well.

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We had to have our hot water after that very rich and yummy burger!! 🙂

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Thanks Adrian a for that wonderful foodie experience.

 If you want to try THE ULTIMATE BURGER TRUFFLED STUFFED with BONE MARROW, you can contact Adrian at ifoodtrip@gmail.com or call Steak Room atleast two days in advance.

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 Elbert’s Steak Room is located at:

3/F Sagittarius Building III

111 H. V. de la Costa Street

Salcedo Village

Makati City 1227

Philippines

Or you can attempt to make it yourself. Chef Adrian is very kind and generous to share his recipe.

 

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Elbert’s Lunch ( Elbert’s Lunch at Steak Room April 2, 2008 ) menu has changed already and you can also now have steak for lunch!! The place was full for lunch so we we’re lucky we had made a reservation.

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Tosca for Breakfast

By | Foodie | 2 Comments

We were invited for a breakfast meeting at Tosca ( Tosca November 7, 2008 )and this is what we had…

There is a buffet and then you check from the list your main breakfast dish… You can choose one main dishes and the beauty is they serve it fresh rather than getting from a buffet for the main dish

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Main dishes we had

Filipino Set – Beef Tapa choice – It was really good! 

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Omelette of Your choice with bacon and sausage 

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Chinese set – Congee 

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Yamazaki

By | Foodie | 2 Comments

This is one of the places we go to for Japanese ingredients and snacks which we cannot find anywhere else. Our cousin Ana told us about this place.  They have a wide variety  but it has a bit of a smell and it is not so clean- but it is okay.  It is right beside Seryna in Japan Town ( near Makati Cinema Square )

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They even have frozen and refrigerated items from Japan 

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All kinds of Japanese rice.  James made sure we got our japanese rice from here for the Beef Pepper Rice ( Beef Pepper Rice by Heart2Heart February 3, 2010) that we made at home 

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and this is where I get my Pino for P 88.00 for a box of 6 pieces !! ( Pino January 4, 2010)  

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There is a restaurant beside it which we tried 

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They have takeout 

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And they have dine in  

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We got a Ramen set for P 195.00 – we got all this for P 195.00!  Ramen, yummy fried rice and gyoza!

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Previous Entry:

Choto Stop and New Hatchin April 30,2009 

 

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Homemade Pizza and Ice Cream

By | Foodie | One Comment

This is part 2 of homemade pizza form Tina.  YUMMY!!!  ( Homemade Pizza by Tina November 22, 2009  )

I love the set up 🙂 and all the fresh and quality ingredients that go into the pizza 

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I am wondering if Georgia will grow up to be like her Mom….. 

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I like the fact that the pizza is not perfectly round like all other pizza…and she has a pizza for everyone 

Pepperoni 

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Margarita 

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Garlic and anchovy 

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Mushroom and roasted garlic 

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Roasted Garlic and Cambozola 

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Four cheese 

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After homemade pizza, we even get to eat homemade ice cream! 

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A new ice cream maker from her husband, Gerry, as a Christmas gift 

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