Ham and cheese grow up

Holiday shopping can be intense enough to cause some serious hunger pangs. Good thing Circa 1857, one of the best places for gift-hunting in the city, has a tasty partner. Yvette Marie’s Café, located inside the popular shop, has taken a simple childhood staple and turned it into a divine experience with its Ham and Brie sandwich ($6.75). Inside a delicate croissant are tucked a few slices of ham with melted Brie cheese oozing out of the sides. A healthy toss of fresh baby lettuce and tomato and the sweet surprise of apricot preserves finish things off. The key to this sandwich is balance. The saltiness of the ham doesn’t fight against the sweetness of the fruit, and the creaminess of the Brie goes well with the fragility of the croissant. While enjoying this delicious sandwich and cracking cheesy jokes about how “gouda” it is, sip on some River Road Iced Tea ($1.75). I hope Mom will forgive me for moving on from her ham and cheese, but I’ve grown up—and so has this sandwich. Wonder Bread and melted Kraft singles just won’t do anymore.—Shelia De Guzman