In the mood for lamb

If you’re all set for a fine dining treat this Valentine’s Day, sample the All You Need Is Lamb culinary specials being served up by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

Celebration meat MLA, which is made up of 46,500 livestock producers who work with industry players and government agencies to ensure strict standards for meat products, is promoting Australian lamb as “celebration meat." In particular, it’s showcasing meat from sheep that are less than 12 months old. Lean and tender, the meat is perfect for red-letter days. Although not many Pinoys are familiar with lamb, MLA’s resident culinary experts say the meat can be used in classic Pinoy fare like caldereta, adobo, and inihaw. Neat meat benefits Lamb also offers many health benefits. For one, it is an ideal source of iron. Research shows that the form of iron in lamb meat is more easily absorbed by the body and, therefore, speeds up the formation of red blood cells. Lamb is also rich in zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Moreover, thanks to improved breeding and feeding practices, the fat in lamb has been greatly reduced over the past twenty years. For example, lamb leg steaks may contain as little as 5.1 percent fat. Lamb meal plans For the month of love, MLA is giving away a limited edition All You Need Is Lamb 2010 planner to diners who will order two lamb dishes in any of their partner restaurants. The planner features recipes for lamb dishes that both beginners and cooking aficionados can try out. In Metro Manila, MLA’s partner restaurants and hotels are Annabel Lee, Azuthai, Ascott Makati (Café On The 6th), Café Mediterranean, Cav Wine Shop & Café, Chateau 1771, Chef Laudico's Bistro Filipino, Dinelli Gourmet, Gilak By Hossein, Hossein's Persian Kebab, Shomal by Hossein, Hossein’s, Hotel Rembrandt, Ilustrado, La Régalade, La Tienda, Marriott Hotel, Old Swiss Inn, People's Palace Thai, Persiana, Purple Feet, Sala Bistro, Sentro 1771, Highlands Steakhouse, and Thai at Silk. In Cebu, MLA has partnered with Bistro Ecila, Don Merto’s, Fine Cuisine, La Tegola, Olio Steak and Seafood Restaurant, The Tinderbox, and Cebu Country Club. The All You Need Is Lamb promo runs until February 14, 2010. - FVI/YA, GMANews.TV Graphics by Mark Merueñas. All photos courtesy of Grupo Sorbetero.