Back to 02.13.05 - Give Chance A Chance

Way back in the days, contemplation was my most appealing trait. I just had to post this because it needs to be resurrected, remembered, and relived.

Give Chance A Chance

Read more of this blog on the NEW ToT 

http://www.triportreats.com/2009/08/14/give-chance-a-chance/

Was The Good Chef Out of Stock at Stock Market?

I don't want to be mean, but consistency is key especially in the food department. Consistency keeps me coming back for more, it provides a basis for comparison when trying other versions, and it gives me comfort to know that things are made just the way I like it when I want it.

That said, I present the case of the Chef's Day Off at Stock Market.

As a disclaimer, I adore Stock Market.

My first encounter involved the search for below zero beer ( beer that freezes up when you tap the bottom of the bottle, creating a slush that makes it next to impossible to drink properly). Of course, I don't drink beer but that didn't stop me from tagging along with those who do. That's when I had... the Burger experience:

Nostalgia Wins

A friend and I were out for some wine last night, discussing diving, food and Italy, when we went off on a full on tirade about pasta Carbonara. Where to find the best (I said Chelsea, friend said Rome duh), how to make it, and why we love it. I guess the discussion went for quite some time, because 3 bottles of vino went coming and going before realizing the time.

So today what can I think of?
Carbonara
Carbonaraaaa
CARBONARA!

Its wrath reached its fullest when, at the gym, I was staring at Giada Dilaurentiis noshing on Braciola while working up a sweat on the cross trainer. I finish my time on the sweat-o-rator and went in a scurry back home.

Specifically, my kitchen.

I won't elaborate too much on the process... just know that it was worth every calorie ingested.

Enter The Usual Suspects

Prosciutto, Bacon, Onion, Parmigiano Reggiano, Egg, and Spinach Fettucini

Hong Kong Honeymoon

Let me tell you, Hong Kong can make you do crazy things. The food begs you to eat a lot. The sales lure you to shop a lot. The streets ensure you will walk a lot... speaking of walking... HK also made me sleep walk. More on that later.

My trip started with my shuttle ride to Park Lane hotel with a tornado hanging over our heads. RAIN!

As a birthday gift to myself, (aside from my Muse ii and my Tubbataha trip) I met up with my Santa Monica roommate in HK while her fam flew in from Jakarta. Well, that and the underwater cam case purchase that made me trek to the HK ghetto aka talahib (grassfields).

My very first meal while waiting for roomie's arrival was from a random sushi place atop the AMC movie theater in Causeway Bay. I was unsure what I was hungry for so I headed to the nearest resto from the hotel... Talk about a gem of a find; in that resto-that-will-remain-nameless I taste the most amazing shake (salmon) sushi which melts in your mouth with perfect oiliness.

Don't Hate Me, I Have a Love Affair

I won't deny it: I take every opportunity to eat well, especially when it comes to family time. Unconditional love from my parents means never feeling hunger. That could have been deduced just by looking at our very wellfed physique, from my brothers down to the little oversized kidlets.

So for Sunday brunch, we head off to Le Souffle at Fernando's. No, not our residence but at the Amorsolo in Rockwell.

I wont elaborate too much, because it's quite evident that the pictures speak for themselves. My happy tummy nodding in agreement right now.

READ THIS POST ON THE NEW TOT:

http://www.triportreats.com/2009/08/03/dont-hate-me-i-have-a-love-affair/

So You Think You Can Veggie?

Last week I headed up to Baguio to do the bad cop in the good cop/bad cop waltz that is employee evaluations. That was not fun, but I did leave the mountains with some goodies: blueberries, sagada oranges and passionfruit.

Whenever I'm in Baguio, I try to eat as healthy as possible. I mean, seriously, why wouldn't you try more fruits and veggies especially when Baguio offers a plethora of fresh produce at your disposal for dirt cheap. Most of the vegetables found in our local markets are brought in from the Northern Luzon region. Lettuce, strawberries, oranges and tomatoes are the perfect pasalubong for the kitchen.

Especially with farmers markets mushrooming in the metro, there's more than many opportunities to eat vicariously thru veggies. Some even go as far as going vegetarian, such as my friend Cheska who, for Lent, gave up anything that moves, quacks or moos. It was amazing to watch her self control, especially when we had dinner at Barcino's where I noshed on chorizo, jamon serrano and all the meaty spanish goodies. She ordered croquetas con queso. No Bueno for me.

Let's be reminded that, when growing up with three big brothers who have even bigger appetites, if you so much as even blink when food is put down on the table, there's a very high chance you open your eyes to an empty plate. Plus since they were "growing boys" for quite some time, meat and poultry were a mainstay on the menu. Conclusion: I love meat.

The Best of Bohol

Finally after all the craziness that is life these past 2 weeks, I begin my tale that is my Bohol family trip. Bohol, the eponymous island known for the subliminal Chocolate Hills, is like the gift that keeps on giving. Not only are the hundreds of Kisses-like mountains a highlight, there are so many sights and activities for tourists local and foreign alike.

Bohol has been touted as the next best beach location next to Boracay, with Alona Beach as a baby version of White Beach. Located in the Visayas region, a plane ride from Manila takes you to Tagbilaran City, where the main tourist attractions lie. A 30 min. drive takes you to Panglao island where most of the beach resorts are.

(that would be me on the white sandy strip)

The sand is sugary white just like Bora, but with less bars and crazy Manila people who look like they're in Makati but in bikinis. Although we came during the habagat, or rainy season, its charm is still visible.

Of course, what would I do when placed on a beach, let alone clear blue water with beautiful visibility? Hello, I'll dive. The parentals, of course, did not realize my hidden agenda until I boarded the plane with my dive luggage in tow. I asked my friend, diving legend Gigi Santos, who is President GMA's dive instructor, for leads on who to trust in terms of diving; because the last thing I need is some seedy dive master who might try to sell me to the next fisherman.

The Brazo That Made Me Convert

Filipinos around the world: Do you remember those parties back in the 80s/early 90s where the designated dessert was either Crema De Fruta and/or Brazo De Mercedes? Non Filipinos with Filipino friends: Have you or your loved one suffered thru a Filipino party wherein you were guilt tripped into eating either presentably challenged desserts?

Read this post on the NEW ToT: 
http://www.triportreats.com/2011/07/28/the-brazo-that-made-me-convert/

Hello Tummy, I Want Chelsea

So this is what I've had this weekend alone (not including meals which don't deserve a shout out):

Five Cheese Macaroni with Garlic Mozzarella Toast



Read this post on the NEW ToT: 
http://www.triportreats.com/2009/07/26/hello-tummy-i-want-chelsea/

When the Intangible Is More Important Than the Visible

Note: This entry is not about the Bohol experience. The Bohol Experience (TBE) is independent in its own rite and should not, in any way, be misconstrued as part of my review below. TBE will be dealt with I'm done reviewing my resort accommodations.

Have I told you I liked to travel? Well, I do. I really do. In fact, I would give up my scheduled quarterly purse purchase for the opportunity to see the world further (Wait, let me think about that; purse purchase moments are very close to my heart).

Blame it on my dad who hand carried me to Hong Kong for a business/buying trip, my sleepy 3 year old self balancing on his shoulders as he was carrying boxes of musical instruments back to the hotel. Point the finger at my mom, who (happily) dragged me to Honolulu and Yosemite Park at 3, with the early memory of pulling a girl's hair coz she had ringlets and was jealous.

Yet I only have myself to blame when, at the age of 6, I flew by myself to LA then Indiana, with no one but the stewardess to keep me company. They thought my parents had abandoned me. I'd like to believe they were confident in my map-questing skills in the event I can't find myself.