Kids Kitchen Camp Cookbook

San Miguel Pure Foods recently launched its first cookbook for kids.
Amidst food workshops, storytelling activities, cooking demos and a magic show, kids of all ages were treated to an afternoon of fun, food and friendship.


Check out this superbly fun and visual cookbook called Kids Kitchen Camp Cookbook Specially Made for Kids created by the Culinary Center team of San Miguel Purefoods and published by Anvil.
Available at National Bookstore and Powerbooks nationwide.

There will be a series of Cooking Workshops for kids ages 6 to 11 at the Culinary Center in Ugong,Pasig. Cost of workshop is Php2,900 inclusive of apron, cookbook and ingredients.

Also, watch out for them in a cookbook roadshow in various bookstore and schools within Metro Manila.

Happy Cooking!

No photos, Just Jollibee delivery

I'd rather go out to a restaurant or cafe to have a meal than have food delivered to my house. I enjoy meals that are hot - it may not necessarily be just recently cooked but, for as long as it is served warm and calling, I'd be one happy tummy.

With the advent of technology, people (including me) have been given countless options in their food purchases, leaving them more time for themselves, for doing something else other than cooking (you know, more time with the kids, blah blah blah). Anyhow, I specifically am referring to food deliveries, which to my amazement, have just recently tested.

Family Day
I was being good ol' mom to my children one weekend when we as a family had to attend an event at the La Mesa Ecopark and were prescribed to bring lunch for the family to consume. No, it is not potluck per se, just bring your own "baon" to keep engines running and keep the children nourished enough to run wild, climb high and enjoy what the park wants to offer.

Time was not on my side that weekend though, so, working mom that I am, there was nothing, nothing readily edible at my ref - nothing. My choices? Drive through or take out.

Interestingly, we were all so excited (and so late) during that trip that we decided to just hope for the best and buy our meals in the park. Big mistake. The park had a few food stalls selling grilled hotdogs, barbecues, chips and that particular weekend, it was packed - as if all of Metro Manila decided to suddenly be one with nature.

Dial 8-7000
My dear sister therefore had a brilliant idea of calling Jollibee for delivery. I, on the other hand, had my doubts. How big is this eco park and how can Jollibee possibly find us here? In fact, I don't think they'll accept our order with no specific room/address (remember, we were "kind of" in the wild).

We called 8-7000 and mentioned where we were. We had to be very clear on that since we didn't want to wait forever for our meals - I personally would rather line up for the grilled TJ hotdogs - but was surprised to hear that they are ready to take the orders.


The guy in Red
An hour later, still with no Jollibee in sight, we were back in the program, the children and parents doing all these ridiculous (okay, fun) games with the teachers. The whole time I was thinking, "Oh well, we tried. I guess they're not coming."

Lo and behold, this uniformed guy comes with his insulated bag and apologizes for the delay. He rattles on about how far the parking is, shares with us how he almost gave up looking for us and goes through the motion of enumerating the items. There was relief in his voice too. I believe that for every failed effort, it is the rider who shoulders the cost. We settle the bill and off he goes.

While enjoying our burgers, spaghetti, chicken, bangus and palabok, we all agreed that Jollibee delivery deserves a post here.

Have you got a Jollibee delivery story?

A Parade of Sweets and Savories

Being a foodie has its pros and cons. There is a lot for the taking, an endless array of food and cuisine to be discovered. The downside, calories, which means, weight gain.

Hereunder are some special treats I have discovered lately, perhaps some seem old to you but to me, these still are worth mentioning here;

Cookies & Breads of QKitchen


QKitchen: BCC (Baguio Country Club) is my benchmark for the best-ever raisin bread in the country - until I tried that of QKitchen. Rich and laden with just the right amount of raisins in a soft sweet dough, there is no need now to go all the way up to Baguio to satisfy your craving. QKitchen is available in Salcedo Market.



Banapple

Banapple: Apple Pie goodness at its best - short pastry crust filled with tender chunks of caramelized apples and topped with gooey caramel and crushed Graham. Sinfully perfect, driving from the South all the way to Katipunan just to get this justifies the trip.



Diamond Hotel's Walnut Cheesecake


Diamond Hotel Bakeshop: Found also at the Rockwell Mall, they offer their Moist Chocolate Cake and Walnut Cheesecake which dessert lovers must try. The bittersweet profile of the chocolate cake is my personal favorite while the dense baked cheesecake is perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee which they also offer.



Rack's Pork Ribs



Racks Ribs: Though I miss their Barbecued Pork Knuckles, you will be happy to re-discover their classic pork ribs that are absolutely tender and practically falling off the bones. Expect generous servings.



Green Curry Chicken


Paad Thai



Chariya's Kitchen: Now along N.Garcia Makati (formerly called Reposo), Chariya has maintained her authentic and affordable Thai menu. Must-try's are the Paad Thai, Chicken Sate and the curries. Oh, and with summer being here, have a cold Thai Iced tea as well. She can also be found at the Salcedo Market and 169 Mall in Divi.



Dulcelin Mango Tart



Dulcelin: They have reformated the way they have arranged the mangoes on top of the crunchy crust and whipped cream but still, their Frozen Mango tart will truly be appreciated during this time of the year.



Marciano's Salad



Marcianos: Their signature salad used crisp salad greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and served with parma ham and dried figs, glazed walnuts and sundried tomatoes. Truly a winner!



Chicken Waldorf Pizza


Mr. Kurosawa: Found at the newly opened Eastwood Mall, this Euro-Japanese restaurant has adopted a playful menu with offerings such as Softshell Crab Sushi, Chicken teriyaki and Mango pizza, and also Chicken Waldorf pizza among others. Truly innovative, it'll tickle your fancy, and taste buds as well.


Black Rain: Soft Shell Crab Sushi


Happy Eating!

Back at the Atrium

Chef's Quarter

Hubby and I found ourselved back at the Atrium one Friday night after a long busy week, and was surprised to see a lot of people in the area. Most restaurants are packed, and because we wanted to try a new place, we found ourselves at the Chef's Quarter restaurant for a quiet dinner.


Baked Cream Dory

I would recommend this place for this item, very simple but truly delicious with the fish being cooked just right and the sauce complimenting the entire dish and not overpowering it. It is quite generous in its portion and I gave hubby practically the other half of it. The fish was stuffed with chopped mushrooms and served in a tomato-cream sauce with a side of angel hair pasta.


Prawn Bisque

This is one of the first few items I learned to cook in culinary school and had high hopes for this one, but sadly, their version was quite salty, the first sip is sure to shock you with its potency which I associate to a demiglace.

Chef's Quarter Pasta

Hubby ordered the pasta; it reminded me of a typical gamberi pasta with its bell peppers and sauteed shrimps and tomato herb sauce.

Kebab Factory

A few weeks after, lunch with Dad was truly enjoyed at the Kebab Factory. There were only a couple of tables occupied when we got there and so, we had the benefit of being served well. While embracing enough attention, we ordered what was recommended.

Chicken Mast Kebab

The Chicken Mast Kebab had that tangy flavor which I assume came from a mixture of lemon, garlic and yoghurt. It was properly cooked, tender and flavorful.

Butter Naan

Dad ordered rice but I opted for the Butter Naan which was soft and its portions generous. Dipped in the shrimp curry sauce, it is fantastic.

Shrimp Curry

Their take on the Cheese samosa is quite different from what I have tried the past - theirs is stuffed with mozzarella cheese and cilantro and the dough is flaky and characterized by a sweet-salty flavor.

Cheese Samosa

You will like this place, the food is unpretentious and the quality is above average.

Back in Class

March being here and graduation just around the corner inspires you to reflect on the past - not quite a distant past, but certainly an influential one - am referring to student life. With parents seriously preparing for graduation time, students are excitedly anticipating the long summer break.


Strawberry Noisette Pie

Ham Platter



It is nice to be a student once more. We experienced it recently as we took a break from the usual and just absorbed new things and ideas ready for the taking. Our office team had the rare opportunity of working with some of the best chefs in the industry for a few days early this year. Here's sharing with you some of the things we have worked with under the tutelage of Chef Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts and Garde Manger Chef Larry Celeridad.


Of Cheese & Deli



Cheese Platter


Roast Platter


I am amazed at the effortless creations of Chef Larry. He put this together and used the components the team has prepared earlier and just kept on going as his candor and unending speech (typical of him) went on.


Ham Platter

Ham N Ham Mousse


Pretty, Pretty, Pretty!

Choco Lava Cake

Lemon Tart


Chef Buddy, on the other hand, kept with the basics and shared a few of his tricks but what really amazed us is his ability to transform the usual to something different and just simply pretty. Coupled with his funny persona, the team was just blown away and starstruck the entire time.



Mango Cheesecake

Mango Mousse

Being a student ain't so bad after all...