My Biggest Mistake
In my 32 years of existence my biggest mistake is (over)indulging my sweet tooth. I have not done anything to correct it. I don’t think I ever will.
Presenting some of the recent reasons why I will never have Venus’ 22-inch waistline.
1. Enderun’s Louis XIV (or chocolate delight)
Chocolate ganache on top of praline enrobed in silky, dark chocolate. Magic happens as soon as it touches your tongue 🙂 Thanks to my dear friend M’s new job for leading us to this enchanting dessert. Now I have another excuse to see her more regularly!
2. Crinkles from ADB.
I have another close friend’s career shift to thank for these goodies! Enough of crinkles that could pass of as paperweight. These are firm on the outside, rich and gooey on the inside.
One piece is actually big enough for two. But if you’re a cookie monster like me, one just won’t do.
3. Addie’s Ensaimadas
Addie is another friend from way back. I’ve always liked the sound of her real name, Adeleine. I find it so feminine, sweet and romantic. Like a little princess in an Old English novel who sips tea with her cookies in a manicured lawn.
Addie now bakes beautiful, cloud-like ensaimadas that would make you feel like royalty with every bite. Believe me, hers is the only name you should remember when it comes to dreamy ensaimadas.
4. Chocolat’s Death by Tablea
Yet another good friend is responsible for this lethal concoction of local chocolate and condensed milk. I’ve been addicted to these for some time now. Got even more hooked early this year when it was the only thing I wanted to eat during those “dark” days.
There you are Sir Baldwin, some of my biggest mistakes. Not! Try any of these to make you forget about any major, major problem that you have done in your life. Thank you soooo much!
(Please note that everything tastes better than they look. Mea culpa. I’m always too excited to eat to take better photos 🙂 )
Soup for the (Frantic) Soul
No appetite today.
Been glued to the boob tube like most everyone. Yesterday, it was for the cinematically pathetic hostage drama in Quirino. This morning, it was all about Venus.
I’m beat despite just staying at home.
What to eat when you’re tired and unsure of what you want? Soup is my standard hunger-buster.
Clam Chowder from a food court in Maryland. Around 7 dollars.
Chicken and Corn from Baang Coffee. Around 70 pesos.
Tomato Chicken Cabbage from our kitchen. Around 7 minutes to make (from whatever was in our fridge and pantry).
1. Saute onions and garlic in olive oil and butter.
2. Add 1 piece chopped fresh tomato.
3. Add some fish sauce to taste.
3. Add half a cup of diced chicken breast.
4. When meat changes color, pour one can of crushed tomatoes (I use Capri brand from Italy. Available in major groceries).
5. Add some water, depending on the soup consistency you want.
6. Simmer then add one cup of chopped cabbage (You may add or use other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, etc).
7. Wait for veggies to cook. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Done!
I’m sure this would taste better with fresh basil and/or grated parmesan cheese (no more in stock! Must buy later 🙂 ).
Serve with crusty garlic bread. Turn off the TV, shutdown FB and enjoy!
Italiano? No. Ilocano? Wen.
From Italy we move to Ilocos.
Meet Dennis the GI. Genuine Ilocano. For forty pesos, he can make you a mean empanada.
Meat pie is the closest English translation for empanada. The Ilocano version is stuffed with shredded papaya, Vigan longganisa and one whole fresh egg.
It is deep fried until it becomes bright orange (Villar orange?!).
I prefer eating my empanada this way. I crack it open on a plate and then douse it with local vinegar. For an additional five bucks you can ask Dennis for extra longganisa 🙂
The best thing about this? The stall is just a stone’s throw away from GMA. No need to travel 10 hours to Ilocos.
La dolGelato!
Sometimes I wish we were living in Italy…and have access to all the gelato I want.
I still remember my first scoop of authentic gelato on a wintry night in Venezia. Despite the chill, I was craving for some ice cream. The hubby wanted me to wait the next morning but I was insistent. Please, I pleaded, just one tiny scoop 🙂 I got a small cup of hazelnut for 1 Euro at this corner gelateria by Basilica San Marco.
During our short stay in Italy, I would have a scoop or two every single day. I was hoping to sample as many flavors as I can. But there was just too much variety. I would probably need a year to cover all of them.
Our favorite was Roman gelato. We found theirs creamier than elsewhere.
R took this family’s stolen shot while we were in line at a shop near the Colosseo. Sadly, we forgot to take photos of the actual shop. Their gelato was the best we had in the trip!
Having my fill in Firenze.
Another day, another flavor. Yay!
Gelato, compared to ice cream, has less butterfat and is served 10-15 degrees warmer. Several restaurants in Manila have their own versions of gelato. But only Gelatissimo transported us back to Italy.
Tried Gelatissimo in Cebu last year. Heard it now has a branch in Greenbelt. Hope it finds its way to our area soon!
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Why Anthony Bourdain should hook up with Annabelle Rama
When you’re in Cebu, you can’t not have lechon. Not after Anthony Bourdain declared that this was where he found the best pig in the world. So on a recent trip down South we embarked on Mission: Lechon.
We had very limited time to complete our mission (only 30 hours!). After some thorough research, we figured we only needed to seek out two brands. The older, more popular CNT and the fierce newbie Zubuchon.
CNT Lechon can be found all over the city. You may ask your hotel concierge or even a random local on the street where the nearest branch is. This plate we ordered from their stall at the Ayala Center food court.
Though the skin was crisp and the meat flavorful, it tasted like any other lechon. Nothing remarkable.
On the other hand, Zubuchon only has two branches — at the Banilad Town Center and inside the airport. Zubuchon, which is barely a year old, is owned by blogger Marketmanila. He was the one who did the lechon that triggered Mr. Bourdain’s now famous roast pig declaration.
We got to Banilad a little past 1p.m and their stall was already empty 😦
The attendant told us to come back by 11 the next morning. He said their lechon easily runs out since they only roast one or two a day.
We dutifully returned on time the next day. And what do you know, there was already a small crowd eagerly waiting for this…
Now, this is different. The skin pops in your mouth like a lighter and crunchier crispy pata. Beware! It can be so much fun to eat you’d forget how deadly it is! Apparently, they puncture the pig while it roasts to get the skin like this. Zubuchon also boasts of using just fresh herbs and spices to flavor their meat. 100% no MSG.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Mr. Bourdain on this one. It was good but not the best. For me at least.
The most awesome lechon I’ve ever tasted (and the pig I’ve been pining for for months now!) was the one Annabelle Rama served during our Planet Philippines thanksgiving party last year. She had them shipped from her hometown of Cebu (but of course!). After hours on the plane and on the buffet table, the skin was still unbelievably crispy and the meat succulent.
She didn’t name her supplier though and I’m too dyahe to ask her again (lest she think I just want another free lechon). Anybody out there who knows where she orders it from? I want a whole one all to myself!!!
And to Mr. Bourdain, next time you’re in RP hook up with Tita A — for the best pig in the planet and for a more riotous episode 🙂
This Is EAT! 