Saturday, February 27, 2016

Food-lovers' Guide to the Next Gourmand Market by NawwTy's Kitchen


Manila is roost to every kind of food under the sun, from fine dining to killer sandwiches to specialties from every culinary culture. Steadily, the need for a change of scene in the food market is increasing. With the trending artisan and organic themes on the rise, purveyors have been actively participating and keeping us foodies so happy.

I'm so glad to share you a sneak peak into the much awaited fancy food fare, as Globe Platinum presents "The Gourmand Market by NawwTy's Kitchen."

Now on their 5th run, Dong, Trish and Dara had set the stage right at the cozy home of Trish in Dasmarinas Village.  Joined by the purveyors, social media engagers and bloggers, the Bohemian-themed event was beyond expectations for what's supposed to be a picnic cum dinner.


Wouldn't you want to sip you fave drinks beneath this tent.  These are Trish' collection of silk scarfs sewn together and hanged as a canopy above a nicely arranged set of equally fine furniture.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Basic Hummus and Chapati


Please forgive me, as my photos doesn't seem to be that enticing, but I assure you, your friends and family will love you more when they taste this.  I can just have this anytime of the day, especially while watching my favorite TV shows paired with red wine.

I made this in a breeze and took a photo real time, just after making the batch, it was gone in 30 seconds, so I wasn't able to prepare to get the best food shot.  I'm like that, I always cook food on a whim and forgets to get the proper photo op preparations.


Lighting was blah, since I just used my phone to get the quick shot and it was night time...

But the flavor was AHHHH!

When making this consider getting a good can of chickpeas and authentic Indian Tahini, which you can both get at any Indian store.  I got mine at Magallanes Complex.

Tahini gives the dish the distinct flavor.  It's made from hulled sesame seeds churned to paste and is a staple in many cuisines, especially in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Make sure to get Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, making the taste clean and the aroma well-balanced.

You may order here.

Hummus Recipe

Basic hummus recipe (lifted from www.jamieoliver.com)

Serves 6-8 as a starter

2 x 400g cans of chickpeas (reserve the liquid and a few chickpeas for decoration)
6 tsp tahini
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp crushed sea salt
6 tbsp quality extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
3½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Paprika
Coriander or parsley leaves (optional)


Procedure:

Rinse the chickpeas in tap water, drain and dump into the food processor. Add the tahini, crushed garlic, salt, lemon juice and seven tablespoons of the reserved liquid from the cans. Turn on the food processor and slowly pour in the oil while it runs.  In my case, I tried to use the blender, since my food processor could not hold the density.

When the mixture is fully combined and smooth, tip it into a serving dish. Drizzle with some more extra virgin olive oil and decorate with a few whole chickpeas. Sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped coriander or parsley leaves, for color.




Chapati Recipe (lifted from rasamalaysia.com)

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour (or stone ground drum-wheat also known as “Atta”)
1 cup water (approximately)
1 teaspoon salt
Little extra flour in a shallow plate or pie dish to help with coating and dusting while rolling the chapattis

Procedure:

Sieve the flour, add salt to it and mix well. Place the flour in a large bowl and add ¾ cup of water. Stir lightly with fingers in a circular motion till the flour start to gather. Add 1-2 tablespoons of more flour if the dough looks too sticky or add little more water if it looks too dry and firm.

Knead the flour until you have soft and pliable dough that does not stick to your fingers. You can put little oil on your hand while kneading the dough to help with kneading. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for minimum 1 hour at room temperature. If keeping for longer period store the dough in refrigerator and make sure to bring it back to room temperature before using it.

Once ready to make chapatis, heat the griddle over medium-high heat. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal-sized balls and start working with each ball separately. Place the bowl in dry flour and flatten it a bit with help of finger tips. Transfer the flatten ball to any clean flat surface and with help of rolling pin, roll it into approx. 6-7 inch circle of uniform thickness. While rolling the chapati if the dough sticks to the rolling surface, dust it and the surface lightly with little flour.

Place the rolled chapati on the hot griddle and cook for 30 seconds or until tiny golden dots appear on the bottom, flip over to the other side. Once the other side is also covered with larger brown dots, turn it over again. Soon the chapati will start to puff up. With the help of a folded kitchen towel press gently on the puffed part, gently pushing the air to the flatten part of chapati until the whole chapati puffs up into a round ball (don’t get disheartened if your chapati doesn’t puff up like a ball, it will still taste as delicious as the puffed on. It may take a little practice to get perfectly puffed chapatis). You can puff up the chapati on direct flame too.

For photos read more at http://rasamalaysia.com/chapati-recipe/2/#Q5lufLEllYB4HVUb.99

Enjoy!

Do visit my RECIPE page for more easy ways of entertaining your family's palate.

Midori Hotel and Casino: A New 5-star Hotel Set to Open at Clark, Pampanga


What a way to make a quick visit to Pampanga really exciting and worth saving a date from, staying blissfully at the newest 5-star hotel.  We all know Pampanga has a lot to offer when it comes to fun and exciting events, such as the recently concluded Hot Air Balloon Fest, and how can we not know of its rich culinary and heritage houses.  My family always look forward to the yearly Ligligan Fest and Big Bite Foodie events, and it was always a question to us on where we can stay for the night after the hectic day exploring Pampanga and eating loads of sisig.

         You may want to check out this post too: 
               Dinosaurs Island Adventure with my Girls

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is said to be the first 5-star luxury hotel and casino in Central Luzon will launch on the first quarter of 2016. It occupies a total area of 9,900 square meters and will have 111 well-appointed rooms embellished with chic décor and high-end amenities. There will be eight (8) spacious and cozy room types to choose from such as: Superior (43.4 sqm), Deluxe (52.5 sqm), Grand Deluxe King (63.9 sqm), Junior Suite (80.4 sqm), Premier Suite (96.3 sqm), Midori Suite (123.7 sqm), Penthouse Suite (146.1 sqm), and the exquisitely designed Presidential Suite (366.7 sqm) provided with a separate living room , audio-visual room, bar, kitchen and dining room for personal refreshments, family gatherings or get-togethers with friends.

Five (5) world-class dining outlets will be available to satisfy sophisticated palates. Enjoy international cuisines at Toscana Dining; experience sky lounge dining while looking into the vast green surroundings while live bands are performing at Baccus Lounge; choose from excellent wines and cigar collections available at Cigar Maduro; enjoy refreshing drinks from Baci Bar while spending a day at the pool and spend a quiet afternoon coffee or tea in a relaxed setting at Café Midori.

Other entertainment and relaxation facilities are the technologically advance Casino, KTV Clubs, Mahjong Rooms, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool and a Spa Centerto offer spa experiences to a whole new heights.

Festa Hall - Midori Clark Hotel’s grand ballroom can accommodate 400 guests, accented with grandiose chandeliers, lavishing glass wall stairs, high ceiling and spacious lobby; surely a perfect venue for business meetings, conferences, parties, weddings and or once in a lifetime events.

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino is located along C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines. About five (5) minutes away from Clark International Airport .

Clark Freeport is the gateway to the north, strategically positioned about less than 2 hours drive from north of Metro Manila via NLEX, 45 minutes going to Subic via SCTEX, and less than 3 hours to Baguio City via TPLEX.

For inquiries, please send email to reservations@midorihotel.com and for marketing concerns to marketing@midorihotel.com or contact them directly at +63 917 653 6666 or +63 917 652 6666. You may also visit their website at www.midorihotel.com to know more about the property.

Can't wait to check them out...Do stay updated as we try to review them for you...



Thursday, February 18, 2016

Our Own Hi-Low Kitchen Project


In the year that I was born, Julia Child wrote an essay for Architectural Digest about her home in Cambridge, Masachusets.  In it she called her kitchen, "the beating heart and social center of the household,  both practical and beautiful, a working laboratory."

Well, I'm sorry but I'm not gonna burst your bubbles and tell you when that was, else you'll find out how old I am.  Ha ha...

My kitchen wasn't as complete and functional in all the sense, as that of my gourmand idol, Julia Child and it has become old and dingy with modern appliances and kitchen "thingamajigs" sitting somewhere in its corners.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The 6th MOMMY MILKSHAKE Run by Mommy Mundo


This year Mommy Mundo once again celebrates family as it launches the 6th Mommy Milkshake Run.  Mommy Mundo always promotes a healthy family life and finds different avenues to create
unique activities and build lasting experiences with families.

First organized in 2007, this family fun run lasted up until 2011. This year, they are bringing it back to complement the active parenting advocacy as they aim to bring the community together to celebrate active play and bonding.

Thus, together with them, I invite you to come join us on Sunday, March 6, 2016, as we bond together with other families to celebrate togetherness and outdoor fun.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Have the Fanciest Summer at Coast Boracay


Another boutique hotel is bound to open on April at Station 2, Boracay.

A scientific fact- the only way to survive summer is to get down to a luxurious beach resort and lie unruffled in the shade like a lizard, rising only for an occasional dip in the pool or the clear crystal azure water of Boracay.  Raintree Hospitality Group also know this, and have built one such luxury resort on Aklan's pretty, pretty south coast. Also, as these photos show, it looks redeemingly good that, honestly, my husband and I can’t wait for the brutal heat of summer to hit so we can head out to Coast and get our lizard on.

Raintree is all set to open their newest boutique hotel in the picturesque beach side town on April. The place has been cleverly designed to let you move seamlessly between the best parts of a holiday— a restful vacation away from the stressful urban living in their luxurious, freshly made rooms.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Commune Cafe Now at Polaris, Makati


Their short haitus was a compelling challenge to regular coffee drinkers at H.V. Dela Costa St. in Makati business area.  It has become a rewarding news after finding out that they have transferred to a bigger and far better when location is concerned.  Still at a corner, Commune Cafe seats humbly at the corner of Polaris and Durban Sts, just across Alchemy Bar.  


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Let Century Park Hotel be your “Significant Other” in your Chinese New Year and Valentine Celebration


Century Park Hotel keeps the love going as they continue to welcome the New Year with treats to match this month’s significant celebrations.

Experience the merriment at the Atrium Lounge on February 7 at 7pm as they greet the Year of the Red Fire Monkey with a lively dragon dance and eye dotting ceremony for good fortune and prosperity.

Café in the Park joins the Chinese New Year celebration with a showcase of sumptuous Chinese cuisine. Have a feast on their special dinner buffet on February 7 and lunch and dinner buffet on February 8 for only P1,430+ per adult. A special treat awaits children 6 to 10 years old as they take 50% off and a free dining experience for 5 years old and below.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Complimentary Desserts on VALENTINES at Burgoo and Gumbo


Have a romantic and “cheesy” Valentines at Burgoo!

Cheesecake-lovers unite on Heart's day and the whole month of February, as Burgoo gives away free Raspberry Cheesecake every time you order the Shrimp and Ribs Platter. A perfect dish to share with your partner and loved ones.  Also, on Valentines Day itself, all ladies will receive lovely red roses to make the day more romantic.  Other well-loved dishes at Burgoo worth a try are Hamburgoo, delicious pastas and pizzas, country-style fried chicken, grilled pork chops, luscious shakes, smoothies and desserts, among others.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Davao Promises to Make this year to be More Fun with Bigger Deals and Adventures


In the continuous efforts to entice more tourists to not just visit but to fully experience Davao, the Department of Tourism - Davao Regional Office (DOT-XI) on Friday launched 3 key tourism programs for 2016 namely, ‘Visit Davao Fun Sale 2016’, ‘Let’s Meet in Davao: MICE Davao Program’, and the ‘9th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge’, aiming to position the region as a premier destination in the country.

Bigger deals, adventure and fun packages await tourists, adventure seekers and delegates to Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) who will make Davao as their venue and destination of choice this year.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Create a Travel Plan for a Year in the Most Frugal Way at the 23rd Travel Tour Expo


The most coveted travel deals both local and abroad is being offered like hotcakes at the 23rd Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2016.  This year's travel affair is bigger and far incredible when it comes to hotel and resort rates and of course airline ticket fares.  I have to say, I had to access a long line of spectators outside SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia and ask a DOT personnel for me to get it and make it to the media conference of VISIT DAVAO FUN SALE 2016.

The event opened up to the public yesterday and will be open until Sunday, that's from February 5 to 7, 2016. Organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), TTE showcases over 300 exhibitors from various sectors such as airlines, resorts, hotels, domestic tour operators, national tourism organizations, travel agencies, and other stakeholders offering various products, flights, travel packages, and more.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

MOA for 2016 Palarong Pambansanow Inked by DepEd and Albay


The Department of Education (DepEd) signs an agreement with the provincial government ofAlbay—the host of the2016 PalarongPambansa in Legazpi City—stipulating the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well-managed and professionally-run annual national sporting event.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said this year’s staging of the Palaro will have many “firsts.”  “I want to highlight that this is Albay’s firstever hosting of the Palaro. This is also the first time that 18 regions will take action -- not theusual 17 regions --because of the participation of   the Negros Island Region,” he explained.

Luistro added that this is also the first time that the Palaro will be conducted following very specific provisions of the law.”

Based on the Republic Act No. 10588 also known as the PalarongPambansa Act of 2013, the elementary level would have to compete in 15 games and the secondary with 17 games and four (4) demonstration sports, namely Futsal, Wushu, Billiards and Wrestling. In addition, four special games will also be conducted for our special athletes.

Participated in by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide, the annual sporting event will be held at the Bicol University, Legazpi City from April 10 to 16, 2016.

“We are institutionalizing this sports program to   ensure that we are developing athletes that are of international caliber,” Luistro pointed out. Together with   the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the provincial government  of Albay, DepEd will see to it that  the standards are at international level and that the coaching staff, the technical officials as well as the playing venues conform to international standards,” the education chief said.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda responded by stating the province’s readiness and eagerness to host the Palaro.

“We want to show that it will be a joyful Palaro. It's something that celebrates the spirit of national unity, especially in Albay. Sigurokungmayroonisangbagay to define Albay, it is our resiliency orability to recover from adversity—nakahit may bagyongayon, paggisingmokinabukasan, ni-isangpirasongkahoywalakangmakikitasadaan. Gusto naming ipakitanaangisangbayan, no matter how modest, no matter how  limited its  capacity, will still have the unity and ability  to host the Palaro,” Salceda shared.