Flavors on Fire Embraces BergHOFF

Philip Abadicio caught fire while Chef Michelle, assisted him how to flambe

When we talk of flavors, it is not confined within the mere sensory functions demonstrated by the tongue in the forms of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami.  There is so much to learn about the true aspect of food and being in the know in the culinary scene.  Often times we tend to mismatch the term taste and flavor.   Flavor  is the combined perception of food using all information received from all five of our senses 

which relies heavily on the sense of smell and taste.  However, this blog would not focus on these terms just yet but to give you the essence of what flavor is, let me introduce Chef Michelle Adrillana, who have actually caught it with her own fire.  

Yesterday, I joined fellow food-lovers at Bergoff showroom, in Rada St., Makati City.  We were all fairly introduced to this lovely Chef who seemed to rock the demo kitchen with grace, expertise and of course with fire.  Hosting the night and aiding her in the kitchen as they strut with ease cooking Capellini Prawns in Brandy Cream Sauce is Philip Abadicio of PTV 5's Philip, The Lifestyle Guy.  

Chef Michelle Adrillana

She is the mom-preneur behind Flavors on Fire Catering Services, who strongly believes that lipstick and fire can match too, debunking the talk that the kitchen is only for men.  Flavors on Fire flourishes on International cuisines prepared according the clienteles liking.  For two years now, Flavors on fire have been dishing out sumptuous spread without breaking the customers budget.  Chef Michelle begun her business all by herself with food orders including cupcakes after being schooled from several culinary institutes and a few trainings abroad.  Her catering business took the plunge not long after family and friends had convinced her so.  Thus the birth of Flavors on Fire (Catering Services) on the.16th of October, 2010.  

Bergoff Philippines 

Bergoff is a Scandinavian product founded by the Vanthoor Family in 1964 in Belgium.   They manufacture and sell top of the line cook wares and is known by their innovative designs that is future-proof, meaning it is compatible with all the known cooking procedures such us gas stove, halogen, vitro-ceramic stove and the most safe and efficient way, induction stoves.

They had just launched the Fundamental Kitchen Line which aims to direct the sales to the A-class markets.  

With science and modern advancements, they were able to design cookwares with these features:

CroMoTanium:  Shortened from Cromium, Molybdenum, and Titanium, an exclusive patented technology developed by Bergoff.   The combination makes the pots and pans, durable, lustrous, beautiful and more efficient by cooking food up to 30 % faster than other brands.  This also makes the products corrosion-free and food acid-resistant, so it is more healthy and safe.

I.M.H.S. : Stands for Internal Mirrored Heat Shield.  This allows even and faster cooking and also cleans up easily.

Accuthermo-Compact Bottom:  An exclusive, highly durable, specially designed base produced using 1,200-ton press.  With the Copper-core Smart Chip addition, it enables the cookware to have unparalleled heat conductivity making the food cook easier and faster.

Also, according to Mr. Neil N. Sagun, another characteristic that their product has is that it's healthier because it doesn't contain nickel, which is good for  those with nickel sensitivities or allergies.  Know also that it is most toxic in its gaseous form, so when you cook with it and anyone who may have inhaled it, might in some way acquire cancer like sinuses, throat and lung cancer, etc.

However, I still find this to be a very good kitchen investment, especially if your business in in to cooking or catering.  Below are just some of the products they carry and sell at their showroom in Rada St.

However if you are like me, who doesn't have that ability to acquire such kitchen treasures, they have announced that they will be launching soon their Earthchef product line.  That is energy-sufficient, earth-friendly and might be more acquirable by moms like me.

Eat Your Heart Out

Aside from the cooking demo by Chef Michelle and Philip, they also have pitched a one of kind foodie event which will happen on February 16, 2014 at the Rockwell Tent.  The event is a partnership between Flavors on Fire and Tree House Productions.   The food and lifestyle event is entitled Eat Your Heart Out.  Activities such as cooking demos by renowned chefs, culinary competitions on stage, short business talks, career talks and will be graced by celebrities as well.

It's a Sunday event, so they expect the whole family and barkada to come barging in, not setting aside kids' fun-times.   The kids will enjoy presentations and story time with Kindermusik by Teacher Mitch Enriquez, Learning Library, Make Believe, and other surprise giveaways.  How can a fair be more exciting without freebies, there will also be raffle draws and special prizes from our sponsors such as Calayan Surgicentre Corp, BergHOFF Philippines, & Gastro Chef Philippines, and more.  To sum it all up, it is a fun-filled day with the abundance of food, friends, fun, freebies, and fellow lovers of the good life.  So better mark your 2014 calendar now.  Also, do visit this site often for more updates from the said event and Bergoff's new kitchen line.

Also, do visit Philip's new website, www.philipabadicio.com, to get rundowns in lifestyle, food, travel destinations and clips from his TV show- Philip, The Lifestyle Guy.

Here are some snap-shots from the last event at Bergoff Kitchen:

The bloggers looking on as Chef Michelle begins her cooking demo, also  is the usage of some of the Bergoff cookwares.

With Joy Mendiola of  the blog site Occasions of Joy trying out how to flambe using local liquor.

Above are the part of the dinner prepared for the guests.

The finished product of Chef's demo - Capellini Prawns in Brandy Cream Sauce with lovely-styled plating.

Chef Michelle teaching blogger Barbie (Buhay Kuneho) how to plate the Capellini.

With the bloggers who made it through heavy traffic to see what Berghoff can offer.


BergHOFF Philippines

Address: G/F Frabella 1, 109 Rada St., Legazpi Village Makati City
Contact details:  (02) 817 7999
Facebook: BergHoff Philippines

Treston International College's Christmas Bazaar for a Cause

Still having a hard time finding gifts for that all-eventful Christmas party?  If you are around Bonifacio Global Center, Taguig get to visit a bazaar this weekend and find that gift for your Monito or Monita while helping the Yolanda victims at the same time.

Treston International College is inviting everyone to the upcoming bazaar this December 13 (Friday) from 8 AM – 6 PM and 14 (Saturday) 8 AM – 6 PM entitled “Christmas Bazaar for a Cause” at Treston International College’s Lobby.   It is an open-house bazaar that aims to generate funds for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. 
In line with this, we’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to this event and at the same time, try what our sister company, Mrs. Fields, has to offer.

Expect fun activities for the whole family with a bazaar to host a number of entrepreneurs, cooking demos, and grab that memorable bonding or just a pleasant "selfie" from the photo booth.



Treston International College

Address: University Parkway District, 32nd Street corner C-5 Road, Bonifacio Global City 1632
Phone:0917 554 0349
Website:  http://www.treston.edu.ph/

A Bread-lover's Felicity at Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe

According to this vintage book, A Book for a Cook (1905) from Pillsbury Company, "Good bread is the great need in poor homes and oftentimes the best appreciated luxury in the homes of the very rich." 

Though man does not really live on bread alone, for we thrive in steaks, mixed veggies and a host of cuisines, bread is still a staple food to many countries, which practically compete with rice here in Manila.  

If you ask me, whether it's rice or bread?  I would not dare choose, for breads can truly be partnered with different dry or saucy kind of dishes and also soups, but I can't really say it would go well with Sinigang (Meat with Sour Soup) or Bulalo (Beef Shank Soup), would it?

Since we are talking of bread and how it had nourished the rich and the poor alike, it is just so apt to share the experience I had, which I practically devoured the most number of bread in one sitting.  But mind you, it wasn't customary morning bread I had -such as Pan de Sal, the different kinds of breads I tried fall under the food criteria -artisan, or should I rather describe it as a break from my prosaic bread-eating habit.

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe is the place where you can enjoy revel in an assortment of breads, including the breadsticks and Spanish bread which Monsee's had been widely known for.  The Monsee's Cafe in White Plains, Quezon City had made Harina it's retail arm.

If you were to be invited to a seat-down brunch with the following food, painstakingly and passionately prepared for you, what would your reply be?  Let me show you what I had first at Harina, then let me know your answer.

On every table, a container full of bread-sticks will welcome you and await you, together with two glasses, one that has hot chocolate syrup in it and the other has cream cheese, both are dippings for the bread sticks.

When Bloggers and Brands Converge

Marketing through blogs have become a major strategy for emerging and successful business alike. Businesses around the world are increasingly leveraging the power of blogging to enhance their online presence. Let me just point out a few benefits of having bloggers spread the word about a certain business.

First,  the inherent informality of such blogs written in the bloggers own words allows a creative freedom to express without the constraint of a corporate tone and messaging style.  Giving the blog readers a sense of truthfulness and trust-worthiness.

Real People in Barbie™ Musical Happens this December

I have yet to see a girl who does not want to own a Barbie.  Every girl dreams of plying with one, one that they own.  All my three girls grew up with not only one or two, but a collection of different Barbie dolls. Each have a different identity or characteristics, but all fall under one distinct image, all of which are designed to show that women can take on a variety of roles in life.

My girls like any Barbie-owners look up to Barbie as a perfect image, and unmatched values.   Aside from playing with their dolls, they get to be familiarized with other Mattel dolls through movies.   Seeing the dolls in action gave them a different perspective of the dolls.  It gives them an idea of how a girl should be defined by being caring, sincere, respectful, courteous and how to be a true princess.

What's Contemporary About the Old TGI Fridays

Is there a psychological study behind why people love Friday?  What actually gives a nice ring to that day? 

Aside from the fact that it's the start of the weekend, its two days away from Monday.  It's that day when some get to see their workplace for the last time of every week, most of us also get to sleep late and watch more shows on cable and an excuse to wake up late as well on Saturday.  

Most people get that rushing feeling of having to go somewhere after work or school.  That's why TGI Fridays is that go to place for those occasions when you feel like celebrating, even if there is not really a big thing to celebrate for. 

For 48 years, T.G.I.Friday’s, our favorite casual dining restaurant, has been serving us nothing but Friday-worthy experiences on any day of the week.

 However, there is something quite noticing about TGI Friday's new branch in Greenbelt 3.  It's an all-new TGI Fridays but with a contemporary vibe to it.  As you can see they have added apple green background on their banner.  The inetrior retaining its classy ambiance have merited a new look as well withe the removal of some of the old TGIF's iconic art collections.   They have put on the heritage wall instead to keep the memories of the original TGIF alive.  Such changes includes a new logo and a whole new interior to the restaurant. This new look caters to both the hip and young, as well as to the more conservative ages. From the interiors to the vibe, expect an all-new T.G.I.Friday’s coming your way.

A Yugoslvian Affair with my Girls at Balkan

It's official, I have turned my kids into gastronomic minions!

Like mother, like daughter, so they say, or is it like father like son?  Well whatever it may seem, I have confirmed that I will forever have growing gourmands pulling my sleeves off whenever they see a new restaurant.  

I used to detest passing by any Jollibee or KFC's for its summoning presence to y kids.  I though we are going to be dead stuck on those franchises and coming home without it from somewhere would be the end of me.  

Thank God!  We have been freed from that curse!  But come to think again, they still do love these fast food ,but of course just next in line to my home-cooking.  What I am so elated about is that  they have grown to like other cuisines and have become daring in trying out new stuff to eat, just like their mommy!

Oh no!  Need to wake up that frugal spirit in me and be more than strict in controlling my foodie addiction, oops now it's our foodie addiction.

Speaking of being daring and totally open in new dining experiences, we came across Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking at Crossroads, BGC.

Yugoslavian is definitely new to my little girls vocabulary, even the words Serbian cuisine.  Big words for Dana, 9 yrs old and Danica, 8 yrs. old.

The word Balkan however, is also new to me. And when I was asked why the restaurant was named as such, (shocks!) I don't know what to tell them.  Their dad however said that Balkans are the people who live on Balkan Peninsula, people also known as Serbs, Bosniaks, Croats, etc.  Yeah, he doesn't look like a nerd but he knows a lot.  

My kids though finding those words too big for them, weren't really anxious of ordering and checking out their menu.  Now, my husband and I were scared!  They are not picky eaters and I still haven't the slightest idea how they pick their food when dining out, except when we are at a resto serving pasta.

Before I reveal what my  three girls got, let me share you how we admired the interiors of Balkan.

The room gives off a very soothing and relaxing feel.  Modern if compared to my limited vision of Yugoslavia.   I gave my girls a little tour to the Balkan nation through the photos on the yellow-orange wall.  Seeing the photos on the wall gave us all a glimpse of what a Serbian culture is and they love seeing palaces and rustic Medieval European structures with ponds and rivers beside them, as we are flippin' through their almanac.

How can we not have "kulitan" moments!

Readying for a jump shot!  My timing was really bad, don't think?

Another clever yet not that fancy idea on their decoration was news prints used as wall papers and some old books on make-shift shelves.  The bar being simple  and clean with white paints are adorned with colorful eye-catching bottles, cups and saucers, with the contrast of the vintage lamps on the middle.

 Now, moving on to our food, we started with the only Serbian food I know, Goulash.  It's their version of beef stew richly seasoned with paprika.  The beef are braised to tender soaking it with the rich  tomato sauce and vegetables.  Served with Balkan's traditional bread, it was such a comforting feel, every sip brought me to my childhood moments having my lola's pochero or kaldereta for lunch.  It already made my best night.  My kids even shared with me and liked it with rice.

 Our youngest had the Chicken Kebab.  Grilled chicken breast wrapped with smoked bacon served with rice or fries.

 Anything with bacon was such a star to my kids' plates.  A chicken meat, marinated and wrapped with bacon however brought their liking up a notch.  She didn't finish the whole kebab, not that she didn't like it but it was of huge serving, such serving for a man who deserves a huge plate as a reward for hard work.

 Dana had Chicken Batak.  It's boneless chicken thigh, grilled to perfection, topped with melted mozzarella served with rice or fries.  I read that Serbian food is like European that meat is served in extreme size.  Manly eats version, that is.  Surprisingly, she was able to consume the whole chicken, since the savoriness and tenderness of the meat coupled with lots of cheese really won her, of need I mention that she also like her younger sister's bacon-wrapped chicken kebab?

 For the professional PG ("patay-gutom" jokingly), Danie, she never hesitated ordering this huge plate of Stuffed Pljeskavica.  Imagine ground beef formed to liken a patty, then filled with mozzarella and cooked like a steak.  One of the most popular dish in Balkan regions, served most often than not with Sauerkraut, or caramelized onions.  Again, another huge serving, even Danie was humbled by it.  Thus, his brother was so thankful, we took home the other half of it.

 For the man of the family, food suited for a real man...The signature Serbian dish made from ground beef-
Cevapcici in the form of a burger

What goes with cevapcici, besides the flatbread?  The sausages are traditionally served with ajvar, a red pepper relish, either homemade or the commercial variety.  Along with that, there is kajmak, a sort of clotted cream that is hard to find in the United States. Labne or Greek yogurt have been found to make good substitutes.  Grilled onions and peppers, along with tart raw vegetable salads, rounds up the whole Balkan sandwich.

Before I forget, we were all crazy checking out the ginormous lamps on our table.  Tricky!

Thinking that we were all stuffed with carbs and meats, we were ready to cap the night off.  But as soon as we asked for the bill, our Dana asked for dessert.  They do have a few, both the traditional and those with twists.  She ordered Apple pie, thinking that it was the regular American apple pie.

What came to her side of the table was folded Palacinke, Traditional Serbian crepes filled with caramelized apple slices flavored with cinnamon and topped with Vanilla ice cream.  She didn't really like it that much, It was so-so for me us well, adding a few more apple filling to it may elevate likeness somehow.

All I thought, Italian cuisine will be our favorite forever, but every time we have something unfamiliar, turned out that tasting life to its finest is next to tasting the world one plate at a time.

Italian, French, Japaneses, Indian/Middle East, now Yugoslavian.  What do you suggest for us try next?

A Whole New Light to the Outdoor Experience

Cinema Jam was the only outdoor event that have plugged into one venue sports, music, movie, food, outdoor fun, sun, grass and security!

The first ever, or maybe a first for me, outdoor cinema and concert experience, and one that I wished I had shared with my family, a big  boo to me!  It was also my first time to visit Circuit Makati and might I say it's one huge venue with verdant green landscape, perfect for that weekend get-away from the busy city life without even going out of the city.  Though it is still being developed, it will soon be rampaged with events like Cinemajam.

To read more of Cinemajam kindly click here: http://www.gastronomybyjoy.com/2013/11/seeing-life-in-bright-light-with.html

Thanks to Monster Production and Chi De Jesus for this laudable event, something other production teams should rival but for sure would  still be unparalleled.   Thanks also for giving me a way in.

If you missed the event, here are just some of things that attendees where able to get a shot at.

 Musical event with performances from Bamboo, Itchyworms, Callalily, Moonstar 88 and GraceNote.

 I was also able to book round-trip tickets for us, family of six, to Palawan, for only P7000.

 Ticket holders were able to get samples from different food establishments, and was glad to see Shawarma Bros on the same field.

The first to perform was Gracenote.

Yeah, I should have worn shorts and sneakers, I missed doing this.

Care for some bungee jumps?

Look how people are relaxed and just enjoying the fun activities laid down for them.

Hope they could organize  another one like this!  

Gastro Chef Christmas Calendar

Ahh, Christmas!  The best season of every year.  I can't believe how quickly this year has gone! Every year time just goes quicker and quicker, It's almost Christmas! 

Yay and Nay!

Yay, that I'll be spending more bonding moments with my family, relatives and friends.  An early gift for the whole family is having booked a special vacation house for three days in the cold and breezy Tagaytay.

Nay, that I still haven't the time to schedule a date to buy gifts, and oh I haven't even made a list yet.

But, let me just leave all my cares on that for a bit and share you something that could be a gift for yourself or for your loved ones.  A probability that it won't cost you a single penny, just that you have to have lots of luck or a whole lot of praying.

So, YEY!

Gastro Chef, the leading counterpart of every chefs in the Philippines has an early Christmas gift to us- The Gastro Chef Christmas Calendar 2013.

You may have a sort of an idea what a calendar is, but not a Christmas Calendar for sure.

So, what is Gastro Chef Christmas Calendar anyway?

The Christmas Calendar is a unique tradition in Denmark where kids can follow the countdown to Christmas Eve.  Something like a treat each day as it nears Christmas eve.   All the presents are displayed on the calendar and children get to open a little present on each day. Some are made of paper and filled with chocolate hidden behind 24 small windows allowing one piece each day until December 24. Others have small pictures behind the windows and yet others are embroidered ones with little gifts tied to them.

Now, Gastro Chef brings you this tradition to the Philippines with a fun twist! Just log on to www.gastro-chef.com from December 1-24 to join the Gastro Chef Christmas Calendar 2013! All you have to do is answer our question of the day and you will automatically be included in the raffle for a chance to win a special Gastro Chef product to be delivered right at your doorstep!

Here’s how you can win a special gift from Gastro Chef starting December 1-24, 2012!

1. Log on to www.gastro-chef.com and in there you will be redirected to the Gastro Chef Christmas Calendar URL, or you may just click on the image above.

2. Click the date today (e.g. "1" for December 1).

2. Answer our question of the day.

3. Press SEND to submit your answer.

How easy and fun is that!

Here is a poster for one of their prizes.

Mechanics:

1. The application is valid from December 1-24, 2013.

2. Successful respondents will automatically qualify for the raffle draw.

3. Your email registration can only access 1 question per day. If unsuccessful, you can try again on the following day until December 24, 2012.

4. Lucky winner(s) will be notified via e-mail within 24 hours. They will be asked to send the details where to send the gift, etc…

5.  Winners are given until January 11, 2012 to send these details, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.

6. You may also check their website, Twitter, and Facebook account for announcement of winners and other updates.

Hurry, hurry, so you can get more entries to the Gastro Chef Christmas Calendar 2013.