My Tita Grace, who is my mom's best friend (and Tita means "auntie") just recently bought a lot of land in Pila, Philippines, where she is going to start a goat farm! I got to check it out. It is called Graco farms. They are still building and developing it, but it has a creek, kitchen, durian, rombutan, bananas, ducks, chickens, turkey and more. It will eventually have a small inn, and have goats for the production of goat milk for consumption and bath goods.
Pila is about 2-3 hours drive from Manila and is an area called Laguna. The town of Pila itself is very cute, with a quaint church, and is pretty clean. In Laguna, they are known for Buko pie, which is coconut pie. Pretty yummy stuff. They also have Espasol, which is a gummy treat that I think is made out of rice.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Singapore
I enjoyed Singapore, even though I was not sure if I was going to like it. I liked that it was so diverse with different cultures and religions. Chinese/Buddhist/Arab/Muslim/Indian/Hindu and even Australians business men. Singapore is super clean and really easy to get around. Most speak English. Like Thailand, you can find 7-11's all over the place if you ever needed water, etc.
I stayed in a hotel right next to the Singapore river, and it was really nice to walk along it. I walked all over the place to Clark Quay/Robertson Quay (which can be kind of touristy, but nicer) and Chinatown. The MRT subway was really easy to use.
CLARK QUAY/ROBERTSON QUAY
This area is right along the Singapore River and was really nice, but touristy. Lots of bars and restaurants that you see tourists and businessmen alike. It's quite pricy too, but definately worth a stop or a walk around.
CHINATOWN
I really like this Chinatown compared to others. Well, I guess it is a lot more touristy, but it is easier to digest/not feel as overwhelmed as other Chinatowns I have been in. Since it is Singapore, it is a lot cleaner. The temples are quite nice. There is a night market and a food street where you can get tons of street food. I got some shopping done here too. Also, found a really nice tea shop there where I got some delicious Jasmine teas. Another item that I got that I haven't seen anywhere else is Bakkwa. Bakkwa is BBQ meat, but more like jerky. Very delicous, and kind of on the sweet side, although you can get it spicy. Most is pork, but beef is available too.
LITTLE INDIA
Little India was really neat. I have never seen soo many Indians in one area before, and it was neat to see it. Here I ate Fish head curry, which is a Singaporean delicacy. Quite delicious, although had some reservation when offered the eye. I did in fact eat it, and after getting over the weird texture, it was good. Shopped at MUSTAFA`S, which is huge Indian department store/bazzar with anything you can possibly imagine to buy. Watches by the t0ns, toiletries, eletronics....and SPICES. I was neat to see all the different spices and flours.
ARAB STREET
I did not have too much time here, but was able to visit the Sultan Mosque and walk around a bit. Not much was open, maybe because it was a Sunday
SHOPPING
Tons of malls, and huge ones at that. It was not really my style, but I did enjoy going to Takashimaya, which is a Japanese department store. The food level had tons of neat options including Kaya toast (which is like a coconut and leaf jam with butter and bread), bakkwa, teas, and other delicious treats like durian!
HAWKERS AND SATAY STREET
I almost forgot to mention THE best eating in Singapore. They are called Hawkers, and are basically street food centers. Went to one that is called Satay street, where it is all the best Satay in Singappore. Most is served with the Satay sauce (kind of a bbq peanut sauce), pickled veg like radish, and rice cake (a smooth, gummy kind). I also ate THE BEST fresh Japanese style noodles here. They were made fresh to order. The dough was made, but the lady had a machine that rolled and cut the pasta. I had it served with some light soy sauce, green onions and dumplings. Also good was the chili crab. Fresh crab with a thick sweet chili sauce. Very spicy still, and dont forget to ask for a lot of napkins!!!
KOPITIAM
Finally, for the refreshment stop, you go to a Kopitiam. This are technically cafes, but range from a nice cafe to a beverage station. You can get all sorts of drinks here, and even previously mentioned Kaya tost.
I stayed in a hotel right next to the Singapore river, and it was really nice to walk along it. I walked all over the place to Clark Quay/Robertson Quay (which can be kind of touristy, but nicer) and Chinatown. The MRT subway was really easy to use.
CLARK QUAY/ROBERTSON QUAY
This area is right along the Singapore River and was really nice, but touristy. Lots of bars and restaurants that you see tourists and businessmen alike. It's quite pricy too, but definately worth a stop or a walk around.
CHINATOWN
I really like this Chinatown compared to others. Well, I guess it is a lot more touristy, but it is easier to digest/not feel as overwhelmed as other Chinatowns I have been in. Since it is Singapore, it is a lot cleaner. The temples are quite nice. There is a night market and a food street where you can get tons of street food. I got some shopping done here too. Also, found a really nice tea shop there where I got some delicious Jasmine teas. Another item that I got that I haven't seen anywhere else is Bakkwa. Bakkwa is BBQ meat, but more like jerky. Very delicous, and kind of on the sweet side, although you can get it spicy. Most is pork, but beef is available too.
LITTLE INDIA
Little India was really neat. I have never seen soo many Indians in one area before, and it was neat to see it. Here I ate Fish head curry, which is a Singaporean delicacy. Quite delicious, although had some reservation when offered the eye. I did in fact eat it, and after getting over the weird texture, it was good. Shopped at MUSTAFA`S, which is huge Indian department store/bazzar with anything you can possibly imagine to buy. Watches by the t0ns, toiletries, eletronics....and SPICES. I was neat to see all the different spices and flours.
ARAB STREET
I did not have too much time here, but was able to visit the Sultan Mosque and walk around a bit. Not much was open, maybe because it was a Sunday
SHOPPING
Tons of malls, and huge ones at that. It was not really my style, but I did enjoy going to Takashimaya, which is a Japanese department store. The food level had tons of neat options including Kaya toast (which is like a coconut and leaf jam with butter and bread), bakkwa, teas, and other delicious treats like durian!
HAWKERS AND SATAY STREET
I almost forgot to mention THE best eating in Singapore. They are called Hawkers, and are basically street food centers. Went to one that is called Satay street, where it is all the best Satay in Singappore. Most is served with the Satay sauce (kind of a bbq peanut sauce), pickled veg like radish, and rice cake (a smooth, gummy kind). I also ate THE BEST fresh Japanese style noodles here. They were made fresh to order. The dough was made, but the lady had a machine that rolled and cut the pasta. I had it served with some light soy sauce, green onions and dumplings. Also good was the chili crab. Fresh crab with a thick sweet chili sauce. Very spicy still, and dont forget to ask for a lot of napkins!!!
KOPITIAM
Finally, for the refreshment stop, you go to a Kopitiam. This are technically cafes, but range from a nice cafe to a beverage station. You can get all sorts of drinks here, and even previously mentioned Kaya tost.
Cebu: Lechon and a wedding
Cebu is one of the islands in the Philippines, south of Manila. We flew here for Johann's wedding, who is the son of my mom's best friend. We stayed at Shangri-La Resort, which was beautiful. I had THE BEST DAY EVER of snorkeling. Soooo many fish and different kinds. Thousands and thousands were surrounding me. A few beautiful pieces of corral. Although it was a tourist spot, it was nice. Also, you can see some destruction of what once was...=(
LECHON
To my suggestion, we had a lechon for the rehersal dinner. What is lechon? It is the best roasted suckling pig EVER. It is sometimes stuffed, mounted on a big bamboo pole, and slowly roasted over coals. We had the fortune to have the best lechoneros in Cebu cook for us. They are called "Zubuchon," and they cooked for Anthony Bordain when he visited the Philippines. Anthony Bordain concluded that it is the best roasted pig he has ever had, with Bali, then Puerto Rico following.
The Cebu version of lechon is stuffed with spring garlic, garlic, onion, peppers, and lemon. The meat is so flavored that it does not need sauce. Other versions of lechon are not stuffed, but then are served with a variety of sauces. Sometimes, it is stuffed with guava leaves, which then gives a sour taste. Sour, is one of the most important tastes in Filipino cooking (using items such as Patis, which is a filipino fish sauce, vinagears, and calamansi, whcih is a small lime).
WEDDING
The wedding was nice, small and beautiful. Isis, the bride, was stunning. It overlooked the water and the reception had a fireworks show. They had awesome photos done. They got a package that included airfare to Taiwan, all day shoot, and clothes to take pictures in. Kind of neat! I guess this is in place of engagement photos in the state, but a notch more involved. The wedding reception was a little tamer in terms of partying, no dancing really, and not too much drunkeness. I guess I am used to getting completely sloshed at weddings, something that maybe I should tone back a little??? Met some friends of Johann's, which was good. One of which is from Japan, so maybe we can meet up in Tokyo when I'm there and show me around a little.
LECHON
To my suggestion, we had a lechon for the rehersal dinner. What is lechon? It is the best roasted suckling pig EVER. It is sometimes stuffed, mounted on a big bamboo pole, and slowly roasted over coals. We had the fortune to have the best lechoneros in Cebu cook for us. They are called "Zubuchon," and they cooked for Anthony Bordain when he visited the Philippines. Anthony Bordain concluded that it is the best roasted pig he has ever had, with Bali, then Puerto Rico following.
The Cebu version of lechon is stuffed with spring garlic, garlic, onion, peppers, and lemon. The meat is so flavored that it does not need sauce. Other versions of lechon are not stuffed, but then are served with a variety of sauces. Sometimes, it is stuffed with guava leaves, which then gives a sour taste. Sour, is one of the most important tastes in Filipino cooking (using items such as Patis, which is a filipino fish sauce, vinagears, and calamansi, whcih is a small lime).
WEDDING
The wedding was nice, small and beautiful. Isis, the bride, was stunning. It overlooked the water and the reception had a fireworks show. They had awesome photos done. They got a package that included airfare to Taiwan, all day shoot, and clothes to take pictures in. Kind of neat! I guess this is in place of engagement photos in the state, but a notch more involved. The wedding reception was a little tamer in terms of partying, no dancing really, and not too much drunkeness. I guess I am used to getting completely sloshed at weddings, something that maybe I should tone back a little??? Met some friends of Johann's, which was good. One of which is from Japan, so maybe we can meet up in Tokyo when I'm there and show me around a little.
Mabuhay Phlilippines!
I have just embarked on another journey....first stop: Philippines. Mabuhay means "welcome" or "greetings."
I flew Cathay Pacific, stopping in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong airport seemed so familiar, probably because the last time I passwed through, I goy stuck there for a day. The flight was pretty good, minus the kid who kept kicking me in his sleep. Asians are everywhere, and quite a difference from Santa Barbara. Oh, and Asians do not know how to form a line....when getting off a plane, it's kind of a free for all. Even if there are rows in front of you that haven't gotten off the plane, people in rows behind will still charge to get off the plane.
Manila is crazy, tons of traffic. Jeepneys are everywhere. These are tricked/pimped out open short biases that are kind of like taxis. There's also a lot of tricycles...the kind where there's a motorbike or regular bike and a little side car. Everyone wears flip flops...I even saw construction workers working on flip flops! Mannerisms are interesting...Filipinos always point with their lips and raise their eyebrows as a way to acknowledge (for instance insted of saying uh huh in a conversation).
In Manila, I'm staying at my godmother's house, which is in a suburb called Alabang. Breakfast this morning consisted of papaya juice, fresh fruit, and rice with baked fish. I guess this is where I get my ability to eat anything at any time. Ha, Neal always makes fun of me for "disrespecting breakfast" :)
Now on my way to Cebu, which is a little island to the south. It's supposed to be amazing waters/diving. Going to my godmother's son's wedding at the Shangri-la Mactan.
Oh, beer of choice so far is San Mig...I've knocked back a few here at the airport!
I flew Cathay Pacific, stopping in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong airport seemed so familiar, probably because the last time I passwed through, I goy stuck there for a day. The flight was pretty good, minus the kid who kept kicking me in his sleep. Asians are everywhere, and quite a difference from Santa Barbara. Oh, and Asians do not know how to form a line....when getting off a plane, it's kind of a free for all. Even if there are rows in front of you that haven't gotten off the plane, people in rows behind will still charge to get off the plane.
Manila is crazy, tons of traffic. Jeepneys are everywhere. These are tricked/pimped out open short biases that are kind of like taxis. There's also a lot of tricycles...the kind where there's a motorbike or regular bike and a little side car. Everyone wears flip flops...I even saw construction workers working on flip flops! Mannerisms are interesting...Filipinos always point with their lips and raise their eyebrows as a way to acknowledge (for instance insted of saying uh huh in a conversation).
In Manila, I'm staying at my godmother's house, which is in a suburb called Alabang. Breakfast this morning consisted of papaya juice, fresh fruit, and rice with baked fish. I guess this is where I get my ability to eat anything at any time. Ha, Neal always makes fun of me for "disrespecting breakfast" :)
Now on my way to Cebu, which is a little island to the south. It's supposed to be amazing waters/diving. Going to my godmother's son's wedding at the Shangri-la Mactan.
Oh, beer of choice so far is San Mig...I've knocked back a few here at the airport!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Culinary School and my new path
So, it has been a while since a blog post! I have finished my first semester of culinary school. Straight A's bitches!!! I LOVE culinary school and am so glad I decided to do it. The more I ask around, and talk to people in the industry, it seems like I have made the right decision to go to Santa Barbara City College, instead of going to a private school like CIA or Le Cordon Blue. I learned a lot, and never new homework could be so fun. It's interesting to be back in school, because I really want to be there, and not just going through the motions like college the first time around, or like the younger kids (fresh out of high school).
Now that school's out for the summer, I am working at a new restaurant called Root 246 in Solvang.
http://root-246.com
It's by celebrity chef Bradley Ogden. See his website for all the restaurants he has done:
http://www.chefbradleyogden.com/
He has a farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing a lot of the local farms. It's a really good opportunity, but it has been challenging. That's what I wanted a challenge!
Now that school's out for the summer, I am working at a new restaurant called Root 246 in Solvang.
http://root-246.com
It's by celebrity chef Bradley Ogden. See his website for all the restaurants he has done:
http://www.chefbradleyogden.com/
He has a farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing a lot of the local farms. It's a really good opportunity, but it has been challenging. That's what I wanted a challenge!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Beers of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand
So, during my travels, I tried several types of beer. Vietnam definately had the most variety of beers, but I think I liked Chang beer in Thailand the best. Below is a list of brews I tried
CAMBODIA
Tiger Draft
Angkor
VIETNAM (they had several local beers, so most of these were only available in their locality. the list goes from north to south)
333
Halida
Hanoi
Huda
Festival
La Rue
Saigon
Zorok
Da Viet (this one is naaaasty...see pics)
THAILAND
Singha
Chang
To "cheers" in Vietnamese, you just say "Yo," but I think that's super informal. In Thai, you say "choke dee."
CAMBODIA
Tiger Draft
Angkor
VIETNAM (they had several local beers, so most of these were only available in their locality. the list goes from north to south)
333
Halida
Hanoi
Huda
Festival
La Rue
Saigon
Zorok
Da Viet (this one is naaaasty...see pics)
THAILAND
Singha
Chang
To "cheers" in Vietnamese, you just say "Yo," but I think that's super informal. In Thai, you say "choke dee."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Chiang Mai, Thailand
After an overnight train and a sad good bye to the GAP Adventure group, I headed to the airport and flew to Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand. My hotel for 3 nights is the Tri Gong residence. Very clean, and free internet! Chiang Mai had the old town area, which is surrounded by walls and moats.
SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING
As soon as I settled in, I walked around..I stumbled across some cute botiques called Ginger and Nomad. Funky and cute, but more expensive. I had a nice dinner of BBQ pork and sticky rice in their cafe and I hit the night markets.
Ok, to say I went berzerker in the night bazaar, Kalare market, and Anusan markets is an understatement. They had everything and super cheap. Bartering is key, and is fairly easy. I got jewlery, t-shirts, purses, and more! I had to have a Red Bull to keep my energy up. BTW, Red Bull is originally from Thailand, and the original formula is more concentrated and not carbonated. It's called Krating Daeng.
COOKING CLASSES
I took two cooking classes during my stay in Chiang Mai. These were my main reason for coming to here. First, I took one from Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School. Check out the website at:
http://www.thaicookeryschool.com/
It is the oldest and most established cooking school in Chiang Mai. I took it at Sompon's house, who has made televesion apperances and such. I learned how to make: Panaeng curry paste and curry, Chiang Mai curry, Fried fish with basil and chilis, Sweet and Sour Vegetables, Spicy Glass Noodle Salad, Black Sticky Rice Pudding. It was neat to make the curry paste from scratch....a lot of work with a mortal and pestle. However, you can use a blender, but only with larger quantities.
The second class I took was at Thai Farm Cooking School. I preferred this class better. We had only five people in this class, we went to the market, and we were able to cook at and walk around an organic farm. Check out the website at:
http://www.thaifarmcooking.net/home/
I learned how to make: Green curry paste and curry, Tom Yam soup, Green Papaya salad, Pad Thai, Bananas in coconut milk.
MASSAGES
I totally took advantage of cheap massages here! I went to really nice places and paid no more than $40 USD for an hour and a half. That is kind of pricey for here, but I went to really nice places. I went to a really nice place by the river called Rarinjinda Wellness Spa Resort by the river. Super nice. I actually got a massage that used a Tibetan gong therapy. Kinda weird, but cool at the same time. Totally relaxed me and put me to sleep. They hit a small gong near your ears and different points of your body. You can feel it vibrate and the sound is soothing.
FOOD AND DRINK
After the massage at Rarinjinda, I went across the street to a posh bar/restaurant called Deck 1. Kind of W-esque, and nice just have a glass of wine. I also ate at a place called Jeruselem Falafel while I was there, and it was sooo good. I'd have to say that falafel, hummus, and other mediterranean food always tastes soo good abroad.
SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING
As soon as I settled in, I walked around..I stumbled across some cute botiques called Ginger and Nomad. Funky and cute, but more expensive. I had a nice dinner of BBQ pork and sticky rice in their cafe and I hit the night markets.
Ok, to say I went berzerker in the night bazaar, Kalare market, and Anusan markets is an understatement. They had everything and super cheap. Bartering is key, and is fairly easy. I got jewlery, t-shirts, purses, and more! I had to have a Red Bull to keep my energy up. BTW, Red Bull is originally from Thailand, and the original formula is more concentrated and not carbonated. It's called Krating Daeng.
COOKING CLASSES
I took two cooking classes during my stay in Chiang Mai. These were my main reason for coming to here. First, I took one from Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School. Check out the website at:
http://www.thaicookeryschool.com/
It is the oldest and most established cooking school in Chiang Mai. I took it at Sompon's house, who has made televesion apperances and such. I learned how to make: Panaeng curry paste and curry, Chiang Mai curry, Fried fish with basil and chilis, Sweet and Sour Vegetables, Spicy Glass Noodle Salad, Black Sticky Rice Pudding. It was neat to make the curry paste from scratch....a lot of work with a mortal and pestle. However, you can use a blender, but only with larger quantities.
The second class I took was at Thai Farm Cooking School. I preferred this class better. We had only five people in this class, we went to the market, and we were able to cook at and walk around an organic farm. Check out the website at:
http://www.thaifarmcooking.net/home/
I learned how to make: Green curry paste and curry, Tom Yam soup, Green Papaya salad, Pad Thai, Bananas in coconut milk.
MASSAGES
I totally took advantage of cheap massages here! I went to really nice places and paid no more than $40 USD for an hour and a half. That is kind of pricey for here, but I went to really nice places. I went to a really nice place by the river called Rarinjinda Wellness Spa Resort by the river. Super nice. I actually got a massage that used a Tibetan gong therapy. Kinda weird, but cool at the same time. Totally relaxed me and put me to sleep. They hit a small gong near your ears and different points of your body. You can feel it vibrate and the sound is soothing.
FOOD AND DRINK
After the massage at Rarinjinda, I went across the street to a posh bar/restaurant called Deck 1. Kind of W-esque, and nice just have a glass of wine. I also ate at a place called Jeruselem Falafel while I was there, and it was sooo good. I'd have to say that falafel, hummus, and other mediterranean food always tastes soo good abroad.
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