Entries Tagged 'Cuisine' ↓

16 student chefs, 16 delicious dishes and desserts, 5 celebrity chef judges, and 1 brand to remember that is Moulinex – that is how you would describe the afternoon of January 14 last Saturday – having been the Moulinex You Cook Video Recipe Challenge semi-finals!

Cream Pie with Malunggay

16 student chefs and HRM students from 9 reputable cooking schools cooked-out each other as they competed for the coveted nods of 5 celebrity chef judges in the recent Moulinex You Cook contest.

Held at Hotel Intercon in Makati, the 1.5 hour cooking challenge decided the top 8 finalists from among the contestants who submitted their video recipes. The Top 8  moves on to the final round on January 28, 2012 (venue TBA).

Kitchen Ingredients

Batch 1 Moulinex You Cook Challenge Participants

Batch 2 Moulinex You Cook Challenge Participatns

They were judges on the following criteria:

• Taste 30%
• Ease of Preparation 20%
• Creativity/Originality 15%
• Visual Appeal 15%
• Optimization of Moulinex Products 15%
• Personality 5%

Moulinex YouCook Judges

The celebrity chef judges were: Chef Bruce Lim, Chef Niño Laus, Nina Daza-Puyat, Rory Subida, and Laurent Casteret.

Celebrity Chefs in Action

Chef Masters

Almost all the dishes looked great, while a few was challenged by the limited time. Nonetheless the judges were encouraging enough giving a pat-in-the-back advise that they can still do better the next time.

Food Photos:

Budding Chefs

Participant Photos:

Tempting Dishes

The Top 8 Finalists

After the scores were tallied and counted with a DTI representative, the Top 8 Finalists were named. They are (in no particular order):

• Halson Lapuz (First Gourmet Academy)
• Romeo Apostol Jr.
• Juno Pocholo Sedigo (First Gourmet Academy)
• James Andrian Bacaldo (Center for Culinary Arts Manila)
• Nino Carlo Rosali (Asian Institute of Culinary Arts)
• Rosana Ramel (Maligaya Institute for Culinary Arts and Residential Services)
• Karen Grace Santiago (La Consolacion College – Manila)
• Leonelia De Castro (MOST Institute)

Moulinex Products

Moulinex is exclusively distributed by Collins International Trading Corporation. Moulinex appliances are available at all leading department stores and appliance stores nationwide. Their kitchen appliances include a Food Preparation Line such as food processors, meat mincer, chopper, electric knife, immersion blender, hand mixer, and stand mixer. They also have a Beverage, Cooking, Breakfast, and Home Care Line.

Moulinex Products

Grand Finals Prizes

Grand Prize Winner:
Contestant: P40, 000 cash, Stay and Learn Program inclusive of an overnight stay of Intercontinental Hotel, Moulinex Master Chef Tour, gift packs from sponsors and a Certificate of Recognition.
Mentor: P5, 000 cash, P5, 000 worth of Moulinex products and gift packs from sponsors.
School: P25, 000 worth of Moulinex products and an F & B/Cooking Seminar for selected students courtesy of Intercontinental Hotel.

Second Prize:
Contestant: P20, 000 cash, gift vouchers from Intercontinental Hotel, gift packs from sponsors and a Certificate of Recognition.
Mentor: P4, 000 cash, P3, 000 worth of Moulinex products and gift packs from sponsors.
School: P15, 000 worth of Moulinex products.

Consolation Prizes:
6 Consolation prizes of P5,000 cash each for the other 6 finalists and Certificate of Participation.

For more details and information, visit their website www.moulinexyoucook.com or email moulinexyoucook@gmail.com Contact Mr. Marvin Mancera, Brand Marketing Assistant-Moulinex at 681-6161 or 681-6163.

In the grand finals 8 days from now, the student chefs will go head to head in their last showdown to know whose dishes will rise above the rest. Certainly, there’s no place for mediocrity and we will anticipate on that day whose creation will emerge as the 2011 Moulinex You Cook Video Recipe Challenge Grand Winner!

A lot of people don’t realize that in the midst of the meat-eating restaurants, there are also vegetarian alternative places to go and eat. If you are a vegetarian, finding these restaurants can be difficult if you don’t know where to look.

They are around though and easy to locate. If you can look away from socializing on the internet or playing Foxy Bingo for a while, it is very easy to find vegetarian cuisine here online. If you aren’t a vegetarian, though what are the benefits of trying the food?

Sabah Vegetables (close to our 'Kangkong' but less leafy and more on trunks/stems)

Vegetarian Alternatives

The answer is simple: vegetarian food tastes better than what people expect. Whether you fancy Chinese, Italian, Indian or even Thai, there is always a tasty vegetarian option. For example, you could eat vegetable fried rice, vegetable curries, soups, potato samosas and vegetable sushi. All delicious alternatives.

Nurture Spa's Garden Salad

The choice of restaurants that serve vegetarian food in Metro Manila alone is vast. Places like Barbara’s at the Orchidarium, a Thai style restaurant that offers soups, tofu and vegetable dishes, or Green Wok Deli & Café in Quezon City which supplies all the flavor you would expect of a meat-based dish, only without the meat. Vegetarian Chinese food is also available in places like the café, Happy Veggie Health Food on Masangkay Street, Manila or Kong Tiak in Quezon City. You don’t know unless you look. 🙂

Vegetarian Menu

If you have problems with the menu in a restaurant, there are ways around the issue. Ask the chef if he can make you something vegetarian with the ingredients in the kitchen. Remember they want you to dine again so they will help if they can.

If you are dining around someone else’s house, make sure you let the host know your preference in advance. This will be less awkward if they supply a meat-only meal. Offer to buy vegetablesfor the cause or bring a dish over to share with fellow guests.

Starbucks Philippines' Roasted Vegetables on Flat Bread

Great vegetarian food is just around the corner from you, wherever you are in the country. You just need to keep an eye out.

The new Philippine tourism slogan was launched last Saturday and marked the start of DOT’s new tourism campaign. It says: “It’s More Fun in The Philippines!“

Slogan issues discussed in this article aside, the propagation of the slogan highly depended on social media and its viral nature. To be more specific, the DOT wanted to promote the Philippines online through a meme.

Wikipedia defines a meme as

1. An element of a culture or behavior that may be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, esp. imitation.
2. An image, video, etc. that is passed electronically from one Internet user to another.

It's More Fun in The Philippines

‘It’s More Fun in The Philippines‘ Food Meme

And as NomNom Club‘s contribution in this social media effort, we have joined the ‘Fun‘. I opened up food-related folders and looked for something Filipino.

First of our contribution which I released this afternoon is the ‘Banan Leaf‘ meme. This is a shot I got about early October of 2011 at Venuce Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig City. We were dining alfresco in one of their dining promos.

I encourage you to create your own food memes too that will fit in promoting the Philippines as a fun food destination. Feel free to post your food photos Facebook and Twitter with the hash tags #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines #1ForFun so that it will automatically be collated. Feel free to share our post in Facebook. Check out this tutorial on How to Create Your Own It’s More Fun in the Philippines Meme.

Help out and prove that it is indeed ‘More Fun in The Philippines!’

The Food Adventure at Venice Piazza is back. It’s where you can taste the flavors of 12 restaurants for P600.

We have tried something similar to this mid of last year and another one about three months ago called Platter for 8 also in Venice Piazza where 14 participating restaurants offered big servings of dishes fit for eight people only for Php800.

This time, the Food Adventure if from 12 restaurants and only for P600! I have yet to try this one but they will start this weekend January 7 and every Saturday and Sunday following that until March 31, 2012. It is also offered only during 4pm to 9pm. Let’s see how this compares soon.

The Participating restaurants are :

• Blackwood Bistro
• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
• Empire Deli
• Figaro
• KBOP
• KUSE
• Little Asia
• Old Vine Grille
• Pho Hoa
• Pinchos
• Red Crab Alimango House
• Ramen Bar
• Sol Gelato
• Yo Swirls

Food Adventure at Venice Piazza

It’s nice to see Figaro joined the promo this time as they were not in the list of previous promos (or maybe it’s a new branch, I don’t know). 🙂

Check out the details of the promo mechanics at Taste of Manila blog (click on link).

12 Restaurants - Php 600

So if you’re not doing anything this weekend, you might want to drop by McKinley Hill and check out the Food Adventure at Venice Piazza. Personally, I suggest you try it starting January 8 onwards, you wouldn’t want the inconsistencies of first day blues that goes with new activities. On the other hand, I’ll be at Market Market on Saturday, hopefully I can pass by. Bring your family to enjoy!

K-Pop, Koreanovela, K-fashion – Its official! The Korean craze has stormed the Philippines and many of their dwellers are seen left and right in the prime spots in our country. And now, the invasion continues – KBop Quick Korean is the place to be if you’re craving for delectable and affordable Korean flavors in a Pinoy setting.

KBop Quick Korean Restaurant

This Korean fast food place has a young and modern feel. With authentic Korean dishes and its distinctive spicy taste, it’s as if you’re embracing their culture, without having to leave the metro.

Born out of love for Korean food, business partners Jorge Wieneke (former owner of Potato Corner and Jap-OK) and Mel Gozum, executive of Solar Entertainment Corp. decided to open KBop for Filipinos who thrive for affordable, fun and quick Korean fix. With their business expertise and familiarity with Korean cuisine, they opened their first branch at Fort Bonifacio and it was a success with an overwhelming array of dishes.

KBop Pork Skewers

I was so excited to try their menu of Korean food. Spicy dishes were not among my favorites but KBop changed my mind then and there. We were first served the “Bokkumbop” (Kimchi Fried Rice, Php 50). It was spicy yet flavorful, specially when consumed with the sweet and tangy “KBop Chicken” (Korean Style Chicken Wings, Php 160)

Afterward, the “Chapchae” (Korean Glass Noodles, Php 100) became my favorite. The noodles were soft and sweet. We also tried the “Tomi Chim” (Steamed Fish, Php 100) and were a bit spicy but tender. Their “Chandolpakee” (Grilled Beef Steak, Php 250) is ideal for meat lovers looking for a healthier alternative. Pork Skewers (Php 130) is best partnered with beer.

KBop Chicken

For dessert, we were served with Mango Panna Cotta. I am a big fan of sweets and the mix of mangoes were just perfect to cap off the spice of the Korean dishes I ate.

With the right ambience and their accommodating staff, KBop is definitely a sure hit for the Korean enthusiasts and Pinoys who crave for their luscious and spicy dishes. Their branches are located at Venice Piazza, upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio and at Sky Garden in SM North Edsa.

Mango Panna Cotta

To know more about KBop and their tasty offerings, you can visit their Facebook Page here.

* Text & Photos by Ria Hazel Lumandog

Korean Cuisines: Chap Chae (LL), Bokkumbop (UR), & Tomi-Chim (LR)

So what are you waiting for? Looking for a Korean cuisine that’s right for your budget and fits to your appetite? Then visit KBop Quick Cuisine now and be “Koreanized” too.

🙂

“Potato potato Tomato tomato”. That was the tune playing in my head when I entered Restaurant 9501 found at the 14th Floor ELJ Communication Center, Eugenio Lopez St., Quezon City for the Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the United States Potato Board (USPB) last November 14, 2011, 6:30 PM. I know I will be loading on carbs that night and somehow a scene in the movie “When Harry Met Sally” keeps popping in my head.

This would be my first time to be invited by the U.S. Potato Board through NomNomClub.com and I am curious what interesting potato dishes will be served to satisfy the guests’ cravings for this most-loved tuber.

Tomato Jam for the Potato Bread

As blessings literally poured outside (heavy rain after a very hot day) and inside (celebrating a cozy USPB Thanksgiving dinner) together with the distinguished guests of the US Potato Board, I fumbled on my seat for my camera. I wanted to capture the appetizer spread generously on our table. The most appealing to me is the abundant fresh fruits found on every table. All that is missing is a cornucopia and it would have been indeed a symbol of good harvest.

USPB Thanksgiving Dinner & US Frozen Potatoes

Attending the USPB Thanksgiving Dinner made me discover something new about myself. My love for tomatoes will reach a new level after tasting the tomato jam on a potato bread. So there is a reason for the tune in my head!  The tomato jam spread thinly on the homemade potato bread was delightful. I hope they can make potato crackers next time. That would be lovely with tea.

I was disciplined enough to just limit myself with one slice of potato bread because I know there is more potato dishes to come for the USPB Thanksgiving Dinner. Before indulging to our gluttonous desire for more USPB potatoes, we were graced with the presence of Chef Myrna Segissmundo who gave us a short introduction about her off-the-menu recipes using US Frozen Potatoes for the U.S. Potato Board Thanksgiving Dinner.

Truffled Mashed Potatoes Soup with Porcini Mushroom

All that talk of turkey, potato and gravy is making the crowd hungrier, so without further ado, the second USPB potato creation arrived shortly. By this time, short introductions were made between the guests on my table which turned out to be a great conversation by the end of the meal.

I missed the potato in the Seared Scallops with Straight Cut Potatoes, Apple Waldorf Salad Basic oil but the Truffled Mashed Potatoes soup with Porcini Mushroom Froth was delectable. You have the truffle before and after, and all potatoes in between.  I was actually tempted to ask for a second serving and just enjoy it with the homemade potato bread.

The fruits were a nice way to wash the taste of the previous dishes and prepare my palate for the next one. I’m not much of a wine-drinker but I indulged myself with a glass for the USPB Thanksgiving dinner because I know it will be compliment my dining experience while eating turkey. The wine was semi-sweet not too dry and I did enjoy it a lot with almost all of my food.

The main dish is of course a turkey dish specifically Roast U.S. Tom Turkey with bread and nut stuffling, minted orange-cranberry relish, creamed spinach, candied crinkle-cut potatoes and giblet gravy. It was not my first time to eat turkey but so far this is one of the best I’ve tried. I miss having to cut the turkey though. That is half of the fun.

Thanksgiving Dinner with Roast US Tom Turkey

So what makes Chef Myrna’s turkey dish enjoyable for me?

It was the combination of the creamy spinach, the candied potatoes, and the turkey that did the trick. The main USPB turkey dish worked for me when I eat these three elements in that specific order.

Do you remember in the movie Ratatouille when Remy described the sweetness of the grape combined with the salinity of the cheese? Well that is how the main dish played inside my mouth. Alone the mashed spinach was creamy with a slight “earthiness” (because it’s a vegetable) then comes the sweet potato which is smooth and silky to taste. The two combined gives you a hint of earth and clouds then finally the turkey follows which is different from the texture of the greens and the potato. It gives you a little bit of something to bite but it will not distract you from the interplay of these three items in your dish. I must have enjoyed that main dish because I finished it, which is rare for me.

Among the five USPB creations of Chef Myrna Segismundo, I really enjoyed the soup and the main dish. There are so many things to be thankful for that day. But what made that meal truly satisfying were the new friends I met that day and the wonderful conversations we had. The food can be great but with no one to share it with it will seem bland. However, when you are amidst friends any meal, even boiled potato, will taste the best. Now combine the two and you have a dining experience of a king.

Apple Waldorf Salad

Know more about US Frozen Potatoes and USPB programs at http://www.potatoesusa.com or call Ms. Reji Retugal-Onal at 534.8534 / 534.8223.

*Contributed by Blogger Apprentice: Ia Adam-Lim.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all and thank you to the US Potato Board! How about you, what’s your potato story? And what are you thankful for? Please share it with us.

The cafe name says it all, F for Fabulous! This cafe is housed at the newly opened F1 Hotel at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The hotel is a franchise from world renowned hotelier, Best Western International.

Best Western hotels are known for modern and edgy interiors and at the same time tasteful. F1 Hotel did quite well on this.

F, located at the hotel’s 5th level is also a sight to see. It will certainly not fall short in your expectations as it has almost 300 courses and desserts in a spread to satisfy your palate. F restaurant sports a light and relaxed atmosphere with tables positioned with the glorious view of the pool deck.

The cafe serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner and like any other buffet, the courses change daily.

Gorgeous Furniture pieces at F1 Hotel

Dining in a buffet could be tricky because you easily get overwhelmed with all the food you see and end up full at your 2nd course.

With F, the concept is simple and well sectioned, most of the dishes are separated per type and helpful chefs are stationed to serve you.

My best tip on buffet dining is to eat less rice or pasta and go though each dish section by section, that way you make sure you tried everything the cafe offers.

Continue reading →

And the Starbucks Philippines  series is not yet over this Christmas season! After sharing with you the Starbucks 2012 Planners, and the Starbucks Holiday Foods, it’s the turn of the Starbucks Christmas beverages to be highlighted.

Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha

The two new and one returning Starbucks Christmas Beverages flavors of the season are:

Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha

This is the new beverage available this season only. Starbucks signature espresso is combined with freshly steamed milk and luscious white chocolate, then topped with whipped cream, a tart cranberry drizzle and crystallized cranberry sugar.

Toffee Nut Latte

Toffee Nut Latte

Back by popular demand! The rich, buttery flavor of sweet toffee combined with toasted nuts, blended with Starbucks smooth espresso and velvety steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and toffee-flavored sprinkles.

Peppermint Mocha

Peppermint Mocha

Good news to all peppermint lovers, watch out for the return of Peppermint Mocha! Enjoy the warm combination of espresso, steamed milk, bittersweet chocolate and peppermint flavor in this seasonal favorite. It is topped with classic whipped cream and red sugar sprinkles.

Christmas Coffee Blend

This Christmas, as you gather your friends and family offer them the warmest of greetings by welcoming them with a delicious cup of Starbucks coffee. Choose from the spicy, full-bodied flavor of the Christmas Blend, the rich, caramelly flavor of Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast or the instant Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Christmas Blend.

Starbucks Christmas Blend

Starbucks Christmas Blend

This full-bodied favourite combines the liveliness of superb Latin American coffees with the mellow smoothness of Asia-Pacific coffees, but is truly noteworthy for the spicy notes from aged Sumatra beans. This coffee is best paired with White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie – big and chunky, chewy and crunchy. Perfect for this season!

(Retail Price P500)

Christmas Blend - Espresso Roast

Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast

Made from Sumatra and aged Sumatra coffees, combined with beans from the Bella Vista F.W. Estate in Tres Rios, Costa Rica, and finally roasted in Starbucks signature Espresso Roast for an intense flavor and spicy finish.

(Retail Price P500)

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Christmas Blend

It is an instant and microground coffee that provides a comforting taste if the holidays wherever you go.

(Retail Price P495)

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Christmas Blend

By now, most of you would have probably tasted the Starbucks Christmas beverages in some branches of Starbucks. Which one was your favourite? How about among the Christmas Coffee Blends?