GIGI

"Gigi" a small Italian bistro in Rhinebeck(town here Poughkeepsie, New York). The restaurant features good italian food from anti pasti to dessert. They also serve wine by the glass since they have a mini bar to attend to those who just want to have cocktails. Ofcourse I ate with Maynard and Sang to experience this intimate hub where people dine and the fun part is that some of the patrons know each other, Gigi can be place to be with friends and for you to meet new acquantances. (in random order)On the house:Cube Foccacia in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ziti Bolognese, Gnocchi and Caccioto(Calamrai) with real Tomato Relish. We had a great time. Rhinebeck can be compared to Greenwich in Connecticut, another version of Beverly Hills in California too, since there are outlet stores in the are.

Cookbook Collection #1: JUICES & SMOOTHIES by Suzzanah Olivier and Joanna Farrow

I love collecting cookbooks especially those that concerns beverages and concoctions. Juices and Smoothies helped me realized that there are endless ways of preparing drinks for any ocassion, be it just a simple meal or for a candlelight dinner. One reason, why I posted this, is because my sister Korina who is four months pregnant, is specifically in need of non-alcoholic drink for their high school reunion next week in California. So, I thought of showing her and you guys as well how wonderful this book is.

Fragrant Fruits
makes 2 tall glasses
10 lychees,peeled and desseded
1 large pear
300 g ( 11 oz wedge) Cantaloupe melon, rind removed
3/4 inch piece ginger root
squeeze of lemon juice
crushed ice
mint sprigs to decorate

Simply squeeze and blend all. Put crushed ice and garnish with mint leaf.

More concoctions featured in the book!
Mixed Salad:cucumber, romaine lettuce, pears, spinach, radish, and crushed ice,

Elderflower, plum and giner juice: root ginger,ripe plums, ripe Elderflower cordial, ice cubes,sparkling water or tonic water. Mint sprigs and and plum slice to decorate.
To my sister's friends: Arit, Niza, Annie, Anne- Happy Mixing! and may you all have the best time for your reunion. To my sister, can't wait to see my niece or nephew, still don't know but congratulations to you and papito-victor!

Almost Spring!

Spring is almost here! So I thought of putting out my MnM chocolates with nuts , bought some citrus fruits and actually ate them. The flower which I bought from a grocery store place on a simple Lavender vase. Can't wait for Spring time!

"When you believe you can- you can!" by MAxwell Maltz

Woodberry known for all those brands from all over the world. I admit that I was addicted to wearng signature clothes when I was in my sixth grade till high school. Hey, peopele change, I just realized that people have different perceptions on choosing whichever makes them happy to simplify it.

I guess ever since I dreamt of being a good pastry chef, I knew that part of it is to invest on tools and equipments. This is where my mom and dad is good at. Thanks Dad for tasting all those bad cookies and bars I made back home. I swear that my dad would always tell me how great were the goods I baked when actually it was totally a mess, too dry, too moist,bitter, overbaked, not presentable.I guess thats why I had confidence in becoming a chef , because my mom and dad believed in me. I have the BEST MOM in the world! A lot of people can attest to that. Thanks Mom for makng good food for us (my sisters Korina and Tina), if not for the Mocha Chiffon Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake, Macapuno Delight( Coconut Tartlets), Beef Stroganoff, Eggplant Spaghetti and a lot more, I would not have had that great motivation that dreaming of becoming a chef is not just an ordinary career but one of the best.
It has been a habit that I visit the kitchen stores atleast here in New York. Sur La Table is one in Manhattan, William-Sonoma, Le Grande Chef, The Pottery Barn. I am starting to collect moulds and pastry cutters, searching for new trends in books because there will be new challenges that I will face for the next years of my life. The real world!

Simple, Yummy, and Sweet

Sunday is wash day(clothes) which I know is not good for a student like me who has a loads of things to do.Since I don't live on campus now, I usually hang out with my friend Edna at the school to do anything. As in anything, while washing my clothes, while waiting for Maynard when his in the Gym, while "anything". Last Sunday it was around 1pm and I was rushing because I have a long quiz the next day, I have to type my notes, do my laundry and chat with Edna, haha that is multi-tasking!. My friend actually had just finished Baking for Culinary class last week and she has with her the bagels they made. I had the poppy seed flavor which is even soooo good when toasted. I know that I have given up eating carbohydrates but this one I can't refuse to taste. Why simple because it is just a bagel, yummy?b because Edna put thick spread of the orange marmalade and herbed cream cheese, F.Y.I ,I ate these separately. Why sweet?because despite the pressure we have in school plus the errunds we have to attend to, my friend took her time out to prepare this mysterious bagel treat. Thanks Edna for a simple, yummy and sweet moment. I will miss her when she graduates 1block( just 3 weeks) ahead of me but I am proud of you.

INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH KOREAN CUISINE

Korea, one of asia's treasure. I did not realize how rich their culture is, not until I was invited to a friend's house here in Poughkeepsie. Authentic Korean food was served and every bite flashed me back to my childhood. My family and I used to have a stop-over in Seoul, Korea to visit United States. Their food is totally different from other asian foods. Spicey, sweet and artistic like Japanese food. Thank you to Jay, Dan and Sang for such a wonderful evening! I learned a lot! Left to right,steamed black rice, Beff Bulgogi, Leek salad, Miso soup, Pickeled onions and Korea would not be popular without KIMCHI.

Sunday's Lunch:Pork in Garlic-Basil Chilli Sauce

Had 2 4-oz pieces of pork in my freezer,hmmm,well got a garlic-basil paste in my pantry and extra potatoes in my cupboard, why not make good meal for today. I simply caramelized some onions with garlic and some peppers to add sweetness and color to my plate. Sprinkle dried Basil leaves on top to finish.

Pasta Mamita

10:oo a.m. today woke up and craved for pasta. Grabbed my left over dry pasta, having no stock pot to cook it, just got my semi-deep pan and boiled water with salt. I cooked the pasta for less than 12 minutes, drained it and tossed in oil. Hot pan with oil,sauteed onions, leeks, garlic, bellpeppers,tomatoes and mushrooms and add ground beef and tomato sauce. Just love it. Enough for breakfast,sanck and lunch. Ciao!

Iron Chefs: Philippines and Korea

Maynard (my partner)and Sangking (friend and who lives with us also) competes for an ordinary Friday night. Maynard made vietnamese spring rolls using rice wrap with bellpeppers,cilantro and shrimps with cocktail sauce exercising his knife skills and garde manger skill while Sang made and aged pork belly with chilli sauce, lots of onions and bellpeppers too , stirfried and wrapped in fresh Lettuce with steamed rice. Different cultures, diffirent heritage and all that counts is passion for food. Goodluck to both of you who also graduates this September!

Genres with Craypas , Stencil and Stamp and Airbrush as Mediums

People just don't know how I am into arts. This is my outlet when I feel happy and blue,haha. It feels great after doing so. This is another option if you have no time to do yoga or any physical activty. The following were also for my art class. I remember joining the Culianry Institute's art club-Spectrum. I joined the group's exhibit and have one of my painting entitled"By The Window", ironically I was not able to get it back. It did not matter if someone has it, the most important thing is that someone out there liked my creation. Don't worry, if I get the chance to find a photo of it, no doubt at all, I will show you guys here. So, keep art as part of your life, because this means that you give importance to your ability to appreciate beautiful things around you.

A Genre: Painted Menu for Art Class 2005

"Just Desserts", a bistro which I just made up for my Arts class last year. I personally painted this using Acrylic Paint on a very thick art board provided by the school. The items in the menu are the following Rainbow Parfait, Key Lime Cake, Chocolate Layer Cake and Vanilla Fruit Bowl. In the middle is how the place is set up, with huge bricks as flooring and early american chairs and tea table. I just thought that these type of desserts where so popular in the seventy's (70's) so why not at least make it real. I wish huh! I know it will take me years to put up one like this. Hard work and determination are two keys I have to have to acheve this goal.Wish me luck!

Sourdaough Bread

Every three weeks, the Culinary Institute's students holds a Grand Buffet in celebration of those who successfully finished their degree for the month of March. One of the best treat served at the event is a wide variety of Artisan Breads. Sourdough bread is known for natural use of sour as a leavener that lets the bread rise. They use a "lame" as pronounced to male any design like leaves on the bread. Last year my batch made different designs like heart emboss and you can even give this as a gift by embossing your loved one's first name initial letter. Isn't that so personalized?! Simply eaten with the highest quality butter and jam.

A peek at the Grand Central Station

Of course part of my career is to always look for beautiful things around you especially food. The frst shot is an artwork that struck inside Starbucks in the station. I could not totally resist on cupcakes and cakes I saw in that small bakeshop. There are many restaurants to choose from at the ground floor american, pan-asian, mexican ,italian-name it ,they have it.

Have you ever been to the "First Pizza Restaurant in U.S.A."?

Lombardi

My friends from the Culinary Institute and I went to Spring and Mott Street in Manhattan just to taste the first ever pizza in whole United States. Forty five minutes to be seated and another half hour to have a freshly coal-baked pizza. It is tender, cheesey and has simple taste or authentic pizza. I thank "sang" who also lives with us for bringing us to this place. It was a real experience!

Lychee Cherry Delight

My favorite snack, call it a dessert. It is refreshing and allow me to remember my craving when I was baring Jiggy. I simply chill the can of Lychee and put some cherries to add color and flavor. It is very easy to make.

Our New Home in New York