BY THE WAY...

ZUMBA FITNESS PARTY

2012-04-11T12:06:00.002-05:00

As a ballroom and latin dance enthusiast, I have attended Zumba classes all over Houston. Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout system. It's an exhilarating, effective, easy to follow, calorie-burning workout! It's so much fun it's not exercise!

To save money on gym membership and Zumba classes, I have decided to become certified to teach Zumba fitness. Effective April 13, 2012, I will be teaching the following types of Zumba classes at various fitness facilities in Houston, so stay tuned for dates and times.

AQUA ZUMBA

Known as the Zumba "pool party, " the Aqua Zumba program gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during an Aqua Zumba class. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, the Aqua Zumba class blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that's cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief.

ZUMBA GOLD

Zumba Gold targets the largest growing segment of the population: the older adult. It takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as the deconditioned participant. What stays the same are all the elements the Zumba Fitness-Party is known for: the party-like atmospher, the zesty Latin music and the sheer vibrance of each class. And that's exactly what active older adults want. They want camaraderie, excitement and fitness as a regular part of their weekly schedule. On the go and ready for adventure, this new wave of retiring baby boomers account for 28 percent of the population and 40 percent of total consumer demand - spending two trillion dollars in goods and services every year. With Americans over the age of 65 expected to double to an astounding 70 million by the year 2040, one in four Americans will be an older adult.

Research from the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity shows that dancing for the senior population "... can improve aerobic power, lower-body muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, agility and gait speed for older males and females." This means, for active older adults, Zumba Gold is the perfect fit. It's a dance-fitness class that feels friendly and, most of all, FUN!

PHOTOGRAPHY

2012-04-05T19:03:00.001-05:00

I began writing this Blog to express my passion for food and travel. I noticed, however, that it is gradually morphing into something other than what it was originally intended for. But that's ok; after all, the bottom line is: this Blog is an expression of all things I truly enjoy, and I do have varied interests.

One of my hobbies is photography. I appreciate a good work of art... and if it evokes my emotion, then the photographer has done his/her job!

As a celebration that is central to most cultures, a wedding is full of rites, customs, costumes, and festivities. Therefore, it is an absolute must that they are captured by a skilled photographer.

One of the services we provide here is excellent and inexpensive photography. Since this is merely a hobby, we charge a minuscule amount that's truly unheard of! So don't spend thousands of dollars for your wedding photos and we'll take care of this for you. Just enjoy a milestone.

If you have an event and need a photographer, please do not hesitate to let us know. Please e-mail the writer and have fun at your wedding! Here are a few samples of our photography.

KICK UP YOUR HEELS!

2012-04-04T19:07:00.000-05:00

Dancing can be magical and transforming. It can breathe new life into a tired soul; make a spirit soar; unleash locked-away creativity; inspire new romances or rekindled old ones; trigger long forgotten memories; and turn sadness into joy, if only during the dance.

On a more physical level, dancing can give you a great mind-body workout. Researches are learning that regular physical activity in general can keep your body, including your brain healthy as you age. Exercise increases the level of brain chemicals that encourage nerve cells to grow, and dancing that requires you to remember dance steps and sequences boosts brain power by improving memory skills.

Benefits Abound

strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
tone your entire body
improve your posture and balance, which can prevent falls
increase your stamina and flexibility
reduce stress and tension
build confidence
provide opportunities to meet people; and
ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression.

So if you're tired of the treadmill and looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, it might be time to kick up your heels!

Learn to dance Salsa, Cha-cha, Bachata, Swing, Merengue, Jive, Jitterbug, Tango, Hustle, Foxtrot and Waltz while having the time of your life! For social and competition, all ages and levels welcome.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

2012-04-03T16:37:00.001-05:00

with son, Lester, near the
Buckingham Palace

Double-Decker

Not the Hunger Games, mind you, but the Games of the XXX Olympiad, that is! Scheduled to take place in London, England, UK from 27 July to 12 August 2012, what better timing than now to write about London, undoubtedly the most popular city in the world this summer.
No trip to London is ever complete without seeing the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, our first stop. Buckingham Palace was built in 1702 by the Duke of Buckingham as his London home. Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

Big Ben

Next stop was the EDF Energy London Eye. High atop London Eye, we saw breathtaking views of London from high above the River Thames, Big Ben towering above the Houses of Parliament and St. James Park as it swept down to Buckingham Palace. A standard ticket experience on the London Eye lasts for about 30 minutes, the time it takes for the London Eye to revolve completely.

An exhibit at the
British Museum

River Thames

Son, Lloyd at
the British Museum

The River Thames is famous throughout the world for its history, its culture and its amazing variety of wildlife, archaeology and scenery. As a culture buff, I wouldn't dare leave London without first checking out The British Museum, considered to be one of the world's greatest museums of human history and culture. Its permanent collection, numbering some eight million works, is amongst the finest, most comprehensive, and largest in existence and originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

London Eye

The London Underground, colloquially called the Tube, is a rapid transit system in the UK, serving a large part of Greater London and some parts of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. Here is where I've seen the most beautiful, exotic-looking people in the world, such an eclectic blend of Anglo, African, Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern races.

A stop at a London Pub

If you were to ask me to go to London again, I'd say "yes" in a New York minute!

We had lunch at a Filipino restaurant

A view of the London Eye, Big Ben and
River Thames
at night

Photos by Lester Del Valle.

MOTHER FLEA

2012-04-02T16:05:00.000-05:00

Lester took this pic of Candy, his wife,
at a Cambridge alley.

My son, Lloyd and I visited my oldest son, Lester, while he was stationed in the UK in September of 2009. Lester took us to Cambridge, home to the University of Cambridge and its 31 Colleges. It's a wonderful and intriguing place, a destination to discover, and it boasts spectacular architecture in the shape of colleges, chapels, churches and courtyards combined with green parks, wide open spaces and the River Cam, which winds through its heart.

We rode on this bus to and from
Cambridge

The highlight of our visit to Cambridge is its flea market, the mother of all flea markets in my humble opinion. Home to countless stalls from Monday to Saturday, selling fruits and veggies - much of which is organic, fresh produce, books, clothes, fresh fish, flowers and general bric-a-brac. Crowds can often be found gathered around the stalls, particularly during the weekend. Close to the Holy Trinity Church, on Sunday the square hosts a large arts and crafts fair, including a number of antique stalls. Open: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00; Sunday - 10:30 to 16:00.

Lester loves their freshly-squeezed OJ

Traders have been selling their wares here for many centuries, from the Middle Ages onwards. Located on the western side of the city and next to the main University of Cambridge campus, Market Square is easy to find and stands alongside the City Council and the Arts Theatre, being close to the Corn Exchange.

Lloyd and I love these freshly-
baked breads

Sited only a short stroll to the north is the ever-popular All Saints Gardens Market on St. John's Street, which is to be found close to the Round Church Visitor Centre and the All Saints Passage. Nearby attractions include the ADC Theatre and various eateries, such as Pizza Express. If you are driving here and looking for somewhere to leave your car, then you may like to make use of the Park Street Car Park, just around the corner from Round Church Street.

The famous Cambridge Beer Festival in May is now firmly on the calendar for lovers of real ale, with cheddar cheese, pickles and other traditional British edible goodies to try.

Gourmet Europe comes to town in the summer with the busy and bustling French and European Markets on Parkers Piece. Parkers Piece is the city's bohemian area. Grab yourself a satisfying bratwurst sausage, a delicious authentic crepe or some delectable Belgian chocolates!

Nowhere else can you see a sign like
this than in Cambridge!

Now that the 2012 Summer Olympics is fast approaching, I dream about being in the UK -- London, Nottinghill and yes -- Cambridge!

OUR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

2011-08-12T18:12:00.002-05:00

Chicago, August 3, 2011

I suppose there are people who thought of high school as their best years ever. Their days were filled with lots of friends they truly enjoyed. People who shared their values and sense of humor. And I guess it's conceivable that after graduation, they decided to never speak to any of these people ever again. Perhaps they lapsed into a temporary coma or moved to an Amish community that forbade modern communication technology. Maybe they were taken hostage or wandered foreign lands with amnesia until a fortuitously dropped coconut bonked back their memory just in time for their high school reunion. For those people, I get it. Go to your high school reunion. See all those wonderful people you loved so well, but, for some reason, have removed completely from your life.

“Why had I come?” I asked myself. Why come to learn of fellow students whose lives were train wrecks or sad tales of broken hearts and long-since-buried dreams? Quite the contrary, they are happy where they are in their lives right now. I discovered that many had silently answered, “Why bother” and went about their summer days as if the hollow high school years had not happened. But I’m glad I did. I am a part of history, a part of who we are right now. There was so much laughter - I can't even remember when the last time I laughed so hard my tummy hurt.

Whether you were a charter member of the ‘in crowd’ or one who suffered the cruelest rejection by peers, high school likely played a critical role in your social persona. Whether you were the academic excellence award winner or one for whom graduation simply meant a permanent parole from structured education, those were important years. Career paths and choices were etched into the working lives of many during those school days. For some, the seeds of marriage were planted, while others faced a future of frustration with love and its facsimiles.

Why had I come? There were 3 reasons.

1.   I wanted to see the connection. Although my high school days were lackluster in all respects, they were formative. Yet I had never explored how my pre-grad life connected to my post-grad experiences. I gained some unexpected insights into how the weaving of that formative fabric related to the clothes I wear today.

2.   I was curious. How did my life's story compare to that of others? How had the drama played out for those fellow grads my poor memory could be coaxed to recall? For some, the light-hearted teenage comedies had quickly switched to the saddest stories of self-destruction, so I heard. For others the Cinderella had finally flex her humiliation.  The prince of fame and fortune had arrived with the glass slipper that fit her waiting foot. She found her fairy tale ending.

3.   I discovered I cared. The more I thought about it in the weeks leading up to the high school reunion the more undeniable it became. I hurt for those who daily dealt with tragedy.  I mourned the loss of lives that ended too soon. I applauded those who doggedly pursued success and found it. It seemed that there was more reason to hug, or at least shake hands warmly, despite any past insecurities that prevented such displays.

As I left Chicago that night, I felt both fulfilled and fearful. I had walked through history and listened to the echoes from my high school halls. I was beginning to understand their richness and meaning. But I also knew that if there were a next time to meet there would be fewer of us to share the senior chapters of the books that we are writing. There would be more fresh-faced photos on the memorial wall to mourn. And today we mourn the loss of one of our batchmates, Celestino Nicolas, who left to be with the Lord yesterday. May he rest in peace.

Why go to your high school reunion? To see yourself comfortably reflected in the eyes that shared your youth. To give the gift of caring and acceptance. That is reason enough.

Kare-Kare

On the lighter side, in a city known as the “Pizza Capital of the World,” it was quite ironic that we didn’t get a chance to taste what the hoopla is all about! Deep Dish Pizza – that’s right -- Deep Dish Pizza is to Chicago what Kare-Kare is to Philippines. So folks, I have no recipe on this post, except for photos of some of the delicious foods prepared to us by our hosts, Marielle Reyes, Bessie Nepomuceno and their family.

At the Decatur Celebration

Bessie's Bread

KEY TO MY HEART

2011-07-19T16:13:00.045-05:00

If “the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” then the key to mine is through my feet. As an art lover, I have always had the wanderlust, the thirst for adventure and culture, and the desire to explore “the beaten paths.” And what better way to explore than drive 126 miles of lush, tropical terrain overlooking vistas of ahh-inspiring blue water from more than 40 bridges, coral reefs and tidal flats. We can only be in one place - the Florida Keys, an archipelago of 1,700-plus keys, islets and islands.

Our first stop from Miami was Key Largo, the first of the Florida Keys; and passed by the islets of Islamorada, Marathon, and Big Pine Key before finally reaching Key West. Key West is at the southernmost point and is about 90 miles from Cuba. After spending a few hours on the road, it was time to let my hair down and embrace the outrageousness of the city. Strolling down palm-lined streets, I marveled at the old wooden homes restored into fabulous Victorian architecture. This jewel of a city has also become Ernest Hemingway’s home, where he enjoyed mixing with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and wrestling contests.

But where’s the beach, I wondered? That was the question that surfaced again and again as we drove down Highway 1. Somewhere in all that green and blue waters there have to be a few buckets of heavenly sand. There are, of course; but most of the Keys’ beaches are hidden from the road and tucked away under coconut palms. For a challenge-freak like me, it was fun to hunt down the perfect one.

Snorkeling at Key West

Florida Keys

For most folks, Key West means Old Town’s Duval Street, crowded with shopping and big name bars like Sloppy Joe’s, the Bull & Whistle and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. As the sun dipped low over the Gulf of Mexico, I knew I didn’t want to miss the nightly sunset celebration Key West is famous for. Crowds filled Mallory Square, once the anchorage of Keys’ pirates. Today the wharf is the hub for vendors, jugglers, escape artists, gymnasts, psychics and magicians, each holding his own spellbound audiences.

No visit to Key West is complete without having a bite of their famous Key Lime Pie, where it was invented in the 19^th century by the local residents known as the “Conchs.” Tangy and sweet, it is made of key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk and baked in a pie crust. The dish is named after the small key limes that are naturalized throughout the Florida Keys.

Once again, I played with the original recipe, naming it Key to My Heart pie. Since it was calamansi* season, I used calamansi in lieu of the lime, added 2 tbsp. of cream of coconut and topped it with toasted coconut flakes to enhance the tropical flavor. I also decorated it with slices of dried mangoes for a real show stopper! How can you go wrong with these ingredients?

KEY TO MY HEART PIE

Key to My Heart Pie

Ingredients:

Crust
16 graham crackers, crushed

3 tbsp. sugar

1 cube (1/4 lb) margarine or butter

Pie Filling
4 large or extra large egg yolks
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh calamansi juice

2 tbsp. cream of coconut

2 tsp. grated lime peel, green portion only

Whipping Cream for Garnish
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes (for topping)
8 slices of dried mangoes (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Crust
Mix the ingredients and press them into a 9" pie plate. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned. Place on a rack to cool.

Pie Filling

Use an electric mixer and beat the egg yolks until they are thick and turn to a light yellow, don't over mix. Turn the mixer off and add the sweetened condensed milk. Turn speed to low and mix in half of the lime or calamansi juice. Once the juice is incorporated add the other half of the juice and the zest, continue to mix until blended (just a few seconds). Pour the mixture into the pie shell and bake at 350F for 12 minutes.

Serving
If you are using the whipping cream garnish, prepare the cream. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with sliced dried mangoes. Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.

*Calamansi is a citrus fruit native to the Philippines. It is the equivalent to the lime in western countries.

NOTTING HILL

2011-07-15T18:57:00.001-05:00

I took this photo of an art
shop selling license plates
in Notting Hill

Notting Hill is an affluent, trendy area in London, England. It is also the title of a 1999 British romantic comedy movie filmed here. It's quite hard to believe that what is currently London's most fashionable area was considered a massive slum, crawling with rats and rubbish some 40 years ago. However, in the past 30 years, it has seen a massive transformation to the status it holds today.

Lester took this photo of the official
commuter train in England

Indeed I love this place! It's hip, current, artsy and trendy! I went to the "iconic" bookstore where Julia Roberts met Hugh Grant in the movie. The area is most well-known for Portobello Market, located in a mile-long road that sells a wide variety of goods, clothes, antiques and even food! It is open everyday except Sunday, and whatever day you come here, you'll find a number of cafes, pubs, and bars along Portobello Road. Whether you're a fan of the film or just looking for a great place to visit, Notting Hill is a must for any visit to London.

This is where I had the "national dish" of England: none other than (drum rolls, please!) the Fish & Chips! Deep-fried fish in a crispy batter with fat golden chips is still one of British's favorite meals. It seems, everywhere you go in England, you'll find numerous fish and chip shops or "chippers" or "chippys" as they are called. They say you haven't been to England until you've had an order of fish and chips from a local shop.

My son, Lloyd, at Piccadilly Circus

And so without further ado, I have adapted the British Fish & Chips to my very own fushion recipe, below; adding calamansi juice and tempura flour (in lieu of all purpose flour). Furthermore, I used sweet potatoes or yam in lieu of regular potatoes.

Fish & Chips:

1 lb. catfish fillets or any white flesh fish

4 med. sweet potatoes (yam) (peeled and sliced)

Canola oil for deep frying

For the batter:

2 cups Tempura flour

2 cups water

2 tbsp. lemon or calamansi juice

Salt & pepper

Whisk all the batter ingredients together. The thicker the batter, the better and crispier the results. Add salt and pepper.

Coat the fish and sweet potatoes and deep fry until crispy and golden brown.

To cut the calories in half and reduce the fat, coat the fish in bread crumbs, add salt and pepper and bake in 375° oven until golden brown.

Fish & Chips

THE BIG EASY

2011-07-11T15:34:00.028-05:00

As a foodie, I’ve always been curious about New Orleans’ culinary climate. Also called The Big Easy, its history, charm and European flair makes New Orleans a mecca for travelers with a taste for history, music, Mardi Gras and of course: food. The Big Easy is a slang reportedly originated from a jazz club called The Big Easy dating back to the early 20^th century. Prior to that, New Orleans was known as Crescent City.

No place else in the world does Mardi Gras like New Orleans. It is huge, flamboyant, wild and just an all around blast! If you’re willing to do just about anything to catch those dumb beads, then this is the place for you. New Orleans is also the home of jazz and blues music. You can step inside any of the clubs around the French Quarter and listen to all of the music for free.

Famous French Quarter

If you’re watching your weight, it can be quite a challenge. New Orleans has 21 national historic districts with a great restaurant in every one of them. It's the home of Cajun and Creole cooking. Today's Cajuns are the descendants of 1,600 French Acadians whom the British forced from their Nova Scotian homeland in 1785. The local Indians transmuted the word Acadians to Cagians and, eventually, to Cajuns . Many confuse Cajun cooking with Creole cooking but though there are many points of similarity, there are also distinct differences. Cajun cooking, a combination of French and Southern cuisines, is robust, country-style cookery that uses a dark Roux and plenty of animal (usually pork) fat. Creole cooking places its emphasis on butter and cream. Some maintain that Creole cooking uses more tomatoes and the Cajuns more spices. Both cuisines make generous use of File Powder and the culinary "holy trinity" of chopped green peppers, onions and celery. Two of the more traditional Cajun dishes include Jambalaya and coush-coush (a thick cornmeal breakfast dish).

This is just a brief overview of Cajun and Creole Cooking. I’d like to dedicate this post to Beignet (Bey-ney), a type of pastry that can be described as a cross between French pastry and an American doughnut. These are golden squares dusted with confectioners' sugar best served with coffee. If you’re at the French Quarter and notice a long line of people, I can almost guarantee that you’re at Café du Monde, located at Jackson Square in the French Quarter. No visit to New Orleans is complete without stopping by this restaurant to savor their coffee and Beignets. I tell you this place is making a killing! I was there early in the morning and the lines were already very long and the place packed! Surprisingly, the lines went pretty fast, probably because they only serve Beignets and coffee and there was plenty of wait staff.

Bourbon St. Restaurant

As a pastry lover, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into those delectable, golden-brown squares! Because of the confectioners’ sugar, I found them quite messy to eat, however, but I must admit they are worth the wait and the mess!

When I got back home to Houston, I thought of making my own version of the Beignets and guess what? I tweaked the ingredients a little bit and they tasted like Pan de Sal. Pan de Sal is the classic Filipino dinner rolls, of Portuguese origin. It means salted bread but it’s actually sweeter than salty. Below is the recipe for my version of the Beignet, I fondly call Pan de Banio, a cross between the Filipino Pan de Sal and the French Beignet. The Pan de Banio has all the basic ingredients of the Pan de Sal and the Beignet, the only difference is that they are baked instead of fried; and the confectioners' sugar has been eliminated.

Pan de Banio

½ cup water

1 tbsp. yeast

¼ cup shortening

½ cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 cup boiling water

1 cup evaporated milk

3 eggs, beaten (reserve one egg for brushing the top of the dough)

7-1/2 cups flour

Beignets

Pan de Banio

1. Pour 1/2 cup room temperature water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let stand for about 5 minutes to dissolve.

2. Combine the shortening, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over the shortening mixture and then stir in the evaporated milk. Wait for the mixture to cool down until it is lukewarm. Then, add the yeast and water mixture and beaten eggs.

3. Slowly mix in the flour until the dough forms a ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 1-inch squares. Brush the top with egg white. Bake in 375 degree oven until golden brown.

EAT, LAUGH, LOVE!

ROMAN HOLIDAY

2011-07-08T19:07:00.000-05:00

I know what you’re thinking…. Why in the world would this chick post a pizza recipe on her [bleepin’] Blog? Well hear me out, peeps!

As an Art History major in the 70’s, I had the opportunity to visit Rome – tour the spectacular ancient ruins, masterpieces of the Renaissance, delightful Baroque fountains, and charming medieval backstreets. And in one of these backstreets was a tiny pizzeria where this pizza still lingers in my mind after 30 somethin’ years!

Tivoli Fountain, Rome

They say pizza is not an Italian food, but I really don’t care where it came from, all I know is that Rome is where I had the best tasting pizza ever, trust me! Now I have never been a big fan of anchovies, but the pizza I had in Rome, I still remember, had anchovies galore! And what made it so special? The contrasting flavor of caramelized onions and the saltiness of anchovies was to die for! I have tried making my own pizza using store bought pizza dough, once again played with the toppings (after all, playing with food is not just for kids, right?) and I swear it came out fantastic!! Here’s my fusion recipe:

ADOBO PIZZA

1 store bought pizza crust or dough

Caramelized onions*

chicken breast (8-10 pcs.)

3 tbsp. garlic
3 tbsp. vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
½ tsp. black pepper
1 med. tomato
1 can anchovy fillets or 12 pcs.
1/2 cup parsley

Mozzarella cheese (grated; optional)

*Caramelized onions

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 yellow onions, sliced ¼” thick

1 cup mushrooms (optional)

½ tsp. table salt

1 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. water

Place the chicken, garlic, vinegar, ground pepper and soy sauce in a pot, cover and slow cook until chicken is tender and golden brown; add the tomato and simmer 5 more minutes.

Heat the oil in a non-stick pan; add sliced onions until translucent; add mushrooms, water; sugar and salt.

Top the crust with caramelized onions, anchovies, chicken, parsley and grated cheese. Bake in 375° oven until cheese is melted or crust is crispy and golden brown.

Adobo Pizza w/ Caramelized Onions

What a treat of contrasting flavors that play so well together!

EAT, LAUGH, LOVE!

HIMALAYAN FESTIVAL

2011-07-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

To Belinda Romero Pillarino, who has inquired about a Chicken Curry recipe, Ms. Cruz-Santos has generously shared her award-winning recipe, below; which I’ve incorporated with my Himalayan version inspired by my recent visit to the Himalayan Festival in Berkeley on May 15, 2011. I have also added chili powder/paste to give it a little bit of a "kick," based on my Thai babysitter's version that is scrumptous!

One of the most colorful festivals I’ve ever been to was the Himalayan Festival, held at Live Oak Park north of all the restaurants and cafes of Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto. My friend, Sharad, who has trekked the Himalayan mountains, took me to this exotic festival. There we stepped in to a vibrant marketplace deep in a “Himalayan Mountain Village.” Life was simple. The vibrant colors, sounds of bells, singing, laughter and Tibetan long-horns; Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and secular folks gathered in peace, to share and learn about cultures. Old world charm fed the mind and soul.

with Sharad at the Festival ground -
food vendors behind us

Under the towering oaks and redwood trees we savored the spicy aromas of foods from vendors who came from as far as Kathmandu. The Nepali cuisine, also known as the cuisine of the Himalayas, bears its uniqueness by incorporating the two great culinary traditions of the region, Indian and Tibetan, into a mainstream culinary culture of its own, which reflects the geographic and demographic diversity of the Himalayas. Nepal, a tiny country by any geographic measurements, stretches from the lowlands of the sub-tropical Terai plains in the south to the highlands of the Himalayas, as dominated by the majestic reign of Mt. Everest, in the north. Hence, Nepal has resurrected its own unique cultural identity into a harmonious culture, combining different traditions of different indigenous cultures rooting on all corners of the country.

The Nepali staple consists primarily of rice, wheat, corn, lentils coupled with fresh vegetables and meats. There were several food vendors selling a variety of their famous dishes, such as the Momo (Tibetan dumpling); Chiken Sekuwa (chiken kabob); and many others. After checking out each vendor, I decided to try the Chicken Curry (premium chicken cooked in gravy of potatoes and onions, tomatoes and chili), washed down with Chiya (spiced tea). Many Nepali dishes are derived from the great culinary tradition of the indigenous Newari culture, native to the Kathmandu Valley. Here is my version of the fusion Chicken Curry, incorporating both Thai and Filipino ingredients along with the Himalayan classic.

Fusion Chicken Curry

CHICKEN CURRY

(Note: this is not for the faint of tongue -- adjust your spices accordingly!)

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 clove garlic (crushed)

1 med. onion (chopped)

1 whole chicken (cut into desired pieces) or your choice cuts (thighs or wings; 8-10 pcs.)

½ cup soy sauce

3 med. potatoes (peel and cut into small wedges)

1-1/2 cups tomatoes (chopped)

1 can coconut milk

1 tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. paprika

1 tsp. tomato paste

1 med. red bell pepper (cut into thin strips)

2 tbsp. curry powder/paste

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Saute’ crushed garlic, sliced onion and add the chicken. Add soy sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally until chicken is semi-tender and golden. Add potatoes and tomatoes, simmer again for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add coconut milk, ground cumin, paprika, tomato paste and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add red bell pepper and simmer until chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 5 minutes longer. Season with more salt and pepper, if desired.

Nepali women in their
traditional costume

EAT, LAUGH, LOVE!!!

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

2011-07-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

Like the Mamas and the Papas, I have been California Dreamin'. Since my recent trip to the "most romantic city" in the world six weeks ago, I can't help but reminisce the wonderful sights and sounds of the City by the Bay. Having reunited with former high school buddies, driven down curvaceous Seven Mile Drive along picturesque Highway One, I can't help but wonder: what am I doing in the central part of the country? Now I'm not saying Texas is not pretty, it has an appeal of its own; but to me, nothing compares to the beauty and diversity than that of the Golden State.

My friends, Norman and Emely, were very kind as to take me to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel is a small city in Monterey County, California, approximately two hours drive from San Francisco. As most everyone knows, Clint Eastwood became Mayor of Carmel and served a two-year term in the 1980s. And, like most Carmel visitors, we visited "Clint Eastwood's Restaurant," Hogs Breath Inn at San Carlos and Fifth Avenue in downtown Carmel. The truth is, Clint Eastwood and his partners don't own that restaurant anymore. Nevertheless, I'm a sucker for a good outdoor fireplace and rustic, European decor, so we decided to eat lunch there. I ordered the first item that caught my eye, which was the Dirty Harry Burger. If I were a chef there, I would have added a Make My Day burger in the menu but I'm not, so I've created my own version of the Dirty Harry Burger I now call Make My Day burger. I have incorporated our very own adobo recipe to this variation and needless to say, it came out delicious! I have also made it healthier by mixing turkey meat to ground beef. Here is my recipe: (Note: these measurements are "give and take," meaning you may adjust the ingredients according to your taste.)

"Make My Day" Burger

2 lbs. ground turkey
1 lb. ground beef
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
3 tbs. garlic, crushed
1 med. size onion, minced
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tsp. white sugar
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tbsp. all purpose flour

1. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients and form into about 12 patties.

2. Cook the patties in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning once, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (85 degrees C); or

3. Grill, turning once.

Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms (optional) and your favorite condiments.

NOW, THIS WILL ABSOLUTELY MAKE YOUR DAY! EAT, LAUGH, LOVE!!!

WE SALUTE OUR TROOPS!

2011-07-06T18:38:00.001-05:00

FIL-TEX BARBECUE

2011-07-06T15:34:00.000-05:00

One of the things I did this past 4th of July holiday weekend was rummage over sale items at a local Houston outlet mall, but the highlight of that weekend was a visit to a local Texas barbecue restaurant.

Texas barbecue traditions can be divided into four general styles: East Texas, Central Texas, South Texas, and West Texas. The Central and East Texas varieties are generally the most well-known. Generally speaking the different Texas barbecue styles are distinguished as follows. In the East Texas style the beef is slowly cooked to the point that it is "falling off the bone", typically over hickory wood, and marinated in a sweet, tomato-based sauce. In the Central Texas style the meat is rubbed with spices and cooked over indirect heat from pecan or oak wood. In the West Texas style the meat is cooked over direct heat from mesquite wood giving it a somewhat bitter taste. The South Texas style features thick, molasses-like sauces that keep the meat very moist.The barbacoa tradition is somewhat different than all of these. Though beef may be used, goat or sheep meat are common as well (sometimes even the whole animal may be used). In its most traditional form barbacoa is prepared in a hole dug in the ground and covered with maguey leave.

The best barbecue in Texas is brisket, pork, ribs, chicken and sausage slow cooked in a smoker-cooker. Traditionally, Texas barbecue is served with a homemade barbecue sauce, usually served warm. Now I have managed to improvise the traditional Texas barbecue sauce and made it "my own." This type sauce is usually a table condiment as opposed to a sauce used to bast the meat while cooking. When you make a batch, play with the seasonings and their amounts until you get the recipe to your liking. There are as many recipes for barbecue sauce as there are cooks. Having grown up on Filipino cooking, I like to use a fair amount of garlic, onion, vinegar and some Tobasco hot sauce.

Ingredients:

16 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 cup beer
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 med. size fresh onion
3 tbsp. crushed garlic
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. coarse black pepper
1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
1 tsp. chili powder

Add all the ingredients and simmer until relatively thick, stirring occasionally. Use as dipping sauce or poured over the meat.

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

2011-07-06T13:25:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my Blog! I have created this blog to share with you my passion for travel, dance, music, photography and food. After being on hiatus from this Blog for almost a year, I have decided to resume blogging since I simply can't stay away from my keyboard much longer.

To Ms. Avelina Cruz-Santos:

I have named this Blog Filipino Fusion as I've always wondered whether such exists in our cuisine. Fusion cuisine combines elements of various culinary traditions, while not being categorized per any one cuisine style. The term generally refers to the innovations in many contemporary restaurant cuisines since the 1970s. And, since I'm a 70s child, please indulge me in this wonderful, crazy, fun-filled decade, but more on that later - let's focus first on our love of the arts - whether it's culinary, music, dance, visual or whatever your lil artsy heart desires.

Thank you for mentoring, editing, and motivating me to create this Blog. I also appreciate your sharing precious, kitchen-tested recipes handed down from generation to generation. You have been such an inspiration for me toward this endeavor, to one day write [and hopefully publish] a book in the areas of my interest.