The Red Apron

EASTERN MARKET DETROIT, America's Oldest Continously Operating Market

2013-05-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Another sunny spring day at the Midwest.

What a treat after a long winter season!

We hear a lot about the Eastern Market in Detroit,

so we thought this would be a perfect day to go out and head over to the East today.

When we got there we drove around the area first,

looked for parking

and found one immediately.

Eastern Market is America's oldest continuously operating market today.

It is a six-block public market full of local produce,

pasture and grass-fed meat, greenery, homemade locally produced products,

and snacks.

Eastern Market has been feeding Metro Detroit since 1891.

It is in the historic commercial district about a mile and a half away from the city's downtown.

A vibrant neighborhood surrounded by shops and great restaurants and bars.

Street performers entertain shoppers and vendors,

reminded us of the 3rd Street Promenade Farmer's Market in Santa Monica in California. For a moment, I thought I was back in L.A.

Eastern Market is truly a foodie's heaven. Gourmet and exotic are both found here.

Antique shops, clothing boutiques, pottery, arts and crafts shops

line the street behind the sheds.

It is truly a shopper's world.

I suggest to bring cash, and a wagon or a folding shopping cart with you

when you come here.

You will be needing more than 2 hands for all those shopping bags

you'll be hauling back home.

Can't resist the smell of fresh baked bread.

We got some chocolate filled croissants and a French baguette for dinner.

Stopped at an Antique Shop behind Shed 4

Just had to try out this cute bistro chair. Too bad we don't have room for this at home.

I wanted to take this ice cream maker home,

my husband was giving me the "Are you out of your mind" look.

Hahaha!

Lunch at one of the food trucks outside Sheds 3 and 4.

Decided on El Guapo Grill.

Finally found a food truck that can compare to the food trucks in Los Angeles.

The Braised Beef Taco is a must order!!!

Delicioso!!!

Last bite!!!

Very Berry Vacherin

2013-05-01T17:02:00.002-04:00

Want to impress your guests?
Make Vacherin.

What? What is it?

Vacherin?

No not the cheese, the delicious French dessert!

Vacherin is composed of layers of meringue, chocolate, assortment of berries, and cream.

Sometimes made with vanilla ice cream and nuts.

This two to three-tiered delicious dessert makes a show stopping centerpiece.

This is something I whip up on last minutes dinner invites.

Impressive yet simple!

On my last get together with family,

I just arrange everything on the table and let everyone assemble their own Vacherin.

It's a fun dessert activity for everyone.

Ingredients:

3 egg whites

3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1 oz semisweet chocolate, grated

Filling:

6 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
2 cups heavy cream

1/2 pure vanilla extract
2 cups strawberries or mixed berries of choice

Directions:

Preheat oven for 275° F.

Draw 3 rectangles, each measuring 4x10 inches or 2x4 inches for individual size, on sheets of parchment paper, and place on baking sheets.

Whip egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Use the wire whisk attachment if using a freestanding mixer.

Beat until soft peaks form.

Add 1/2 of the sugar, a tablespoon at a time continue whipping until the mixture is very stiff and glossy.

With a metal spoon, carefully fold in remaining sugar, the cornstarch, and grated chocolate.

Spoon the meringue mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch plain tip, and pipe lines across the rectangles.

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, turning the baking sheets halfway through.

Turn off oven and let meringue cool completely in the oven. Peel away parchment paper.

FILLING:

Place the broken chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water.
Stir until melted.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream.

ASSEMBLY:

Spread most of the melted over 2 meringue layers, reserving a little bit for garnish. Let set.
Place 1 chocolate-coated meringue on a plate and top with whipped cream and berries.
Gently place the second chocolate-coated meringue on top and spread with whipped cream, top with more berries.
Place the last meringue on the top, decorate with remaining whipped cream and berries.
Drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate over the top (optional) and serve.

Note:

The third tier is optional. You can only do 2 layers if you please, just like what my guests and I did.

Moms Weekend at Northport, a post Revisited

2013-04-26T13:06:00.000-04:00

Here's another place that my girlfriends and I fell in love with last year.
Now I know the reason why Mario Batali
bought a home a here.

July is cherry season and Traverse City celebrates the
Cherry Festival.
This place would be the best area to consider staying at
if you want to be away from all the tourists coming for the festival.

A quiet, romantic place to spend time with your other half.

----

Still recovering from a fun Kids Free weekend at Northport,

with my dear Mommy friends.

It was a weekend filled with laughter,
great company,

delicious food and lots of wine.

Lots of wine!!!

I do apologize for the poor quality of some photo images,
I forgot to charge the battery of my DSLR camera,
so I had to use my iPhone.

Northport is at the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan.

A Beautiful, quaint, quiet town

with hills filled with apple and cherry orchards.

Northport lies near the 45th Parallel.

And Yes,

our friend Sandi made us raise our feet and arms.

Until now, I have no idea why. Hahaha!

The drive after the recent rain was a lively scenery,

Lush forests and fields,

one would say,

lends an air of enchantment.

It was a scenery you would see in movies,

thousands of trees,
some with golden leaves formed a canopy over the roadside,

deers on the field,

rays from the sun behind heavy clouds peeking through.

Yes, Mother Nature

surely has it's awesome way with special effects.

UPDATE!!!

Just learned today,
we just missed IRON CHEF MARIO BATALI.
He is spending Thanksgiving at his house at his summer home in Northport.
Shucks!
It would have been so awesome running into him in town
or the local grocer where he frequents.

Stayed at our friend Sandi's parents Bed & Breakfast.

Days Gone By
is a Victorian Country home and was built in 1868.

It is less than a quarter mile walk to town shops and the Marina.

And a hike away to this panoramic hilltop view of Grand Traverse.

Each room has it's own theme, comfortable beds,

and of course spotlessly clean bathrooms.

My room had a great view of the Copper Beech Tree.

The smell of coffee, and baked yummies woke us up every morning.

The mouth-watering breakfast filled our hungry bellies before we left for the days mini adventures.

Jane is the Best Host ever,

she made sure our stay was very comfortable.

Stone Fence borders the Large property

A Large Outdoor Fireplace

The Copper Beech Tree outside my Bedroom window.

Our trip was perfect timing for the

Taste of The Season.

Yes, like I said before, there are wineries in Michigan.

My friends and I are not wine experts,

but we are Mommies that have a taste for good wine.

California still has some of the best wines in the world,

but Michigan has a few good tasting wines as well.

There's a couple of wines that I happen to like from this wine region.

But there is one that really stands out.

Black Star Farms full-bodied Arcturos Cabernet Franc

is smooth and rich.

A hint of forest floor earthiness and spicy toasty oak

is in perfect harmony with the blackberry and raspberry aromas.

The delicate but good structured tannins anchors the finish.

It is well-balanced, but complex.

I would say this is the "Best Michigan Wine."

Best paired with any hearty rustic meals.

The high ceiling and wooden beams felt like I was in a California Winery,
I immediately knew that I will have good tasting here.

My puffy eyed face from only 3 hrs. of sleep with lovely Veronica
whose father 17 years ago planted the grapevines the Cabernet Franc is made from.
She helped us with her expertise in choosing the best wine.

We visited a few more wineries,

and encountered some quite happy and very tipsy older couples,

with their car hitting and scraping every boulder on the side of the parking lot.

The poor car!

No traffic enforcer was in sight that weekend.

Maybe they were at the wine tasting too.

Car on the left, The Tipsy driver hitting the boulders in front and back of the car.

At Leelanau Cellars

Sunday,

we went to get some Antique Apples at the Christmas Cove Farm.

It's about less than 5 miles from the B&B.

John the owner,

had some interesting bottle collections that filled the entire wall of the barn.

And his tin can collections filled the ceiling as well.

As you approach the barn you are welcomed with the sweet aroma of the apples.

Different varieties of Antique Apples

were at the table, and it was our lucky day,

everything was 1/2 off.

John showing me his new addition, a Rare bottle with the print of the Capitol.

Looks like my husband and I. LOL!

After the farm we were off to see the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.

He turned to face me as I was taking his picture.

Aimee found a cute friend.

Remembering all the Heroes who protected and kept us safe.
Veteran's Day 2012.

After the Lighthouse, we went back to town.

Found The Pennington Collection,

a gift shop with a variety of beautiful things including the Vera Bradley Collection.

Got myself a beautiful scarf and some christmas ornaments.

Every year I get a few to add to my collection.

It was a day of deals,

first we got 50% off at the Antique Apples farm

and here we got everything at 25% off.

They had an array of yummies for their customers. A very nice gesture.

We then strolled to the Marina.

A Perfect day for it,

the sun decided to grace us with its presence.

The Marina was empty, and so was the beach next to it.

No one in sight, not even the seagulls.

It was just a few days ago when I was missing the beach.

And here I am, what a beautiful sight!

The breeze touching my face was a kiss of relaxation.

Hearing the ocean crashing, waves hitting sand, then pulling back to the bay.
The sound of the waves in the morning is just refreshing.

The water in different shades of blue.

The water was crystal clear

you can see everything living below it,
the soft powdery sand cool to the touch.

Ahhh ... life at the beach is what I want.

This has been a fun weekend with great friends.

We all deserved the break from our busy everyday life.

Thanks to our wonderful husbands who gifted us this luxurious weekend.

Who unselfishly stayed behind taking good care of our precious ones at home.

Click here for to see more pictures>>>

CHARLEVOIX the Beautiful

2013-04-09T14:24:00.001-04:00

As promised,

I am re-posting some of my favorite trips of all time.

I hope you will be able to find your perfect family vacation this year like we did.

It takes lots of research in planning for the right vacation for a family with little kids.

Here's one we took last year of a beautiful place we never knew existed

especially when you mention that it is in Michigan.

When you say Michigan, the first thing comes to mind is Detroit.

Slowly,

we are discovering that there is more to Michigan than just Detroit.

------

After getting back from vacation,

I am exhausted, and have just been resting

and gaining back some energy to get back to normal routine.

This was an activity filled vacation.

Not just a lounge around the beach kinda vacation.

It was Love at First Sight for my husband and I when we visited Charlevoix last year.
We stayed at the beautiful Inn at Bay Harbor at the neighboring town Petoskey.

This year we decided to rent a house at the lake.
I found a great cabin just perfect for my family and my cousin Pam's family who shared the house with us.
The owner Lizz is just the sweetest and most helpful.
She had the house fully stocked down to bug spray and sunblock lotion.
All you need to bring are your clothes and groceries.
I even went home with clean clothes,
thanks to her washer/dryer all I needed was to put the clothes away when we got back.
The kids especially enjoyed S'mores night.
And of course their own little hideaway,
the loft where they all slept.
The basement had a Ping-Pong table Foosball, Television and some games.
If you come with a pet,
the backyard is fully fenced and she even has dog crates in the basement.

With the ages of our children,
the beach is the only fun place to take them for now.
The only place where we won't hear the two ugly words ... "I'M BORED!"
My husband and I want to visit family in Europe,
but I guess that will be a separate trip with no kids in tow.
So for now,
here's our little version of Europe in our new home State
... Pure Michigan.

Charlevoix truly lived up to it's name
"CHARLEVOIX THE BEAUTIFUL".

It's the Little Europe of the North.
Rolling hills full of beautiful wildflowers, a Lavender Hill, a Sunflower field,
Marina filled with million dollar yachts and sailboats.
Beautiful crystal clear water lakes, whitesand beaches.
People on their bikes. Beautiful Homes built by Earl Young.
Beautiful weather, great tan,
and of course, delicious food.

The next few days,
I will be sharing with you the rest of the gorgeous sights
from other neighboring beautiful places we've been to.

Flower Fields

Lavender Hill Farm
So fragrant but definitely buzzing with millions of bees. Hubby had to stay in the car because of his allergies with bee stings.

SUNFLOWER FIELD
Doesn't this remind you of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun?
Don't exactly know which town it was,
my husband woke me up from my nap while driving on our way to the vineyards.
What a way to wake up!
As you can see my eyes are all swollen from the nap.
But hey, I don't mind if the photo background is this gorgeous.

WILD YARROW FLOWERS
Took tons of photos of my daughter of "whom I should not show her face" at the acres of rolling hills filled with these beautiful wildflowers.

We went Sailing.

Hubby & son helping out with the sail

$6.5 million House for sale with 2 boat garages.
This house was featured at HGTV.

Sailing Lessons for kids

The Belvedere Club Cabanas

Jumped off the sailboat and swam. Little Taz not too happy.

My kids enjoying the whitesand beach with their little cousin Paige

Crystal Clear water

GOOD EATS

Walked around downtown and stopped by for some ice cream and a sample taste of Murdick's fudge.

photo credit: Whitney's Oyster Bar
Had a delicious dinner here. Kudos to the chef.
Everyone in our party was quite happy with what they had for dinner.
Great view of the Marina from the upper level of the building.

HOMES built by Earl Young

Hobbit Home

Mushroom Home

And here's a shot I took of the beautiful view
that everyone that lives in the northwest coastline
enjoys every night at sundown.

Have a great time!!!

For the House Rental contact Lizz: 615 410 1114

Hello again Ginger Tea! Goodbye coffee!

2013-04-07T17:19:00.001-04:00

Back when I was studying at the Conservatory of Music,

my best friend was Ginger Tea.

It's a great throat soother before and after singing.

It helps calm nerves for those of us that had stage fright.

Oh yes, stage fright!

No matter how often I perform on stage I still have it.

Ginger Tea

is back in my life again.

I am suffering from GERD,

and I now have to give up my love for coffee.

I also have given up caffeinated coffee when I was diagnosed

with Arrhythmia,

and have switched to drinking decaffeinated coffee.

Now,

I have to totally banish coffee in my life.

So hello to you again Ginger Tea!

Ginger acts as a digestive aid.

It is commonly used to soothe upset stomach, nausea, and motion and travel sickness.

There are so many conflicting suggestions on how to control GERD.

All I know is, this has worked for my family through years and I find it working for myself now.

Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake

2013-03-31T00:39:00.004-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

DARK CHOCOLATE BUNDT CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE

As promise,

the recipe for this light and moist Bundt cake

is printed below.

We all had a fun full day of Easter celebration at my cousin Pam's house.

We celebrated my niece Paige and nephew Cole's birthday.

The kids had their Easter egg hunt,

and the adults sat down for card games,

and some watched the basketball game.

I hope you all had a great Easter celebration as well.

Ingredients:

2.5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped

(I prefer Lindt 85/95/99% cocoa bar or Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao)

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1 cup espresso drink (1 cup water to 2 tsp. instant espresso)

1 cup buttermilk

Ganache:

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp. butter

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped

1 tbsp. corn syrup

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F.
Spray Bundt pan with vegetable oil spray.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the 2.5 oz. chopped chocolate. Stir constantly until melted.
Transfer melted chocolate into a medium bowl, slightly cool before
Adding the oil and sugar, whisking until smooth.
Add eggs, whisk until blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add 1/2 of the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture along with 1/2 of the coffee and 1/2 of the buttermilk. Whisk until smooth.
Add all remaining ingredients, whisk until smooth.
Spoon batter into pan.
Bake for 45 minutes or until tester inserted comes out clean or a few crumbs clinging to it.
Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack.
Invert cake on a cake stand or plate.
Pour ganache over cake. Slice and serve.

GANACHE

Place chopped chocolate and corn syrup in a heat proof bowl.
In a small saucepan heat heavy cream and butter. Bring to just a boil.
Immediately pour over chocolate and let stand without stirring for a few minutes.
Stir gently with a whisk or spoon until smooth.

Note:

You can substitute 1 cup espresso to 1 cup of strongly brewed coffee.
For the Easter cake toppers, I used chocolate eggs, edible grass and a painted egg shell.

Sweet & Sour Fish

2013-03-29T17:05:00.000-04:00

Well I am not supposed to be working today since it's Good Friday.

So I'm going to make this short and sweet.

What's for dinner on Fish Friday?

Deep Fried Tilapia topped with the Filipino Traditional Sweet and Sour Sauce.

With this recipe you can use either Red Snapper, Rock Cod, Tilapia or Sea bass.

In my country, if you can fry it, go for it!

The traditional Filipino sweet and sour has pineapple in it.

I did not add any today because I completely forgot to get the pineapple.

One of the perks of getting old. ;)

I did not add the green pepper because of my GERD problem.

Of course the rest of the ingredients that will cause my symptoms to flare won't be eaten.

PIN ME!

Ingredients:

FISH

1 Tilapia/Red Snapper/ Rock Cod/Sea Bass, cleaned and scaled

Salt and pepper, to season fish

SWEET & SOUR SAUCE

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup pineapple juice

3/4 cup sugar ( add more to your taste)

3/4 cup coconut vinegar

1/2 cup catsup

2 tbsp. chili sauce

2 tbsp. light soy sauce

1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch mixed in 1 1/2 tbsp. water

ASSEMBLY

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 medium bell pepper, julienned (optional)

1 large carrot, julienned

2 inch ginger, julienned

I clove garlic, minced

1 cup pineapple chunks

2 green onions including tops, thinly sliced

Directions:

FISH

On each side of the fish, make 2-3 diagonal slashes, cutting down to the bone each time.
Season fish with salt and pepper.
Place in the Deep Fryer.
Cook until golden brown and crisp.
Place on a platter with a paper towel to soak oil from fish and set aside.

SAUCE

Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan, except for the cornstarch mixture.
Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
Bring sauce to a boil, stirring constantly.
Add cornstarch mixture, stir until sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and set aside.

ASSEMBLY

In a separate sauté pan, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
When oil is hot, add ginger and onion, cook until onion softens.
Add carrots, stir fry for about 2 minutes.
Add garlic and bell pepper, cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the vegetable mixture, bring to a boil.
Remove from heat.
Pour vegetables and sauce over fish.
Serve hot with steamed rice.

Note:

If you don't have a deep fryer, you can certainly fry your fish in a nonstick frying pan.
Make sure you discard the paper towel from the platter before you pour your sauce over the fish. I have made that mistake once by not paying attention.

Sharks, Manatees, and Stitch - Fun under the Floridian Sun

2013-03-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again, where most of us head off for Spring Break
and planning for our vacations for the Summer Break.

Discussing vacation for the summer with my husband just gets me excited.

Where to go and what to do ... what to do this summer.
Somewhere sunny with white sand and warm water.

We have had it with this freezing temperatures and we just want to be somewhere warm.

"Mr. Freeze" if you are listening,

just because you weren't around as much for us last year,

doesn't give you any permission to stay as long as you want this year.

You are no longer welcome here and we just want "Mr. Warm Sun" to stay around longer.

As we discuss where to go this summer,

my Little 4 year old "Taz" said he wants to go see E.T.

I don't know of any 4 year old who is so crazy over E.T.

He hums the movie theme song while he is playing and he knows it was produced by Universal and can spell U-N-I-V-E-R-S-A-L before he learned to spell C-A-T and D-O-G.

He asks to go on youtube all the time just to listen to Universal's opening song and watches anything E.T.

And one day surprised us by pointing out Steven Spielberg in the picture whom he said the one who made E.T.

But Little Taz was vetoed by everyone.

No one really wants to go back to busy Orlando this year.

We all want a very relaxing vacation.

Orlando is best when all tourist have gone home.

And that's what we did a few years ago.

We went the third week of August, that's when most visitors are gone because they have to go back for school.

Since our School District has an after Labor Day first day we are able to have the luxury of picking that date.

If you are thinking of going to Florida this year and looking for things to do,

here's a few things we did while still having a very relaxing vacation back in 2010.

The first thing is we figured out the activities we wanted to do, the schedule when we want to do those activities,

then where we wanted to stay.

I am very lucky to have first cousins that live in Orlando so we always stay with them.

We wanted to go to Clearwater beach area,

so we had to look for a place to stay at there.

Since we have a Gold Passport with Hyatt, and we know we can never go wrong with Hyatt we decided to book a room there over Don Cesar off of the St. Pete's waters.

From research and reviews Don Cesar has very tiny rooms and that's just not what my family needed.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

We flew in at Orlando, stayed and visited with cousins for the night,

then headed off to Clearwater Beach in the morning.

It is a good 2+hours drive.

When we got to Clearwater, upon crossing the bridge you can definitely see the Hyatt.

As we park in front of the hotel,

someone immediately helped us with our luggage, and the valet took our keys and parked our car.

Upon check in we were greeted by very friendly faces at the front desk.

The manager was at the front desk at that moment, and surprised us by upgrading
our room to a much larger room with a terrace.

The terrace had a table and chairs,

it was overlooking the beautiful view of the Gulf and the marina.

We had a good view of the Pier and the bridge as well.

We had a gorgeous room at the Hyatt, complete with kitchen amenities, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, stovetop, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and a dining table for 4.

Perfect for a family with little children, it's a home away from home.

We bought groceries from the local market before we checked-in.

We ate out twice in our stay, and the rest we made delicious food in our beautiful kitchen.

Since the hotel is located at the Beach Boardwalk, it was so convenient, we take the elevator down, and a few steps away are restaurants, and the pier where we would walked every night, and joined the fun beach activities. Across the street is the Marina where you can booked any boating activities.

Every morning after breakfast the kids get themselves dress without us even asking, because they can't wait to go down and play at the beach. The water at Clearwater beach in the summer is warm, unlike our freezing beaches at California when we lived there.

Clearwater Beach with the Pier on the background.

We stayed most of the morning at the beach and we would go up to our hotel and have lunch either in our room or have lunch by the pool at
Swim Bar & Grill, it offers an assortment of Pan Latino sandwiches and appetizers,
and a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.
We especially love the Pressed Cuban sandwich and the Grilled Chicken sandwich.

After Lunch, the kids would jump back into the pool and play.

Hyatt's Lovely Pool in the evening.

Lunch at the Swim Bar & Grill

We enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt.
From the friendly, helpful, and well informed staff to the beautiful beaches, great view of the ocean, cleanliness and overall comfort to the delicious dishes they offer at their restaurants.

I give the Hyatt a 5 Gold Star rating.

One of the coolest things we have ever done as a family on this vacation,

is swim with the Manatees at Crystal Rivers.

The time we came they were very scarce.

Manatees are mammals that look something like a cross between a seal and a cow. They have large flippers and their fins in the back are shaped like a great fan or large paddle.

Their faces have a long snout – with whiskers.

They actually are related to the elephant and the hyrax and it’s believed manatees evolved

from wading, plant-eating animals.

Adults can grow to be more than 10-feet in length and they can way up to 1,200 pounds.

The ideal time to come for swimming with the manatees is on the winter months.

And if you can't swim very well find a tour guide that can take you to a stream shallow enough

that you’ll be able to stand in the water while the manatees swim around you.

We were not very happy with the tour guide we got from River Ventures.

Let's just say he was not a very friendly guide especially to minorities like us.

He pretty much ignored us and focused on other guests and if we had questions,

it was like talking to a wall.

It took us about a good hour cruising the river before we had our first sighting. The water was quite high that day that it was close to impossible to see one.

We also took the middle of the day tour, the best time to go is at the earliest tour which is 6:30 a.m.

But we did and it made our day.

Frolicking in the water with the manatees is indeed an experience!

We had a great time, despite of the bad treatment from the scruffy, long haired, looks like he hasn't showered for days ignoring mean Captain.

Little 2 yr. old Taz suited up for the swim

What an experience!

Next Pit Stop was, SNORKEL with the SHARKS at Shark Reek at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.

Yes, unknown to most, even to the ones who has been in Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, at Shark Reef you can snorkel with the sharks, stingrays and adorable little nemos and doris.

They provide the snorkels, masks, fins and an optional lifejacket for everyone,

the only requirement is, you can swim or float across with a lifejacket.

All equipment used for Shark Reef are included in your park admission, at no additional charge.

Glide from one end to the other and enjoy the whimsy seascape Disney has created.

They're not large but it gave me a fright when it swam passed me.

Little Taz not so happy to see Stitch.

Fun at Typhoon Lagoon

My princess and her Uncle Mike underwater.

Little Taz definitely had a blast.

Our last pit stop was the KENNEDY SPACE CENTER a.k.a. NASA.

This was for my husband, myself, and for our sweet daughter.

It was an educational tour for all of us.

Since my husband and I were kids we have dreamt of coming here, and another thing off our bucket list.

We toured the center and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), you get to see how this monstrous vehicles were assembled for launch.

We were so lucky to have met Space Shuttle Commander Astronaut Colonel Rick Searfoss a.k.a. "NOAH ", who flew 3 space missions.

That was icing on the cake!

Control Center

Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

Photo-op with an Astronaut before we left.
What a fun educational tour!!!

This trip was definitely a fun under the Floridian sun.

Why didn't we got to Disney World, Epcot and the rest of the theme parks?

Well, we've have visited them all from our last trip,
and when we lived in California,

we would take my daughter once a month to Disneyland and Universal.

I'm just Disney'd out! ;)

When Little Taz gets a Little older, maybe when he's 6 years old,

we will definitely bring him back to those theme parks.

I want him to remember the experience when he goes,

just like my daughter.

For now, I will have to think up of our next summer destination.

I can assure you one thing,

it'll be another fun memorable summer vacation!!!

Cajun Spiced Blue Crabs

2013-03-22T10:10:00.000-04:00

I am reposting this recipe on Fish Friday for Lent.

This a delicious island dish I grew up eating,

with my own little Cajun twist to it.

My sister-in-laws posted pictures in a social network

of them having lunch

in a Seafood Restaurant called Dampa in Manila.

Seeing the Philippine King Crabs they were eating,

inspired me to make this for dinner.

Off to the Asian Market we go, children in tow.

The kids love going there because next door to the market is a bakery

that makes the most delicious cakes and smoothies.

While the kids and my husband are at the bakery,

I trekked in the market.

As I open the door, the smell of fish hits me.

If you are not use to this foul smell, your bestfriend would be the sink.

Going in an Asian Market, I feel like a 3 year old going to a candy store.

Excited in seeing things I have not seen for a long time. Take the Jackfruit. The sweet smell of jackfruit just makes me salivate.
The problem ... they were selling the whole fruit, all 20 lbs of it!!!
If I bought it, I'll be at the emergency room being treated for an acute stomach ache. That would be embarassing, telling everyone at the ER I over ate on a 20 lb. fruit that they have not heard of.
The doctors will probably have to Google it, for them to know how to treat me.

Following the fish smell, off to the aisle of Live Crabs.
Seeing the crabs opening and closing their claws makes my heart jump. It's alive! It's fresh!
It's hard to get fresh seafood here in the Midwest. Most of the time they come frozen because it has to travel far, and if you get a fresh one, they have to fly it and you have to pay a good amount for it.
This Blue Crabs either come from the Cheasapeake Bay or Maine.
It was so different from when I lived in California, I just drive to the Port of San Pedro at 4 a.m., and wait for the fishermen to arrive, and buy the catch of the day. Fish still flipping, shrimps jumping and crabs crawling. I can go on and on about fresh seafood stories all day.

Fish is my families business in our island.

We eat seafood for breakfast. Seriously we do!

With Rice!

Oh rice!

That's another chapter in this blog.

I usually just like my crabs steamed.

Opening my spice cabinet I found the Cajun Spice I brought home

from a Hamburger chain restaurant.

Yes a burger restaurant.

They give you a cajun spice for your fries.

I used a pinch for my fries and had plenty left, so I brought it home.

It's delicious!

So with cajun spice in hand,

I looked for ingredients I can use from my pantry,

and from the ice box.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup scallions, thinly cut, divided

1 cup of grape tomatoes, halved

1 cup water

2 tbsp tomato paste

8 Blue Crabs

1 cup coconut milk

1 tbsp cajun spice

1 tsp chili pepper flakes

3-4 Thai chili peppers or Siling Labuyo (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat pot on medium-high heat, add olive oil, once hot, add garlic, scallions, and tomatoes. Stir for a minute or 2.
Add water, and tomato paste. Stir to blend.
Add crabs. Bring to a hard boil.
Add coconut milk, cajun spice, chili pepper flakes, thai peppers or siling labuyo, and salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil.
Lower heat to simmer, and cook for another 15 minutes.

Serve with steamed rice.

Serves 4

Note:

If you like your dish very spicy, finely slice thai peppers/siling Labuyo.
If you want it mild spice, leave thai peppers whole.

Happy Happy Birthday to my Very Good Friend Aimee

2013-03-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

Today my friends and I celebrated our beautiful friend Aimee's Birthday,

and we also remember our friend Sandi's sweet Baby Paige

who have joined our good Lord one year ago today.

We got together and Aimee taught us Pilates.

Arrrrgggghhh!

Right now I can definitely feel the pain

after stretching muscles I didn't even know existed.

And it's just been hours,

I'm sure it will feel worst when I wake up tomorrow.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHIKA!!!

Made her an Angel Food Cake with Strawberries and whipped topping.

I'll post the recipe tomorrow.

Promise! ;)

Chocolate Chip Espresso Banana Muffins

2013-03-19T12:51:00.000-04:00

Growing up in a tropical country,

it's either you are surrounded by coconut trees or bananas.

Unknown to some, Bananas are not trees.

Yes, you heard it right!

Bananas are giant perennial herbaceous plants.

It does not have a wooden trunk.

Just like the coconut,

we use almost every part of the banana in my country for traditional dishes.

We use the inner core of the banana trunk

which we call in my island "UBAD",

roughly chop we use it to make chicken stew.

We also use the banana hearts, and the banana leaves for cooking.

Talking about bananas brings back so many memories.

When my parents got married, my mom's parents gave them a house.

My grandfather had the property beautifully landscaped.

Everytime my father expects my grandmother (My Mom's mother) to visit,

my father would go to the back of the house,
and harvested bananas to give to her.

He does this because I think he feels guilty for ruining the beautiful bermuda grass

in our property that my grandfather spent so much money on.

How did my father ruined it?

He planted bananas and other fruit trees around the property.

Because Bananas have underground stems that multiplies,

it killed the bermuda grass.

So to get on the good side of his in-laws,

he always make sure he has fruits to give to my grandparents.

Pretty funny!

This recipe also reminds me of my Aunt Dianette (janet),

who loves to bake.

I think that's where I inherited my love of baking.

She makes delicious bakegoods especially banana bread.

Everytime I visit my grandmother,

my Aunt would be in the kitchen making something for her customers,

and the house would smell so heavenly.

I looked forward in visiting, and tasting the yummies my Aunt made.

Now, my daughter and her friends are the ones looking forward

in coming home after school,
because they all raid my kitchen.

I should start charging their parents for groceries.

At my home there's always very ripe bananas left uneaten.

And what is a good Mom to do?

Banana Bread.

I'm tired of the usual banana bread recipe.

So I thought why not add a few ingredients that I love

and

enhance the flavor of this classic banana recipe.

What is it?

Espresso and chocolate.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

1tsp cinnamon

1 tsp espresso

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

4 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 325 F.
Line 18 muffin cups with muffin/cupcake paper liners.
In a medium bowl, add the first 6 dry ingredients, whisk to blend.
In a separate large bowl, add sugar, oil and eggs, beat to blend.
Stir in mashed Bananas. Mix well.
Add all dry ingredients, stir until blended.
With an ice cream scoop, divide batter among the prepared muffin cups.
Bake the muffins on the middle rack for about 25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Transfer to a rack and cool.

Note:

Muffins may be eaten warm or cooled competely.

"Revenge of the Red Widow" Margarita

2013-03-16T13:48:00.004-04:00

Sweet Women gone bad,

out for vengeance on people that have hurt their love ones.

Two of my new favorite shows,

"Revenge"

with sweet Emily Thorne avenging the death of her father,

she's out for vengeance for the people that have destroyed her family,

and

"Red Widow"

a sweet devoted wife and mother of 3 beautiful children,

had to rethink life as she knows it after her drug-trafficking husband was gunned down.

She later finds herself pulled into the drug business because of forces outside her control.
Taking on mobsters, and FBI Agents to uncover the truth about the death of her husband.

It is "inauthentic and misguided" as what The Hollywood Reporter had said,

Guess what Hollywood Reporter?
There's a reason why it's called

FICTION!

I love twisted shows, my husband hates it.

He thinks this is the reason for my nightmares.

LOL!

So in honor of the shows that is the reason for my nightmares

(according to my sweet husband),

I have created this beautiful delicious drink.

A sweet tangy strawberry and blood orange drink

with a bit of ginger spice to it,
mix in with the fresh clean flavor with a hint of oak of Patron Reposado Tequila.

Here's to the beautiful sweet women in television who gives me nightmares.

Hahahaha!

SALUTE! KAMPAI! AUF UNS! BUDEM ZDOROVY!

CHEERS EVERYONE!

Ingredients:

2 oz Patron Reposado Tequila

2 oz Blood Orange juice

2 Strawberries

1 oz lime juice

1/2 oz Ginger Simple Syrup

1/4 oz agave nectar

Ice

Salt, for the glass rim,

Method:

Prepare glass by rubbing rim with a lime wedge, dip glass rim on the prepared salt spread on a saucer.
Set aside.
In a cocktail shaker, Muddle strawberries with lime juice.
Add Patron Reposado, Blood Orange juice, simple syrup and agave nectar.
Shake and Strain in a Martini glass with ice.
Garnish with a Strawberry and a slice of Blood Orange.

Ginger Simple Syrup

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
4 knobs ginger ( about an inch a knob), peeled and cut into thin rounds

In a saucepan, stir together all ingredients.

Bring to a boil on medium heat.

Simmer until sugar has dissolved.

Let Cool.

Strain syrup through a fine sieve into a glass jar.

Discard ginger.

Refrigerate up to a month.

DON'T DRINK & DRIVE!!!

Have a fun St. Patrick's Day Celebration.

Be Responsible!

Assign a Designated Driver, always.

Sausage, Pepper and Onions, my Farewell dish to eating Delicious Flavorful Food - Hello Bland Diet!!!

2013-03-14T13:06:00.001-04:00

For days,

I have been feeling like there is something stuck in my throat.

It does not hurt,

and I am able to swallow with no problem.

So I called to make an appointment with my doctor.

No swollen tonsils,

definitely not suffering from a cold.

So she ordered a thyroid test,

and to see an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.

The next day,
off I went to see the ENT Specialist and after examining me,

he could not find anything lodge in my throat.

The only explanation he said,
because I have GERD,

the acid might have been irritating my esophagus.

And he ordered me to seriously change my diet
to a GERD bland diet.

I have been given a special diet by my primary doctor

since she diagnosed that I have GERD a few years back.

I have to stay away from spices,
tomatoes, garlic, onions, citrus fruits, dairy,

oily/fatty food, mint, chocolate,
and the list just goes on and on and on.

I love food, I love my spices,
and I most especially love my citrus fruits,
mint & chocolate.

I have been ignoring the diet that was ordered,

and I have been eating whatever I want.

So now my symptoms are getting worst.

Stubborn me!!!

The specialist ordered for me to get a Barrium Swallow.

And let me tell you that Barrium sulphate suspension I had to drink
while I am having the Ultrasound,
was disgusting!!!

I am still awaiting for the results.

Hopefully, I have not damaged my esophagus from my stubborness.

This will be so hard for me to blog about food.

I will make food, taste it, but I can't eat it.

I will just salivate while my family and friends enjoy the dishes I make.

And guess what I am craving today?

SPICY SAUSAGE!!!

The ingredients is a perfect example
of the
"AVOID LIST".

Ahhh,
goodbye curries, goodbye peppers, goodbye tomatoes,
goodbye grapefruit, goodbye mint and chocolate!!!
Chocolate???!!!! Maybe!!!

I promise this will be the last spicy dish I will be eating.

This will serve as my last meal before I sentence myself to a very bland diet.

I feel like I am being force to walk the plank then jump off the ocean.

This is Death!!!

FYI,
this doesn't mean I am going to stop posting delicious flavorful dishes.
Like I said,
I will make it, I just can't eat it.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

4 Andouille Sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
(you can use Sweet/Spicy Italian sausages if you prefer)

1/2 of a Medium Onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 Green Pepper, sliced

1 Red Bepper, sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a 12 inch skillet, heat on medium-high heat, saute onions until golden brown.
Add garlic, cook for another 2 minutes.
Add sausages, saute for about 4-5 minutes. (If using italian sausages cook separately according to cooking instructions, set aside to cool and slice into 1 inch pieces).
Add the tomato paste and stir.
Stir in wine, let it simmer. Stir and scrape brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer. Cook until sauce has reduced and thickened.
Add peppers, and saute for another minute.

Take out from heat.
Brush sub rolls with garlic butter, then toast.
Pile the sausage mixture into the sub rolls, and serve.
I also love this over thin spaghetti, toss the spaghetti and sausage, peppers and onions in a bowl, sprinkle parmigianno, and serve.

Note:

If using Italian sausages you can do 1/2 lb sweet and 1/2 lb spicy. Cook according to cooking instructions. Set aside to cool and cut into 1 inch pieces.
You can also use marsala wine instead of dry white wine.
My husband loves mushrooms, so you can add that if prefered.

Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp

2013-03-08T20:21:00.001-05:00

What's for dinner on No Meat Fridays during lent?

Here's a very easy recipe you can make in less than 30 minutes.

Grilled Garlic Shrimp,

and I'm serving it with Garlic Rice for dinner tonight.

It's perfect,

I have some leftover rice from last night's dinner.
And I have an abundance of garlic,
my husband bought a large bag full of garlic.
So, I need to use it before it goes bad.

For my single readers,

I am so sorry but this is not a date night recipe,

unless you provide your date with a toothbrush after dinner.

Hehehehe!

This can be serve as an appetizer as well.

Ingredients:

32 Shrimps

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dill, chopped or 1 tsp rosemary

2-3 tbsp olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

8 4 inch Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 1 hr

Directions:

In a bowl, mix together garlic, dill or rosemary, and olive oil.
Add shrimps, coat shrimps with mixture well.
Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Cover with plastic wrap, let it marinate for an hour or 2 in the refrigerator.

After marinating, thread 4 pcs of shrimp in a bamboo skewer.
Heat grill, grill shrimps 2 minutes per side or until cook through.

Place shrimp on a plate, serve with garlic rice.
Garnish with a sprig of dill or rosemary.

Serves: 4 (2 skewers each person)

Note:

You can use either rosemary or dill with this recipe.

I usually serve a 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp coconut vinegar dip with the shrimp. But you can also squeeze lemon over it

Chicken Lettuce Wrap

2013-03-06T09:15:00.000-05:00

It's cold outside and my craving for chinese food

kicks in.

Craving for that delicious P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wrap.

This is one appetizer that always ends up to be the only dish I have for dinner

when I eat at the restaurant.

It's easier to just buy,

but an order or two is never enough for my family.

So I had to experiment until I got the recipe right for my taste.

This delicious recipe is a hit with friends and family, always.

Besides it being delicious,

it is the easiest appetizer to make.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp cooking oil
2 inch piece ginger, minced
2 cloves , minced garlic
1 lb ground chicken
1 8 oz can water chestnuts, drained and minced
1/2 cup straw mushrooms, drained and minced
5 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
1 green bell pepper, minced
1 red bell pepper, minced
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Butter or iceberg lettuce
Rice noodle, deep fry to puff

Directions:

Drizzle cooking oil into a wok or saute pan in medium-high heat.
Stir fry ginger, garlic and ground chicken until golden brown.
Add water chestnuts and mushrooms, stir fry for about 2 minutes.
Add Hoisin sauce, stir for another a minute.
Stir in peppers and green onions, take out from heat.
Transfer in a serving dish.

To assemble:

Spoon over lettuce.
Top with Puffed rice noodles.
And add more hoisin sauce if prefered.

Note:

Serve with more Hoisin sauce on the side for those who wants more sauce.

Caffeine-Free Mocha Mousse & Oreo Trifle

2013-03-02T18:46:00.001-05:00

Husband is away on business,

alone with the kids this weekend, it's snowing outside,

and they don't want to go out and play in the snow.

What to do to keep them busy?

A Kitchen activity!

We are making something that does not involve fire or heat.

Here's an easy no bake, no eggs recipe for mousse

that you can make with the kids

when you are sequestered at home.

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup chocolate chips
10 tbsp decaf coffee
1 tbsp dutch cocoa powder (optional)
a pinch of salt
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
10 pcs oreos cookie crumbs, (remove cream filling)

Mini Trifles

Directions:

Place mixing bowl and wire whisk in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine coffee, salt, and cocoa powder (optional).
Add chocolate chips, stir frequently until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat, transfer to a mixing bowl and set aside.
Place heavy cream in the cold mixing bowl, beat (using a wire wisk attachment)until soft peaks form.
Slowly add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time until all sugar has been added.
Beat for another minute or two until stiff peaks form.
Fold whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, blend gently but thoroughly until no white streaks
remain.
Spoon mousse into your desired dessert glass, layer it with oreo crumbs and top with the whipped cream.
Garnish with a mint sprig, berry or choice and you can also top it with white and dark chocolate shavings.

"This Drink Doesn't Wear Mom Jeans" Cocktail

2013-02-25T18:03:00.002-05:00

I had this refreshingly delicious cocktail at Genji on our wedding anniversary.

And I thought why not make it for last night's Academy Awards.

A Perfect drink to toast the Oscar winners.

This cocktail was refreshingly good but it needed a little help from The Red Apron to make it GREAT.
I decided to add more vodka, the one I had at Genji needed a bit more of it, I also added more blackberries to enhance the flavor.

This is a perfect cocktail for a hot summer day too.
Even the kids can share this drink just don't add the vodka of course.
We all know they want what the adults are always having especially if its a pretty drink like this.

Ingredients:

11/2 - 2 parts Grey Goose (depending on how strong you want it)
1 part Blackberry Simple Syrup (see below for recipe)
5 blackberries
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle the 5 blackberries and blackberry simple syrup.
Fill the rest of the glass with the tonic water.
Add vodka and the freshly squeezed orange juice.
Stir to combine.
Garnish with blackberries and a thinly sliced orange.

Blackberry Simple Syrup

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 pint blackberries

In a saucepan, stir together all ingredients.
Bring to a boil on medium heat.
Simmer until sugar has dissolved and blackberries are soft.
Let Cool.
Strain into a jar, pressing as much juice out as you can from the blackberries.

ROXAS CITY "Seafood Capital of the Philippines", the Beautiful Island I grew up in

2013-02-20T10:03:00.001-05:00

Let me share with you my beautiful hometown.

The following beautiful pictures

are from very talented photographers of Capiz and Manila.

I will let the photos tell you more

about this beautiful place I grew up in.

Roxas City, Capiz,

is located at the Northeastern tip of the beautiful Island called Panay.

Panay Island is in the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines.

It is a city by the beach.

Unlike any other city, we don't have high rise buildings.

It looks more like a suburb by the sea.

Roxas City at night

Roxas City is known to be the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, because of the abundance of marine life.
And the home to the Last President of the Commonwealth, and First President of the Republic of the Philippines, Manuel A. Roxas.
Whose house is just across the street from the house I grew up in.

President Manuel A. Roxas

Besides the abundance of seafood, Roxas is also known for export quality rice, corn, prawns (tiger shrimps), and milkfish (National Fish of the Philippines).
Roxas City, Capiz is world-known, especially to the design industry,
because of the CAPIZ Shells (windowpane oyster), which chandeliers, other light fixtures, photo frames, windows, doors, christmas lanterns, and other decorative accessories for interiors are made from.

Early morning catch.

Rice Farm

Capiz Shells Chandelier at the lobby of Kapis Mansion Hotel

Roxas City has come very far from the laid back lifestyle I use to know.
The city is now a very busy center trade for commerce in the Province.
Gone are the days where you can leisurely walk in empty streets.

Despite that, Roxas has maintained it's beauty, the people are still friendly,
and they always greet you with a smile.
It still has a feel of a quiet rural life compared to the big cities in the Philippines.
People still enjoy their siestas in the afternoon.

Capitol of the Province of Capiz

City Fountain covered and transformed into a Large Christmas tree for the Holidays.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The bandstand I sang at with the Famous Filipino Artists
Kuh Ledesma, Ivy Violan and Jet Montilibano.
We entertained the people for the political campaign of the late Congressman Gerardo Roxas Jr.,
grandson of the late President Manuel A. Roxas.

Beautiful fountain at the center of the city at night.

The array of seafood in Roxas is endless.

I grew up eating grilled fish, shrimps, pitik pitik (slipper lobsters) for breakfast.

That's just how we islanders roll.

Before sunrise,
we would go to the beach and see what the fishermen's catch of the day,

or my grandmother would drop off whatever fish

her fishing boats had caught that morning to all of her children.

My grandparents built their Fishing Corporation from just buying fish

in large banyeras (large tin tubs use to as a container for fish) at the fishing port,

and taking it to the public market and reselling it retail.

They soon were able to have enough money to build one fishing troll,

then another, and another until they had named each fishing boat after their 12 children.

Yes, they had 12 children.

They later bought fishing farms in which we call "Fishponds".

The business of fish farming are mainly fishponds filled with Milkfish,

the Philippines national fish, or Prawns, also known as Tiger shrimps.

In which, is being exported mostly to Japan.

Beautiful sunset at Baybay Beach, Roxas City photo credit: Krishna Yu

Raking Cagaygay Clams for dinner

This is what was just raked. Cagaycay clams in a ginger spiced broth.

Mantalinga Island just a few swim strokes away from BayBay Beach

Enjoy Freshly harvested Oysters.

A bucket full will cost you about P75- P100 ($2.00 US Dollars)

at any restaurant at Baybay Beach.

"Diwal" aka Angel Wings Clams

white razor blade shape clams only found in Roxas

"Litob" a delicious sweet clam

Beautiful Sunset Everyday

On the 1st week of December,

Roxas celebrates Sinadya sa Halaran Festival.

It is a commemoration of the founding of our city, and thanksgiving feast for a great harvest.

Sinadya sa Halaran literally means Joy, and Offering for thanksgiving.

The festival features street dancing with very colorful costumes, trade fairs,
lighted river floaters at night, fireworks, the Fluvial Parade
and of course,
an abundance of delicious dishes and seafood.
This is when you can hardly find "Diwal "in the market.

Street Dancer at Sinadya sa Halaran

Street Dancers in crab costumes -
a dance of offering for thanksgiving for a great harvest

Fireworks at the Sinadya sa Halaran

Things to do in Roxas City:

Skimboarding at Baybay beach or at Olotayan Beach

Wakeboarding at Baybay, Beach

PANAY RIVER TOUR

A private river and beach hopping tour from Panay River tours.
A must do in Roxas City.

Lounging, enjoying a drink, and massage aboard the Panay River Tour boat.

Flatrock Beach Resort

Swim and go boating at the clean and calm aquamarine waters of Flatrock Beach Resort.

photo credit: Maria "Matz" Baguio

Enjoy swimming, diving off this bamboo raft with a table and bench called "Balsa".
You can carry aboard a picnic basket or a cooler full of food and drinks and enjoy
having lunch on one of the Floating "Balsa" at
Flatrock Beach Resort
Culasi, Roxas City owned by my Uncle.

Enjoy a day of swimming at a Flatrock's beach which is nestled in a cove at Culasi, Roxas City.

When staying at Flatrock, wake up at the break of dawn and welcome the local fishermen
or join them in pulling their fishnets ashore for their catch of the day.

Go and see the Philippine Eagle and the Philippine Monkey
at Talon Adventure Park.
The park offers a zoo, you can rent out and trek the hills with ATV's,
zipline, Zorb downhill, go Mountain biking or just leisurely relax at the beach.

A beach hut available for rent for a day of picnic at Talon Adventure Park.

For the Night Owls, they flock to Soul Super Club.

Other delicious food I enjoy and crave:

Fresh Seaweed Salad

Pork Bbq

Grilled Bread from a local Bakery

Baye-Baye a steamed riced dessert with candied coconut on top.

Santol a mouthwatering, very sour juicy fruit.

Banana Q

Another place we never fail to visit everytime we come home is the Sta. Monica Church in Pan-ay, Capiz.
It is one of the oldest church in the Philippines, built in 1774.
Just a few minutes drive outside of Roxas, and where you can find the Largest Bell in Asia.

Yup! That's how large it is. photo credit:Nancy Mae

Another must see is Christ the Redeemer Shrine at Ivisan, Capiz. A smaller replica of Rio de Janiero's famous statue.

So, if you're looking to find a new destination on your next vacation,

come visit Roxas City.

Bask in the sunshine, enjoy a drink while lounging

at one of our charcoal colored sand beaches,

enjoy the beautiful sunset while eating your hearts out with inexpensive fresh seafood,

visit the neighboring islands, learn skimboarding,

and just enjoy the hospitality of the Capizenos, and what nature has to offer.

I would like to thank my very talented photographer friends who unselfishly shared their beautiful photos with me.

Bordoy Viterbo - Bordoy Photography
Carl Tinsay
Jun Berjamin - Jun Berjamin Photography
Krishna Yu
Mon Corpuz - Mon Corpuz Photography
Nancy Mae
Rhap Distajo - Rhap Distajo Photography

To contact these talented friends of mine just click on their links.

"Carag" tropical fire ant

Anniversary Dinner @ Genji Japanese Steakhouse

2013-02-17T23:50:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary Husband!

I am so lucky to have married
the Man that every parents would want their child to marry.
And I'm sure my Mom and my Father-in-law in heaven had something to do with us finding each other.

For our Anniversary dinner we were looking for a good restaurant to go to.
Not a lot of selection really here in Michigan.
One of the things I miss in Los Angeles.
So we were so excited when I heard that Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant at the MGM Casino & Hotel.
Excited!!!

That excitement didn't last long.
When he called to make a reservation, found out that the restaurant had closed.
Closed!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Really? Closed?!!!

So finally, we both decided to just try the new restaurant that just opened.
We read a few reviews and it was all good.
But of course, I can never rely on the reviews.
Mother's Day last year was a disaster.
We relied on the reviews on a restaurant in Ann Arbor,
and when we got there it was just the worst dining experience.

I haven't given a restaurant a review since I have moved here in Michigan.
The reason is ... My Mom ... she always reminded me, if you have nothing good to say,
keep it to yourself, to avoid hurting others.
Same way, with giving reviews to a restaurant,
I would hate that my bad review would be the cause of a restaurants closing.
But today, I am.
I am quite excited that I actually found a good restaurant in my neighborhood.
I don't have to go to other neighborhing cities just to eat out.

Let's talk about Genji Japanese Steakhouse, the restaurant of choice for our Anniversary.
The fact that this restaurant that just opened,
I give this restaurant,

Genji is an upscale Japanese restaurant, with a full service bar, sushi bar, and teppanyaki tables.
It is not just a Japanese Restaurant, it also serves an array of Asian cuisine from Thai cuisine to Vietnamese cuisine.
The dishes we had were delicious. I would recommend the Pa nang, and the Papaya Salad is light and refreshing.
The Hostess, took our coats and seated us promptly. She actually asked us where we would feel comfortable sittting. And I like that.
The Service is great. We had a friendly server and she catered to us well.

Why just 3 1/2 stars?
Well, the servers need to learn more about the menu. which is understandable, they just opened and still getting to the groove of things.
My papaya salad came without the tomatoes that was supposed to come with.
And last, my cocktail needed a bit more splash of vodka.

My husband had the Momokawa Sake Sampler,
3 choices of Momokawa Sake for just $7.
We recommend that you try the Momokawa Coconut & Lemongrass Sake.
It's smooth, creamy and finishes clean and fruity.
Perfect to our food choice tonight.

My cocktail had the cutest name.

"This Drink Doesn't Wear Mom Jeans"

Grey Goose/Blackberry Simple Syrup/Fresh Squeezed Orange $8
It needed a bit splash of Grey Goose and I would have love to taste more of the blackberries.

This is how the Papaya Salad was supposed to be served.

My Papaya Salad was missing the tomatoes as what the menu had described.
It is not definitely made the traditional way,
because I was missing the dried shrimp or crab taste to it, and peanuts were not added like the traditional Som Tum.
Overall, it was pleasantly light, spicy, and flavorful despite a few missing ingredients.

Rating:

Of course, I had to order my favorite.
CATERPILLAR Roll
Eel/avocado/cucumber/sesame seeds/bbq eel sauce
The best Caterpillar Roll I've eaten here in Novi.

Rating:

My husband wanted to try his favorite Vietnamese Pho
He was pleased with it but said it is not as flavorful as the Pho he frequents at 20 miles away from were we live.
It is good enough to save a trip.

Rating:

The Thai Filet Mignon Curry "Pa Nang"
DELICIOUS!!! An explosion of flavor.
I love Thai food, and have eaten in a lot of Thai restaurants around the area,
and this by far is the best in Michigan.
I was so excited to taste it, that I forgot to take a photo.
Just a warning, it is Spicy!
You can ask for a milder Pa nang if you don't like spicy dishes.
It is perfect with steamed rice.
Mouthwatering!!!
Rating:

This review is just about our dining experience tonight.

I would definitely go back and try the other dishes they offer,
and I will let you know if there had been some changes on my next dining experience with Genji.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2013-02-14T10:53:00.000-05:00

So What did you wake up to this morning?

Everyone very close to me knows I love flowers but not Red Roses,

they are beautiful but just not for me.

I would rather have a living plant in a pot than cut flowers in a vase.

What's my favorite?

ORCHIDS

Love orchids,

they're beautiful and with the right care,

you'll have flowers the next spring again.

My loving husband never fails to surprise me each year.

We say we won't get anything for each other and he still does and more.

We do celebrate our Valentine's on the day of our Wedding Anniversary though.

It's 3 days after Valentine's.

Valentine's Day is always celebrated with our children.

They love getting their cards, chocolates, and balloons.

This is Genius!!! Flowers and Chocolate-in-One.

Kids look forward to their Cards, Balloons, and chocolate every year.

Can I have this for Breakfast look. LOL!!!

We hope you have a great day celebrating the Feast Day of Love!!!
Happy Valentine's Day!

See what Valentine Favors I made for my 4 year olds pre-school friends.

Valentine's Day School Favors

2013-02-14T00:33:00.000-05:00

Of course I was late again in giving my Valentine Favors!!!

What's new?!!!

The Valentine Party was Monday,

and I didn't know.

I need to seriously read all the papers that my children bring home.

Even the one that just look like flyers.

What can I give besides the stored bought candies?

Something that has no wheat, no peanuts, and is gluten free.

Ha! Allergies!

Got to be careful with what you hand out to little children nowadays.

I don't ever remember my Mom having this same problem.

Seems like everyone just ate what we brought to school.

No one seems to have allergies back then.

Hahaha!

Time has drastically changed.

So, what's fitting for Valentine's?

KISSES COOKIES!!!

Yup! Kisses for everyone.

What you need for this project:

Meringue Kisses: (Recipe)

Egg Whites from 4 eggs $ .33

1 cup Sugar $.27

1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar $.38
Pure Vanilla Extract $ .57

Clear Favor Bags $1.99

Satin Ribbon $.50

Computer & Printer

Photo Paper - a friend gave this, so it's Free

Total Cost of this Project -------- $ 4.04

I made 20 Favors for this amount.

And I still have left over Satin Ribbon and Clear favor Bags for my next project!

A Bright Sunny Day after the Storm

2013-02-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

So what does a family do when it's bright and sunny outside after a snow storm?

Some Fun in the Snow!

After breakfast last Saturday,

I got everyone put on their snow gear and off to the Sledding Hill

at Kensington.

Got there just before the afternoon crowd did.

Brought some snacks, and a thermos full of hot cocoa.

What a fun day!

They always choose to ride the saucer instead of their big sled.

Not so happy walking back up the hill.

Down they go again!

My daughter's bff on a flying saucer.

I have no idea why my husband always goes down the hill backwards.

Laughing at their dad.

Not so happy with his ride with Mommy, got snow all over our faces.
Note to self: Don't ride all the way down the hill using feet as brakes. LOL!!!

Time for some Hot Cocoa!

All Happy again.
Nothing a little hot cocoa and chips can't cure. Hehehe!

Sweet Corn Guacamole

2013-02-07T14:08:00.002-05:00

My good friend Aimee and I with our daughter's had lunch at CPK.

I always ... always order the same thing from the restaurant.

Aimee ordered the White Corn Guacamole with chips.

And I tasted it, so now I have another addition to my very short list.

It was delicious!

So I thought, it was a perfect dip to serve at the Superbowl get together.

I couldn't find white corn, so I used sweet corn.

Well, let's just say,

the bowl was empty before the game was over.

Ingredients:

3 Sweet Corn

2 Hass Avocados, peeled, pitted and diced

1 1/2 Black Beans

1 Red Pepper, diced

1/2 cup Jicama, diced

1/4 cup Red Onion, finely diced

1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded, finely chopped

1 Serrano pepper, seeded, finely chopped

1 Lime, juiced

Handful of Cilantro, roughly chopped

Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste

Directions:

Cut kernels off from the cobb.
Combine all ingredients gently in a large bowl.
Season to taste.
Serve with your choice of tortilla chips.

Note:

To avoid the avocados from turning brown, dice and add before adding lime juice.

The Red Apron's Mojito Cocktail

2013-02-05T20:08:00.000-05:00

While the men had their Beers for the Superbowl,

we Ladies had Mojitos.

Just a classic Mojito recipe is best.

No add ons.

The secret to a great Mojito is using only fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

6-8 Mint Leaves
1/2 Lime
4 tsp sugar or 2 tbsp simple syrup (see note)
Ice
1 Part White or Clear Rum
3 Parts Club Soda

Method:

In a shaker, lightly mash the Mint leaves, Lime, Sugar and a few pieces of ice until the inner essence is released. (Try to avoid muddling in a glass, to prevent glass breakage.)
Top with Ice.
Add Rum and Club Soda. Stir gently, and transfer to a glass.
Garnish with Lime and a Sprig og Mint.

SIMPLE SYRUP:

2 Parts Sugar
3 Parts Water

Heat water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Take off from heat, cool.
Store in Fridge for up to a month.

Note:

Some recipes would let you add 12 mint leaves, DON'T!
Take my word, the mint will overpower your drink.
And before you can finish your drink you'll be so annoyed with those leaves getting caught up the straw.

ENJOY and DRINK RESPONSIBLY!!!

Candied Bacon

2013-02-03T00:39:00.001-05:00

So what else is on my menu for the boys on Superbowl Sunday?

What else would be perfect with that bottle of beer,

but a crispy, salty, and sweet Bacon.

Easy, make-ahead hor d'oeurve,

that everyone would surely love.

What else is in my menu today?

Here's a little teaser.

Recipes will follow the next few days.

Ingredients:

1 package Bacon
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp chili pepper
1/4 tsp cracked pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Whisk sugar and spices in a bowl.
Coat one side (only) of the bacon with the sugar and spice mixture.
Arrange bacon strips (with the sugar mixture topside) on the cooling rack placed on a baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until caramelized and almost crispy.
Cool and Serve.

Note:

I baked this bacon a day ahead, stored at room temperature.
Placing the cooling rack in a baking sheet helps the fat drip away from the bacon,
and makes a much crispier bacon.
Keep in mind that when you take out the bacon from the oven, the bacon will crisp up a bit more while cooling.