My Kitchen by Chef Chris

We first tasted Chef Chris' famous panizza when we went took the kids on a Pampanga Food Trip a few years back.  Since then, quite a few copycats have added this to their menu.  But for me, nothing beats the original, so when we learned that Chef Chris opened a new resto in Manila, C was quite overjoyed.  He first tried it with his college friends a few months back, and couldn't wait to return with us.  So we did finally last Sunday.
 

My Kitchen by Chef Chris is located near Paco Park, as the in-house restaurant of Oasis Hotel.  

We went straight after church, and were the first customers seated.  But pretty soon, big groups of families came and the place was packed by 12 noon.

Here's what we had for starters:
A complimentary bread plate with pesto/olive oil dip started our meal. I love European crusty breads, if C did not remind me to not stuff myself with the bread to make room for the food we ordered, I could've easily asked for a second serving.

KRISTINA PANIZZA bacon, ham, caramelized onion, sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms. PhP780.00

VERENA Panizza. Tomato and white truffle oil enhanced cheese sauce topped with scallop, prawns and sun dried tomatoes. PhP790.00

Filling up a slice with arugula, alfalfa sprouts (a sprinkle of chilli oil, if you want some heat) and rolling it all up into one tiny bundle of gastronomic joy.

 

Chef Chris was there during our Sunday lunch, dropping by our table twice to check on how we were enjoying the food. We shared with him how delighted we are that his culinary creations are now a convenient drive away.  

 

Here are the entrees we ordered:

RISOTTO POLLO E FUNGI. Pan roasted chicken fillet and assorted mushrooms blend to perfection in parmesan butter risotto with fresh herbs. PhP650.00.  The risotto was wiped out as soon as it was placed on our table.  The arborio rice was cooked to perfection, creamy but with a firm bite.

SPAGHETTI CARBONARA. Parmesan cream sauce with bacon, mushrooms. PhP650.00 

CHEF CHRIS FAMOUS WHOLE SLOW ROASTED CHICKEN. Seasoned with lemon, white wine and olive oil presented over aromatic chorizo pilaf garnished with roasted carrots, pumpkin and spring garlic. PhP1250.00 – good for 4 to 6 persons.  This one is very good, with the very flavorful and tender chicken meat falling off the bone. The siding of roasted squash was something new for me.  I hope to recreate this chicken dish in my kitchen one of these days. :)

BISTECCA. US prime angus flank steak with rosemary garlic marinade presented on oven baked potato slices and macedoine of olive oil roasted carrots, pumpkin and Italian broccoli. PhP1800.00 (500gr/18oz) – good for 2 to 5 person 

I've been spoiled with U.S. Black Angus rib-eye, so flank steak doesn't quite do it for me.  To add to it, we had ours medium well, since we had the kids with us; this resulted with the meat getting quite tough to eat.   C swore that the Bistecca was very good the last time he ate at My Kitchen with his friends, when he ordered the meat medium rare.  So if you are going to order this, make sure to get it medium rare.

PAN ROASTED SALMON FILLET WITH VIN SANTO BUTTER SAUCE bedded on lentils with Italian broccoli and golden fried potatoes PhP770.00 

All in all, it was a good dining experience.  Chef Chris has his signature all over the place; when he was not busy in the kitchen, he was in the dining area making sure everything was perfect for his guests.  The staff were attentive to our needs, without hovering. We will be back!

Oasis Park Hotel
1032-34 Belen Street
Paco, Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 521-2371 to 75

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What's In My Cart

As much as I can, I try to rotate grocery shopping to at least three of my favorite groceries.  Most often, this is when I get to discover items which become family favorites.  I'd like to share with you what I put in my cart recently when I did my grocery-shopping at S & R.

Classico and Bertolli Brand of creamy alfredo sauce is always a must-buy.  The kids love it when I toss in some mushrooms, freshly grated peppercorns, a generous sprinkle of grated pecorino-romano and parmesan cheeses, and finally a few drops of truffle oil.  When I am out of time to prepare merienda for them, this is always a life-saver.  My kids adore me because the sauce is so good that it gives the impression like I slaved in the kitchen.

The California Sunshine milk tastes just like the milk from the US... because as the label says:  it is "REAL California Milk."  :)  It is creamier and less sweet than the Real Fresh or Cow Head brand, which I also buy.

Zanuy Soft Tacos is a perfect stand-by for the days when my kids crave for seven-layer dip.

And since I have a carniverous family, my grocery bill always racks up because of beef, beef, beef, and even more beef.  Don't take me wrong, my kids love and eat generous servings of veggies; but because they are all involved in a sport that requires endurance, I need to make sure that they are eating enough protein to sufficiently aid their muscle development, most especially as they get into their adolescent years.

We regularly have steak nights, and usually, it is C who buys the steaks.  But there are times when I feel like he goes crazy over the top when he is at Santi's on a steak shopping spree.  Yes!  Hard to believe, but it has happened so many times already!  In an amount so crazy that it sometimes causes minor arguments between us.

I have been buying Meltique Beef during my last three visits to S & R.  A box of five individually shrink-wrapped steaks only costs P1,599.95, so roughly about P320.00 for a slice.  C is none the wiser because the marbling and the taste is consistent.  Not bad at all. I have since resorted to making sure the freezer has a constant supply so whenever he asks if he needs to buy, my reply nowadays usually is, "there's still some."  That will make sure his Santi's visit are far and few in between. :)

And because you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, here are some not-so healthy grocery choices that C made.... 

He just loves the choices of imported beers.  He grabs a pack whenever we visit.  It is not pictured here, but Stella Artois is also a fave, both his and mine; although I only can drink half a bottle of it. hehehe!:)

Microwavable chicharon!  His food porn!

I know I have said countless of times that I limit canned goods, but I ease up sometimes and let them enjoy Delimondo's Corned Beef.  My boys both love, love, love this.  I limit serving this to about once every quarter.  Yah, I know - Nazi!

I am not a coffee-drinker so I do not really go crazy for the frapuccinos of Starbucks, save for their Green Tea Frap.  But my kids and husband love the Starbucks Vanilla and Coffee Frap that comes in a bottle.  Ready to drink for whenever they feel like it!

How about you, what did you put in your grocery cart recently?

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Lock & Lock Introduces Glass Containers, Ceramic Coated Pans, Stainless Steel Cookware.

I was recently invited to the LOCK & LOCK Bloggers Kitchen-to-Table Presentation where we were introduced to the company's latest market innovations. Home-cooks will be happy to know that the options for our cookware continues to expand as Lock & Lock has just launched its premium line of food containers and cooking wares. 

Michelle of MrsMartinez's Raves & Rants, Jenny of Chronicles of a Nursing Mom, Eliza of The Painter's Wife, and ME

For most people, Lock & Lock is identified for its lock-tight plastic containers, but it is now also selling glass containers.  I know there are a lot of health-conscious women out there (me, included) who are trying to make the healthy switch from plastic containers to glass and stainless steel; from Teflon-coated pans to ceramic-coated pans ad stainless steel pots and pans.

The LOCK & LOCK Borosilicate Glass line are lidded glass containers are made with boroseal glass, a material that is heat-resistant and can withstand sudden changes in temperature.  These containers are microwaveable and oven-safe, very ideal for for busy home-cooks as it is a versatile cookware that easily transitions from kitchen-to-table.

LOCK & LOCK CookPlus Ceramic Coated Pans are made in such a way that heat is distributed properly and evenly.  Bulges on the inside surfaces are intended to distribute oil, and reduce the use of such.

LOCK & LOCK CookPlus Stainless Steel pots and pans are premium grade stainless steel pots and pans.  Although pricier, stainless steel is really the way to go if you value good health.  Since stainless steel is a natural alloy , there is no danger of chemical substances leaking into the food while cooking.  And since Lock & Lock’s CookPlus line has a 3-layer bottom structure made of high grade stainless steel, this only means that you are assured of a longer life span.

A presentation on how to use the LOCK & LOCK CookPlus Ceramic Coated Pan by Chef Cherry of Hwarang Restaurant.

Immediately after which, we got to enjoy the spread of Korean yumminess, starting with my fave, Samgyupsal.

Once the presentation was done, we were made to shop for our own choices of LOCK & LOCK items, and this is where we all went crazy over LOCK & LOCK!

As a generous way of showing their appreciation to all the loyal LOCK & LOCK customers, they will be having their first LOCK & LOCK WAREHOUSE SALE on August 18 to 21, 2012.  You can buy LOCK & LOCK items upto 80% off.  This offer is only available at their G. Araneta site located at G. Araneta Ave. corner Agno st., Megastate Bldg., QC (beside Sanctuarium)

LOCK & LOCK Boutique stores are located at: Shangri-la Mall, Eastwood City, Glorietta 4, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Alabang Town Center, Banilad Town Center - Cebu City.

all photos are my own; except those watermarked, which are from My-Mom Friday. :)

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Fried Rice with Dried Scallops and Egg Whites

There are new things coming up for this blog. And in preparation for the exciting times ahead, the blog will be moving to a new home!  While I will still be writing about our phenomenal life, it will now have a new name. 

From now on, I will be doing all of my posting at The Phenomenal Mama

I hope you could all bookmark the new site and follow me there!

I will still be keeping this blog open so you can read all of my old posts.  But you won't miss a thing with the new blog as it will have all of the old posts, as well. 

* * * * *

My family loves the Fried Rice with Dried Scallops of King Chef along Banawe st. in Quezon City.  We have never eaten at the restaurant itself, preferring instead to order take-outs.  And on the numerous occasions that we did, the Fried Rice with Dried Scallops is consistently on our list.

So when I found myself at the receiving end of a bagful of dried scallops, recreating it immediately came to mind.  Here's my version...

Fried Rice with Dried Scallops and Egg Whites
(Serves 6-8)

• 1/2 cup dried scallop shreds
• 5 cups cooled cooked rice
• asparagus, or chinese broccoli stems
• 6 to 8 egg whites (1 cup)
• 3 sprigs of spring onion (when finely sliced/chopped, should come to about one cup, white and green parts separated)
• 1 Tbsp chicken stock powder
•  dash of salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Rinse the dried scallops and rub off any white film on their surface. Wash and place in bowl, covered with hot water overnight or upto 24 hours.
2. Drain scallops, reserving the stock . Shred scallops by hand, discarding the hard muscles. Bake scallops in oven till crispy. Set aside for later use.
3. Heat wok and put in 1/8 cup of oil. Fry dried scallops shreds until golden brown. Dish up scallops shreds leaving behind oil in wok.
4. Whisk together the egg whites, the stock from the scallop until it reaches upto 1 cup full. Season with salt and pepper. Fry egg whites, scrambled until cooked, dish up. Do not overcook.
5. (use the same wok, unwashed, but make sure there are no egg whites left in wok) Put in 1-2 tbsp oil into wok and put in sliced white parts of spring onion. Saute for 3 seconds and put in rice. Toss rice for about 3-4 minutes until rice is very hot and evenly coated with the oil. Toss in sliced asparagus. Season with chicken stock powder and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. When rice is nicely seasoned, put in egg whites. Toss until evenly distributed. You may add in fried scallop shreds and green parts of spring onion now or sprinkle them on top of rice later.
7. Enjoy it while hot!

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Wishful Thinking: {Wardrobe} Gray Tops and White Pants

After an episode of ramblings in red, my clothing palette preference has now shifted back to neutrals.  I just bought a couple of tees and button downs in gray that I have yet to break in.  Here are a couple of looks that says: clean, casual and chic... my inspirations on how to wear my gray tops.

Here's Gwyneth showing us all how she wears her gray tee

These two could easily be my uniform as a busy mom

This is my peg for lunch dates with the hubby

How to channel the fashionable tourist

And here's how you wear it with Hermes...

Loving the pairing with boat shoes

maybe this is how my daughter would wear it if she borrows my shirts

 

As for me, it is always better if it's loose and slightly tucked-in... 

all the better to hide the mommy (fl)abs.  tee-hee-hee!

image credits: loft.com,  habituallychic.blogspot.com,  jcrew.com, 29.media.tumblr.com, joannagoddard.blogspot.com, southmoltonststyle.com,  witanddelight.tumblr.com, classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com, zara.com

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Phenomenal Tip: Home Organization + Howards Storage World Contest

This is my official entry to the Howard Storage World + Dainty Mom Wow Your Wardrobe Contest. 

Our homes should inspire us.  It is the place we come home to everyday to rest, to relax and enjoy the company of our loved ones. An organized home makes for a happy home.  

Ultimately, my effort to be organized is for the purpose of being an intentional role model for my kids.  And that is why in my home, organization is a never-ending process.  I know the benefits of being organized and I want my kids to benefit from it, too.  I want to model for them how organization can make them more efficient and productive.  Hopefully, they will take their cues from me as they see me practice what I preach.

Here are some of the things I do to keep our home organized:

1.  I like keeping my pantry and refrigerator/freezer items coraled in same-category containers. 

 2. I maintain the neatness and tidiness of kids' study area by giving each kid a big, personalized box to put all school related materials. 

 

3.  To encourage my kids to do self-initiated art projects, art materials are organized in a mobile art cabinet, which can be rolled into any room with ease. 

4.  A closet with a strong organizational system helps everyone along.  Because all our wardrobe closet and shelves are labeled properly, and small items are coraled in containers, our weekday mornings are relatively quiet even as I occasionally hurry the kids to get out of the door on time.  There is no mad rush for that missing sock, uniform or what have you.

5.  My kids' clothes are segregated using the dot technique, an organization solution that can grow with the family!

Read this to know more why the dot-system is THE star of my kids' organized closet.

 

Being an organized mom leads to having more time for myself, doing the things I actually want to do like catching up on my reading, giving myself a pedi... or organize some more should my entry get chosen for the Howard Storage World + Dainty Mom Wow Your Wardrobe Contest.! :)

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What Are We Chomping On

Sharing with you what we have been chomping on the past week...

I took the kids to our favorite delicatessen, Santi's to pick up some cheese for a kid-friendly cheese platter.  And one of their choices is this truffle-infused hard cheese.

Tipco 100% Aloe Vera, Brocolli, and 32 Veggie make a frequent appearance on our dining table.  My daughter loves that she can "drink" her veggies. :)

Haagen-Dazs sells at 50% discount at major grocery stores, due to the fact that the company selling them is pulling out of the Philippine market.  Stocks are disappearing from groceries like crazy.

Pastry Princess is a favorite of my daughters.  Their bannofee and red velvet cupcakes are really good.

There's also some action in my own kitchen as I made sweet treats for my daughter's school friends... choco-dipped bread sticks and her friends' all time fave, choco chip cookies. 

Starbucks' Green Tea Frappucino with soymilk is my favorite drink from Starbucks.  I am not a coffee drinker so Green Tea does it for me. 

 I love Korean food, most especially Sangchu-ssam.  And I also love Lock & Lock.  So when Lock and Lock hosted a bloggers event, AND served a Korean buffet - Winner!

Lock & Lock recently launched a new line of oven-to-table glass containers, stainless steel pots and ceramic cooking pans.

Will share more about Lock & Lock's newest products in a separate post soon.

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