TAMPO

Tampo? What does it mean? Only Filipinos can understand. This post is interesting to foreigners who know some Filipinos or have some friends, girlfriend or married to one.

Yesterday after my interview, I headed to meet my closest Italian friend here in Saigon. Happy Hour on a Tuesday at 5pm. We were catching up-- talking about life, love, work and a whole lot more over buy one take one gayish cocktails. (as he described what I ordered) We always do this for the past four years of our friendship. He knows me well and he always knocks my head whenever I ran to him and ask for his male point-of-view about life. Something is arguably interesting about our conversation yesterday that led me to write this interesting post. It's about TAMPO.

Tampo, sounds like tampons isn't it? Wikipedia has a very comprehensive information about tampo and I would say it's a 100% accurate data. Go google it for better understanding. To repeat Wikipedia's definition,  TAMPO in Philippine culture, refers to a range of behavior in which a person withdraws his or her affection or cheerfulness from a person who has hurt his or her feelings. The term has no precise equivalent in English, though "sulking" or "to sulk" is often considered the closest translation. While these external manifestations may indeed sound like "sulking" in the western sense, the underlying cultural reason for them is what sets tampo apart. While sulking has strong negative connotations in western countries, tampo is quite acceptable among Filipinos^. In fact, tampo has a positive connotations for the Filipino, quite aside from the obvious negative ones.

So going back, I was blurting some emotions to my friend about tampo and he was like what the hell is that Joanie? I was trying to explain to him the way wikipedia described it. He was scolding me in a funny way that if I felt that way to a western person, there is no way for that person to find out unless I tell the person. Ages ago I have written a lot of tampo notes to my ex. I have long forgotten the feeling of difficulty  uttering my tampo. I thought I've changed because all I remember now is when I had my tampo with my Italian amore back in Italy-- we will talk via google translate (uhmmm he is not fluent in English neither am I in Italian) and easier to discuss tampo as I write it to him. But I only had it once I guess, and I had his pizza after as his "lambing" or his way to cajole me. I guess Italians had their similar ways on their culture like the Filipino so it wasn't difficult at all.

Anyways, I was also reminded about my struggles in the past having this difficulty to utter how I feel verbally. I thought I have outgrown that old self a long time ago but just the other day I wrote another tampo note. But there are other underlying stories behind that tampo thing but the point is, I really don't like bringing back my old self again! My Italian friend said to me yesterday that it's  so unlikely of how he have known me. He've known me to be very outspoken, brave and rational. He felt that I've demonstrated the weak side of me.

To conclude things, in spite of living abroad, travelling the globe and having one western ex (Italian to be precise) are not sufficient to have a full western mindset. It's just the Filipino in me that I think there's no way to eradicate such innate feeling we Filipino people have. I would like to presume this is a universal feeling but just strongly associated to Filipinos. So to my readers just in case you guys are making "tampo" of me if I don't write so often, I have my pizza margherita below as my "paglalalmbing." Promise to post something interesting again soon :)

big hug,

joanie  xxx

Polaroids from Firenze

When I first stepped on to this renaissance city of Italy in the year 2010, I wasn't smitten until I lived there. On my first arrival at Firenze, the train station called Stazione Santa Maria Novella welcomed me with it's old and charming look. I feel like I was transported back in the old days of Europe just like how I've seen it in any old movies. There were twists and turns before I arrived at the house where I will stay in Florence in 2010. The Italian owner told me that she had a full-house when I arrived so she cannot accommodate me, unexpectedly. Oh oh... that was really unexpected for me! But it was a pleasant surprise that she drove me with her mini cooper and brought me to hostel where I will stay and happened to be her hostel. Then I had my accommodation. It was at Via Aprile Venti Nove where I first stayed in Florence. Great view of the duomo Santa Maria del Fiore and the terracotta roofs of the neighborhood. After a year, I came back to live in Firenze. I stayed at Via Agostini Lapini near Piazza Alberti with my peculiar landlord Letizia and cool Chinese, Spanish and Belgian housemates. I also stayed and lived at Borgo Lorenzo with my Italian best friend. The street of his house is just beside the Duomo and every morning I wake up with the sound of the church bell ringing.  I also stayed at Via Della Scala just behind Stazione Santa Maria Novella but only for awhile to stay with my Amore that time. The first shelter I had in Firenze will always be significant for the reason that it became my passage to different houses I have visited and stayed in Firenze. Mi Manchi Via Aprile Venti Nove :)

How many times in this lifetime that I've seen a carousel? Countless. But the one that gave me goosebumps is the carousel at Piazza della Repubblica. Its grandeur and elegance are the characteristics that make this piece of art remarkable. I was told that the arc at the Piazza has been the gateway of the cavallo (horses) during the old days. And this carousel stands just so close to the arc. Whether day time or night time, this cutie ride glistens to whoever will see it. I saw this carousel for the first time during the night-- and it really gave me a nice feeling just by staring at it for a long time. So when I lived in Firenze, it's impossible for me not to pass by Piazza Repubblica just to have a look at this majestic rotating object. Even the surroundings of the Piazza became the venue of a lot interesting activities. Mi Manchi Piazza della Repubblica :-)

Bicicletta. The typical means of transportation among foreign and local students in Firenze. I lived in Florence and I was on my third day living there when I contacted a guy named Pietro. He was selling his bicycle and lives in the nearby town called Sesto Fiorentino. Although it was difficult for me to transport the second hand bike which will cost me 60 euros, I still looked at it. Pietro told me that there are cheaper bikes, but those are the stolen ones! Uhu... it's the same everywhere! Bicycle thieves! So after meeting Pietro, I just decided not to buy one and just rent a bike when I need it. I think it's better that way and there will be no attachment involve. I usually park my rented bike just outside the house at Via Agostino Lapini-- my Spanish housemate had her bike too and parked there as well. The joyride of the bicycle is one of the most interesting things I had in Firenze. Having experienced driving on the cobblestones was quite tough and challenging. Not to mention all the ATAF buses running around you plus the pandemonium of tourists were all part of the daily traffic struggles! Indeed, Mi Manchi Via Agostino Lapini :-)

Via Dei Martelli, reminds me of the Vodafone shop, Mc Donald's, a museum, and countless cafes that will lead you to Piazza San Marco. It's also one of the main big roads around the center of Firenze and most of the time there are plenty of tourists walking. Christmas Day of 2011 was the first time I saw this road with just a few people walking by. It's Buon Natale as the Italians will say... The beauty of doing nothing strongly happens on Christmas day. My memories of this main road is quite random and not really stunning. But I always remember simple and non sense situation most of the time. Because when you look at small things in a bigger perspective, you will then realize the value of it. I would say that this main road had serve snippets of good memories of my stay. I would truly say...  Mi manchi Via Dei Martelli :-)

Ponte Vecchio from another point of view. You will see this bridge with the Arno river and all its typical features on all touristy photos but it's rare that people would pay attention on this tiny handcrafted metal thing. This is being sold to tourists when you go around Ponte Vecchio near Uffizi gallery. I find this object as a charming discovery in the most romantic spot of the city--Ponte Vecchio! The old bridge is the spot to view the river, listen to Saturday night live music, eat gelato, glance at the jewelry shops or simply have a good walk. I extremely miss it. Mi manchi Ponte Vecchio :-)

These are some polaroids from Firenze from my 2010-2011-2012 stay in the city. These photos are not the highlight or the most important photos I had in Florence but receiving them now reminds me that I really had tiny bits and pieces of wonderful memories during the time I lived there. I would love to write more of my Italian life, but I told myself that maybe I should write a book. It's just hard for me to put all the details of my stay into writing at the moment. There are ups and down since I came back from Italy. Roller coaster ride back here in Saigon but now I'm quite settled with some things. And today, I received these photos that made me wear a little smile on my face. No matter what, Firenze will always be my home and definitely I will be back soon whether for travel, exhibition, shopping or to live again. Who knows? For now I find comfort and happiness from where I am and who I am with ---without forgetting the good memories I had back in Italy. They will always be in the pocket of my heart :-)

I welcome myself back to blogging this 2013!

big hug,
joanie xxx

Food Revolution Day -- PHILIPPINES!

Today is the global Food Revolution Day and I am posting this blog despite my long absence of writing some post because this is a very important day for me as the Philippine Ambassador of this movement. I am very happy to bring the awareness in my country and had some positive help from few people who made these events possible!

I would still be very busy until May 25 for the last event of Food revolution Philippines. I have to do a lot of catch-up post for my blog. I am pretty much sure I have tons of stories to tell from my Manila and Cebu events. You guys might get disoriented because you will be thinking that I am still in Italy and what am I doing back in Manila. Long story but all for good to share very soon!

Loads of Love everyone! :-)

big hug,
joanie xxx

Uova di Pasqua Semplici

Truffles or Tartufo is one of the most expensive culinary delights that we have in our food landscape. It was my first time to cook this dish when I was in my scuola cucina in Firenze. This mushroom has a strong flavor that should stand out in a dish. Covering it with other flavors and spices will defeat its purpose as a very flavorful food. We have to capture the exquisite taste and savor the expensive bite in our palette.

For me this is the best yet the simplest craving I had so far...
Happy Easter Amico e Amica!

big hug,
joanie xxx

Marcella Ansaldo

Ciao Italia, Australia, Vietnam e Filipinas!

To these four countries in the world that I consider my nests, I'd like you to meet Marcella! She is my Italian culinary mentor and a friend! I have long wanted to write this blog post for her but I just couldn't gather all the thoughts that I have in mind to describe this very admirable lady. Today seem to be the perfect day for me to put all those words together in this special blog entry. To make it more special I did the cake below and I would like to dedicate it to her on this special occasion of International Women's day to give tribute to her and to all the women in the world who are just like her--- Grande!

(Orchid Caramel Pudding Cake)

Happy International Women's Day Ragazze!

(Photo snapshots of Marcella... which I did during our classes)

Marcella Ansaldo and I met through my cooking school in Firenze where I took the trimester program. She hails from Giglio a small island in Tuscany where she and her family had their restaurant that ran for many years. One day they had to sell the restaurant and decided to move to Firenze. She taught Italian cuisine in Apicius Culianry school in Florence for a decade before she put up her own. In her school she always talk about her island Giglio and about her room window with the view of the sea. She basically loves seafood because she grew up with a good catch of those everyday of her life. Now a well-achieved cooking Guru, Marcella exemplifies the woman with huge passion for cooking and a good mother.

(I am now a Giglio Graduate)

I also have a huge passion for cooking and that is the main reason why I went to Italy. And because of that good fate, I met my mentor and my good friend. I can now say that my Italian cooking knowledge is quite diverse. My palette is now trained to know what is right and wrong when it comes to Italian cuisine. Most of all, the number one thing that changed my cooking behavior is learning to tame the amount of flavor and spices I put in the food I cook. Now what will always resonate in my memory is whenever Marcella will yell at me the word "BASTA!" (which means stop) every time I put too much pepper in the dish I cook. Italian food is simple and it's always about fresh and good quality ingredients. From those learning I appreciate good food more.

(Big class with the American teenage kids)

How I miss Marcella, the way she danced during our classes, the devilish laughter but always carry the angelic smile and above all the motherly care she provided. I thank her for everything that we shared together during the cooking classes and the one special day that she invited me to assist and see her doing the big class with tons of American teenage kids. It was hilarious and fun but what I will always cherish are the private classes we had whom she branded as a "FAMILY" thing. I look forward to the day that we can cook together again.

Mi Manchi Marcella :)

big hug,
joanie xxx

Ti Amo e Ti Voglio Bene

How many Valentines day gone by and I completely forgot the feeling of mushiness. I have outgrown the feeling. In fact today I am in a house arrest and my right leg has a huge bruise with the color of aubergine. I got this when I fell down just a few steps away from my house here in Milano. Isn't it painful when the weather is freezing at a temperature of -7 and the environment outside is surrounded with snow that doesn't melt for a week already? It isn't actually....

From the the title of my post today, there is something important I learned here in Italy. Yes in Italy! The most romantic place in the world (for me) where you can find the most romantic men in the planet! Saying "I LOVE YOU" in English has two different meanings in Italian. First "TI AMO" means romantic I love you being said to the one you are in love with. Second "TI VOGLIO BENE" means generic I love you being said to families and friends that you value and care about. Both ways I am glad to have heard both words right before my ears. To love doesn't mean you should be in a relationship but I think the bravest one can do is to let the person know how much you love and care for him. Whether it's "Ti Amo" or "Ti Voglio Bene."

Learning how to do this pasta ravioli with Beetroot filling is one of the things I love the most in my culinary class. From doing the fresh pasta dough then you will roll it over in the machine to achieve the thin sheet. Afterwards you will press the heart-shaped utensil to achieve the shape. Then we just stuffed it with Beetroot and later on cooked with butter, black poppy seeds, salt and pepper---Ecco! What a simple yet heart-warming dish!

Learning and finding something in the land of pasta is such an endearing experience in my life. I learned how important LOVE is and how to be HAPPY in life no matter what :)

Ti Voglio Tanto Bene a Tutti!!!!!

hugs,

joanie xxx

Simone Massoni's 2012 Typeface Calendar

There are four different seasons in a year--Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season arrives in our lives and bring us something. It comes, and it goes. Same with the people whom you consider friends. Some are seasonal and some will stay all year round. No matter what season, I am happy that I am blessed with friends who are coming in every season of my life. And last fall, in Firenze--I have gained friends who became valuable people in my life. I am grateful to have met Simone who gave me this calendar that I fancied about and reminded me of my great love for typography.

He came up with a desk calendar with twelve classic typefaces that went well with the twelve sexy and posh chicks that he illustrated. I know January is about to end but it's just the start of the year and it's not yet too late for you guys to own this calendar that Simone designed. It's also available online so it would be great if you will purchase this cutie item thru this website.

Place your order now!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89480202/chicks-types-2012-desk-calendar

I am also thankful to Cosimo Lorenzo Pancini for inviting me to his YELLOW party at KM zero design agency from where I met good people and some became my friends including Simone and his fiancee Ilaria. They are nice couple who are both artist. His fiancee Ilaria is an illustrator and also a good cook. I look forward to the day that we can cook together.

Below I enumerate twelve of my favorite typeface at the moment. It would be fun it you also have your own favorite typeface and you can play around on the design and post it in your blog.

Being an artist myself makes me feel happy being around with the people of the same species. Dealing, interacting and having friendship with the people of the same interests as yours would always remind you of the things that you are passionate about and things that you are good at. Seeing Simone's artwork leaves an inspiration to me-- that I shouldn't forget to do my doodles and continue to explore the world of art and design. I have learned that world of design has no limits so I have to continue to discover a lot of things and sharpen my creativity. And of course my cooking would always be there as well :-)

This is it for now my mates and amici!

big hug,

joanie xxx

2012 Begins at Italia: A diverted path!

(Taken during winter snow at Aosta Valle, Italia)

Christmas came by so quickly and I did nothing but eat and sleep the past days! The winter weather makes it hard for me to dabble some words and express here in my blog the unique way I spent the yuletide season. Procrastination days aren't over yet but I have to do this post now on the first of January, otherwise I am afraid that I might abandoned this blog for the whole year if I won't do it on the first day of the year. Hehe!

My culinary studies just finished last December then I have to move to Milano for a freelance work. It has been a very very beautiful student life I had in Firenze. To study cooking in Italy is the most wise decision I have made in my life so far. It costed me a million in Philippine peso for everything from school, food, lodging & airfare but the experience I gained is ten times worth than a million pesos! I could've bought an SUV car but riding it wouldn't make me tell priceless stories like what I have gained now. And this blog will be my venue to articulate all those life changing experiences I had.

(Traditional Italian Christmas cake I did in my Firenze Cooking School)

Experience is something money can't buy and something that no one can steal away from you. I can claim that I am a millionaire when it comes to that as compared to my money in my bank account. Experience go hand-in-hand with people. I gained not just experiences but valuable people whom I can forever keep in every corner of my heart. Each of them occupies a space. And to name a few I just have to mention my culinary teacher--Marcella then others like Daniela, Cosimo, Rita, Jurgens and Massimilliano!

(Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Dinner with Massi's Family)

Speaking of Massimilliano, I will now segue my Christmas story with him here in Italy. Being away from my family and to celebrate Christmas the second time without them still brings me some certain sadness. But since I am so used to being by myself, it's not as heavy to me unlike other emotional people. But no matter how you avoid the thought---Christmas is about spending time with your family. I don't have it here in Italy until Massi invited me to spend it in Firenze than being alone in Milano. Voila on the eve of Christmas I went to the city center and witnessed the Milan Christmas rush as I buy gifts for Massi's family. Then at eight in the evening I arrived at Stazione Santa Maria Novella in Firenze once more and Massi picked me up! And I arrived at their house just in time for the Christmas eve dinner. First plate, second plate, third... and dolce were served! Traditional Italian or specifically Calabrian food were done by his Aunt. Then at the midnight part of the evening we gave the gifts to each other and opened it! I like their gifts to me and they liked my gifts as well! Next day was about poker, eating, sleeping, cooking, and walking around Firenze are the things I did with him and his family. Now I could say that I have my Italian family in them whom I can count on, I thank Massi for adopting me :)

(Massi and his mom Cecilia during the gift giving)

(Taken during fall at Boboli Garden in Firenze, Italia)

So now it's 2012 and I am still here in Italy. Supposedly I should be in London for the whole month of December for the holiday and will fly back to Vietnam on the 2nd of January. But fate plays its trick on me and give me something unexpected. Pleasant surprise and it still surprises me as days go by. Last year my goal is about Italy and I successfully did it! This year I don't have a fixed goal, I feel like I am just a free soul going with the flow of life. And it excites me where it will bring me to. I don't know where but I'd be happy to be there. I don't want to make a wish, I just let God make his wishes for me and I know it's better that way. Leave it up to him... Oh but well Oh Lord, I just realised---I still want to buy my dream house! Uhmmm... not a fixed goal, could be next year or when it's possible :p

Parking my fingers now and should end this blog post now...

Buon Anno a tutti!!!

big hug,
joanie xxx

Natale in Italia by Surprise!

Ciao Amici! Come Va? Me, molto bene...

How time flies and before I knew it, it's Christmas already. My blog have slept for two months and I couldn't believe it. I have never been missing in action this long! I miss blogging. Come to think of it, there are so many stories to write and so many food photos to post. I have been away and busy for millions of reasons and it's 99.9% positive. I should've been in London at this point and getting ready for the English holiday but sometimes fate has something else in store for each and everyone of us. I am deeply surprised that I am still here in Italy and would spend my first Christmas with snow.

I have been enjoying my culinary studies and Florentine life for the past 3 months that made me think that I'd love to spend my Christmas here. It came to the point that I will do everything just to extend my stay. So many options involved and one of those is studying their language. Well in my heart I'd really love to study it. I would like to see myself to be well-verse in having an Italian conversation. I went on different mazes but it didn't work out. So I just concluded that maybe fate has really planned my life to be in London for Christmas according to my itinerary. Then again it's amazing how fate played it's game on me. What a pleasant surprise that I will have a freelance work in Milano. Up to when? I don't know yet. The good thing is--there is a reason now for me to stay longer in Italy. Opportunity just paved its way!

I just wanted to say hi to my blog today. I am quite very sick and staying at home dealing with my cough and slight fever. It's the weather that I am not accustomed to. Winter is approaching and I really hope that my body can adapt to it. I promise to post more as I back track what happened since October and November. The biggest highlight was--my second solo painting exhibition in Florence. I will surely post the photos here.

The picture above of Ribes & Wine cake is now my favorite cake to do. My recent fixation after discovering the small red berry fruit called Ribes.

Ciao , ciao alla prossima! :-)

big hug,
joanie xxx

Genovese Pesto - Saigon & Florence

My old way of doing pesto in Saigon, Vietnam

Buonasera ragazzi e ragazze!

How time flies that every time I will find time to blog, weeks passed by already and September is ending tomorrow. I have been learning a lot from my cooking school with my dearest teacher Chef Marcella and figo Chef Damiano. One of the remarkable learning I had so far is doing the authentic Genovese pesto. This Italian pasta dish hails from Liguria region and from the province of Genova. I learned that you never cook a pesto which I usually do in my own style and sometimes put bacon on top or chicken. I remember how my Italian boss said it's bastardizing pesto when you add meat. Pesto is pesto in its simplest form and he was right because he is from Genova. So from that learning and new techniques I learned from my Italian teachers, pesto is now one of my favorite staple pasta dishes.

My new way of doing pesto in Florence, Italy

If you notice the picture of my pasta on top which I did when I was still in Saigon, it's quite a bit oily and dark. This one with the linguine pasta is refreshingly green and not oily. How lovely this pasta especially putting my new favorite Pecorino Romano from sheep milk. And the word Pecorino derives from the word Pecora which means sheep. What also excites me doing this pesto sauce is because I have now few Basil pots at my veranda where I usually sits for breakfast and doing skype with my friends.

My pesto ingredients are ready to be blended

My veranda with my Basil pots

I have been out of town lately and I really promise to post separately the pictures of the town I visited. I visited the not so touristy places like Bologna, Lucca, Siena and Fiesole---they are nearby town in Florence. Quaint, beautiful and quiet. But of course I never fail to gaze nor explore the beautiful city of Firenze and one of my favorite spot is the Piazzale Michaelangelo. You will have there the overlooking of Florence with all its landmarks including the river and the cinematic Ponte Vecchio.

Overlooking view of Firenze with Ponte Vecchio

So far I have been around with so many places in Florence like restaurants and pubs with my classmate and new friend Maija. She is from Finland and a very nice girl. I would love to share you guys more of my adventures next time. I have been learning a lot of Italian now and improving just by hearing from my new found Italian friends. And I have some good news next time and I hope I will have some more. Meanwhile, I am excited because I am going out of the country and going back to Spain this time Madrid. I was wishing I can also go back to Barcelona because I really love it but 4 days off school may not be enough. This is it for now...

Ciao Bello and Bella! :-)

big hug,
joanie xxx

Dolce Italia: Gelato & Panacotta

Fig Gelato (Done at school)

Buongiorno Sabato!

It's a lazy Saturday... after I woke up around 10:30 am. Just finished having my pesto spaghetti for lunch and strawberry milk shake. Well it's been two weeks since I came to Italy and a lot of things are happening aside from school activities which are more important things than anything else. I have met a few Italians so far from a coach surfing meet-up party and then I visited a design agency in Firenze which considerably the biggest in town. I must say I met good Italian people so far and I am looking forward to meet more.

The past weeks I also familiarized myself on walking around the city from my house to different point areas like the city center where all the historical places are situated like the Duomo, Stazione Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce and Punta Vecchio. I attempted to go to Boboli garden but I failed. Before reaching the area I got tired because there are pandemonium of tourist everywhere and it's friggin' hot. But there was this day that I succeeded to reach the Piazzale Michaleangelo which is on the hill overlooking the entire Florence. And I plan to go back again there today with my friend.

Last week I also met up my friend from Milano to have a whole day of fun in Bologna. I had two gelatos that day plus one giant pizza that we shared. We toured the center of the city where all the universities are situated and then we climbed Torre Asinelli and had a view of Bologna as a red city because of its terracotta color. As much as I wanted to avoid shopping, when there is a sale it's hard to resist---and so I did! Bologna was a fun day indeed :)

Panacotta topped with Peaches (Done at home)

Everything is incredible in Italy. The people, the language, the places and of course the food! I just love going to supermarket and market with my trolley bag to buy some good meat, fruits and vegetables. Everything is fresh and of good quality even the dairies. I just love every single moment I spent purchasing food that I often can't find in Asia. My now favorite market is Mercato Ambrogio which is not far from where I live and it's highly recommended by my chef teacher.

I've been learning a lot from my school. Food encyclopedia of Italy and the whole world is massive information that one person cannot learn in one day or in an instant. That's why I am here for few months to learn as much as I could. And I am proud to say that I have made my first fresh gelato with figs which I made at our school with the help of our chef teacher. Then as I try to exercise my expertise mastering the panacotta, I made one at home. The cream and milk were so good! I topped it with my preserved peaches (which I made in our school last week) to compliment or balance the good taste. I am looking forward to post more stories, arts & design, food photos, exciting information & trivia about Italy and of course recipes!

Ciao for now Bello & Bella!

big hug,
joanie xxx

Goodbye Vietnam, Hello Italy!

Xin Chao everyone!

Hope it's not the last time to say this greeting after leaving Vietnam last week. Yes you heard it right! After the long saga of waiting my Italian student visa, it arrived 6 days before I left Saigon. I had sleepless nights prior to that because of the uneasy feeling that I may not be granted one. Though, I am confident that they will because UK issued me a new visa, so I assumed another Schengen visa wouldn't be a hassle. But we never know 'til we get the stamp on our passport. And I am glad that they gave me one! It was very tiring packing my stuff from my apartment in 10 boxes and bidding goodbye to everyone.

My last cooking buffet in the cafe where I work as weekend chef was a big success. Unexpected number of guests arrived to avail the buffet menu as I bid farewell to my Vietnam culinary and advertising adventures. I can't thank enough all the people who manifested their heart-felt support in every little thing I do. So that's probably one of the things I would miss in Saigon.

I arrived Milano at Malpensa airport last Sept 3 at 7:30 in the morning. My former Creative Director/friend from Philippines is currently based in Milan and he picked me up in the airport and I stayed at his place for two days. His cousins are very warm and accommodating in the house where I stayed. They even brought me when they went to outskirt of Milan to attend a Sunday mass with a massive Filipino attendees. The name of the church is Caravaggio, named after famous painter Michaelangelo Mersi da Caravaggio who was born in Lombardy, Milan. I surprisingly had fun attending the mass because the homily was very nice and it was hosted by an Italian priest who spoke three languages at that time. He delivered the entire mass 90% Filipino and 5% of English and Italian. That totally amazed me!

After two days I left Milano on Sept 5 to move to Firenze, Italia--where my culinary study will take place. I will tell you next time the beginning of my Florentine life story in the next posts I will be having. In the meantime, I would like to share all of you the first ever successful cake I baked. This successful baked cake is a milestone for me since I am not into baking but I guess the world of culinary is not just about cooking but baking as well.

MATCHA & CARAMEL SPONGE CAKE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon real vanilla
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tbsp Matcha powder (diluted in hot water)
• 1 pack Jello caramel
• Milk
• 1 cup cream
• Butter (of course)

Procedure:

Put the sugar and matcha liquid in a blender or food processor. Add this mixture to the softened butter. Beat with a mixer on medium until fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes. Add the eggs to the sugar and butter one at a time, beating well after adding each one. Add the water and vanilla. In a different bowl, use a whisk to mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the flour mixture to the rest of the ingredients. Mix on low. Then add the rest of the flour mixture.

Now beat at medium speed until the cake batter becomes shiny. The mixture should also turn a white color. Do not skip this step or reduce the mixing time. The longer you mix the batter, the more air bubbles you create. This is what makes sponge cake recipes light and fluffy. This step of the sponge cake recipe should take about 15 minutes.

Pour sponge cake batter into two round cake pans that have been greased with shortening well and liberally floured. If they haven't been greased and floured thoroughly, your sponge cake recipe will stick to the cake pans.

Bake Matcha sponge cake in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. The sponge cake should pull gently from the sides. It will be golden in color and spongy to the touch. It should spring back when touched. To be sure the sponge cake is done, test the center with a toothpick and see if it comes out clean. Do not open the oven while the sponge cake is baking. Remove the Matcha sponge cake from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before removing the cake from the cake pans. Let the sponge cake cool completely before putting the caramel pudding mixture. Just follow the instruction of jello pack when adding milk in the mixture then add some cream and butter and put it in a piping bag then top the sponge cake.

I dedicate this post to the birthday of our beloved Mother Mary...

Buon Contempleanno Vergine Maria! :-)

big hug,
joanie xxx

Olives & Cherry Tomatoes Fusilli

Good morning Sunday! What a sunny day to share a lunch, isn't it matey?

How is it going with me lately? I am in a bit of afloat and pending mind. Tomorrow or Tuesday perhaps, I'll be finally receiving the result of my visa for Italy. Oh dear GOD, I still hold on to your promise-- positive result, thy will be done! Non-refundable air ticket- check! Tuition fee full payment- check! Housing reservation payment- check! Outbound air ticket from Milan to London on December-check! But the feeling of twirling and kinda twisted at the moment is how I juggle my mind--just like my dear pasta called Fusilli.

This Fusilli pasta dish is also one of the dishes in my Geisha menu. Again not much people order for it maybe because of the unfamiliarity with the word Fusilli and mixed with my Aubergine Caviar Pate will definitely sound foreign to the local consumers. But then again few Westerners have sat down for this already and they dearly like it. I hope one will stumble on this dish and will get to order it at Geisha Cafe.

OLIVES & CHERRY TOMATOES FUSILLI

Ingredients:

• Aubergine Caviar (see my previous post for the recipe)
• Cherry tomatoes (sliced into halves)
• Green Olives ( sliced)
• Fusilli Pasta (boiled)
• Fresh Basil (chopped)
• Garlic
• Salt & Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Butter (of course)

Procedure:

Heat pan with butter and add a little olive oil. Saute garlic and avoid it turning into brown. Add Cherry Tomatoes then next will be olives. Saute for 3-5 minutes then add the Aubergine Caviar. Mix well along with the boiled Fusilli then have a dash of salt and pepper. If mixture gets dry add a good lug of olive oil then top it with the chopped basil and serve into a plate.

Buon Appetito Amici! :D

big hug,
joanie xxx

Fish in Ginger Teriyaki Sauce & Baked Carrots

Good day Mates, Happy Tuesday!!!

This fish recipe I have here today is among the sumptuous dishes I have in the menu at Geisha Cafe. This is very much underrated nor unnoticeable by most customers and they don't realize how good the combination of pan seared herbie Dory fish and creamy baked carrots. I always tell the waiters to push for the rarely sold dishes because customers may not know just by reading the title I did in the menu book. This is a bit complicated and delicate to do and has to be done properly to get all the flavors come all in together. Each glorious bite of this dish is composed of a meticulously done cooking procedure.

I just want to romanticize more of this dish by explaining how I did it and how I put all things together in one gorgeous plate like this. I wouldn't be able to give the recipe as I normally do it, but I will narrate it in a manner understandable to all foodies and will be appreciated by people who love to eat.

First of all I have to get a nice Dory fish and marinate it with lemon, herbs, salt & pepper. Put it in a fridge and start doing the carrots. Grate a few pieces of carrots, then put it in a bowl. Add chopped parsley, onions, eggs and cream. Season it with salt and pepper then get a rectangular or square baking dish and cover it with foil then bake it for 40 minutes to one hour. While baking it prepare a pan and drizzle it with a bit of olive oil and pan sear the marinated Dory fish. As you cook the fish ready your sauce by getting a small pan and stir fry ginger and leeks together then add the home made Teriyaki sauce. When everything is cook, plate it all together the way you see it in the visual. I guarantee that this food is so good.

I dedicate this lip-smacking dish to a French chef from Paris, Pierre!

big hug,
joanie xxx