Uncle Cheffy: Go roll that panizza!

For some reason when I think about family, I almost immediately associate it with Uncle Cheffy. Probably because their serving is huge and ideal to enjoy with the family. So last Father's Day (ahem, yes late post) we decided to go there and celebrate with my mom (who is also my dad) and grandma. I was really glad they accepted my invitation to treat them for lunch.

[caption id="attachment_826" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Mum and mama :)[/caption]

Going there during lunch time and on Sundays, AND on Father's Day means falling in line and counting the passers by outside. The place was packed! After several minutes we finally got a seat. This was probably the only time I didn't quite appreciate Uncle Cheffy because of the seat they gave us. I noticed that the exact spot of our table was uncomfortable. We were in the aisle and in the first table you'll see in front of you as you walk in the main entrance. Waiters with huge plates and trays passed by us and I was a bit scared because of the busy-ness there, that it would accidentally fall on me. (You see, I don't know why I'm attractive to those kinds of mishaps). The aisle was narrow and it was easy to trip or lose your footing.

But anyway I tried not to let that get to me. Cheers to Pineapple shakes that eased some anxiety. :)

[caption id="attachment_820" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Pineapple shake[/caption]

Maybe because it was Father's Day that it took an unusually long time for them to serve the food. I remembered it was close to 30 minutes when they served us our orders.

[caption id="attachment_824" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Memphis Barbeque U.S. Beef Rib Finger (Php595.00)[/caption]

I know I should be grateful but I was quite disappointed with this one.  It was served with salad and marble potatoes and aside from that it was also served cold. I presume they forgot to serve our order right after it was cooked and left it in the kitchen. Though the meat was tender, it could be better appreciated if this was served fresh and hot. It was also very soggy, maybe because the meat soaked it up while waiting for it to be served to us. =/ It wasn't appetizing.. =( I didn't want to return it - we were beyond famished the time it arrived. It was good enough for me.

[caption id="attachment_825" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Asian Fried Rice (Junior: Php110.00)[/caption]

Asian Fried Rice was okay. It had tomatoes, eggs and java sauce. It was plenty for a Junior sized order good for 2-3 persons. :)

[caption id="attachment_827" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Spatchcocked Chicken (Php295.00)[/caption]

This one was a bestseller among us 3. It had walnut-dilli pesto and potato salad. We attacked this chicken like anything else and left only its thin bones to dry. It wasn't too salty and the potatoes were a good combination for this.

Of course we didn't pass up the chance to order what they're known for - PANIZZA.

[caption id="attachment_828" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Uncle Cheffy Favorites (Php395.00)[/caption]

We had the Uncle Cheffy Favorites - with oven dried tomatoes, mushroom garlic, anchovy, chili flakes, basil and 3 cheese. There was a way to eat the Panizza. First was to get a slice of panizza then put onions, alfalfa and the greens. Roll it and start munching. There was no other way to enjoy it but to keep on rolling. Good thing there was panizza to cover up all the boo-boo's. I still enjoy this "ritual" before having my panizza because it seems more satisfying that way. I mean the anticipation of waiting until you finish the "ceremonies" just to have that bite. If it was worth the waiting and all that rolling - I'll be coming back to try out their other flavors :)

I still remember the dishes and the experience like it was yesterday. But getting to bond with my family beats the quite unfortunate experience that day. :)

[caption id="attachment_829" align="aligncenter" width="225"] mum and i :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_830" align="aligncenter" width="300"] It's not seasonal, it's year round - to pay tribute to all the single Moms who trusted in God to sustain and who stayed strong all throughout :)[/caption]

-------

You might ask what's the secret to enjoying food? Regardless of what it is.

I'm suddenly reminded of this whenever I eat and find that it didn't quite meet an expectation.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these

pleasures are from the hand of God, for without him who can eat and find enjoyment?

Enjoyment in anything is from God, whether it be food or drink or work. Everything may be routinary - eating, drinking, working. But these routinary things become more pleasurable with God, the provider - the giver of life. Without God indeed, who can find enjoyment in anything? :)

--------------------

Uncle Cheffy

2/F Eastwood Mall, Veranda, Eastwood AveBagumbayan, Quezon City

(02) 383-7215

6 Years Ago, I didn't realize this man was going to be one of the most indispensable man in my life. One who would lead me to a relationship I have been yearning for which I didn't know yet then. One who would be used mightily by God to have an intimate relationship with Him.

So on his birthday last June 16, I wanted to honor the man whom God used for me to be closer to Him.

As the clock struck 12, Jason turned into a 30 year old pumpkin. :P Thanks to the Friday Fellowship Group, we were able to surprise the very assuming (for a birthday surprise) but still caught unaware, Jason. (Unbelievable right.. :)

[caption id="attachment_794" align="aligncenter" width="510"] The assuming birthday boy :)[/caption]

We had some Borough goodies like their lasagna, popcorn and calamares, sandwiches and all. Jason was assuming all throughout the night that we were going to have a birthday surprise for him but when the Friday group "dispersed" and left CCF to "go home", he then thought that it was all over. But well surprise!! The friday group re-assembled in Borough (we were great planners and secret-keepers *wink wink*) So Happiest Birthday Salubong to mio amore. =)

Food trip didn't stop there though, still on the day of his birthday we had dinner at Italiannis.

It was his birthday. But I kind of felt like it was mine. We ate in my favorite restaurant of all time and he even gave me a gorgeous red asus laptop. It was very thoughtful of him knowing that I was carrying a heavy one everyday. He got me a lighter one and I didn't quite expect this. It felt like my birthday already.

[caption id="attachment_797" align="aligncenter" width="510"] compliments from Italiannis[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_798" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Quattro Staggioni (Php595)[/caption]

We ordered their bestseller, Quattro Staggioni which was a four-flavored pizza. It had pepperoni, mushroom and artichokes, shrimp with black olives, and four cheeses topped with arugula. We had the best of four worlds! but personally my favorite was four cheeses topped with arugula. Right now I'd die for Italianni's pizza. Definitely one of the best! And just right for this special day.

[caption id="attachment_800" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Spaghetti & Meatballs (Php495)[/caption]

For pasta we had their Spaghetti & Meatballs which is a favorite in Italianni's. Of course it wasn't like the Pinoy spaghetti which is really sweet to our bite. This pasta was perfect. The noodles were al dente and the sauce had the perfect blend of sweetness and sourness to it. It was a delicious pasta fix for us that night.

 It was really a different birthday this year where both of us felt special.

I felt the most special of course. I have the man who makes me happy.

Days ago I was asked, what is it about Jason that I liked. Honestly, when I first saw him he was okay, but not exactly someone I would drool over. (hehe sorry) But as the days went by and I learned more about this guy, I found out he had a heart that was after God. He spoke about God and from then I knew this guy is someone who knew our creator. From then I knew,  he stood out from all the guys I met, with his pure and hungry heart.

He may have stumbled every now and then, but his heart was always ready to return to God and seek Him relentlessly.

This guy taught me how to read God's word and learn more about my heavenly father - about the love of God that I was looking for and that only God could give. This guy showed me the way to forgive and love unconditionally - with the many trials in our life and how selfless love is the key. This guy modeled how it is to be obedient and to love my family - by striving to honor his parents and be the loving sibling he could be.

Most of all this guy not only laughs, shares both good and bad moments with me,

but  also he prays for me and prays with me.

He hasn't stopped praying for me in the 6 years that we know each other. And I'm glad that God has both answered our prayers, turning us into the best we could be for each other. Still a work in progress but I hope an improvement from the first time we met.

So what is it that I liked about him? He is a God-centered man. A man after God's own heart. This is my security. That he knows the will of God and he strives to do God's will. To be a pleaser of God and not a pleaser of men.

The more I get to know him each day, I thank God for using Jason mightily and  transforming him to have a heart that will not tire of serving Him.

To all the men out there, women may appear to need what material things you could give or a love that is insatiable that even you cannot give. But really women need a head, a leader that would lead them for them to reach their fullest potential, for them to be their better selves. A head that would make the right decisions, that could only be right when God is their guide. Women need the security that you will love them, adore them, and pursue them relentlessly. That we are the only one. That  you would love us more than you love yourselves. That you would willingly die for us.

You see romance is not dead. But real romance is possible with God as your head.

And this is what I found in Jason with Christ in the center of his life. He doesn't fear being less of a guy when he's being sweet and romantic. He isn't scared to break out into a song or go break dancing just to make me smile. :) And most of all he doesn't tire of loving me when I feel less of my loving self. God fills him with love that overflows. Love that understands first than criticizes, love that begs to listen than fights to be understood, love that is ready to forgive than demands that he is right.

At this point, though relationships may not be smooth-sailing, Christ is Jason's head, that's all that matters, and that's all the assurance I will ever need.

Happy Birthday my love, I am really blessed to have a man after our heavenly father's heart :)

-----------------------------

Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Proverbs 20:6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night

Why do good things happen to those who do not even know Him?

I have been asked this question a couple of times. Even by people closest to me.

Early this morning God gave me the answer.

Ever ordered something in a restaurant and still want to take a bite of someone else's order?

Ever asked yourself, why didn't I order that? Why is his/her order better than mine? Why is his/her life better than mine? When in fact I know God?

Going back to the restaurant, I am very guilty of that. Every time Jason and I would eat out, I would often look longingly at his plate, and wish I'd ordered the same thing. Please excuse me, but I'd poke my fork first in his plate before I take a bite of my dish.

My friend, Toneth mentioned that to me earlier about always wanting someone else's order. In general, we would always look at the other's plate, we would always want someone else's life if not a bite of it. Even if we were sure that what we specifically asked for is what we wanted, there goes our envious heart comparing ourselves to others.

Last Sunday I was blessed to hear the message The Lord is My Shepherd by Pastor Peter Tan-Chi. In a nutshell it talks about the relationship between a sheep and its shepherd that is comparable to us and our relationship with God.

Everything about it was really impactful and these three verses I hold dear and which answer the question, Why do good things happen to those who do not even know Him?

1. Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.

Sheeps are the most dependent of the animals. It often goes astray, finds itself in trouble, and is totally helpless that they cannot eat on their own. Without a shepherd, the sheep will get lost, get eaten by wolves, and die of hunger.

The good shepherd takes care of his sheep. The good shepherd cares deeply for his sheep. He provides his sheep with everything that they need. He feeds his sheep, gives them protection and security.

John shares with us who the good shepherd is - Jesus is the good shepherd.

---------------------

John 10:11-14

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—"

-----------------------

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep and protects them with all  he can. Jesus is our good shepherd who has laid down his life for us.

If God is our shepherd, we believe that He has given us everything that we will ever need. One thing that struck me last week was from Joy Tan-Chi's blog about what her mom told her, "There will always be someone more beautiful and smarter (and even richer, wittier, faster, etc.) in this world but God has given you everything you need to do his will and work".

It is our sinful heart that tends to always look the other way, look at others blessings and be envious of their lives. But with knowing that God is our shepherd, we can be assured that He has given us all that we need. We do not need to look the other way, but look instead deep in our hearts why we are having those feelings of jealousy or envy.

God is my shepherd. He has given me everything that I will ever need. He is my shepherd who has provided for me not only what I need, but so much more than what  I originally asked for.

2. Psalm 23:2 He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water.

There is a saying that "the grass is greener on the other side". I heard this phrase a lot of times in high school at the peak of Filipinos migrating to the US, to Canada since the grass is greener there.

Our appetites are insatiable. We will never be contented nor be satisfied with what we have. We will always look at the greener side, the greener pasture, the better offering, the better life. Well who doesn't want to have a better life? Graze in greener pastures?

But when we know that God is our good shepherd, we know that even if we dislike where we are in - if we feel dead end in our work, our situation, our lives, WE TRUST that this is the greener pasture. God has put us here for a reason, for us to grow to know Him more, for us to love Him more and love the people around us more. It may be difficult and we want out. But the grass can't get any greener than this place where we are in. We may not understand it now because we feel differently. We feel hopeless sometimes. But we do not let ourselves be ruled by our emotions. We let ourselves be guided by the truth.

And the truth is this: That God loves us. He is our good shepherd. He lets us rest in green pastures. He leads us to calm water. Where we can take our fill and satisfy our thirst.

3. Psalm 23:4 Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and staff protect me.

A sheep with a good shepherd will never fear walking through a very dark valley. Because it knows that the shepherd would ward off the wolves and other threats using his staff. It knows that the shepherd will protect him.

As sheeps would often wander, the shepherd would sometimes use his rod to break off its leg. This is so that the sheep would not wander and endanger themselves to the point of no return. While the leg heals, the shepherd would carry his sheep on his shoulder. And when the sheep heals and is able to walk again, it would then know who the shepherd is and then choose to follow him.

Sometimes in our lives we would often encounter the discipline of God. Sometimes when we would often go astray, find ourselves fallen into temptation, God would discipline us. We would get angry, get hurt, but God assures us of His grace that He would carry us through. Having this encounter, we would then know God more and choose to follow Him.

If we were never broken, who knows what more danger awaits us, what more trouble we could not get ourselves out of. Jesus is the good shepherd who protects us.

Darkness is everywhere and there is always a threat of danger around us. But as Pastor Peter says, "Security is not the absence of danger, it is being in the presence of God" We are assured of safety, we are assured of His presence.

-------------------------

Sometimes when we ask ourselves, why  is their life better than mine, ask yourselves again who is God to you? Who is He in your life?

Why look at others when you can look to God who is your shepherd?

We really can't say and choose who God should bless or not. But instead of having these feelings, I look into the attitude of my heart, find comfort in God and find comfort in His many promises.

God never withholds any good things from those who walk uprightly, who do what is right (Psalm 84:11)

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Remember the No Other Woman scene where Cristine Reyes was selling mini cupcakes in Mercato, Market Market? Well if you missed it, here's a screen shot from the movie trailer.

[caption id="attachment_773" align="aligncenter" width="510"] No Other Woman with Cristine Reyes and Derek Ramsey[/caption]

Kit Kat to the left was holding a piece. And that piece is from no other than a cupcake from Baked By Anita.

One Sunday noon in Eastwood, I spotted these cute, bite-sized cupcakes that really sparked my curiosity. You see I'm not that type of person who is "tikim-tikim" lang. I'd rather EAT. And give me a large serving please!!! (Make it double serving)

So looking at it, I feel like I'd need a couple more bites to reach my minimum required sugar meter for the day.

[caption id="attachment_776" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Baked by Anita goodies[/caption]

So Jason and I tried their mini cupcake. I got their hazelnut flavor at around Php35 pesos. It really tasted like hazelnut and I was even wondering how to eat it. If I should just swallow the whole piece  or have mousy bites of it. Well.. I decided to relish every crumb so there went my little nibbles.

[caption id="attachment_777" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Bite sized sweets[/caption]

Meeting the owner, Anita Li was really fun too. She told us that she used to just cook in her kitchen and when she had the big idea of mini cupcakes, people discouraged her. But she proved them wrong and this novel idea is now patronized by many.

It isn't a surprise, these sweet treats stirred my cravings for sweets. The cupcake was moist and soft and it didn't crumble easily. The icing was really creamy and had the texture of sugar in my mouth.

I'm not sure if the idea is to tickle our tastebuds so we'd actually have bites of the other goodies as well.

[caption id="attachment_778" align="aligncenter" width="510"] (From L-R) Carlo Jason Tan, Gail Ang of Simply Pie, Anita Li of Baked by Anita, Yours Truly[/caption]

Since my human weight monitor was around (*cough* Jason), I wasn't able to get my second cupcake.

So we then moved on to our next agenda:  Gail Ang's Simply Pie stall for some homemade savory pies.

[caption id="attachment_779" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Simply Pie's Savory Delights[/caption]

2 years ago, Jason and I were lucky to have taste tested Gail's relatively new business then. We were able to try her lychee pie which was delivered hot and fresh from the oven. The edge of the crust had the right crispiness to it and as i sank my teeth into the lychee pie, steam rose up and the right sweetness and flavor was overwhelming - I knew that we were going to meet again.

[caption id="attachment_781" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Simply Pie in Eastwood Weekend Market[/caption]

This time around in Eastwood, we tried Gail's new product, Mini Quiches. You can take it home frozen or take it out cooked. Jason and I were able to try Spinach, Feta and Mushroom variety at Php40 per mini quiche. We also took out a box containing 9 assorted Mini Quiches flavors.

[caption id="attachment_780" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Jason trying out Simply Pie[/caption]

Here are their other flavors:

Per piece -  Php40

Box of 9 - Php350

Spinach, Feta and Mushroom

Bacon and Gruyere

Mushroom and Sour Cream

Shrimp and Garlic

Three Cheese

Their savory pies are delicious and what's best about it is that you can store them and heat it at home. Their other product during that time was Savoury Turnovers. I wasn't able to try this but I can pretty much bet on it that it is going to live up to my first impression of Simply Pie and that I'm coming back for more. :)

------------------------------

Baked By Anita

Website: www.bakedbyanita.com

Contact No.: 736-2877, 0917-5259740

----

Simply Pie

https://www.facebook.com/simplypie

Address: New Manila, Q.C.

Contact No.: 09228822194,  02-4123677

Cooking with the Athlete Chef: A Delicious & One-of-a-kind Reunion Night

Cooking - it's one of my frustrations. So I was more than happy to volunteer myself to cook with one of my favorite chefs, Anje in one of our hopefully quarterly reunions. Yes I insisted and begged to help her cook coming in an hour earlier than expected. And Yes it was because I couldn't forget the creamy tuna pasta she made years and years ago and wanted to learn how it was made. It was one of the best.

Thankfully she obliged to my request and soon enough I found myself in her favorite (I presume) spot in her home - the kitchen. There she gave me the task to butter the bread and toast it. So ok that was my participation. Thank you.

[caption id="attachment_744" align="aligncenter" width="510"] See the bread I buttered and toasted? :)[/caption]

Everything happened so fast! Anje was already frying the beef patty while I was only given the time to sneak in some bites of the cajun fries.

[caption id="attachment_745" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Home of the Good Burgers[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_748" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Melted cheddar cheese on our burgers. *smacks lips*[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_746" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Cajun Fries - who could resist this?[/caption]

Next on her to do list was to prepare the salad. One thing I learned was to use your hands in tearing the lettuce apart. Because if you use knives the leafy greens would turn bitter. Grateful for this little reminder for my future use.

[caption id="attachment_747" align="aligncenter" width="250"] Freshly grated cheese on our salad. deelish :D[/caption]

The table was set and then we were done. It was time to taste test this dinner masterpiece and oh yes, my buttered bread too.

[caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Table set for four - missing Karla bru[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_750" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Greek Salad with Yogurt Balsamic[/caption]

First treat to my tastebuds was Anje's Greek Salad with Yogurt Balsamic Dressing. Her inspiration for this was Cyma's salad. I'm not sure if I have tried it but for me this was the benchmark already.

[caption id="attachment_751" align="aligncenter" width="510"] My first round[/caption]

It had grilled chicken paprika and sweetened pecans and it was topped with freshly grated cheese. By the taste of it, it seemed like much time had been devoted to it. I love nuts in my salad so the sweetened pecans pretty much did the trick. It tasted indulgent but it was actually pretty light to the tummy.  I had another more portion of this before I went on to the next part of the meal.

[caption id="attachment_752" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Cheddar Burgers in Whole Wheat Bread[/caption]

Next treat was my buttered bread.  Cheddar Burgers in whole wheat bread with caramelized onions. On the side we had Cajun Oven Fries with BBQ Chicken Liver Bits. Just the name of this meal is making my stomach growl at the moment.  The burger might I say was absolutely delicious. The onions didn't leave the "oh I had a burger today"  breath and the butter on the bread (ahem!) contributed to the flavors of the burger patty and the onions. I'm craving for one more of this please!

[caption id="attachment_753" align="aligncenter" width="510"] This is the real yum burger[/caption]

The Cajun Fries was really interesting. Who would have known that adding liver bits to it would make it more than just your regular fries. Plus the Roasted Garlic and Parmigiano Regiano Dip on it made it truly lip smacking and one-of-a-kind. Not like any that you would order in a fast food or a diner. My love for fries just got deeper.

This special dinner was also just in time set for Ria's 25th birthday. We had cakes, coffee and French pressed coffee after.

[caption id="attachment_754" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Happy Birthday Ria :)[/caption]

And what better way to end the night with loads of catching up and a toast to almost 12 years of friendship with Ria's Camembert Red Wine and Mangga wine (which she discovered needed ice to be able to bring out its easy and real flavor)

[caption id="attachment_755" align="aligncenter" width="245"] Nuts and Wine[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_756" align="aligncenter" width="235"] Mangga Wine[/caption]

It was really nice to see you girls, looking forward to our next catch up afternoon/night :)

With all the cheese I've eaten that night, I guess it would just be right to say that these girls have been my 12 year friends and even friends for life. <3

Korean dishes are one of the healthiest - according to Jason. So one Sunday night we were free to indulge in our heart's desire of Korean food. Kogi Bulgogi in Eastwood was able to satisfy our grumbling tummies (after some strolling in Eastwood with Twix) and our healthy cravings.

We were served with appetizers called Banchan. Korean meals are usually served with various side dishes like Kimchi and Dried Anchovy.

The service wasn't as quick. I wouldn't notice it as Jason and I are usually engrossed in our musings and discussion while waiting for our orders. However this time we needed to follow up.

[caption id="attachment_737" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Bibimbap (Php165)[/caption]

As soon as our Bibimbap arrived though, the wait became forgivable. I remembered having this the first time in our Korean friend Dury's condominium in Katipunan. We saw him eating this mixed rice in a bowl with some orange paste. It looked kind of weird then, but when we had his Bibimbap, I wanted to go look for a place that would measure up.

Bibimbap is Steamed Rice with seasoned vegetables and egg and served in a heated stone pot. Jason did the honors of mixing all of it together and it transported me back in time to how Dury served it.

After a while though, the rice kind of stuck to the bottom of the heated plate and it became kind of crunchy.

[caption id="attachment_738" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Bulgogi[/caption]

Of course we had to have their specialty, one that lives up to its name - Bulgogi. It was US Prime marinated beef mixed with onions and mushrooms and peppered with sesame seeds. It was delicious and saucy too. It had the right saltiness to it with a hint of sweetness. I'd order this again when I'm up for another Korean night.

[caption id="attachment_739" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Chicken Ssambap[/caption]

Our last order was interesting. I haven't tried this in the other Korean restaurants. Even the name was interesting too, how do you say Ssambap again? It tasted like teriyaki chicken with vegetables and bite sized rice rolls. I kind of felt healthy since it looked like a balanced meal to me.

The staff were nice to have to let us stayed for probably 30-45 minutes after licking our plates clean. Our Korean night was really filling and our discussion well added a lot of spice to it. All in all I'd say Kogi Bulgogi was just right and I'd probably drop by again for another healthy Korean night. :)

-----------------------------

Kogi Bulgogi

2/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan, Libis

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Tel No: (02) 470-6884 to 85

The Chef Jessie experience

Last March, it was our pleasure and honor to be invited to the graduation celebration of my second cousin Makee in Chef Jessie at Rockwell Club. She graduated in Assumption College Grade School in Makati with Academic Honors.

Chef Jessie is an elegant dining restaurant that houses the finest in international cuisine. And guess what, our menu for that day was prepared by no less than Chef Jessie herself. By the way, she also runs Le Souffle in The Fort with 3 partners. What a treat it was for a graduation celebration.

[caption id="attachment_719" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Chef Jessie Restaurant[/caption]

There was already a set menu for the graduates and everything was ready to serve the moment we got there.

First to be devoured was Sauteed Mushrooms and Smoked Salmon Salad.

[caption id="attachment_720" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Sauteed Mushrooms and Smoked Salmon Salad[/caption]

Drizzled in creamy balsamic dressing and served with assorted lettuce. The presentation was really enticing and it kept me salivating. So when our Cioppino was served, I immediately attacked it and realized later on I wasn't able to take a photo of it.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Cioppino[/caption]

The tomato based seafood soup stain described how eager I was to down it. It was a bit sour but it was just right for my taste. Next on the menu was our main course that really hit the spot.

[caption id="attachment_723" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Grilled US Black Angus Beef Tenderloin & Grilled Tiger Prawns[/caption]

Grilled US Black Angus Beef Tenderloin that was really tender and flavorful. The creamy berlinoisse sauce complimented the tiger prawns very well and the mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables offered a relief from the rich flavors.

[caption id="attachment_724" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Wild Rice Risotto[/caption]

Filipino meals aren't complete without rice. So along with our main course, we also had risotto to go along with it. Must I say this was really delicious and I would highly recommend this dish. There was no guilt trip in my no rice diet because every grain was absolutely worth it especially in this dish.

Surprisingly the meal wasn't too heavy we had just enough room left for my favorite part of the meal.

[caption id="attachment_725" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Chocolate Coffee Crunch Souffle[/caption]

I immediately devoured this dessert, it had two of my guilty pleasure - coffee and chocolates. It was really smooth, creamy and it melts in your mouth too. With coffee to go with it, I could not ask for anything more.

But in the fellowship along with this sumptuous feast, we definitely had our fill of how life is supposed to be lived - in love,  in hopes, dreams and faith, and in fostering relationships. The Chef Jessie experience was able to make these all happen. :)

--------------------------------------

Chef Jessie at Rockwell Club

Makati City, Philippines

(+632) 8906543

website: http://www.chefjessie.com

Living with and for the risen Christ

Being raised in a Catholic family, in a Catholic school, and undergoing several theology courses (which I studiously read and researched about), I knew for a fact who Jesus was, his life in general and that Jesus died and was raised on the third day.

It was the same old story every Holy Week for me. But really, what does the risen Jesus mean to me or to my life?

Did it actually even mean anything to me? Why is that most of the time our lives are as if he were not alive? Why is it that we do not reflect the risen Jesus in us? Why are we still angry people, lonely people, anxious and frustrated people living routinary and dead-end lives?

This Holy Week was different to me. This year I was blessed to have attended a retreat, Live Like You Mean It, and also heard the service in CCF by Pastor Peter, Jesus and Pastor Bong's afternoon service.

Live Like You Mean It in a nutshell taught me how to Live passionately for God despite the many failures in life, God is our strength - our abilities are limitless. He is the perfect image of success as He rose from the dead. No one can ever measure to His victory and as children of God, we draw life and strength from our father to reach our fullest potential - to be Christlike in every way. He is our father who adds everything unto us as we seek Him first and accept Him in our hearts. (Matthew 6:33)

In the service, we are faced with the truth about Jesus Christ.

Knowing about Christ, we come to encounter 2 Christians:

1. Traditional Christians who go according to tradition yet fail to deliver when asked why they believe and what they believe in.

2. True Followers of Jesus who know Jesus, strive to know him sincerely and are ready to die for him.

How many of us can honestly say that we are ready to die for Christ?

As Pastor Peter says, unless we are ready to die for Jesus are we ready to live for Him.

We do not know how it is to live for Christ if we cannot give up our lives for Him.

TRUTH IS EXCLUSIVE.

There is an absolute TRUTH.

 I used to argue that truth is relative to  respect individuality. But if truth is relative than 2 + 2 can be 10 or 100.

We can tolerate but we have to acknowledge that there is truth and we should speak the truth in love. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. If you are not for him, then you are against him. There is no gray area. It's either you believe in Him or you don't. It matters because in the end it will be just you and Him, and Him knowing if you have lived your life for God.

Why should we follow Christ? How does he stand out from all the others?

His birth was unique - He was born of the Virgin Mary.

His teachings are unsurpassed - to love your enemies as yourself which is the highest moral standard.

His whole life was unique - He gave sight to the blind, He brought the dead to life, He walked on water among many others.

His death and His resurrection was unique - How many others out there have died and have rose again? How many others will tell about their own death and resurrection?

The difference of His life and death is that there was proof.

And many even until now are living witnesses to Jesus.

Many atheists like C.S. Lewis have brought their life to Christ. The greatest example in their time was Paul. He was the chief persecutor of Christians but when he met Christ, he chose to die for Him. Most of the New Testament books was written byPaul - the most evil, horrible person then who crucified Christians and stoned them to death. He had blood on his hands and yet the transforming power of Christ restored him and gave him a devoted commitment and a 180 degree change in his life.

1. Other proofs that Jesus lived was that many historians and hostile witnesses wrote about him. They acknowledged he existed in letters telling they wanted Christians killed because of "this Jesus Christ".

2. The Empty Tomb was proof that he died and rose again. Romans are the most discplined soldiers. For letting a prisoner escape means death to them. The tomb was sealed, waxed and guarded by soldiers. But no Pharisee, no King, no soldier, no collaborative might from the authorities can stop Jesus from rising again.

3. Women of that time weren't regarded as important. But it was written that the first witnesses of Jesus' resurrection were 2 women: Mary and Mary Magdalene. The latter was not just any woman, she was regarded lower than women because she was treated as unclean. Why write that women are witnesses? And an "unclean" woman at that was the first to testify?

4. Lives of the Disciples. Peter who declared to follow Jesus wherever he went shrunk away when asked if he knew Jesus Christ. Even denying him 3 times. But after the resurrection all were brave to face persecutions and even death. Nothing and no one can stop them from proclaiming that Jesus was alive.

5. Thomas. Doubting Thomas. If you knew him, you would know that he is very much like us. We need PROOF to know that something exists, very much like him. When he doesn't believe, it would take much to convince him. It would take long debates, senseless arguments. But once he saw Jesus and placed his hands in Jesus' wounds, he went all out for Him.

God appreciates an honest seeker, he knows your heart and will take the initiative to show that he is Lord like what he did with Thomas.

With all the proofs and the living witnesses of Christ, we know that Jesus rose again. We can hold on to his promise of the forgiveness of sins, victory over sin and an amazing future of eternal life. We can hold on to bible verses - His living word. We know that God is alive.

When you encounter Jesus, you can never be the same. Just look at how much people are transformed and are willing to die. How unbelievers turned to become committed followers. How much wisdom the people we thought foolish possesses. How much strength we thought people who are weak have. Life is never the same.

What is the difference of our faith?

Christianity is never afraid. It is not afraid to be scrutinized, it can be studied and investigated, its proofs are piling up and the truth remains. As you study further, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. You can never truly study  or know Christ and come out the same person.

I used to rush into arguments when something about my faith is being doubted by others. But I never really knew Christ then. I was afraid to pick up my Bible and confirm what is true. I was lazy and trusted whatever my professors / priests taught me.

But the moment I started reading and started having a relationship with God, I appreciated more what they taught me and it has been the most enjoyable and experiential theology I have ever had.

Knowing and seeing proof that Christ alive begs my first question then,

What does it mean then to live for Christ?

We have been dead. Living a tired, frustrated, angry, lonely, miserable and meaningless life. But all these cause of sins have been nailed to the cross and have died with Jesus Christ. Because he paid for our sins, we are a new creation and we are resurrected to a new life in Christ if we accept this gift from God. An abundant life awaits our sincere acceptance of this truth.

Seeing the proofs that He has resurrected, we can live for Christ and hold on to His promise that He shall be back again. Our love and service for Christ and for others will never be in vain, because we claim in the proof that he lives. (1 Cor 15:58)

If we truly know Him, we will love and serve Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Or else we can choose to remain living a lukewarm, shallow Christian life and be deprived of a meaningful, abundant, and worry-free life with Christ.

You may choose to continue living an empty life, work for your salvation or you can start resting in the power and strength of Jesus Christ.

Life has never been the same for me when I knew Him. As my friend once reminded me, God did not promise life with Him would be easy, but that He would be there for me and deliver me. I hold on to His promise that life with Him is more abundant, more meaningful and filled with love than I have ever imagined it could be. :)

Loving without Limits

Someone once told me, when you love, you love. There is no degree to loving.

Leo Tolstoy defined love with this:

“Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love. Everything is united by it alone. Love is God, and to die means that I, a particle of love, shall return to the general and eternal source.”

But what is love really? We often use it carelessly - a word so full and deep lost of its true meaning.

Defining love cannot be separated with how you love.  It is a conscious and a total effort of giving in one self to the beloved. Last Sunday, we were shown how to love the real way in How's Your Love Life? and Loving God Passionately in CCF service.

Everything begins with love and what we love takes hold of our life. If we love God then, then we know He holds our life. He directs our being in our daily living.

But how do we say we love Him? Is it just a mere acknowledgment that we do? A mere escape from the lips and an empty public declaration?

Loving God and even just simply loving includes a total involvement of the heart, soul, mind and strength. It is giving our best because we are enjoying the gift from the Lord.

In Luke 10:27 it is said,

He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; ...

How does it mean to love God with all our heart?

Loving God with all our heart means surrendering even our emotions to God. We love Him in our own self, our own personalities, our reasoning. But our focus is on Him, not on us. We just simply love him the way we love. The way we make time for our beloved, our family members, our friends. It is a commitment of the heart. Putting Him first above everything. Dropping everything to be with Him the moment He calls you. Fearing to break His heart and disobeying His will.

As Bob Pierce of World Vision said, "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God." It's the ultimate love that binds, that is courageous to stand up for your beloved, and hurt with things that hurt him.

Loving God with all our  soul...

Means valuing God above everything even in sin. It is dying to your sin and the temptation to sin every day of your life. It is denying the lust of the eyes, flesh and the pride of life. To what extent are you willing to suffer for your beloved?

More importantly it is also this...

At this point, who or what is your LIFE?

 Are you willing to give it up for God?

Loving God will all your soul is the union of loving God with our personality and everything that "gives us life and breath" in this world.

The people who inspire you, the thing that motivates you, you give to God. He or She is God's. Your work, your family is God's. Everything is God's. Giving all these up for Him is a sign of total commitment to God - of how much you love Him with your soul. Placing Him above your family, your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, children, work, and passions.

Loving God with all your MIND...

When you love God with your mind, you love Him in truth. Sometimes people use the term "God's will" as an expression to justify situations and even their actions, however they do not consult His will.

How do we know of His will? God has provided us with His word to know what is true and what is right.

Loving God with your mind is aligning of what we know is TRUE to what TRUTH really is. There is a constant truth, one that doesn't change through time and goes across cultures and different upbringings. This is the truth of Scriptures.

It is also consulting God and viewing things from His perspective as we make decisions. The way to know His perspective is to constantly fill ourselves with His word. The more we are exposed to Him, the more like-minded we become with Him.

It is understanding His love for us by loving our neighbors. Imagine loving someone who wronged you.  That is how fully encompassing God's love is for us. That's what we are called to do - to love without limits, without choosing who to love.

Loving God with all your STRENGTH...

Is devoting to glorify Him with every breath of our lives.  God gave his 100% for us to love Him 100%. We are capable and complete to love and be loved back.

It also means giving back to God entirely. Not half-baked, not half-full. It is wanting to make ourselves useful for God. The greatest kings in the Bible did not desire significance, they were after working for God. Why?

It simply is because we are so grateful of his blessings, we enjoy it so much and we want to give Him the best. Like when someone gives you a gift when you don't expect it, you feel like  you cannot thank that person enough and you are willing to return the blessing you received. Or when someone has forgiven you when you did not deserve it.

That's what God's grace does to you. It is an undeserved gift, an unmerited favor and thus we cannot help but give Him our all.

It is a mistake to think that we are not enough or that we are weak to give this 100% of ourselves.

God is telling us, "Don't think about your weakness, but think about my strength."

"In your weakness... I am strong" 2cor 12:11

God will again help us pull through to love him 100%.

----------------------

Loving God passionately is to depend on Jesus totally. It is obeying him even if it is not easy for us but because we know it is right.

The moment we love God begins the moment we can love everything the right way :)

Pipino: Indulging in a guilt-free (and a major withdrawal) green lunch

Go green. go organic. go vegan.

Okay so maybe I was too engrossed with the go green campaign I've been working on for 2 weeks now and it's been haunting me everywhere!

And the culmination of those 2 weeks was... Pipino! (it couldn't get any greener than this)

Last Saturday we found ourselves in a cozy vegetarian restaurant in Malinap Street, Teachers Village. It housed 2 restaurants where Pino served "normal food" and Pipino, well for the health enthusiasts. A few minutes after I took this photo, people piled in and minutes after Pipino was packed!

With the place filled up, I was excited to see if Pipino was really as promising as it looked. I wondered how they would create their dishes and if it could measure up to Greens which was the first vegan restaurant I've tried.

[caption id="attachment_685" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino"][/caption]

Good thing we just ordered one Pipino special iced tea. At only Php35, their serving was huge and their blend was refreshing too. Its mix reminded me of carrots.

[caption id="attachment_686" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Pipino Iced Tea (Php35)"][/caption]

Then we had the Fresh Vegetable Lumpia which tasted normal too. I've had better though but by far this was the best part of my Pipino dining experience next to their iced tea.

[caption id="attachment_689" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Fresh Vegetable Lumpia (Php120)"][/caption]

They used an egg-less crepe which had quite an interesting texture to it and it was a bit chewy too. Topped with peanut sauce, toasted seaweed and fresh garlic. It was also served with crispy rice noodles that I enjoyed nibbling on. (There was not a pinch of saltiness in it, mind you)

My choice of greens was Pipino's Garden Burger. The "pattie" was Carrot Bacon in Chili-Garlic Sauce on Whole Wheat Bun, served with Kamote (Sweet Potato) Fries.

[caption id="attachment_691" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Garden Burger (Php155)"][/caption]

Did I enjoy it? I wanted to run to the nearest Mcdonalds. I hate to admit it but I'm a fastfood / junkfood junkie. The moment I had a bite of the pattie, I wanted to run into the arms (if it had any) of a quarter pounder or a double cheeseburger.

[caption id="attachment_692" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="The carrot-bacon pattie"][/caption]

Don't get me wrong, it might have worked for those on a Vegan diet. It was guilt-free alright but I was suffering from major withdrawal after.

Jason's choice was Squash Risotto. It had Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Vegan Sausage, Cashew Cheese Nugget and it was peppered with Fresh Ginger.

[caption id="attachment_693" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Squash Risotto (Php220)"][/caption]

It looked pretty appetizing. But as Jason had a spoonful of it, I couldn't paint the expression on his face. When I had a bite of it, well... it wasn't so cruel. You really have to get used to the taste. At first it was a bit difficult to swallow. The rice was sticky and soggy, (thanks to the ginger, I could imagine myself having Hainanese Chicken with it) and it was really hard to appreciate. The Vegan Sausage was  okay though and the Cashew Cheese Nugget. But if you eat them together with the rice, the latter's taste would overwhelm the former.

It also had an aftertaste of garlic sauce so I pretty much imagined myself chowing down on shawarma / kebab.

At that point I was thinking of children being forced to eat their greens where mom would say "Mmmmmm...." to stimulate the poor kid's appetite after feeding the kid a spoonful of ampalaya.

I'm not cut out for this diet really. I could only fool myself into a green and healthy lifestyle for an hour or two. But on the other hand, I lasted a week living only on broccoli and cauliflower.

I hope though their quite normal counterpart (Pino) is a lot better than this. After that guilt-free lunch, I'm sorry but I had to rush to the nearest Dairy Queen (in Katipunan) to reward my major craving. I had their Oreo Cheesecake, as Oreo is their featured flavor of the month and dare I say, it was the highlight of my green day. :)

-------------------------------

Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino

 2F 39 Malinap Street, Teachers Village

Quezon City, Philippines

Dairy Queen

Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

Philippines