jin loves to eat

Cheryl Tiu and Gaggan Anand

When Cross Cultures brought Gaggan to Manila, it was not only for the sensational 15-course dinner collaboration with Chele Gonzalez of Gallery Vask (read about it here), but also to hold a cooking demo of a few of his most popular dishes.

The event was held at the Gaggenau Kitchen

With the early excited birds Alicia Sy, Cheryl Tiu, and Erwin Romulo

Gaggan was such a riot on stage. He entertained everyone not only with his techniques,

but also his funny jokes.

I am not going into details, but he made these white, egg-shaped pops using only

yogurt, water, and carrageenan.

"Yogurt Explosion"

According to Gaggan, you can make other "explosions" using the same method as long as

there is calcium and carrageenan in the mix.

"Nut Bag"

Crushed nuts in an edible plastic bag. The first time I had this at Gaggan Restaurant in Bangkok,

I was too excited I tore open the bag and dumped the contents into my hungry mouth before the

server had a chance to explain. Lol. I ate the plastic after he left, but it was such a weird experience.

So yay for second chances, the plastic actually tasted much better with the nuts! Hahaha!

The next dish was tempura coated in charcoal batter. Dip, fry, strain, repeat.

"Charcoal"

Inside was our local maya maya mixed with Indian spices. So tasty!

The last, but definitely the funnest to make, was the dessert. Gaggan combined cream and

Philippine mangoes and injected the mixture into a party balloon, dipped the balloon in

liquid nitrogen to freeze it, and carefully peeled off the rubber, and ta-da!!!

"Mango Snowball"

Enjoyed the demo with my studious seatmate Nicole Ortega, who was diligently taking down

notes during class :)

Cyrene de la Rosa and Pepper Teehankee

So happy to see Gaggan again my eyes totally disappeared! Lol!

Congratulations to the Cross Cultures, Gaggan, Gallery Vask and Gaggenau teams

for a very fun and educational afternoon!

To know about future Cross Culture events, email crossculturesbycheryltiu@gmail.com.

Cross Cultures Facebook

Cross Cultures Instagram

Many of you have been requesting (some even demanding!) me to share my Spain trip here on the blog. Well, good news! I am finally doing it... after 6 months. Hahaha! Thank you so much for your unwavering patience! :P

As most of you know, this blog is really an online diary for me rather than a food and restaurant review site. I write about my meals with family and friends, my travels, random thoughts and musings, meals at home, new discoveries, things I love, things I believe most of you will also love, funnies, and really just anything under the sun. I may or may not go into detail, I may jump from one city to another, from last week's event to two years ago, depending on the mood I'm in. Please bear with me.

I will try my best to do the Spain posts as chronologically as possible, starting with the plane ride. Because every trip begins with getting on the aircraft, and because I love inflight meals.

It was my first time to fly Qatar Airways and I absolutely loved the experience.

Seats were wide enough and bottled water was within reach

Compartments to store your things. It was perfect for my phone, camera, and little snacks.

May be trivial, but I like the colors on the screen :)

Toiletries by Giorgio Armani and Rituals

Leg room

The menu is a la carte, meaning you can order any or all of the above

and have them any time you want during the flight

Lighter options available, too

Amuse bouche

Bread and butter

Pimiento and roasted artichoke cream soup with mushrooms and asparagus

Braised lamb with herbed potato, cherry tomatoes, beetroot, asparagus, and tomato oil

Cheese platter

Seasonal fresh fruits and Godiva chocolates

Well, the flight attendant said I could have as many as I want! Lol!

While enjoying my chocolates, I watched a show featuring top Barcelona restaurants

Seafood paella at Set Portes, which was included in my eat-inerary. Yay.

Tickets!!! One of the very first restaurants I booked for the trip.

This got me more and more excited, I had to force myself to sleep to contain my emotions.

The chair reclines all the way and I was in dreamland in no time

Hello, Doha International Airport!

The world-class airport left me quite impressed. I wouldn't mind long layovers here,

there is something to keep everyone busy

Recreational area for children:

Apple playground for adults:

Shops and restaurants:

Bought these yummy dates to munch on during the next leg of the flight

After exploring the rest of the airport, I only had a little time left before boarding so I decided to wait for my return flight to check out the bigger business lounge. It was amazing, by the way. Wait for that post!

I went instead to the smaller lounge

Which was still bigger than many of the lounges we have in NAIA

It was full house but everything was orderly

Food trays were always quickly replenished. A service staff was actually waiting for

me to finish taking this photo so he could refill the empty spots.

Everything in this area was so delicious!!!

I know because I took a little of everything

And then some more

The most photographed subject in Doha Airport is this $6.8-million teddy bear installation by

Urs Fischer. It used to be displayed in front of Seagram Building on Park Avenue in New York

until the sculpture was bought at an auction by a member of Qatar's royal family.

I decided to sleep more and go easy on food during the flight from Doha to Madrid.

Mushroom and rice fritter with chili and garlic sauce

Bircher muesli

Laduree Vendome, a chocolate and blackberry tea mousse on dark chocolate biscuit

with blackberry confit

Before landing, a last hurrah of chicken and potato rosti with sambhar, wilted spinach,

baby corn, and coriander creme fraiche

Hello, Madrid!!!

Obviously, I had gained a few pounds already even before I reached my destination.

#StoryOfMyLife

Qatar Airways Website

It was a breeze going to Atocha Train Station from Madrid Airport. I boarded the airport express bus right outside the terminal, and after 5 euros and 30 minutes, I was already on the escalators going down to the station.

The lady behind me with black shawl over her head tried to reach into my pocket on the way down. I snapped at her and she backed off immediately. Be alert, you guys!

I was three hours early for my train to Seville so I decided to do a quick trip to San Gines for some churros con chocolate. (More on that in a separate post.) On my way to the lockers, this view greeted me.

Yes, there is a tropical garden in the middle of Atocha Station!

(If you do need to store your luggage, the lockers are located all the way to the end of this hall.)

With turtles, too!

Hundreds and hundreds of them!

Turtles symbolize good luck, stability, and longevity, and it was a good omen

to see so many of them at the very start of my trip.

Of course, I needed to have a photo taken for posterity. :)

It was, indeed, a very fun, fulfilling, eye-opening, unforgettable holiday for me.

And no more sneaky ladies trying to steal from me.

The train ride on AVE was the smoothest ever. My cabin was quiet and the seats comfortable.

Complimentary earphones in case you wanted to listen to music

I used the 2.5-hour ride to review my 10-page back-to-back itinerary

And to just soak in the beautiful views of the Spanish countryside

Hola, Sevilla!!!

My first stop in all of Spain is Chocolateria San Gines, probably the oldest and most popular

place for churros con chocolate in Madrid

I had a couple of hours before my train to Seville so I sprinted from Atocha Station to the

chocolateria as soon as I stored my luggage in the locker. It was a good 20 minutes of

brisk walk each way. I was that determined.

A mural with the famous Spanish novelist Benito Perez Galdos. This must be his favorite place.

Chocolateria San Gines is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There was already

a line forming when I got there at 10am

The line moved pretty fast. Before I knew it, I was already inside.

Photographs of famous customers covered the walls

You place your order and pay at the counter

Within seconds, you get your churros con chocolate

The churros were fresh from the fryer, golden and crisp

The chocolate, however, was a letdown for me. I expected it to be so much more - richer, darker,

more decadent. The flavor was bland, like it was one part chocolate and four parts something else.

Dear tourists, you can find better churros con chocolate at Valor

Still, I guess it is something one must do when in Madrid,

just to say you've been there, done that.

TIP: MANAGE EXPECTATIONS

Best part about my trip to Chocolateria San Gines was passing through Plaza Mayor

Must not let this photo op pass!

Chocolateria San Gines: Pasadizo San Ginés, 5, Madrid, Spain

Tel: +34 913 65 65 46

Chocolateria San Gines Website

It didn't take me a long time to decide on a place to stay in Seville. When I saw photos of the rooms at Hotel Casa 1800, my heart was set. I made the booking immediately.

The cab dropped me off a few steps away from the hotel because the street leading to it was for

pedestrians only. This photo was taken from where I got off the car. It was a mere 15-second walk

while dragging my luggage.

Right beside the hotel is a popular tapas bar. Bodega Santa Cruz was always full whenever

I walked past it in the morning and on my way back at night. The hotel concierge did not

highly recommend it though, so I happily stuck to the restaurants in my itinerary.

Hotel Casa 1800 was a mansion-palace before it was converted into a four-star hotel

Reception area

Central courtyard

Everywhere you look it was oozing with charm

Piano, candelabra, sculpture of an unnamed man

Antique elevator

Hallway to the rooms

Details

My room was filled with splendor of the past and I fell in love with it almost immediately.

Being here made me feel like a medieval princess. I appreciate all things modern,

but deep inside I am truly a very old soul.

So much character

The TV totally did not belong there

Complimentary coffee and tea

Wooden dresser

Closet, safe, mini fridge

Chandelier

Bathroom

Toiletries

Toilet with bidet

Monogrammed towels

Also the slippers

My bedroom looked out to the central courtyard

And I loved how the sound of people having breakfast woke me up

in the mornings

I did not avail of the breakfast package, but the spread looked like this

Cold cuts, cheeses, fresh fruits and dried fruits

Breads, pastries and cereals

Nespresso coffee, tea, hot chocolate, other instant drinks. It was also a nice surprise to see
cup noodles, soybean milk, and Japanese crackers!

I took so many bottles of water from this fridge, there was no need to buy

for the duration of my stay. People who know me know I drink A LOT.

Everyday between 4-6pm, there is complimentary afternoon tea for hotel guests.

Donuts, pastries, cereals, palmiers

Fruits and fruit juices

I had a donut and coffee snack one afternoon when I went back

to the hotel for a quick toilet break.

Hotel Casa 1800 is very centrally located. I walked everywhere and never had to take public transport while exploring the city.

Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla at night

From the corner you can already see the Cathedral and its famous bell tower, La Giralda

Every night I would stay a few minutes in this plaza before walking back to the hotel,
just marveling in the beauty of Seville.

This capital of the Andalusian region is my favorite city in all of Spain. ♥

Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla: Rodrigo Caro 6, Seville, Spain
Tel: (34) 954 56 1800

Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla Website

After dropping off my bags at Hotel Casa 1800 following a long-haul flight from Manila and a train ride from Madrid (with a quick stop at Chocolateria San Ginés for some churros con chocolate), I literally ran to conTenedor to make it to my 4 p.m. lunch reservation.

When you see this beautiful building, the restaurant is right across

ConTenedor is a slow food restaurant, meaning you will be eating good, clean, and fair food

while supporting sustainability and harmony with nature.

A friendly server led me through the bright, colorful, quirky restaurant and seated me

at a table with Tiffany blue paint.

Pots and pans hanging from the ceiling

The restaurant is always full so be sure to book ahead

Colorful and dreamy paintings like this line the walls

Wine list

Olives, bread, and my vino blanco Perfum

Ordering was a breeze as I already knew what I wanted. I pointed to two items on
the handwritten chalkboard. It was my first time in Spain, but I understood clearly
what I needed to survive. At that moment, it was tartar de salmon con mango,
aguacate y ajoblanco de anacardos, and arroz negro crujiente de calamar y alioli.

Tartar de salmon con mango

The salmon mango tartare was incredibly fresh and sat on an irresistible almond and garlic cream, topped with crisp, peppery arugula. I finished this in no time and used the bread to mop up

every last drop of the ajoblanco.

I cleaned it up some more after this shot

Arroz negro crujiente de calamar y alioli

The flavorful squid ink rice had crispy bits of grains in it, crowned with tender calamari strips.

My poor stomach was ready to explode after the arroz negra,

but I saw the magic word when my server handed me the dessert menu:

TIRAMISU

The sweet mascarpone was as heavenly as it looked. I had absolutely no regrets polishing

off the whole plate.

It was a perfect first meal that kept me full and satisfied throughout the most intense and

passionate flamenco performance I enjoyed that evening (see post here)

Damage

I LOVE conTenedor and will make it my first meal again when

I'm back in Seville

Warning: The restroom is very, very red

Happy Halloween! :P

conTenedor: Calle San Luis, 50, Seville, Spain
Tel: +34 954916333

conTenedor Facebook Page

I was ready to book a ticket to one of the bigger flamenco shows, but my hotel concierge

suggested Museo del Baile Flamenco. I am glad I went with his recommendation.

Museo del Baile Flamenco is the brainchild of the famous flamenco dancer Cristina Hoyos.

Inside the 18th-century palace is a museum (which I missed) and a courtyard where they hold

nightly flamenco shows (which I absolutely enjoyed!)

I arrived a little early and was able to watch an ongoing flamenco class

Freshen up in the restroom hehehe...

And check out the gift shop that sold everything flamenco

Get a drink at Bar Ole before the show starts

My sangria

I asked the guys at the bar where the best seat was and they pointed to the elevated section

to the left of the stage. I took the seat next to the guy in pink.

I love the intimate set up and the passion and energy that emanated across the room.

The dancers were twirling, singing, shouting, and stomping. Sweat was flying everywhere.

It was the most intense performance I had ever seen.

What an exhilarating, electrifying performance! Next time I will go earlier to reserve a front row seat and I will keep my phone and camera inside my bag.

I highly recommend you add this to your Seville itinerary!

Museo del Baile Flamenco: Calle Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3, Seville, Spain
Tel: +34954340311

Museo del Baile Flamenco Website

The Seville Cathedral or Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is one of the must-visits in Seville. The massive UNESCO World Heritage Site took over a century to build (1402-1506!!!) and is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the third largest church, next only to Saint Peter's in Vatican and Saint Paul's in London.

Seville Cathedral

Outside the cathedral were several horse-drawn carriages waiting to take visitors around the city

I couldn't resist doing the touristy bit and hopped on the very first one I saw. Hahaha!

One of the drivers offered to take my photos for souvenir and snapped away while running around

after us. What a nice gentleman! But this was the only clear shot out of 15 or so blurry ones. Lol.

Anyway, back to the Cathedral.

While drawing up the construction plans, it was said that the members of the cathedral declared, "Hagamos una iglesia tan hermosa y tan grandiosa que los que la vieren labrada nos tengan por locos." (Let us build a church so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it finished will think we are mad).

And succeeded, they did.

After its completion in 1506, the Seville Cathedral replaced Hagia Sophia in Istanbul as the

largest cathedral in the world.

The central nave rises to an awe-inspiring 42 meters

Inside the cathedral are 80 chapels, some even larger than actual churches

It is also the burial site of Christopher Columbus. The tomb of the great explorer is

carried by four men representing the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon and Navarra.

Next to the Cathedral is its bell tower, Giralda.

The Giralda stands 343 feet tall and, YES, I climbed all the way to the top!!!

Lovers inscriptions everywhere

The bell chamber

I walked 35 inclining ramps to get up here so I needed a photo to prove it!

Here's a dorky one with me on tiptoes because the lady who took the

picture was having a hard time fitting me and the bells in one frame.

The views from up were breathtaking

The Giralda is one of the most important symbols of Seville and I urge you to get your butts up here.

I promise you it's worth it.

One last selfie before I worked my way down

At the end of the staircase was… LUNCH! :D

Seville Cathedral: Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, Seville, Spain
Catedral de Sevilla Website

The Alcazar is the Royal Palace in Seville, and what an absolutely amazing place it is!

I highly recommend you book your tickets in advance because if not, this can happen:

Look at the lines at The Lion's Gate!
Good thing I am Miss OC who books everything in advance. I showed my printed confirmation
to the staff and breezed right through. TIP: Book everything online (all admission tickets,
show tickets, train tickets, etc) weeks before the trip and it will save you A LOT of time.

I spent a very enjoyable morning getting lost inside the palace grounds, taking in the incredible Moorish architecture, the rich history, the nature, the artistry.

Every corner, everywhere you look is so photogenic!

House of Trade

The Courtyard of the Maidens

The palace walls are covered in the most beautiful colors and textures I have ever seen. It is in Seville's Alcazar that I first fell in love with tiles.

This staircase leading to the Upper Palace is the most important one in the palace grounds.

It was built in the 16th century under the reign of Philip II and the tiles are exact replicas of

the originals found in Madre de Dios Convent in Seville.

I paid a little extra to see the Cuarto Alto Real or Upper Royal Apartments where the royal family resides up to this day. I suggest you do, too, and book early because tickets for this tour sell out VERY FAST.

Bags were stored in the lockers and photography was not allowed inside, so sorry, no pictures.

Next to the Royal Apartments was an exhibition of Triana tiles and tablewares.

I spent so much time in here drooling at all the beautifully imperfect, broken, restored pieces of art.

Each and every piece was so unique and special!

It was already noon when I breathed fresh air again and continued exploring the palace grounds. I lost my map at this point and was just wandering around, not knowing which courtyard or grand hall I was in. Hahaha.

I stumbled upon this beautiful hallway, probably my favorite area in the Alcazar.

The Hall of Carlos V with its vaulted ceilings is decorated with tapestries and the

happiest-looking ceramic tiles.

Like sunshine on a cloudy day! :P

I sat at this bench for quite some time, just people-watching and admiring the gardens below

I can't tell you enough how much I love Seville - its people, its culture, its food, its colorful tiles...

… and the smell of its oranges and orange trees

I would have stayed longer if my stomach had not been grouchily reminding me that it was already lunchtime. Next time I will spend more time exploring the magnificent gardens.

I SUPER LOVE SEVILLE!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Alcazar of Seville: Patio de Banderas, s/n, Sevilla, Spain

Tel: +34 954 50 23 24

Alcazar of Seville Website

I know I said I love Seville. I love everything about Seville EXCEPT 1:00pm lunches.

Why so late???

I was starving after spending the morning touring the Cathedral and Alcazar that I sort of freaked out when I arrived at Azotea at 1:15pm and saw that the restaurant was not yet ready for me.

The staff was still setting up, but this lady was nice enough to offer me a plate of...

Olives and carrot.

I must have looked awfully hungry.

I enjoyed a nice glass of white while waiting for the kitchen to open

After a short while, the lady led me to my seat at the bar. Finally!!!

Bread basket

I wanted to order EVERYTHING on the menu, but the server insisted I pick

three items only. She was afraid I would not be able to finish the food and

promised me she would let me have some more after I finish my initial orders.

Homemade foie gras served with soy crunchies, spiced bread, and the orange jam

that Seville is most famous for

Just educating you on the correct foie to toast proportion :P

Spanish potato salad with smoked fish and capers

Octopus on potato puree

All three were soooo good I wiped out my first batch in no time.

My server was absolutely speechless yet delighted, and happily recommended

two more dishes and a glass of red wine to fill up my SUPERSTOMACH.

As you can see, the foie was gone at this point. I am not kidding, I inhaled the thing.

When in Spain, drink Spanish wine!

Rice paper triangles stuffed with langoustine, cheese and leeks

Iberian pork cheek in red wine sauce topped with goat cheese gratin. The meat was extremely

tender and so rich in flavor I actually thought the server mistakenly served me beef!

All plates were wiped clean 10 minutes after this photo.

I highly recommend all five dishes I ordered. The triangles were a bit heavy

though, so if you do not possess my superpowers, I suggest you go for

something lighter, like the salmon tartare which the server said was delicioso.

This is why I love eating in Spain. 5 delectable dishes and 2 glasses of wine for only 30 euros.

Believe me I've paid more for many a mediocre meal in Manila.

Cool mirror frame using…

Wine corks!

La Azotea: Calle Mateos Gago, 8, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

Tel: +34 954 21 58 78

There are other Azotea branches around Seville. This one on Calle Mateos Gago is just a 1-minute walk from my hotel, Casa 1800 Sevilla.

La Azotea Website

Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, November 19, 2015

Tasting Excellence at The Tasting Room

A very rare four hands dinner by Chefs Mauro Colagreco and William Mahi

I didn’t know what to expect from the Argentinian-born Italian-Spanish chef who proudly claims he is Basque, honed his skills in France, first under Bernard Loiseau at Côte d’Or in Saulieu, and then under Alain Passard at L’Arpege in Paris.

I only knew Chef Mauro Colagreco was awarded his first Michelin star just 10 months after he opened Mirazur in Menton on the French Riviera, and was named “Chef of the Year” by the Gault Millau guide not long after. His second Michelin star came in 2012, along with the 24th ranking in San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Mirazur is presently the 11th best in the world and the number one in France.

I suspected the chef must be very, very good. But nothing could have prepared me for the excellence I experienced in every single dish he served at the Tasting Room.

Amuse bouche of bacon chip, truffle goat cheese with bacon crisp,

cepes jelly, and foie gras lollipop

My first spoonful of his corn textura, none of the stars and accolades mattered anymore. To me, Mauro Colagreco was simply my newest favorite chef. I still dream about that bowl of sweet corn with farofa chips, polenta, freshly shaved truffles, and a surprise egg yolk confit hiding under the delicious mess. Its gooeyness added another dimension to the airy, creamy, crispy party going on in my mouth. It was sublime.

Corn Textura

Surprise egg yolk inside

Dom Perignon 2004

And then came the visually stunning plate of wild salmon trout, French mussels, sea urchin espuma, oyster leaves, salmon roe, lemon, and lime zest. Eaten together, it was all the salty, briny, sweet goodness of the sea.

Wild Salmon Trout

Louis Jadot Meursault 2013

It was not my first time to enjoy the cookery of Chef William Mahi, I had relished a great number of his dishes before this dinner, and I knew I was in very capable hands. The chef de cuisine of The Tasting Room after all boasts 19 impressive years of culinary experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, Lyon, Beirut, Shanghai, and Istanbul. He was awarded Best Apprentice of France in 1998, Running Chef of the Year in China for 2011, and Best Hotel Restaurant in Turkey for 2012. Before coming to Manila, he earned two Michelin stars as chef de cuisine for Spondi in Athens.

I never had fish like the pagre in our next course. I don’t know how a piece of sea bream prepared in the simplest way could taste so luscious, but apparently, Chef Mauro has mastered the skill. The meat was pristine and moist, and served with a side of intoxicating black garlic puree, sweet lily bulb, a single stalk of charred leek, and a special béarnaise made with licorice. I noticed the chef’s use of very few elements in his dishes, giving focus on bringing out each ingredient’s flavor. What a painfully simple yet incredibly exquisite plate!

Pagre

Perfectly moist and pristine

Catena Alta Chardonnay 2010

Not to be outdone was the milk-fed veal filet that followed. Impossibly tender, clean-tasting, and pink but nary a trace of blood, the generous portion of meat was as warm and comforting as a giant bear hug. The purple artichoke on artichoke puree and bagna cauda were beautiful accompaniments to quite possibly the best piece of veal I’ve ever had.

Veal Filet

As tender as a newborn baby!

Michelle Chiarlo Barolo Cerequio 2009

Chef William’s lollipops were an absolute delight! The ball of passion fruit and mango sorbet gave my palate a refreshing cleanse, and the lemon sorbet made me beg for more.

Lollipop

Dessert was called Naranjo en Flor or “orange blossom” in Spanish. Tangy orange sorbet tamed by a nutty almond milk espuma, and made more exciting with the crunch of the nuts. Taken together with the slight bitterness of saffron cream and sweet and crisp broken crystalline pieces, it was a fresh, light, and fantastic ending to an incredible dinner.

Naranjo en Flor

Antinori Muffato della Sala 2008

It was evident how chefs Mauro and William share the same principles in the kitchen, championing quality ingredients and preferring not to do too much to the food to celebrate its true flavors. The result is a confident, genuine, fresh, and delectable cuisine that reflects the qualities I admire most in the two chefs—warm, unassuming, and earnest.

With Chefs Mauro Colagreco and William Mahi

Before leaving the restaurant that evening, I wanted to personally thank Mauro again for the incredible experience, but was told he had already retired to his room to spend time with his son Valentine. Now on my bucket list: Mirazur in Menton, France.

Until then, I am most happy to enjoy exquisite dinners by Chef William at The Tasting Room.

The Tasting Room is located at Crown Towers, City of Dreams Manila, Aseana corner Macapagal Avenue.
Tel: 02 800-8080

City of Dreams Manila Website

City of Dreams Manila Facebook

City of Dreams Manila Instagram

The Hospital de los Venerables is a 17th century Baroque mansion once used as a residence of aging priests.

If you have a little time to spare, I suggest making a quick visit.

The courtyard is so serene

I had the place all to myself and hung out in one of these benches for a while,

listening to the audio guide that came with my ticket

Beautiful tile work

More incredible tiles

Honestly, there is really not much to see at the hospital except a few Velasquez paintings

And a lot of textures

But I strongly suggest you come because this space holds one of the most beautiful churches

I have ever seen

Be prepared to look up a lot as I did

The details are exquisite

So much magnificence and ornate religious artworks

Just being inside the chapel filled my heart with peace, calm, and so much gratitude

This place is a hidden gem in Seville and I suggest you include it in your itinerary.

Be prepared to be overwhelmed.

Thank you, Jesus, for replenishing my soul

Hospital de los Venerables: Plaza de los Venerables 8, 41004 Seville, Spain
Tel: +34 95 456 26 96

Casa Morales on the quiet street of Garcia de Vinuesa has been around for 165 years

and is dearly loved by the Sevillanos

The crowd at the tapas bar when I arrived at 10pm

Dusty bottles on the shelves and jamon hanging from the ceiling. I loved the place instantly.

Blackboard menu

I wasn't very hungry and merely wanted some tapas in my tummy before I go to bed (I was in Spain, after all!) so I asked my server to give me three of his favorite things from the menu.

Jamon de Bellota

Salchichas al Vino Blanco

Chipirones en su Tinta

Baby squid stuffings. Yum!

I was still bitin so I ordered a plate of Queso Viejo de Zamora

It was a very good meal.

He also recommended a glass of Pago de los Capellanes to go with my dinner.

This was the most expensive item in my bill - a whopping 4 euros!!! Hahaha!

When in Seville, take advantage of the very reasonable prices. Eat and drink more!

Total damage

I can eat like this everyday

Don't forget to check out the back of the restaurant where large sherry and wine vats line the walls.

So much character!

Casa Morales: Calle Garcia de Vinuesa 11, Seville, Spain
Tel: 954 22 12 42

I AM SOOOOO HAPPY THAT ON WEEKENDS, AZOTEA OPENS FOR BREAKFAST!!!

Remember when I almost starved to death on a weekday lunch? Lol. Read about it here.

A good morning, indeed!

I was surprised to see many Spanish people up and about at 9:30am

Breakfast menu

All my mornings in Spain started with cafe con leche

And whenever I see it, Jamon de Bellota Tostada

Out of nowhere, a kind-looking gentleman came up to me and offered me a drink.

Don't worry, Mom, it was just olive oil. Hahaha!

He also poured a generous amount on my tostada, saying it was the best olive oil in the world

Then he asked if he could join me for breakfast. He asked about my trip, where I was from,

where I was going, if I wanted to meet up in Barcelona, etc. etc. And then he gave me his number.

Turned out he was the sales manager of the olive oil brand! Wahahahaha!!!

As soon as he left, I tried the other olive oil brand offered in the restaurant.

It was good, but he was right. Finca la Tore was better.
But definitely not the best I've had in the world. :P

Love my friendly server at Azotea. She can attest to how much I can eat!

La Azotea: Calle Mateos Gago, 8, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

Tel: +34 954 21 58 78

There are other Azotea branches around Seville. This one on Calle Mateos Gago is just a 1-minute walk from my hotel, Casa 1800 Sevilla.

La Azotea Website

Everybody needs a perfect cup of flat white sometimes, and I am thrilled to know that I do not

have to travel all the way to Eastwood because Costa Coffee now has a branch in BGC.

It was as warm as the wall promised it would be

The place was set up for the masterclass to be conducted by Costa Coffee's Master Taster

The man himself, Gennaro Pellicia, who flew in all the way from London for this special event.

Gennaro started working as a barista at Costa Coffee when he was still studying, and has been

with the company for 25 years now. His eyes twinkled every time he spoke about coffee.

I saw a man truly in love with his craft.

And THAT hanging from his mouth is THE MOST EXPENSIVE TONGUE IN THE WORLD.

Yes, Gennaro's tongue was insured for a whopping £10 million, or approximately Php 722 million,

with Lloyd's of London!!!

Just to let you know, his tongue beat the following celebrity organs:

Dolly Parton's bosom $600,000
Rihanna's legs $1,000,000
Keith Richard's hands $1,000,000
Madonna's breasts $2,000,000
Heidi Klum's legs $2,000,000
Tina Turner's legs $3,200,000
Kylie Minogue's buttocks $5,000,000
Bruce Springsteen's vocal chords $6,000,000
Daniel Craig's body $9,500,000

I really don't care about all the others, but if this guy's tongue is worth more than James Bond's whole body, I MUST PAY ATTENTION.

Coffee cupping essentials

Inside the box was a spoon, paper cup for spitting (you're not expected to swallow everything

like I did. Ooops!), an apron, and notebook and pencil to write down our thoughts.

And of course, food. This was Leslie's ham and cheese sandwich.

We were given 3 single-origin coffees to play with: Columbian, Kenyan, and Indonesian

It is best that coffee beans are ground immediately prior to cupping, and the grinds should remain

covered with a lid until ready to use.

First step was to deeply sniff the coffee grinds. You must bury your face into the cup and inhale

as if your life depended on it. The Columbian smelled of chocolate and dark fruits, the Kenyan

of citrus, and the Indonesian of smoke and burnt wood. It was hard to choose a favorite,

I loved the unique scent of each origin.

Next, we poured hot water into the cups, making sure to wet all the grounds and let them

steep undisturbed for 3-5 minutes before evaluation.

Then the most sensual thing happened. Gennaro began caressing the coffee. This process is called "breaking the crust." He caressed the crust ever so gently until it broke and the granules settled to the bottom of the cup. You have to watch this video to understand what I'm talking about.

By putting our faces as close to the cup as possible, and sniffing the foam that ran down the back of the spoon, we were able to appreciate the wet aroma of each coffee.

Tip: It is important to drink water to clear and reset your senses!

Next step was to skim off the remaining granules floating on top. This was done using two

cupping spoons and a lot of practice! Gennaro cleared his cups in one single sweep, while

I had to do mine again and again. Lol.

And finally, it was time to taste the coffee. This process required a very fast sipping, almost

sucking action. The goal was to spray the coffee across your palate, coating your tongue and

inhaling the aroma. Do not be afraid to make sounds. And remember, you don't need to swallow!

As a bonus, Gennaro also showed us how to pull the perfect espresso using this Ferrari of a machine

So intense, this Italian guy! When I asked him how he feels about owning the most expensive

tongue in the world, he replied, "It is not easy. It is definitely a commitment. I have to make sure

our Mocha Italian blend remains consistent. It is the secret to Costa Coffee's success."

This perfect cup of flat white proved that Gennaro is doing an excellent job

The Costa Coffee napkin pretty much summed up the masterclass.

Meet old friends. Meet new coffees.

I met my old friends Rowena, Rache and Leslie, and we experienced new coffees in new ways.

Thank you, Costa Coffee and Gennaro Pelliccia, for making us feel

like master tasters for a day!

Costa Coffee Website
Costa Coffee Facebook Page
Instagram: @costacoffeeph

Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle on December 3, 2015

An Explosion of Taste

Din Tai Fung, the xiao long bao institution, opens in Manila

I have been eating Din Tai Fung xiao long bao since I was in the womb. You see, my mom stuffed herself with baskets and baskets of the soupy dumplings when she was pregnant with me. I had to fight the darn things for space in her stomach, which makes me and xiao long bao sort of twins. If you look closely enough, you will notice some resemblance—roundness, cuteness, etc.

I grew up in Taipei enjoying countless meals at Din Tai Fung (DTF). It has become a habit to wait in line, browse through the menu looking at new items to try, and then ordering the exact same dishes each and every time. I find myself going to the place even when I was living in Hong Kong, during trips to Shanghai, and almost everytime I am back in Taipei.

And most recently, in its still-under-construction new home in SM Megamall. Yes, after Taiwan, United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Thailand, the xiao long bao institution is finally opening in Manila!

Din Tai Fung one week before it opened its doors to the public

Dinner table set up complete with candles. So romantic!

The Moment Group worked very hard for this to happen. Jon Syjuco shared with me how the whole process took two years from the submission of franchise application to the day they finally received the approval. I felt their joy and excitement every step of the way. Eliza Antonino, together with 22 of her staff, trained in Taipei for six months, working the floor, learning Mandarin, immersing in the company’s philosophy and culture, and perfecting the art of xiao long bao-making. If you have peeked through any of the DTF open kitchens around the world, you would understand how incredible the operation is. Everything is performed with precision—kneading, rolling, stuffing, and shaping. Measurements are exact, the weight of the wrapper, the amount of filling, and down to the number of folds. (Trivia: A perfect xiao long bao has 18 folds.) Abba Napa proudly announced that every member of the DTF family is a “Happy OC,” which means obsessive-compulsive, but at the same time, happy to be such perfectionists.

The Moment Group's Abba Napa, Jon Syjuco, and Eliza Antonino

Of course, there is no party without a mobile Bank Bar

Personalized apron for all the guests

We had to be in proper attire for the kitchen tour, hairnets and face masks included

No one was exempted!

Our menu consisted of old and new favorites

Taiwanese Kao Fu - my ultimate love!

Spicy pickled cucumber

Sauteed string beans

The pork xiao long bao came with an instruction manual educating guests on the proper way of eating the little work of art. Dip the dumpling in the soy and vinegar sauce, poke a small hole and suck out the broth, and then enjoy the rest with ginger slivers.

Xiao long bao eating guide

Pour soy sauce and vinegar into the dish with ginger

Eli demonstrating to us the proper way to pick up the dumpling with your chopsticks

But I like to do it my own way, which is to dip the baby in sauce, top with ginger, and let the

whole thing explode in my mouth, covering it with hot, savory, porky juices. On my own,

I can finish a basket of ten.

Next up, crab roe xiao long bao!

The crab roe xiao long bao uses our local crab

Eli showed me a group photo of the crustaceans with their glorious fats exposed

The photo still haunts me to this day

There is also the healthier chicken xiao long bao

And next year, the restaurant will be introducing chicken xiao long bao with…wait for it…

foie gras! I promise you it will be as rich and decadent as can be.

And then, the most awaited xiao long bao of the night

TRUFFLE XIAO LONG BAO

I opened it up so I could show you that each dumpling contained one gram of black truffle.

The earthiness of the truffle combined with the flavorful pork broth was simply ambrosial.

A culinary orgasm!

But there are more than just dumplings to indulge in at DTF. I highly recommend my staples: Taiwanese kaofu (two orders for myself all the time), seaweed and tofu salad, steamed chicken soup like how your own mama would prepare it at home, addicting fried chicken wings in shrimp paste, and a hearty shrimp fried rice that is already a meal on its own.

Chicken wings in shrimp paste

Stir-fried Chinese broccoli and organic kale

I am also very ecstatic to announce that DTF Philippines will be serving dishes that are exclusive to Manila like:

Succulent prawns covered in salted egg yolk

Crunchy sweet and sour pork

A most tender black pepper beef

And insanely delicious chocolate lava xiao long bao.

This new dessert alone makes this branch my favorite in the world.

We were treated to a choco lava and whisky pairing with the award-winning Taiwanese Kavalan.

Sorry, the whisky is not on the menu. :P

Taiwanese staff who arrived early to help with training and preparation.

Forty more staff flew in from Taipei for the opening day.

I’ve never had a disappointing experience in all the years I have been eating at DTF. Every meal is consistent, reliable, soothing to the soul, and pleasing to the taste buds. And no matter where I am in the world, the steaming bundles of dumpling joy always remind me of home.

Congratulations to The Moment Group and Din Tai Fung Team!

Din Tai Fung: G/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

Tel: +632 997-1935

Din Tai Fung Website

Din Tai Fung Facebook Page

Instagram: @dintaifungph

Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, December 31, 2015

And My Recommendation is...

As if the 20 extra pounds I’ve put on is not enough proof, 2015 has been a year filled with many excellent eats. The Manila dining scene is at its most exciting time ever, with fresh concepts popping up left and right, old restaurants introducing new menus, and big international names conquering the city.

I’ve done more than my fair share of eating, all in the name of research. This list compiles the answers to the one question I have been asked more than anything else: “Can you recommend…”

A SPECIAL OCCASION DINNER VENUE: MASSETO

Cheese soufflé at Masseto

The ambiance sets the mood; the service warm yet unobtrusive; the food always outstanding. I suggest the cheese soufflé to start, followed by duck confit with lentil ragu, and a sweet ending of chocolate hazelnut tart. Sometimes, all it takes is one perfect meal to give a girl that twinkle in her eyes.

Address: 114 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati

Tel: 810 3565

WHAT TO BRING TO A POTLUCK: COCONUT CURRY CRAB BY LEY’S KITCHEN

Coconut curry crab by Ley's Kitchen

I cannot really talk about how good this is. If I try, I might start crying. I promise it will be wildly delicious and you must be prepared for much finger and plate licking. My eyes—they water a bit from pure delirium.

Call +639178486889 to order.

A MEAL WORTH WAKING UP FOR: NOBU BREAKFAST

Wagyu "cheeksilog" at Nobu

Could there possibly be a better way to start the day than with extremely tender wagyu cheek-silog, tasty black cod tinapa, champorado with bonito flakes, Matsuhisa style eggs Benedict, French toast with yuzu cream, and a buffet of Japanese-inspired dishes? None, I tell you.

Address: Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams, Aseana Boulevard, Paranaque

Tel: 691 2882

MALL EATS: THE BEEF AT HOLE IN THE WALL

Cheeseburger at The Beef

I wonder if they mixed in some ground unicorn into the patty because the burger at Hole in the Wall is kind of magical. You can’t have that pure beefy glory and not be happy.

Address: Hole in the Wall, 4/F Century City Mall, Makati.

Tel: 869 9680

A COMPLETE ONE-DISH MEAL: YOUR LOCAL

Salmon donburi at Your Local

The salmon donburi with torched Norwegian salmon, mentaiko, ebiko, and crisp salmon skin on roast corn and shiitake black rice never fails to satisfy. It’s a substantial serving, but I always manage to clean up my bowl.

Address: 106 Esteban Street, Legaspi Village, Makati

Tel: 823-6206

WHERE TO UNLEASH THE CARNIVORE IN YOU: WAGYU JAPANESE BEEF

Steamed omi wagyu at Wagyu Japanese Beef

I am pretty sure all the beef here gets massaged with Crème de la Mer. Different cuts of Omi and Kagoshima wagyu cooked the way you want them—steamed, stone-grilled, or sukiyaki. I say do all three. This is the kind of meal you would risk clogging your arteries for.

Address: Forbestown Road, Bonifacio Global City

Tel: +639162438221

WHAT DESSERT TO BRING TO A PARTY: MAJA BLANCA SURPRISE BY HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH

Maja Blanca Surprise by Heaven in My Mouth

Our humble Filipino dessert made creamier, richer, more irresistible. Topped with candied cashews for some crunch, every bite is a marriage of flavors and textures that keep you wanting more.

Call +63 917 8771277 to order.

A PLACE TO EAT EVERY DAY: WILDFLOUR

Homemade cavatelli with guanciale, fried egg, bacon at Wildflour

I thought the steak and kimchi rice was my one true love, but I find myself cheating on it with sweet corn agnolotti, Mediterranean salad, octopus a la plancha, French brie, and dates tarte flambée, homemade cavatelli, and corn waffle. I can go to Wildflour every single day and not run out of things I want to eat.

Legaspi branch: 02 833 9799, Salcedo branch: 02 808 7072, BGC branch: 02 856 7600

A HOLE IN THE WALL: MAO JIA HUNAN CUISINE

Frog legs hotpot at Mao Jia

Addicting crispy chicken, boiled beef in chili, spicy frog hotpot, egg with kuchay, and double that serving of rice, please! Aaahhh… the pleasure of tucking into something so luscious yet so ridiculously cheap. I almost felt like going to confession after the meal.

Address: Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati

A PERFECT CUP OF JOE: TOBY’S ESTATE

Cafe Mocha at Toby's Estate

This Australian coffee chain brews a mean Café Mocha and Gibraltar, two magical concoctions that possess the power to warm the coldest of hearts.

AFTERNOON SNACK: MAMON BY SEGOVIA’S CAKES & PASTRIES

Mamon at Segovia

Segovia’s mamon is gold standard. You have my word on that. I’ve eaten many a Filipino sponge cake, but this one is so pillowy soft, I wanted to make a bed out of it. Warning: can be a low-carb dieter’s nightmare. 28 Gen. Lim Street, Little Baguio, San Juan; 02 477 2229

FIRST CASUAL DATE: 12/10

Katsu sando at 12/10

Order my favorites: mushroom salad, spicy tuna, mackerel, katsu sando, Angus beef, and tuna foie gras onigiri. If your date turns out to be boring, at least you can be assured that the food and cocktails are exciting.

Address: 7635 Guijo Street, Makati

Tel: +639156632823

Over the holidays, I received a big, big box of sweet temptations.

The newest Magnum White Almond, coated with thick Belgian chocolate and speckled

generously with almond slivers.

You see, I didn't go anywhere for Christmas, but I had a lot of fun at home playing with my edible toys.

It's one of my most favorite things to do. Experimenting and then eating the subjects of my experiments. Remember what I did with my one year supply of Regent waffles? See post here.

I played with so many Magnum White Almond pairings, mostly with stuff from our fridge. A few tasted downright terrible, but I got three winner pairings and I thought I'd share them with you. :)

Magnum White Almond with Almond Butter

I love eating nut butters on its own, straight from the bottle, except Mom recently started buying

everything unsweetened. GrUeffllkk. If your mother starts doing the same to you, you

know what to do - smother the boring thing on Magnum White Almond!

Truffle mushroom cream cheese spread that goes on crackers and into my stomach,

often during ungodly hours.

Now on Magnum.

Rich, thick, smooth, creamy, earthy, sweet, crunchy, and cold! Yes, it works!!!

I also found the tub of homemade bagoong my good friend Dennis recently gave me

and I. Just. Had. To.

OMG! We have a winner!!!

Magnum should totally come up with a white chocolate shrimp paste flavor (and thank me later)

So many more Magnum pairing possibilities!

I woke up and it's 2016 already! Where did time go?!?

If there is one thing I've learned after trying unsuccessfully to stick to my new year's resolutions for the past 36 years, it is to be realistic.

And so, no.

I will not promise to wake up at 7:00am every morning. But I promise to be up and ready before 9:30am.

I will not promise to lose 50 lbs. But I promise to eat healthy.

I mean healthyER.

I recently discovered this charming little place in SM Aura that serves only free-range chickens. Free-range means the birds live in a big open space, running around freely, breathing fresh air, basking in sunshine, playing with their friends, until they graduate in life to become someone else's happy meal.

Poulet Manille, the house of healthy and happy chickens

They have other items on the menu, but I was there for the roasts.

What a beauty this brass rotisserie imported all the way from France

Sexy legs

The 75-day Pamora Farms chickens were surprisingly meatier than I expected, and they

smelled appetizing, too.

But first, Watermelon Ginger and Country Pink Lemonade coolers

We started off with Country Chicken Liver Pate

Spread pate on toast, top with berries coulis, eat, repeat.

A healthy salad of seared tuna nicoise

And then the main event: Clean, healthy, free-range roast chicken.

Poulet Manille serves the chickens in four flavors. This one is the French Country Classic

with amber butter.

Each chicken comes with two complimentary sides. You can choose from cream of wild spinach, pommes frites, broccoli and toasted almonds, creamy mashed potatoes, mixed biodynamic

vegetables, roasted garlic rice, and fragrant jasmine rice.

Poulet's Truffle Chicken

South West BBQ Chicken with sweet and tangy rootbeer reduction

And my favorite of the four, spicy Peri Peri Chicken

In a genuine effort to eat healthier this 2016, I ordered an army of peri-peri chicken for our media noche.

I had a free-range drumstick in my hand (instead of lechon) at midnight and

I am proud to say I started the year right.

Baby steps!!!

Poulet Manille: Basement, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City.
Tel: +63917 469 7895

Poulet Manille Facebook Page

I used to cook more when I was living on my own.

I don't go to the kitchen much nowadays, except to raid the fridge at odd hours of the night. You know what they say, there can only be one queen in the kitchen.

So I let Mom do her thing, feed us the good stuff, prepare one-dish rice toppings for us - usually three different viands over soft and steaming rice - and our daily fruit box consisting sometimes of 10 different kinds of fruits!

She is doing a great job. I have absolutely no complaints except that because her cooking is so good, I always end up asking for extra Japanese rice.

Suahe, steamed lapu-lapu, blanched spinach, steak rice

Stuffed crab, garlicky turbo chicken fried rice, half-eaten maki (ooops, my fault!)

Pork adobo, braised tofu, steamed spinach, corn fried rice

Gambas and bacon fried rice

Imagine the surprise of my life when I walked into the kitchen one afternoon and saw the help unloading the groceries. It was never Japanese rice. It has always been Doña Maria premium rice!

Rice situation at home. All the white rice is mine!

I am super impressed. And I want to share this news with everyone because I have a soft spot for everything local.

Why buy imported when our own farmers can produce excellent quality rice?

And there are so many varieties. Jasponica white rice, Miponica white rice, Jasponica brown rice, Miponica brown rice, Jasponica white plus brown rice…

I'm a white rice-only kind of person. I love my white rice. Nothing can come between me and my white rice.

Except tuyo.

For tuyo I am willing to swap 2 cups of white rice for 3 cups of brown.

Tuyo with Miponica brown rice (first of three cups).

The photo says everything. The brown rice tastes almost like white, but is higher in nutrients

and fiber, magnesium, selenium, vitamins B1, B3, and B6. I feel so healthy already!

Jasponica Bown and Miponica Brown

Still, I will forever be a white rice lover.

Give me white rice and XO sauce and I have a complete meal.

Homemade XO sauce rice. My quick solution to hunger problems.

But because I promised to try eating healthier this year, it will be white plus brown rice

for me from now on.

Like I said in my previous post, BABY STEPS! :)

Gaggan Cooking Demo at Gaggenau Kitchen

Qatar Airways Manila-Doha-Madrid ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Madrid Atocha Train Station

Chocolateria San Gines ♥

Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla ♥ ♥ ♥

ConTenedor ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Museo del Baile Flamenco ♥ ♥ ♥

Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Alcazar of Seville ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

La Azotea ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Four Hands Dinner by Chef Mauro Colagreco and William Mahi at The Tasting Room ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hospital de los Venerables ♥ ♥ ♥

Casa Morales ♥ ♥ ♥

La Azotea Breakfast ♥ ♥ ♥

Costa Coffee Masterclass with Gennaro Pellicia

Din Tai Fung Now Open in Manila ♥ ♥ ♥

My 2015 Favorites ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Magnum White Almond Pairing

Poulet Manille

Doña Maria Premium Rice