COOKING CLASS

As a rule I never ever bring home work. To relax after a long tiring day in the office I throw my cares away and become a potato chip junkie, sit in (or on )the lazy boy, pop in a dvd, and master the art of becoming a couch potato. I can barely move or budge when I am in this zombie state…. I like to watch chick flicks, epic films, and romantic comedies. I hate horror movies. I have memorized the lines and could watch the “American President”, “Notting Hill”, and “Pretty Woman” over and over again. When it comes to culinary related or inspired movies here are my favorites:

1. Danish film “Babette’s Feast” - this is a real classic that foodies MUST watch
2. German film “Mostly Martha” ( I don’t think the American version “No Reservations” did the original film justice)
3. Ratatouille - this cartoon I recommend to young aspiring chefs to learn more about the kitchen basics
4. The Freshman - A funny film staring Mathew Broderick and Marlon Brando on offering exotic and endangered animals on the menu
5. Chocolat - loved its location in Burgundy France
6. Tortilla soup - American re-make of Ang Lee’s Taiwanese film “Eat Drink Man Woman”
7. Kailangan Kita - Aga Muhlach and Claudine Barretto’s movie on Bicolano Cuisine

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This blog of mine is inspired by National Geographic’s book  “Food Journeys of a Lifetime”. On that book’s list is to have real Bouillabaisse in Marseilles where the dish originated. Cousin Cinnamon was kind enough to drive from Istres to  Vieux Port in Marseilles.  Cin even ordered Rose wine with the dish to complete the experience. Thanks to Cin…I can now say I had real Bouillabaisse in historic Marseilles.

Interesting to know is that the French Chefs signed a charter to define the ingredients of an authentic Bouillabaisse. Rascasse (scorpoinfish), congre(eel), red gurnard, and John Dory fish are the four main ingredients that should be present to consider the dish authentic.  It should also be served with  rouille (a mayonnaise like sauce with peppers or cayenne) on a crust of bread.

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Summer in France is 38 degrees! Almost as hot as the tropical Philippine Islands were I come from. So to cool off I am treated to ice cream in the quaint and well persevered medieval town of Miramas.  When I get there I realize why my Italian fashion photographer cousin Alessandro Fuentebella Rabonni loves the place. It is situated on a mountain top and has an outstanding view of Istres and the Mediterranean Sea. My glaces (ice cream) order arrives and it is bigger than a water pitcher. Oh my! It is made up of vanilla, chocolate, chocolate sauce, chantilly (whipped cream historically invented by Chef Vatel), lavender, and violet glaces. And for something really French it is topped with Calisson. Heavenly and divine to have during such hot weather… and guess what I finished it!!!!

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The south of France is known for their olive oil.  While in Provence my gourmand aunt brought the family to Saint Remy for some olive oil tasting. This was a real treat for me since I teach garde manger in school. One of the topics in that class is learning how to make different kinds of vinaigrettes and infused oils. I have been to quite a number of wine tastings but a degustation of oilve oils was a first for me.  The format was very similar but instead we were given little tasting spoons and pieces of bread so we could sample the eight different concoctions one by one.  First pure olive oil, then we were made to try the infused ones like truffle oil and later the different pulpy and fruity vinagrettes.  Also part of the selection was trying olive, mushroom, and truffle tapenade.

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Since time in memorial TUESDAY morning is known as market day in Gordes.  Gordes is a very beautiful mountain village located in the area of Luberon in Provence France. The village has a castle and the view from the mountain top is fantastic! In the surrounding plains below one can get a glimpse of the beautiful lavender fields, olive trees orchards, and the vineyards. The lavender fields were already harvested when I arrived in August to my disappointment. However market day compensated for upon see all the produce and food products…. I felt like I was in culinary heaven!!!

Market day with Jude Orlino, Alessandro Rabboni, Serena Sabatini, Cinnamon and Axelle Van Besauw, Francesca Rabboni, Flavio, Gian Paalo Rabboni with Jennifer, Elsja Borromeo and kids, and Jay Orlino in the cafe where Russel Crowe’s movie “A Good Year” was filmed in Gordes. (Cedric and Jasmine Van Besauw, Jackie Borromeo, Sam, Claire Proctor were also with us but not in the photo)

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 The best meal I had during this trip was in this restaurant in Provence (South of France). French regional cooking is the best!   Les Deux Toques  

Bouquet of crudites, for dipping beets, lobster and carrot, aubergine confit… and French olive oil!!!

Foie gras seared to perfection with passion fruit coulis

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I know it has been a while since I have been able to write. My computer screen saver is my vision board with the places I want to see.  I can’t say I’m backpacking around Europe because what I have is my trolley bag with me. I have been riding trains, planes, driving cross country, taken ferry boats and surprisingly even a  cruise ship. In the last month this “amazing race” adventure of mine has turned out to be more than what I expected. I could never have done all these things without the hospitality and generosity of my family and friends here in Europe. They have all been so good to me taking me into their homes and showing me around…so I can say I have been truly blessed and lucky with the hospitality of Filipinos. I have not had time to write and upload pictures…but anyway here are some of the highlights of the things I have been lucky enough to see and do.  Food reviews and stories to follow in future blogs. So here… let me count my blessings:
A. Italy ( 8 days with planet Funetebella  Italy)
1. Did an “Angels and Demons” tour of Rome. At the Vatican took a picture of the Sistine chapel even if it wasn’t allowed and of course the Italian guard tried to stop me or else they would have to throw me out.
2. Saw the beautiful island of Ponza in Italy and swam in the Mediterranean sea.
3. Visited the old, quaint, and very beautiful town of Nemi.
4. Visited so many churches and each time made a wish for someone dear whose dad has cancer. Read the rest of this entry »