Food Photography Workshop

Hey, guys!  I've been busy for quite some time now: getting a day job but quit after knowing that I'm 2 months pregnant (because the commute was taking its toll on me and the baby), and closing our cafe.

But this coming September 24th, Edwin Celestino and Michael Mariano are going to conduct a food photography workshop at Archetype Design Studio in Newton Street, Makati City!  I will be teaching a little bit about the basics of food styling, and honestly speaking, I'm quite anxious.  Never done it before as I don't go by the book.  Haha!

For more details on the said workshop, visit the link below.  Please read until the bottom of the page so that you won't miss out on anything.  Hope to see you there! :)

http://www.m2studio.biz/events/henrys-advanced-photography-workshop-batch-07/

Passion Forward: Food Styling

Food styling is what I'm most passionate about.  I get to cook or bake the dish/es (if the client asked me to do so), style and shoot it for my clients, or to you who frequents this blog.  It's like putting all my interests into one.

What made me different from other food stylists in the metro?  I don't use too much ingredients (like hoarding sacks of ingredients for a couple of frames).  Food waste is a no-no for me.  So I do edible styling, which simply means, we can feast on the dish/es of the shoot.  Again, no food waste + happy tummies!  I also refrain from making the product/s too commercialized (looks fake), and I use available lighting for more personal approach towards the consumers.  It's like giving them the feel of having the dishes at the comfort of their homes.  Thus, I'm less expensive.

I don't mind working with start-up businesses, or kiosks.  Your product/s should to be the star of your business!  Rates are flexible for your kind of shoot.  I can just simply do the styling and someone you know will shoot.  Or I can prepare/cook your products and style it, or just simply stick to styling.  Your choice.  We can have a thorough discussion about the details.  All you have to do is communicate with me by sending an e-mail:  curlyscribblings[at]gmail[dot]com and we'll start from there.

P.S.  I'll be posting samples on the next few days.  It's time to hit the sack because it's two in the morning!  :)

Chihuahua Mexican Grill

Here is another Mexican food trip episode, well, post.  It all started when my colleague brought me to Olare! at The Fort and the experience was so good, I thought of trying out other Mexican restaurants around the metro, which reminds me, I have to go back to Olare! for a food review (I wasn't able to take photos that night because I can't rely on my phone).

I love Mexican food, most specially when I tasted this great wet burrito back in '07 at Downey, Los Angeles.  It's so huge I have to take half of it home for dinner.  It's filled with refried beans, melted cheese, wrapped in this soft taco, and a generous amount of cheese and enchilada sauce poured over it.  Gawd.  I was able to prep it at home, but I forgot to make the enchilada sauce, which is the most important ingredient of the dish.  Will try to do it this week.

Anyway, my friend (Bel) and I were killing time last Wednesday night, February 27th, at Greenbelt because we were waiting for our other friend, Bern.  Since we don't like leaving our home past dinner time, we met up at 5 PM and decided to try this Mexican restaurant at Greenbelt 2, Chihuahua Mexican Grill.

There are only few dishes to choose from on their menu board, which is way better.  You have to place your orders at the counter, by the way.

Chips and Queso Php 165

Warm chips and queso dip.  The salsa didn't get my attention.  I prefer the chunky salsa that is a bit sour and has more chili kick.

Carnitas Burrito (pulled pork) Php 295

Hmm, yep it tasted like the usual burrito, but tastes more authentic Mexican than Silantro's.  Good for two.  Can't even finish half of it because it's so filling.  But I still prefer Olare's and Silantro's over this.  I think it has something to do with the tenderness of the meat and its spices.

Obviously I'm not really raving about the restaurant and the food.  I'd give 7 forks overall.  But let me remind you, a food review or any other kind of critique or reviews are subjective.  So this is my opinion.  You might like this way better than any other Mexican restaurants around the metro.

Overall: 7 forks
Ambiance - 9 forks
Food - 7 forks
Price - 6 forks (because I've had a better Mexican food that is more affordable than this)
Service - 8 forks

Silantro: Fil-Mex Cantina

Are there days that you feel like going out but doesn't know where to go?  I usually have those kind of days and today was one of it.  Since not everyone I know is spontaneous like me, I came up with this 'silent contest' earlier today.  Whoever was available in an unplanned food trip wins, and its prize was...my treat!

I went through my contact list and sent SMS to the 'finalists' who might have been free for the day.  Actually I prefer to go out with my male buddies for a change this time, knowing that my girl friends are way too busy on weekends.  Some said they were busy, and Jarla (not his real name, but he is my guy best bud that I fondly call by that name..long story), who I knew had prior plans for the day, surprisingly said yes.  And off I went to Shaw.

We drove down East Capitol Drive to scout for a good place to dine.  Since Jarla isn't familiar with the entire stretch, I kind of toured him around the area and saw this new space called Silantro: Fil-Mex Cantina.

I love Mexican food, and having found this place really made my day! :)

We were then greeted by one of the courteous staff and I asked for their bestsellers, as usual.  We tried their burrito, soft taco, nachos and fresh dalandan drink.  I ordered more than what Jarla expected because I want to get a taste of more than one dish, and we hadn't had breakfast and lunch, it was four in the afternoon, and we're starving.  So, yeah, I ordered a lot.

The service was quick, way too quick that a minute after we got seated, our orders came in.

This burrito deserves more than one shot.  Winner!
Silantro's Burrito Php 160

Silantro's Burrito definitely proved that it is one of their bestsellers.  The meat is very tender and tasty, while the rice is perfectly cooked.  And what I liked best on this dish are their sauces!  The cucumber sauce got my attention.  Very refreshing.  And the chili sauce is superb too as well as that aioli sauce (though it needs more kick).

Tastes like cucumber to me and it's, oh, so fine!  I hope my guess is right.  I'm not a fan of cucumber, but I love this sauce.

Lucha Tacos Completo (Triple Meat) Php 100

Go loco with tacos!

There are three varieties of tacos to choose from:
Ligero (single choice of meat) Php 65
Medio (double choice of meat) Php 85
Completo (triple choice of meat) Php 100

The meat selections are chicken, pork, lengua, lamb, oxtail, and beef.

Of course I chose those that I rarely eat:  Completo: lengua, lamb, and oxtail, on soft taco.  Yep, you could either have hard shell tacos or soft ones.

You guys definitely have to try this taco!  All three meats were so soft, tender and tasty!  Never had these three kind of meat in one meal, and they perfectly complement each other.  A-plus!  But, of course, it's similar to how the burrito tastes like, minus the rice.  Hehe.  They should introduce other sauces for the tacos, just my two cents.

Nachos Php 145

They also serve Nachos (Php 145) and Beef Nachos (Php 160).  The difference between the two is that their Nachos are served with either chicken or pork (and if I remember it correctly, they also have fish..I'm not quite sure if it's with the nachos or with the burrito/quesadilla.  Fudge, I'm half-awake right now.  It's 2 AM!  My apologies for my nonsense remarks).  So I opted for their chicken this time.  Their serving is huge that we had to take half of it home.  This is perfect with a couple of beers and friends.  Will be doing that soon, most definitely.

Fresh Dalanda Juice Php 90

This drink really lived up to its name: fresh dalandan indeed!  Loved it, though I was quite frantic on drinking it due to my acid reflux, but I have to taste one of their bestseller drinks.  Fortunately, acid attack didn't occur.  Yey!

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So, to rate my overall gastronomical experience on this lovely chill out place, I'll give it 9 out of 10 forks!

Food - 10 forks
Service - 10 forks
Product Knowledge - 10 forks
Location - 9 forks
Interior/Exterior - 10 forks
Restroom - 0
Wifi - 0

Others (9 forks):
Parking - street
Mode of payment - cash only
Attire - casual

Not bad, ey?  I didn't see any restroom and they don't have WIFI at this time (since they are still on their soft opening phase and their WIFI application is still on the process).  I really love the vibe of this restaurant since it's one of the neighborhood chill out places, so it's pretty relaxing.  Just the way I like it.

My only worry is that I hope that they can maintain the quality of their food and its serving size in the long run.

Will definitely be back next week with friends and colleagues :)


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Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina
75 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo
Pasig City
Tel. No. 0917-508-4748
Open daily
Monday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday - Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Like them on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/silantrofilmexcantina.kapitolyopasig

Map grabbed from Silantro's Facebook page.

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After a long trip from Padre Burgos, Quezon last Friday (March 1st), my friends and I met up with our other friend at Pioneer and headed to Silantro for dinner since they wanted to try it out because I've been raving about it.

They ordered the usual, burrito and soft taco, while I got myself a burger and Bel had Silantro's Pork Ribs.

Pancholon's Burger Php 160

They say that this burger is one of their 'bestsellers'.  Don't expect too much from this.  It didn't gave me the 'wow' factor.  There is no Mexican feel or taste to it.  And the fries were too disgusting--soaked in oil and soggy.  Yuck.  They should do something with this dish.  I just realized that their salsa doesn't taste right.  It lacks sourness and spiciness to it, like what I did for Bamm.  Yes, I have to brag it.  Lol.  Just so you know, my chef instructor back at school years ago loved my salsa when I made a huge batch for a function. 

Silantro's Pork Ribs Php 175

I should have gotten this meal instead of that burger.  Perfectly grilled (crisp on the outside, juicy meat) and tastes so good -- simple, just the way I like it.  But I find it too Filipino for me, they claim that their dishes are Filipino-Mexican fusion.  Anyway, I'd still give a thumbs up for this!

Mojito Php 120

I'm not a drinker, but I liked their mojito.  Never had this kind of cocktail drink before so I can't say much about it.  :)

Mixed reviews from my friends.  But for me, I'd still go back to this place to dine and chill.  :)

Apartment 1B

Backlog post..
May 24th.

Having had a positive mood that day due to Meet Manila's event the night before, I decided to have a second date with thy self.  It's kind of difficult asking friends and colleagues out these days so instead of experiencing another form of rejection from them, I opted to take a stroll in Ayala and have a gourmet lunch at Apartment 1B in Salcedo, Makati.

It was scorching hot and all I wanted was to have a good cold drink in a cold room.  As soon as I stepped in Apartment 1B, I was told that all tables were occupied and some of which were reserved, so my only option was to be seated right outside.  Since I was too hungry then, I conformed and immediately ordered Spaghetti Vongole, since I've had that dish before, and for dessert, I went for their Frozen Pie.

It didn't took them long to serve my pasta.  :)

Spaghetti Vongole Php 370

Basically, it contains manila clams, tomatoes, basil, white wine, olive oil and garlic.  Never eat clams or any shellfish if you're famished, it'll cause stomach ache.

I've had almost the same pasta dish at Bistro Ravioli in Glorietta but I liked it better, maybe because of bits of bacon that added the oomph and it's a seafood pasta so besides clams, it has squid, shrimp and mussels in it.  This dish was a-okay.  I'd give it an 8 out of 10 stars.  It's good for sharing, by the way, which is a major plus.

Frozen Pie Php 190

I love taking pictures of food, especially desserts!  They're just so cute!

Anyway, this frozen pie is good for two.  I wanted to only eat half of it but since it's made of vanilla ice cream, oreo crust, topped with chopped walnuts and drizzled caramel and chocolate, I think it's not a great idea having it in a bag with this kind of weather.  AND, it's way too good, I can't get enough of it.  I soon realized that I almost ate it all.  It's subtly sweet, which I super love, and everything's tight!  My Php 190 was well spent on this dessert.  Lovely.  10 stars for this!

Overall, Apartment 1B is not your typical restaurant.  It serves gourmet dishes so expect it to be somewhat expensive.  I absolutely love the ambiance, the attentiveness of its servers, and the food.  It was my second time at this restaurant and I'll definitely be coming back to try more of what they offer.

Apartment 1B Salcedo

G/F Unit 1-B, 132 One Lafayette Square

Leviste corner Sedeno St

Salcedo Village, Makati

Mac 'n Cheese w/ Sweet Chicken Fillet

Are you sick of packed Mac 'n Cheese that you have on your shelves and wanting to do a homemade version of it but scared to do so?  Don't fret!  Mac 'n Cheese is way easy to cook and I don't get why people are too lazy making their own.  Due to the demands of my friends, I'm sharing you this simple recipe.

Note:  I don't usually measure the amount of ingredients I use.  Just follow your gut.  If you'd like it to be more cheesier, then add more cheese.  If you think it's too thick, add more milk.  Trust your instincts. Measurements below serves as basis on how much ingredients I put in this recipe.

Mac 'n Cheese Ingredients:

1/2 kg macaroni shells
1 L milk
185g grated cheddar (I prefer Eden cheese)
drop of yellow food coloring (if you're using white cheddar)
1 tbsp of butter
**optional: parmesan and other cheeses

Preparation:

1. You can either boil the macaroni shells in salted water or boil it directly with milk.  But with this recipe, I boiled it with milk.
2. When the macaroni is al dente, add grated cheese.  Stir.  Then drop red food coloring if you're using white cheddar.
3. If mac 'n cheese turns out dry, just add milk.  Do the same thing when reheating.
4. Add butter before serving.
5. Serve with seared sweet chicken breast fillet.

turnover chicken fillets if halfway done just like above

Seared Sweet Chicken Fillet Ingredients:

1 kg chicken breast fillet
1/2 cup brown sugar
1-2 tsp salt
1 tbsp canola oil or olive oil
pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Spanish paprika


Preparation:

1. Rub salt on chicken and rinse in cold water.  This method is traditionally practiced at home to get rid of its impurities.
2. Salt chicken again.  Crack peppercorn and dust Spanish paprika onto your fillets.  
3. Heat skillet.  Add small amount of oil.
4. Spread brown sugar on a plate.  Dredge chicken with sugar.
5. Sear dredged fillet.  Adjust heat to medium.  Once meat turns white halfway, that's the time you should turn your chicken fillet.

Sear chicken while you are boiling your macaroni shells.

Food Porn

I'm fairly new on using a DSLR, Nikon 5100 to be exact, and been practicing photography lately whenever I have the chance.  That's why I'm sharing with you some of my takes and would appreciate it if you comment below.  I prefer available light kind of photography, so, yeah, don't urge me to have all those equipment and tools needed for better photographs (and I don't have the budget for that lol).

our first meal in Coron, Palawan (Dive Link Resort)
Sinigang na Hipon

Fried Chicken at Dive Link Resort

Vegetables with Seafood at Dive Link Resort

Sorbetes aka dirty ice cream at Harbour Center, Coron, Palawan

my breakfast plate at Dive Link Resort

lunch (Coron Island tour) at Smith beach

my lunch plate at Smith beach
sunlight is too harsh.  oh well..

carioca in Busuanga

bananacue in Busuanga

strawberry smoothie and banana smoothie

my strawberry smoothie

I was not a fan of strawberry-flavored drinks or desserts, but this smoothie changed my mind.

Sinigang na Salmon at Centro Coron

Stir-Fried Vegetables, Centro Coron

No Knead Dough that I made yesterday, April 9th

A Taste Of Honey's gift on my birthday, a pineapple pie.  Sure is delish!  I'll be posting my review on the new found place at Tagaytay.  ^_^

Honey Wine by A Taste Of Honey... It's complimentary, btw.  

A Taste of Honey's Fried Halo-Halo

A Taste of Honey's Bulalo

A Taste of Honey's Honey Iced Tea

Macho Nachos

Mexican food tops the list of my favorite cuisine.  I first got to taste authentic Mexican dishes somewhere in Downey, Los Angeles way back in 2007 when I was a contestant of a local (Philippines) reality TV show.  I can't ever forget that big wet burrito I had that is so huge, three people could eat it.  I'll try to make that dish some other time.

Just the other day, after paying my bills, I went straight to the grocery and grabbed some stuff then suddenly saw those nacho chips stacked atop the ice cream chillers, so I thought of making some at home.

Ingredients:

2-3 tomatoes, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red onion, diced

1 tbsp tomato paste or tomato catsup

1/4 kg ground pork or beef

1 small can pork and beans

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp cayenne (you can adjust this to your preference)

1 tsp spanish paprika

chopped cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

nacho chips

1.  Sweat onions.  Once translucent, add garlic then diced tomatoes.

2.  Add ground meat.  When ground meat turned brown, add in tomato paste/catsup, a can of pork and beans and ground spices, chopped cilantro as well as S&P.

3.  Let it simmer till meat is cooked.

4.  Arrange nacho chips, top with meat, add melted cheese, and garnish with cilantro.

Melted Cheese Ingredients:

1/4 cup shredded quickmelt cheese

1/2 cup milk

drop of yellow food coloring *optional

1.  On a small non-stick pot, pour in milk and shredded cheese over medium heat.  Stir till cheese is well incorporated.

2.  Set aside for 5-10 minutes and it will eventually thicken.

3.  Stir in a drop yellow food coloring.

For a more refreshing nachos, add salsa or guacamole.  ^^