Re-imagining Filipino Food with Amy Besa at The Maya Kitchen



Amy Besa, renowned Filipino food advocate, author and restaurateur behind the acclaimed Cendrillion and Purple Yam restaurants takes center stage on August 30, Saturday, 9am-1pm at The Maya Kitchen. Besa will share her culinary discoveries from all over the Philippines from the seemingly common dish of Ukoy to the delightfully unheard of technique of Kulawo.

Besa will demonstrate Kulawong Talong (burnt coconut cream over grilled eggplant); Kinagang (buko, crabmeat, sliced scallions and lemongrass wrapped in banana leaf and steamed); Ukoy (deep fried fritter of shrimp, cabbage, carrots, snowpeas, leeks and bean sprouts); Beef Shortribs Adobo (beef short ribs braised in mango vinegar from Abra with fresh kakang gata or coconut cream added to sweeten and thicken the sauce); Steamed Organic Red Rice from Oriental Mindoro and Pinipig Cookie (the Philippine version of rice crispies baked into flavorful cookies).
 
Besa and her husband Chef Romy Dorotan are mainstays of New York’s culinary scene with their famous Manhattan restaurant Cendrillon and later on Purple Yam in Brooklyn. They are also the authors of the book Memories of Philippine Kitchens which won the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) 2007 Jane Grigson Award for scholarship in the quality of its research and writing and was also a finalist for the Julia Child First Book Award.

According to Besa, “We want Filipinos to experience many ingredients in our environment that are unknown, underappreciated and ignored.  These are the flavors of our cuisine and culture and that is what Filipino food is all about.”

The couple has recently decided to bring a taste of Purple Yam back home to their ancestral house at 603 Nakpil corner Bocobo Streets, Malate, Manila. The place is open only for reservations (telephone: 523-3497 and mobile: 0926-713-3523). Chef Romy takes care of the Brooklyn spot while Amy is in charge of Malate.

For more information, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com   or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F  Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108.
             
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Rebranded | Wham Burgers and Sausages




On its 11th year, Wham is introducing its exciting look matched with a menu to satisfy burger lovers appetite for huge, more flavorful and ever-evolving appetite for something deliciously new. Get to know Wham Burgers and Sausages, a celebration of patty perfection along with other equally satisfying sausages bound to hit the spot on so many levels. 

While its burgers with endearingly huge patty and signature smoky flavor remains the star in every creation, the new Wham Burgers and Sausages outlet is classy and classic combined, where all burger creations are delicately served on chopping boards. The buns get an upgrade too, as its now using an artisan brioche bun with 30% butter which kicks up its almost cake like taste. Certified premium and freshly baked, the texture is tight  and heavy on soft crumbs which makes each bite consistently pleasurable. 

Perfecting the one-third pound pure beef patties at 80% lean and 20% fat, Wham’s burger patties are gently seasoned only with natural flavor enhancers such as salt and black pepper. The time-tested Wham Burger with Cheese (P129), Double Whammy with Cheese (P199), Kapow  (P199), Bronco Burger (P199), and Whammer (P259) still remains the ultimate standard for the best gourmet burgers but the new Sausage Sandwich items will surely make all hearts skip a beat, especially for  gastronomes on the look out for flavorful and succulent sausage varieties. 

At a very friendly price of P135, the Wiener is a savory artisan recipe sausage made with original house blend ingredients. Not to be outdone is Schublig with Cheese (P149), an encounter with certified Swiss sausage made with beef and pork, spiced up with non-fat milk, finely ground onion and creamy cheese center.  Beer and sausage proved to be a stellar combo; but the slow-grilled Beer Sausage  (P149) simmered in beer and onion makes the perfect hot and juicy full meal with slightly salty umami taste. Upgrade to a combo and complement the burger or sandwich with crispy, golden fries for a minimum extra charge and seize with excitement other side dishes such as Cross Traxx, Onion Rings, Onion Strings, Potato Wedges or Pepper Popper. Kids hankering for a bright red and festive Filipino-style Spaghetti with generous cheese on top will also find the Spaghetti very satisfying for an extra charge of only P20. True to its crunchy, huge and with a ratio of 95 percent chicken versus the breading, the Premium Chicken Sandwich with Cheese (P165) are for those who can’t get enough of the meaty chicken, crisp lettuce and sharp-flavored mayonnaise beautifully layered in a soft kaiser bun. 

Taking the new menu on a higher level are Wham’s top quality selections of  both local and imported brands of beer which will make a good burger nothing like a typical stuff. From San Mig Pale Pilsen, San Mig Light or Super Dry, its smooth and rich flavor signifies a mix of comfort and relaxation. While for more sophisticated palates, Holland brand Bavaria has a provocative light bitterness made from pure barley malt and wheat. Bottomless soda is another insanely rewarding thirst-quencher and can truly make a difference to anyone’s burger indulgence. 

Forget about settling on expensive or cheap alternatives as Wham lives up to its promise of  awesome affordable burgers. The new outlet is nothing but hip, modern and intricately constructed with a touch of outdoor picnic vibe—a hangout for families and friends getting together to enjoy a great meal experience that don’t cost a fortune. 


Press Release: This means that this material is fully and directly from the company issuing the press release. This also means that this website is not the author of the statement being read. The Cuisineuer is simply providing the information for readers who may be interested.

RECIPE | Homemade, Gourmet Mango Lipton Iced Tea



Our rainy days feels like summer again for the last few days. Thank you global warming, ugh! iced tea is finally having its moment at home.

The splendor of gourmet mango iced tea bottles made from home is hard to beat. My tea's flavor needs to be vivid, fruity and refreshing... and yes, it is!

Shun filthy, instant, and old powdered tea that smell of sweaty socks for my ultimate drink that buzz with fruit and finesse. 

Fruity, gourmet tea is really... a gorgeous summer brew. Cheers!




Ingredients

2 quarts water
8 Lipton yellow label tea bags
2 cups mango nectar
Sugar
Sliced mango
Optional: add some lemon


Directions

Bring water to a boil, turn off heat add tea bags and steep until tea is dark, about 5 minutes. Remove bags, add mango nectar and add sugar, to taste. Stir until sugar is dissolved. 

You now have a mango-iced tea concentrate that you can consume until supply lasts.

Pour in a glass, put some ice over and garnish with mango slices.



RECIPE | Fruity Whole Wheat Pancake



Watching your waistline does not mean you should avoid pancakes and their toppings. Pancakes are not bad, there are healthy options.

Here, look at the healthiest option available so you can have a guilt-free pancake Friday. Throw in some berries or fruits available at home.




Think about heart. This ready-made Maya Kitchen Pancake Mix is made from one of the world's healthiest foods, Whole Wheat! 

Check this out:

Cholesterol Free
High Fiber
Zero-gram Trans Fat
Muscovado Sugar

Ohh, if you worry about the glistening golden syrup I’ve used here, it’s not what you are thinking because I used wild honey instead of maple. 




Ingredients:

1 medium egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 pack Maya Whole Wheat Pancake Mix 200g


Top that with:

1 cup diced mango
1 medium kiwi fruit, sliced
Pinch of cinnamon
Honey


Preheat and slightly grease griddle or pan.

Mix slightly beaten egg in a bowl; add in oil, water and pancake mix. Stir until smooth, no lumps.

Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle or pan. Cook until bubbles form (about 2-3 minutes).

Turn to cook the other side for about 2 minutes.

Enjoy and serve with fresh fruits, berries, or fruit jam.