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Pink Kitchen Diary

Lunch Time Crowd @ Pink Kitchen

As I expected, the Pink Kitchen was very successful. We spent Saturday Lunch, Merienda and Dinner at the Pink Kitchen. It was a one-of-a-kind food trip that we will never forget. First time that we stayed in a place to eat for almost 8+ hours. The best way to describe it is by this equation: Pink Kitchen = The Best of Salcedo Market + The Best Home-Based Desserts and Catering + The Best of ABS-CBN's Chef + Chefs and Student's Service of Enderun. All of the foodies and chefs came out to fully support The Pink Kitchen for the benefit of ICANSERVE for the early detection of breast cancer.

Cooler Dinner Night @ Pink Kitchen

It was impossible to eat everything. It got confusing at some point which food you would get. Despite the high price of the food, it was OK because we know that the profits would go to a breast cancer cause. We had to rely on the "buzz" and "word-of-mouth" from table to table as each one votes which are the best food in the Pink Kitchen. I tried to capture that "buzz" so that you can order from some of them and enjoy them with your family and friends. What's your favorite food in the Pink Kitchen?

Enjoy this list of the Best of Pink Kitchen...

Elbert's Steak Room: Restaurant 12 Reincarnated

Rib Eye (P2,200+ 10% service) and additional P400 since we decided to share this between me and Rache.

It has been a tradition to celebrate Popsy's birthday in a really nice new restaurant. In the past, we celebrated his birthday when Parallel 45 opened in 2005 and when Lemuria was just starting in 2006. We celebrated Popsy's birthday this year in the budding (2 weeks in operation) Steak Room of Philmugger Elbert Cuenca who operated the once famous Restaurant 12 in Greenbelt 2. He recruited back the waiters and chef of Restaurant 12 and started Elbert's Steak House -- strictly steak only. Although they were able to serve Salmon for my mom upon prior request.

The steaks are USDA certified and imported from Wisconsin. They perfected how to cook the steak in a juicy and tasty manner. Although, I must admit that it wouldn't compare to a Rib-Eye wagyu experience at Malcolm for the P1,750 only vs. P2,860 Rib Eye, to share in Elbert's. But you go to Elbert's for the privacy, cozy interiors, and warm company by Elbert himself. You'll be surprised how a once call center office was transformed to one of the coolest steak place hide out in Makati. Thanks to the architectural genius of Noel Bernardo of Elite Concepts who is credited for the visionary concept of the famous Lan Kwai Fong restaurant in China. Currently, it can only serve a 3 tables and maximum of 12 people. The vision is to have a maximum capacity of 50 by adding 2 tables of 8, a private function room for 10 people and a lovers table.

Simply, you go to Elbert's for that special occasion where money is not an issue and you pay for the memorable experience with your special some one. We paid close to P1,600/ head for the overall experience -- ouch!!

Aidan poses in an Eric Paras Leather Chair creation after eating his share of Elbert's Steak. Aidan spontaneously posed when I asked him that I want to take a picture of him on the chair. I wonder when will Aidan be "discovered" hahaha...

This is a long comprehensive post/ review. Please share your experience via the comments. Salamat! Check it out...

Related Posts:
Elbert's Steak Room Official Site

Technorati Tags: Elbert's Steak House

The Sale

"BIG GARMENTS SALE"
Aug 9-11, 2007
Star Trends, Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauyan, Bulacan
Tel# +632 2996061
Email: biggarmentssale@gmail.com

Related Posts:
Mango and branded apparels at Factory Prices! July 2005
The Big Garment Sale: By Invitation Only August 2006
The Great Bulacan Sale November 2006

DEAR FRIENDS , COLLEAGUES, FAMILY!

We are having another sale of our garments this coming August 9 to 11 (Thursday to Saturday). Some of you have already been to our sales before, you are welcome to bring your friends along, especially if they are Jaycees.

No minimums, no fakes, only original stocklot overruns from factories across Asia. Prices will be as usual, which is the lowest you can get anywhere else..for this sale we have much more of mens tops, like Tommy, A/X, CK, Timberland, Ecko, ETC. For ladies, we have MNG but in very small quantities so you have to come early. (you should go on Thursday) Lots of other ladies' brands too. There are a lot of styles and brands, hope you can see for yourself.

When you arrive, you will be handed a membership card which we are using as gate pass for future sales. YOU CAN PURCHASE ONLY WITH THE MEMBERSHIP CARD SO PLEASE SIGN UP FOR ONE. (this is the first time this is being done) EVERYONE GETS ONE EACH.

No need for print outs anymore, (yehey) but most probably you need the map, so here it is attached. Our address is Acefree Street, Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauayan, Bulacan. Just take NLEX and get off Meycauayan exit, and turn towards Iba (there is a sign), and you should be by the gate of Sterling 2kms after Caltex.

The sale dates are August 9 to 11, gate opens at 8am and we close only when nobody else is around (usually around 8pm). For inquiries, kindly text me at 0922-8856627.

Regards to all and see you!

JONAS

La Cabane and Ratatouille

The plan was to watch Ratatouille together in Greenbelt 3 and eat in a French restaurant, La Cabane along Pasay Road. The perfect combination would have been Ratatouille and eat in Culliere, a French Patisserie in Serendra, which has Ratatouillein their menu. Ratatouille was fun except for that scene where Anton ego opened the kitchen and he saw all the rats cooking! There were stories of walk outs in New York because of this.

La Cabane is a restaurant in its second reincarnation as a french restaurant from its spanish/ moroccan past life. Chef Evie Perdrix's French dishes are patronized by French people in Manila and allegedly, a French organization meets here regularly. A dining experience in La Cabane is described by Fash Pack as a "quiet evening" which is a novelty these days. But despite the great food, it was empty on a Saturday night. It was a waste to see a good lounge with throw pillows (pictured above) without any people drinking and enjoying the place. Every time I drive by, I see the place empty.

My theory is the place don't have a good feng shui. Most people enjoy La Cabane because of good food and its quiet existence in the restaurant scene. I wouldn't rave about the food because I don't think it even close to Je Suis Gourmand. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy places like these that is quiet, clean, cozy, intimate and serves good food. I just don't know how they will survive over time. For the meantime, it would be a secret place for us to enjoy a good dinner....

Technorati Tags: La Cabane, Ratatoulie

Filling Station Breakfast Celebration

Filling Station along P. Burgos St., Makati City

After the Mommy Milkshake Marathon, we were driving around Makati to find a place to celebrate our 2k run. So, the 2k Finishers celebrated the run with Strawberry Milkshake and Tapsilog @ the Filling Station! We always wanted to eat in Filling Station because we heard so much about it. Breakfast is a good time to go and we are confident we can bring Aidan to this place. The place is open 24 hours but at night, you'll get a "mixed crowd". This diner which was established more than 10 years ago, also does a very good job of transporting you to a 50s-60s ambiance. Check out the photos...

Mommy Milkshake Marathon

We love supporting this Mommy Milkshake Marathon last Saturday sponsored by Barbizon, for many reasons:

1. This was the first time our entire family run together for the 2k Fun Run. During the Milo Marathon, Aidan wanted to run with me but it was so hot. So this time, I was able to ran side by side with Aidan together with Rache and Baby4.

2. This was my first run after the long 42k marathon and I was hoping this gets back back into the groove of running. (without fear of dehydration, hahaha)

3. Aidan is still breast feed until today. This is actually one of the reasons why we always bring Aidan with us on road trips and travels outside Manila. He is also healthy and rarely gets sick.

4. I finally met the H@ppy Feet runners: the Bullrunner, Bangingay, Ben Chan, etc. It's great to meet with fellow Filipinos who loves to run and a few of them are also into Nike +.

5. I do hope Aidan is able to remember his first 2k run. I'm dreaming of the day that we ran a 42k Marathon together...

Related Posts:
The Barbizon Mommy Milkshake Marathon by the Bull Runner

2k in 30 minutes for the Diaz Family.... not bad :)

Pink Kitchen For A Cause

Outstanding Chefs for a Breast Cancer Cause -- this is a not-to-be-missed food festival cum charity event of the year!!

The Chefs of Pink Kitchen, a benefit food festival

August 11 and 12 Saturday and Sunday
Rockwell Tent, Makati City
Entrance Donation: P200

Related Sites:

I Can Serve Official Website: Pink Kitchen
Details on the Chefs of Pink Kitchen

Experience the country's top private and gourmet chefs whip up their signature dishes!
To donate and get your tickets in advance, call the I Can Serve hotline at 687 3942 or email/text carla@hostmanila.com / 0920 903 5053

PINK KITCHEN

ICanServe foundation and ABS CBN Publishing invite you to tickle your taste buds at "Pink Kitchen," a benefit food and drink festival this August 11 and 12, Saturday and Sunday at the Rockwell Tent. All day eating from 11am to 10 pm for the whole family.

There's artist Wyn Wyn Ong who will offer Burmese cuisine while dressed in a Burmese ensemble! First rate chef Reggie Aspiras does Spanish, so does Marilou and Ramon Senn. Innovative Filipino dishes will thrill like bangus chorizo care of Anne Castro who will showcase anything bangus.

No need to go to Pampanga to catch delicacies like Pindang Damulag (Tapang Kalabaw), Batute (stuffed frogs)Camaro (mole crickets) care of Poch Jorolan of Everybody's Café. No need to go to Laguna to taste crispy dinuguan of Kanin Club by Toni Cancio. Lots of other unique Filipino dishes like pusitcharon from Money Munoz, fried dalag fish with tamarind & bagoong sauce by Ofie Benavides.

It's not everyday one comes across Moroccan cuisine -- Couscous bil Khoudra (assorted vegetables & chickpeas braised in Saffron scented Tomato Ragout and Buttered Couscous),Djajj bil Barkouk (Chicken with Apricot & Almonds) It sounds as good as it tastes made possible by Wendy Ozamis.

Half Spanish and Half Cuban,Katrina Padilla, youngest chef at the festival and a student at Enderun, introduces the guests to authentic Cuban home cooking. She promises to have her Cuban grandmother at the festival who taught her the hearty delicious meals.

Be seduced by french cuisine like Canard Al'orange (Duck al'orange on Braised Red Cabbage) Paillard D'agneau with Pesto(Grilled Lamb Shoulder with Pesto ) by Michele D'Orival. Be intrigued by Tippi Tambuting's Braised Snake River Farm Wagyu
Cheeks besides her continental dinner and sought after paninis for merienda.

How can anyone resist unique sandwiches like Brandied Chicken Liver Pate or Torta Mascarpone from the sandwich bar of multi awarded chef and host of "Chef TV" Myrna Segismundo along with Jill Sandique? How bout all kinds of wraps including Bangus Tocino and Atsara by Jill Busuego?

Not to be outdone are Mona Valdez preparing Indonesian dishes, Maj Lazatin offering Italian, Ying Villanueva doing Thai, and Suman Gogna making authentic Indian dishes. There will also be a noodle and dimsum bar courtesy of Chef Law of Mr. Choi's Kitchen.

Chef See Cheong Yan, Department Chair for Culinary Arts at Enderun will offer breads freshly baked from Malaysia, under licensed from Hiestand of Switzerland with no preservatives and considered Halal which will be retailed for the first time in Manila. Normally, this is only available at hotels. He leads the more than 50 Enderun students who have volunteered for the Pink Kitchen.

Old reliables will be there too like Maricel Cunanan and her ensaymadas, Nana Meng's hot tsokolate, Vargas Kitchen pastries and merienda fare, Baba Ibazeta and all time favorite Nono's chocolate oblivion. Pixie Santos and her dulce de leche cheesecake.

For the sweet tooth, feast on mouth watering Truffle Torte (rich velvety chocolate ganache mixed with Coffee and almond joconde layers) by Tintin Rivera;Gelatos from Fr. Gentillin of Don Bosco's Amici. Assorted tarte tartins and quiches by Sunshine Puey and Rob Pengson. Susie Quiros , Pia Lim Castillo and Marco Lazatin of Essels heat up the Pink Kitchen as well.

Starbucks blended drinks and teas will be available as well as smoothies, and wine. It's all day dining styled by Tony Rodriguez.

There's something for everyone even for the healthy eaters. A rare treat--San Benito The Farm comes to Manila bringing its macrobiotic cuisine like Pistachio Crusted Tofu Sandwich with sweet chili sauce and its home made crackers.

This is guiltless eating at its best as guests will know they are dining to help the ICanServe, a foundation that empowers women with information on breast cancer, subsidize women on cancer treatments and will pioneer the first nationwide early breast cancer detection program.

This is but a few of the dishes to be found at Pink Kitchen. There are more in store. There is so much to try, so many chefs to catch who won't be there all at the same time, so be sure to be there for three meals a day. Pink Kitchen is made possible by the support of San Miguel, Meralco, Enderun, Salad Time, Coca Cola and Del Monte.

For inquiries: Contact Via Reyes 0917-8552729, 632-6873942 or icanserve@yahoo.com or at www.icanserve.net.

Philippines Photo Contests Galore

Three of the Photo Contest I intend to join this year. Hoping for the best! (Updated Aug. 20,2007)

Canon Photo Marathon Asia 2007
Official Website: Canon Photo Marathon Asia
Philippines Competition is on September 15

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY AND PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF PHOTOGRAPHY
To celebrate Canon’s 70th Anniversary, Canon in Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam bring you Canon Photo Marathon Asia 2007 - a unique photography contest that challenges your imagination and empowers you to set new standards in photography.

Show us what you can do based on various themes assigned to you under the pressure of time. Your creativity and endurance to complete the marathon will give you a chance to win attractive Canon prizes and/or a Photo Clinic with a professional photographer to Japan.

Each country will organise local photo marathons where 2 winners will be selected and stand a chance to win the grand prize of a Photo Clinic to Japan.

WIN A TRIP OF SCENIC EXPERIENCE
Experience the sights and sounds of Kyushu, Japan as you go on a Photo Clinic with professional photographer Triston Yeo who will provide you with varied photo opportunities to enhance your skills and capture unique insights into this amazing island.

From the bustling Fukuoka Street Culture to one of the world’s largest active volcanos - Mount Aso at Aso National Park, Kyushu offers many fascinating sights. Enjoy the Beppu hot spring bath and visit the well-known ‘Dragon Whirlpool’ - a fiery geyser that erupts violently every 22 minutes. At the same time, experience traditional Japanese rituals such as the Yutoku Inari Shrine Fire Festival, all with the insider view of a local guide.

Capture the Beauty of the Philippines PAL Photo Contest (Deadline: September 29, 2007)
Official Website: PAL Photo Contest

THE THEME: Capture “The Beauty of the Philippines!”
Send in your most superb images that illustrate the best of anything and everything about the Philippines. The theme is divided into the following:

CATEGORIES:
The Beauty of Philippine Scapes (Scenic shots. If the shots include people in the frame, the ratio to the total composition should be very minimal)
- landscapes
- seascapes
- cityscapes
- nightscapes
- underwater shots
- historical landmarks
- architecture
- leisure spots
- night-out hotspots

The Beauty of the Filipino Spirit (portraits, people, values)
- People (the major element in the composition should be a person/people)
- Remarkable depictions of Filipino values (i.e., industriousness, sincerity, simplicity, earnestness, etc.);
- human emotions (i.e. triumph, love, happiness, etc.); Family, Friendship, Childhood, etc.

The Beauty of Filipino Culture (fests, events, arts, lifestyle)
- festivities
- events
- traditions
- arts
- food

And remember to LET YOUR PASSION FLY HIGH!
*The indicated elements are suggestions, ideas, and guides as to subjects that can fall under the theme. Subjects for the entries, however, ARE NOT LIMITED TO THESE elements alone.

Participants may use any Digital or Film based camera, provided that the photo Entry/s will be printed on an EPSON printer (Printer’s serial number is needed) and on any brand of photo papers.

Transit Photo Contest (Deadline: August 31, 2007)
Official Site: Transit Photo Contest

Set for a local destination this summer?

Armed with your digicam? (of course!) Do you keep on taking pictures? (whether you develop them or not)
Sounds very much like us - so we’ve found a way for you to make use of these pictures - we, serial trigger happy summer people keep on taking…

So, Earn big prizes! by sending us your LOCAL summer destination pictures - here’s what we’re looking for:
Summer Destination Pictures of the Best Destinations the Philippines - like Siargao, Bohol, Boracay, Pagudpud, Batanes, Cebu , and other vacation destinations. Photos may include famous landmarks like historical churches and houses, animals, rivers, beaches, etc.

How to Join? Submit your photo entries to Transit Publishing Corp. (5F Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd corner Dr. J Quintos St., Manila) on or before the last day of submission of entries.

*You must include a 10″ x 11″ or 10″x14″ sized print of your photo entry and the printed copy of the contest’s application form (click to download). Please affix your signature at the back of the developed copy of your picture.

When does it start? Contest period is from May 30, 2007 - extended to August 31, 2007

Who can join? Anyone with a camera (digital or not) or mobile camera phone - except professionals.