World Class Chefs
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Ramilo (Ram) Villaluna
Ram is a budding chef from Iloilo City (Molo). He gained his training in Culinary Arts at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies under food guru Gene Gonzalez, Institute of Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kumpps) in New York. He took up bread making, and he studied food styling under Delores Custer of the Culinary Institute of America. It all started in Antique where his father owned a restaurant many Antiquenos learned to love. He continued the culinary legacy of his father and now, Ram owns a catering business, Cindy\'s Catering. Food is Ram\'s life, seriously speaking. I am short in saying that he is married to the food industry that, he spends most of his time teaching and mentoring at the Department of Culinary Arts at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo. If one cannot find him in the classroom, Ram will be on the road crisscrossing Iloilo and Antique having first hand in the management of his thriving businesses from both provinces. He also has a once-a-week TV show in GMA 7 \"Food Trip\". I met with Ram once before and he exudes perfectionism, the character that will beam him up to the limelight of culinary arts. At present time, Ram is extremely busy in Manila. I believe he is one of the finalists in The National Food Showdown 2010 sponsored by ABS-CBN. We wish you all the luck, Ram! Maybe, after this showdown, Ram will have the opportunity share favorite recipe here at ILONGGO LIVING.
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Archive for August, 2009
Summer in Washington DC 2009
August 29, 2009
It has been a very eventful day today as our trip to Washington DC culminated. We started the day cloudy, then rain for a bit and then, followed by glorious sunny and humid afternoon. We made sure we visited major key landmarks in Washington DC before heading home tomorrow. First and foremost, The Capitol Hill, The Basilica and The Smithsonian museums. As bonus for the day, I was able to meet a relative of mine whom I met in Face Book initially.
THE CAPITOL (front view)
THE CAPITOL (rear)
Today, the late Sen. Edward Kennedy's funeral entourage will stop momentarily right where I'm standing to honor him for the last time. Then, they'll proceed to Arlington cemetery where we went incidentally yesterday to visit the Kennedy's gravesite.
The Basilica of the National Shrine.
The Basilica (east side).
THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS. It is comprised of a dozen of huge museums of different American interests. It took us a half day just to cover major ones, otherwise, it will take a whole day to finish all of the museums.
The Smithsonian Castle
Arts & Industries museum
Hirshhorn Museum
National Air and Space Museum.
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of American History
As I promised yesterday, here are the foods we had for dinner last night. Since we had an all-American lunch yesterday, dinner was all-Filipino. A great way to end the evening with sumptuous diningding, BBQ shrimps, kilawin fresh shrimps and broiled tilapia.
Fresh Shrimps Kilawin
BBQ Shrimps
Broiled Tilapia
Diningding with makerel
Remembering the Heroes of the Past
August 28, 2009
We decided to drop by at various memorials on our way to Arlington Cemetery today. Lucky enough, another federal building caught my attention and it was The Pentagon! Our host showed the west side facade of the building where the damage done during 9-11 tragedy. Then followed a handful of memorials overlooking the Washington monument and the Capitol at a distance. The experience was very touching as we remembered the war veterans, including the Philippines.
We where caught in a heavy downpour of rain on our way to Arlington Cemetery to visit the Kennedy’s grave site. As if reminding us of the sad demise they went through. Yes, another eerie and emotional experience as I look back at a vivid memory of the late John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline and Robert Kennedy. All three whose lives touched mine somehow. We joined a tour ride inside Arlington. First and foremost, the Kennedy’s, then followed by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where they do change of guards every half and hour.
We’ve got to cheer ourselves up after that emotional visit at Arlington. Our relative, who works at the Homeland Security brought us inside a Navy Base. After a thorough ID check (yes, we have to present our passports and answer questions), we where on our way for a sumptuous, all-American lunch!
THE PENTAGON. Front facade.
AIR FORCE MEMORIAL MUSEUM. Memorial for the missing pilots.
The Vietnam War Memorial Wall. Consisting of 28,256 names of dead heroes (some are still missing and unaccounted for) inscripted on a black granite wall.
As I looked at the inscripted names, my memory rushed back during that time of Vietnam war where Filipinos participated as well, though small in number.
Names upon names of Vietnam war heroes in scripted on the wall.
Inside the famous Lincoln Memorial with my family and me.
Looking from the Lincoln Memorial, one can see a panoramic view of Washington DC.
The Korean War Memorial, whom Philippines also took part of it.
World War II Memorial. Again, the Philippines was an active player in this war.
At John F. Kennedy grave site.
Tombstone of JFK.
The JFK family grave site.
Robert Kennedy's grave site, a stone throw away from JFK's.
Robert Kennedy's tombstone.
Exchange of guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The big cross erected as a gift from Canadian government thanking the Americans for participating in the war.
As we went around the guided tour of Arlington cemetery, I can't help being emotional with Americans who sacrificed their lives for their country and in return, the American government honored them by giving them privileged to be interred (with their family members, as well) here in this famous Arlington Memorial Park.
I will just end my post here tonight to pay my respect for the American heroes. Tomorrow, I will be back with foods again and the final episode of our tour at the Capitol and Smithsonian Museums. Have a good one!
Meeting Obama
August 27, 2009
It was at the height of the sweltering heat of the sun when we arrived in Washington DC today. It looks like we were chasing summer here at DC since we don’t experience it much in Canada this year. I am a sun worshipper by nature, so I’m not complaining of the summer heat here in DC. A good 5- hour stroll around downtown DC looking around huge federal buildings and museums was NOT enough. We were adviced by our host relative to finish up the tour in the next 2 days. Right on! Now, speaking of Obama, he stood as up! He went to Boston to do the eulogy for the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. He said, he’ll just meet us during the funeral. Great, we’re going to Arlington Cemetery tomorrow for a secret meeting with him! Huh! That is, in my wildest dreams. I hope I didn’t take you for a ride (hahaha!).
Downtown DC with the Capitol at the horizon.
The White House (front) where Obama and family resides.
The White House (rear).
The Washington Monument.
The Mounted Police were willing to pose.
My lunch right at the heart of DC. Avocado salad, kale and brocolli shrimps.
We had a big dinnner at our relative in Virginia. They know our favourite: Korean Beef BBQ!
Watercress salad
Seasoned Bean Sprout.
Kilawin na Kambing!
Flyin’ In and Out!
August 26, 2009
Today, we have to get up early, around 4:30 a.m. to catch our flight in Buffalo NY. Though Niagara Falls is only 20 minutes from Buffalo, we have to be at the airport 2 hours before the flight. So, the usual drill in traveling was in place, drive to Buffalo during wee hours in the morning. After 2 hours flight to Philadelphia PA, we have to catch our connecting flight to Baltimore, MD. A very short flight of 20 minutes! Isn’t it nice to have breakfast in Buffalo, New York, snack time in Philadelphia and then, lunch in Baltimore! Truly a jetsetter life! But dinner time is very special at Phillip’s in Baltimore Harbourfront. I have been reading about their specialty, CHESAPEAKS CRAB CAKE, but have no idea that it was actually really good! No regrets having to seat down by the harbour having dinner and watch yachts pass by.
BROIL SEAFOODS PLATTER
With catch of the day fish (halibut), shrimps and crab cake!
CHESAPEAKES CRAB CAKE! Delish to the extreme, never imagined that crab cake would be this exquisitely delish!
KING CRAB CLAWS!
Choice of seafoods sauce or butter.
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The Night Before
August 25, 2009
Our trip to the U.S. was marked off by checking in the Fallsview Hotel & Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It was a free accomodation to a suite room as my brother & sister-in-laws who are regular customers of the said casino and has a weekly free suite accomodation. We have to fly out of Buffalo International Airport in Buffalo, New York at 7:00 in the morning, en route to Baltimore, Maryland (the reason being, it’s a lot cheaper than coming out Toronto). From there, the gate will open to our vacation to Virginia and Washington DC for the next couple of days. Before heading out to the falls to watch the evening view, we had the chance to eat at a Chinese buffet. And yes, again it’s free meal because of my brother and sister-in-laws’ connection. Here are some of the few foods we had as the rest of the pics will be posted next week.
FALLSVIEW HOTEL & CASINO in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
At the front of the hotel.
My favourite TOM YUM KUNG!
PORK SIO MAI
CHINESE STEAMED BUN
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Special Monday Dinner
August 24, 2009
Since we’re leaving for the eastcoast USA tomorrow evening, some friends dropped by for dinner and brought some special food offerings and ended up our dinner as a “going away” party. What a pleasant surprise! Mind you, this was not planned ahead of time, so, we have to scramble around to contribute our share. But overall, it was a great evening of eating and socializing with close family friends and relatives. Here are some food highlights…
SUMI SALAD. This salad was posted at Cecil's site Baluarte and we have been eating this sumptouous salad for years not knowing its name. It's made of shreaded cabbage, almonds, sesami seeds & oil, white rice wine vinegar and noodles. This is another variation of coleslaw.
BATSU. An Ilocano favourite made of shreaded green papaya sauteed in atsuwete (ananato seeds).
THAI CAULIFLOWERS CHICKEN SAUTEE. Not for the faint heart as this dish is loaded with siling labuyo. We adapted this dish from a Thai friend during our university days. Have a glass of water or something in handy just in case you decided to give up eating this dish prematurely!
LECHE FLAN. Or custard cake, is always a favourite in any Filipino party.
MIXED FRESH FRUITS SALAD.
HOMEMADE SUMAN WITH LATIK DIP.
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Fishy Sunday
August 23, 2009
It looks like I broke the tradition of posting fish dishes from its usual Friday slot. The foods are just lining up to be posted as my memory stick runs out of space (2 GB worth of shots for the past 6 months). Twice for the past week, I have to delete old photos as my digital camera blaringly warned me that I’m out of room for new shots. With our trip to the eastcoast coming up next week (Baltimore, Virginia, Washington DC & New Jersey), I really have to clean up my memory stick down to its bare.
Anyways, the fishes that I’m featuring today are not so common type of a fish that one finds at their dinner tables. As much as I am daring to try anything, with fish, one cannot go wrong. Of course, with some few exceptions, like the poisonous types. So, here we go: white tilapia, sea bass and dried baby espada. One should take note that, in order to taste and enjoy the real flavor of that particular fish, you have to either eat it raw or the other alternative is sinabawan or poaching. That way, one will be able to bring out the flavour or taste of that particular fish. Frying fish won’t give justice to the flavour. That’s the reason why Japanese rarely fry their fishes, they usually eat it raw, as in sushi! Extreme huh!
Sinegang na white tilapia. This is what I call "Caucaisian" tilapia because of its color and the flavor is a far cry from a regular dark tilapia. Very mild tasting fish that one will ask after eating it: "Where's the tilapia flavour gone?".
Paksiw na Sea Bass. This is our first time to try this fish and was positively impressed by its flavor (and the price as well! $7 for one whole fish!).
This one was unexpected as today, a family friend of ours gave this baby espada came directly all the way from Pangasinan, Philippines! It's dried fish, so we added vinegar, fresh tomatoes and spring onions. At the first glance, it looks like dilis BUT it is not!
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Vigan Empanada
August 21, 2009
My chef prides of Vigan Empanada as one of the best empanadas in the whole Philippines. Quite understandably, as she is an Ilocano and there goes one’s regionalistic patriotism! Up lately, Noel (Utman) of Overseas Pinoy Cooking blog posted a recipe for Vigan Empanada. Himself, has been scouting around for a detailed recipe of the dish. And guess what, Noel found one at SM Mall of Asia Mac’s Deli Empanada stall. Without too much ado, I told my chef to try the recipe. To her dismay, she found out that the main ingredient is grated green papaya in lieu of mong beans sprout or taugi, Vigan longanisa and to top it up, an egg yolk in every piece of empanada! She even cross-referenced the idea in YouTube, and got the same info. So, her big query is: when did they started changing the Vigan empanada recipe? I told her that time is changing and people wants something new and innovation in cooking. I just love changes and challenges (that’s quite a mouthful!). The ultimate test of the Vigan Empanada rests upon my three teenager sons. They are not that crazy about Filipino foods but when you ask them of their opinion (taste test), Vigan Empanada gets 3 thumbs up! Make it 4 with me in! Here we go…
The ingredients are: green papaya, Vigan longanisa, eggs and Wonton wrappers. Please visit Overseas Pinoy Cooking for details of the recipe. I don’t like to sweat it out preparing the wrapper from scratch, so we use double ready-made wontom wrappers to make things easy. Fry the prepared empanadas in a deep fryer at low heat for about 5 minutes. Serve it with vinegar with lots of sili. PRESTO!
Our very first Vigan Empanada! A success story!
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EB with Readers
August 21, 2009
HELLO readers from the eastcoast USA! My chef and I will be visiting family friends in Virginia and I’m wondering if you are willing to have an EB (eyeball) meeting with us. We will be visiting Washington DC most of the time from Aug. 27 to Aug. 30. Also, I will be visiting Natie in New Jersey Aug. 29th. Please let me know if you’re able to meet up with us and we’ll have some fun. My email address: hibionada@netscape.net.
Relyenong Talong a la Bicol Style
August 20, 2009
Today, I prepared stuffed eggplant with coconut milk (Relyenong Talong a la Bicol style). I learned this recipe from my sister-in-law who is a Bicolana. The Bicol region, as every Filipino may know, likes to prepare their food with gata or coconut milk and lots of sili (hot pepper). So, today, I did just that! My chef who is an Ilocano will surely love this dish as they themselves like to eat hot pepper. Furthermore, as I have plenty of fresh eggplant leftovers, I fried thinly sliced aubergine dipped in soy sauce with a bit of sugar and fresh garlic. Try them, it’s very appetizing! Well, this concludes my eggplant or aubergine entry. There are dozens of ways preparing them, but the ones I posted here are my favourites! Hope you’ll try them, too!
This dish is very easy to prepare. Boil any type of eggplant, stuff it with sauteed ground beef, dip it in beaten egg, fry and then add gata in a separate skillet. Add hot pepper as you like it! Let it boil until the coconut milk is reduced to almost oil. There you go, BICOL-STYLE NA RELYENONG TALONG!
Again, another simple dish. Slice eggplants thinly, fry and then serve hot. Dipping sauce made of soy sauce, fresh garlic and a bit of sugar. Presto!
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