Dennis Jao

Another happy couple dining at the table of The Artist Chef. This is Mr. Dennis Jao, he's down-to-earth and fun to talk with. Even after a year of being together with his girlfriend he still likes surprising her once in a while.

While waiting for the sumptuous set meals I prepared for them, Dennis was also waiting for the chance to bring out his special surprise for his very special girl on their first anniversary.

The chunky cuts of my Moroccan Herb Chicken.

Preparing the plate with Lettuce and Tomatoes ala Salsa Style for the side dish and the yummy buttered rice to complete the main course.

My Green Tea Frothe is often mistaken as an herby type of drink---it's not. Most of the couples who chose this on their set meal menu didn't regret having it as their drink.

While waiting for them to finish the main dish...

I had time to strike a pose before preparing dessert.

More photos are possible when Reggie is present.

Wanna know what's Dennis surprise for his girlfriend?

A huge tarpauline banner with their faces

and the words "Happy Anniversary!"

Good thing this couple loves pictures.

Stir Fried Pork

This is how I call this simple dish---Stir Fried Pork. Aside from the pork, yummy vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and green bellpepper were also included. Most of my food concoctions, food styling and photography happens on saturday or sunday lunch. The best time of the day to capture the best lighting for the beautiful dishes I prepare.

To prepare:
Marinade pork with balsamic vinegar around 3 tbsp., then add paprika, salt & pepper. Set aside for 1 hour. Cut carrots, bell pepper and cauliflower into cubes or diagonal shape. Rinse the veggies with water then drain and set aside. Heat pan with butter in medium heat. Saute garlic then add the marinated pork. Stir fry for 5 to 10 minutes or until tender. When tender add carrots then after 2 minutes add the cauliflower. After 5 minutes add the bell pepper and season with a little kepap manis (sweet soy sauce) for additional sweet flavor. Stir fry then it's done. Serve HOT!

This dish is best eaten with a refreshing, ice-cold COKE.

Rommel Tobias

Relationship by numbers, that’s one phrase I will describe Rommel Tobias’ experience with his wife. Just imagine they were friends for 3 yrs, in a relationship for 8 years, and married for 9 years. Grand total of 20 years of being together is no joke. Rommel or commonly called as TOBY is currently working in an IT firm in Fort Bonifacio, he met her wife during college in MAPUA were they started as friends.

The used to be friends is now a happy couple who usually dine in almost every new restaurants around the metropolis. No wonder they landed The Artist Chef intimate dinner. A truly adventurous couple.

Owen is Toby’s wife, his partner for 20 enduring years and a blissful life.

Thanks for the tip TOBY. You're the second customer who did that. :-)

Missing Pens

Tombow. Japan made pens. Quite expensive. I wonder if they are still available in our local bookstore now. I just miss them so much. During late 80's I remember how I just wasted the ink of every Tombow pen by simply doodling and scribbling with it on paper, not knowing how expensive they are. Then I appreciated the value of Tombow pens when I went to Hong Kong and saw the UNIQLO shirts with Tombow design. Now it's an icon.

Kurecolor. Another Japan made pens. Quite expesive too. During college I remember a professor of mine required each one of us to use Kurecolor as our pen marker for coloring our illustrations. Some of my classmates protested because the pens were expensive---while I was just smiling and feeling proud because I had 2 sets of Kurecolor. How I miss them both.

Cookies & Cream

Breakfast or Dessert for Two?

For more photos of my Food Styling... Visit my Flicker Account

Jinx Macabenta

Ladies and Gentlemen, Rob Schneider… (Ooopss, Kidding!) finally dining at The Artist Chef. Jinx is based in Daly City, California---a very talented person, business oriented, and sometimes a clever artist. (Sniff sniff) He is also the son of the famous Greg Macabenta, former Advertising Icon of AMA Publicis way back then. Jinx and I met in 2002 at DDB Makati where we both worked together for SMART Communications and did a lot of projects for SMART Money to be specific. After a short period of time he went back to the US but we’re still in touch and we are still good friends up to now. We often chat with each other thru yahoo and I always make kulit about this business of mine for him to try. Then when he came home last February, he finally tried the intimate dinner.

The table setting waiting for the Macabenta Couple.

The Candles, Petals and Mood…

They are actually celebrating their 11th year anniversary as husband and wife.

With Jinx is his very charming wife Kathy who was already pregnant at that time. The name of their baby will be “VEGAS”. I asked him why Vegas? TRIVIA: They eloped in Vegas, hence the name.

And would you believe that they dined on the 14th? As in February 14. Good thing my boyfriend and I don’t celebrate valentine’s on the day itself. So talagang pinagbigyan kita Jinx! Lucky you :-)

My funny picture together with Jinx and Kathy.

Thanks Jinx for the tip! First ever tip since I started The Artist Chef

Gretchen Agdamag

Gretchen Agdamag and her boyfriend are both physicians at The UST Hospital. My fellow Thomasian.

Gretch and her boyfriend are both simple and meek people. We didn't have time to talk that much unlike other customers because I have an appointment after their dinner. But I'm glad to meet people like them who both manifest humility in their own little way.

The Artist Chef...behind the scene, food prep.

Yummy chocolate kisses and choco syrup plus my secret ingredients melting all together. The perfect match for fresh strawberries.

Aside from the dessert I prepared for Gretch and her boyfriend, they brought me a petite chocolate mousse and blueberry Cheesecake. Thanks a lot!!!

As usual in my photo opt there's always a version of with flash and without flash.

In Pursuit of Happiness

Of all the adages in life, this one is what I really hold on to..."Dream the impossible Dream." Yet you can't help but feel sad when you're still discontent. But dreaming is all about pursuing the things that will make you happy and satisfied. But I guess it will never happen. I'll just keep on guessing where I will be next time? In the meantime, I'll dream some more...

I used to cook different pasta recipes every time I celebrate my birthday at DDB. Despite the angst, politics, and all... DDB people remain to be the closest to my heart.

I also cooked for FCB creatives, and that was my last day at work. Unfortunately. This is one weird day when all of us were wearing something unlikely for an ordinary creative person.

The Gift

Jan jahjaran... Presenting The latest book of Jamie Oliver. My howe's birthday gift... Siye siye Reggie :-)

Of course I took some pics, and this one I'll call "The Jamie look"

And another one...

What if someday I get to meet Jamie? What is our common denominator? Butter!

I just can't resist this man...Whew! Jamie Oliver... I admire him so much for his good deeds and great talent. No wonder Great Britain is smitten with the Naked Chef :-)

Chicken with Rice (Djej w rizz)

Ingredients: (5-6 servings)
1 small chicken
2 cups of rice
1 cup of minced meat
Assorted raw nuts: cashew, chopped almonds, pine, pecan (1/2 cup of each)
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Salt, pepper (or seven spices)
1 celery stick, 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 small carrot, 1 small onion

Bazella w Rizz (Peas & carrots with rice) - البازيللا مع الارز

Ingredients: (serves 4)
1 cup of minced meat
1 cup of frozen peas
1 cup of chopped carrots
1 cup of chopped onions
1 cup of basmati rice
1 cup of fresh cilantro chopped
1 cup of fresh juicy tomato chopped (or canned)
1 clove of garlic (chopped)
2 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon tomato paste
Salt, pepper (or seven spices: optional).

In a pan put 1 tablespoon of butter, then onions, after 1 minute add the minced meat, garlic, add salt and pepper, stir until the meat is not red anymore then add the freash carrots, mix and leave for few minutes then add the tomatoes. Once the tomatoes cooked, add the tomato paste with 1/4 cup of water, let it cook for 10 minutes then add the peas (after u wash them and rain them) and the cilantro leave for another 10 minutes (you don't wanna over cook the peas).
For the rice: add in another pan 1 tablespoon of butter, then add the rice after you wash it and rain it. Add salt upon taste. Mix the rice with the butter until absorbed, then add 2 cups of water. when the rice starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes until it's done.

Birthday Girl

Born on April 30... a typical taurean.

New door... New life...

The chocoloate shake made of authentic choco batirol, the beef english pie made of ground beef and mashed potato, the cinnamon roll... made our siesta very pleasurable. Nice merienda at Bag of Beans Tagaytay.

Nice to read when everything around you is very quiet.

AMEN for the very nice food and ambience.

Happy eating...

Nice dinner at the Fire Lake Place at The Cliff, Tagaytay

Shopping for Scented Soap

Thanks to you Reggie for being with me and for driving this far to celebrate my special day :-)