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?

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