Tuesday, April 21, 2015

GO GREEN in your Kitchen: A KPLR 11 Segment

I got a reminder from a (Subaru) car commercial this morning which said:  "Caring for the environment means exercising compassion and restraint".  There are so many ways we can contribute as individuals to care for Mother Earth.  And I've always been guided by the 3Rs: Reuse, Recyle and Reduce.

And to contribute to Going Green in the kitchen, I have lined up some eco-friendly products for my guest appearance at KPLR 11 (St. Louis).


Product #1:  COOKINA Non-Stick Cooking Sheets

COOKINA is an eco-conscious brand committed to providing environmentally friendly alternatives to wasteful usage of aluminum foil, parchment and wax paper as the products are reusable. The COOKINA Grilling Sheet, Cooking Sheet and Oven Gard allow for easy clean-up for their grills, cookie pans and ovens. Available at www.cookina.co

Pricing:  BBQ = $14.99 / Cuisine and Gard = $12.99 

Product #2:  Carrington Organics Tea
This is the first-ever 100% recyclable and eco-friendly tea. The packaging will fully and safely biodegrade when composted, as it is made of renewable wood pulp. It comes in three delicious flavors:  Herbal, Green Tea Lemon and Chamomile.  MSRP: $3.99/ 20 tea bags per package, available at WalMart, grocery stores and online at www.CarringtonTea.com.

Product # 3:  Excalibur 5-Tray Clear Door Dehydrator
This is perfect for dehydrating fruits, vegetables and meats.  It has a 26-hour timer and and adjustable thermostats (from 105 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit).  The Excalibur dehydrator aids in food storage, as it helps preserve fresh fruits and vegetables, thus avoiding food waste.

Price:  $269.95 at  www.excaliburdehydrator.com

Product # 4:  Zabada Kitchen Glove


    Premium micro-fiber cleaning technology removes 99% of bacteria just by using water.  Just wet, wipe and dry - Zabada lasts for a couple of years, thus saving you money by no longer needing as much paper towels to clean the kitchen. 

    Price: $40.00 for the Kitchen Glove.  Available at www.zabadaclean.com 

    Product #5:  Coyuchi’s Shaded Herringbone Kitchen Towels 

    Loomed from pure 100% organic cotton, in a durable herringbone weave.  Meets the Global Organic Textile Standard [GOTS], the toughest organic-textile standard in the world.  Again, a good alternative to using paper towels.

    Price:  $18 at www.coyuchi.com

    I hope you found these unique kitchen products as interesting as I did. Thanks again to KPLR 11's noon time show host Elliott.  And a Happy Earth Day to all


    THE SET UP AT KPLR


    Monday, April 13, 2015

    FILIPINO ACCENT: A POP UP BRUNCH


    It was a great honor to share Filipino Food to a huge crowd of both familiar friends  and the uninitiated at Frazer's. Thank you  Frazer C.  for giving me your trust and confidence to be your guest chef at your restaurant.

    How the pop up came about is purely serendipitous.  My friends Lingling and Oscar took my husband and I to Frazer's one random night for a nightcap. They knew the bartender extraordinaire Terry (Beckam lookalike) who in turn introduced us to the owner of Frazer's,  Frazer  Cameron.  One thing led to another until a pop up idea ensued. 

    Thank you so much Frazer team: GM Mike for all the help.  Terry for all the  drinks that sustained me  in the kitchen lol.  Chef Joe who was there for me every step of the way…. Chef Cherichel who taught me a lot of kitchen skills.  Chef Mike, who was the silent worker… Charles, Christina, Dave, everyone else....you guys are all awesome. 


    Thank you to all those who came  to support me in this journey.  I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH.  To my ever supportive husband, Christian and of course my Izzy.  To my STL paMEALya who grounded me during my crazy days… TO EVERYONE ELSE.. (some drove as far as Chicago, Marion and other Southern Illinois cities) Having all of you warmed my heart like no other. There's nothing like seeing the restaurant packed from the outside patio up to the second floor... all having fun!  Dios Y Mabbalo Nikamu..  Maraming Salamat!  Thank you very much.

    P.S.
    I didn't have a chance to take pictures, so I grabbed some pictures from my friends, Ina, Jo-ann and my daughter Izzy.  Thanks guys!


    Meet Chef Joe... don't let his height intimidate you, but he is the sweetest and kindest chef I've ever met.
    Meet my buddy Chef Cherichel.... the moment I met him I knew that I gained a new friend.  He taught me some kitchen skills and I love his reassurance when he says: "We've got this!"

    Tinapa Cheese log was a hit. Tinapa or smoked fish. I  used galungong,  locally known as a poor man's fish but I elevated it  by blending gourmet ingredient with it.

    Bangus (Milk Fish) Rice plate or locally know as Bangsilog.  Keeping it traditional with Skip to Malou's Mango trio slaw.
    So yes, we had two roll of these Roasted Belly or Belly-chon... sold out!


    Rice sticky balls in coconut reduction and coco anglaise is my take on my childhood favorite called PINATARO in my dialect.

    But the buko panda panna cotta won the hearts of a lot of guests.

    I told you it was packed.  From the moment we opened doors at 10 am to 2 pm and beyond.  From the outside patio up to the second floor.  As I said the huge crowd of familiar friends and uninitiated.  There were media people from both TV and local magazines.  BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!

    Tuesday, April 7, 2015

    FILIPINO ACCENT: A POP UP BRUNCH by SKIP TO MALOU

    If you see me smiling from ear to ear it's because I am deliriously happy at the moment.

    My culinary journey the past few weeks is on steroids.  You see I have an upcoming  event on April 12, hosted by Frazer's Restaurant dubbed as FILIPINO ACCENT: A POP UP BRUNCH by SKIP TO  MALOU.


    PHOTO CREDIT: ED ALLER

    How the pop up came about is purely serendipitous.  My friends Lingling and Oscar took us to Frazer's one random night for a nightcap. They knew the bartender, Terry who in turn introduced us to the owner of Frazer's,  Frazer  Cameron.  One thing led to another until a pop up idea ensued. 

    The following day, I found myself meeting Frazer again, and that's when the details for the event took shape.

    WITH CHEF/OWNER FRAZER CAMERON

    The menu is totally new to the whole team but I am amazed at how open and accepting they all are.  I am so excited to share the love of Filipino food to a wider audience.   I am lucky to be working with a wonderful group of people.  I'd like to make a special shout out to the GM, Mike Butler, who is always there every step of the way.  Kitchen Managers, Chef Joe and Chef Cherichel too, Photographer Ed Aller, who happens to be the creative director of the restaurant... and of course the owner, Frazer Cameron whose cool demeanor is so refreshing.



    PHOTO BY: ED ALLER

    PHOTO BY ED ALLER

    So come join us at Frazer's on April 12.  It is highly recommended that you make a reservation by calling Frazer's at 314-773-8646.  I will take you on an epic food adventure to the Far East, mostly featuring the flavors of the Philippines, and also fusing the flavors of American burgers, fried chicken and sausage with a unique twist, one that has a distinct Filipino accent.  


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