Category Archives: Philippines

Walking in the Rain

When a new friend in Manila asked me to go walking with her at 5.30 a.m., I was aghast. Good heavens, I thought, if I am even conscious that early, I am still hunched over my English Breakfast tea,  trying … Continue reading

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Sunday Market in Legazpi Village

When my husband and I wake up early on a Sunday, with nothing much on the day’s agenda beyond a strong urge to get out of the house, we find a taxi and potter down to the Legazpi Market.  Like … Continue reading

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Living it Up with a Personal Shopper

One of our local expatriate magazines had picked Beauty as a theme for our May edition, and I was asked to interview a personal shopper at one of Manila’s most popular department stores. At first I was appalled, for I … Continue reading

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The Chef Diairies: Butchery, the Crowning Glory

Fast forward through dissecting and trussing poultry, filleting a fish, and preparing squid and shrimp to our final cooking lesson. As we assembled at our stations, our instructor this week, Chef Kyla Rosales, introduced each of  us to a large … Continue reading

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The Chef Diaries: Knife Skills 101

Before we begin, I have to admit that I am not the most accurate or precise of cooks. If the recipe calls for an ingredient that doesn’t come immediately to hand, I find an alternative in the bottom of the … Continue reading

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Tasteful Memories

Cultural understanding through taste is one of the best ways we can learn to understand each other ~ Allhoff & Monroe If you have ever wondered about the Filipinos and the origins of Filipino food, Memories of Philippine Kitchens is the … Continue reading

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Aussie Pies at Legazpi

In Manila we quickly become familiar with myriad street stalls and market stalls selling cheap, popular, take-away snacks to passers-by. Those of real notoriety include grilled chicken intestines on a stick, known tastefully as IUDs; grilled chickens feet, nicknamed Nikes, … Continue reading

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An Evening on the Mediterranean

A peaceful dinner at Restaurant 101 on McKinley Hill is always a welcome suggestion. When Chef Cantrel has prepared a Mediterranean feast it’s an offer too good to refuse. The dining room, as always, is calm and welcoming. We are … Continue reading

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Frills & Furbelows at Café Juanita

Late last year, armed with map and compass, I journeyed into the depths of Pasig City on a quest for Café Juanita. Our diligent driver turned out to be better at following his nose than I was at map reading, … Continue reading

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The Cheese Club of the Philippines Turns Thirty

This year, the Cheese Club of the Philippines is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, and apparently there are plans afoot for a birthday party later in the year. Recently I spoke with current President and long-standing member of the CCP, Chris … Continue reading

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