Claude Tayag never ceases to amaze me as he not only dabbles but shines in the various endeavors he pours his heart and soul into – whether it be the culinary arts or the visual arts. Bale Dutung We know him as a chef and culinary icon, with his relentless promotion of Pampango and Philippine…
Some people think that working in a hotel is a glamorous job. Many kids aspire to become chefs when they grow up, as they watch celebrity chefs on television, Netflix and social media, and think that it’s an easy role to play. Others aspire to be in the hotel industry as part of its communications…
Since today is Mother’s Day, I would like to pay tribute to my mother, the gorgeous Wonderwoman – Carmelita “Baby” Vargas Salcedo. I will share a few kitchen stories about her, also to encourage our readers to share kitchen stories of their own mothers on social media so we can celebrate moms everywhere! (Do tag…
He Is Risen! As we celebrate the message of hope that Easter brings, allow me to share the story of a friend who found light amidst darkness, strength in the midst of fear, and joy in spite of sorrow. She is a true inspiration. Her name is Christina Dy. She is…
As you might have heard, Le Cordon Bleu, the legendary culinary institute, has partnered with Ateneo de Manila and to open Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila at the Arete, a new building at the Loyola Heights campus of the Ateneo branded as their “creative hub”. This seems to be Ateneo’s response to Enderun College’s…
Well, actually they launched it in 2017, hehehe. This is the second year of the event. But it was my first time to attend. And the Salonga siblings are not Lea and Gerard. It’s Chef Theodore Day Salonga of Ted’s Kitchen and Chef Gel Salonga of Ted’s Cakes & Pastries. The two have become regional…
I had the most interesting dinner this weekend. It was a unique concept: 6 ceramic artists (potters) came together to showcase their work through a dining experience hosted by Aleth Ocampo in her Magallanes private dining space. Aleth, known for her classic French cooking, served all the dishes for this event in pottery by (pictured…
A few weeks ago, we started Power Lunch with Margaux Salcedo, an online show for ManilaSpeak.com, aired on Youtube. It’s an effort of mine to bring my two worlds together: food and politics. I realized that my friendships are so diverse: that the beliefs of my friends stretch politically from left to right, from activists…
We did it!! Well … almost, so let’s keep pushing! So last week, Mr Montano confirmed to me that Madrid Fusion Manila would no longer push through. So of course I shared the bad news with the world. I never expected that foodies would make such resounding noise – as if food was taken away…
Had a very interesting lunch today whose menu was whiskey, whiskey and whiskey! Met Matthew Magliocco of Michter’s, a maker of whiskey based in Louisville, Kentucky – which I correctly identfied as where Jennifer Lawrence is from 😉 Matthew very passionately explained why their whiskeys are more competitive than others, the foremost reason being that…
It’s official. Madrid Fusion Manila has been cancelled, as confirmed by Tourism and Promotions Board COO Cesar Montano. With all the speculations, I decided to just up and get a confirmation from Montano himself. My story in today’s column in the Inquirer here: http://business.inquirer.net/248412/madrid-fusion-manila-no In its place will be a project called Buhay Carinderia by…
I’m switching to tea! Well, a little bit. At least for the products of Sekaya, I’m a convert. I was introduced to the brand by Claire de Leon Papa, Communications Director of Unilab, when she approached me to recommend a pastry chef who could create cookies or scones using their teas. Sweet Sally Desserts, of…
I just had a conversation with my friend Jayme Natividad, Chef of Taal Vista Hotel, that Tagaytay needs a good Italian restaurant. Maybe my wishes resonated across the Universe because – tada! – L’Opera’s Paolo Nesi, who is not only a respected restaurateur but also a certified sommelier, has partnered with lawyer/developer Babes Oreta and…
Ah it’s that time of the year again when the all-encompassing excuse to love (and spend for it) reigns supreme: It’s Valentine’s Day! I’ve been told by friends in the industry that the following are happening so here are a few options on how to be a sucker and succumb to the dictates of commercialism…
RESTAURANT ALERT! There is a new restaurant in BGC called James & Daughters. It is by the same group that created Le Jardin. But chef-owner Jonas Ng emphasizes that this time around, he is just cooking from the heart; no more stuffy classic fine dining frou frou recipes. “This is me,” he says. The restaurant…
