Food from home: Special request and surprise lunch

     Dad made a special request which was a part 2 of the previous surprise dinner (see my previous post Food from home: Surprise dinner)... I guess it's no longer a surprise. To make it more exciting... I added something new to make it just as special.

Farfalle with tomato sauce, pesto and ricotta cheese

     I wanted to surprise Mom too by recreating her favorite pasta. I thought Farfalle would be cute. In our household, we always use homemade pesto (see my recipe in my previous post The Real Pesto). Also, I thought of using imported ricotta cheese for a change. 

     I promised my sister, Mitch I'd do a steak meal one of these days. It was a good thing she and my brother in law, Allan were free last Sunday for lunch. ^_^

Linguine Vongole 

(Linguine with clams)

     This was Allan's request. We usually buy our clams at Salcedo market so we made sure to be early the day before. Mom says you can cook the clams a day before and place it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. She also requested for the small clams for this pasta. 

Mashed potato

Bearnaise sauce

     This brings nostalgia in our family because our former cook, Norie would always serve this with steak, but it was the packaged one. Since I already tried the fresh version, I thought of doing that. Here you use Tarragon, vinegar, onions or shallots, egg yolks and butter. I admit the emulsifying of the egg yolks looked intimidating because you have to get the right timing for that perfect consistency, which is fluffy, smooth and creamy. My first try was a flop but thank goodness I still had ingredients to make another one... which turned out great!

Roasted garlic

Grilled US Ribeye

What everyone was waiting for... ^_^

Nostalgic happy food @ TGI Fridays

     In our younger days back in the 90's, TGI Friday's was already one of the family's favorite restaurants in the US. We got really excited when it opened in Manila around 1993... which meant we didn't have to go far anymore for burgers, shakes and the works. During my high school days at CSA (Colegio San Agustin), this was the favorite hang out of fellow Augustinians after school. It has been a while since our last visit, probably 2 years ago if I'm not mistaken. Mom, Dad and I were thrilled when we learned there was a promo on Tuesdays. I was happy we were all free one Tuesday and went to their Greenbelt branch. We made sure we didn't miss out on our favorites. ^_^

Onion soup

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

I don't know how they do their chicken breasts... it's very tasty and tender.

Friday's cheeseburger sliders

     This is the place to go to for burgers. I thought it was a good idea to get the sliders because I was sure Mom and Dad would want some. I was happy it came with chips and salsa too. 

Chicken fingers

     One of our favorites! Chicken is tender and cooked perfectly... not too greasy. Both the chicken and fries are yummy with the honey mustard sauce. 

Other recommendations:

Nachos

Mushrooms, chicken, mushrooms

All the Texmex dishes and burgers

     

     Another kudos I'd give is their service. From what I remember, the staff have always been friendly and accommodating. I look forward to another visit which I hope would be happening any time soon.

TGI Fridays

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Food from home: Surprise dinner

     I thought of giving Mom and Dad a surprise dinner @ home... but of course it had to be a special one. It was a spur of the moment / light bulb moment when I came up with the menu. 

Roasted garlic

     This is great with steak and potatoes. You just need a whole garlic, pinch of salt and pepper, olive oil. Roast garlic in a toaster or oven for around 20-30 minutes until cloves are soft and slightly mushy. 

Mashed potatoes

     This is my favorite potato dish! For the longest time, I always wondered how the ones in restaurants are so yummy and now I know. You will need 3-5 potatoes (boiled and peeled), 2 tbsp evaporated milk or cream, 1-2 tbsp butter, 2-4 roasted garlic cloves, pinch of salt and pepper. Grate potatoes, combine and mash all ingredients. The secret for good mashed potatoes are the roasted garlic and cream or evap for that flavor and creaminess. ;)

Smoked salmon pasta

     I admit I still had a hangover from La Nuova's linguine salmone. You will need spaghetti or linguine noodles, 4-5 smoked salmon slices cut into strips, 1 tsp butter, 2 tsp olive oil, onions, garlic, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, pinch of salt and pepper, cooking cream, chopped parsley and caviar for garnish. Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a heated pan, cook onions and garlic in butter and olive oil. Add the smoked salmon, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and add the cream, garnish with parsley and caviar. The lemon zest cuts the richness of the cream which will give a slight refreshing taste. If you prefer short pasta, I would recommend farfalle (the bow tie pasta).

US Rib Eye Steak

     When I was on my way out to buy smoked salmon, Mom requested for rib eye... to which I didn't contradict. To make really good steak, use good quality and it should be chilled, not frozen. Sprinkle salt and pepper in both sides and cook in olive oil for 1-2 minutes each side. For medium well or well done, just cook a little longer for 1-2 more minutes.

     

      The smoked salmon and US rib eye were from Santis Delicatessen. The only thing missing were salad and steak sauce... anyhow there's always a next time. The key here is to cook from the heart. ;)


Santis Delicatessen
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La Nuova again

      After doing some errands in the south, we decided to have a quick meal in the Makati area, so that it's closer to home. Since Mom didn't want to go to the mall, I thought of going to La Nuova. It's always a treat to be here (see my previous post Pasta love @ La Nuova). 

The bread with pate and tomatoes

I always eat it together... the tomatoes give a refreshing taste. ^_^

Of course we had our favorites...

Linguine Salmone

Ravioli Verdi

(Spinach and cheese ravioli)

     Always hot and delicious, quality hasn't changed. Believe me when I say this is one of the best places to go for pasta. ;)

La Nuova Pasteleria

San Antonio Plaza

Forbes Park, Makati City

817-8568

Food list

Hi everyone,

     If you love home-cooked meals and a fan of Japanese and Korean food, this is for you. I'm now accepting orders for the following:

Kimchi -P100
Tteukbokki (spicy rice cakes) -P700
Japchae -P800
Bulgogi -P700
Kimchi rice -P450
Mapo tofu - P500
Salmon with miso mayo -P1500
Miso glazed salmon -P1000


All meals are good for 3-6 persons. Call or text 0916-7806521 for orders. Kindly give at least 3 days notice.

Not so Halloween treats

     Last Halloween was a quiet one for us. We chose to just stay home and relax while many went trick or treating or went to the cemetery. Still, I didn't want to miss out on any treats so I decided to make something of my own for Halloween.

Kimchi hotdog

     I love hotdog! Since it was cheat day, I thought it was the perfect time to try thisi. I found a tutorial online and gave in to my curiosity. Mom cringed thinking of the combining hotdog and Kimchi, but it was good to our suprise. Even my helpers enjoyed it. ^_^

Milky way's mais (corn) ice cream

     We had dinner at Milky way that night. My parents say Milky way is really known for their sandwiches and ice cream. My apologies for not taking pics of our food. I missed their mais ice cream so I had my fill of it... Yes I was corny that night. ;P

Milky way cafe

928 A. Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Road)

Makati City

843-4124