What’s cooking Kiting? ( I’m Kiting. This is my nickname)

So here I am , after two years I have never ever sold a single accessory that I made, in this regard im venturing to a new idea which is to sell take out food specifically for people who work who has no time to make their own lunch. Just so you know I did graduate in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Finally I am actually going to use it which is a very good thing:)

Orders are for pick up only   This is  only available for Cordoba Capital and orders have deadlines!!

Each week will have a different dish and I shall place the deadline for each day.

Should there be a request for another day there will be a minimum order according to the dis

Please check my facebook page for details;

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000792058796&success=1#!/pages/Whats-cooking-Kiting/141875405870474

Creamed chicken curry with rice

Thank you so much !!! So  for those who have been craving for a good curry or some new dishes in Cordoba , do contact me at pilipinaenargentina@gmail.com

Restaurants to go or not to go?

I am always fond of eating out and trying new things. The past two months these are the three places that caught my attention. They are the following;

1) EL Ciervo Rojo – Villa General Belgrano , Cordoba

 

I am not so sure how this restaurant survived after all these years considering that the food wasn’t good and the price was expensive. My husband ordered smoked pork chops with homemade beer. While the other places served beer on a big mug this one was just in a small glass. The pork chop was ok but not so much if you compare it with the other establishments. I ordered some sausages which didn’t taste good at all. It was bland. The sausages came with some cold potato salad which I think is meant to be really cold but was really disappointing as a whole.

VERDICT: Not worth going at all

2) Las Rosas Bar- Dinosaurio Mall Cordoba Capital

For such a chic bar they claim to serve crème brulée, that doesn’t even come close to one at all.

We ordered desserts here. My husband and another ordered some fruits with ice cream and brownies which turned out fine.My other friend ordered strawberries and cream ( you can never go wrong with this one). I on the other hand was so happy to see crème brulée on the menu and ordered the most expensive dessert. It was such a bad choice because it became a vanilla custard soup! So we told the waitress that the crème brulée isn’t suppose to be like that. She told us that it is, because crème brulée is a type of English soup! OH NO, how groundbreaking!!!! Imagine telling that to a French person. The waitress was just so confident for the wrong idea that I surely hope she didn’t learn that from a chef or from her manager because that would be such a disaster.

VERDICT: Never order crème brulée

3.Chinga tu Madre- Avenida Libertador , San Juan Argentina

 

This a newly opened Mexican restaurant where we ate the other day. The place was open air that we actually ate while it was drizzling. I was a bit pressured to finish my food thinking that it was gonna rain harder.

We didn’t have reservation when we arrived and so we had to wait till there was an available table. It was quite a wait that I didn’t dare to look at my watch anymore. Finally we were seated and it took them ages to set the table and take our orders. It’s funny how they work because there was a different person putting the glass, napkin and cutleries. Normally only takes all of these and that person takes the order as well or another can take the order. This way, you can save more time. Apparently they do not have a sense of time because they dont care how hungry or thirsty the clients are.

When the food was ordered , it took them ages to serve it. From the time we entered up to waiting for the food , I have officially made two trips to the bathroom. How crazy!! So our Quesadillas and Burritos finally came and I must say it was good. At least!!!!

VERDICT: come back in 6 months maybe the service will be better

 

Almost a year in Argentina

So here I am, it’s been a year and 10 months and yet I still can’t speak Spanish well enough. That is my fault because I didn’t have any more Spanish classes nor practiced my Spanish with people. However, I can converse now unlike before where I was just completely lost. So even if I can’t speak that much, I still think of it as a big improvement from not being able to speak at all.

Last week,  I celebrated my 2nd birthday. It’s quite a big difference from last year because it was just me and Fernando. I didn’t really have friends or know people. This year I had some guests over and I cooked Filipino food for them! I had to do it for two nights because our place was really small and we only have a limited number of chairs.

Im sure my guests found the dishes strange, specially  the Argentinian ones , but I would like to think they appreciated it. One thing which was such a winner was  the puto ( steamed buns ). They  were such a  huge hit indeed. I also made some sotanghon guisado, a very simple but good dish. The sotanghon, was made of rice noodles with ham, cabbage, green onions and carrots: )

On the first night , the main dish was baked chicken in olive oil with pepper and salt! I would love to do a fried chicken but people here are not really so fun of fried stuffs. It makes them really sick.  The second night was more traditional because the guests I had then wasn’t really that strict with their preferences, so I made them some Chicken Adobo!

Both nights were quite a success that they would like to do it again! So tomorrow I am having another set of guests over for some puto again and some creamed chicken curry!Oh I really love chicken curry but this version is closer to the Filipino one because its a lot more lighter it terms of the amount of spices, unlike the Indian version that I posted here which was very strong. Actually I think I like the cream one better : ) The difference between my version and the Filipino one is that im using regular cream as opposed to coconut milk. They sell it here too but its just way too expensive that I had to think of another way.

So as a conclusion, even if I feel like such an idiot and loser for not being able to speak in Spanish. This also the reason why Im not confident in applying for any job yet because I just feel ridiculous! On the positive side however, I was able to improve and learn how to create some really nice dishes. In a country where materials are limited and expensive , you are really force to be a little bit more creative. So cheers to that!!!

Hoping for a better government

I told myself before that this blog will not be something very personal, but then most of the time I find myself not knowing what to write here. I must say even though I haven’t written anything for a long time, people find their way to my blog which is kinda cool , this whole technology thing is just great. When you write something there are more opportunities now that anybody can see what you just wrote. So I have decided to just write down whatever interests me. Who knows someone might find it useful.

June 30, 2010 – Noy Noy Aquino officially became the president of the Philippines. He vows to fight corruption, a very hard task because there are just so many of our politicians and people who work for the government who are  buried with all the money that they have stolen from the people. While the mission of the new government is hard, I really hope that somehow things can still change, and that we don’t have to be labeled as such a corrupt country anymore.  If these people are sworn into office now would just keep their word then things can still change. I really believe that even though there are so many sick politicians , there are those who are really sincere with their job to serve the people, however most of the time these people are outnumbered. But I like to be positive , its the only way to go forward.

You see these corrupt people are like weeds. If you don’t take them out they are going to grow and multiply until your garden gets really messy and ugly. I just find them so disgraceful and disgusting. Every election people are just getting deceive with all those promises , which are all lies. They really just ran for their own personal interest.  While the rest of the people they are suppose to serve are struggling for their lives just to live comfortably, the ” weeds” are getting richer and richer, buying new properties , cars, perhaps getting involve in some business.  What makes me so sick is that they put on that innocent face , as if they have stolen anything. Not only that, they even get elected again.

In every government, apart from the people who actually ran during the elections , the president appoints a lot of people to take care of the different posts like the trade, finance , agriculture, health etccc…. While a lot of them are qualified for the post , a lot of these people are not that qualified either. They got those positions because they know people and this is exactly how politics works. After a new administration has ended a new set of appointees will replace the old ones so there are no issues of loyalty or being in favor of the old administration.

I remember when I was in college a schoolmate of mine told me that one of their family is getting a really big position in the government because our ex- president appointed him. This is a big deal for the family and they are so proud of that person. Years later, I heared that particular appointee has gone bankrupt before he got appointed and suddenly after working for the government he gets all these new properties so quickly!!! And you just know , of course it wasn’t his money! What’s make me even more sad and furious is the family of these kind of people. They are still so proud of that person , and I mean not just the wife or the children of this person but the rest of the family!!! That is just so low. I wish they were humble you know, but they are not. They are not humble at all. When you see them, the act as if they are some blue blooded royalty.

I find these people hypocrites. A lot of them are also member of these Catholic organizations. Religion is always involved in the Philippines and they play a big part in politics. If you get their support, chances are you will probably win, that’s they have all these different organizations. I just find it so sick. Do these people still have conscience? How can they sleep knowing what they have done? Maybe they are so full caluses that things are so hard that they don’t feel a thing anymore.

This scenario is something common all over the world. How I wish things are easier and that the people who govern and serve the people are honest and sincere. For those who can testify against those who are clearly stealing, I wish they get out there and for once and be man enough for their country. Yeah just like heroes!!However a lot , just like to stay where they are, avoiding all the conflicts. It’s too much trouble for them, they don’t wanna be involved.

I am really proud and happy for those who are still fighting and will never stop fighting. The people who makes things possible: ) I am sure that they will continue to fight and I hope there will be more of them.

Cheers for a better Philippines!!!!

pros and cons of Cordoba Argentina

Today I received an email from a Filipina raised in Vancouver who has plans to go to Argentina! Hmmm maybe she’s Canadian by now. Anyway, I am glad she found this blog. I am surprised that from time to time people find their way to this blog: ) Thanks to all of  you for reading even if I don’t write that often: )

So here I am, still in Argentina after a one year and 4 months. Well that’s 3 months in San Juan and the rest here in Cordoba.  There are so many that I have observed and experienced in this country after more than a year. However, this is mostly based in Cordoba since I live here. I cannot speak for Buenos Aires as most people would probably want to know more.

So here is the list I made of the the things I like and I don’t: )

I LIKE

1) La Tradicional empanadas

This is the logo you have to look for!!!

I have tried and eaten so many empanadas here in Cordoba, the best ones are from this place. Actually this is the best empanada I have ever had so far, so so much better than the ones in San Juan and a few that I tried in Buenos Aires.

all empanada arabes is triangular shaped: )

This is the best empanada Arabes ever!!!! The ground meat is cooked in lots and lots of lemon juice. Try the Pollo con salsa blanca too. This is chicken in a white curry base sauce.

Their address are the following:

Boulevard San Juan 466 , telephone numbers 428- 2433 and 421-4747

Estrada 131, telephone numbers 460-0174 and 460-8967

2. The weather – Maybe a lot of people doesn’t like the weather here because its humid and it rains occasionally. For someone who comes from the Philippines and in a place which is a lot more humid than this, the humidity here is mediocre actually: )lol And rain? Are you serious? If you have been to Manila , when it rains it really pours A LOT!!!!! I like the fact that winters and autumn here aren’t so cold either. I find it very pleasant. Although summer can be really hot, but not hot as hell like San Juan. So , yes I am happy with the weather.

tango shoes!!! OHH YEAHHH!!!

3. Shoes- No I do not have a thousand shoes like Imelda and I don’t buy every month. I usually buy when I really need it only. I know it sounds so boring but that’s because I do not have a job here, if I did , I think I will be tempted for sure!!! Anyway having seen Italian, Spanish  and designer shoes in Europe , I can truly say that women shoe business here is serious. The quality and designs are really nice: ) I just love window shopping for shoes here. The boots this season are just so yummy!!!!

4. Meat- I must say the meat is really good. The quality is just excellent, and when you order meat in a restaurant, trust me it will make your tummy really happy because the portion is really big. I must admit though that I am not crazy about the asado or steak crazy , after having so many it makes me sick. It’s nice once in a while , but certainly not several portions in a week. At this point if you hand me a plate of asado and a box of KFC fried chicken. I choose KFC , damn I miss super super fatty fat fat KFC !!!! They don’t have that here. Actually. super fried food are not so big here.

WHAT I DON’T LIKE:

1. Airlines and buses are expensive- While the rest of the world are going crazy over Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Air Asia and Cebu Pacific , Argentina has remained grounded and didn’t allow the cheap airfares craze to take over. Although the Argentinians think LAN is offering them a good deal , it is really nothing compared to what is happening on the travel culture on the other side.

this is usually how it looks inside. Nice huh!!!

I find that sad because I love to travel a lot and I cannot do that here. Their long distance buses are really nice though and very comfortable. However I do not quite understand why would someone travel in a bus for 8 hours or so when you can do it on a plane for just two hours. The buses are the cheapest way to travel here though but its still expensive compared to the airlines I mentioned earlier.

2.High cost of commodity versus the salary- Many would say that its cheap here, perhaps you are saying that because you work in Europe or the United States , but try working here and having an average salary you will certainly change your view!!! I don’t think things here are cheap at all. For instance, clothes are so ridiculously expensive!!! I did live in London and I was just earning a minimum wage, actually I was only an intern and yet I can afford to go shopping and go to a restaurant once in a while. People go shopping here too, but that’s probably where all their money is going!!!Food is alright but still not cheap. I still find it relatively pricey.

3. No Chinese dimsum in Cordoba- For someone who is Asian, a decent Chinese restaurant really makes me happy. However in a big city like this I just can’t believe why there is no decent Chinese food. Their menu consists of three main things Chop Suey, Chow Mien and Chow Fan plus some occasional spring rolls and empanadas maybe. WOW!! You can put this menu in half the size of a bond paper!!!! In other countries its several pages of food to choose from!!

4. They eat really late lunch and specially dinner- When I first came here I didn’t know that they prepare things late and eat lunch and dinner so late!!! Maybe I had some experience in London but not as bad as here, Imagine eating dinner at 10 :30 or 11:00 pm, there is absolutely no justice for my tummy!!! I ended up having heart burns all the time for the first few weeks.Eventually I learned to eat beforehand when I know we are having dinner out with some friends and family.  I wish they would learn that it is actually healthier to have dinner early , because you do not sleep with a stomach so full.

So I guess this are the key points of the pros and cons for me. However bear in mind that each person has his and her own opinion: ) Have fun in Argentina!!!!

The law of attraction: Is it for real?

Last Saturday I went to a film showing at Centro Narim. This is a dance school but also a center for metaphysics. Actually I go to this school now for the Arab dance classes and its been really great, I love it!!!!

So going back to the film showing, it was about one of the biggest secret of the universe which is the ” Law of Attraction”. So what is the law of attraction? The Law of Attraction simply says that you attract into your life whatever you think about. In short if you think of good and happy thoughts then you get the same energy back or if you keep on thinking of sad things, lets say you  worry too much , then you will worry some more because you are increasing that energy , and therefore attract the same negative thing.

How I wish this law is as simple as it sounds though, but then we always have room to learn new things in our life and maybe even shift how we think no matter how challenging that is. I easily get so distracted but I am more than willing to give this a try: )

I have met people who I think applied this in their life and the change was just amazing I must say!!!I have this friend who always wanted to go to Spain, you see going to Spain is kinda tricky if you are a Filipino living in the Philippines. So he had this picture of Spain and that put on a wall so when he woke up he gets to see it and be reminded of his goal and  dream. Well it happened, he lives in Barcelona now, he got a scholarship there. He made it because he was determined to go.

I remember reading the Alchemist by Coelho and it says that ,”when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Now that is inspiring: ) Here is another from the Warrior of the light ,” the world is a mirror and gives back to each man the reflection of his own face.” All these points out to the same idea about a persons thoughts and how those thoughts changes his environment. May it be for better or worse. We are indeed the master and creator of our own lives, things come in the way but these are the obstacles that we have to deal. It maybe an obstacle or perhaps just another situation in our lives: )

I do have a little concern, I just remembered two incidents and I am not sure if that was the law of attraction or just a pure coincidence. The first one was about a friend of my mother. Her daughter was having a garden wedding, and during that time it was raining everyday. So they advised my mom’s friend that she should have a back up plan just in case it would rain. However she was so sure that it wouldn’t rain. She said she has been chanting for days. So the the wedding day came and guess what? Clear skies and no rain!!!!

The second incident was during my senior year in high school. We were going to have an exam in computer programming and I really really hated that subject. The exam is done by partners, and I was so glad to have a partner that was computer literate. On the day of the exam my worst nightmare came, because my partner got sick and was absent. OH such a horror!!!!!! I was really in deep deep trouble then because I know I wasn’t going to make it to that exam, so I was really hoping and thinking hard that there was going to be a power shortage during the computer period. So computer period came and we sat in our designated computers and suddenly the lights  and the computer turned off. A POWER SHORTAGE saved me!!!!!!

Now I do not know if these situations can be considered in the law of attraction, but whatever it is, through focus, we both got our end goal: ) It felt really good though.

So is the law of attraction real? I say, why not try it for yourself!!! What is the Law of Attraction formula? There are just a few basic steps.

1. Ask
You must be very clear on exactly what your desire is.

2. Source says YES!

3. Allow it

Focus on it.  Give it all your positive energy. Visualize it and raise your vibration about it. I think the most important thing is to  feel good! If this formula works for you, I would really love to hear your story, so please please e mail or leave me a message: )

Lastly if you have anything to say about this topic please feel free to leave comments , I do not seem to get any!!!! So you better leave a comment if you manage to read until this part: ) ahhahhahhaa cheers people!!!!!

Acknowledegment: law of attraction formula taken from

http://www.law-of-attraction-info.com/

REMINISCING

It’s been a long long time since I have written, not that I do not have time, because I do have all the time in the world , I am just extremely lazy I guess.  Right now, I am currently in a reminiscing mode, I have been for two days now. I listening to Cynthia Alexander now, a great artist from the Philippines that was greatly part of my college life and the years after that.

Cynthia Alexander

Those years were the most creative ones for me and it was beautiful. The experience , the journey,  and I  literally felt beautiful inside and outside: ) They say you are like illuminating.Those days were spent in places like the Conspiracy Garden Cafe, 70′s bistro , both of these are in Quezon City area and the last is in Saguijo, which is in Makati.  All of the these still exists but I personally love 70s Bisto and Conspiracy: )

I was with really wonderful people too during these time and they inspire me to be great everyday!!! I felt inspired , so high with emotions and creativity ( not with drugs ok). So heres the you tube link of the song I am  listening to.

This song was written by Maningning Miclat , a talented Filipina poet who wrote beautiful things. She died of suicide while I was still in college. If you speak Tagalog the song is below, if not then feel the music and you will understand. This song is by Joey Ayala , Cynthia’s brother.

Berso #2
ni Maningning Miclat

Dumaan ako sa tahimik na ilog,
Ang buong mundo ay parang natutulog
Kung may bunga mang sa tubig ay mahulog
Parang ang puso ko itong nadudurog.

Kung mag-isa ako huwag nang isipin
Sa dilim ay dapat pa akong hanapin
Habang may luha ay huwag pang ibigin
Sa pangarap ko ay huwag nang gisingin.

Kaya kong maghintay sa mga tula mo
Marinig sa awit ng kabilang dako
At tuklasin sa paglalakad na ito
Hamog at luha ng bulaklak at damo.

Mapapanood ang sayaw ng tutubi
Mapapakinggan ang ibong humuhuni
Hihinahon ang pusong di mapakali
At hihimlay na sa mapayapang gabi.

Dumaan ako sa tahimik na ilog,
Ang buong mundo ay parang natutulog
Kung may bunga mang sa tubig ay nahulog
Parang ang puso ko nga itong nadudurog.

If you are interested to know what this means then just message me: )

you may check Cynthia’s my space at http://www.myspace.com/cynthialexander

and check Maninning at http://www.maningning.com/home.htm

Moroccan kefta

I was browsing the web for cooking shows and I found this dish that seems to  be very interesting. I tried it the day after and found it really good!!! Of course I made some revision from the original recipe. Kefta is actually a spiced meatball. This was derived from the Persian verb “kuftan”, which means to grind. Have a look at this page for the original version of this recipe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5fpJQ4zX1I

So here is my version

Ingredients:

For the meat

1 pound of ground meat

1 small onion grated

1/4 cup chopped parsley ( it’s best if you add some mint leaves too along with the parsley)

3 garlic cloves diced

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp aji molido or chili powder ( optional )

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 Tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

3 tomatoes grated

1 small onion diced

3 Tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 cup water

1  1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

Procedure:

1) Mix all the ingredients for the meat. Shape them into balls then set aside.

2)Mix the tomato paste in a cup of water, set aside.

3) Cut  tomatoesin half then grate it. Discard the skin.

4) For the sauce, you sauté the onions . After a few minutes add the tomatoes ,then add all the spices.

5) When it is boiling, add the meat. Pour the tomato paste mixture over it.

6) Reduce the sauce. Try the sauce and adjust the taste.

7) You may break an egg on top of the meatballs and let it cook. Do not stir it or the egg will break.

Serve with rice or bread. You can also have minty yoghurt dip. Get a natural flavored yoghurt then add some chopped mint leaves. Don’t put too much mint leaves and make sure the yoghurt is not the sweet one.

Now you are ready to eat!!!

Julie, Julia and Ratatouille

First of all I would like to thank the people who tried the recipes that I posted here, feel free to adjust them according to your taste: )  Also, for my husband’s work mates who are probably expecting me to post another recipe, be patient for I shall post them soon.: )

A few weeks ago my sister in law posted a review on the movie Julie and Julia in her blog, and so I asked Fernando to download it and it was quite wonderful!!!

No, I rephrase that, I love it!!!! I really do!!! First and foremost  because I love to cook and eat great food!! In the movie, I think it’s a sin to even say that one is in diet because they use a lot of butter!! I have gained weight after London but I just can’t seem to diet , its just too difficult for me. I cannot bear just eating salads alone and fruits. I get really cranky and turn into a monster when I am hungry!! Seeing the movie makes you realize that eating is just not about eating alone, the flavour must be perfect and impeccable. Remember that cooking is an art. If you have seen Ratatouille then that is exactly what I am trying to say. He was so passionate that he certainly broke some norms in the industry but he did it perfectly well and with flying colors!!!

I know it’s bad, but I think about food a lot, even in the gym. How strange to think about food while exercising!! Being here in Argentina makes you dream of Thai , Indian, Chinese, Filipino and Japanese food!!! I am sure you have those in Buenos Aires , but there’s not a lot of choices here in Cordoba.There is Chinese food here, but they only have two common choices, its Chow fan and Chow Mein and that’s it. Is this even right? From what I know in other restaurants back home theres pages and pages of dimsum and soups and others noodles that you can choose from!!!! That is so sad , I don’t even know if the locals even know that, perhaps some of them. There’s a good thing though, it makes you want to create things that are not available in the market!!! That is how I started to cook. At this point I know I am not moving so much in this place but all I know is that I need to keep cooking make a good menu and perhaps one day it might be useful for another purpose: )

BEEF CURRY!!!

There is a lot of good beef here in Argentina so I thought of making beef curry which turned out to be quite good. I do know that in India, they do not eat beef ,so you may substitute this with lamb too. By the way I read that there are components in the curry that can fight cancer!!!! Even a better excuse to be eating more curry!!!

Anyway here’s my version of the beef: )

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. Crushed or ground coriander

1 Tbsp . Ground cumin

1 tsp. Turmeric powder or you can substitute this with curry powder

1 tsp crushed black pepper

1 tsp chili powder or aji molido

4 garlic cloves crushed

2 Tsp. Grated ginger

2 ½ Tbsp lemon juice

½ kg. beef cut into cubes ( make sure you use stewing meat, here I use osobuco)

2 Tbsp. Tomato paste

1 cup beef stock

salt

½ beef cube

olive oil

Procedure:

1. Combine all spices with lemon juice and tomato paste to make a paste. ,Mix it well.
2. To get the beef stock, Pan fry beef in olive oil for a few minutes then add a cup of water and let it boil . Remove beef from the stock when it is half cooked.
3. Sauté the spice paste in olive oil for a minute or until you smell the aroma then add beef. Mix together till beef is covered with paste. Then add the stock.
4. Add the beef cube and cook very well till meat is done.
5. Try the curry and adjust the spices. Then season with salt. Simmer some more to reduce the sauce.

Now you are done!!! This is always great with rice or naan bread or you can get those flat breads from Lebanese or Arab stores; )

Remember that you can reduce the beef stock if you like it a lot more thick. Also you may lessen the amount of black pepper or chili powder according to your taste.

The picture here isn’t the one I made but its almost similar. thanks to google for the pictures, the credits goes to the one who took this picture: )