In February 2010, my sister from the States, Joy, was scheduled to go to Spain from April 15-23 for a culinary trip. But her intended travel companion whose husband got confined to the ICU had to suddenly cancel. The hotels had all been paid and the itinerary set including a pintxos class with Chef Josetxo…
A Week in Provence: French Cooking with Chef Rene Berard
British author, Peter Mayle, wrote a memoir about him and his wife, Jennie, moving from Devon, UK to Provence. The new life in the new scenery came with surprising new problems as well… unexpected harsh weather, frozen pipes in their newly purchased 200-year old farmhouse, less than scrupulous truffle dealers and construction workers, and transitioning from…
Casas de Taal Tour
Praise God for friends around the world who are like my sisters even if we don’t get to see each other often. I am thankful that many of them are near to share the adventure (together with the highs and lows) of trying to follow Jesus. Of course none of us are perfect but we…
36 Hours in B.C. (Batangas City)
In recent years, with Biblical Classes on B.C. (Being grateful and Christ- focused), I have come to be grateful for many things that would otherwise have been an issue to the me Before Christ was the Boss in Charge of me. So instead of moping, grumbling, and complaining, I am learning the joy of praising…
Great Fosters Afternoon Tea
Sometimes when I have recurring prayer requests on matters that haven’t been answered, the counsel I receive is to leave the things that I can not control in God’s hands; wait for His perfect timing, perfect way, perfect will. Certain difficulties need to happen for the benefit of what God is trying to do in…
Secret Travel Tip at Kensington Palace
The Orangery was originally built for Queen Anne in 1704 at the Kensington Palace grounds to house orange and lemon trees which would otherwise not grow in the cold London weather. The elegant architecture and beautiful garden setting more private than the palace itself evolved into her fashionable court entertainment venue. Since its early years…
Cream or Jam First For Your Scones? – Claridge’s
Founded in 1812, the legendary five-star hotel, Claridge’s in the posh Mayfair district of London has had long established affiliations with royalty and is said to have been instrumental as well (besides the Duchess of Bedfordshire, Anna Russell of Woburn Abbey) for popularizing the British tradition of Afternoon Tea. Their afternoon tea in Thierry Despont’s grand…
French Cooking and Farmhouse Living at Le Gargantua with Marlene Deparis
9 Things I Appreciate About Le Gargantua’s cooking course: Hands-on learning, with sufficient explanations Taught by a French-born authentic cook but conducted in English Cooking Course Fee includes Stay-in at French Farmhouse in the Southwest France countryside (no need to worry about additional accommodations, meals, and trip to Casteljaloux/ no hidden costs) Family atmosphere…
24 Hours In Bordeaux (In Between Cooking Courses)
The major reason for my France trip was the Manger (Cooking) Workshop with Mimi Thorisson in Medoc. To maximize my trek to the other side of the globe, I looked for other activities to do in the vicinity and found the cooking course with Marlene Deparis of Le Gargantua. Meanwhile, there was one day in…
Bordeaux Region: Real en Medoc Stay and Saint Julien Dinner
Many years ago, I visited Le Cordon Bleu (Pasadena) inquiring about taking up a course to upgrade my kitchen work skills. But because the course required several months of staying in California while my kids were still in grade school in Manila, the choice was easy: drop the idea and find other ways. I then…
Through the Doors of Manila House
While I was at work, Aki texted me if I wanted to come with her to visit Auro Chocolate’s Pop-up store at the Manila House, a by-invitation members-only exclusive club at the cocooned beautiful enclave of BGC. I love Auro Chocolates. They use and promote local cacao beans; they seek to empower Filipino cacao farmers in…
Neil’s Kitchen’s Stories with Neil and Mich Ramos
How Neil Ramos started in the food business; how his self-proclaimed strong wife, Mich, gave up her business to be on his support team; the creative, delicious Pinoy comfort food at Neil’s Kitchen.
