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…
Month: July 2017
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.
When a Child or Loved One Seems To Have Gone Off-Course: Manel Diwa
Have you ever been discouraged in your parenthood journey? Do you have a loved one who seems to have gone away from the Lord? Manel Diwa, wife of Dr. Russell “Butch” Diwa, talks of a time when the results of her earnest effort to raise her daughters right still left her “spinning with disappointment.” Years…
Tried with Fire
Received this encouraging devotion from Malu Ortiz and wanted to share it with you. [If you are the one who wrote it, please let me know so I can give proper credit.] Tried with Fire These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your…
Casa Daza Dad’s Recipe for Enjoying His Young Adult Kids
(Extension of Fathers’ Inspirational stories for Fathers‘ Month of June) Cool dad, Sandy Daza, has four young adult kids. Franco (28 years old), Ali (24), Turo (23), Danielle (20) inherited their beautiful mother, Tessa’s, and dad’s good looks and talents. Franco just graduate from college. Turo is a VJ in MYX at ABS-CBN. Both men…
BUTTERFLY IN THE SPRING 