By Allain Dumon Fonte
Tsim Sha Tsui is Cebu City’s world-renowned Chinese cuisine restaurant. In this segment of Zee’s Pick for the Week, be amazed with Tsim Sha Tsui’s self-heating Dimsum Hotbox!
With Mr. Universe Tourism, Erik Lennart Visser, come and try this one-of-a-kind dining experience!
At Tsim Sha Tsui, your food is always beyond expectations!
Video Credits: Gianne Paolo Anciano
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Photos by: Ephraim Basbas
The doughnut is a universal treat that everyone enjoys; they come in different shapes and are called by different names all over the world. In Mexico, they are called churros, beavertail in Canada, pets de nonnes in France, and the Germans call them berliner pfannkuchen; but they are all the same…fried dough. The oldest known fried dough is the Dutch olykoeks or in English “oily cakes”; but my favourite fried dough is found in Xiamen, China and they are called Youtiao. Although the youtiao is very similar to Peru’s picaronnes, the youtiao has a distinct softness and an unforgettable taste.
Of all the many shapes, names, and sizes of doughnuts, the modern-day doughnut is probably the most popular of all – the circular fried dough with a hole in the middle. Even though the mode of preparation is the same with all types of doughnuts, the coating and dips make the modern-day doughnut look colorfully charming and enticing. I have tried a lot of modern-day doughnuts from the sweetest chocolate-filled doughnuts to the most adventurous wasabi-flavoured doughnut; however, nothings beats the Brits when it comes to making them.
From London to Manchester, the modern-day doughnuts in England never failed to amaze me. My top choices are Crosstown Doughnuts in London, the Doughnut Kitchen in York, and the Manchester Doughnut Company. But because of travel restrictions, I have been missing my favourite doughnuts. The closest English-style doughnut I can get in Cebu is the Krispy Kreme. Not until I discovered BRICK LANE Doughnuts!
Brick Lane doughnuts are heaven in my mouth. The dough is perfectly soft, and the variety of flavours are more than enough for a doughnut-lover to choose. My personal favourite is the ube¬¬-filled doughnut; and I fear that 2 ube-filled doughnuts are not enough to satisfy my cravings. Brick Lane doughnuts have two cozy shops in Cebu; one is at the AXIS on Escario Street, and the other shop is at OAKRIDGE Pavillion on A.S. Fortuna Street. I guess I do not need to fly back to England sooner and visit my favourite doughnut shops. Brick Lane doughnuts have brought London to Cebu!
CEO of Brick Lane Doughnuts, Allen Andre Suarez, spent some time in London learning how to perfect these delightful London-style doughnuts.
Doughnut lovers gather and enjoy the specially-crafted Brick Lane doughnuts.
Choose one or choose all! From Choco Pops to John Lemon, every flavour is a must try.
Brick Lane Doughnuts at the Oakridge Pavillon on A.S.Fortuna Street.
By: Allain Dumon Fonte
On and off lockdowns, faces covered, economic insecurity, and inability to travel to see family and friends can be very depressing. Many of us are experiencing severe depression and series of anxiety attacks. But life must go on and we must learn to be strong to survive. So, wake up! Get out of your beds, walk to the kitchen, check your fridge, or go to the nearest grocer, and start enjoying these happy foods that will surelypower you up from your worries.
Many nutritionists and food researchers have backed up these food and beverages with data that support brain function and could boost up our oxytocin. So, whenever you are feeling down, these following meals can power you up.
1. CHAMOMILE TEA
Photo by Küflü Çıkın.
Chamomile tea is popularly known as the relaxing tea. In the shared research of Adelphi University and Rutgers University, chamomile tea is found to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; and is believed to help regulate neurotransmitters that affect the mood of a person. The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine also found out that chamomile tea helps in regulating how our bodies respond to stress, or also known as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical
(HPA) axis.
2. DARK CHOCOLATE
Photo by Vie Studio
Researchers in the University of L’Aquila in Italy found that dark chocolate contains flavanols that helps improve brain function by efficiently improving blood flow to the brain and have neuroprotective effects. This helps in uplifting the mood and has significantly lowered the depressive symptoms.
3. SALMON
Photo by Christina Voinova
Salmon is one of the favorite seafoods all over the world, and as they say, “no one can go wrong when cooking salmon”. Apart from being a delicious treat no matter how you prepare it, salmon is also one of the most healthful foods there is. UK’s Bournemouth University researches the effects of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that is found in salmon. In the research, it was found out that PUFA exhibits treatment to a variety of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders. Researchers in Aix Marseilles Universite in France also found out that salmon prevents various heart diseases and degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.
4. TURMERIC SPICE
Photo by Karl Solano
Turmeric spice contains curcumin, a compound that increases conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to DHA. In a joint-research of Reim University Hospital of France, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala of Mexico, and the University of Hong Kong, they found out that turmeric spices increase effectively the Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the brain, and that DHA is an effective treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders. UCLA’s Brain Injury Research Center found out that curcumin in turmeric spices is an effective treatment for major depressive disorders, schizophrenia, and impaired attention.
5. YOGURT
Photo by Visual Stories || Micheile
Yogurt has probiotics, otherwise known as the healthy bacteria, which is well-known to cure gastrointestinal problems. However, the Neuroscience Department of the University of Verona in Italy presents a research that probiotics help on improving cognitive reactivity, mood, and sleep quality. In the research of Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente at Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social and of Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes in Mexico, it stipulates that probiotic in yogurt improve the gut-brain-axis by increasing the production
serotonin. Serotonin helps in mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behavior.
ZEE picks an interesting dessert for our reader’s sweet passions. Plantation Bay’s Bakeshop by the Beach created a dessert specialty that will tickle both your palate and naughty thoughts.
Pastry Chef Gerard Apurado presented a unique treat for this year’s Father’s Day, it is called Father’s Eggs. However, Father’s Eggs received highly positive feedback from their clientele and from food critics. And the people could not stop ordering them; so why not make everyday a Father’s Day?
Father’s Eggs are delicately crafted custard inside an eggshell; plus, it comes in six different flavors: coffee, pandan, strawberry, ube, plain custard, and mango. However, each flavor is given a playful name by Chef Apurado. The amazing part is that every flavor is so distinct and crave-worthy. Chef Apurado is keeping the recipe a secret; but everyone can order Father’s Eggs at the Plantation Bay’s Bakeshop by the Beach Facebook page.
For other food stories, please check Chef Gerard Apurado’s blog
Photos by: Rene Amodia and Ephraim Basbas
Plantation Bay’s Bakeshop by the Beach presents Father’s Eggs
Pastry Chef Gerard Apurado and his masterpiece, the Father’s Eggs.
The pastry commissary of Plantation Bay’s Bakeshop by the Beach preparing hundreds of orders of their famous Father’s Eggs. (photo grabbed from PB’s bakeshop by the beach FB page)
Father’s Eggs in Ube and Mango Flavours.
Father’s Eggs in Pandan and Coffee Flavours.
Ube, Mango, Strawberry, Plain Custard, Pandan, and Coffee.
The Emilia Romagna region in Italy is the Capital of Food and D.O.P (Dominazione di Origin Protteta) This goes for wine, Parmesan, Balsalmic and Olive Oil (They take it very seriously).
We chose RIMINI which is by The Spiaggia for the beach vibe and summer fun. Rimini is the base for 7 days. You’ll be surprised at the terrain of Rimini – no one has heard of vineyards and beaches within 30 minutes distance. But in Rimini it exists. As days ahead form into a journey of stomping and strolling vineyards, Olive Oil haciendas , Boat Safaris , long “Spiaggia” walks, Parmesan Caves, Balsamic Bottegas, Cheese Pits and Truffle bunting & where you stumble upon the true meaning of “Artiginale” . Only found in the region ; the Food and Wine Journey of Anzani will stay active for the season between June to September yearly .
Rimini is a fun base to set the tone for a week of extraordinary pleasures. The goal is not to indulge, but to awaken a sense of palate that has been inhibited. We promise an unearthing of happiness, love and a sense of pleasure that the Italians have lived for years. We needed to share it with you. The Love for Food & La Dolce Vita.
Day 1 Arrivals
Because of trans-Atlantic and International flights, day of Arrival/pick up from Milan into Rimini. Pace yourself as you arrive in your chosen hotel
Day 2 Enio Ottaviani Winery & Nona’s Kitchen Cantina
The WINERY of ENIO OTTAVIANIFirst impressions of the vineyard is truly a sense of HOME. It is a small artisan Vineyard, (14hectares 
) where you allow yourself to breathe it all in. Life is slower and more delicate. Stroll vineyards by the River. You will understand the vineyard lies on the Rubicone River where the earths minerals transfer to the grape. To result in such a unique flavor in the mouth.
You start meeting Massimo, Davide, the cousins & the family who welcome you in their home vineyard for over four generations. Prepare to allow surprises and Life to happen. Tastings, Chemistry, Viticulture, Life talk, & unique Stories.
Extraordinary Riminian lunch of fresh seafood Spedinis and ” Canocchia” Squillamantis .
Indulge in Piadina and tastings of fresh mussels in white wine.
Wear slip on’s as you leave the Hotel to mark the real beginning of leisure. Groggily grab Italian espresso “Un cafe” & Cornetto Italian style and get whisked to the Marina Port of Rimini to step into a 16 foot catamaran. The state of luxury and ease of this boat sets all expectations out the window as one peels the layers of stress, anxiety and worry out the water. Prosecco and Olives are a staple for water landings.
Followed by a degustatory LUNCH IN one of the seaside restaurants in the Spiaggia. You find yourself lost in the Italian Life. We finished dessert at 4. So lounging in The Beach is The alternative. And then by 5. It’s happy hour time.
Day 4 Bottega Artiginale , Parmesan, Balsalmic , Ferrari , Spritz
Prepare your palate to begin the morning with a stop at an old pastry house that leaves you staring at their pastry counter. Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe. The choices will leave you with a foot in toe!
You head to the town of Modena (1.5hours) and arrive at the Parmesan Vault. See how all the Cheese is made. Then cross over to meet Fredericka to experience Food Alchemy with Balsalmic Vinegars. It’s so interesting, we’ve wondered if this was the true aphrodisiac.
Lunch is served silver service in the cellar with a tasting lunch of Artisan curation . Lunch ends at 3:30. And you gather up the energy to head to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. This short stop revs up the speed in you and the muscles in the man. A quick pit stop in one of the towns shops to bring home a souvenir or drive one in the test courts.
Day 5 STAMPI & Agriturismo
Arrive in a unique small village so artiginale and quaint, extremely amazing creativity. We ended up buying soaps and unique ouds while others got lost in their pictures .
The village leads you to small alleys and walkways until you stop in a real Bottega STAMPI . A 4th generation , unique Leonardo da Vinci printing on everything. From tablecloth, towels, napkins, pillows. So unique and a lost art in the new culture of technology. A worthwhile stop.
12:30/ Meet MILENA and Marina
Two cooking laughing Italian Mama turned goddess of wine. They will lead you to create with them 3 dishes. Their specialty is Piadina and will teach you real tagliatelle with stroprezzi.
Allow the surprise of the day to unravel. As you sparkle with sparkling wine, find the legs of the red and muster your flexibility in pasta flexing. And go around the Agriturismo, learn about their jams, wines and passito. Day will end so happy you won’t be walking straight
Day 6 Fossa Cheese Casefico & Olive Oil Agriturismo
The day starts at 3:30. Choose to lay out in the beach of the hotel in the morning and do nothing but touch the sand, walk the beach, some chose to exercise by the beach with this Italian instructors urging you to move.
Afternoon cafe, come-walk to the old village where the Casefico Pitt is housed. A very interesting affair with cheese and how they store it in the PITT. Cheese tastings. And shopping stops over honey, cherry jam, walnut liquor, passito or pistachio liqueur. Just unimaginable display of creative food display.
Head to the sprawling hacienda of Cleto. The Olive oil visionary explodes with dignified pride as he walks you to the olive groves urging you to hug or sit under a tree to purify your soul. It’s magic the olives. He walks you through a proper olive tasting , to distinguish grade.
You finish your day on a sunset overlooking what looks like Tuscany. The breathtaking view takes your words as you sit on this bliss of a beautiful life. Dinner is served. Clerks wife cooks and comes out with dishes that roll of the tongue but found in their garden. And on their farm
Day 7 Truffle hunts and tastings
Truffle hunts. Need we say more? Follow the nose or follow your palate as the day translates to epicure to engulf a sense of strong flavor to only come from the truffle.
A beautiful tasting over oil, honey, a simple risotto or a white cheese takes tastings to another level.
This journey is available until September 2019. We find our journey is wholesome with minimum of 10 people & maximum of 12 people only
EU 1,250 per person
* Please email the tastemakers team info@anzani.com.ph for suggested hotels and any questions for the itinerary. *
]]>A lot of people find wine to be a complicated drink, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can enjoy wine with virtually almost anything, but we’ve put together a list of four of the most common wines and some tips on how to pair it with anything inside your fridge.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The cabernet saubignon is a bold and full-bodied wine. Like most reds, it’s a great accompaniment to dark meats, such as beef, lamb or pork. It’s also great with dark chocolate.
Pinot Noir
Light bodied wines taste good with mushrooms, potato or truffles. This would taste good with cheese too.
Sauvignon Blanc
If you have chips or tortillas in your fridge, you can eat it with this kind of wine because it goes well with garlic and herbs.
Champagne or Sparkling Wine
You can drink this with any fruit-based desserts or cookies, because the wine cuts through the rich butter of the cookie.
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Food is our life. But when it comes to losing weight, most of us may think of food as an enemy. It’s a common ideology that if we eat too much and exercise less, the easier it is to gain weight. What if we tell you that there’s actually more to just that?
Many of us believe that by cutting down on food, we lose weight quicker. It is true that starving makes you lose weight initially. However, Dr. Kyrene Ong from Dietwise Nutrition Consultancy Cebu explains that it actually slows down your metabolism and makes you able to gain more fat much faster in the long run.
We’ve learned from our World History classes that humans were once hunters and gatherers; we hunted for food and ate as much as we could to survive. Since our bodies right now have not yet evolved from that fact, cutting down your intake of nutrients such as carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals make the body think that it’s undergoing famine, thus slowing down your metabolism and making you more prone to diseases.
You may be thinking right now, does this mean that I can lose weight by eating???
Yes, you actually can! It also is the healthier way to lose weight. Dr. Ong says it is much better to invest in foods that not only help you shed weight but ones that can make you healthy in long-term. “Eat to live first, so that you can live to eat,” she said.
So instead of cutting down food or starving yourself, eat foods that are good for your health. It’ll make you feel good internally and will make you more vibrant. Here’s a list of what you should eat to make you feel just that and lose some weight at the same time:
A Mediterranean style diet is also recommended to help you lose those kilos
Food rich in fiber
Fiber-rich food such as whole grain, whole wheat, rolled oats or bran oats, and beans absorb more water when it reaches your stomach, making you feel full so you won’t be able to at much food afterward.
Healthy Carbs
Healthy carbs include black rice, red or brown rice, whole wheat or grain bread, multigrain, and root crops like camote (which is also good for weight management). Also, make sure you lessen your intake of refined carbs like sodas and junk food, they’re the ones that add weight. Yikes.
Healthy Protein
These include beans, nuts, seeds, chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, seafood, and soy products like tofu. These, along with proper exercise, help you gain muscle!
Healthy Fat
Fat is an important nutrient for the body, and putting in healthy fat in moderate amounts is good for you. Foods that contain healthy fat include avocado, coconut, nuts, and seeds. When cooking, use canola oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
Green Tea and Ginger
These help in weight loss by boosting your metabolism. Green tea contains the antioxidant “catechin” that helps break down excess fat and caffeine that boosts your energy for the day. On the other hand, ginger has “gingerol” that boosts the metabolism.
Spicy Food
Chili fans rejoice! Spicy foods such as chili and pepper also help boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite because of the chemical found in it called “capsaicin”. As a bonus feature, it also strengthens your stomach lining.
Now that you’ve got these, it may be time to raid your fridge and do some good changes to start a better and healthier lifestyle. And while you’re at it, make up your plate by filling half of it with fruits and vegetables, a quarter of it with some healthy carbs, and another quarter for some healthy protein.
The change starts today. The time for you to eat your way to a healthier lifestyle starts right now.
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Here then are the five places where you can indulge with the best tasting Cebu Lechon. (in random order)
Rico’s Lechon
(photo from the wires)
A popular choice among tourist and locals, Rico’s Lechon is believed to have pioneered spicy flavored lechon throughout Cebu. Mixed with special herbs like leeks and garlic, dashed with the secret spicy ingredients, the spicy lechon with its succulent and classical taste proves to be a big hit among its customers! Mactan Promenade, Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City
Carcar Town Market
(photo from the wires)
Aside from its usual delicacies of sweets, Carcar Town Market is also a concentration of the delectable lechon. Its own version of bathed in pig broth and roasted pig drippings, it produces a lechon with crispy golden red skin, thin layer of fat and extra tender meat which has been deemed as “Queen of all Lechons.” Come visit the Carcar’s market with an hungry stomach consider yourself full afterwards. Carcar City, Cebu
House of Lechon
(photo from the wires)
Close to Carcar’s familiar taste of lechon, is this. It serves one of the most raved about Lechon recipes. The amber-orange color of the lechon skin says so much about how it is evenly roasted and it gives off that perfect crackling sound people love so much to hear. Acacia Street, Cebu City
Zubuchon
photography Kurt Fick
Zubuchon’s lechon is blended with herbs such as lemongrass and green onions, as well as seasonings, including sea salt, peppers and other secret ingredients, making its taste unique from its competitors. It also takes pride to serve additive-free and MSG-free lechon. Escario Central, N. Escario St., Cebu City
Alejo’s Lechon
(photo from the wires)
Tasty, juicy and oozing with goodness, that is Alejo’s. What sets apart their own take of lechon among others is the way it is stuffed with lemongrass to give off an aromatic effect. The sightly salty roasted pig is considered to be one of the tastiest and crunchiest among Cebu’s famous lechon recipes. Surely, Alejo’s mouth-watering lechon satisfies one’s craving to the peak. El Salvador, Labangon, Cebu City
Talisay City Lechon
photography Steffen Billhardt
The Talisay City was once the Lechon Capital of Cebu, but even that, its lechon still taste what’s the locales themselves identify tastefully the best. No wonder, the local government initiated a Lechon Festival of this city. Talisay City, Cebu
Where else to get the best Cebu lechon? Let us know!
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