TERROR IN ASIA...hehehe

Yeah... this shot gives a picture of a tired chef-wannabe trying to force a smile on his lips after an unexpectedly taxing and intense Asian Cooking session. Chef Manoj was the chef-instructor this time and he gave us a sampling of his real mentoring style.

CHEF MANOJ

It was nerve-wracking the moment he opened his mouth. He treated us right away to an impromptu class recitation. He randomly asked questions about the topics we discussed since day one. Needless to say, I was panicking inside. He fired a succession of questions at the class. Dundee was the first one to get shot (CHEF: "What's in a Ceasar Salad Dressing?" DUNDEE: "Uhm, Mayo?"... and down went Dundee). I was moving slowly from one place to another, at the back of the class, hoping that he wont see me. He then asked the class to enumerate the 7 Mother Sauces. "Mother of God, please help me.", I pleaded within.
My prayer was answered. I was not called. During that moment, I was clueless. I wouldn't know a tomato sauce from a soy sauce. I wouldn't know a Hollandaise sauce if it walked up to me and played the flute!
Lesson of the story: Always come prepared (not only with your camera) and ready... especially when you are with Chef Manoj.

Don't get me wrong though. Chef Manoj is an excellent mentor. Meron nga lang talagang "sindak factor" that will keep you on your toes.

di ba, Jay?.. "Good Afternoon.." ..hehehe

The Chef Assistants

Clark and Direk Boyong

Clark

I asked this guy "Papano ko ba icru-crush yung bawang. Yung blade ng kutsilyo ba gagamitin ko?". He explained, in grammatically correct English with an American twang, the methods of slicing, chopping and crushing. I was impressed and confused... well, confused for the most part. Hindi ako prepared lalo na sa accent... Pag-alis niya, dinikdik ko na lang yung bawang.

Direk Boyong

parang si Flash kung kumilos... ang bilis!

A celebrity in his own right, of course, the class didn't pass on the chance to have a photo op with him.

Direk Boyong and Me

The Class really worked!

I had no chance to go from group to group and take pictures like I did before(na naka-pose pa na pang-magazine). Aside from the fact that there were lots of things to be done, I was also afraid that Chef Manoj might give a dagger look if I took pictures (I mean, literally, look at me and throw a dagger... hehehe).

Pero syempre, nakasingit pa rin sa picture-taking. Kami pa?!.. mga sabik sa camera!

The Ladies of Group Three

Chef Manoj introduced us to the basics of proper plating. In the past, we usually had the buffet style. He showed us how it should be done on a single serve.

Ate Agnes appears to be listening... pero iniisip na nya kung pano nya babalutin yung pagkain nya.

PLATED ASIAN DISHES

ASIAN COOKING 1

NASI GORENG

PLATED

TONKATSU

SHISH KEBAB

PLATED

BARBEQUE PORK SPARERIBS-INDONESIA

SHANGHAI FRIED RICE

PLATED

BEEF BULGOGI

PLATED

CHICKEN BIRYANI WITH CUCUMBER RAITA

PLATED

JAPANESE SESAME FRIED FISH

PLATED

LAMB KOFTA

SPICY EGGS

Syempre, ang ending namin STARBUCKS!

Liezel won't be with us for the next three weeks. She will be traveling around Asia. PASALUBONG! Have a safe and happy trip, my friend!