Chef Xavier Btesh Made French Cooking Easy for Filipino Kitchen

Meet the handsome French guy.  Born and raised in Paris, chef Xavier spent the earlier part of his career training under renowned chefs before he went on to become a consultant chef for various businesses and eventually publish his own cookbook Les Petits Dîners de Xavier which sold more than 40,000 copies across Europe.

Now that he has been living in the Philippines for over five years, he pays tribute to this country he has fallen in love with and the people who have welcomed him with open arms by sharing valuable knowledge and his cooking legacy.  Through his newest cookbook, French Kusina, chef Xavier teaches you how to infuse French techniques and styles into dishes that you can easily create at home using local ingredients.
 

In the Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series, he breaks down the basics of French cooking and reveals how it can easily be done in the Filipino home.

“When you’re a French chef, people come to you and they tell you about 3-star, 4-star Michelin chefs, truffles, and foie gras. But I keep telling people, this is not the food we eat daily,” he says. “I know that Filipinos love their family-style and we’re the same in France, we have family-style as well. I want to show the way we eat at home.”
 

Simple but classic: the Salad Nicoise

For someone who has travelled the world and has caught the attention of clientele from high-end lifestyle brands to Europe’s royalty, chef Xavier’s philosophy on food and cooking remains constant. It should be uncomplicated. 


An authentic carbonara doesn’t have cream—it only uses eggs, parmesan cheese and salt and pepper!

For the Culinary Elite Series, chef Xavier demonstrates various French-style dishes from his cookbook. He starts with the traditional Marseille Seafood Soup, and the hearty Salad Nicoise. Beef Bourguinon, Milanese Risotto, San Remo Pasta Carbonara make up the main dishes and a dessert of Chocolate Mousse completes the menu.

 

The traditional Marseille Seafood Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish.

When you think of French cuisine, it’s likely you’ll be teleporting yourself to a swanky bistro with fancy wine, cheeses, and other ingredients you can hardly pronounce. We might not think of it as simple and familiar comfort food, but French and Mediterranean cuisine extraordinaire, Chef Xavier Btesh, proves otherwise.
 

Chef Xavier Btesh likened the process of making Beef Bourguinon to making adobo—basically stewing the meat in a flavorful sauce.

He also shares that many of us don’t realize French dishes have a lot of similarities with Filipino food. In the same way that we have “adobo,” the French have their own version as well. Just switch the vinegar with wine and there you’ll have a French chicken stew.

These are recipes which also allow you to add your own personal flavors to each dish. “I think recipes should be whatever floats your boat,” he says. “Food is craftwork that you share and pass-on; and each of us can do it his own way.” 



The delicious Milanese Risotto. Chef Xavier Btesh may have been born and raised in Paris, but he is half Italian, which is why he knows the cuisine very well.

We can learn from chef Xavier that cooking the French way isn’t that complicated and each recipe will always have room for your own personal touch. In the Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series, you’ll definitely be given the tips and motivation to cook like an expert.
 

A deliciously dense serving of Chocolate Mousse to finish off the meal.

 Whether you’re a chef, a foodie or a home cook, chef Xavier will always tell you to “cook with your heart,” and think about the people you are cooking for. “Don’t mix too much stuff to begin with, because the more you mix, the trickier it gets to play with flavors and ingredients. Keep it simple,” he says. “And don’t be scared. I truly, truly believe there is no bad chef.”

 

With the rest of The Maya Kitchen experts

 

With Chef Charie of The Maya Kitchen

Chef Xavier with the Oldies but Goodies! Never too late to learn more in cooking.

 

For more information on this and on other course offerings

 

log on to www.themayakitchen.com

email: contactus@themayakitchen.com

The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every

Tuesday to Saturday

8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City.

Call 8921185 or 892-5011 local 108 or +63929 679 6102.

 

Like and follow Maya Kitchen on Facebook

Instagram @TheMayaKitchen1 and follow us

Twitter @TheMayaKitchen

 

The CHEF and The FOODIE

Get ready for Sabrina's Kitchen Season 7 this August

Everyday food preparation is one of the toughest jobs a mom like us usually plays.  And I must admit that every day is not the best day.  There are times of “lazy mom cooking” day.  But there's Sabrina's Kitchen to rescue your day!

 

Get excited as the beauty queen rule her kitchen again to another level of good food and dramas. I met this wonderful women, I think a year ago. I got stunned with her pleasing personality. During the recent media launch of Sabrina’s Kitchen,  she did a quick cooking demonstration of 4 dishes plus 1 healthy smoothie drink.

Morocan Inspired Salad with Cumin

Gourmet Sandwich with Curry

Champorado with Cinamon

While cooking, Sabrina never fails to share her beauty tips.  She uses olive oil to her face after bath while still a little wet; it gives her a natural moisturizer. Now we know, olive oil is not for the kitchen only but also good for our beauty regimen.

I’m sure you have noticed Sabrina’s necklace, a fashionable glass bead necklace by the Talaandig tribe women. She bought this in support of the Marawi refugees. For those who want to purchase, the necklace is available at the Hineleban Cafe. The media launch happened at Hineleban Café San Lorenzo, Arnaiz Ave.  Hineleban is a cozy place to dine and sip some hot Arabica coffee on this kind of rainy season.

Ms. Renee Araneta Perrine, a good friend of Sabrina and founder of Hineleban Foundation

In support to Hineleban Foundation (Hineleban.org), for every bag of Hineleban Coffee purchased, the foundation plants one forest tree at a time. With your visit and an order of Hineleban coffee, you get to support the foundation and local farmers of Bukidnon.

 



Waway Linsahay Saway, Sabrina’s good friend, made us listen to his Filipino Ethnic music. Waway is not only a musician but also an artist and a good chef. It was an afternoon of foodie learning experience again with the ever gorgeous  and always young looking, Sabrina Artadi. 
 

 

 

Claudia, the owner of Hineleban gave her toast to Sabrina’s Kitchen Season 7 with Bambanog (Bamboo Lambanog version). Cheers to more Sabrina's Kitchen seasons!

 

 

Catch Sabrina’s Kitchen, now on its 7^th Season! It will be aired on August 13, 2017, GMA News TV, 10am-10:30am.  Get your kitchen come to life as Sabrina leads you to haft an hour of actions and dramas.  Say goodbye to boring kitchen.  Sabrina is not a chef by profession but a chef by heart!  This time, Sabrina will share more of easy to cook healthy meals, the lazy way but with love...hahahaha! Ti Amo, Sabrina!

To know more about Sabrina's Kitchen visit:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSabrinasKitchen/

 

 

PHILIPS:Launched the holistic campaign for #NothingBeatsHealthyEats

As a mother and a wife, being able to cook tasty yet healthy food, in a limited amount of time, is an essential part of a happy lifestyle. However it can be difficult, and time consuming, to find cooking methods that are low in fat, and also produce great-tasting results.  While in today’s urban landscape, most people are so involved in their hectic schedules that they fail to maintain a balanced lifestyle and studies reveal that Filipinos are increasingly becoming more conscious of staying healthy 

Philips, a global leader in kitchen appliances for more than 60 years, strives to make the world healthier and more sustainable through innovation. With its long history, Philips understands the needs and desires of consumers and has a strong heritage of delivering innovation that improves lives - to people, to homes and families.

As the brand reaffirms and strengthens its advocacy in motivating Filipinos from all ages and all walks of life to make healthier choice, Philips revealed “#NothingBeatsHealthyEats” – a holistic campaign to encourage Filipinos to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

At the event, mommy blogger duo Mothers Who Brunch – Michelle Aventajado and Sabrina Go, celebrity Chef Jose Sarazola and Philips in-house Chef Jaced Bayangos brought to attention the dilemmas of moms in preparing healthy meals for their families that also taste good.

They joined forces to put together a healthy spin on a menu of Filipino favourites such as bulalo, corned beef, vegetable quiche, lechon kawali. Guests were invited to make their own slush and fresh juices at the Philips juice bar.

Urasinee Patarasongkram, Country Manager Philips Philippines said, “At Philips, our goal is to enable families to prepare healthy, homemade food easily and more often. We believe that food is essential to healthy living and enjoying life, something our product range and innovations are centered around. These smart kitchen solutions are aimed at making it easier and simpler to cook tasty, nutritious food at home.”

“Philips is glad to be able to work with esteemed personalities in the industry to help empower and inspire Filipinos with new ways to take control of their personal health,” she added. Urasinee Patarasongkram, Country Manager Philips Philippines said, “Philips kitchen appliances continue its commitment to innovating solutions to provide consumers with healthier, tastier and more efficient ways of preparing homemade meals, more frequently.”  

Healthy Kitchen Solutions

Philips, as a company who understands the hearts and minds of home cooks across generations, share its latest healthy kitchen solutions.

Rapid Air technology for healthier frying with Philips Avance XL AirFryer

 

Maximum juice, minimum fuss with Philips Viva Collection Juicer

 

Beat the heat with your favorite smoothies using The Avance Collection Blender

Philips Avance Collection Sensor Touch Rice Cooker

You won’t feel any pressure with Philips Electric Pressure Cooker

To find more about Philips’ healthy lifestyle innovations, log on to www.philips.com.ph

Help us find THE ONE PHILIPPINES: The Search for Unsung Heroes

Since I was a kid, it has always been my desire to help. I have a dream to build my own orphanage. I have know idea how, but I know I will get there. Same with THE ONE, the goal to serving humanity is such a humble experience to many people who we do not know about. They are just around doing their thing to help without anything in return.

THE ONE Philippines Humanitarian Award (TOP), a subsidiary project of THE ONE International Humanitarian Award, recently launched its search for unsung heroes in the Philippines who are doing good for and within the community.

 

 

By recognizing these unsung heroes, TOP aims to further their good work with monetary reward, at the same time boosting the spirit and morel of Philippines residents to serve and encourage more selfless good work. This is in line with Rotary motto "Service above Self".

 

THE ONE, conceptualized and founded by David Harilela, a successful businessman and past district governor of Rotary in Hongkong, THE ONE has been recognizing and awarding these heroes since 2012. I was so honored to have met this man of good heart. I also met one of its first finalist, Cecilia Oebanda-Flores who was recognized for providing shelter for human trafficking victims in the Philippines.
 

The search will happen in August 2017 and will end in January 2018. The Gala Awards Night is scheduled in May or June 2018, the special evening dedicated the amazing men and women on of whom will be the first TOP.

 

 

The winner of the first TOP will receive Php 1,500,000.00 and a trophy. He or she will also automatically represent the Philippines in THE ONE International Awards and get a chance to win again.

Two runners-up will also be chosen and each will receive Php 500,000.00. The award money must be used to further the winners' humanitarian cause and service projects. 

 

TOP will donate, in the name of the nominator who nominates the winner, Php 150,000.00 to a Philippine Government-approved charitable organization or a Rotary club in the Philippines designated by this nominator.

 AWARD CRITERIA

• Gives totally to their cause
• Dedicates their daily life to the improvement of mankind
• Advocates for humanity
• Works for the highest standard of good
• Acts with compassion and kindness

ELIGIBILITY

• Candidates must be an individual aged 18 and above. There is no limitation as to sex, race and nationality
• Candidates cannot be Rotarians, employees of a club, district or other Rotary entity or employees of Rotary International. Spouses, lineal descendants, and ancestors of a persons in the foregoing categories are also ineligible.
• The award will not be presented posthumously
• Any candidate previously awarded a cash prize by THE ONE organizing committee will not be eligible to apply again; lal others are welcome to apply more than once.
• Each candidate must be endorsed by a Rotary Club.
• Multiple candidates will also be accepted.

NOMINATION PROCESS

• A complete Nomination Form
• Resume of the candidate
• A complete Humanity Service Description Form
• A digital or print photograph of the candidate

To nominate your candidate, please visit www.theonerotary3450.org

You may also contact email address, info@theone3450.org

Please continue to support THE ONE by donating and identifying the world's greatest heroes.

CALLED TO RESCUE: Stop Human Trafficking

Losing someone you love is a terrifying situation that no one would ever want to experience. This is the sad reality our society is facing today as every one minute, a child or a woman, becomes a victim of human trafficking.  That's 500,000 head counts in 2016 alone.

 

Human trafficking is a serious problem in the country and will remain one unless everyone is called to rescue these children.

Take action with Called to Rescue, a non-profit, worldwide organization dedicated to the rescuing of minor children from sex trafficking, violence, and abuse. Founded in 1988 by Dr. Cyndi Romine, who is one of the leading authorities in the fight against children injustices, Called to Rescue is dedicated towards combating child trafficking in three ways: prevention through education and training of youth of all ages and their parents, dedication to the child until he/she has experienced healing, and continuation in every aspect of child trafficking awareness. Called to Rescue Philippines was officially registered as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in 2009, with Mr. Anthony Pangilinan as its Officer-in-Charge.

Child trafficking cannot be tackled alone. That is why it is only through collaborative partnerships with individuals and organizations can this inhumane crime be stopped. Several advocates and social media supporters have recently gathered for an immersion program so that they can also inform and educate their network about the situation and how each one can help.

 

The activity was organized by Called to Rescue supporters Stephanie Henares, communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia and Boutique Burger Kitchen (BBK), a family-oriented diner from Chef Carlo Miguel of Draft Gastropub that serves retro-style gourmet American burgers in the Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City.  

Defend the defenseless; save the children from being exploited for the gain of traffickers. A child lost to trafficking is the lost child of a devastated and helpless parent. Don’t let that happen to anyone else.

Report trafficking, abuse, and cases of missing children with the Called to Rescue’s local

 

Hotline at 0917-541-0287

Facebook page www.facebook.com/Called2RescuePh/ or website at calledtorescue.com.ph.

Top 3 Reasons Why I Go For Online Car Registration

 

Do you know that around 6,000 car registrations happen in a day here in our country?  Looking at the consistent traffic flow on the road, do you still have the energy to spend for renewing your car registration and grace the enormous traffic in the metro?  If your answer is Yes!, then, you continue reading my thoughts.

How long does it take to process a car registration renewal?  Unfortunately, it can consume your entire day just to finish it.  Here in Philippines, we are all becoming so busy with our lives.  A working mom or a stay-at-home mom like me can still be seen on the road driving and attending to so many needs.  As a mom, I work on the side while my family is my first priority.  And going to government offices for me is not my favorite thing, and I guess not anyone’s cup of tea as well.

 

If we have been modernized or let’s say have been westernized in so many ways, why can’t we do this simple and efficient process that they have been doing? 

Here’s my Top 3 Reasons why I would rather do online car registration:

1.       SAVES TIME

a.       No need to leave the comfort of my home instead of joining the traffic jam.

b.      I can do other things at work/home than go out.  I have tons of work to do at home that never ends. I need TIME.

 

2.       SAVES RESOURCES

a.       No need to give suhol or bride to government workers who will entice you to rely on their ability to do the Superman work for you.  So sad that LTO was identified one of the most corrupt government agencies in our country.

b.      No chances of spending for snacks, snacks, snacks because of the long waiting hours…

 

3.       SAVES ENERGY

a.       I can spend my left energy from work to my family or friends at times.

b.      I can still have the energy to do more for myself too.

My top 3 reasons why I go for online car registration may sound so petty to others.  But my time, energy and resourceful can’t simply be replenished.  It takes blood and sweat! 

But hey, Senator JV Ejercito is already working on this.  Last May of this year, Senator Ejercito filed a resolution urging Department of Transportation through the Land Transportation Office to conduct a study for the establishment and implementation of motor vehicles with the end in view of providing effective and efficient public service for a progressive land transportation sector.

Yes! We are gearing towards online registrations!  We can soon avoid the traffic, the fixers, the modus operandis, etc.

And Yes to integrity, accountability, proper management of public property! Yes to prevention of graft and corruption in Philippine government.

Looking forward to a better and brighter future of our beloved country, Philippines.





 

VIRLANIE FOUNDATION : Give2achieve Campaign

Give2Achieve is one of Virlanie’s signature fundraising campaign that aims to engage people and encourage them to help make long-term investment to empower our street children beneficiaries to reach self-actualization, self-reliance, and self sustainability. Campaign begins from July - August 2017 Campaign Target amount: Php 2.25M

 

 

Virlanie Foundation is strengthening its position in advocating for street children and poverty alleviation as it reaches its 25th Year milestone.

 

This year, we are happy to introduce our Signature Campaigns, a set of annual campaigns that will focus on themes and values that embody our Vision of protecting and empowering children for a brighter future.

 

Give to Achieve is the first Signature Campaign of Virlanie for 2017. The narrative of the campaign is highlighting the theme and value of “Child Empowerment”, an area that we strongly believe is essential to a sustainable practice of development, especially towards our marginalized communities in the Philippines.

 

The campaign aims to reach Php 2.25M to help sustain Virlanie Foundation’s Educational Support Program for its beneficiaries. Some of these programs are the Magellan Learning Center for tutorial, Alternative Learning System to help the street children achieve regular schooling at their own pace and capacity, SiBuHi to help children learn new skills and capabilities in sports, craftsmanship, and performance arts, and lastly, iLead to help our Young Adults learn livelihood activities like baking and sewing.

 

Donations from your company will greatly impact our cause and the services we provide to our children. For example, every Php 13,000.00 that you donate guarantees one year’s worth of a child’s tutorial services.