Cooking is one of those activities that I will always enjoy, no matter how old I am. So even if I am already elderly, I think that I will still be getting involved with the cooking in my household. Whether it’s with preparation, the actual cooking or cleanup, the kitchen will always be a part of the places in my home where I find my solace.


Growing up, I didn’t learn to cook from anyone. I simply experimented on techniques and dishes that I wanted to taste. I never thought it would be important for me to learn cooking from a real class so I did things my own way. Needless to say, I went through a number of cuts and bruises from the kitchen. Even if they have left a scar, I like to think of them as marks that show who I truly am.

Here are 4 kitchen lessons that I learned the hard way:

#1- Learn to Hold Your Knife Properly

One of the most important things I learned was to hold the knife properly. This can help a lot as it helps avoid cuts on the hand. Needless to say, my deep scars were because I carelessly held the knife. This was when I was first learning to cook and prepare dishes on my own. Back then, I didn’t know how to hold the knife correctly so it often slid to my finger. Always remember that being in the kitchen is not a game (although there are games that are set in the kitchen like cooking games, and you should take objects such as the knife more seriously.

#2- Clean as You Go, Always

Another lesson I learned is to clean my work area as often as possible. This meant that if I no longer needed to use an ingredient, I should store it back to its right place. By doing this, I get to free more space in my countertop to allow me to move easier. In addition, it is better to clean things this way.

#3- First In, First Out

When it comes to using ingredients, especially raw ones, I like to follow the rule ‘First in, First out.’ This means that whatever you put in first, should be the one you remove first too. Even if you are fond of restocking your ingredients, you need to remove the oldest one in your pantry. I learned that by doing this, you can avoid spoiling ingredients. Remember this mantra and apply it all kinds of foods, especially the expensive ones.

#4- Have a Glass of Ice Cold Water with You

Especially when you’re baking or cooking, you need to have cold water with you. This is because the heat from the stove can be too much to bear. In order to relieve yourself from the heat, it is recommended that you drink water.

These lessons are the ones I learned from my years in the kitchen. Cooking is pretty easy to do actually, if you'll just follow your heart. Now that you know these tips, you can easily avoid making the same mistake I went through. Thus, your kitchen experience can be an enjoyable one.

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It is our family tradition to always give a cake as a gift in every occasion and family gathering we visit as a token for their invitation and hospitality.   So naturally, we often purchase cakes and one of our favorite bakeshop is Century Park Hotel's Deli Snack.  My mom has been a loyal customer of Deli Snack for more than 25 years.  Aside from their cakes, they also sell delicious varieties of rolls which we enjoy having for breakfast.  So, as an avid customer who has probably tried all their cake offerings, let me share with you my personal favorites.

Pistachio Lemon Cream Cheese Cake (750 php)

♥Pistachio Lemon Cream Cheese Cake (750 php)

The Pistachio Lemon Cream Cheese Cake is the 35th Anniversary Cake which is only available for a limited period which is until the end of the year.  This is one of the most unforgettable cakes I have ever tasted!  I never thought that pistachio and lemon could ever be combined into a masterpiece.  Aside from the taste, the texture is perfect.  The cheesecake is light and the jelly is fun to eat.  I can't completely describe the wonderful sensation it brings so I suggest you should try it out for yourself.  This cake is so good, we bought this on twice within the same week.  I highly recommend this.  Why not try it while you can right?  

♥Black Forest

We're not really a fan of chocolate cakes but Deli Snack's Black Forest is one of a kind.  Unlike other Black Forests I've tried, their chocolate is mildly bitter-sweet.  The cherry filling is also just enough to complement the chocolate. Once you try a slice of Deli Snack's Black Forest, you will be amazed at how they are able to balance the ingredients to create the perfect taste.  

Their other Cheesecake varieties and Tiramisu are also good.  But, their not as unique as these two.  However if you want to try their other cheesecakes, I recommend the Blueberry Cheesecake.

Corniche is one of the newest restaurants located at the lobby of five-star Diamond Hotel. Corniche has a sophisticated and elegant interiors.  I also loved that it has large windows so you can appreciate the beauty of nature outside.

This is our seat view

We've been curious about Corniche since it had opened so Kurt and I decided to book our lunch date there.  Upon entering, we were greeted and led to our reserved seats which was near the dessert station.  It had a beautiful view of the outdoors.


Corniche is a spacious restaurant with numerous stations.  What we loved about Corniche is that most of their stations are interactive.  You can actually see the Chefs cooking the food they serve.  Some of the stations even let guests decide what ingredients they want to be prepared for them.

Grilling Station

We even witnessed someone being sang a birthday song

Appetizer
The Appetizer station had the most offerings.  There was Fresh Seafood, Assorted Sashimi, Assorted Sushi and Assorted Maki, Assorted Cheese, Pastries, Salad Bar, Pate and Terrine

Fresh Seafood

Fresh Seafood

Assorted Sashimi

♥Assorted Sushi and Assorted Maki

We noticed that they have a lot of selection for their Japanese appetizers such as the Assorted Sashimi, Assorted Sushi and Assorted Maki.  We tried some of the Sashimi and Maki selection and they were pretty good.  We would also like to note that they were very quick in refilling these making sure that none of the selections were empty.

Assorted Cheese

I'm always eager to try out new varieties when it comes to cheese.  Although they had a few options, I'm glad I was able to taste the ♥Sage Derby and the ♥Taleggio Cheese. 

Pastries

They had a wide variety of pastries.  I noticed that they made it very convenient for the guests by offering them the option to choose among rolls, toasted bits, fresh whole bread, sliced bread and un-sliced bread.

Fresh Salad Bar

Fresh Salad Bar

Salad Bar

If you want to opt to make your own fresh salad, the Fresh Salad Bar offers a lot of ingredient selections and dressings. 

Salad Bar

They also have prepared international varieties of salad in case you choose that over Fresh Salad.

Pate and Terrines

They tried all their all the selections here such as the Seafood Terrine, Pork Pate w/ Shitake Mushroom Pistachio Nuts, Vegetable Terrine and Chicken Terrine.   I loved the Pork Pate w/ Shitake Mushroom Pistachio Nuts and the Vegetable Terrine.


Fresh Pasta

Fresh Pasta

Check out the beautiful and fresh ingredients for the Fresh Pasta station.  You can choose your own ingredients kept fresh and chilled by the ice and choose your preferred pasta sauce and have their chefs prepare them for you.


Dimsum

Dimsum

Soups

Soups

♥Roast Beef and Pecking Duck

Indian

Roti and Chutney

♥Tempura

Pizza

Fresh Fruits

Halo-Halo

Fondue

Juice Bar

Whether its for a family dinner or hang out with friends, Tokyo Cafe has always been one of our favorite options.  It offers a cute modernistic ambiance which gives of a cozy feel.  In fact, last saturday, I spent long hours just eating and hanging out with foodie friends.


After dining at Tokyo Cafe for several times, let me share with you all the food I've tried out at Tokyo Cafe during my own personal visits with family and friends and during my visit last Saturday with foodie friends.  


Japanese Fair

Oyaku-Ju (238 php)

When the Oyaku-Ju was ordered by my family, they all said it was okay.  When I ate with fellow foodies, they too said the same.  I think the Oyaku-Ju is good but it was outshone by the other better options that Tokyo Cafe as to offer.

♥Unaju (393 php)

The Unaju is one of the best meals at Tokyo Cafe.  All the of foodies agree that this was very delicious.  It was tasty and soft.  I'm very particular when it comes the fishy stench when it comes to an eel dish and I am very happy to say that the way this was cooked was done perfectly.  It is one of the best eel dishes I've tried. 

Kalbi-Ju (241 php)

♥Ten-Ju (238 php)

♥Mango Chicken Salad (191 php)

♥Creamy Ebiko Pasta (270 php)

♥Hamburg & Shrimp (293 php)

Chicken & Cheese Roll (260 php)

♥Chicken in a Basket Family Pack (7 pcs) (420 php)

Coffee Jelly Smogee (131 php)

Milk Oreo (130 php)

Cappucino (107 php)

My mom loves coffee so she orders one after every meal.  She ordered the Cappucino.  She said it was pretty good.   The froth was done just right too.