True italian
WITH A HIT TV SHOW AND BESTSELLING COOKBOOK, DAVID ROCCO MAY BE THE BEST PERSON TO TELL YOU HOW EASY IT IS TO WHIP UP AN ITALIAN FEAST ON VALENTINE’S DAY
TEXT BY CHARMAINE BAYLON
THANKS TO THE author and host of Discovery Travel & Living’s David Rocco’s Dolce Vita, Italian cuisine has become ever so visible and accessible. At the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore, David talked about family feasts, where to go for a gastronomic tour of Italy, and the one dish beginners can cook for Valentine’s Day.
To go for a gastronomic tour of Italy, and the one dish beginners can cook for Valentine’s Day.
You grew up in Canada, but your parents instilled in you a love for Italian food.
We ate and cooked like the Italians in Italy. In fact, in the ‘70s, my dad would bring in olive oil just for the family. We would also visit Italy every year so I was always only exposed to authentic recipes.
What is a typical feast for the Rocco family like?
Lots of food; we have multi-courses. They’re not necessarily large portions, but there’s a lot of variety. I think what’s typical in our feasts are the antipasti or starters, which to me are important. It sets the tone for the meal or your evening, and excites the appetite. Another must is some sort of primo, which is a starch like a pasta or risotto. Mains can be fish or meat, or we skip a main and end with a light salad. Usually the meal ends with espresso but never cappuccino.
Which Italian tradition is your favorite?
The Sunday pranzo or Sunday lunch. It’s the meal I look forward to every week with the extended family. The meal usually lasts a few hours with lots of food and conversation.
Where do you recommend we go for the best food in Italy?
You really can’t go wrong in Italy when it comes to food.
I joke but am quite serious that even at gas stations, or their famous “Autogrills,” one can still eat well. But I always recommend visiting the markets in the towns and cities. There you’ll find the true foodies. Usually these market vendors are third or fourth generation, and they love to share recipes and tips. I also encourage staying at the agritourismos, where the B&Bs are usually family-run. They grow their own olives for olive oil and make their own wine. It’s a fantastic way to experience food with travel.
For beginner cooks, which Italian dish do you suggest for a Valentine’s Day meal?
A simple pasta dish, like penne with fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil, garlic and fresh basil; or spaghetti alla Caprese, where you essentially dice up tomatoes and fresh Mozzarella cheese, and dress it with olive oil, salt and freshly torn basil. Cook your spaghetti and then top it with this cold sauce.
Which Italian food can’t you live without?
I love pasta. I can eat it every day and be a happy boy!
INFLIGHT ESSENTIALS
LISTEN
Timbaland Presents Shock Value II
This follow-up to the best-selling album Shock Value I features Katy Perry, The Fray and Miley Cyrus — another triumph for the hip-hop producer.
READ
True Confections
What’s so interesting about making candy? Alice Tatnall Ziplinsky infects you with her passion for the sweet treats as she chronicles the humble beginnings and current struggles of Zip’s Candies, her husband’s family’s candy business — all while revealing intriguing stories about her past.
CLEAN-UP
Ipanema Anatomica Moove
Ipanema’s new footwear for men are perfect for inflight comfort as well as your next outdoor adventure, as they are specially designed for men’s feet with their padded underfoot and soft soles. Available in black, gray, brown, white and blue.
Hot Travel Gadgets
PACK THESE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR UPCOMING SUMMER TRIP
Clockwise from top: Get a night light cum charger with the Scosche reviveLITE, US$34.99/ PHP1,617 (www.scosche.com); Connect to your computer with cute Disney USB 2.0 cables, US$7/PHP323 (www.usb.brando.com); The Moshi Voice Control Travel Alarm Clock responds to voice commands, US$24.99/PHP1,155 (www.moshilifestyle.com); Watch movies with the Vuzix Wrap 310 video eyewear, US$249.95/PHP11,550 (www.vuzix.com); The GE G3 WP digital camera is waterproof at up to 10ft, price unavailable (at leading camera stores)
BEAUTY EMPORIUM AT HOUSE
Head-to-toe pampering awaits you at this one-stop beauty shop in Singapore. On top of face and body treatments by Mask and Spa Esprit, it has a DIY bar for custom-made skincare, a bookstore and even a florist! www.dempseyhouse.com
Hot days, cool treats
Can’t decide between ice cream and a cool drink? Thanks to Colours carts, you can have both. They sell ice cream and strawberry, mocha, melon and chocolate flavored floats with ice cream on top — the perfect remedy for hot days. SM North EDSA, Starmall EDSA-Shaw and Ever Grand Central, tel: +63 (922) 811 2531
WHEATGRASS JUICE — THE NEW ESPRESSO?
Did you know that a twooz shot of wheatgrass juice is enough to give you an energy boost equal to two cups of coffee? Aside from all its antioxidant properties, it contains 10 times more vitamins and minerals than carrots. If its tough texture is hard on your blender or juicer and you can’t make a cup at home, get a multiprocessor like the Ladyship Essence Extractor LS-727. It has six surgical stainless steel blades that can work through whole fruits, grains, veggies and even coffee without trouble. www.meritstainless.com
Slick traveler ej galang
FOR MEMORABLE advertising copy, turn to EJ Galang — he wrote the Bakit Maalat ang Dagat telecom and radio ad campaign, which received finalist nods in the New York Festival and Cannes.
But beyond the world of advertising, this 27-year-old is also a published poet and avid athlete who knows how to kick back and eat well.
Watering holes “I go to Grappa’s in Greenbelt for their flavored beer, and 77 Café in Kamuning because it’s cozy.” For a romantic dinner… “Bellini’s in Cubao cooks authentic Italian dishes. At Katre in Tomas Morato, order the mahi-mahi and lamb.” Eating spree “I love the May 1 Feast of San Simon in Pampanga. All we do is eat.” Weekend activity “I play football and futsal when I can and jog regularly. I also surf; Baler is a great place to ride the waves. La Union or Zambales are good surf spots too.”
Bare Essentials
AS BEACH SEASON NEARS, HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WAXER
WHETHER YOU ARE getting a pedicure or a bikini wax, it’s important to find a salon that follows proper hygiene practices. Strip The Ministry of Waxing tells you what to look out for.
l No double dipping. Using one spatula is a no-no. It means that after it has touched your skin, it goes back into the communal wax pot.
l Make sure the wax warmer needs to be at 94˚C for at least 20 minutes to get rid of bacteria and germs. Others typically heat the wax warmer at just 48˚C.
l The staff use disposable latex gloves, fresh cotton pads and buds, brand-new disposable wooden spatulas, and pre-sealed Wet Wipes. This helps prevent contamination.
l They have pre-sealed portions of the products for the Brazilian or Boyzilian treatment. Doing so ensures cleanliness and quality. Strip offers individually packaged Personal Strip Hygiene Packs for each client.
The Strip XXXX Brazilian and Boyzilian treatments are at PHP1,800 and PHP2,500 respectively. 2/F Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, tel: +63 (2) 856 9145; 4/F Greenbelt 5, tel: +63 (2) 501 3997
BEAUTY BOOTY
Beach Hut Clear Spray Sunblock SPF 75++
Abbe Abbe Bagalacsa, Bagalacsa, assistant VP assistant VP for marketing for marketing It is non-sticky and doesn’t leave white stuff on my skin unlike other brands. I don’t get as sunburnt even after a day at the beach.
Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Ageing Cream
Anna Beltran, Anna Beltran, project project manager I’ve been using this product for two years, and it really works wonders for my skin. It balances the dry and oily parts, and preps my face for powder.
Remington Electric Shaver
Christopher Christopher Lao, Lao, relationship relationship manager manager It’s portable and very convenient to bring along whenever I travel. It allows me to shave anytime, anywhere, and makes me feel confident.
Celeteque Facial Moisturizer
Mimi Tiu, Mimi Tiu, managing managing editor I regularly use this light, water-based moisturizer because it keeps my skin clean and hydrated throughout the day. Plus, it doesn’t leave an icky, sticky residue.
Days of love, lines and roses
ACCORDING TO THE Flower Expert (www.theflowerexpert.com), the color of the roses you choose conveys a message. But in case your loved one doesn’t get it, attach a card this Valentine’s with these words.
Red: “I love you” or “Be mine.” Yellow: “I care about you” or “I want to be your friend.”
Pink: “You are so sweet” or “I admire you.”
Lavender: “I fell in love with you at first sight.”
Blue: “You fill my thoughts.”
Mixed colors: “Because I want you to have everything.”
And if you would like the feel and smell of roses to linger, give her rose-scented bath products too. Aromatherapy Associates’ energizing range of rose-infused products include the Renew Nourishing Rose Massage and Body Oil, Rose Body Wash, Cream and Hydrating Mask, Triple Rose Moisturizer and Revitalizing Face Oil (HK$343-702/PHP2,035-4,166). Available at leading hotel and destination spas worldwide, tel: +852 2817 6021.
THINK HAPPY TOTES!
Revive your tattered, old designer bags and restore them to life. Bring them to Lally Dizon and Trisha Cruz-Cuason of the Vintage Restore shop. They redye and condition totes, and resize, removing any damaged parts.
Tel: +63 (2) 890 4326
REINVENTING THE BAYONG
The humble bayong (woven bag) used to carry vegetables and produce from the market is the inspiration behind stylist Kat Erro’s KATRE. com’s line of stylish hand-carry luggages. These handwoven plastic bags provide ample storage space for all the stuff you bought. Which is a good thing, since you might not be able to resist her other pieces either. Her fashion range is basic but chic — the kind you can rely on when you need something classy to wear. “The looks are inspired by the ‘easy’ style of the Brits,” she says. Browse through her designs at www.katrebrand.multiply.com
Make merry at Magayon
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ALBAY THIS APRIL AS THE MONTH-LONG MAGAYON FESTIVAL KICKS OFF
WHO BETTER TO ASK about Albay and the popular Magayon Festival than 17-year-old Patrixia Santos, the Mutya ng Magayon Festival 2009? She gives us the inside scoop:
What’s great about being Mutya ng Magayon Festival 2009… “I get to participate in promoting Albay, welcome tourists and important officials, take part in provincial forums and events, and meet a lot of inspiring people.”
First-timers to the festival shouldn’t miss… “Watching the street presentations in the Festivals of Festivals Showdown, where different teams from various cities and municipalities around the Bicol region compete for the best festival dance.”
My favorite things to do at the festival… “Visit the colorful Magayon art and cultural exhibit and the interesting Butanding exhibit.”
Behind the scenes, you will see and hear… “The dedication of the Bicolanos, as we all work hard to make the Magayon Festival a celebration that you will never forget. You will also hear sounds of traditional music, laughter and assurances from tourists that they will be back next year.”
The best place to meet and hang out with the locals… “We have this beer plaza near the Albay Capitol where you’ll find a lot of bars and local bands.”
In Albay, I grew up… “Having fun with family and friends climbing Lignon Hill, the best place to enjoy a majestic view of Mayon Volcano and Legazpi City. I still visit it to walk and breathe the fresh air. It is becoming more and more popular with tourists because of its excellent viewing deck and zipline rides.”
While in Albay, don’t forget to taste and buy… “Bicol Express, pinangat and pili!
You won’t be a real uragon (someone bold and daring) until you’ve had them. Also buy abaca, the region’s signature product.”
The one thing I wish people knew about my hometown of Daraga… “The amazing piece of architecture that is the 18th century Daraga Catholic Church. Even a lot of art enthusiasts give it high marks.”
What I love about Daraga and Albay is… “They have a lot of wonderful scenery. The Mayon Volcano, the Tiwi Hot Springs and the Hoyop Hoyopan Cave are just some of the visual delights to appreciate; not to mention rappelling, ziplining and spelunking. I also love the Bicolanos’ resilience.” For more on the festival, call tel: +63 (52) 435 4241, www.magayonfestival.com
GUILT-FREE RIDE
If you’re in Landmark and you need to go to Salcedo or Legazpi Village in Makati, hop on an e-jeepney. Quiet and environmentally friendly, it runs on electricity-charged batteries and does not emit toxic fumes. There’s less risk of being late as well — eight e-jeepneys are dispatched every 15 minutes. And the ride’s free! www.ejeepney.org, www.makati.gov.ph
Springtime in Osaka
COME END MARCH and April, Osaka’s cherry trees will be in full bloom. The best “seats” are found at the scenic Sakurano-miya-koen Park on the east bank of the Okawa River and the Osaka Zohei (Mint) Museum on the west bank. Aside from an impressive collection of coins and decorations from Japan and other countries, the 100-year-old museum boasts of 450 cherry trees within the area. Come prepared by heeding these tips from the Japan National Tourism Organization:
The best time would be in the early afternoon or evening, when the quality of light will allow you to see the cherry blossoms at their finest. Do take a coat in case you get cold and a blanket for picnics.
Ask locals for advice on prime viewing spots. Use these words or phrases: “Kanpai!” (“Cheers!”) and “Hanami” (“cherry blossom viewing”).
When you’re hungry, try sakuramochi — deliciously sweet pink mochi (rice cake) with red bean paste. Also try okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes). It’s made mainly with fresh cabbage, it’s in season during the spring, and it tastes unexpectedly sweet. www.jnto.go.jp/eng
BOYS’ DAY OUT
If you’re in Hong Kong with the guys and they’re looking for some live action, get them tickets to the World Corporate Golf Challenge at the Discovery Bay Golf Club in Lantau Island on March 10 (www.wcgc-hongkong.com) and the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2010 at the Hong Kong Stadium from March 26 to 28 (www.hksevens.com, www.hkticketing.com). They’ll thank you for it.
DERMA IN A BAR
The Diamond Orange Peel and L-Glutathione Face and Body Bar has orange peel extract and the detoxifying L-glutathione. Your skin will be fairer, fresher and brighter with every use. www.harmonyandwellness.com.ph
RX FOR A CRYING BABY
Traveling with an infant for the first time? Chances are you will have to contend with your little one crying when the airplane’s in flight. Dr Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, shares five tips to calm your baby.
1 Swaddle him tightly.
2 Place baby on stomach or side to sleep, not face-up.
3 Make a shushing sound (this mimics the sounds he heard in utero). 4 Rock your baby — this will make him feel that jiggling sensation when he was still in the womb. 5 Let him suck on a pacifier. For more details, check out www.happiestbaby.com
Where to meet swinging singles
SINGLETONS TELL US THE BEST PLACES TO MEET INTERESTING PEOPLE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
THE CITY - THE SINGLES SAY…
Hong Kong
“There’s a small bar called Yumla hidden in an alley in Central, where guest DJs play house and lounge music. It’s a casual bar frequented by the hip and stylish. Another is Epoch on Star Street, a café and a music corner. Perfect for a coffee date!” Rina Law, publicist
Singapore
“At Union Square in The Amara Hotel, people are eager to chat about Latin dance and take you through a step or two. But to chill out with a drink, head to Pan Pacific Orchard’s Lobby Lounge or Shangri-La’s Lobby Court.” Su Lin Lee, teacher
Manila
“Serendra or Bonifacio High Street has a number of great restaurants and bars. It is also close to several offices, so it’s a great place to hang out after work. Plus, the area is at The Fort and within walking distance to hip clubs like Encore so you can really make a night of it.
Martin Yu, consultant
Jakarta
“Young professionals and fresh graduates from overseas love De Hooi in South Jakarta for its Western vibe. There’s also Dragonfly, a club where you’ll find professionals, celebs and expats.” Bona Palma, film director
Cebu
“Vudu is for people who like to party, while Crossroads is for yuppies and students. The Terraces at Ayala Center is open till midnight. You can go on a food trip, meet new friends and hang out for drinks.”
Athena Catedral, marketing manager
IT’S SHOW TIME!
Singapore features two plays you shouldn’t miss this month: To Kill A Mockingbird (February 26—March 14), based on Harper Lee’s literary masterpiece, and Model Citizens (March 3—14), a story about the way three women’s lives intertwine after a man gets stabbed. www.sistic.com.sg
ASIAN CHICK LIT IN MANILA
This popular women’s genre represented by novels like Bridget Jone’s Diary took on an Asian spin when Marshall Cavendish released a trio of novels in Singapore and Malaysia in 2008. This month, Anvil Publishing launches the Philippine editions by authors who also just happen to work with Smile! Enjoy the mysterycomedy Undercover Tai Tai by editor Maya Calica, the spicy Mrs MisMarriage by subeditor Noelle de Jesus Chua and the hilarious Amazing Grace by writer Tara FT Sering. Grab your copies at all National Bookstore branches.
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