…Scattered Brain

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iVillage asked contestants on Bravo’s hit reality series Top Chef to share their top 10 kitchen essentials.

Suyai Steinhauer
Good quality olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, capers, freshly ground black pepper, Maldon’s sea salt, shoyu, Villa Manodori balsamic vinegar, anchovies, fresh herbs

Marisa Churchill
Coffee, butter, flour, sugar, chocolate, vanilla, cream, gelatin, milk, salt

Michael Midgley
Salt, pepper, butter, flour, wine, beer, meat, milk, potatoes, oil

Otto Borsich
Sea salt, pepper, olive oil, pasta, balsamic vinegar, risotto, canned tomatoes, garlic, sugar, flour

Emily Sprissler
Fresh lemon juice, piment d’Espelette, fresh cilantro, shallots, extra virgin olive oil, eggs, bread, soy milk, apples, bananas

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Last weekend, after FJCF Sunday Service, I decided to dine out with my family at Ongpin Estero eateries at the center of Chinatown, Manila. Its an unpretentious, open air joints run by a number of Chinese families one or two of which do the cooking themselves - in a healthy competition sort of way. With just one or two long tables making up the eatery of each enterprising families, waiters stand at the ready to entice foodies to eat at their place. You can just imagine the cacophony of noise, chatters and bedlam as the barkers do their best pitch to woo customers.

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If you’re on a diet begin your meal with a cup of soup and you might eat 20% less of your main course. Keep your calories in check with this guide to dinner’s smartest start.

DO’s

1. Stick to broth-based soups, like tomato or chicken.
2. Order a cup, not a bowl, your appetizer should not be the size of a meal.
3. Season your soup with spices like thyme or chili powder.
   

DONT’s

1. Order “cream of” anything.
2. Choose a dense soup that packs over 150 calories a cup, like chunky beef or split pea.
3. Overload your cup with crackers or bread. These can easily add 20-plus calories.

Bahay kubo also known as Nipa Hut House, a Filipino Restaurant here in Las Pinas City, it’s beside city hall, along Alabang-Zapote road. It’s one of my favorite resto here in Las Pinas. They serve oriental and lutong bahay (home-made) cuisines, their food is great and very affordable too… It’s great where you can eat and dine with your family and friends.. They offer package meal for any special occasions, like Baptismal, Birthdays Anniversaries and a lot more. You will find yourself in a typical Filipino setting with a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. Its team of waiters are very friendly and see to your needs with the attentive service.

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