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Showing posts from June 14, 2020

When the longing for authentic Pinoy dishes strikes in the U.S., Isla Grand stands ready to transport your taste buds back to the Philippines.

Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...

Mixed Vegetable Recipe

Anyone who loves vegetables will surely enjoy this dish made from home with assorted vegetables eaten with fried fish, chicken or pork chop is something match up when we have another dish with our meals. Mixed Vegetable Recipe: Ingredients: 2 - Pieces Chayote (chopped) 10 – Pieces String Beans (sliced thinly) ½ Kilo – Chicharo/ sweet peas (removed sides) 1 - Onion (chopped) 2 -  Pieces Garlic (minced) 5 - Pieces Shrimp (peel, remove head and chopped) 5 - Shrimp Head  Water Patis 2 Tbsp - Cooking oil Mortar and Pestle Strainer with handle Step 1: (Shrimp water) Use mortar and pestle and place 5 pieces shrimp head smash it Add 1/2 cup water Place the shrimp head and water in the strainer having a bowl below it Set aside Step 2: In a pan add cooking oil on low heat sauté garlic and onion Add shrimp or pork  Add chayote, string beans and sweet peas Add fish sauce and shrimp water mix together Cook u...

Shrimp Tempura Recipe

My family loves to eat shrimp tempura but when you have shrimp in your home why not make it cooked in your own kitchen although it can be time consuming but when you feel appreciated by who you cook for you gain some inspiration to cook for them. Shrimp Tempura Recipe : Ingredient : I kilo fresh medium size shrimp 1 package Tempura breadcrumbs 2 pieces Large Egg Salt (depend on your taste) Black Pepper (depend on your taste) Cooking oil Fry pot or deep fryer Strainer Step 1 : 1.     Remove the head with a knife, peel off the skin from the shrimp and tail 2.     Slice the shrimp in the middle where the body of the shrimp curve and remove the excess dark black intestinal. Step 2 :  In a big bowl you will crack the egg whip it, add the salt, black pepper and mix well. Add the shrimp and let it stay inside until the egg has stuck to the shrimp.   Step 3 :  In a flat tray or plate pour enough tempura breadcrumbs spread evenly...

Filipino Kare Kare Recipe

The Filipino Traditional Kare kare is made of peanut butter sauce cooked with ox tail, ox tripe, eggplant, string beans, bok choy and banana blossom. The modern kare kare is made with chicken, beef ribs, seafood or vegetable. No matter how you want to make your kare kare it will always have the traditional sauce in order to make it taste how it is supposed to be the Filipino way. Main Ingredients: 10 pcs - String beans (cut into 2 inch) 1 Small Banana Blossom (sliced) 1 - Bunch Baby Bok Choy 1 - Medium Eggplant (sliced) 1 - Medium Onion (chopped) 3 - Cloves Garlic (minced) 5 Tbs - Peanut Butter (Skippy or Lady's Choice) 1 1/2 - Tbs Annatto Powder (dilute with 3 Tbs water) or 3/4 Cup - Annato Water (1/2 cup annatto seeds soaked in 3/4 cups water) 2 Tbs - Patis (fish sauce) 1 - Knorr Pork Cube Cooking Oil 1 1/2 Cup Water 1/4 Cup - Cornstarch 1/2 Cup - Sauteed Shrimp Paste Ox Tail Kare Kare Ingredients: 1 Kilo Oxtail Ox Tail Kare Kare Ingredients: 1 - Kilo Beef Tripe (sliced) Beef S...