Tag Archives: Wedding Catering Manila

9 Ideas For Delicious Home Meals

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What are good dishes that can be made and served at home?

  1. Macaroni and Cheese
  2. Pot Roast
  3. Steamed Vegetables
  4. Roast Chicken
  5. Baked Salmon
  6. Beef Stew
  7. Carbonara
  8. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
  9. Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta

Food is always a delectable topic to talk about and it’s not surprising to experience for yourself a myriad of flavors and tastes that leave you breathless and wanting for more – but that appeal will only last anyone for so long. People love food, sure, but people are also prone to getting tired of their favorite things from time to time. Whether it is a simple lunch, a hearty dinner or the most sumptuous catering in Manila, spicing things up every now and then is sure to reignite the spark that made you love food anew.

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Compiled in this list are a few good examples of delicious food to help you give your meals a jump in flavor:

Macaroni and Cheese

Ah, the classic Mac n’ Cheese. Relive the taste of your childhood by serving up a hot and cheesy plate of Macaroni and Cheese to your family and guests. Oozing cheesy goodness, the classic Mac n’ Cheese is sure to fill stomachs and put smiles in everybody’s faces.

The best part of this meal is that it can be enjoyed in many ways because of the abundance of recipes; some of which pair it up with other foods. It goes great with chicken ranch and pizza in particular.

Ingredients can even be added or used in higher or lower amounts. Have you even tried mac n’ cheese with jalapeno, bacon, or cavatappi. You should! It will change your perspective on the well-known dish. There is even a dish that uses an Italian three-cheese recipe. That seems out of this world and people will only keep on experimenting.

At home, you can try what you and your family would love the best. Eventually you’ll come across your own family recipe that you can pass on for ages!

Pot Roast

The elegant pot roast cooked to perfection. Imagine slicing up that pristine first piece of meat from the hot and tender pot roast. Delicious.

For those that haven’t the pleasure of having pot roast, it’s a braised beef dish. Usually, this is cooked by using a technique called browning. This squeezes out any excess fat. In doing so, the beef gets a brown color; thus, the name. Also, there is a distinct taste and tender texture that results from this (this phenomenon is called the Maillard reaction).

Both filling and hearty, the pot roast has been a staple in most American gastronomy. So why not have a taste of American culture at home? Try serving it with carrots, potatoes and onions to enjoy what is called a “Yankee pot roast” in North America.

Steamed Vegetables

Delicious and healthy, steamed vegetables are the perfect companion for food. Fish, Chicken, Beef, Pork and even Pasta is perfectly complimented by this buttery meal.

Roast Chicken

Chicken is a great meal for any occasion and roasted chicken is definitely one of the safest ways to prepare your chicken. Healthy and addicting, the juicy chicken meal is sure to delight your family.

Baked Salmon

If you want something healthy and filled with good for your heart vitamins, Salmon is the way to go. Baked Salmon is good for any holiday and it goes great with wine!

If ever you find yourself craving for more than just baked salmon, then try it along with a creamy cucumber-fennel salad. It’s a quick and easy meal that you can do. If you’re in a particular rush, then you can prepare the side salad ahead of time; around 12 hours in advanced. Create it with some cucumbers and fennel which will give it a satisfying crunch. For aesthetic purposes, you can reserve some fennels for some garnishing to please the eye. Store this in the fridge so that you can grab it any time you whip up some baked salmon. The marriage of these two scrumptious is a home meal that you will always crave for.

Beef Stew

Stewed to perfection (no puns intended), the traditional beef stew is the epitome of dinner time meals. Easy to prepare and even easier to consume, surprise your family and friends by bringing out this titan of a meal.

Carbonara

Creamy, cheesy and meaty, the pasta carbonara is the Italian’s homey taste of family. This meal is extremely versatile as you can prepare it with any number of cheeses, with beef, fish, chicken or pork and you can’t ever go wrong with a hot plate of carbonara on your dinner table.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Where have you ever read the phrase cheesy and healthy? Why here, of course. The baked eggplant parmesan is the healthy alternative to the other pasta meals on this list. Eggplant is rich dietary fiber and is rich in various vitamins and minerals. Delicious, healthy and cheesy, the Baked Eggplant Parmesan is truly a gift from the heavens.

Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta

This dish is the answer if you are in search for a meal that’s light, hearty, and full of vegetables and protein. While it may seem like the adult health buff’s dream dinner, it’s also great for kids because it tastes like macaroni and cheese. They will eat what seems like a guilty food trip to them. They won’t know or mind that there two vegetables mixed in it when it tastes so good.

The leeks and shrimp are sautéed on butter while the pasta cooked. With a warm past, the spinach will naturally wilt to it. Topping it off with a light cream sauce with a bit of lemon added will be what you need to satisfy that palate. The best part is all of this will be prepared in just 20 minutes.

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Key Takeaway

There are a lot of other meals that you can prepare to compliment the food on this list, some cheeses, fruits and salads but what makes a meal great is sharing it with friends and family. Give your special someone a smile and make them a delicious meal that they will never forget.

Thom ngon! Vitalizing Vietnamese Dishes

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Image from PhoCafe UK

Image from PhoCafe UK

Expand your food choices from catering in Manila and request something different— Vietnamese cuisine. This Southeast Asian country has been capturing the palettes of different nationalities around the world, and you and your guests are sure to enjoy these Asian delicacies. If you don’t know what to serve, these dishes are sure to hit the right spot.

 

Goi Cuon

Ranking number 30 on CNN Go’s 2011 World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods, Goi Cuon is definitely a must try dish for anyone new to Vietnamese cuisine. Also known as Vietnamese Spring Roll, this dish is composed of pork, shrimp, a variety of vegetables and rice vermicelli (locally known as bún) all wrapped up in a bánh tráng (rice paper). It is traditionally served with tuong xao (hoisin sauce) or peanut sauce. Goi Cuon is a favorite in any Vietnamese restaurant around the world, proving that it is indeed and truly one of the most delicious foods on this planet.  

Ca Phe Sua Da

Ah, coffee. Where would we be without this bittersweet drink? Some of us cannot function in the morning without our cup of Joe, while others simply must have it if they plan to burn the midnight oil.  Yup, students, we’re talking to you. In Vietnam, there is a special kind of coffee any caffeine addict must try: the Ca Phe Sua Da. Passing by the cafes in Vietnam, you may have noticed glasses topped with astrange silverware. This is the Ca Phe sua da. At the bottom of the glass is sweetened condensed milk and the instrument on top is the cà phê phin or French Dip Filter. From it, locally produced dark roast coffee mixed with water will slowly trickle down the condensed milk. After it’s done dripping, the cà phê phin is removed and the coffee mixture is poured over ice. The result is a delicious, ice cold drink perfect for a hot day.

Pho

The first dish most people would think of when Vietnamese Cuisine is mentioned is usually the noodle soup “Pho”. Follow it with the protein and “Pho” becomes “Pho Ga” for chicken or “Pho Bo” for beef. It is said you can find its origins in Northern Vietnam in early 20th century. Its first appearance in a dictionary can be traced to a 1931 dictionary, being defined as a dish comprised of slivers of rice cake boiled with beef. These days this bowl is made of rice noodles, broth and a protein. Its garnishes include basil, bean sprouts and lemon.

Banh Xeo

It may looked like an overstuffed omelet at first, but with just one bite you will no longer be left wondering why many foreigners fall for the Bánh xèo. Meaning “sizzling cake”, it can be described as a savory fried pancake made from rice flour, turmeric powder, and water then stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as pork sliced, bean sprouts and shrimp. In some regions, it’s made with coconut milk while others disregard the turmeric powder. When eaten, one usually wraps it inside a lettuce leaf or a rice paper wrapper then dipped into a sweet and sour diluted fish sauce. 

Chè Trôi Nuoc

There are numerous varieties of Che, but Chè trôi nuoc is definitely one of the best known. It has a glutinous rice dumpling with mung bean paste in the center. This dessert is served in sweet ginger syrup and served warm with a garnishing of sesame seeds.

 

Vietnamese cuisine is healthy and delicious. For sure your guests will be saying Thom ngon (Vietnamese for ‘delicious’) at the end of their meal.

11 Fun Ways to Serve Wedding Reception Food

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Jaclyn Simpson Photography

Jaclyn Simpson Photography

What are fun ideas on ways to serve food in a wedding reception?

  1. Serving Mini Dishes
  2. Serving Kebabs and Barbecue
  3. Innovating Your Comfort Food
  4. Including Food Options for Vegans
  5. Planning an All-Day-Breakfast-themed Reception
  6. Having an Abundance in Variety
  7. Having an Ice Cream Sundae Bar
  8. Serving Mexican Food
  9. Having a Bar Dedicated to Popcorn
  10. Serving Carnival-themed Food
  11. Serving Different Kinds of Beer ‘Oktoberfest’ style

One of the best things about having catering in manila is that you get to try dishes you’ve never even tasted before. Not only can it widen the variety of dishes in your menu, but it can also give your guests something new and unique for them to enjoy.

While you can opt for a set menu and serving your guests all the same things, it could be fun to mix up a little. If you think it’s time to think outside the box and explore different flavors, here are a few suggestions we have for you:

Mini Dishes

Sometimes miniature versions of your favorite meals make even more of a statement than their full-sized counterparts, especially with the amount of flavor many of them pack in one bite. For example, instead of dining in the comfortable taste of a huge bowl of spaghetti, use a single meatball and top it with spaghetti with a bit of sauce. It will be more fun to eat that way, plus the guests can consume it in just a couple of bites. Also, this is a chance for your guests to have a bit of everything in the menu served at your reception.

Kebabs and Barbecues

Although they are considered to be ‘cook-out’ food that is best reserved for more casual get-togethers, kebabs and barbecues are actually still good to serve at weddings. Your guests will surely love them. Aside from crowd favorites like barbecue and meat kebabs, you can serve lamb and meatballs on toothpicks for extra-easy devouring.

Innovate your Comfort Food

Home-cooked favorites are instantly elevated when served in unexpected ways. Like for example, love the taste of grilled cheese but you’re scared they’re not fancy enough to be served at a wedding? Worry not because your caterer will surely be able to find a way to reinvent them. You can have mini grilled sandwiches served on toothpicks with dainty tomato soup shooters to make it more formal and fit for the occasion.

Braedon Photography

Braedon Photography

Vegan Delight

Appetizers usually entail the serving of heavy carbs like potatoes and the likes. Keep it healthy by appealing to the lighter portion of your guests. Put in a few delicious ‘good-for-you’ options on the menu, such as baby-Greek salad – serve this mouth-watering appetizer in mini cup and voila you’ve got yourself a healthy delight.

All-Day Breakfast

Many people only like mornings because of the food. This comes as no surprise as breakfast is a scrumptious meal that jumpstarts your day. So why not serve it at your wedding? A good example of a breakfast dish would be a bacon cup filled with scrambled eggs. This dish will surely give an elegant twist on the classic morning staple.

An Abundance of Variety

An abundant buffet is a great way to ensure everyone in your reception will get what they want. But it can also become an appetizing focal point. Be mindful and intricate about your buffet and whip up something like a cheese station with an array of mild and strong flavors of different cheeses from goat, cow and sheep milk, which can then be paired with wine. Don’t forget to add labels so guests know exactly what they’re having. From fruits, breads and nuts, there are plenty of things to think of to serve.

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

This wedding reception idea may be a common sight in multiple weddings; but, it’s a great addition nonetheless. The thought of being able to create your very own ice cream sundae is enough for anyone to gather around and devour this sugary feast.

Mexican Madness

Everyone loves to eat food with their hands, especially if said food is smothered in meat and cheese. With this idea to serve for your wedding reception, don’t hesitate to go all-out with everything you got. No quesadilla, taco, nacho, or even burrito is off limits on your special day.

Popcorn Bar

For all those who love popcorn, this idea is definitely for you! Not only does this make a great snack for the occasional binge-watch session, but it also makes a great and unique pre-appetizer for your wedding reception.

In fact, if you really wish to kick it up a notch, why not add a wide selection of flavors and toppings for your guests to choose from? Adding extra butter or caramel on your popcorn? Now that’s a definite guarantee for a good time.

Carnival Craziness

Carnival food is something that really tantalizes your child-like taste buds, especially with the amounts of sweetness coupled with this idea. With all the cotton candy, caramel apples, corndogs, and funnel cakes you can indulge in, there’s definitely no mistake to be made with this wedding reception idea.

Oktoberfest in Matrimony

Beer is an all-time favorite for every drinker out there, especially with the Germans with their ever-famous Oktoberfest; and with this idea in your wedding reception, it’s definitely certain that the party will be given a flavorful kick.

For this, feel free to explore the different kinds of beer you and your guests can enjoy. In fact, you can even serve them from taps to give them a sense of authenticity and ingenuity. As long as moderation in drinking is practiced, your guests will be able to have as much fun as they want.

Key Takeaway

There are numerous other ways you can serve wedding reception food that are just as fun and exciting. As such, it’s important to branch out and let your creativity and ingenuity shine.

 Also, when it comes to having a fun and stomach-filled reception, caterers are your best friends. Talk to your local catering service and inquire about the variety of foods you can serve at your wedding.

11 Edible Wedding Giveaways

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Wedding Catering Cake in Jar

What are good edible wedding favors?

  1. Ice cream
  2. Personalized liquor
  3. Caramel apples
  4. Cake in a jar
  5. Chocolates
  6. Fruity treats
  7. Popcorn
  8. Marshmallow sandwiches/cookies
  9. Brownies
  10. Candy
  11. Personalized cookies

Whether it be company events with corporate catering or fancy, dream-like weddings, it’s no secret that guests love eating the dishes served and receiving giveaways. What if we tell you that you can combine them? You can also give out food items as giveaways and souvenirs, especially on your wedding day.

With the right kind of caterer and these suggestions it, you can give your guests another set of memorable sweet and fabulous treats aside from than the event itself. With tons of savory options, give a delicious edible favor as your wedding thank you. Check out these 7 crowd-pleasing favorites:

Caramel Apples

These aren’t your typical stall created caramel apples; they are tailored for your special day. Most of these are formed in a shape of a bride and a groom, they’re pretty gorgeous to the point you wouldn’t want to eat them actually. The bride is dressed with white chocolate, while the groom is cloaked in a dark and white chocolate tuxedo.

Cake in a Jar

Usually guests are already very full by the end of the night, hence some wedding cakes remain untouched. The best way to let them have a taste of your wedding cake is by sending some cake-in-a-jar. Surely your guests will feel happy that they can end the night on a sweet note.

Chocolates

Love and chocolates are always synonymous and with hand-made chocolates that are rich in flavor, you wouldn’t need more than two.  Personalize your chocolates with your monogram, logo or any design which represents the bride and groom. You can simply pack them in cute boxes, then voila; you’ve got the sweetest treat in the world.

Wedding giveaway cookies by Petit Gateau. Photo by Cheryl Joy Miner

Wedding giveaway cookies by Petit Gateau. Photo by Cheryl Joy Miner

Personalized Cookies

Who doesn’t love this pastry? Add a little kick to your cookies by making it more personal and special. Use your favorite flavor like, for example, chocolate-covered Oreos; then style them up with pretty candy hearts. Be imaginative and use your creative juices to decorate your cookie souvenir. Plenty of your guests will definitely be happy.

Ice Cream

You can use your names as the brand of the ice cream and that’s pretty awesome. Go for a single-serving ice cream cup and create your very own custom blend, there are plenty of flavors to choose from. And you can even go crazy with the mix-ins and toppings you’d want to include.

Personalized Liquor

End the night with a toast! Customize your very own mini sparkling wine, vodka or champagne. Be stylish and decorate the bottles with tags and ribbons that match your color palette. There is a variety of liquor you can choose from seasonal drinks to Bourbon-infused drinks.

Fruity Selections

After a night filled with fried appetizers, indulgent entrees and an abundance of sweets, your guests may appreciate taking home a healthy giveaway. With a wide selection of fruits to choose from, you can pick one then have it imprinted with the design of your choice. Also, you can add a ‘thank you’ message on the back for that personal touch.

Popcorn

Who doesn’t love popcorn? People eat this popped snack everywhere: in the movie house, at home, at parties, and even at your wedding. But if you’re going to give this as a wedding favor, then avoid the common flavors to make it special. One perfect example would be Garrett’s signature mix, which is a combination of caramel and cheese flavored popcorn. Your guests will love this marriage of savory and sweet just as much as yours. No matter what unique flavor you choose, pick out a small and stylish packaging, buy a lot of these, and stuff some popcorn in them and you are good to go.

Marshmallow Sandwiches

Not only are marshmallow sandwiches (or cookies) an unconventional treat, but also it’s made with zero preservatives which make it a healthier option than many others. It comes in flavors such as raspberry hibiscus and spiked espresso, which is fun for both adults and younger guests.

Pair this up with a chocolate bar and you have the perfect food station for a cold wedding. Enjoying this with a hot cup of cocoa with a marshmallow sandwich may be all you need to make your celebration memorable (but of course you wouldn’t want your guests to remember your wedding just because of the food).

Brownies

Not all your guests will be so free to enjoy unlimited sweets. In fact, most of them probably have dietary restrictions; with some even having their life depend on it. For the sake of their health, you may want to go for favors that can please both them and the free-spirited. Such a flexible treat is the brownie. These yummy delicacies remain delicious no matter what form they are in; whether they are sweetened, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, or kosher. Just find a caterer or baker that can slay the brownie game no matter what dietary restrictions there may be.

Candy

Giving out an assortment of candy at your wedding is a great way to give a favor that is both stylish and easy to share. Thus, this is a great option when you know a lot of couples will be attending. After a long day at your celebration, all the couples will be able to share the candy with each other and keep their energy up as they make their way home. Just be sure you know exactly who is bringing a plus one. You don’t want two single guests awkwardly finding that they are meant to share one set of candies.  For these guests, give them a smaller serving they can enjoy for themselves.

Key Takeaway

Today’s modern age gives us the opportunity to be more innovative and creative with everything. You should take advantage of this and make your wedding a unique experience. Thus, you should try something new and fun when you are pondering on which edible giveaway you should have. The list above will help you to think about which one is perfect for you.

Fragrance and Flavor: Edible Flowers

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wedding catering edible flower

Flowers are a common sight to see on cakes of different flavors; one might even say this sweet treat won’t be complete without a flower decor or two. While you can opt for the usual sugar, gum paste or marzipan flowers, why not mix it up and use real, fresh ones for your cakes? In fact, why limit it to cake when you can use it on your favorite dishes used for your wedding catering in Manila? Check out these blooms which aren’t just going to add beauty, but also taste – literally.

Hibiscus

Locally known as Gumamela, the hibiscus has long been a favorite among children. Often times, it is the flower teachers request their students to bring for their Botany class, as it’s the most common complete flower in the country. But did you know that the Hyacinth is actually edible? In fact, in other countries its calyx is enjoyed as a snack. If you’d like to use this gorgeous blossom for your wedding, feel free to mix in the petals into your fruit salads or to decorate your cake, just remember to remove the pollen first. You can even serve it as a drink for hyacinth tea has several health benefits such as it can lower blood pressure, protect your liver and lower your cholesterol levels.  

Carnation

Considered to be among the stunning flowers on earth, it is said carnations grew from the spot where the Virgin Mary’s tears fell, thus symbolizing a mother’s unconditional love for her son. MacBeth himself wrote praise for this multilayered flower, immortalizing it in “A Winter’s Tale”, namely the third scene of the fourth act. In it, he says: “Of trembling winter, the fairest flowers o’ the season are our carnations and streak’d gillyvors.”

If you think it’s so pretty you can just eat it, go ahead. It has, in fact, been used in different dishes for years. When used as a tea, carnation can lessen stress, strengthen metabolism and relieve nausea. It can be used to add a little zing to not just desserts such as ice creams and fruit salads, but to stir fried dishes and seafood platters as well. Also, it’s long been used for cordials and cake decor. Remember to remove the bitter white heel at the base of the petal before adding it into your dishes.

Rose

Of course, we cannot forget the eternal favorite, roses. Aside from being used for decorations, for the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere, roses are also well known as a great edible flower. Eating rose flowers can help make you feel great about yourself. Also, rose petals have several health benefits; these lovely  buds can help you lose weight, clarify your skin, and fight off illness thanks to its high vitamin C content. Its fragrance alone can help clear your mind relax, so go ahead and use roses not just for aesthetic reasons, but for the body as well.

When using flowers for cooking, do make sure what you are using is organic as this ensures the quality of the flowers. In addition; don’t use the flowers from your neighborhood flower shop as there is a high chance these blossoms have already been treated; search for a reputable source and get the petals directly from them.

12 Healthy Foods that Boost Productivity

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Food for boosting productivity

What foods can help to boost productivity?

  1. Blueberries
  2. Bananas
  3. Eggs
  4. Fatty fish
  5. Eggplant
  6. Yogurt
  7. Dark chocolate
  8. Green tea
  9. Nuts
  10. Avocados
  11. Water
  12. Brown rice

Meetings can be dull and repetitive and presenters are sure to agree with that nothing is more horrible than a passive audience. Sure, there are a lot of factors to consider in commanding and keeping the attention of your audience, such as subject interest and delivery, but this is where strategic corporate catering comes into play.

It is fun and easy (and highly encouraged) to go for our catering services because we can suggest some of the best food choices. But it’s also good to know which types of ingredients are best for the employees. Certain kinds of food have been proven to increase productivity and alertness in the human mind and having these in any meeting is sure to revitalize your employees and strengthen their immune system!

In this blog post, we will introduce and briefly discuss the types of food that boost productivity and concentration.

Blueberries

Research shows that blueberries boost “concentration and memory” for up to five hours “because the antioxidants in blueberries stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain – and keep the mind fresh”. Blueberries are affordable and delicious and best of all, they’re healthy.

Bananas

Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals and specifically, glucose. According to researcher Leigh Gibson of Roehampton University in England, “The brain works best with about 25 grams of glucose circulating in the blood stream — about the amount found in a banana.” Bananas offer a quick energy boost and they’re scrumptious to boot.

Eggs

A staple of breakfast, eggs offer a delicious meal that can be prepared in any number of ways from a quick and easy sunny side-up to the elegant and delicious omelets to the healthier on-the-go boiled. According to Vivian Giang and Aimee Groth of Business Insider, “Eggs contain fat-like B vitamin called choline that enhances memory and reaction time.”

Fatty Fish

Most fatty fish are rich in omega-3s, iron, B-Vitamins and protein which support focus, memory, reasoning and recall. (Byrd) Salmon, Mackarel, Herring, Sardines and Tuna are just a few fatty fish that contain these benefits.

Eggplant

Another egg-type entry in the list, “Eggplant skin contains a nutrient called nasunin which keeps our brain sharp by enhancing communication between our brain cells and messenger molecules. “

Yogurt

Delicious and a component of many delicious meals and sauces, “calcium rich foods such as yogurt, milk and cheese improve nerve function. Yogurt contains an amino acid called tyrosine which is responsible for producing the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline.” To summarize all that, yoghurt improves memory and alertness. Delicious and versatile, yogurt is healthy and easy to find and is a perfect addition to any corporate event.

Dark Chocolate

Not only does dark chocolate boost the production of “feel-good” chems called endorphins, they also reproduce the feeling of “euphoria” people get from exercising. According to an editorial by CNN, “preliminary research at West Virginia’s Wheeling Jesuit University suggests chocolate may boost your memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving skills by increasing blood-flow to the brain.” 

Green Tea

This drink is a natural energy enhancer. Since it isn’t made from energy-fabricating ingredients, it also doesn’t have any of the side effects of usual energy boosters. This makes it popular amongst health buffs who work long hours while still squeezing in a workout at the end of the day. Their green tea of choice is matcha which has been gaining mainstream popularity over recent years – most especially in New York City. Unlike other green teas, matcha actually uses a whole green tea leaf that is ground into fine powder. By being able to ingest the whole leaf, a whole family of antioxidants, fiber, and polyphenols will be introduced to the human body.

Nuts

Nuts are healthy for a number of reasons. For one, it’s a great source of protein and natural fat, which are healthy for the human body. Additionally, it’s a rich food that is high in antioxidants, vitamin E, and amino acids. These are the nutrients that the body needs in order increase memory and brain power.

For the best nuts to consume, grab some walnuts and almonds. These have the best ingredients for boosting brain health and productivity.

Avocados

In order for one to be productive, the flow blood through the brain and around the heart must be smooth and consistent. To ensure that you have this consistent flow in your body, eat some Avocados. This fruit is a natural stimulant that enhances the flow of blood and provides healthy fats. Not only will it get the brain cells working at their best, but it’s also very tasty. Who said that healthy foods need to taste bad?

Water

While it may not be a food, it must be added to this list because of how essential it is for productivity. Basically, the whole body will function well if it has enough water in it. It uses it to do its daily functions, which means that it depletes throughout the day. When the water levels in your body get too low, then your brain and the rest of your body won’t perform at its best.

To make sure that you always have enough water in your body, have at least 8 glasses of water a day. This will keep your brain powered up, focused, and thinking quickly and clearly.

Brown Rice

The healthiest ingredient in brown rice is magnesium. With an ample amount of this in your body, not only will you be more productive, but you will also be more relaxed. This is because it has been shown to be able to relieve stress. Also, it is loaded with the vitamins that you need for your body to work at its best. Because of this, the cognitive functions will also be boosted which guarantees boosted productivity.

Key Takeaway

We can all agree that food in any setting is good but having healthy and delicious food prepared and served by passionate people is as close as you can get to perfect.  

Works Cited

Byrd, M. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2016, 22, from Omega 3 Fish Oil Benefits: http://www.omega-3.us/omega-3/omega-3-benefits

Derbyshire, D. (2009, September 14). Retrieved February 22, 2016, from DailyMailUk: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1212579/A-bowl-blueberries-day-keeps-brain-active-afternoon.html

Giang, V., & Groth, A. (2013, May 30). Retrieved February 22, 2016, from BusinessInsider: http://www.businessinsider.com/foods-you-should-eat-to-increase-productivity-2013-5?op=1

Ingall, M. (2006, December 22). Health. Retrieved February 22, 2016, from CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/12/20/health.chocolate/

Left of Zen. (2008, January 4). Left of Zen. Retrieved February 22, 2016, from http://leftofzen.com/brain-food/2008/01/04/

LiveScience. (2009, January 7). Retrieved February 22, 2016, from LiveScience: http://www.livescience.com/3186-brain-food-eat-smart.html

The Best Wedding Beverages to Serve in 2016

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Dawn Kelly Photography

Dawn Kelly Photography

Liquor is often considered a staple for any milestone celebration, and most of the time wedding signature drinks are among the fanciest kinds. So if you’re into the wedding catering scene, it’s doubly important for you to serve only the most elegant and luscious drinks.

Wedding drinks often featured include vibrantly-hued cocktails, in addition to glasses of bourbon or Scotch bar. If you’re thinking about what kinds of liquor to serve at your wedding, here are a few suggestions:

 

Classic Champagne

Champagne is practically a symbol of celebration, and the top wedding drink trend and will always be the go-to liquor of wedding participants. With the dramatic sobering of Champagne bottles, no wonder people love to dramatically pour it in a neatly stocked tower of stemmed glasses. Over 40% percent of wedding couples highly prioritize top quality Champagne at their weddings and that’s a fact according to wedding magazines and online portals. Aside from the serving different types of glamorous Champagne bottles, offer cocktails mixed with Champagne at your reception.

Sangria

This colourful and fruity drink will brighten any event. Whether you want the pale pink kind or the classy white sangria, this is another one of those beverages that should not miss out on your wedding. Don’t forget to ask the bartender to use fresh fruit slices as garnish to make it prettier AND yummier.

A Sip of Everything

Drink stations should be available at your reception. Instead of focusing on one type of drink, usually it is best to offer small servings of a lot of things; from vodka, bourbon, microbrew beer flights to tequila. Your guests would enjoy drinking the night way with the many selections your bar would offer. These small sip drinks may be paired with foods as well, and your wedding venue’s chef or caterers can assist in creating the perfect pairing for each beverage concoction. Just remind them not to mix drink too many different types of drinks consecutively or they may end up with a tummyache.

Multiple Signature Drinks

Don’t stick to one kind of liquor and experiment with the different mixes you can come up with. It is a big trend these days to customize your own flavoured cocktail. You can even seek help from the handy app on your phone that is called “mixology”. Add a little presentation to your drink station by putting up a board sign then write down the signature drinks available which will definitely entice your guests. While this is fun though, don’t get too carried away. Sometimes it’s best to leave the bartender to do their profession.

Flavoured Sodas

Surely not all of your guests are legal enough to drink liquor – you have guests that are underaged, or adults who simply don’t drink the stuff. Have your caterer include flavoured sodas on the menue so they won’t feel left out.

 

Food and drinks are two of the most important elements to a wedding reception. Hiring a catering service will definitely lift the pressure of having to figure out which trend to follow when it comes to catering.

A Quick Guide to Stemmed Glasses

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What are the types of stemmed glasses?

  1. According to materials used: (1) crystal, and; (2) glass.
  2. According to shape and purpose: (1) wine glass which is subcategorized into red wine and white wine glasses; (2) Martini glasses; (3) flute glasses; (4) dessert wine glasses, and; (5) grappa glasses.

If you’re like most people, you probably assume that the glasses we drink from only differ in shape, size, and the amount of liquid it can contain. But the truth is, there are a number of varying types of glasses because they each serve different purposes. In fact, when used properly, the attributes of a glass can actually help keep the contents “fresh” and optimal.

Hence, the next time you find yourself having to serve drinks to a group of people – especially if you’re in the corporate, casual, or a wedding catering scene – don’t forget the following facts to ensure that you pick the right vessel for your next drink.

Types of Glasses According to Materials Used

Before we step into the shapes of glasses for the different types of drinks, we must first discuss the material of the glasses. Mainly, there are two kinds: crystal and glass.

Basically, the difference is in the lead content. There is lead in crystal which makes it easier to cut and engrave than glass. This also increases the weight and causes light to diffract from the material. The advantage of using this over glass material is that it controls the temperature of the drink more, and the smells and flavors of wine are accentuated better. Because of this, these glasses are thought to be able to provide a better wine-tasting experience. However, they are expensive and fragile, which turns a lot of people away from buying them.

Also, this lead content in crystal sometimes leaches out and it caused health concerns. As such, companies nowadays produce crystal glassware that is unleaded.

To replace the lead, they used barium carbonate, zinc, and titanium oxides instead. These make the glasses similar to the lead crystal glasses and its properties, but, at a lighter weight.

Types of Glasses According to Shape and Purpose

Stemmed glasses can be classified according to their shapes and purpose, especially on what particular drink they are best used. Some of these are:

Wine glasses

Image from DecorDesignStyle.tk

Image from DecorDesignStyle.tk

The standard bulbous, stemmed glasses we often see wines are served in is shaped that way for many reasons. Note its thin stem which allows you to hold the glass without your hand having to make contact with the bulb’s base – this is important as it keeps your body heat away from the wine and helps keep it cool for a longer amount of time.

Another factor to consider when serving wine is its aroma – wine glasses are shaped to retain it for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy your drink for longer without fear of it going flat too soon.

Red Wine Glasses: For red wine, larger wine glasses are used. The bowls of these glasses are fuller, rounder and with a larger opening. This is so you can stick your nose in the glass as you drink the wine and enjoy its aroma, as well. The taste and smells of red wine is also best enjoyed when there is more surface area to it that comes in contact with the air.

 There are different types of red wine glasses. The Bordeaux glass is the tall version with a smaller bowl which was designed for heavy wines such as Cabernets and Merlots. This is so that the wine can read the back of the mouth quickly for maximum taste. Burgundy glasses, on the other hand, are made for lighter wines such as Pinot Noir. The glass is shorter with a larger bowl which directs the wine to go towards the tip of the tongue so that a drinker will be able to taste the delicate flavors.

White Wine Glasses: These have bowls that are more U in shape and more upright than red wine glasses. This allows aroma to be released properly while keeping the wine at cooler temperatures.

 The variation of the glass depends on the age of the white wine. For younger ones, the opening is usually slightly larger to direct the wine toward the front of the tongue which is best to enjoy the sweet taste. For older ones, the opening is straighter and taller to direct towards the back, which is best for the bold flavors that it contains.

 

Martini Glasses

Image from HomeWetBar.com

Image from HomeWetBar.com

The purpose of the stem of a martini glass is the same as the wine glass – it avoids directing heat to the drink. Their difference, however, lies in the model of the part where the drink is actually contained – martini glasses are cone shaped, not round and bulbous. This is because the cone helps keep the ingredients from separating. It also assists multi-layered drinks, which have ingredients with specific gravities or relative density thereby retaining its layers. Another major difference is the opening, which is designed to somewhat freely allow the liquid’s aroma to diffuse.

Flute Glasses

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

As opposed to the previous two which possesses wide statures, flute glasses are on the opposite side of the spectrum. They’re also stemmed, but they are tall and thin. It was designed this way so that the narrowness can help protect the drink’s carbonation.

To aid this effort, there is often a bead etched into the bottom of the glass to give the bubbles a central point for nucleation. These are best used when serving champagne, champagne cocktails, or even sparkling wine.

Dessert wine glasses

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

They’re named after their very purpose – to hold dessert wine. This drink is often served in small portions, so it makes sense that the glass is equally petite as well. They’re stemmed and have small openings at the top. Dessert wine caters more to the taste than smell, hence the opening of the glass does not really need to accommodate the nose.

Grappa Glasses

This glass is meant to hold grappa in small amounts to help manage someone’s intake as too much will definitely result to intoxication.

Also, it is shaped in a unique way to push the aroma upwards, toward the drinker while keeping it at a good drinking temperature with its bulb-like spheres.

Key Takeaway

It may not seem like such a big deal, but using the proper glass for a certain drink shows professionalism and knowledge. Next time you find yourself having to decide which glass to use, refer to the quick guide above for a quick dose of advice.

Oh Pricey! 7 of the Most Expensive Foods In The World

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What are the most expensive foods in the world?

  1. Truffles
  2. Saffron
  3. Kopi Luwak
  4. Vanilla
  5. Balsamic Vinegar
  6. Swiftnest
  7. Kobe Beef

Catering in Manila – the Philippine capital – can mount up to be a pretty monumental job. With it being the universal melting pot of the country, the widely varied population is bound to have extremely diverse tastes when it comes to cuisine. While some are delighted with standard Filipino fare, there are also those who seek something extra special in the food.

Sometimes the extra special is no more than the right pairing of wine and cheese. Other times, it’s rare (and expensive) ingredients. Here are seven of the most expensive ingredients in the world.

 Truffles

Image from Australian Truffle Growers Association

Image from Australian Truffle Growers Association

As a knowledgeable food connoisseur would tell you, no list of expensive ingredients would ever be complete without truffles, a rare, edible underground fungus. Unsurprisingly, it’s more notorious for its price rather than its taste – white truffles can reach astronomical prices of as much as $3,600 a pound!

Taste-wise, truffles are known for their uniquely musky, delectable, and sweet flavor. Despite possessing a slightly pungent smell, they’re often used as garnish for creamy pastas or other dishes that have a lot of cheese, eggs, and butter. Aside from that though, their inherent value lies in its rarity. Truffles are found in very select places around the world, most of which are in Europe (such as the Piedmont district of Italy); they’re also very difficult to acquire. Truffle hunters have to use trained pigs or dogs in order to forage for the truffles, and as each year passes there are less to harvest and the quality steadily decreases.  In addition, due to Truffles’ value, a black market has emerged and unfortunately, it dominates a huge percentage of truffle sales. Despite all these setbacks, however, quality truffles are still available for consumption worldwide.

 Saffron

Image from The New York Times

Image from The New York Times

Similar to truffles, Saffron’s inherent value also lies in how difficult it is to obtain. The plants itself aren’t so rare, but the yields are rather low compared to other, more “common” spices such as Basil or Rosemary. This is because Saffron is the stigma (the part of the flower that receives the pollen and allows it to germinate) of the Crocus Sativus flower. Each plant bears only about four flowers, and every flower only has 3 stigmas on it. Each stigma is taken, dried, then sold as the spice we all know and love. Connoisseurs describe its taste as “reminiscent of metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes, while its taste has also been noted as hay-like and sweet.” It’s often used in Persian, Indian, European, Arab, and Turkish cuisines despite its high price at about $500 an ounce.

Kopi Luwak

Image from Shawn Hesketh

Image from Shawn Hesketh

While coffee made from animal excrement doesn’t sound all too enticing – or valuable, for that matter – you’d be surprised at the prices a bit of Kopi Luwak goes for! It’s actually one of the most expensive coffees in the world, a single kilogram of it going for as much as $3000. Mainly produced in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the “coffee” is harvested from the feces of the Asian Palm Civets as the small animal’s digestive system helps in the process of making the coffee “better”. This is debatable, however, as the Specialty Coffee Association of America stated that the “general consensus within the industry … it just tastes bad”. It’s bought more for the novelty than its taste, though that detail is largely up to the consumer.

Vanilla

Vanilla it the second most demanded spice in the world yet the vanilla flower only blooms for a couple of hours in a single year. This means that there is very little time for pollination. Vanilla flowers also must be planted manually and only in certain areas.

The spice itself is gathered from the pods of the flowers. Once this is gathered, it must first be fermented and aged for two years in order for the signature taste and aroma of the spice to be released. This tedious process of gathering the spice leads to its big price tag: $3500-4000/lbs

Balsamic Vinegar

Although “balsamic vinegar” has been found more commonly nowadays, the authentic version is not so easily attainable. The process of creating this syrup first involves white Trebbiano grapes being boiled down to be musty. Then, it is placed in a barrel which allows water to escape over a long period of time; 12-25 years to be exact. You may think that this is a simple process and the long wait is what brings the price up. While this is true, it is also due to the fact that a large number of grapes is needed to reach an amount that can be sold commercially. This is because only small amounts of vinegar is gathered from a group of grapes due to the evaporation of the water and the concentration of the musty grapes. For a mere 100ml bottle of true balsamic vinegar, it will cost someone $150.

Swiftnest

This ingredient was named so because the ingredient itself is a bird’s nest. It was originally found in caves in Southeast Asia where male swallows use their saliva to create nests. It takes those birds around 2 months in order to do so. The gathering of the nest is also a tedious process. People must gather the nests from the hard to reach caves or custom houses must be created for swallows to build their nests there. When the swiftnests are gathered, they can be dissolved in broth to give it a gelatinous texture. A pound of swiftnest costs around $990.

Kobe Beef

Also known as ‘Wagyu’ Steak, this beef originated from Japan. It is made from cattle that are massaged and fed 1 beer daily.  This is to create distinctly fatty cuts when the time comes to turn the cattle into beef. This beef is very tender and low in cholesterol which makes it a delicious meat that is widely sought after. For a 16-ounce cut of Kobe Beef, one must pay $1240.

Key Takeaway

Food in a necessity, but at times it is also a luxury. Try and find some of the aforementioned foods and taste them for yourself, then decide if they’re truly worth their prices.