Stamps commemorate Adventist Centennial
Marking milestones often require grand celebrations.
But the Seventh-day Adventist Church chose to
commemorate their 100th year in the Philippines with a
ceremony notable for its simplicity. And appropriately
so, as the church has stood by the idea that "true
beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in
the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet
spirit."
A dinner ceremony was held at Manila Sanitarium
Hospital on February 23. About a hundred guests
attended including Pastor Albert Gulfan, president of
Southern Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day
Adventists; Nestor Dayson, president of Adventists in
Luzon; Pastor Larry Feir, communication director of
North Philippine Union Mission; and Alfonso Divina,
layout artist of philatelic division of Philippine
Postal Corporation.
There was good reason for a representative of the
Philippine Postal Corporation to be around. To mark
the milestone, a blocked set of stamps was handed to
Jan Paulsen, current president of the World
Seventh-day Adventists.
Paulsen also spoke about the long, tough road the
church went through and how it survived and grew in
the Philippines.
12 members in 1911
The first Adventist Church in the country was
organized in Sta. Ana, Manila on March 11, 1911 with
12 members. During the first three years, evangelistic
activities were confined in and around Manila. By
1913, missionaries opened the work in northern Luzon
for the Ilocanos. At that time, there was no
literature evangelist or any church members in that
area of Luzon. By 1921, there were seven organized
churches with 327 members. Not only was the gospel
work expanding in the North; this was also the case in
the South.
The next few decades saw the church's growth slowing
down due to factors such as World War II. Nonetheless,
the Adventists' expansion was on a gradual upswing.
By the turn of the new millennium, the National
Philippine Union Mission became a Union of two
conferences (Central and South Central Luzon
Conferences) and three missions (Southern Luzon,
Northern Luzon, and Mountain Provinces Missions) with
a total of 1,297 churches. Serving the Union in
various ministries and capabilities are 197 ordained
pastors, 90 regular ministerial workers, 685 teachers,
455 literature evangelists, 602 medical and
paramedical personnel, 179 publishing workers and a
host of office staff .
1.2 million in 2005
Today, there's an estimated 1,208,000 Adventists in
the Philippines.
The Church also operates one publishing house and
supervises one university and three colleges, 12
academies and 160 elementary schools. It has three
hospitals: the Manila Adventist Medical Church,
Cagayan Valley Adventist Hospital, and Palawan
Adventist Hospital, although for management purposes
all three were adopted by the Adventist Health System
- Asia in 2003.
Jan Paulsen, now at the helm of the Church, believes
they survived because of their adherence to love and
their dedication in spreading God's word.
(First published in What's On & Expat on Aprile 3-9, 2005)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sweet Greens Garden Cafe
A taste of Bacolod beyond "Inasal"
Lacson Street is one of Bacolod's two main roads. Along that path are the Negrense capital's most prominent landmarks including the Negros Showroom and the Provincial Capitol Park & Lagoon. Then there's Sweet Greens Garden Cafe, a haven of Bacolod cuisine and Negros Occidental delicacies not to be missed if you find yourself in Bacolod.
Co-owned by Tima Lacson and Millie Kilayko, Sweet Greens initially started as an actual garden, a horticulture business that eventually grew to include ceramics and other ornamentals. The cafe was originally meant to be a support facility of the garden but both ladies didn't foresee its resounding popularity.
A small group of TV and print media people was recently invited to sample some of their specialties. It was a fine, cool March night, perfect for sampling cuisine amidst a backdrop replete with plants and flowers.
We were first served their lumpia or spring rolls with glasses of fruit punch. According to "Foods of the World," lumpia was borne of gambling tables, an unusual provenance any way you look at it. Strongly superstitious that luck changes if anyone gets up from the gambling table, gamblers thought of coming up with something filling enough to nibble on without having to hedge their bets, so to speak, by leaving the table. Spring rolls fit the bill-easy-to-eat, unfussy, and fairly substantial.
Sweet Greens Garden Café's rendition of the spring roll, said co-owner Tima Lacson, uses heart of palm or "ubod," with a special recipe to make this gambler's delight uniquely theirs and uniquely delicious. True enough, we picked a few more lumpias after consuming our first roll.
The punch was the perfect complement, as Sweet Greens' version of a blend of tropical fruits included a good splash of white rum, fermented from Negrense sugarcanes. We were still in appetizer mode when co-owner Millie announced that dinner was ready.
And what a dinner it was. We were served binacol, a soup generous with chicken, herbs, vegetables, spices and lemongrass. Sweet Greens' recipe was handed down from Celsa Lizares-Kilayko, Millie's grandmother, who used fresh bamboo to cook the soup, giving it a distinct flavor.
The shrimp balls we were served came with a dipping sauce of mixed spices. The heavenly sardines originated from Daniel Lacson, cousin of former Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. The recipe calls for pressure-cooking the fish in olive oil, liquor and spices. The Arroz Valenciana a dish often served during special occasions, was another special treat. Like all arroz (or rice) dishes, a few mouthfuls go a long way.
Our night didn't end there, as both Tima and Millie encouraged us to learn how to make a piaya. This is arguably Negros' most popular delicacy, a flat piece of bread stuffed with a sweet filling.
Making one isn't hard at all. A medium-sized ball of dough is first flattened with both palms and then a filling is inserted in a center opening and then sealed. Next, it's dunked in a platter of sesame seeds. Finally, a rolling pin is used to flatten it some more before it's slapped on what looks like a crepe pan, sans oil or lard or butter. Patience isn't needed here, as it only takes about 10 minutes for the piaya to be ready.
There are plenty of available fillings for the piaya. Mango is popular and so is banana. For us beginners in the art of making piaya, our hosts provided us with muscovado, a dark brown sugar. They said that other fillings require a few more procedures that are way past simple skills.
So next time you're in Bacolod, don't forego the chicken inasal. But don't forget to try out other yummies as well. Sweet Greens did just that for us.
(First published on What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Lacson Street is one of Bacolod's two main roads. Along that path are the Negrense capital's most prominent landmarks including the Negros Showroom and the Provincial Capitol Park & Lagoon. Then there's Sweet Greens Garden Cafe, a haven of Bacolod cuisine and Negros Occidental delicacies not to be missed if you find yourself in Bacolod.
Co-owned by Tima Lacson and Millie Kilayko, Sweet Greens initially started as an actual garden, a horticulture business that eventually grew to include ceramics and other ornamentals. The cafe was originally meant to be a support facility of the garden but both ladies didn't foresee its resounding popularity.
A small group of TV and print media people was recently invited to sample some of their specialties. It was a fine, cool March night, perfect for sampling cuisine amidst a backdrop replete with plants and flowers.
We were first served their lumpia or spring rolls with glasses of fruit punch. According to "Foods of the World," lumpia was borne of gambling tables, an unusual provenance any way you look at it. Strongly superstitious that luck changes if anyone gets up from the gambling table, gamblers thought of coming up with something filling enough to nibble on without having to hedge their bets, so to speak, by leaving the table. Spring rolls fit the bill-easy-to-eat, unfussy, and fairly substantial.
Sweet Greens Garden Café's rendition of the spring roll, said co-owner Tima Lacson, uses heart of palm or "ubod," with a special recipe to make this gambler's delight uniquely theirs and uniquely delicious. True enough, we picked a few more lumpias after consuming our first roll.
The punch was the perfect complement, as Sweet Greens' version of a blend of tropical fruits included a good splash of white rum, fermented from Negrense sugarcanes. We were still in appetizer mode when co-owner Millie announced that dinner was ready.
And what a dinner it was. We were served binacol, a soup generous with chicken, herbs, vegetables, spices and lemongrass. Sweet Greens' recipe was handed down from Celsa Lizares-Kilayko, Millie's grandmother, who used fresh bamboo to cook the soup, giving it a distinct flavor.
The shrimp balls we were served came with a dipping sauce of mixed spices. The heavenly sardines originated from Daniel Lacson, cousin of former Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. The recipe calls for pressure-cooking the fish in olive oil, liquor and spices. The Arroz Valenciana a dish often served during special occasions, was another special treat. Like all arroz (or rice) dishes, a few mouthfuls go a long way.
Our night didn't end there, as both Tima and Millie encouraged us to learn how to make a piaya. This is arguably Negros' most popular delicacy, a flat piece of bread stuffed with a sweet filling.
Making one isn't hard at all. A medium-sized ball of dough is first flattened with both palms and then a filling is inserted in a center opening and then sealed. Next, it's dunked in a platter of sesame seeds. Finally, a rolling pin is used to flatten it some more before it's slapped on what looks like a crepe pan, sans oil or lard or butter. Patience isn't needed here, as it only takes about 10 minutes for the piaya to be ready.
There are plenty of available fillings for the piaya. Mango is popular and so is banana. For us beginners in the art of making piaya, our hosts provided us with muscovado, a dark brown sugar. They said that other fillings require a few more procedures that are way past simple skills.
So next time you're in Bacolod, don't forego the chicken inasal. But don't forget to try out other yummies as well. Sweet Greens did just that for us.
(First published on What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Saudi businessmen
Saudi businessmen RP business opportunities
Sumptuous dinners may not always make or break a business deal, but good food, served well, is invariably a charm. As are high-profile guests who deign to grace such occasions.
That may have been what the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia had in mind when they hosted a dinner reception recently at the Dusit Nikko Hotel in Makati City for the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Among the distinguished guests of the evening were former President Fidel V. Ramos, Senator Edgardo Angara, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Dr. Parouk Hussin and socialite Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas.
The 17-person delegation, led by Mr. Waleed Al-Swaidan, chair of the Saudi-Philippine Business Council, arrived in Manila last February 27. They attended the PCCI business conference held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on February 28 and March 1 in order to look into trade and investment opportunities in both the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Manpower and the food sectors were identified as among those that generated the highest interest between both parties.
The Mindanao Business Council also invited the Saudi delegates and H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Ameen Wali to Davao City to meet with local businessmen. A few of the delegates stayed behind to explore potential investments in agriculture.
No contracts have yet been signed but the PCCI is optimistic that the Manila-Davao sortie will yield the expected results.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Sumptuous dinners may not always make or break a business deal, but good food, served well, is invariably a charm. As are high-profile guests who deign to grace such occasions.
That may have been what the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia had in mind when they hosted a dinner reception recently at the Dusit Nikko Hotel in Makati City for the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Among the distinguished guests of the evening were former President Fidel V. Ramos, Senator Edgardo Angara, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Dr. Parouk Hussin and socialite Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas.
The 17-person delegation, led by Mr. Waleed Al-Swaidan, chair of the Saudi-Philippine Business Council, arrived in Manila last February 27. They attended the PCCI business conference held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on February 28 and March 1 in order to look into trade and investment opportunities in both the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Manpower and the food sectors were identified as among those that generated the highest interest between both parties.
The Mindanao Business Council also invited the Saudi delegates and H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Ameen Wali to Davao City to meet with local businessmen. A few of the delegates stayed behind to explore potential investments in agriculture.
No contracts have yet been signed but the PCCI is optimistic that the Manila-Davao sortie will yield the expected results.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Fringe Theater
An in-your-race remembrance of the Holocaust
The lobby of The Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental Manila was lined with black and white photos of faces we thought we'd only see in history books-gaunt and haunted, stark in their fright and humiliation. It was the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Nazi Concentration Camps and in Manila, members of the Israeli community, the diplomatic circle and other distinguished guests went beyond pausing for a few minutes of silence in memory of the victims of the genocide.
The Embassy of Israel thought of a far more interesting way for people to never forget. They flew in members of the Acco Theater Center, a group that balances its aim of artistic creation with active social involvement. Located in the old city of Acco, inhabited mainly by Arabs, the Center offers the development of mutual relations between Jewish and Arab actors and the community as well. For the Manila commemoration, the Center boldly offered the Fringe Theater experience.
Fringe Theater involved holding stage performances in small venues for the purpose of actively engaging audiences in the performance. The point was to shake people, rouse them out of their apathy.
At the Intercon, the chandeliers were turned off with chairs pointed to a draped grand piano adorned with glasses, a flat Tanduay rum bottle and candles. An old woman, who looked like Maria Ouspenskaya (known for old Hollywood classics such as "Love Affair") clinked the glasses and began chanting with her eyes closed. It was reminiscent of a séance, I thought.
Then the character began telling her story. She said she was Zelma Greenwald, Holocaust survivor who managed to make it through the years with her music and the company of her son. They relived the war years, and told the story of how the son was unable to live past the tragedy and existed in a state of dysfunction. Zelda's music was itself a testimony of the terrible sadness that pervades her life.
But lest you think that it was all doom and gloom, the occasional and unexpected jokes that punctuated the show proved to be both welcome and startling during the nearly 90-minute performance. It helped that Moni Josef, who played the dysfunctional son, was a ringer for famed Hollywood comedian Steve Martin. A few one-liners, related to current events in the Philippines managed to further draw in local guests.
It was a one-of-a-kind experience, as the audience was transported to another time when they entered the Ballroom. Smadar Yaaron, who portrayed Greenwald, was a wonder. We were surprised during the cocktails after the show that beneath the make-up, accessories and ornate dress, the actress was quite young.
But the interjections of humor didn't help much during the latter part of the show, as the enveloping experience of the Holocaust relived took its toll, which was perhaps the intention. Which meant that the whole idea of fringe theater-up-close, in-your-face involvement-was more than fitting for an occasion the world should always remember.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
The lobby of The Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental Manila was lined with black and white photos of faces we thought we'd only see in history books-gaunt and haunted, stark in their fright and humiliation. It was the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Nazi Concentration Camps and in Manila, members of the Israeli community, the diplomatic circle and other distinguished guests went beyond pausing for a few minutes of silence in memory of the victims of the genocide.
The Embassy of Israel thought of a far more interesting way for people to never forget. They flew in members of the Acco Theater Center, a group that balances its aim of artistic creation with active social involvement. Located in the old city of Acco, inhabited mainly by Arabs, the Center offers the development of mutual relations between Jewish and Arab actors and the community as well. For the Manila commemoration, the Center boldly offered the Fringe Theater experience.
Fringe Theater involved holding stage performances in small venues for the purpose of actively engaging audiences in the performance. The point was to shake people, rouse them out of their apathy.
At the Intercon, the chandeliers were turned off with chairs pointed to a draped grand piano adorned with glasses, a flat Tanduay rum bottle and candles. An old woman, who looked like Maria Ouspenskaya (known for old Hollywood classics such as "Love Affair") clinked the glasses and began chanting with her eyes closed. It was reminiscent of a séance, I thought.
Then the character began telling her story. She said she was Zelma Greenwald, Holocaust survivor who managed to make it through the years with her music and the company of her son. They relived the war years, and told the story of how the son was unable to live past the tragedy and existed in a state of dysfunction. Zelda's music was itself a testimony of the terrible sadness that pervades her life.
But lest you think that it was all doom and gloom, the occasional and unexpected jokes that punctuated the show proved to be both welcome and startling during the nearly 90-minute performance. It helped that Moni Josef, who played the dysfunctional son, was a ringer for famed Hollywood comedian Steve Martin. A few one-liners, related to current events in the Philippines managed to further draw in local guests.
It was a one-of-a-kind experience, as the audience was transported to another time when they entered the Ballroom. Smadar Yaaron, who portrayed Greenwald, was a wonder. We were surprised during the cocktails after the show that beneath the make-up, accessories and ornate dress, the actress was quite young.
But the interjections of humor didn't help much during the latter part of the show, as the enveloping experience of the Holocaust relived took its toll, which was perhaps the intention. Which meant that the whole idea of fringe theater-up-close, in-your-face involvement-was more than fitting for an occasion the world should always remember.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
IVANAhelsinki
Finnish fashion comes to Manila
Fashion, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder,
but everyone will agree that it's all about making a
statement and standing out. Both can be said about
Paola Ivana Suhonen's IVANAhelsinki collection.
"Finland may be noted for Nokia and Armi Kuusela, the
first Miss Universe winner, but there's more,"
Ambassador Riitta Resch said during a recent press
conference at her residence, stressing the Nordic
country's prominence in areas like paper and wood
technology. Include Suhonen into the list.
Suhonen was a fashion design student when Finland went
through a recession. She wasn't only among those
responsible for reviving the Finnish fashion industry
but she also became in-demand in fashion circuits in
both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. At the moment,
IVANAhelsinki clothes are being sold in more than 20
countries. Philippines will soon join the ranks.
The main inspiration of her collection is the camping
lifestyle, which is popular in Scandinavia during the
70s and also reflects the Finnish designer's laidback
outlook. Every product are hand-made. Paola believes
in designing more and producing less.
For many designers, the choice of colors or style
would be enough for a trademark. However, Suhonen
circulated a story about a Russian named Ivan J.
Paolovski who established a match factory east of
Helsinki several decades ago. He became known for his
easygoing approach to his business and kind treatment
to his employees. The tale is fictional but it puts a
romantic touch to Paola's collection. A lighted
matchstick, which is IVANAhelsinki's logo, is both
original and eye-catching.
Two of her designs were unveiled during the presscon.
Light colors were used but that doesn't mean her
designs were less attentive. We were disappointed when
we found out that Paola wasn't around but she'll be
when more than 60 designs of hers will be showcased
during the March 31 fashion show at Shangri La Plaza
Mall.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
Fashion, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder,
but everyone will agree that it's all about making a
statement and standing out. Both can be said about
Paola Ivana Suhonen's IVANAhelsinki collection.
"Finland may be noted for Nokia and Armi Kuusela, the
first Miss Universe winner, but there's more,"
Ambassador Riitta Resch said during a recent press
conference at her residence, stressing the Nordic
country's prominence in areas like paper and wood
technology. Include Suhonen into the list.
Suhonen was a fashion design student when Finland went
through a recession. She wasn't only among those
responsible for reviving the Finnish fashion industry
but she also became in-demand in fashion circuits in
both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. At the moment,
IVANAhelsinki clothes are being sold in more than 20
countries. Philippines will soon join the ranks.
The main inspiration of her collection is the camping
lifestyle, which is popular in Scandinavia during the
70s and also reflects the Finnish designer's laidback
outlook. Every product are hand-made. Paola believes
in designing more and producing less.
For many designers, the choice of colors or style
would be enough for a trademark. However, Suhonen
circulated a story about a Russian named Ivan J.
Paolovski who established a match factory east of
Helsinki several decades ago. He became known for his
easygoing approach to his business and kind treatment
to his employees. The tale is fictional but it puts a
romantic touch to Paola's collection. A lighted
matchstick, which is IVANAhelsinki's logo, is both
original and eye-catching.
Two of her designs were unveiled during the presscon.
Light colors were used but that doesn't mean her
designs were less attentive. We were disappointed when
we found out that Paola wasn't around but she'll be
when more than 60 designs of hers will be showcased
during the March 31 fashion show at Shangri La Plaza
Mall.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
BMW housewarming party
Cool car, cool home
Why is BMW the symbol of external cool? It's loud and clear in their cars, engines, lifestyle apparel and services. Classy and first-rate, this premiere automobile company believes that customers deserve more thus their emphasis on being innovative. New products such as the X3 attest to that.
It was even apparent in the invitation to the housewarming of Dr. Joerg Bruer, president of BMW Philippines Corporation. The occasion was Filipino themed so the invite showed a BMW parked on the foreground of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a breathtaking Philippine attraction.
In keeping with the BMW spirit, the event at Breuer's posh dwelling was a gathering of many of Metro Manila's dynamic personalities. Guests won't have any trouble finding the place, as the lighted BMW logo sparked up the Bouganvilla Street in Dasmariñas Village. The lanky Breuer warmly welcomed BMW friends.
Chef Patricia Mesina provided the sumptuous spread of local delicacies. A trio of combancheros performed classic Filipino songs and acoustic renditions of contemporary hits. Leah Navarro and Mike Toledo agreed to a capella and impromptu performances to the absolute delight of the crowd.
Ambassadors Christiaan Tanghe (Belgium) and Mohammad Ameen Wali (Saudi Arabia) were among the members of the diplomatic corps present during the event. Political figures were also around, like vice-presidential candidate Hermie Aquino. The event was also peppered with media and showbiz personalities.
Everyone had a great time but unfortunately, time was short. We're looking to the next time the jovial Breuer sets up another get-together at his cool home with cool BMWs nearby to wow the guests.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
Why is BMW the symbol of external cool? It's loud and clear in their cars, engines, lifestyle apparel and services. Classy and first-rate, this premiere automobile company believes that customers deserve more thus their emphasis on being innovative. New products such as the X3 attest to that.
It was even apparent in the invitation to the housewarming of Dr. Joerg Bruer, president of BMW Philippines Corporation. The occasion was Filipino themed so the invite showed a BMW parked on the foreground of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a breathtaking Philippine attraction.
In keeping with the BMW spirit, the event at Breuer's posh dwelling was a gathering of many of Metro Manila's dynamic personalities. Guests won't have any trouble finding the place, as the lighted BMW logo sparked up the Bouganvilla Street in Dasmariñas Village. The lanky Breuer warmly welcomed BMW friends.
Chef Patricia Mesina provided the sumptuous spread of local delicacies. A trio of combancheros performed classic Filipino songs and acoustic renditions of contemporary hits. Leah Navarro and Mike Toledo agreed to a capella and impromptu performances to the absolute delight of the crowd.
Ambassadors Christiaan Tanghe (Belgium) and Mohammad Ameen Wali (Saudi Arabia) were among the members of the diplomatic corps present during the event. Political figures were also around, like vice-presidential candidate Hermie Aquino. The event was also peppered with media and showbiz personalities.
Everyone had a great time but unfortunately, time was short. We're looking to the next time the jovial Breuer sets up another get-together at his cool home with cool BMWs nearby to wow the guests.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
Queens Crystal Garden Restaurant
India and much more
Anyone acquainted with India will tell you that one
adjective isn't enough to describe it. Two words,
though, will make all the adjectives connected to each
other - different and unique. It's not surprising
considering that the South Asian nation is a melting
pot of various people, religions and cultures. The
same thing can be said about Queens Crystal Garden
Restaurant.
The establishment is a new kid on the Jupiter block,
known for the rows of restaurants lining several
blocks. Three facts make Queens stand out. First, the
name itself. "It was called Queens because the food is
fit for a royal," prided Rubina Ram, who co-manages
with Karina Mahbubani. Second, the chefs are
foreigners, each having his own specialties. Last but
not the least, "We also serve other Asian dishes such
as food from Indonesia," she emphasized, alluding to
the Asian Fusion Cuisine that makes Queens not just an
Indian specialty restaurant.
Orange walls surround the interior. The color isn't
only found in the Indian flag but according to the
young restaurateur, it also has a calming effect. The
place can sit around 110 people, with a bar, couch and
TV upstairs for those who want to wind down. I was
expecting a gastronomical feast when we sampled some
of the dishes but instead, it turned out to be a
lengthy sensory appreciation test, because as we
slowly chewed the food, we were discerning the
subtleness or sharpness of spices found on each dish.
Rubina, who earned her Hotel and Restaurant
Administration degree in Sydney, Australia, noted that
Indians love spicy food but 99 percent of the dishes
at Queens aren't spicy. However, Queens isn't for the
non-adventurous type. With a combination of spices
ranging from 50-60, one can imagine how many different
mouth-watering dishes there are to taste - there are
actually over 200, with 80 for vegetarians.
The most renowned Indian dish is Chicken Tandoon,
which is chicken marinated overnight in yoghurt and
freshly grounded spices, and grilled in a tandoor
(clay oven). She said about 20 of their specialties
are cooked in a tandoor, giving the dishes a
distinctive taste that other cooking methods can't
give.
We started off with papadum, a crispy bread sprinkled
with tiny slices of onions and tomatoes. Imagine a
huge, crumpled tortilla chip with light toppings.
There was a delectable spiciness as we munched on it
as we waited for a portent of other dishes to arrive
on our table.
Next was Chicken Asatay with peanut sauce. One would
mistake it with the street barbecue seen everywhere
but make no mistake about its big difference in
quality. It was served along with Chicken Tikka, which
are pieces of chicken spread with red chili color. The
looks of it will give one a clue of what to expect. It
didn't take long to vote it as our favorite dish.
More Indian culinary wonders came our way, which
included their own version of Chicken Curry, and Fish
Makhanwala, which is fish cooked in tomatoes, butter,
cream and chili sauce. Both were complemented with
Nan, an Indian bread of fine flour flavored with
garlic and baked in a tandoor.
Dessert consisted of kulfi and Oreo Cappucino. Kulfi
is India's version of ice cream. Don't expect a cup
with multiple scoops, as this one comes in mint-green,
rectangular cubes. On the other hand, Oreo Cappucino
is cold coffee shake served with ice cream and Oreo
cookies, which are not the same as the ones found in
supermarkets. Queens' version is freshly made. The
usual verdict to such dishes is to say "Yummy!" but
there are many other ways to show one's high approval
to what Queens offers.
Aside from dining, Queens is open for occasions such
as wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations and
parties for small groups of people.
(First published in What's On & Expat on February 20-26, 2005)
Anyone acquainted with India will tell you that one
adjective isn't enough to describe it. Two words,
though, will make all the adjectives connected to each
other - different and unique. It's not surprising
considering that the South Asian nation is a melting
pot of various people, religions and cultures. The
same thing can be said about Queens Crystal Garden
Restaurant.
The establishment is a new kid on the Jupiter block,
known for the rows of restaurants lining several
blocks. Three facts make Queens stand out. First, the
name itself. "It was called Queens because the food is
fit for a royal," prided Rubina Ram, who co-manages
with Karina Mahbubani. Second, the chefs are
foreigners, each having his own specialties. Last but
not the least, "We also serve other Asian dishes such
as food from Indonesia," she emphasized, alluding to
the Asian Fusion Cuisine that makes Queens not just an
Indian specialty restaurant.
Orange walls surround the interior. The color isn't
only found in the Indian flag but according to the
young restaurateur, it also has a calming effect. The
place can sit around 110 people, with a bar, couch and
TV upstairs for those who want to wind down. I was
expecting a gastronomical feast when we sampled some
of the dishes but instead, it turned out to be a
lengthy sensory appreciation test, because as we
slowly chewed the food, we were discerning the
subtleness or sharpness of spices found on each dish.
Rubina, who earned her Hotel and Restaurant
Administration degree in Sydney, Australia, noted that
Indians love spicy food but 99 percent of the dishes
at Queens aren't spicy. However, Queens isn't for the
non-adventurous type. With a combination of spices
ranging from 50-60, one can imagine how many different
mouth-watering dishes there are to taste - there are
actually over 200, with 80 for vegetarians.
The most renowned Indian dish is Chicken Tandoon,
which is chicken marinated overnight in yoghurt and
freshly grounded spices, and grilled in a tandoor
(clay oven). She said about 20 of their specialties
are cooked in a tandoor, giving the dishes a
distinctive taste that other cooking methods can't
give.
We started off with papadum, a crispy bread sprinkled
with tiny slices of onions and tomatoes. Imagine a
huge, crumpled tortilla chip with light toppings.
There was a delectable spiciness as we munched on it
as we waited for a portent of other dishes to arrive
on our table.
Next was Chicken Asatay with peanut sauce. One would
mistake it with the street barbecue seen everywhere
but make no mistake about its big difference in
quality. It was served along with Chicken Tikka, which
are pieces of chicken spread with red chili color. The
looks of it will give one a clue of what to expect. It
didn't take long to vote it as our favorite dish.
More Indian culinary wonders came our way, which
included their own version of Chicken Curry, and Fish
Makhanwala, which is fish cooked in tomatoes, butter,
cream and chili sauce. Both were complemented with
Nan, an Indian bread of fine flour flavored with
garlic and baked in a tandoor.
Dessert consisted of kulfi and Oreo Cappucino. Kulfi
is India's version of ice cream. Don't expect a cup
with multiple scoops, as this one comes in mint-green,
rectangular cubes. On the other hand, Oreo Cappucino
is cold coffee shake served with ice cream and Oreo
cookies, which are not the same as the ones found in
supermarkets. Queens' version is freshly made. The
usual verdict to such dishes is to say "Yummy!" but
there are many other ways to show one's high approval
to what Queens offers.
Aside from dining, Queens is open for occasions such
as wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations and
parties for small groups of people.
(First published in What's On & Expat on February 20-26, 2005)
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