by: Samantha Ramos-Zaragoza
Having to be born in a diverse fusion of Asian, European, and Western cultures, the Filipino appetite was once effortlessly satisfied with a method of cooking we usually know as “a-bit-of-everything.” Although the combination of all led to a rather unique cuisine we call our own, globalization has awaken in us the necessity to unearth genuine gastronomic gems.
Having to be born in a diverse fusion of Asian, European, and Western cultures, the Filipino appetite was once effortlessly satisfied with a method of cooking we usually know as “a-bit-of-everything.” Although the combination of all led to a rather unique cuisine we call our own, globalization has awaken in us the necessity to unearth genuine gastronomic gems.
Many say that the Filipino palate has only matured lately owing to the sudden culinary boom in the last decade. But I see it rather as a shift, more than a change, of our innate ability to discern what is palatable and what is not. We have merely set our fiery passion for food in the right track.
Indeed, this is a going trend in the industry – pleasing effectively the sophisticated taste of Filipinos or die trying. From restaurants, cooking shows, cookbooks, and food products, our quest for authenticity precedes our simple prerequisite to enjoy life.
Upon scavenging for the latest culinary find, I came across Unilever Foodsolutions and F&B World magazine’s Around the World in 80 Plates: Authentic Culinary Passions from the East and West cookbook. I was astonished to uncover how this small and handy book is a comprehensive top-quality compilation of world cuisines. It is, definitely, one-of-a-kind. Locally and even internationally produced cookbooks have tried to combine recipes from 30 or so countries but have always presented dishes we all know too well. Chicken Satay from Malaysia, Foie Gras from France, Paella from Spain, Beef Bulgogi from Korea… you’d probably go “Duh?!? Why don’t I just google these recipes?”
Around the World in 80 Plates distinguishes itself from the rest by not only conducting intensive research, but actually consulting 36 seasoned international chefs immersed in particular cuisines and fields. The result is a collection of unfussy to challenging recipes that feature dishes we probably have never heard of!
The title says it all – freshly discovering what countries have to offer at every flip of the page allows one’s senses to travel. Supported by chic and scrumptious photos, the words come alive and simply urge one to dust off the frying pans and get going. From start to finish, the book is filled with chefs’ tips, guides, and solutions any newbie cook can easily comprehend.
Around the World in 80 Plates is available in bookstores nationwide for only 195 pesos. Grab a copy and take a tour of 27 countries without leaving your seat.
Around the World in 80 Plates: Authentic Culinary Passions from the East and West photos food styled by the Resultado Gourmet Designs Team. Contact Resultado at (0916)740-8319, (02)492-0210, (02)842-9480, and theo_zaragoza@yahoo.com. Visit their websites http://www.resultado.com.ph/ and http://www.resultadofoodstylingco.blogspot.com/.
