By Marites D. Vitug
First, a disclaimer. I'm not the cook in the family. But I love food—not only as a dish to satisfy my hunger and thrill my senses but as a subject to read about. This tip comes from both my readings and from tasting the food cooked in this wok.
Our latest addition to the kitchen is a Le Creuset cast-iron wok. It's a precious gift bought on sale in the US at half the price of what it costs here. Locally, it is sold for about P11,000.
Why is it special? The traditional wok used in China is of cast iron, "preferred because it adds iron to food and conducts heat well," says Grace Young in her cookbook, which was excerpted in the book Best Food Writing 2000. "A well-seasoned cast-iron wok is a Chinese chef's most treasured utensil, for the more you use it, the more it becomes like a nonstick pan, requiring less and less oil for stir-frying."
What makes this cooking utensil fascinating is the phenomenon of the "breath of a wok," when piping hot stir-fried food is immediately served, fresh from the wok. Ms. Young captures it so well: "It is that elusive seared taste that only lasts for a minute or two." It's a prized taste—and only a great couple can achieve it: a good chef and a seasoned wok. I think we both have that in my family.
This Hotline Works!
By Glenda M. Gloria
Ever been refused by a cab driver because you live far away or he was simply having a bad day? You can report him to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) hotline. And the hotline actually works.
Last month, a friend arrived at the domestic airport from Palawan, flagged down a cab, and was refused by the driver when the latter learned that he was going to Quezon City. Tired, weary, and angry, the spurned passenger jotted down the cab's car plate number, dialed the LTO hotline (7890), and reported the incident.
In three days, LTO officer Felix Engbino wrote him a letter, saying that a hearing had been set to hear his complaint and that the driver had been found. And just to make sure, Engbino sent a text message to the complainant, asking him if he's available on a particular date, when he can meet the driver face to face. Because of LTO's action, the taxi operator suspended the driver for several days.
Some things do work in this country. Next time a cab driver snubs you, fret not. You can get back at him; just dial 7890.
Vigan's Inabel
By Glenda M. Gloria
You've heard this more than once before: the inabel (traditional Ilocano cloth) is cheapest and of highest quality in Vigan.
But don't get carried away once you reach the touristy city. Here's unsolicited advice from an Ilocana (and all its connotations): the best inabel buys are still found in Vigan's public market.
This means that once you're in the tourists' popular destination, Heritage area on Crisologo Street, just enjoy the sight. Ride a kalesa, walk on the cobbled stones, bask in the relics of our Spanish past, visit the shops that sell all sorts of souvenirs. But when in search of inabel, resist the urge to splurge.
Go instead to the public market, where the price is much, much lower, and where you can find all inabel varieties: tablecloths, placemats, tea mats, blankets (even for kids), etc. Hand towels sell for as low as P7 each.
The shop that I found to have the most quality choices is Ining's Store. I enjoyed its rare designs, not to mention the time I spent bargaining with the people running it. Look for Cris Alicante or, for orders, call (0919) 396-5191.
Minimalist in Tanay
By Marites D. Vitug
If you want to get away from this maddening heat, then drive to Tanay. There, it's just you and the Sierra Madre and the cool breeze. Your eyes will feast on vast greenery and undulating mountains that seem to touch the light blue sky. You won't find many residents, much less tourists. Very few houses are perched on the mountain slopes.
Tanay is all yours.
You'll find a small pine tree forest where the phrase "a walk in the woods" is so apt. The forest is part of an enterprise called "Munting Gubat," where they sell pine tree seedlings and trees for Christmas; they also offer a picnic area.
There are two resorts in Tanay that have restaurants, The Sierra Madre and Pranjetto Hills, but food is not immediately available. Not many people visit, so the restaurants cook only when you order. Food is not a come-on in these parts, though.
Both resorts have swimming pools. But there's more that can be done to enjoy the scenery, for instance, setting up bamboo beds under the trees facing the mountains.
Tanay is not far from the metropolis. Take Marcos Highway, and, except for a choke point in the Cogeo area, you'll find the rest of the drive a delight. From the flatlands of Antipolo, it takes about an hour to reach Tanay. It's approximately 40 kilometers from the intersection of Katipunan and Marcos Highway.
Tanay, some say, will be the Tagaytay of the future. Its potential is still untapped.
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