Cooking and Baking Demo

I just came back to the hotel from literally, a whole day of talking and cooking! That was a pasta cooking demo in the morning followed by a quick lunch then baking demo in the afternoon Whew! This Culinary Festival is one of the tightest I was ever given.

Dabawenyos are a really enjoyable audience to have. Its just knowing how to break the ice and with just the right encouragement and tone, they are a really interactive mix of people. During the on-stage pasta demo, everybody was eagerly asking questions and answering some cooking trivias I shoot to them. They cheer and they show appreciation with zest and enthusiasm.

The baking demo was a bit more formal and structured. I gave them a lot of technical information, pastry being, yes, an art but an exact science as well. The mix of people who joined the baking demo were the more mature, serious types compared to the younger more energetic crowd of the morning audience. I did some samples on how to decorate cakes, desserts and simple breads, then allowed the group to join and try their hands . I think its always nice to have a little hands-on activity in class, it keeps them attentive and interested.




Today was tiring but I must admit, enjoyed itl. The appreciative dabawenyos naturally came up to me, got a few of their souvenir shots and asked for short messages That’s what’s really nice about them, they are a warm, friendly group of people .The best part of the job is, to be able to inspire young aspiring cooks or even passionate home-bakers to just keep on baking!

Dining Like a Local in Davao

After judging the the artisan bread baking competition today, Mayette from URC sales Davao invited me for lunch. She bought me to Lachi’s. A pretty popular restaurant here. Around 3 people suggested that restaurant to me since I came here. They rave that Lachi’s have good desserts and yummy comfort food. I had the Unforgettable roast pork. Really tender and succulent it was.



Then, Mayette casually asked if I would like to try “sawa”. Hmmm… exotic food. Of all animals, I am most afraid of snakes. Just looking at it sends me shivers and goose bumps. I thought though, this one is cooked. Its dead… I have power over it! So I gave it a yes!
Snake is not actually readily available in the city, though it is a pretty common type of meat that they cook at home. Her husband bought the snake from Carmen Davao del Norte. Here you go… Adobong Sawa!





What can I say? Taste like chicken! Hahahahahahaha. Pretty much a hybrid of chicken and tuna meat actually, a boney version of it. No weird smell, no yucky texture. ☺

To end the snake meal off…I went back to the familiar realm and had sans rival – their best seller. I must admit, I am not easily pleased when it comes to desserts, this one though is well done! Crisp airy meringue with a generous sprinkling of cashew nuts and a buttercream layer that’s just right. Something I’d recommend and would actually come back for ;)