HAINANESE CHICKEN CRAZY!

One of the first meals I got addicted to in China is Hainanese Chicken Rice. In fact, when I lived in Nanjing back in 2009, I ate it almost everyday for an entire year! It is just an incredibly savory, fragrant and hearty dish. It is also healthier than most dishes because the chicken is boiled in its own stock (unlike less healthy methods such as frying). The dish is said to originate from the Chinese island province of Hainan (thus its name). Although a staple dish all over China, Hainanese Chicken Rice has now become a standard in Singapore and is also popular and commonly found around Thailand, Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Hainanese Chicken Rice at Crowne Plaza Hefei

In Singapore, it is customary to boil the chicken in water flavored with garlic and ginger (very heart healthy!) and to prepare the rice with the leftover stock. This gives the rice its unique and fragrant flavor. Hainanese Chicken rice is usually served with three dips of chili sauce, pounded ginger and oyster sauce or dark soy sauce to add to the taste and flavor.

Here’s a Hainanese Chicken Rice recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinners at home:

(taken from www.saveur.com) (SERVES 4)

FOR THE CHICKEN AND STOCK:
1  3-lb. chicken
Salt
1 small piece ginger, peeled and crushed
2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
1 scallion, tied in a knot

FOR THE RICE:
1 1⁄2 cups jasmine or other long-grain rice
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
Salt

1 cucumber, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
Coriander leaves

1. For the chicken and stock: Wash chicken and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt inside and out. Tuck ginger, garlic, and scallion into cavity of chicken, then tie legs together with kitchen string.

2. Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Completely submerge chicken, breast-side-down. Bring to a boil again, cover pot, and turn heat down to very low. Simmer 30 minutes, turning chicken once and skimming any foam from stock. Remove chicken and set aside to cool; reserve stock, keeping it warm. Remove chicken skin; pull meat from bones and cut into thick slices.

3. For the rice: Wash rice in a large bowl of cold water and drain. Repeat process until water is almost clear. Drain in colander and shake to remove as much remaining water as you can.

4. Heat oil in a wok or medium skillet over high heat. Add shallots and garlic, and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add rice and stir-fry 1–2 minutes more. Pour in 3 cups chicken stock; season to taste with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover and reduce heat to very low. Cook 20 minutes. Stir, cover, and let rest 5 minutes. Serve each person separate bowls of rice, chicken, and stock. Garnish with cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and coriander leaves. Serve with soy sauce, ginger sauce and chili sauce.

JUST MASK IT!

I really got into facial masks while living here in China. You can find them everywhere at supermarkets, drugstores and cosmetic counters. For me, they are the best do-it-yourself beauty treatment you can do at home. I like to use them once a week. Here in China, they have a multitude of facial mask brands and not all are great, so you have to choose wisely especially when applying something to be absorbed into your skin. I have tested a lot of the brands over time, and I have found one that really works for me: MG Facial Masks.

MG masks are affordable, high-quality and made only from natural ingredients. They are soft and relaxing and have a very subtle fragrance. All of their masks contain rejuvenating essences that energize skin cells and nourish tissues. Special ingredients also repair molecules and tighten skin cells. Their anti-aging masks restore collagen and tissue elasticity. My skin always feels so soft and smooth after using them.

MG has many different kinds of facial masks in several lines: regular line, eight treasures line, and spring pure line. You can buy them all around China or order online through the Internet.

MG Eight Treasures Oriental Hydrating Mask (15 RMB) (US$ 2.40)

MG Deep Sea Collagen Nourishing Mask
Deep Refining & Hydrating (9.80 RMB) (US$ 1.50)

MG Pomegranate Smoothing Firming Mask
Refining & Pore Tightening (9.80 RMB) (US$ 1.50)

MG Facial Masks for Acne Treatment

LITTLE ITALY IN THE ORIENT

I have recently fallen in love with a beautiful Italian café/ pastry & confectionery shop called COVA located at the IFC mall in Shanghai. Its interior design is as delicate and intricate as its delicious delicacies and the European atmosphere takes you back almost entirely to a different time. 

Not surprisingly, the café has an interesting history. It goes way back to 1817, when it first opened its doors in Milan at the Piazza della Scala. It is said that European Royalty and various aristocrats would frequently gather at COVA café before and after an opera show to indulge in the premium Italian confectioneries and yummy delights which include their famous chocolates (made with natural cocoa butter) and fruit jellies. All of the café’s chocolates and fruit jellies are air-flown directly from COVA Milan to Shanghai.

The café also has a large selection of cakes, an assortment of pastries and amazing coffee.

COVA's beautiful table set-up design with
coffee beans and little coffee cups for sale.

COVA's main area with all its cakes on display
and assortment of chocolates on the shelves.

Blueberry cheesecake...one of my favorites!

Pasticceria COVA Confetteria

Milano

Since 1817

Locations in China:

IFC mall

Shop L1-30, IFC, 8 Century Avenue

Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai

Tel: (86)(21) 3872 1180

Xintiandi

Shop 01A, Lane 181

Xintiandi, Taicang Road

Lu Wan District, Shanghai

Tel: (86)(21) 3376 3810

http://wwv.cova.com.cn/

COCKTAIL HOUR

I love cocktails. There’s nothing like sipping a freshly made concoction of fruits, herbs and alcohol on an evening out with your best girlfriends or on a lazy Sunday afternoon with your loved ones. My favorites in the past have included the Cosmopolitan, Lychee Martini and a Frozen Margarita (still one of my all-time faves!).

Lately, I’ve been getting seduced by two that now tops my list: the Strawberry Bellini and the popular Bloody Mary…especially the ones at KABB Bistro Bar in Shanghai. KABB is one of the best places in Shanghai for slinging back cocktails during happy hour (where drinks are buy one get one free from 5-8pm on weekdays). They have amazing cocktails and food and if their Margarita Mondays are not enough to entice you, these two delicious, winning cocktails should…

BLOODY MARY

Bloody Mary at KABB Bistro Bar, Shanghai

Bloody Mary condiments: Tabasco sauce, horseradish,
Worcestershire sauce, pepper and salt

Often dubbed “the world’s most complex cocktail”, the Bloody Mary contains vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, piri piri sauce, beef bouillon, horseradish, celery, olive, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and lemon juice…whew!  When made well, a Bloody Mary is truly one of the tastiest, healthiest and best cocktails out there and it is bloody good!

STRAWBERRY BELLINI

Strawberry Bellini

I was first introduced to Bellinis by my good friend Alvin on a happy hour session years ago and Strawberry Bellinis are by far my favorite of the bunch. Bellinis originated in Venice, Italy and is normally a fruit mixture with sparkling wine (traditionally Prosecco). A good freshly made Strawberry Bellini is delicious and refreshing!

Here's a nice recipe to try at home:

Fresh Strawberry Bellini Recipe by Mario Batali at www.foodnetwork.com

1 bottle prosecco

2 cups pureed and strained fresh strawberries

Special equipment: blender, strainer, iced champagne flute glasses, pitcher and tall "swizzle stirrer" (for the pitcher)

Place 8 Champagne flutes in the freezer for 20 minutes. Open the prosecco and let it stand in an ice bucket for 5 minutes. Into a pitcher, pour the 2 cups pureed strawberries. Gently pour in the bottle of prosecco and stir gently to combine. Divide among Champagne flutes and serve.

KABB Bistro Bar 

Xintiandi North Block, House 5

Lane 181, Taicang Road

Shanghai, China

Tel: (86 21) 3307 0798

http://www.kabbsh.com/

CHOWING ON YANG CHOW!

Being from the Philippines, I love rice meals! One of my favorites is the famous “Yang Chow Fried Rice” also known as “Yangzhou chao fan” in mainland China. This delicious dish is a meal in itself. It is usually cooked in a wok and can be found in Chinese restaurants all around China and the Philippines. It is also gaining widespread popularity in other parts of the world such as the Americas, Australia and the UK.

Yangzhou Fried Rice at the Crowne Plaza Hefei

This incredible dish can be cooked in several ways but the main ingredients are cooked rice, barbecued pork, cooked shrimp, spring onions/ green onions and egg yolks. The barbecued pork gives the rice its distinct sweet flavor. You can also add peas, carrots and corn. Some restaurants also add small pieces of chopped chicken. I like to eat my rice with a little bit of chili sauce to add a kick to it. I sometimes put a little “Lao Gan Ma”, a condiment from Guizhou province made of soybeans and dried chili flakes in peanut oil. This sauce goes with other Chinese dishes as well like noodles, dumplings, and soups. 

Lao Gan Ma chili sauce adds flavor to rice 

& can be found at Chinese grocery stores.

Here are some links to some great Yang Chow Fried Rice recipes:

Ching's Yangzhou Fried Rice at the Food Network UK

Yang Chow Fried Rice from myrecipes.com

GOLD RUSH

Golden doorknob at the Forbidden City, Beijing
Photo: Andi Braun, SXC

In China, the color yellow or gold is considered the most beautiful color and is associated with good luck. It was the color worn by the emperors in Imperial China, and thus is a symbol of lavishness and wealth. The color corresponds with the earth and plays a significant part in Chinese culture, Chinese art and in all the important Chinese festivals. When it comes to fashion, I think gold is a color one can wear all year round. It adds depth, sparkle, glitter, and brightness to every outfit. There are more ways to wear gold than you can probably think of. So the next time you get dressed, why not try a touch of golden sheen?

ZARA leopard ballet flats

I love these gold leopard ballet flats with the golden-capped ribbons. I have been wearing them almost everyday lately (so comfy!), and you’ll be surprised that this print and combination of colors really go with almost everything. They can make a simple outfit playful and fun. 

BICHUN Nail Color in B14

This summer, I really love wearing gold nail polish. It gives nails a nice, light sheen and sunny glow. It’s another alternative to the staple light nudes and pinks. It is just as elegant and sophisticated too.

Gold hoop earrings from H&M

In my opinion, gold hoop earrings will never go out of style. It’s just one of those things that can dress up any outfit. Every girl should have a pair among their accessories. I like mine big and thin.

THE PERFUME DIARIES

I have always wanted to do a post exclusively on perfumes but I had to take time to gather my many thoughts on this subject…and now it’s finally here!

Let me start by saying that like most women out there, I love perfume! I have worn so many different fragrances over the years. But I can bet you that people who know me couldn’t pinpoint one particular perfume I really wore, or that I smelled like anything special at all. I believe it’s because I never really had what people call a “signature fragrance.” I just love changing things up and trying new things. There are definitely fragrances I have worn for years, but I never wore one exclusively and ultimately, I stopped wearing all my perfumes at a certain point in my life. I also only wear light floral or citrus scents during the day which fade after two hours. I was never that girl with the scent lingering behind them. I would wear a heavier fragrance only at night.

Photo: Emma Payne, SXC

The reason I love perfumes is because of its power to make you feel attractive in an instant and its ability to hold special memories. I can probably even remember what a few of my girlfriends wore. Emma used L'Eau d'Issey for a couple of years and its woody, earthy smell always reminds me of her. I think Cathy once wore an Anna Sui perfume that smelled really fresh and fruity. Isabel wears very light scents. She probably wore L'eau Par Kenzo once (because I did too!). Angela once wore Lacoste Pour Femme which smelled really nice and my dearest childhood friend Celine used to cover herself with Victoria's Secret Strawberries and Champagne Fragrance Mist. I miss her a lot whenever I encounter that scent. 

So, in tribute to perfumes, I thought I’d play a little game. I’d let you in on some of my favorites and you’d share yours as well (only if you want to of course!). I normally go for citrus florals or woody florals when it comes to perfume. So, let’s get started:


A FRAGRANCE I TOTALLY LOVE RIGHT NOW…is actually a tie between these two perfumes at the moment.

Benefit Laugh with me LeeLee eau de toilette

This smells like Europe in a bottle to me…a field of flowers in an English garden or perhaps a garden in Paris. It is fresh, feminine and sophisticated. Top notes are cassis, melon and citrus. Middle notes are black violet, lily and jasmine. Base notes are blonde wood, amber and santal. I love, love, love this!! It is perfect for day or night.

Tous Touch eau de toilette

This fragrance from Spanish brand Tous is quite sweet, and I normally don’t like sweet scents or vanilla scents (my sister loves them though!). But this has an interesting mix of floral, fruity and sweet notes. It’s warm and fresh at the same time. It smells like jasmine mixed with honey and it is just delicious! Top notes are lotus, lily of the valley and freesia. Middle notes are jasmine, osmanthus, tiare flower. Base notes are blueberry, raspberry, vanilla and honey-coated almonds. Yum!! I prefer to wear this at night.

A DISCONTINUED FRAGRANCE I REALLY MISS…are actually three that are now gone but not forgotten.

The Body Shop Cassis Rose eau de toilette

This remains my all-time favorite Body Shop scent. I still can’t believe they discontinued it! I also had the body spray. Really fresh, fruity and girly…it was the perfect light rose scent. Top notes were raspberry and blackcurrant. Middle notes were rose, freesia and violet. Base notes were musk, sandalwood and cedar. It was the best fruity floral for me! I miss this!

Calgon Turquoise Seas Body Mist

I must have gone through 5 bottles of this stuff in my early twenties. I would always buy the small one so I could stash it easily in my bag and just continue spraying it on myself the whole day. It just smells like salty sea air, ocean waves and the beach…just an amazing aquatic fragrance. I recently heard Calgon is bringing it back due to insistent public demand. That’s how great this is!

Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Water

I used up two big bottles of this a long time ago. I loved it! It smells like a bouquet of lavender flowers mixed with that fresh just-out-of-the-shower smell. Really clean scent. Crabtree & Evelyn now have a new and different version called Lavender eau de toilette. I haven’t tried that one yet.

MY FAVORITE FRAGRANCE FOR MEN…are these wonderful three. 

CK One (Calvin Klein)

I will always love CK One! It is a unisex fragrance but I think it smells great on men. It also reminds me of high school as a lot of people wore this in the mid-nineties. I think my brother still wears this today. Great iconic, clean and fresh scent! Top notes are bergamot, cardamom, pineapple, papaya. Middle notes of jasmine, violet, rose, nutmeg. Base notes are musk and amber. 

Acca Kappa Acqua di Colonia

Muschio Bianco (White Moss)

This is another great unisex scent. I bought this for my husband Marc once and then I ended up using it too. So we finished that bottle up in no time! This has notes of lavender, juniper, wood, amber and moss. It is just so fresh and clean. I love it!

Drakkar Noir (Guy Laroche)

This is the epitome of a wonderful, powerful, masculine scent. I have a secret. I was once addicted to Drakkar. My dad used to wear this when I was younger and when he wasn't looking, I would grab it from his bathroom counter and sniff it everyday. It just smelled so great and I think every man should wear this once in their life. Notes are lavender, citrus, spicy berries and sandalwood. 

A FRAGRANCE HIGH ON MY WISH LIST…are these two that I just can't get out of my mind.

Gucci Guilty eau de toilette

This perfume is just AMAZING!! I smelled this recently at Sephora and went crazy spraying it all over myself in the store. I had to stop myself from buying it because in China, international luxury perfumes are incredibly expensive due to the high taxes placed upon them. Since this is already a pricey fragrance, I decided to wait and not buy this until I get to a duty-free shop. Gucci Guilty has top notes of pink pepper, heart of lilac, and base notes of amber and patchouli. You just have to smell it to believe the beauty of this fragrance. I am definitely willing to wait for this one.

Chloe Eau de Parfum

I smelled a sample of this in a magazine and thought it was AWESOME. It smells really elegant and sophisticated. I am waiting to get to a duty free for this one too. Top notes are pink peony, freesia and lychee. Middle notes are rose, lily of the valley, magnolia. Base notes are cedarwood, amber and honey. You can definitely smell the soft and fresh scent of roses here and it's done in a very subtle way. Great perfume! 

So these are what's in my perfume diaries for now. How about you? Would love to hear some of your choices. If you have time, complete the following sentences and let me in your perfume diaries as well...

1. A fragrance I totally love right now...

2. A discontinued fragrance I really miss...

3. My favorite fragrance for men...

4. A fragrance high on my wish list...