Day 27 + 28: Food Trial 5 + 6

Nee and I put on our chef's hat and were tasked to help out make burrito for two birthday boy's party. Party one was a surprise and we felt a bit of pressure to do a good job since it's our first time to cook for a large number of people. Party two was for someone who's currently working abroad but is back at home for a short vacation. Although we also felt strained, a real chef was present to delegate and preside over us, which made our lives easier.

We're feel that after these two experiences, we're getting the hang of cooking for a bigger bunch of people and our menu is slowly shaping up. Now we think it's time to concentrate more on acquiring the necessary licenses and permits.

On a side note, a chef's job is actually very tiring! To be standing the whole day cooking, chopping, dicing, mixing... it's no wonder after each of the party, I slept so well!

Day 26: Food Trial 4

Nee and I tried a new recipe for our menu. Being amateur cooks, we almost burnt the meat!!! We didn’t know that when simmering, you only need to use low heat. So instead we turned up the heat, blissfully unaware of the disaster we’re about to be in. 

Manang S., who has been in Nee’s housefold since she was a babe, left us with kind words of wisdom after hearing wails of despair and seeing our poor excuse of a dish  – CHARGE IT TO EXPERIENCE. Couldn’t have said it better.

Salamat Manang S.! You're a STAR!

Day 25: Food Trial 3

It all started out wrong - sugar instead of salt. Overheated a vital part of the food. Completely omitted one of the sauces. Worst, the people who (unknowingly) were our first guinea pigs had to wait for an hour longer than as planned for the food.

Then a miracle happen. It was the BEST ---- they're ever tasted! Totally took us by surprise. Today's definitely one for the books. What a perfect end to a very fun-filled, messy and rewarding day.

Hope you guys also had an awesome Monday!

Day 22: Food Trial 2

We made quite a mess at Nee's kitchen today. Had our food trial 2 and we're both very pleased with the result. We couldn't stop tasting the sauce, so much so that I had to make another batch because we quickly ran out even before the dishes are ready. Some of Nee's mom's friends sampled the food and they loved it. One of the moms even asked us to prepare the food for a party she's hosting next week. Oh yan, may side line na kami. 

Big shout out to Nee's mom. She's the one who did all the grocery and palengke shopping this morning! Thank you!

Day 14: Meeting 3 + Trial 1

Met another good citizen of Manila, Mr. N, who enthusiastically offered words of wisdom. He and his partner just opened their first restaurant 7 months ago and it's currently doing really well because of the concept's novelty. Very nice of him to give us a free sample of his products! Am itching to promote his restaurant but sadly, no can do at this moment. I promise once we go public, will do a review of his resto.

Much later we conducted our first food trial. Of course Nee and I became our own guinea pigs. It turned out a bit bland for restaurant food standard but nonetheless, we're so happy so be progressing with our business plan. To cap the day off we watched Gossip Girl! Don't think we'll ever outgrow GG!

First food trial

Interestingly the three people we met so far have such distinct personalities. Ms. L was very patient and accommodating; Mr. N was zealous and engaging, and Mr. K was a mixture of both.

We look forward to meeting more diverse people as we progress in our venture.