Spanish Influence on Filipino Cuisine- Sea Food Paella

The other day, I had cravings for Dungeness crabs. Today my Cravings is for Seafood Paella. This dish was served in Newtons during one of Our Sunday Brunch, when the former Sous Chef Alberto Alvarez was still working here. It replaced the weekly Baked Salmon Dish. Hopefully with a new Sous Chef coming on January 20, we will have Seafood Paella in our Brunch Menu. For recipe for Sea Food Paella.

 

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/easy-seafood-paella-recipe/

A notable example of a Filipino dish with Spanish influence is the paella (locally known as "bringhe"), a rice dish made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and a variety of meats and seafood.

Another example is lechon, a whole roasted pig that's a staple of festive gatherings. The Spanish also introduced churros, which became a popular sweet treat in the Philippines. 

Additionally, many Filipino desserts, such as leche flan and ensaymada, have strong Spanish origins. Leche flan is a variation of the Spanish flan, and ensaymada was inspired by the Spanish ensaimada pastry from the Balearic Islands.

Here's the site of my blog on my Favorite American and Filipino Dishes:

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2023/12/thd-christmas-dinner-menu-and-filipino.html

Meanwhile, Did You Know That:

The closest country to the U.S. isn’t Canada—it’s Russia! At their closest point, the U.S. (Alaska) and Russia are only about 2.4 miles (3.8 km) apart across the Bering Strait.

The Diomede Islands in the Bering Strait mark the nearest point between the two countries. Little Diomede is part of Alaska, while Big Diomede belongs to Russia. During winter, the sea ice sometimes forms a natural bridge between the two islands, making it theoretically possible to walk between the U.S. and Russia.

Lastly, Last night with the Larimore's at East Ocean Sea Food Restaurant at Ignacio Plaza. What a surprise to see them. Did you have a Good Dinner? 

A Review of the Movie, Maria

I saw the film Maria last Saturday in our Cinema. It chronicles the last 7 days of Maria Callas life. I enjoyed it very much, although I do not understand Italian. But if you are an opera enthusiast, most of the Arias sang in Italian are well-known and the tune will be familiar. I enjoyed the sound and Cinematography specially the scene from Puccini, Madame Butterfly ( see review below) before Cio-Cio-San suicide.

Maria is a 2024 biographical psychological drama film directed by Pablo Larraín, written by Steven Knight, and is an international co-production between Italy, Germany, and the United States. The film stars Angelina Jolie as opera singer Maria Callas, and follows the seven days before her death in 1977 Paris as she reflects on her life and career.

 It also stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Stephen Ashfield, Valeria Golino, and Kodi Smit-McPhee in supporting roles. It is the third film in Larraín's trilogy of important 20th-century women, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer(2021). 

The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2024, where it competed for the Golden Lion and received generally positive reviews from critics, who singled out Jolie's performance for praise. It was released in select theaters in the United States on November 27, 2024, before streaming on Netflix on December 11. It was theatrically released in Italy by 01 Distributionon January 1, 2025, before its release in Germany by StudioCanal on February 6. Here is one of the review that I concur 100%.

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria is exceptionally successful. She not only embodies a woman with noble and elegant charm but also conveys the physical and emotional fragility endured by the protagonist before her death. The excessive use of medication causes her memory and hallucinations to intertwine, blurring the line between reality and imagination. She delivers complex and magnificent arias reminiscent of those sung by the Greek-American diva on Europe’s major opera stages.

The tragedy of this opera heroine, whose unparalleled voice brought her to the pinnacle of stage success, infused Puccini and Bellini’s classic works with vitality. However, in reality, she never had the chance to tell her story behind the scenes, away from the white glow of the spotlight. The director and screenwriter made every effort to captivate audiences with stunning visuals, exquisite production, and elegant costume design. The film features collaborations with numerous European opera house choirs, creating unforgettable scenes. One such moment takes place on the large plaza outside the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, where Maria envisions the “Anvil Chorus” from Verdi’s Il Trovatore. Choir members descend from the grand platform near the Eiffel Tower toward Maria—a spectacular and awe-inspiring sight. Another memorable scene involves Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Before Cio-Cio-San’s suicide, the setting appears to be outside a grand cathedral or opera house. A group of musicians dressed in white suits plays their instruments; soon, rain begins to fall, yet they continue playing, their music soaked in the downpour. Meanwhile, artists in bright pink Japanese kimonos, holding lanterns and red umbrellas, slowly converge from all directions on the square. Amidst the humming chorus from Madama Butterfly, Maria stands at the center, singing her final aria, “Un Bel Di” (One Fine Day). The overhead and panoramic camera angles capture breathtakingly beautiful visuals that, combined with the heart-wrenching music, leave the audience in tears, as if the rain on the screen mirrors their emotions. In my view, this is a masterpiece of cinematic artistry—unforgettable and deeply moving. Another exquisite shot depicts Maria slowly exiting the opera house after an audition. The golden autumn sunlight bathes the earth, and the ground covered in sycamore leaves resembles a golden carpet. Each step she takes seems to crush not just the leaves but also the radiant, distant memories of her life: a dazzling career on stage, her former role as a shipping magnate’s beloved socialite, and her effortless grace and poise in the most fashionable gowns at elite gatherings. Time flows like water, and her life, like a rose on the branch, inevitably withers. Though she can no longer recreate her glory on the opera stage, her every move still exudes an inimitable elegance. Whether clad in a perfectly tailored trench coat or a luxurious fur coat, her presence adds a touch of composure and dignity. Walking among the shadows of sycamore trees, Maria seems like a legend from the depths of time—belonging neither to the past nor replicable in the future. Unique and solitary, she is heartbreakingly beautiful, a vision that remains etched in memory, impossible to forget.

Critical response:  

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 76% of 164 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.8/10. The website's consensus reads: "Angelina Jolie unveils new highs within her emotional register in Pablo Larraín's Maria, keeping this tragic biopic compelling even when its theatrics go off-key. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 62 out of 100, based on 48 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.

The film received an eight-minute standing ovation at the Sala Grande Theatre during its world premiere, bringing Angelina Jolie to tears.

Conclusion: I highly recommend this movie specially to opera lovers and to those that speak or read Italian. I agree with the 3 Star out of 5 Rating. Your 2 hours viewing time will not be wasted.  This movie is now streaming on Netflix.   

Meanwhile, Do you Know that  December 7, 1941, marks one of the most pivotal moments in world history. On this day, the tranquil waters of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii were shattered by the unexpected attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against the United States naval base. This attack not only led to the tragic loss of thousands of lives but also marked a significant turning point in World War II, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.

Lastly, Did you Know That:

Juan Luna was the first Filipino artist to gain international acclaim.

His masterpiece, Spoliarium, made history by winning a gold medal at the 1884 Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid, marking the Philippines’ debut on the global art stage.

This powerful painting, symbolizing the suffering of Filipinos under Spanish rule, became a symbol of our nation's pride and struggle.

Luna was also the first Filipino artist to gain formal training in Europe, paving the way for future generations of Filipino artists.

Spoliarium continues to stand as a testament to our rich cultural heritage and the resilience of the Filipino spirit.

The Power of Kindness- Josh

From My Face Book Page This Morning- I have a tear or two after reading this article; A similar event happened to a close relative when they first immigrated to the US. A slightly similar event happened to me on my first few months of Graduate School, in Chicago, Illinois, 1959. A classmate organize a Party for Christmas me so I could call my family in the Philippines.  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/06/autobiography-update-chapter-6.html

"It was the first day of middle school, and as I walked into the cafeteria with my tray, I noticed a boy sitting alone at a corner table. His head was down, his lunch untouched. He looked like he wanted to disappear. The table around him was empty, a stark contrast to the chatter and laughter filling the room.

I don’t know why I felt compelled to do it, but I walked over and sat down across from him. “Hey, I’m Josh,” I said, offering a friendly smile.

The boy glanced up nervously, as if unsure whether I was serious. “I’m Sam,” he mumbled, barely audible.

“What’s that you’ve got for lunch?” I asked, trying to spark a conversation. He hesitated before answering, and slowly we began to talk. His voice gained a little confidence as he told me about how he’d just moved to town, how he didn’t know anyone, and how starting at a new school was harder than he’d imagined.

That day, I invited Sam to sit with me and my friends. He was shy and quiet, but we welcomed him. Over time, Sam opened up more and more. He wasn’t the best at sports, but he was a genius when it came to math and science. My friends and I started calling him “Professor,” and he’d laugh, finally letting his guard down.

Years went by, and Sam became an integral part of our group. He tutored us when we struggled, and we cheered him on when he won the science fair. By senior year, he was the valedictorian, just like we always knew he’d be.

On graduation day, Sam stood at the podium, holding his notes. He looked nervous, but then his eyes found mine in the crowd, and he smiled.

“I want to start by thanking the people who got me here—my parents, my teachers, and my friends,” he began. “But today, I need to tell you a story about someone who unknowingly saved my life.”

The room fell silent as Sam continued. “When I started middle school, I was in a dark place. My family had just moved after my dad lost his job, and I felt completely alone. That first day, I decided that if things didn’t get better by the end of the week, I’d end my pain for good.”

My heart sank as I listened, realization dawning.

“That first day in the cafeteria, someone came and sat with me. He didn’t make a big deal of it, didn’t treat me like I was different or weird. He just talked to me. Invited me to sit with him and his friends. That small act of kindness changed everything for me. It gave me hope.”

Sam paused, his voice trembling with emotion. “Josh, you probably don’t even remember that day, but you saved my life. You gave me a reason to keep going.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the weight of his words. I hadn’t realized how much that one small gesture had mattered.

After the ceremony, Sam’s parents hugged me, thanking me with tears in their eyes. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

The lesson I learned that day is one I carry with me always: you never know how much your actions can mean to someone. A smile, a kind word, or just sitting with someone when they feel invisible—it can make all the difference.

Every day, we have the power to change lives, often in ways we don’t even realize. And in those small acts of kindness, we find the true purpose of our lives.

~ Never underestimate the power of kindness. It’s a gift we can all give, and it costs nothing. Let’s make the world a little brighter, one gesture at a time".

Meanwhile,  here's  my own personal stories of being a recipient of  unexpected Kindness from Others  ! 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/09/an-act-of-kindness-from-young-stranger.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2013/06/three-acts-of-kindness-from-strangers.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/09/coping-up-with-grief-picking-up.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/09/an-act-of-kindness-from-young-stranger.html

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2024/08/a-most-appreciated-gift-and-act-of.html

Three Excellent Places for Dim Sum in Walnut Creek, CA

This is my 20 months of residency here in the Heritage Downtown Walnut Creek.  There are three Dim Sum places nearby that I have been to.  I love Dim Sum, so the first time I have a chance to get out I dined at Dim Sum Places. These are the three that I have been to: 

1. Creek House at Parkside - Have been there 5 times during the last 20 months

https://www.creekhousedimsum.com/_files/ugd/055480_29a73c5ffb104517bb24f800e8f182eb.pdf

2. East Ocean Seafood at Ignacio Valley Rd- Have been there 3 times during the last 6 months

https://www.creekhousedimsum.com/_files/ugd/055480_29a73c5ffb104517bb24f800e8f182eb.pdfhttps://www.creekhousedimsum.com/_files/ugd/055480_29a73c5ffb104517bb24f800e8f182eb.pdf

3. Dumpling Hours at North Main ( Downtown)- My first time the other day with Ditas and Carenna

 https://www.yelp.com/biz/dumpling-hours-walnut-creek

The above three places are great for Dim Sum. Each restaurant has different vibes and slightly varied menu. My favorite dishes are the soup dumplings, pork buns, hot and sour soup and Fish with Black Bean Sauce.  I am attaching the websites and reviews of the three Dim Sum Places.  If you have been to any of these places let me know what you think of their Dim Sum offerings. 

At the Dumpling Hour: During Carenna and Ditas visit  ( Dec27),  I ordered their Scallion/Ginger Noodles, Soup Dumplings💚, Siomai and the Hot and Sour Soup, and the Flower Tea for Drink. It was excellent. 

At the Creek House Last Week: On  My Birthday ( Dec 20), Dodie, Ruth and I ordered their shrimp Siar Gao, egg rolls, hot and sour soup, pork spare ribs with black bean sauce, pork buns, sesame balls and egg custard.  It was delicious.  

At East Ocean: Two Months Ago: Dinah and I ordered: soup  pork dumplings, noodles, won ton soup, Sui mai and Shrimp/Crab Dumplings and Barbecue Pork Buns.  It was yummy!    

I have never been disappointed with the Food I have tasted in the above 3 restaurants. You can also order on line.  

Meanwhile,  The word dim sum comes from the Cantonese tim sam, "appetizer," or literally, "touch the heart." Definitions of dim sum( noun. traditional Chinese cuisine); a variety of foods (including several kinds of steamed or fried dumplings) that are served successively in small portions.

Here's an Excerpt from a Recent Review of the Dumpling Hours: 💚

"The star of the hour was the soup dumplings, and I feel this place certainly has their soup dumplings down. They even have fancy dumpling soup spoons that some places have nowadays, such as 88 Bao Bao, but I do feel the size of the dumplings here are on the larger side compared to other spots, and of course, the soup in there is just aplenty, and will need to eat with caution using your designated soup spoon. It was delicious!

Overall, Dumplings Hours is not a unique dumpling spot, as there's just so many of them here now in our area. However, I do feel they have one of the better soup dumplings out of the more than handful of places that you can get soup dumplings now in our area. The downside is that it's in the downtown area, not that I don't like the downtown area, but it just difficult to find parking at peak hours, and traffic is not going to be great. Additionally, the adjusted pricing to account for this area also does it no favors. But hey, beggars can't be choosers, and if you're in this area and in the mood for some soup dumplings, hit up Dumpling Hours".

• Finally,  Here's the list of other (# 4-9)  Dim Sum Places in the Walnut Creek Area. I have been also to Dumpling Time in San Ramon #9 (below). Their offerings are also delicious.  

  
  

  4. Peony Garden

  3.8 (462 reviews)

  $$Open until 9:30 PM

  “but surely won't be the last. Overall it is easily one of the best Dim Sumplaces I've been to...” more
• 

  5. Aberdeen Cafe

  4.3 (169 reviews)

  $$Open until 8:00 PM

  “Food is excellent, staff is really kind. Best dim sum, despite it being a small selection.” more
• 

  6. Yin Ji Chang Fen

  3.8 (99 reviews)

  $$Open until 8:30 PM

  “Not the best dim sum but a nice complement to the Chang Fen and Congee.” more
• 

  7. Dumpling and Noodle House

  4.5 (251 reviews)

  $$Open until 9:00 PM

  “My bf and I love getting dim sum, especially when they have the egg yolk buns for dessert on the...” more
• 

  8. 88 Bao Bao

  4.1 (164 reviews)

  $$Open until 9:00 PM

  “Love this place, great dim sum and the food is made as you are ordering.” more
• 

  9. Dumpling Time

  3.7 (523 reviews)

  $$Open until 9:00 PM

  • Live wait time: 0 mins

  
  

  
  

  But my best Dim Sum Experience the last 18 months was when Grand Daughter Alix-Katague-Quinn and new husband, Brendan Quinn treated me for Dim Sum during my last year's birthday at the HongKong Lounge Bistro near their apartment in Fremont St, San Francisco, Ca.    
  
  

  https://hkloungebistro.com/

  
  

  Lastly, Did you Know That----

  
  

  The Philippine Trench, one of the deepest parts of the ocean, reaches depths of about 10,540 meters (34,580 feet) in the Emden Deep.

  The trench is a result of the complex tectonic activity in the region where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.

  Despite the extreme depths and pressures, unique and diverse marine life inhabits the trench, adapted to the harsh conditions.

  The Philippine Trench has been a significant site for deep-sea exploration, providing insights into geological processes and deep-sea ecosystems.

  To put it in perspective, the Philippine Trench is deeper than Mount Everest is tall, highlighting the vastness and mystery of the ocean's depths.