The Most Expensive Dishes in the World

In my previous two articles, I discussed Food Presentation Techniques. Today it will be about the most expensive dishes in the world. This was inspired from my conversation with a neighbor about Filipino Dishes versus European Dishes from her former Mother Land-Italy. 

Several years ago, Macrine (RIP) and I spent our snowbird style vacation in the Philippines.  We were able to bond with relatives on both sides of our family. One of Macrine's rich relatives treated us for dinner in one of the most exclusive and expensive restaurants in Metro Manila. This was where I first tasted Caviar. It was ok but I am not really crazy about the taste ( a little salty for me). If I have the money, I would rather indulge in ostrich steaks than caviar.   In case you are not familiar with caviar, here's some information from the Web

• Beluga Sturgeon - most highly ranked and expensive black caviar in the world. As a threatened species Beluga can’t be sold in USA. OLMA is the first company on US market to introduce a legal hybrid variety between Huso Huso(X) x Acipenser Baerii(Y) = Beluga Hybrid Caviar.
• Trademark Characteristics – Beluga Sturgeon black caviar is valued for its large pearls and rich creamy flavor which is often compared to the consistency of butter. The color of Beluga Sturgeon pearls can range from light grey to black. However, their color variation has no effect on their taste, which is heavenly.

 "Caviar is considered a luxury food because it is very expensive. Depending upon the quality of the caviar (as judged by flavor, size, consistency and color), prices can be as high as $8,000-$16,000 per kilogram!

Why is caviar so expensive? The fish (sturgeon) it comes from are endangered and rare. Plus, harvesting the fish for their eggs is a time-consuming and expensive process.

Caviar is often eaten as a garnish or spread on crackers or bread. It has been around since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Throughout history, caviar was almost always reserved for the upper echelons of society".

For Details visit:

 https://www.luxhabitat.ae/the-journal/worlds-most-expensive-dish/

 

Japanese Wagyu A5 Ribeye for $238.98/lb in CostCo.

Meanwhile enjoy this song: Breathe from In the Heights Musical-this is one of the songs Carenna will sing as Nina at UWC Netherlands next year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSQFjtszBYg 

Meanwhile enjoy this video about Filipino Cuisine

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKOvlIcRMAo

 

My Attempt to the Art of Food Presentation and Styling at Home

 

In my last posting the other day, I discussed the basics of food presentation. Today is my attempt to practice the art of plating. My attempt is limited to my not owning several sizes/types of plates and other condiments and tools available only in five star restaurants.. 

Baked Salmon in Aluminum Foil versus Grilled Salmon also in Aluminum Foil  

My grilled salmon is dryer but tastier. I loved the baked salmon because of the butter-lemon sauce at the bottom of the foil.  Served the salmon with white steam rice along with my cucumber salad in Italian dressing creation. 

My creation of Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes, Pepperoni and Pickled Beets

The Plate is too small!

Feast your Eyes First, then your Stomach 

Attempt of A Mexican Restaurant on Food Styling for Delivery Services 

Carrot flowers and greenery (Spinach) on my Chile Relleno and Steak Taco Orders

Meanwhile enjoy this video about Filipino Food in the Eyes of Non-Filipinos
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKOvlIcRMAo 

 

Here are three videos about Plating and Food Styling

Meanwhile, enjoy this most recent photo of my inside orchids 

 

Food Presentation, Styling and Plating Techniques

The subject of Food styling and Plating has been a subject that I enjoyed reading for the last decades. Today, I finally had the time to write a short article about it. Here it is and enjoy!!! 

 Food Styling and Plating- Feast with your eyes first, then your stomach.

Roasted Lamb Shanks and Beef Marrow for your 'Media noche',

accompanied with a selection of pickled vegetables, cured meats,

cheeses, fruits and breads.

Photo Credit: Aida Largado Peevers   Eat with your Eyes First, then your stomach.

Food presentation is the art of modifying, processing, arranging, or decorating food to enhance its aesthetic appeal. ... It is not only about decorating the food, but also making it taste more delicious psychologically for the customers. Customers love it when the food is arranged and served correctly. Sometimes, it is called plating techniques. It is essential if you have a restaurant business, but there is no harm if you practice at home.  It is an art form, just like painting.

Here are two examples:

 Photo Credit: eatwell101.com

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Food presentation is the art of modifying, processing, arranging, or decorating food to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

The visual presentation of foods is often considered by chefs at many different stages of food preparation, from the manner of tying or sewing meats, to the type of cut used in chopping and slicing meats or vegetables, to the style of mold used in a poured dish. The food itself may be decorated as in elaborately iced cakes, topped with ornamental sometimes sculptural consumables, drizzled with sauces, sprinkled with seeds, powders, or other toppings, or it may be accompanied by edible or inedible garnishes.

Historically, the presentation of food has been used as a show of wealth and power. Such displays often emphasize the complexity of a dish's composition as opposed to its flavors. For instance, ancient sources recall the hosts of Roman banquets adding precious metals and minerals to food in order to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, Medieval aristocrats hosted feasts involving sculptural dishes and shows of live animals. These banquets existed to show the culture and affluence of its host, and were therefore tied to social class. 

Contemporary food aesthetics reflect the autonomy of the chef, such as in nouvelle cuisine and Japanese bento boxes. Dishes often involve both simplistic and complex designs. Some schools of thought, like French nouvelle cuisine, emphasize minimalism while others create complicated compositions based on modern aesthetic principles. Overall, the presentation of food reflects societal trends and beliefs.

Here's another Food Styling video:

 

Have You Tasted Filipino Empanadas or Meat Pies?

 Photo Credit: Kawaling Pinoy

For some reasons or another, this week, I had a longing for Filipino Beef Empanadas or Meat Pies. I googled if there is a place to order it on line or via Doordash from restaurants or bakeries near me. Unluckily, I was not able to locate one. So I guess I may have to drive to Seafood City about 40 minutes from my residence. However, a close relative knows of a Pilipina Baker who may be able to cook it for me. Meanwhile here's a video of how to cook Pinoy Beef Empanadas. Chicken or Pork may be used instead of Beef.

 

 For more details visit:

https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/beef-empanada/

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my album

  

 

One of My Favorite Pinoy Dish-Picadillo or Cuban Hash

One of my favorite Pinoy dish is Cuban hash or Picadillo. Macrine (RIP) used to cook it when the 4D's( Dodie, Dinah. David III and Ditas) were growing up in Modesto and Pinole, California. It was easy to cook, but the recipe varies from various regions in the Philippines. The basic ingredients are hamburger meat, green peppers and cubed potatoes. In some recipes you can add raisins, pitted olives, tomato chunks, peas and/or carrots.   For color you could use red and yellow peppers besides the standard green peppers.

Here's a video of how to cook Picadillo or Cuban Hash

This could also be used as stuffing for Empanadas. Have you tasted Mexican, Argentinian or Filipino Empanadas? 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of my

indoor orchids in partial bloom.