Friday, October 17, 2025

My Four Favorite Dishes in the Menu of Tropa Restaurant

Last Wednesday, I treated Dodie and Ruth for dinner at Tropa, a fairly new upscale Filipino restaurant in Lafayette, CA. The following dishes I did not order, because I am not sure if Ruth will like it. Here are the four dishes that reminded me of my younger years both in the Philippines and also here in the US.    
1.Gambas al ajillo is a Spanish tapas dish of shrimp cooked in olive oil with lots of garlic and chili, and sometimes a splash of sherry or white wineIt is a simple, fast, and flavorful appetizer or main course that is traditionally served sizzling in a small earthenware dish (cazuela) with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky oil. 
Key characteristics
  • Main ingredients: Shrimp, olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers. 
  • Flavor profile: Rich, garlicky, and savory, with a hint of heat from the chili. 
  • Preparation: Shrimp are quickly sautéed in an aromatic infusion of olive oil, garlic, and chili until just cooked through. 
  • Serving suggestion: Served hot, often right in the pan, with crusty bread for dipping to soak up the flavorful oil. 
  • Origin: A classic tapas dish from Spain, particularly popular in central and southern regions. 
  • 2. Lengua Estofado is a type of ox tongue stew. The tongue was made very tender and cooked with tomato, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. This recipe is a hybrid of Spanish and Filipino estofado. The latter makes use of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, while its Spanish counterpart utilizes diced tomato. White wine and olives are added, along with bay leaves to make the dish stand out. 

3. Arroz Ala Valenciana: As people from various parts of the world came to the Philippines in the past, they also brought with them distinct recipes. And once Filipinos learned how to make these, we also reinvented these dishes to create our own renditions suiting local taste better. One example of that is Arroz Valenciana, which from the name, itself, may already tell you that it has Spanish origins. 

Truly Delicious Glutinous Rice Dish That Is Filled With Color And Flavor. That Is Because It Has Chorizo, Eggs, Raisins, Green Peas, And The List Goes On. This Recipe, Right Here, Tastes And Looks Much Like A Celebration. But First, Let’s Look Into How This Was Made In The First Place.

Arroz Ala Valenciana was one of many recipes borne out of Spanish colonialism. Spaniards carried over both ingredients and cooking techniques, and among them was sautéing garlic and onions. And one of the dishes that involves this is Paella, which is another rice dish with a mix of vegetables. 

We soon made a Filipino rendition of paella, which is Arroz Valenciana. This is a recipe made with rice, sautéed veggies, and meat or seafood, or all of the above! For my recipe though, we will utilize chicken thigh and chorizo de bilbao for meat. The latter helps add some sweetness and flavor to the dish.

4. Oxtail Kare Kare - This is Filipino peanut-based stew, traditionally made with oxtails. It can also be made with beef, pork, goat, seafood, and other mix-ins (e.g., tripe) to add some variation. Vegetables such as green beans, bokchoy, and eggplant are typical pairings with the stew. This dish is one of the Favorite filipino dish of Ditas, my youngest daugther. She has learned to cook this dish to perfection from her Mom, during our younger years in Sacramento, Ca. 

Personal Note: The above four dishes in the Tropa Restaurant Menu reminds me of my childhood years at Fiesta Time.  They are dishes prepared mostly during special occasions in the Philippines in both Family or Group Events.   

Dish #2: This is the dish Macrine ( RIP) have  prepared for me during the many birthday celebrations  I had during our more than 62 years of marriage. 

Macrine(RIP) would pressure cooked the beef tongue, before adding all the ingredients. The beef tongue softness just melts in your mouth. Yummy, I am currently salivating just remembering this dish.  


Meanwhile, 


Finally, My Food for Thought for Today:


https://www.facebook.com/reel/1966409207513886  

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Dodie's 67th Birthday Dinner at Tropa Restaurant in Lafayette, CA

Yesterday, October 15, 2025 was Dodie's 67th birthday. Dodie is my oldest son. 

https://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=108890

I treated him for Dinner along with his wife, Ruth to an upscale, Filipino modern restaurant in Lafayette, CA- Tropa. If you have been following my blogs I first write an article on this restaurant last month as follows: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/09/filipino-upscale-restaurants-near-me.html

As expected the food was delicious especially the Baby Ribs Adobo. The food presentation was also professionally done. I took some photos of our dinner, along with photos of stories behind the names of the cocktails offered by the restaurant.  I am also attaching our dinner itemized bill. We did not order drinks or desserts. However, we have Lumpia as appetizer, Pancit Bihon ( for long life), Adobo Baby Ribs and Breaded Eggplant with mango salad topping. Dodie ordered a soft drink. Here are the photos;  

   









 



Salamat- Means Thank You---- We will return. Hopefully, The Restaurant will be offering Lunch before the end of the year.  For more details/reservations visit their website:



My Video of the Day- Credit: Dodie Katague

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Daily Consumption of Green Tea is Good For Men

If you eat Dinner with Me, you know I always have green tea after dinner, a habit I have been doing since I moved here at THD 30 months ago.
A recent study found that daily green tea consumption by men is linked to increased testosterone levels, reduced inflammation and improved sleep quality.
Specifically, the study found that the men who drank green tea daily had 30% higher testosterone, 27% lower inflammation, and 32% lower insomnia compared to non-drinkers of green tea.
Green tea reduces inflammation through its potent antioxidant properties, particularly its high content of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
EGCG can suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and it can also act as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals.
Additionally, green tea helps protect bones and cartilage by decreasing the production of certain inflammatory molecules.
Green tea inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to a more potent form. By inhibiting this enzyme, more testosterone remains in its active form increasing its circulating levels.
Green tea helps with insomnia due to the presence of L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. L-theanine reduces neuron excitement, allowing the brain to relax, aiding in sleep.
While green tea does contain caffeine, it’s usually much less than what is in coffee and can be mitigated by choosing decaf versions or drinking it earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, here's a more detailed write-up why daily green tea consumption offer various benefits for Men
Yes, daily green tea consumption can offer various health benefits for men, including a potential reduced risk of certain cancers like prostate cancer, better heart health, improved metabolic function, weight management, and enhanced brain healthGreen tea's rich antioxidant content and polyphenols can help lower bad cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and delay brain aging, though the amount of caffeine varies by brew and can affect individuals differently.  
Cardiovascular & Metabolic Benefits
  • Lowered Heart Disease Risk: 
    Green tea's antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and keep blood vessels flexible, reducing the risk of clogged arteries, heart attacks, and strokes. 
  • Improved Insulin Sensitivity: 
    Polyphenols in green tea can improve insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. 
  • Weight Management: 
    Green tea can naturally boost metabolism and help with weight loss by increasing calorie burning and potentially suppressing appetite. 
Prostate Health
Other Potential Benefits
  • Enhanced Brain Health: 
    Long-term consumption has been linked to delayed brain aging and a reduced risk of depression, possibly due to anti-inflammatory effects and improved sleep quality. 
  • Improved Urological Health: 
    Green tea may help with urinary tract issues and reduce the risk of infections, thanks to its ability to kill certain viruses and bacteria. 
  • Better Reproductive Health: 
    Green tea polyphenols can improve semen parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, potentially enhancing fertility. 
Considerations
  • Caffeine Content: 
    Green tea contains caffeine, though less than coffee.The caffeine amount can vary by brew, with cold-brewed options often having less. 
  • Antioxidant Power: 
    The benefits are linked to the antioxidants and polyphenols (like catechins and EGCG) in green tea. 
  • Moderation is Key: 
    While generally safe, consuming up to eight cups of green tea daily is often considered within safe limits, but it's wise to monitor your individual response, especially concerning caffeine intake. 

    Finally, 

    Coffee might be doing far more than waking you up — it could be saving your life. A major clinical study has revealed that people who drink two or more cups of coffee daily have a 430% lower risk of developing liver cancer compared to non-drinkers.
    Researchers discovered that coffee contains over 1,000 bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acids, diterpenes, and polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These compounds help detoxify enzymes in the liver, reduce fat accumulation, and prevent the growth of cancerous cells.
    Interestingly, the benefits were strongest in those who consumed black coffee without sugar or cream, and persisted even among people with mild liver conditions like fatty liver disease. Decaf coffee also showed partial protection, suggesting it’s not just caffeine — but the plant’s full chemical profile — that does the work.
    In a world where liver disease is on the rise, this research shows your morning ritual might be one of the simplest — and tastiest — forms of prevention.

    Meanwhile, here's the list of best Juices and Spices for Your Body:


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