Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta

The other night, my friend and I were talking about our favorite foodie movies.  Mine have always been Babette’s Feast, and of course, Julie & Julia.  Between the two, I could relate the most with the latter.  Tired of mundane existence, Julie Powell, the heroine of the movie, played by Amy Adams used food blogging to motivate herself and document her progress as she cooks her way through Julia Child’s The Art of French Cooking. 

Peppered with visual feast of scrumptious dishes, the movie Julie & Julia never fails to give me an urge to cook.  One particular scene on the movie which drives me soaring nuts to the core was when Julie (Amy Adams) and her husband Eric (Chris Messina) dug in to the Bruschetta which Julie prepared.   It looked so delicious it made me cry.  I could almost taste French bread in garlic butter with lavish tomatoes and basil leaves on top the way Eric raved how delicious it is between mouthfuls of bites with oil and tomato juices dribbling down his chin.  It looks so gorgeous (the bruschetta, and yes, Chris Messina as well) and very appetizing.  After watching it the first time, I head straight to our kitchen and made one for myself. 

 YedyLicious' Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta

According to Barron’s Food Lover’s Companion (fourth ed.), Bruschetta (broo-SKEH-tah; broo-SHEH-tah) is from the Italian word bruscare meaning “to roast over coals,” this traditional garlic bread is made by rubbing slices of toasted bread with garlic cloves, then drizzling the bread with extra-virgin olive oil.  The bread is salted and peppered, then heated and served warm. 

Variations may include toppings of whatever ingredients that suits you.  The most basic are tomatoes and basil leaves just like in the movie.  Some would want to have mushrooms, cheese, meats, or even fruits, seriously, it’s your call.  For my Bruschetta, I used the usual tomatoes, basil leaves, and cheese.  Very simple, yet the satisfaction I got from it made me a happy camper.

"Bruschetta Scene"  Still shots form the movie Julie & Julia

Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta is fairly easy to make.   Grill or toast your choice of bread until it’s crunchy on the outside while retaining some softness inside.  Rub it with cloves of garlic then drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle some pepper and salt, then fry or grill it. Top it with combination of chunks of tomatoes, basil leaves, cheese, extra virgin olive oil, herds, and spices tossed together for a good measure.  Then serve it.  The keys to an awesome Bruschetta recipe are absolutely-fresh ingredients, a creative mind, and a big appetite. 

Sweet Charity

Let me take a break from my usual food posts and share with you something which commensurate to something equally delicious, a play entitled “Sweet Charity”.  After all, a delicious life constitute not only of the things that fills our tummy, but things which delight our hearts as well.  In my opinion, watching a play, specifically musical comedy play can do that.

Early last year, I was able to watch “Legally Blonde: The Musical” staged at Meralco Theatre with Nikki Gil as the lead role.  I am not a fan of the actress but she had me at Legally Blonde.  Her superb performance as Elle Woods led me to see her in a different light.  Now, I will get to watch Nikki Gil perform again as she plays a bubbly and feisty taxi dancer named, Charity Hope Valentine for  “Sweet Charity” come the 13th of August 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue in Makati.

Aside from the expected wonderful performances from the cast, what excites me about the play is the story itself.  It revolves around the adventures and misadventures of Charity, a taxi dancer who always gives her heart, and her earnings, to the wrong man. Except for being a taxi dancer and about the earnings as I don’t think I have much, ladies and gentlemen, it could be the story of my life!... or your life? I’m sure hopeless romantics like me can relate.  

Directed by Robbie Guevara, Sweet Charity casts includes seasoned talents such as Kris Lawrence, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Ciara Sotto-Oconer, Sheree Vidal-Bautista, OJ Mariano, and Tasy Garrucha. Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano, “Sweet Charity” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical together with Press Play Productions in cooperation with The Rockwell Club and Member’s Only Bar and Lounge. 

I’m sure it will be a night full of fun, laughs, and pure good time.  So let’s all watch, shall we?

For ticket reservations and inquiries, contact Katherine 0917.5342974 or Cheng 0917.8924364 or email pressplayprods@gmail.com You can also add Press Play in facebook or visit their site at pressplayprods.wordpress.com.

World Food Expo 2011

Today marks the first day of the country’s biggest food show this year, World Food Expo 2011 WOFEX.  The ultimate food show experience happens from August 3 to 6, 2011 at two venues, World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Aside from bringing together all segments of the food and beverage industry, WOFEX is the home of most prestigious culinary competition in the country, the 2011 PHILIPPINE CULINARY CUP.  It is indeed the Philippine’s most anticipated food show. 

It’s a non-stop activities for the entire 4-day run of the expo wherein wide array of products and services will be showcased by major F&B suppliers, first-time exhibitors and new industry players.  Learning opportunities are waiting to be shared by the experts to those who would attend, such as baking demos, cooking demos, technical and business seminars, and many more.

For program line up and more information, check out their website. 

See you all there!