I got a once in a lifetime invite to meet one of my childhood idols Chef Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook (not Wok with Yan, OK?). I had to move mountains to fix my schedule because I didn’t want to miss this!
I grew up in a family who loved to cook and bake. Weekends were spent eating in rather than dinning out. Everyone in our family contributed in making meals special.
Everyone had a signature dish to boot too: my dad’s fall off the bone “Beef Stew”, my mom’s “Pinaupong Manok”, my sister’s “Peanut Bar”, and I mine was “Stir-Fried Ginger Prawns”. Up to this day, my own family loves this dish. I cook it at least twice a month and it’s also my go-to recipe when entertaining. It’s easy and super yummy!
I learned how to cook Chinese food from watching “Yan Can Cook”. I was always mesmerized as a teenager watching Chef Yan’s remarkable chopping skills. He was also funny and entertaining! He made cooking fun and he whipped up easy yet yummy meals!
I couldn’t wait to meet him!!!
The venue: Summer Palace, Edsa Shangri-la
This set-up made me smile. I will finally get to see “Yan Can Cook” live!
Lovely plato-platuhan at Edsa Shangri-la’s Summer Palace
Without any special announcements, Chef Martin Yan just walked in the room and started chatting with everyone. He cracked jokes and shared his nuggets of wisdom. His humility and passion resonated in the room.
Martin Yan Chef Martin Yan is not only one of AFC’s most popular celebrity chefs, he also stars in his own AFC Original Production True Passion – Martin Yan, which features him pairing his signature dishes with his favourite Jacob’s Creek wines! Born in Guangzhou, China, to a restaurateur father and a mother who operated a grocery store, Chef Yan possessed a passion for cooking from an early age. His formal induction into the culinary world began at age 13 with an apprenticeship at a popular Hong Kong restaurant. He refined his natural talent at the Overseas Institute of Cookery in Hong Kong, and then pursued a Masters of Science in Food Science at UC Davis in the United States. via Asian Food Channel
After breaking the ice, Chef Yan encouraged everyone to ask questions.
Media: “What’s your favorite tool in the kitchen?”
Chef Yan: “The knife.”
Chef Yan’s signature “move” in the kitchen is his awesome chopping skills. He can beat any food processor, hands down. He showed us his favorite chopper and explained the anatomy of a good knife.
I wish the stores here sold Chef Martin Yan’s knife because it’s really a gem. The blade is well-balance, it has a curved and polished metal—for easy handling, and super sharp! Anyway, if you have the opportunity to buy it online or abroad, get it!
Chef Yan enjoys distinction as a certified Master Chef, highly respected food consultant, and a prolific author. His diverse talents have found expression in 30 cookbooks, including the award-winning “Martin Yan’s Feast”, “Martin Yan’s Asian Favorites”, “Chinese Cooking for Dummies”, and “Martin Yan’s Quick & Easy”. His latest cookbook, “Martin Yan’s China”, documents his travels and culinary discoveries throughout the far reaches of China. via Asian Food Channel
Now we’re cooking!
It was really a treat for me watching the Master Chef in action. He was funny, entertaining, and the dishes he cooked were superb!
Below is his signature noodle basket. He is really the master of presentation!
Chef Yan’s “Dragon and Phoenix in a Basket” is made from prawns, veggies coated in light savory sauce served in a basket made from fried noodles.
Growing up, I was glued to the tube watching Yan Can Cook as he whipped up delectable dishes. I would get Chinese food cravings just watching him stir-fry veggies and seafood! I also day dreamed how his food would taste.
I really do believe that dreams come true because I got to sample Chef Yan’s demo dish hot out of the pan! Yay!!!
Demo dish: “Dragon and Phoenix in a Basket”
Let’s eat!
A sampler platter to jolt the palette.
Chef Martin Yan’s recipes, executed by Edsa Shangri-la’s chefs.
The main course
Chef Yan’s recipes (clockwise): Crispy Beancurd Skin Rolls; Wine Poached Pears; Smoked Marinated Squab; Beef Stew with Beancurd Sticks and Chinese Chestnuts
What a day!
(Photo taken using Instagram)
I wish I had one of Chef Yan’s cookbook so that he could have signed it. He raffled off four signed books but I didn’t win. Oh well… If you can’t win it, buy it! Haha!
Dreams come true! Chef and me… Like “father”, like “daughter”. LOL
The Happiest Chef on Earth!
(Photo taken using Instagram)
Thank you Angelo Comsti, Asian Food Channel, and Edsa Shangri-la for this opportunity!
Shoppingero/shoppingera, catch True Passion – Martin Yan on the Asian Food Channel!