Art's cooking

The Place

2011-07-13T00:36:00.000-07:00

Ok. We want to update you with whatever developments in our Resto. If you happen to pass by the place (Tayara Hotel, Prince Majid Street, Al Safa) you'd see practically nothing but debris and structure. It would probably take a month or so more before we can begin with major visible changes.

So, we try to enjoy ourselves with this is 3D design as envisioned by our Graphic Designer. Syempre, hindi magiging ganyan ang final product. But you get the idea. Besides, with this, you can share our excitement. So, common, sabay-sabay tayong mangarap... wink wink!

(Art's Cuisine Ground floor 3D rendering)

Art's Cuisine - our new name; our new logo

2011-07-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

At last, we're back at the blogworld! You probably know by now (at least our friends at Facebook) that we're so much occupied with the setting up of our new and commercial space (yehey!) that will finally house Art's Cooking.

Yes! Ibang level na ang mga lolo nyo! Because we're going full-time to serve our kababayans in Jeddah, and we hope we will have a blast.

There was so much things going on that we regret failing to upload our gigs for the last what 5 months. And for that we are so so sorry!

One of the things we really had hard time fighting was the name. We've been operating as Art's Cooking for the last 6 years.

We admit, there's so much memories and emotions with the name. Also, we believe we have already established marketing people called as 'brand equity' with our customers that we felt it was impossible just to let go.

But in the end, an old has to give way to a new one; a old chapter has to say goodbye, and new chapter has to start.

But our fight did not really went in vain. We we're able to hold at least half of the original name - Art's. With that, we can still claim that we hold what we stand for; we are still and we will continue to deliver the very reason why we have our business in the first place, which is providing Quality Pinoy Food to all kababayan (in Jeddah, for now...wink! wink!).

Regards and we really appreciate your continuous support.

We hope to see you all in our (atin po ito) new place. Dalawin nyo naman kami. Mabuhay!

Jeddah Peepz Go Retro

2011-03-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Event: Retro Party

Date: March 10, 2011

Place: Al Hajrayan Compound

Theme party ba kamo? Well, Pinoys in Jeddah really rock one night when Seranata, a group of accomplished individuals held a get-together event for a cause, staged a Retro party.

The theme of the night was "Back to 70's", and behold! A reminiscing of the past transpired as each couple (and singles) appeared in 70's wardrobe with matching accessories galore. The music couldn't be far behind. Because all the songs seemed to take you down the memory lane...wink! wink!

The event was figuratively rockin' and dancin' all night, with Artscooking (syempre naman) to fuel the energy on the dance floor...naks!

Here's Artscooking set-up:

Artscooking menu during the event: Chicken Rolls, Kare-kare, Calamares, Mixed veggies, Lomi Soup, Fruit salad.

Chicken Rolls

Mixed Veggies with Quail Eggs

Kare-kare

Calamares

Lomi Soup

Fruit Salad

Al Hekma Jewels Grand Coronation Night

2011-03-12T00:50:00.000-08:00

Event: Al Hekma Jewels Grand Coronation Night

Place: Sheraton Al Sahel (Obhur), Jeddah

Date & Time: 9PM 3rd of March 2010

It is Artscooking's pleasure to cater to Al Hekma Jewels' Grand Coronation Night. Al Hekma is one of Jeddah's finest and strongest educational institutions that is truly Pinoy.

That night, we also witnessed raw talents from singing to dancing exhibited by guest-students from various Philippine schools in Jeddah. And we are truly surprised to know that indeed, there are precious jewels hiding in this seemingly conservative part of the world. And you know what? Showbiz talent scouts should scour these gems. For all we know, the next big Philippine stars will come from these young ones.

While this is not our first time to cater to this area (the small ones), but this is our first to step on the resort's biggest venue. Well, the organizer has to fit in a group of 400 pax, right. And it has the best view ever! Look at some of the pix below:

Thanks to our colleague Mr. Ernie Jayme who provided us some of the stills (btw, he also the hosted the show. You were shining buddy- literally. Wootwoo!)

Here's Artscooking set-up. We apologize for a poorly taken shots as the entire place were dimly lit (besides, those were celfone cam grab only).

We had juice fountains (and juicer), and choco fondue which were instant hits with the kids.

Here's Artscooking Menu:

Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Fried Chicken

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Chinese Fried Rice

Beef with Brocolli

Buko Pandan

1-year AC Canteen/Showroom Anniversary Video

2011-02-20T05:43:00.000-08:00

Here's the short clip of our 1-year AC Canteen/Showroom Anniversary courtesy of Shellamai Delicana all the way from Riyadh.

Cheers!

Isang Taon Na Po!

2011-02-19T12:19:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's been a year since we started our Artscooking showroom/canteen. Wheew! How time really passed by.

It was January 7, 2010 when first opened the door to our colleagues and friends here in Jeddah. The original concept was only to feed a group of people of around 15-20 every Thursday as they claimed to have no time preparing for their lunch because of their busy schedule. And of course, to serve as a showroom for clients (outside of the group) who prefer to see in person our set-up and our food preparation.

Then, after a while, we added the Friday lunch schedule. And from the original group of 15, we started serving Eat-All-You-Can Buffet lunch for 50.

Contrary to what others think, our set-up is not the typical cash-cow canteen/resto like everybody else's (though generating enough to pay the bills). But still we decided to continue our so-called little "katuwaan" because we know we are serving a purpose, and we found out eventually that we are inspiring some of our kababayan (their so-called entrepreneural tsuvaness... wink wink!).

And we guess, with that inspiration factor alone, despite all the weekly challenges - such as sourcing the best ingredients (and cheap) and squeezing time with our individual jobs (we work too, you know), then everything becomes worthwhile.

Yes! We know in our hearts that we have proven success, but of course not enough to rest our laurels. And so, we are continuing with another year; full of hope and dreams for another successful journey in serving good food and the best of catering stints and gigs we can offer.

We hope to see you one of these days in our place. And while we fill our stomachs with our homegrown menu, let us share our own stories of success so we also fill our hearts with inspirations.

Cheers!

Our Eat-All-You-Can Buffet is open on Thursday & Friday

12-4PM. If you want to receive our weekly menu list via SMS, drop us an email or pm us with your mobile number at our facebook page at artscooking.

For our catering services, please call our number: 0509473258

or e-mail us at artscooking@yahoo.com

You can also download our menu with link provided at the right column.

Our Guests

We would like to apologize to some of our guests as we fail to take your pix. As the event progressed kasi, we could not even manage to take pictures; we've become busy attending to the needs of the guests. We hope you understand...wink! wink!

Our Set-up

Our Menu:

Adobong Stuffed Pusit

Shrimp Casserolle

Pansit Palabok

Mixed Sea Foods Fried Rice

Mixed Pansit Canton/Bihon

Lumpiang Shanghai

Kare-Kare

Fried Chicken with Special Herb

Fish Fillet

Embutido

Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Sapin-sapin

Pichi-pichi

Empanada

Tarts

Best Wishes to Mhahal & Algen

2011-01-05T01:26:00.000-08:00

What a way to start the year - a wedding of a very in love couple Mhahal & Algen!

If one Pinoy kasabihan is right that runs "kung pano mo sinimulan ang bagong taon, ganon ang gagawin mo buong taong," then malamang puro kasalan ang mga susunod na gigs namin this year.

And if that happens, then love truly is in the air this year (We wish this offers hope to every hopefuls out there! Wink! wink!)

Seriously though, we wish the newly weds the best of years to come. May their union be blessed with lots of love to weather all the challenges of a married life; may the good Lord grant the both of you lots of smiles and happiness so you live with contentment and peace with one other; and may you extend patience and shower each other with support so that together your dreams of a healthy and happy family life be fulfilled.

Here's Artscooking set-up:

Artscooking menu:

Chicken Mongolian

Fish Fillet (Maya-maya)

Mixed Seafood Fried Rice

Beef Hamonado

Spring Rolls (Lumpiang shanghai)

Buko Pandan

Merry Christmas To All!!!

2010-12-17T23:22:00.001-08:00

Artscooking blog will temporarily sign off. Syempre, dahil nagpapasko rin naman ang taga-blog... hehehe!

And so we wish you the best of the holidays. We wish that your troubles be less, and may only joy and happines come through your way, and most important of all, that your wishes come true!

Cheers to everyone.... at Maligayang Pasko!

Meanwhile, we leave you with this heartfelt christmas song from Sheena Easton...wink! wink!

Xmas at AC Dec 9-10

2010-12-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

This is part 3 of Artscooking Christmas pix series. The intent is to capture asmuch smiles of our customers behind our Christmas tree.

This week, we were only able to get 3 contributions from our suki's since we lost our 'point & shoot' cam from last week. Celfones (the cheap ones, which we have) are not really reliable.

Anyways, smiles as long as they're sweet and sincere, regardless of the number, are still precious! Check them out:

To our regular customers at AC canteen, you may still send and contribute your pix. Don't be shy to grace our page.

Cheers!

Take-Out Galore!

2010-12-13T06:50:00.001-08:00

Our services is not confined to setting up your food in a buffet table. We also cater to pick-up's. Just like December 10, when colleagues Lito Villanca and Lito Bonus decided to order some of our top-of-the-line menu.

What makes picking-up food from our place a great deal is seeing the excitement gear up in the faces of our clients. Oh, you should try how we do it. We would love to see your brand of facial expression.

And should we witness how you smile with that 'wow factor' when you see your order....ohh, it will be priceless!

Cheers

Mr. Bonus'birthday menu:

Pansit Malabon

Beef Kare-kare

Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Sapin-sapin

Buko Pandan

Mr. Villanca's birthday menu:

Mixed Pansit Canton/Bihon

Fish fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce

Pininyahang Manok

Beef Kaldereta

Chopsuey

Happy Birthday Richmond!

2010-12-11T23:30:00.000-08:00

Event: Richmond Quinn's 1st Birthday Celebration

Date: 9 December 2010

Place: Usfan, Jeddah

The first birthday is a day of light and sparkle, of how sunny tiny smiles light up even the biggest of gatherings. It is still a wonder how the most innocent of joy can bring about happy energy and contagious happiness to one and all who come and celebrate this wonderful event. But that's just the way it is.

So, happy birthday baby Richmond! May you grow in love and compassion, and just like an eagle that soars high, may you grow with big wide feathers to reach your dreams and accomplish your feat!

Cheers!

For this event, the theme of the celebration was 'camouflage'. The closest we have is our metallic teal skirting with off-white swag. We decided to put our stone-finished fountain to add to the effect:

For menu, we served the following: Squid balls, Fish Fillet, Chicken Garlic, Fried Chicken, Chinese Fried Rice, Ginataang Mongo & Corn Soup.

Squid balls
Chinese Fried Rice

Chicken Garlic

Fish Fillet

Fried Chicken

Xmas at AC Dec 2-3

2010-12-08T05:40:00.000-08:00

First, please don't be mad if you won't see your pictures here. Here's what happened - the smart phone that we used to get pix got lost - as in wa! nil! mafi!

Losing mobile phone is not really bad. It's the loosing and re-building contacts which is the real deal. So, calling our friends and clients who have become close to our hearts, please e-mail us your contact details once again at artscooking@yahoo.com. If you have been one of our clients, we would also appreciate if you can send details of our services to you, for example, the date and the place (point us the site if we were able to blog it... that would be fantastic!).

Having said that, we only relied on friends who took shots last Dec 2 to 3 and were kind enough to send us thru our email artscooking@yahoo.com. They were so kind, they let us claim the shots and so we marked them as property of Artscooking. Kudos to you guys!

Special mention to Gadi & Monica, the Laredo couple, who brought with them fantastic cam. If you want photo services, you should contact this couple. Salamat talaga!

Second, in relation to first. Ayun! kaya wala rin kami mapakita pix ng fud we served during the two lunch events of eat-all-you-can buffet ng Artscooking.

Sensya na talaga! nahihiya kami!

Third, now on with the fun stuffs:

Aba! aba! Even Mr. Kapeng Arabo himself signed copies of his book during the event.

Kaya kain na rin kayo sa Artscooking. Every Thursday and Friday lunch time (only). It's eat-all-you-can bonanza!

Happy Birthday Azenette!

2010-12-06T22:06:00.001-08:00

Event: Azenette's Birthday Celebration

Date: 2 December 2010

Place: Sheraton Villages, Obhur (Jeddah's beach area)

We swear we never could guess at what age our birthday girl Azenette is celebrating. But this we are so sure of - that this petite sweet and very charming lass is having the best times of her life with her friends and loved ones.

Judging by the crowd during the event, we can sense her fulfillment and her thankfulness for all the blessings that have come her way. With that, who could ask for more.

Well, as it is always said, never ever ask a girl her age, or else....you'll get in trouble!

Cheers!

The place is very similar to Al Nakheel (Sheratoon, too) except that the cottages have no balcony and second level. It is very nice and we noticed lots of Filipinos PARTYing that night. For the benefit of our readers outside of KSA, invasion of a certain place by Pinoys is a guaranteed all night fun. And since we need to prepare for our buffet lunch at Artscooking canteen the following day, we figuratively died in envy.... wink! wink!

Here's Artscooking set-up:

Artscooking Menu: Chicken Curry, Beef Broccoli, Shrimp Rolls, Lumpiang Shanghai, Mixed Friend Rice, Fish/Squid Balls in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Fruit Tarts, Cup Cakes, Butchi & Puto.

Shrimp Rolls

Chicken Curry

Fish Squid Balls in Sweet & Sour Sauce

Beef Broccoli

Butchi

Xmas at AC Nov 25-26

2010-11-29T06:47:00.001-08:00

We started this series last Nov 18. This is our small way of making our kababayans feel the spirit of the season in this part of the region.

We are featuring pix of some of our guests during our Eat-All-You-Can buffet every Thursday and Friday, with our Christmas three and buffet table as background.

We invite you to come and experience our eat-all-you-can buffet lunch (12-3PM Thurs & Friday only). We guarantee minimum of four (4) viands for only Sr15. Also, we encourage you to grace our blog page with your sweet smiles.

Cheers!

Kukot, Ellen & Alice

Sweet Baby Shabi

Jeizel & Friends

Mrs. Olie Juayong & her amiga

Nap & Louie

Sherwin & Cid

Nol

Lady with the baby (obvious ba?)

Inasmuch as we would like to also post shots of our buffet menu, we couldn't. But the time, we bring out our camera, the food are already bawas na. Ergo, they don't look camera-friendly anymore. But we will try as much.

Beef Menduo

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Beef stroganuff

Lumpiang shanghai

WOW Pinoy 2010

2010-11-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

Event: WOW Pinoy 2010

Date: November 26, 2010

Place: Iceland, Prince Sultan Street, Jeddah

Wow Pinoy is an annual bowling tournament for which major organizations in Jeddah gather and celebrate togetherness in a fiesta-like atmosphere. The aim of the event is to collect ample amount of donations by participating in the tournament to help our distressed and not-so-fortunate fellow Pinoys under the care of POLO-OWWA at the Philippine Consulate.

Forever Friends, one of the longest-surviving Filipino groups in Jeddah, organized this year's event. And what can we say (watch out, this is self-serving... wink! wink!) but kudos and that ýou-really-got-good-taste' for allowing us to serve the meals.

And so we did. It was packed-lunch of Beef Menudo and Chicken Adobo. Later that day, we also served very Pinoy congee - Goto Espesyal! Wootwoo!

Chicken adobo & beef menudo

Goto Espesyal

We would like to give due credits to the following for allowing us to post some of their pix:

www.gitnangsilangan.com
leo aquino of battledores
jhayz tan of FAME

Happy Birthday Alexandra!

2010-11-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

Event: 3rd Birthday Celebratiion of Alexandra Lyka

Date: 25th November 2010

Place: Usfan, Jeddah

Wishing a girl who's a princess

With a birthday that makes sweet dreams come true.

With magical moments, surprises and laughter from you loved ones,

And smiles and joy to keep ever after.

Artscooking set-up:

And since the true 'bida' during this celebration are the kids, it's only fitting that we bring some of our kid attractions - the choco and juice fountains.

Wootwoo!

The chocolate fountain

The tropical juice fountains

Artscooking menu:

Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Chicken Almonds

Fish Fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Roast Beef

Buko Pandan

Additional menu in the package: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Assorted Drinks (Cola & Water), Steam Rice

Christmas at AC Nov 18-19

2010-11-20T23:19:00.000-08:00

We plan to make this a series. We will be posting pix of our guests in our showroom (canteen) in Al Safa with our newly installed Christmas Tree as the backdraft. This will be on a weekly basis until after Christmas season.

This is our small way of celebrating the joyous occasion - documenting Pinoy smiles in Jeddah as we share good food and that feeling of being together.

Cheers!

Mother & daughter tandem

Barkada of nurses

Jeizel of PICPA

Raymund

Louie (fresh from Morocco pa yan!)

At syempre, papahuli ba ang mga Artscooking babies....

Kip Cassanova

Buwi Amorsolo

We are only using camera fone, but we hope to take as much next time. And we hope to feature you in this blog too.

Cheers!

Happy Birthday Bernice Yvette!

2010-11-18T23:45:00.000-08:00

Event: Bernice Yvette's 7th birthday celebration

Date: November 4, 2010

Place: Arabian Homes (Multi-purpose center), Herra, Jeddah

A nice growing young lady deserves a fine birthday celebration. And with such a grand celebration, we wish Bernice the best of years to come. May your days be filled with sunshine and beautiful colors; and, your nights be filled with comforting dreams and wishes to come true.

The place is probably one of the nicest compounds we have ever been. It is quite, with pocket gardens everywhere, and the people (mostly European and American expats) are so cool! Tip: when you go inside, bring lots of baon of your English language (baka maubusan ka!)

The ambiance of the place could be likened to our very own Alabang town center (only smaller) with nooks of various stores. We saw a small Italian cafe, Bibliarch (for books & some office supplies), a pharmacy, and some more but were not able to identify as they were already closed that time.

While this is not our first to cater side-by-side with another professional caterer (remember Unidecor events), this one is so special as we were put with two of the famous Pinoy restos/caterers in town - China Gate & La Paz.

Here's a very short story, and let us make yabang na rin kahit papano (allow us, blog naman namin eto....cheers!):

When we learned that we will be doing the gig with the two food giants here in Jeddah, we actually panicked thinking lalamunin kami ng mga ito. And so, the whole time during preparation, we were so nerve-crack. But then we made up of mind and decided, what the heck! we will just do our usual, i.e., making the most of what we have, and certainly giving our best!

And to our surprise (actually to our disappointment), the two giants never really bothered (at least, that's how we thought). Here's the picture of their set-up.

The left portion is that of China Gate and to the right, of La Paz

We intended to taste their food, but we were busy serving on another side of the room. And by the time we tried, ubos na food nila. So, we just leave the judgment to our guests, what they have to say to all of us (yes, all the caterers).

The theme of the party is 'luau' - you know, that Hawaiian thing. Since, we really have nothing to match that theme, we just put two sulo's and some shells on the buffet table.

Here's Artscooking set-up during the occasion:

Artscooking menu during the event: Roast Beef, Mongolian Chicken, Beef Asado, Chicken Teriyaki, Shrimp Rolls, Mixed Vegetables, Chinese Fried Rice, Fettuccini, Ginataang Bilo2x, and Cream of Mushroom Soup.

Cheers!

(Post note: We are really sorry for the delayed posting. We deemed it necessary to temporarily suspend this account for suspected hacking activity.)

Joshua Emmanuel

2010-10-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

Event: Christening of Joshua Emmanuel

Place: Gulil

Date: 1 October 2010

We, at Artscooking, enjoy catering to similar events because they literally and figuratively symbolize a 'welcome to a new life.' Christening or welcoming a young one to the Christian world such as what transpired last October 1 gives hope for a new beginning, and hopefully a blessed and blissful at that.

To cute baby Joshua Emmanuel, we are one with your loved ones in prayer so that you will grow in love and fear of God. Cheers!

Here's Artscooking menu during the occasion:

Beef Menudo

Beef Steak Tagalog Style

Shrimp Casserole

Mixed Veggies with quail eggs

Mixed Seafoods Fried Rice

Cassava Cake

Our sponsor:

Health Tip:

Sauna & steam baths can make your skin feel smooth and soft. Regular takes (at least twice a week) helps in maintaining toxin and blemish free skin.

18th Anniversary & Thanksgiving

2010-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Event: Pentecostal Missionary's 18th year Anniversary & Thanksgiving Service

Place: Al Rehaily District, Usfan

Date: 24th September 2010

We had the honor of serving on this very special event which paved way to our full realization that indeed the kingdom is really bent on pushing 'religious tolerance' by letting our kabayans practice their respective beliefs in their own private solemnities.

We congratulate the Pentecostal Missionary for having been faithful to their organization's order for 18 full long years, and we wish the congregation more years of celebration and thanksgiving.

Cheers!

Here's Artscooking set-up that match the beige and white team of the occasion.

Artscooking menu:

Calamares

Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Mixed seafoods fried rice

Chicken Mongolian

Beef Teriyaki

Our sponsor:

Health Tip:

Steam baths help increase blood circulation

and improve your immune system,

a definite plus for fighting common coughs & colds.

Happy Birthday Rosalie & Sara!

2010-09-22T07:37:00.001-07:00

Event: Mother and daughter birthday celebration combo

Place: Saudia Compound, Al Kalediyah Dist

Date: September 16, 2010

You may have remembered them from sometime: that same posing, that same garden set-up place, and especially that 'pang-starstruck' young beauty. It's because she's the same Sara (her name) and her mom Rosalie whom we have catered during their birthday celebration last year.

Yes! the mother and daughter tandem is a year older, but seemingly getting prettier each year. And so, we try to match their very meaningful celebration with closed friends and relatives by coming up with simple yet elegant set-up.

We used white skirting with pale yellow-gold swags; then we put our brick-finish water fountain as centerpiece that graces the buffet table with sign of abundance and more blessings for the family in the coming years.

Here's Artscooking menu during the occassion:

Chicken with cashew nuts

Baked Lasagna

Mixed pansit canton/bihon

Mixed seafoods fried rice

Shrimp Casserolle

Our sponsor:

Health Tip: Spending time as little as 20 minutes inside a steam room soothes aches and pain from common colds & flu. Plus, the moist heat stimulates blood flow and cleanses the skin intensively removing dead skin and impurities leaving the skin feeling soft and silky smooth. - source: www.myfit.ca

Happy Birthday Angelia!

2010-09-19T01:07:00.001-07:00

Event: 9th Birthday

Place: Residence at Al Thalia

Date: 13th September 2010

Really, theirs is one of the cutest Pinoy residences we've been. Not too big, not too small... just enough for small family such as Angelia's. How we wish we could post some pix here but of course we respect the family's privacy.

Anyways, we heard that this event is actually accumulation of birthday celebrations of most of the family members. So, we greet not only Angelia the best of blessings to come, but the whole family as well.

Cheers!

Here's Artscooking set-up:

Artscooking menu:

Steamed Lapu-lapu

Spaghetti

Mixed Veggies with quail eggs

Chicken Lollipops

Our sponsor:

If you need to sweat but you don't have time to exercise, then call us!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

2010-09-15T01:22:00.000-07:00

Event: Jacob's 7th Birthday

Theme: Spiderman

Venue: Al Basateen Village

Date: 8th September 2010

This is probably the best multi-purpose venue we have ever catered. We heard, however, only privileged peepz can hold an event here. Well, we can tell by the kind of residents it holds (puro puti, sosyal!) and the security is way so strict.

Special mention to the Mr. & Ms. Jon Lumang (parents of Jacob) who showered us with understanding that night.

And btw, did we mention that the venue has a huge swimming pool? Yep, it's so huge it practically circles the area. We did take a pix, but it was nightime, so it was not worth posting it... wink! wink!

Here's Artscooking set-up:

Artscooking menu:

Roast Beef

Pansit Palabok

Mixed Veggies with Quail Eggs

Mixed Seafoods Fried Rice

Lomi Soup

Chicken Lollipops

Our sponsor:

Happy Birthday Bogart!

2010-09-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

Event: Children's Party (for adults too!)

Date: 2 September 2010

Place: Sheraton Al Nakheel Villa No. 9, Obhur

Here's Artscooking set-up:

Artscooking menu:

Shrimp Rolls

Chicken Lollipops

Beef with Brocolli

Beef Steak

Our sponsor:

Unidecor Iftar

2010-09-04T04:06:00.001-07:00

To quote a Filipino Radio station, bisyo na 'to! Because Yes! We are honored having been chosen once again to cater to Iftar party of the Filipino community in Unidecor (click to see our previous gigs 1 & 2 ).

We guess a sign of thumbs-up'' (as shown below) is enough for us. No need for words. So, to Mr. Ahmed Al Sanousi, President of Unidecor, our sincerest thanks.

Wag magsasawa!

Ramadan Kareem!

Artscooking Menu: Bopis, Fish fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Kare-kare, Pininyahang Manok Veggie Spring Rolls.

Veggie Spring Rolls

Bopis

Kare-kare

Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce

Our sponsor:

Tamad kang mag-exercise? Pero kelangan mong pagpawisan.

Sauna & Steam (only sr20)

For booking & appointment: 0542543584

Happy Birthday Ms. Luchie!

2010-08-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

They say that the first forty years of our life provides the foundation for a more fruitful and productive life. Because at this age, we learn to suspend our judgment and we tend to look at an issue with a more comprehensive view. This is a more descriptive way of saying, we become 'wise' at forty.

For most women, this age is the age of reason and victory having overcome few races and becoming more knowledgeable as to pacing in life. And when they have held themselves high, we become more fascinated with them, and accord them respect they well-deserved.

Luchie, our birthday celebrant, may have been the epitome of such women who have come to age of reason and victory. We personally witnessed her patience and persistence in trying to come up with a good get-together thanksgiving party; we have been personally shown of her humility in closing deals, and most of all, of how her friends loved her by actively participating in the activities during this celebration.

So, Kudos to Ma'm Luchie and her family! And we wish her 40 more years of eventful and blessed moments ahead.

Cheers!

Here's Artscooking set-up.

Artscooking menu: Roast Beef, Fiesta Palabok, Mixed Fried Rice, Mixed Veggies, Beef Steak Tagalog Style, Chicken Lollipops, Fish Fillet, Corn Soup, & Palitaw.

Welcome to the Christian World Mark Daniel Dinio!

2010-08-08T02:27:00.001-07:00

We in Artscooking congratulate Mark Daniel on the occasion of his Christian baptism! May this day be the beginning of your faithful relationship with God and may this day be the start of every blissful blessings to you and your family.

We also congratulate the family for sharing Mark's very important day to relatives and friends. The event was held in Usfan last August 6.

We wish the family more special events in the future at sana kami pa rin ang mag-cater para naman as memorable as this one (wink! wink!).

Here's Artscooking set-up during the event:

The Menu: Beef with Broccoli, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Mixed Veggies with Quail Eggs, Shrimp Casserole, Chinese Fried Rice, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Pichi-pichi, Cake.

Mixed veggies

Chinese Fried Rice

Chicken with cashew nuts

Beef with broccoli

Shrimp casserole

Pichi-pichi

Charlee & Emma Ruth: A Celebration of Joy & Thanksgiving

2010-07-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

We live in a busy world, and often there isn’t as much time as we’d like to sit down, reflect on and appreciate the blessings that come in our way.

For most people, a moment or two is enough to return the tide. While that is generally okay, we salute Charlee & Emma Ruth Tolopia for really taking time to hold their dear ones together in a celebration of life and appreciation of the all the wonderful things that happen in their lives.

It is perhaps these kinds of event that remind us not to limit our celebrations to mere specific dates and occasion. We should all look at every moment of our lives with 'gusto' knowing we are still afforded a chance to enjoy every minute of it. Everyday should be a celebration of life, an occasion of how wonderful really life is.

On a personal note, we give thanks to the couple, Charlie & Emma, for allowing us to be a part of their special occasion. We sincerely wish you more blessings, and also strengths for that long journey ahead.

Here's Artscooking buffet set-up:

As per the request of the couple, we put a little something in every dining table.

Here's buffet table centerpiece: A 3-ft real fruit delarobia:

The young ones (and the young once too!) were amazed with our choco and juice fountains.

Here's Artscooking menu during the occasion: Roast Beef, Chicken Teriyaki, Mixed Veggies, Mixed Seafoods, Carbonara, Chinese Fried Rice, Lomi Soup, Sapin-sapin, Buko Fruit Salad, Ginataang Bilo-bilo.

Roast Beef

Mixed Veggies with quail eggs

Mixed seafoods

Chicken Teriyaki

Chinese Fried Rice

Carbonara

Sapin-sapin

Buko Fruit Salad

Ginataang Bilo-bilo

Philippine Independece Day

2010-06-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

A simple yet very meaningful celebration of the country's Independence Day was held at our Philippine Consulate in Jeddah last June 12 (Saturday). It started with a very brief message from the Consul General himself, Ezeddin Tago and the symbolic Philippine flag ceremony.

While this is only our 2nd time to visit the our Consulate (please refer to Migrant Workers' Day entry), ganon pala feeling, it's like you're at home. And during flag ceremony grabe! may kakaibang kirot (aray!). Probably because it has been that long since we attended a flag raising ceremony (ikaw? kelan ang huli mong naka-attend ng flag ceremony?)

The ceremony and messages of our respective consular officials were brief. And Artscooking's participation was limited to providing simple yet very Pinoy breakfast - tapsilog.

Thanks to Vice-Consul Jennifer Dinga for allowing us to cater during this very important event.

Philippine Independence Day celebration held at the 2nd Flr of the Philippine Consulate Bldg in Rehab District, Jeddah

Artscooking breakfast set-up during the Philippine Independence Day celebration

A very Pinoy breakfast Tapsilog (Tapa, sinangag & itlog) was served during the celebration (buffet style)

Sponsored by:

PinoySpa

Our own small oasis

Migrant Workers' Day

2010-06-30T00:08:00.000-07:00

The event has been on all over the news, and we guess there's no need for us to state its rationale. Pero ang mahalaga, nakatipon-tipon na naman mga Pinoy dito sa Jeddah para muling magkasamasama at maging masaya. (kahit sandali lang ng June 4). Para sa mga common Pinoy tulad namin, its significance lies in giving due recognition to our contribution to the development of the country, however small they maybe.

Kaya nga Artscooking is so proud to have been chosen to cater to this very special event. Even though there has been challenges before, during and after the occasion, still, this celebration, hmmm...shall we way, really made us.

So, to Welfare Officer Ms. Nini Lanto and to Labor Attache Vicente Cabe, our sincerest thanks for giving us the chance to serve our Filipino community in Jeddah.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Here's Artscooking set-up during the event.

Yep, that's right! We used real china plates and stainless spoon & fork. And since we expected more than 200 guests (actually more than 300), we used our full force so we can be sure everybody's getting it on their plates.

The menu: Roast Beef, Shrimp Rolls with Cheese, Chicken Rolls, Mixed Veggies with Quail Eggs,& Buko Pandan.

Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Shrimp rolls with cheese

Chicken rolls

Roast beef

Sponsored by:

PinoySpa

Our own small oasis

See You Again Mercy!

2010-06-29T01:57:00.000-07:00

The world has become a pretty small place and most of us move around a lot. We move away for school or a new job, and unfortunately for most of us Filipinos here in Saudi Arabia, especially those living with the family, we have to accept the reality that we need to send our kids back to our own country to continue their college education when the time comes.

This is the case of Mercy, a 16 year old kid who's known Jeddah her lifetime. While this temporary set-up is sad because she'll be away with the family, the positive spin to this situation is that she's taking a step to a brighter future.

We know, despite some misgivings, Philippines still has one of the best educational systems. And we parents know that education is the best "pamana" we can ever leave our children with. So to the parents and close relatives of Mercy, rejoice because you know you're doing the right move. We can always keep in touch with our loved ones back at home thru cell phones and instant messages, email, Facebook and Twitter anyway.

We failed to take a pix of Mercy because the young lady is shy.

Here's the menu during the occasion: Roast Beef, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Shrimp Casserole, Fish Fillet, Mixed Veggies, Buko Pandan & Sapin-sapin.

Shrimp casserole

Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Chicken with cashew nuts

Roast beef

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Sapin-sapin

Buko pandan

Sponsored by:

PinoySpa

Our own small oasis

Happy Birthday Gwen!

2010-05-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

"The sweetest song fades to echo in the wind", lyrics from the song "It's just Goodbye". We said goodbye because we learned that our birthday girl Gwen will also be leaving for good to attend to her and hubby's children back in the Philippines.

So this is a birthday sans despedida celebration.

Well, ganon naman talaga. We, Filipinos here in the Kingdom, should always try to focus to what is more important. Syempre, the welfare of our children. Ika nga, what's the sense of trying hard to fulfill our material dreams kung di naman natin maisaayos ang kapakanan ng mga anak-anak natin (from the book, KAPENG ARABO).

So, to Gwen and hubby, we salute you in your decision.

Kunsabagay, pansamantala lang naman tayong lahat dito, di ba? wink! wink!

"It's just goodbye. Time is never our friend. Now, I'll tell you do not cry. 'Coz what we have will never die."

Here's Artscooking set-up during the occassion held last April 29 at Sheraton Al Nakheel.

The menu: Shrimp Casserolle, Pansit Malabon, Mixed Veggies with quail eggs, Mixed Seafood Fried Rice, Chicken with cashew nuts, Beef Menudo.

Shrimp caserolle

Pansit malabon

Mixed veggies with quail eggs
Mixed seafoods fried riceChicken with cashew nutsBeef Menudo

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Baptism of Coco

2010-04-17T01:56:00.000-07:00

We at Artscooking join the family and friends in welcoming Coco into the Christian world. We wish that this little boy grow up to be a better person, and that our good Lord above always showers him with His love and guides him on life's way.

This event was held in Al Hamra District last April 15. We found the house was full to the brim with friends of the family. Well, that's what you get when you're kind and nice to other nationalities. Yes, the event seemed a multi-cultural party.

Here's Artscooking menu: Beef brocolli, Roast chicken, Mixed veggies with quail eggs, Fish fillet (maya-maya) in sweet & sour sauce, Fish fillet (lapu-lapu), Pichi-pichi, Maja blanca, & Sapin-sapin.

Beef brocolli

Roast chicken
Mixed veggies with quail eggs
Fish fillet (maya-maya) in sweet & sour sauce

Fish fillet (lapu-lapu)

Pichi-pichi

Sapin-sapin
Maja blanca

Our sponsor

WATHC OUT FOR THE RE-FILL, BOOK 2 OF KAPENG ARABO

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Bicol-Saro sponsors Computer Seminar

2010-04-10T06:21:00.001-07:00

For the last 6 Fridays (March 5 to April 9), Artscooking has been a part in one of the most meaningful seminars that aims to uplift literacy of our kababayans in Jeddah. "Basic Computer Seminar" is crash instensive course that uses lectures and workshop to teach the basics of computer trouble shooting.

While Bicol-Saro, the ever dynamic group that sponsored this event, fed the hungry minds and tried to build/add skills of the participants, our role is to nourish these peepz by providing packed lunch. We did our best to provide sumptous food every Friday so they can hold on to the challenges of learning all throughout the day. We did provide 2 viands, rice and dessert (our bad is that we failed to take picture of each packed lunch week after week. Well, there's always next time : >)

Bicol-Saro officers and staff

It always feels good supporting these kinds of efforts. And we hope all the groups and organizations here in Jeddah emulate Bicol-Saro Group by coming up with their own worthy projects.

So kudos to Bicol-Saro!

And to the participants of the seminar, with your newfound skill, we wish you goodluck in your careers!

Cheers!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Ms. Vangie!

2010-03-27T01:31:00.001-07:00

By the way she speaks, we knew that this woman is a of strong spirit, of wisdom and grace. As she narrated to us her plans to come up with this wonderful event, we sensed her determination to lift herself up in thanksgiving for all the years of blessings she has received through the years.

And this we know: that she's wise to know that by putting up an occassion where other's people, especially those who love and care for her, share her own happiness is a key to a more blessings.

More power to you Ms. Vangie, and may you have more blissful years to come!

Here's Artscooking set-up during the event held at Usfan last March 25.

And here's Artscooking menu: Ampalaya con Carne, Beef Asado, Beef Broccoli, Spring Rolls, Beef Steak Tagalog Style, Calamares, Chicken Adobo, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Pansit Malabon, & Roast Beef.

Relyenong Bangus

Pansit Malabon
Lumpiang Shanghai
Fish fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce
Beef Broccoli
Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Calamares

Beef Steak Tagalog Style
Roast Beef
Beef Mechado

For all your catering needs, just call us at 0509473258.

Cheers!

Our sponsor:

THE RE-FILL, BOOK 2 OF KAPENG ARABO, coming out SOON!

Happy Birthday Joni!

2010-03-07T23:09:00.001-08:00

Glad to be back! And as our opening salvo (once again) we bring you our latest catering gig inside Reem compound - the birthday of our hunky celebrant Joni.

Well, what we can only say is that "some guys have all the luck." Just like Joni who has found a wonderful career here in KSA and with a very healthy lifestyle. And of course, when one is sorrounded with a very loving wife (Binky) and very supportive family, what more can one ask for?

As they say 'men are just like wine, they keep better with age,' so just hang in there buddy, and enjoy the the ride!

Extra-mention to Daddy Jo (the dad of Joni) who managed to make the entire preparation a surprise celebration.

Cheers!

(Joni with wife Binky and guests)
(Kids at the party enjoying our Chicken teriyaki...really!)

Here's Artscooking set-up at the multi-purpose hall inside the Reem compound. Syempre, with matching waiters in ala-"luau get-up."

Here's Artscooking menu during the occasion: Mixed pansit canton/bihon, Steam Lapu-lapu, Chicken Teriyaki, & Seafood Fried Rice. We also brought our Choco and Juice Fountains with all the dips.

Mixed pansit canton/bihon

Steam lapu-lapu

Chicken teriyaki

Seafood fried rice

Our sponsor:

WATCH OUR FOR "THE RE-FILL" KAPENG ARABO BOOK 2

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Memory Crash!

2010-03-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

For weeks, we've been trying our best to recover files from our hard drive. But i guess after so much frustrations, it is time to give up the fight and start anew.

Some of the affected files were practically the catering events in the month of February. Kaya nga ba dapat regular ang pagba-back up files. Hay naku!

Also, we noticed that we have been bombarded with comments that are mostly in chinese characters and url of ads selling pharamaceutical products. Good thing we 'enable' comment moderation for this site, otherwise 'foreign invaded' na ang site na eto.

In line with these, we would like to ask apology from our clients (and followers na rin!) whose events were not posted in this blog for the last several weeks. We hope to make up with you soon on your future events.

Cheers!

Badr's Search for its Little Prince & Princess

2010-02-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

The event pushed thru last January 27 with no less than Vice Consul Jennifer Dinga as Guest of Honor. The program was held in Badr's covered court, while we set-up the buffet table in one of their classrooms adjacent to it.

This is the first time we attended a group majority of which are kids. Grabe! They were so fun to be with, and so full of energy. Nakaka-feeling bata. Wink! wink!

Some of the Members of the Board of Badr School with Vice Consul Jennifer Dinga (second from the right) posing for Artscooking photo.

Here's Artscooking menu during the event: Roastbeef, Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Pansit Malabon, Chicken Teriyaki, Beefsteak Tagalog Style, Seafood Fried Rice.

Seafood fried rice

Roast beef
Pansit Malabon
Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce
Chicken teriyaki

Beef steak Tagalog style

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO, Book 2: THE RE-FILL coming out SOON!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Gavin!

2010-01-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

You're cute and sweet and all dressed up for your very first birthday party. Hey Cool Kid, you're a whole year older now! It's time to have some birthday fun and make this year your best ever one! And we are so glad we were given a part to make your best day very memorable.

Happy birthday to one of the coolest kid around - Gavin!

And here's the evidence, sa set-up pa lang, talagang bongga - we set-up 8 long tables just to accomodate 14 large shelfing dish (di pa kasama dyan ang desserts at birthday cake. wink! wink!)

The party was held in the "Party Room" of Iceland (21 Jan 2010). The place is really huge and quite impressive. It is complete with stage and lights and small pantry.

Here's Artscooking prepared during the occasion: Kalderetang Baka, Beef with Mushroom & Fried Chicken.

Beef with mushroom

Friend chicken

Kalderetang baka

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO, THE RE-FILL: COMING OUT SOON!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Reuben!

2010-01-16T07:55:00.001-08:00

With mommy Rowena

Little people are bursts of sunshine. Theirs is like those morning freshness that glows with innocence, that smiling active bundle of curiosity . And so, since it's Reuben Ernest's birthday (January 14) time, then party time is order. And so we wish you little Reuben Ernest the happiest of birthday and a treasure of loving memories for the rest of your life.

Here's Artscooking menu during the event: Shrimp Rolls with Cheese, Roast Beef, Pansit Malabon, Mixed Veggies with Quail Eggs, Lumpiang Shanghai, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Buko Pandan, Maja Blanca, Leche Flan & Mixed Fried Rice.

Shrimp rolls with cheese Roast beef
Pansit Malabon
Mixed veggies with quail eggs
Chicken with cashew nuts

Lumpiang shanghaiMaja blanca

Leche flan

Buko pandan

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO 2: THE RE-FILL is coming out soon!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Erin!

2010-01-16T07:36:00.001-08:00

We wish the young lady the merriest of celebration, and may she grow in grace and wisdom.

Regards to Erin's parents, Mr & Mrs. Jess De Leon. We sincerely appreciate you taking time to give us some tips in cooking and presenting our food.

Here's Artscooking menu during the occassion: Relyenong Bangus, Roast beef, Beef Asado, Spring Rolls, Mixed Veggies with quail egg, Buchi, & Buko Pandan.

Relyenong bangus

Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Roast beefSpring Rolls
Buko pandan
Buchi

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO 2: THE RE-FILL is coming out soon

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Artscooking Thanksgiving: A Night of Good Food and Warm Reunion

2010-01-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

AL SAFA, JEDDAH, January 7, 2010 - Twenty seven varieties of food menu, including 13 main course, 2 types of rice, 5 sweets & 7 kakanin were bursting in an L-shape table that served as the buffet feast of the night.

It was a night of good food, warm ambiance, and sweet reunion to some old friends whom we have not seen for a while. It was virtually a fiesta - Jeddah style!

But this time, we let the pictures, and of course, our guests do the talking:

The Place:

Our friends/guests (apologies to those whose pictures we weren't able to take)

"Grabe! Eto na yata ang pinaka-maraming handa na napuntahan ko. Di ko nga alam kung saan ako magsisimula."

- Mark Cruz

HR Coordinator, ALJ Co.

"Wala ako masabi sa dami ng food. Di ko nga alam kung ano uunahin ko. I really enjoy that kainan. Sana mag-expand na talaga kayo."

- Boyet Guevarra

Merchandiser, Coca-Cola Co.

"Sarap to the max ang food. At ang daming choices."

- Joel Ellescas

AutoCAD Designer, IBS

"The food is so amazing."

- Jun de Guzman

Accountant, Woodworld Trading

Grabe naman. Ang ganda-ganda ng place. At ang sarap ng food - ang dami! Very impressive. This deserves to be featured both in TFC and PinoyTV."

-Pablo Nesperos

Decorator, Radwa Trading Co.

"Thank you so much for the sumptuous and delicious food treat to us. Superb and excellent ang service. Wala pa akong masabi sa kabaitan nyo. Anyway, whatever occassion that might come along the way, you are highly recommended. More power!"

-Arnel of AIC

The Food

Roast beef with cinnamonMixed veggies

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Chicken lollipops

Chicken fillet mignon

Beef callos

Calamares

Beef steak Tagalog style

Lumpiang shanghai Almond chicken

Beef menudo

Relyenong bangus

Chicken rolls with cheese

The desserts

Puto espesyal

Pichi-pichi

Kuchinta

Fruit salad

Sapin-sapin

Empanada

Boat tarts

Buko pandan

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO, THE RE-FILL IS COMING OUT SOON!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Mavey!

2010-01-09T06:02:00.001-08:00

Wow! Life really comes around. This is the second time we catered to the Cristobal family. The first was in 2008 during Matt's birthday.

We are so grateful. We already feel like we're part of the family. For every important occasion of their lives in Jeddah, they always invite us and manage to give us the role of providing heartful meals for their guests.

We also acknowledge Mike and Rhea for entrusting us this very important role. First birthday celebrations of their two consecutive kids...oohhh! what an honor!

So for Mavey, just enjoy growing up kid! And rest assured you are being raised by good hands.

It is very important that we take a real good care of a kid's birthday celebration. While it may appear that the parents were the ones so 'aligaga' during the occasion, it is really that kid who is the most excited person in party, and he would like to see that all of his friends and those who are dear to him show him utmost attention. That's why we have to make it extra special.

This event is also significant not only to the child, but also to the parents as well. As the kid grows up, the parents would have something to look back and treasure happy and fun memories on the very important day of their kid's life. This is why we are setting up the bar....hmmm...just a little notch higher!

It is the first day of the year, so what a better way to start it is by letting our fountains - juice and choco - out and pop their ways in the real open. We set-up the buffet table at ALJ Recreation. A garden set-up may not be be really the ideal location (for wind blows the juice out more often) but they nevertheless brought so much fun among kids (and kids alike). Yup! The moment we switched them on, kids really went crazy!

Thanks to Rhea for providing the pix.

Here's Artscooking menu during the occasion: Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chicken Pastel, Chicken Lollipops, Beef Asado & Mixed Pansit Canton/Bihon.

This table buffet set-up is completed with Juice and Choco Fountains as centerpieces.

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Mixed pansit canton/bihon

Chicken pastel

Chicken lollipops

Beef Asado

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO, Book 2: The Re-fill is coming out!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

2010: Insights and Tips

2010-01-04T05:27:00.001-08:00

It's 2010 and this is the perfect time of the year to get a headstart and straighten things out. These are some of the learnings based on almost 3 years in the catering business in Jeddah. You may also treat these insights as tips in planning your own future events.

1. Apart from the caterer, having an event organizer is a good idea, especially during all-out party with all the lights and sounds, games, etc. It doesn't have to be a professional, but who's got organizational tank above his shoulder, as the least of qualifications. A friend or a relative can do the job. This is a sure way to get things done.

2. One of the causes of food getting stale (tama ba? what we mean is pagkapanis) is the customers' inability to give the exact time as to when the food will be served. In the past, our clients asked us to deliver the food at a certain time only to be served to their guests at a much later time. Imagine if the client asks us to deliver and set-up the buffet table at 5PM, that means, the food is being cooked at least 3 hours earlier (with 1 hr travelling time allowance). Tapos, magsimula ang party by 7PM; then they will have to finish all their programs first before serving. Hala! siguro around 10 or 11PM na yon. So if the quality of food deteriorates, we get all the blame...haay!

3. It is never nice to let the guests really go hungry (gutumin ba ng husto! wink! wink!) before serving the food. We notice that people fail to appreciate the food if their principal goal is to fill up their stomach first. We just have the feeling that some orgs officers underestimate their own members; that people cannot focus on the event while eating. This is such an old school!

We don't find anything wrong with doing program while the guests can freely take their meal. The most fun-filled and relaxed events we attended even have their guests eat first before proceeding with the programs. That way, people have more energy to participate in activities. Plus, it's healthier that way.

4. There are only a handful of Filipino groups that provide party needs for Pinoy in Jeddah. This is why when we are asked for referrals such as for lights & sounds, or party clown or magician, we have no choice but to give the name of what we have ready at hand. Minsan lang, we become identified with our 'referees', that when lapses happen, again... we get the blame. Pero ok lang yon. We are not complaining, we just want you to understand.

5. For more than 2 years of blogging with primary purpose of documenting our gigs, the most prevalent comment so it seems is that 'we don't serve other food variances.' We have a four page A4 size menu list (download). In it you will find that we offer 22 selections on beef; 24 on chicken; 19 on seafood; 16 on veggies. We even have 15 japanese selections, 9 pasta, 6 soup varieties, apart from kakanin & salad. We also do customized menu preparations.

Our guess is that people usually choose what they are familiar with, and they would generally rather be safe than experimental.

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO, Book 2: The Re-fill is coming out!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

300

2010-01-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

BAHARAH, JEDDAH - Around 300 able-bodied, somewhat sombre looking men, others wearing shorts and sandos, while some even barefooted, greeted the first day of our 2010. We had the impression that our first catering salvo of the year would be rowdy as we witnessed how these men fought hard to emerge as winners in their group-sponsored games.

But you can never really tell the inner character by looking outside. In fact, we were blown away by how organized and disciplined these men are. When they were told that it was dinner time, slowly a long single line formed before our buffet table. And we swear, they were so mild-mannered, we finished serving in less than an hour without any hassle at all.

After dinner, we stayed for awhile, and enjoyed some of the programs. It was one of the merriest and fun-filled parties we ever catered in Jeddah.

Here's Artscooking menu during the event: Beef Menudo, Lumpiang Shanghai, Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Steam Rice.

Lumpiang shanghai

Beef menudo

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Our sponsor:
KAPENG ARABO, Book 2: The Re-fill is coming out!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

New Year's Eve at Saudia

2010-01-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

All over the world people celebrate New Year's Day with hope and enthusiasm. With great joy, they bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. Even in the very restricted atmosphere here in Jeddah, we found that people generally find ways to welcome the coming of another year.

We found ourselves during New Year's eve catering to one our good friends and a special colleague inside their humble abode in Saudia compound. While this is not the first time we cater to Mr. Rene Perrard & family, this event is extra-ordinary as we personally witness how people (including the nationals promise!) impose their strategies (kanya-kanya talagang palusot... wink! wink!) to celebrate New Year, at least in the way that we Filipinos and other Christian expats know how.

And look whom we found enjoying amidst the typical Pinoy celebration... it's Mishall (don't really know if I spell it right). He is a next door Palestinian boy running around as we set-up and light the fountain. Here's the story: After we left, we learned that thru constant interactions with Filipino kids inside the compound, Mishall can actually speak Tagalog. Damn! Nagkadaubos-ubos baon namin English para kausapin sya, marunong naman pala mag-Tagalog. Hmmm!

Here's Artscooking menu during the occasion: Chicken with cashew nuts, Beef Menudo, Shrimp Rolls with Cheese, Lumpiang Shanghai, Pansit Malabon, Fried Rice & Corn Soup.

Chicken with cashew nuts

Lumpiang Shanghai

Pansit Malabon
Shrim rolls with Cheese

Our sponsor:

KAPENG ARABO, Book 2: The Re-fill is coming out!

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Christmas Party at Ghulil

2009-12-27T07:34:00.001-08:00

We are just happy even other nationalities appreciate our Pinoy dish. Kudos to Unidecor for holding Christmas celebration to its staff.

Happy holidays!

Here's Artscooking menu during the occassion: Mixed Veggies, Menudo, Mixed Pansit Canton/Bihon, & Kaldereta.

Mixed veggies
Mixed pansit canton/bihon
Menudo

Beef kaldereta

Our sponsor:
http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Hannah!

2009-12-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is not Hannah in the picture. This is her nephew Nathan. We failed to get pix of the debutante because we were early setting up, and we heard she was still busy then with all the buzz of preparations for 'd' day.

So our message to Hannah, as you enter the world of adults, you will discover a wider world–with all its glories and chaos. You will meet a lot of people, wise and wise-nots. You will encounter different situations. But whatever comes to your life –be it exciting, happy, sad, frustrating - it is nice to know that you can always count on to your family. Do not worry. Everyone struggles with growing up. Continue living a life in pursuit of a better you and a better life for the people around you.

For the information of the many, Hannah is the sister of Golda who also had her birthday celebration with us sometime in June of 2009. Good taste really runs in the family. Wink! wink!

Here's Artscooking menu for the occassion: Beef Hamonado, Chicken w/ Cashew Nuts, Calamares, Pansit Malabon, Buchi, Corn Soup, Chinese Fried Rice, & Relyenong Bangus.

Beef hamonado

CalamaresChicken with cashew nuts
Relyenong Bangus
Pansit Malabon

Buchi

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Holiday Take-outs

2009-12-23T23:37:00.000-08:00

Other than the sweets, these three seem to be the most in-demand during the holidays.

Beef Hamonado

Relyenong Bangus
Chicken Rolls

Thank you to Jo Bufi, Leo Aquino, Duane Flordeliz, Ruel V, Rey Ang, & Ms. Jane.

Merry Christmas to All!

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Artscooking New Home

2009-12-18T22:08:00.001-08:00

It's not yet complete, but we're getting there. Yes, while the rest is busy with their little parties, we were exhausted (but definitely not wasted) setting this thing up. And we feel we owe it to you, our valued clients, to take a peek at what's going at Artscooking.

This one will serve as a sort of mini-showroom, and venue where we do our little chit-chats while we take your orders (wink! wink!).

But it will nevertheless remain as our personal space, and a place where we will use to prepare your food.

Yes, you read it right! It will not be open for public, rather it will be our own private little Idaho, so to speak. Otherwise spoken in our Tagalog language, "katuwaan lang".

Cheers!

View from the door

Panoramic view 1

Panoramic view 2

Our stockroom

Our kitchen is still under repair, which is why we failed to post the pix here. But soon!

Thanks to mannygarciarants@blogspot.com which also blogged the same entry.

So we know you've all been busy, or will be very busy this coming days. But for what its worth, we at Artscooking wish you all a very

Merry Christmas, and a Prosperous New Year!

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Precious Asleigh!

2009-12-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

Angels are here to bless the good and defeat the ugly. And when you look at our birthday celebrant Precious Asleigh, you would want to reach out and tickle an adorable baby angel with little wings like cupid. Yeah, the good really triumphs!

So for this very special angel, her mama and papa made an extra mile of allowing her to celebrate her very first birthday at Iceland in Al Sara District.

Artscooking witnessed the pouring of graces and support to the family of friends and colleagues (pati ibang lahi nandon :>) as the virtually huge hall of Iceland Party Area turned into seemingly fishbowl with all the actions going on - there was a magic show; a clown and mascot that kept the entertainment alive for the kids the whole time.

It was so much fun!

Here's the menu: Beef Hamonado, Chicken Mongolian, Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Shrimp Rolls, Chinese Fried Rice & Corn Soup.

(Disclaimer: We believe in giving credit to where it is due. So, in respect to all the comments, we would like to make it clear that we post a set of menu that we actually served during a specific occasion. Other than the list, your guess is as good as ours.)

Chicken Mongolian

Mixed veggies with quail eggs
Shrimp Rolls
Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce
Beef Hamonado

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Juice and Choco Fountains

2009-11-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

Here's our latest offering to make your buffet tables and parties more enticing and special:

Juice Fountain
2ft (approx.)
8 liters (refillable)

Choco Fondue Fountain
1.5 ft (approx.)
with heater

These items are winners to surely catch your guests' attention (specially kids!). Inquire about our great package: call 0509473258 or e-mail us at artscooking@yahoo.com.

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

2009-11-21T00:26:00.000-08:00

This is our catering to Allysa's 3rd birthday celebration (Nov 9). We weren't able to get a really good pose from this girl as she couldn't stand still (figuratively) for our cam to capture her. She's a little beauty nonetheless. You can tell she's got it all in all angles.

So for this lovely "birthday princess" with such enchanting ways that deserve the royal treatment on her special day, we, at Artscooking, wish that you grow in grace. And may all your wishes come true!

Here's the menu we served during the occasion: Beef Hamonado, Chicken Rolls, Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Mixed Veggies with Quail Eggs, Pansit Malabon, Buko Pandan, Maja Blanca, Cream of Mushroom, Chinese Fried Rice.

Beef hamonado

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Chicken rolls
Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Pansit Malabon
Maja blanca

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

500!

2009-11-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

We're back!

After more than 3 weeks of hiatus in blogging, we are glad to present our latest catering venture fresh from yesterday's event.

A group gathering composed of more than 500 pax celebrated the graduation of its members. In respect to its solemnity, as it is an exclusive event for members only, we limit the details only to the date, which is 13th of November, and the place, at Tents Resort which is impressive in size. Based on our humble estimate, its can accomodate no less than a thousand pax, and the parking lot can squeeze in more cars than any resorts in Obhur for that matter.

We arranged the buffet table in a u-shape formation to facilitate smooth flow of guests. We had 16 sets of shelfing dish with 12 large pans more as back-ups.

But our guess is that being a first-timer in catering to that huge number has its set-backs.

But we admit. We had our shortcoming on this particular event. We were short in soup and rice. Our forecasts failed bigtime, as there were guests who were really disappointed.

From the bottom of our hearts, please accept our sincere apologies!

The group availed of our discount package (please e-mail us at artscooking@yahoo.com for details) composed of one viand for each menu selection (please refer to download link for our menu), plus plus. Here's what we served during the occasion: Spicy Mongolian Chicken, Beef Brocolli, Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Mixed Veggies, Chinese Fried Rice, & Buko Pandan.

Spicy mongolian chicken

Beef broccoli

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Chinese fried rice

Mixed veggies

Buko pandan

We shall try our best to post our previous catering gigs for the last 3 weeks. We will try a retro-approach in between latest events. To the followers of this blog, thank you for your support and understanding.

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

AFPTA at Al Bilad Hotel

2009-10-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

There was no way to contain our excitement when we learned that we were to bring Artscooking at Al Bilad Hotel.

Al Bilad is the venue for this year's All Filipino Players Tennis Association Awards (AFPTA) Night held last October 2.

Of course, we did not bring our complete set-up, otherwise we will look so amateur-ish compared to this very elegant and top-notch arrangement.

Our minds were groping for words as our eyes feast on the visual delight around us. You can tell, Al Bilad's will be one of our paragons as we dream for something big (haay! sana nga... cheers)!

We were able to take shots at the ballroom. It's quite big, and our guess is that it can accomodate as much as 500 pax.

The stage

The ballroom

Here's Artscooking menu during the event: Beef Hamonado, Mixed Veggies with Quail Eggs, Fish Fillet in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chicken Rolls with Cheese, Chinese Fried Rice, Steam Rice, Lomi Soup, Buko Pandan.

The food we served were designed for 150 pax.

Beef Hamonado

Mixed veggies with quail eggs

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Chinese fried rice

Chicken rolls with cheese

Buko pandan

We would like to thank all the officers and staff of AFPTA for giving us the chance to cater during your special event. Congratulations and more power!

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Carry-out Goodies

2009-10-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank the following people who ordered from us various carry-out goodies:

Rhea Cristobal (October 8)

Relyenong bangus

Jun Terones (October 8 & September 19)

Bistik tagalog

Ernie of King Fahad Hospital (September 24)

Pichi-pichi

RJ Villaceran (September 20)

Leche flan

Lorrie Loyola (September 20) Buko pandan & Pichi-pichi

Buko pandan

Boyet of Coca-cola (September 20 & 10)

Pansit Malabon

Raymond Davis (September 26)

Pechos

Raymond De la Pena (September 24) - Kare-kare, Lumpiang shanghai, Pechos

Kare-kare

Lumpiang shanghai

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Francis!

2009-10-05T23:23:00.001-07:00

Yes! It was no less than TFC correspondent and Arab News (Pinoy Extra) columnist Francis Salud's turn to celebrate his special day (Sept 20) by spending it with closed friends and colleagues at Obhur beach.

Artscooking was there and provided the special get-away menu for this occasion.

Lumpiang shanghai

Laing espesyal

Fish fillet in sweet & sour sauce

Chicken with cashew nuts

Our sponsor KAPENG ARABO would like to extend its gratitude to Mr. Francis Salud for his brief commentary on the book that appeared in his column Dec 29, 2008. You may wish to see the actual post here, but we managed to re-produce the text below:

KAPENG ARABO, librong tumatalakay sa mga naging karanasan ng OFW.

Ang librong KAPENG ARABO ay hango sa kwento ng mga naging buhay-buhay ng ilan nating kababayang OFWs. Hinabi ni Manny Garcia, may akda ng libro at editor at publisher ng e-newsletter na SAWALI, ang mga sanaysay mula sa kanyang sariling karanasan at pangaraw araw na pakikisalamuha sa mga kapwa Pinoy.

Tinatalakay ni Garcia ang kalungkutang dinaranas ng mga Pinoy na napadpad dito sa Kaharian at kung paano nila ito pinaglalabanan habang sila'y malayo sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Mabibili ang KAPENG ARABO sa National Bookstore (pati na sa Powerbooks at Fullybooked) sa Pinas at sa Jarir Bookstore sa Kaharian at iba pang GCC countries.

Happy Birthday Rosalie & Zarah!

2009-10-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Logistically, hosting a joint birthday celebration, for a mother celebrating the prime her fabulous years, and her daughter, attaining the start of her teenage life, could be fraught with so much considerations with perceived generational divide.

But this is the Perrard household, and the beauty of this occasion was the fact that this was a celebration of life, family and friends, and the bounties that the Almighty bestowed upon them. There really was no generational divide, but a melding with friends of both Rosalie (the mother) and Zarah (the daughter) coming together to celebrate in a special manner. And celebrate they did.

A garden set-up in their private home inside Saudia compound really made all the difference; but Artscooking was there to make it extra special. Here's the menu: Veggie rolls, Shrimp in Sweet & Sour sauce, Pansit Malabon, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Beef Broccoli, Chinese Fried Rice.

Veggie rolls

Shrimp in sweet & sour sauce
Pansit malabon
Chicken with cashew nuts
Beef broccoli

Our sponsor
http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com

Get-together goodies

2009-10-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

As a cheerful refrain at the end of seemingly countless hours of pressures at work, it the shared anticipation of stress-free socializing and good times with friends and plenty of delicious food that really perk up the otherwise mundane way of Saudi life.

And so, as you always look forward to your weekend get-aways, we promise to match your excitement with our menu suggestions.

Thanks to Bok of NCB who has become our 'suki' and who's always been considering Artscooking in every get-together events. Last time we heard, he brought the following in their Taif trip during Eid holiday.

Kudos!

Shrimp rolls
Pansit malabonPalitawBuko pandan

Our sponsor:

http://kapengarabo.blogspot.com