Passion Cooks: A Soulful Gastronomic Experience

Let me tell you something that I hope you have not read in any blogs and you are now reading for the first time. This is about how Passion Cooks started in the catering industry. 

The blogger, Maja and OTN. Maja has just recovered from dengue when this was taken.

I had the pleasure of asking Maja personally about this and in her wise words “the Martinez family is not the owner of the catering business but simply a steward of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The inspiration began five years ago when she used to jog and advertise about the business through inserting flyers on the windshield of each car that she passed by. She would travel anywhere in Manila so just she can place simple brochures on every pigeon hole that she sees. Maja even remembers a funny incident where security guards will turn her away everytime she would distribute the leaflets!

Before Passion Cooks (PC) became operational full time, Maja worked as a Bridal and Social Manager in New World Renaissance Hotel where she handled wedding functions. It was there that she was mentored by colleagues and friends who molded and inspired her to be the person she is now. She found it challenging to work for PC at night and still hold a 9-6pm job. With God’s perfect timing guided by proper discernment, Maja resigned from her work. PC is now ready to go in full speed. And the best is yet to come.

The Divine Providence not only blessed PC with numerous bookings for weddings and children’s party. Even though PC is not accredited in almost all reception venues-this will not hinder brides from booking as they are more than willing to change their venue or pay the corkage fee). The artist in Maja when she was still a child blossomed to a person with a unique eye for intricate details and designing. The team can turn a bare and old forgotten venue into a wonderland. Visit their multiply account so you will know what I am talking about---but finish reading this first because writing about Passion Cooks is like a journey to the Promised Land. Every bride and groom that I have read on the internet attested to how Passion cooks will not only nourish your palate but also nurture your spiritual thirst when you meet them personally.

I had the honor of meeting Maja’s mom briefly when we went to their house for food tasting. Ms. Laura Martinez is the executive chef of Passion cooks and she’s been cooking and studying the culinary arts for almost 20 years. Maja’s brother manages their other area of expertise which is manufacturing biscuits called Laura’s Food Products and Corporation. You can find the wide array of delicacies like puto seko, buttered toasts, egg cracklets and otap in leading supermarkets. Pakitingin nga yang masarap na tinapay na hawak mo---baka kanina mo pa dinadawdaw sa kape hindi mo alam Laura’s na pala yan. Maaaring nakatikim na din ako nito na hindi ko namalayan. Akalain mo yun, makabisita nga sa SM pag-uwi sa Pinas.

Fortunately and expectantly, I think it was the universe’ plan to relocate Maja’s residential house slash office in BF Homes Paranaque. Why? Because our family house in the Philippines is just a few blocks away. Perhaps the close proximity is a sign . . . a wonderful sign.

The first dish that we encountered that day was the Oriental Salad with crispy catfish and mango tomato salsa. 

Oriental salad with crispy catfish and mango tomato salsa

I think I was too excited because I didn’t even mix the dish containing fresh lettuce, crispy catfish, fresh green mangoes, ripe mangoes and diced tomatoes. OTN (my one true north) was already beaming in delight and I thought the first spoonful I got which was the crispy catfish tasted salty. “You have to mix it,” OTN said. “Of course!”. And then the whole idea dawned to me. It was as if the crispy catfish, mangoes and tomatoes were going to an orchestra and the greens although subtle at first, led the way.

Chicken and Ham Crepe

This starter is one of my favorite. The outside of the crepe was crunchy but one will be able to cut it beautifully with great ease if you divide it into half. And the chicken and ham filling inside were cooked perfectly and combined with cheddar cheese that melts in your mouth. I will have a second serving of this. Anytime. Anyday. 

Grilled pork with herbed cream cheese and muscovado apples

The grilled pork was seasoned perfectly enveloped in dark brown sauce. I am not an expert but it seems the muscovado was allowed to caramelize and this complemented the juiciness of the apples. The flavors were well balanced and the cream cheese surprisingly did not overpower the whole dish. Passion cooks made a harmonious recipe on this one.

Fish fillet with mango-tomato salsa and teriyaki-sesame sauce

Don’t get fooled by the look of this simple serving.The texture of the dory was fantastic . . . really crispy on the exterior and soft on the interior. You have the choice of dipping it into the fullness of teriyaki sauce or the sweet sour blend of the mango sauce.

Baked prawn thermidor

By the time we were at this leg of the adventure, OTN and I were already full. My sister thought this dish was wonderful. And yes, the prawn topped with mushrooms,ham and cheesy cream will work its way to your heart.

Beef kebabs

The beef slices were cooked tenderly. The bell pepper, mushroom, cucumber, slice of lemon and potato on a skewer supplemented well the taste of the beef. I think this serving will balance the creaminess of the prawn thermidor when taken together.

Three mushrooms pasta

This is the first time that I have encountered a pasta meal like this which consist of various mushrooms like shitake, button and black fungus blended with creamy béchamel sauce. It was very satisfying to the senses and full with the richness of the mushroom. I was pleasantly surprised with this experience.

Mango creme pie and Chocolate Lazy cake

How can I even begin with how this love affair with food ended? I would say the encounter with the desserts was gratifying. Imagine ending your stressful day with a glass of frozen mango, graham and cream. On your other hand you have a plate of biscuits dancing together with milk chocolate with just the right sweetness. I think you will just put your feet up and with each mouthful, you would say “Ah, this is the life! This is how everything should always be. I hope there are no endings.”

At this point while we are talking about how beautiful life is, we must talk about music.

OTN and I adore Kelly Clarkson. Like Highschool sweethearts we were jumping and singing our throats out when she had a concert here in Singapore. Why am I bringing up Kelly Clarkson when we are talking about food? . . . because I am reminded of that wondrous experience when we met Maja, her mom and their food. Kelly Clarkson started off really cool and slow and when she reached the middle of her repertoire—she was already belting and the energy level was high up in the sky that you would be a fool if you were not singing and dancing at that time (even if you are not a dancer, like me …. hahaha). And the energy level did not wane nor stop up to her very last song number. That was exactly how I felt when we had our food tasting. The quality of the food just keeps on getting better and better, plate after plate after plate. The flavour and the taste soulfully climbed its way to the top, escalated right there where mountaineers will pierce their flag on Mount Everest with a shout of victory. If a banquet is prepared for God---this will be it.

Now, how is it possible that people as passionate and genuine still exist in this world?

Maja of Passion Cooks reminded me that humanity still has its outliers - people who will surprise you by serving high caliber dishes at par with international cuisine. People who you know come from affluent and old rich families and yet remain down to earth and humble. Who can mingle with others coming from all walks of life and yet outshine them with their love . . . overflowing love for food. Overflowing love to serve the very best. Overflowing love for craft and family.

That is Passion cooks.

Again, I am not an expert on food. I grew up in a family of engineers and medical professionals. My sisters and I have to learn how to cook on our own. My parents have a different expertise-and that is showering true love. I love watching television shows where Gordon Ramsay will push chefs to their limits and these food lovers will scuttle from one corner to another and simply deliver the best. My gastronomic CV include dining in hawker centers in Singapore, fast food arenas in the Philippines and in fancy restaurants in Australia. Yes, I still think Jollibee yum burger is still a winner both in smell and taste. LOL. So I will boldly say that my food tasting with Passion cooks truly was a divine experience.

Footnote: The Oriental salad with crispy catfish and Mango Tomato salsa still haunt the great OTN with outmost delight up to this very day. Slurpy sound on the background.

The great OTN minus the slurpy crispy catfish salad