Celebrate Filipino American Heritage during the month of October and cook up a batch of that savory favorite adobo! Anyone who’s ever tasted adobo, loves it.
Considered the national dish of the Philippines, this beloved dish is delicious in its traditional preparation of meat marinated in vinegar and soy sauce served with rice. Here are some unique takes of the classic dish from chefs from The New Filipino Kitchen cookbook.
This dish is similar to Italian arancini, which are deep-fried rice balls that are usually stuffed with a meat sauce and cheese. This version uses adobo. Any adobo can be used for this recipe, but an adobo made with bony chicken legs provides a high enough collagen content to gelatinize the sauce when chilled.
TOTAL TIME: 2 ½ hours
YIELD: 16–20 balls Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for deep-frying 1 head garlic, minced
1 ¾ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
2 ½ cups cane vinegar or rice vinegar
1 ¾ cups light soy sauce
2–3 bay leaves
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Cornstarch, for thickening
2 cups cooked short-grain or sushi rice
2 medium eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Salt, to taste
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken. Stir with the garlic for 1 minute and then add the vinegar, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Season with pepper.
Add the chicken broth, plus enough water to ensure that the chicken pieces are completely submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked and falling off the bone. Be sure to taste the adobo along the way and adjust the soy sauce, vinegar, or chicken broth (or water if you’ve run out) as needed.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and raise the heat to medium. Continue to cook the sauce for about 1 minute, or until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a bowl. Stir it in, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is as thick as gravy.
Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for reheating later on. Cool the rest of the sauce as quickly as possible by filling a roasting pan with ice,
placing another pan on top, and pouring the sauce into the top pan. The sauce should start to gel as it cools down.
While you’re waiting for the sauce to cool, pull the chicken meat from the skin and bones and shred the meat. Discard the bones but reserve the skin—you can blast it in the oven until crispy for a delicious snack or as an accompaniment to the arandobo balls.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the rice into one hand and flatten it in your palm to form a circle. Add about 1 teaspoon of the shredded chicken to the center, followed by a teaspoon of the jellied adobo sauce. Wrap the rice around the chicken and add more as necessary to fill any gaps. Set the rice ball aside. Repeat this process until either the rice or chicken runs out.
Make an egg wash by beating the eggs in a bowl. Pour the panko crumbs into a separate bowl. One by one, dip the rice balls into the egg wash and then into the panko, coating them evenly.
Transfer the reserved and remaining (if any) adobo sauce to a small saucepan and heat over low heat; keep warm while you deep-fry the arandobo balls.
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F. Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, drop the balls in and fry until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer the balls to a wire rack and season with salt. Repeat with the remaining balls.
Serve with the warmed adobo sauce.
NOTE: After you bread the rice balls, you can freeze them for frying later. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with plastic wrap. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze. Once frozen, you can transfer them to zip-top bags and return to the freezer. They will keep for at least a month. Thaw before deep-frying.
Here’s a pulled pork version of adobo with similarities to lechon paksiw, a sweet-and sour stew made from leftover roast pig, and humba, a sweet meat stew. I recommend garnishing this dish with a green papaya and carrot pickle known as atchara, which needs to be started at least five days ahead of time. Try pairing the meal with ginger tea or a pilsner.
PREPARATION TIME:
10 minutes + 7 hours to braise and rest
YIELD: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons 1 (4-pound) pork cushion (also called picnic shoulder)
6 tablespoons brown sugar
2 ½ tablespoons paprika
4 star anise
3 bay leaves
1 head garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1/3 cup water 12–16 slider buns
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Rub the pork all over with the brown sugar and paprika. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the pork and sear each side for about 2 minutes, or until reddish brown. Watch this closely, as the sugar may burn if you aren’t attentive. Transfer the pork to a roasting pan.
Wrap the anise, bay leaves, garlic, cloves, and peppercorns in a sachet made of cheesecloth and add it to the pan. Then add the soy sauce, vinegar, and water.
Seal the roasting pan with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and braise for 6 hours. Transfer the adobo to a platter and set it aside to rest for 1 hour. Reserve the sauce and discard the sachet of seasonings.
Shred the meat, place it on a plate, and cover it with the reserved warmed sauce.
Fill the buns with the adobo. Garnish with atchara, a pickled green papaya relish, and serve.
NOTES: Toasted Filipino bread rolls called pandesal or pan de sal, which literally means “bread of salt,” are a great alternative to slider buns. Packaged ready-made pandesal are available in most Asian-Filipino stores.
Reprinted with permission from The New Filipino Kitchen edited by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri, Agate Surrey, 2018 ᯽
The New Filipino Kitchen is a collection of 30 stories and recipes from expat Filipino chefs, home cooks, and writers that serves as a delicious, accessible introduction to the complex and adaptable, though perennially overshadowed, cuisine that is Filipino food.
it was a balmy Thursday afternoon and my two sisters and I scored a table on the patio at Wildseed, a 100% plantbased, dare we say vegan , eatery in Palo Alto. We were celebrating my younger sister’s birthday and she’s vegan, and after exploring the too-few options online, Wildseed’s menu had potential. The menu stars vegetables in all of their authentic veggie glory and not as the co-star with second-billing behind meat substitutes.
We started, as all birthday celebrations should, with cocktails. The menu features cocktails with unique ingredients like falernum, and gentian amaro – ingredients I have yet to google. As tempting as it was to try something new, two of us refrained from adventure and ordered The Easy Breezy which contains more familiar ingredients including rum, pineapple, and coconut milk – no regrets; it was not overly sweet and it was tropical and refreshing. If you’re feeling more adventurous and you (must) love beets, try And The Beet Goes On, which boldly incorporates…surprise… beets; this drink is earthy and sweet, resonating with a bold beet flavor, and really, quite pleasant. Kudos to my sister for going out on the limb with a vegetable cocktail.
The menu is intriguing and the best way to navigate it is to share with your friends (or your sisters) and to order the items that most pique your interest. Likely, it will require multiple trips but we endeavored to do our best. With this in mind, we ordered a good variety from the starter menu. The
Mexican Corn Cakes arrived to the table first. These were fluffy polenta cakes topped with grilled corn, fresh cherry tomatoes, aioli, and queso – an elevated version of elotes, which all the rage right now, and they were so satisfying – salty, creamy, with the explosion of charred corn – delectable.
Next came the Wild Mushroom Zeppole. Being fans of deep-fried foods and lovers of mushrooms of all types, this dish elicited plenty of excitement.
The zeppole were nicely fried and they weren’t oily in the least, however, the batter was a bit on the heavy side and it was lacking flavor in spite of the promise of porcini dust, although the herb aioli dip helped.
The stunner was the Mezze Plate – a long wooden board laden with falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, marinated feta cheese, tabouli, and a crispychewy seeded flatbread. This dish satisfied on all levels. The falafel were crisp on the outside and pillowy on the inside, the tabouli salad was bright and fresh, the marinated feta was creamy and delightfully cheesy, the smoky hummus and baba ghanoush were probably some of the best we’ve ever had, and the seeded flatbread was irresistible. This is a top dish and should be ordered always.
From the entrée menu, we ordered the Heirloom Buckwheat Noodles and the Green Forest Flatbread. Cold soba noodles came to the table buried under
By CINDY CRUZa plethora of fresh herbs and veggies: snap peas, eggplant, asparagus, tomatoes, cilantro, mint, and basil, garnished with chilies and peanuts in a soy-citrus dressing. The cold noodles with the veggies and herbs offered a delightful medley of textures – soft, chewy noodles, crispy vegetables, and crunchy peanuts, all highlighted by the perfectly balanced acid and umami from the dressing. The flatbread was good too, layered with cashew cheese, broccolini, and mushrooms under a generous heap of peppery arugula. The chew on the flatbread was divine – firm but with the right amount of chew with crispy edges.
Not to be defeated by our already sated appetites, we ordered not one but two desserts: the Vanilla-Coconut Panna Cotta and the Peach Crumble. The panna cotta arrived, a delicate vanilla bean-speckled cooked cream covered in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pistachios. It was cool and creamy and the vanilla flavor shone through. It was slightly too firm, but it was light and fresh – a good way to end a big meal. The peach crumble was a generous serving of juicy peaches buried under a nutty almond streusel and served with vegan ice cream. Believe it or not, we finished the whole thing. ᯽
Wildseed - Town &
SEPTEMBER THROUGH MIDNOVEMBER IS HARVEST
SEASON IN SONOMA and there’s no better time to go. The grapevines turn from green to gold and travelers can find great offers on lodging and activities. Here are our lists of the best places to stay, play, and eat in Sonoma.
MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa 29 E MacArthur St, Sonoma, CA 95476
This hotel is reminiscent of a fine country estate with landscaped grounds featuring lush green lawns and fragrant flowers. Each villa features guestrooms with quaint balconies or front porches complete with wicker chairs so you can sip your wine while enjoying the gorgeous grounds. If it gets a little too cool for comfort, move the wine party to one of the fire pits that are dotted throughout the property.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay 103 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923 Bodega Bay is located on Sonoma’s coast and the coastline is magnificent. You’re still close enough to do all of the wine tasting activities but with the added bonus of staying in accommodations with a beautiful view and proximity to the beach. The lodge has newly renovated suites with a coastal/beach house vibe. The rooms are large and the bathtub is to die for.
There’s plenty to see and do in Sonoma. Stroll through Sonoma Plaza where there are boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and wine bars to explore. Fall is harvest time in wine country and festival season is in full swing. On November 5th & 6th check out the Food & Wine Affair where various venues in the Alexander, Dry
Creek, and Russian River valleys will be featuring delicious foods paired with the perfect wines.
Spend a few hours exploring Cornerstone Gardens. Cornerstone has several separate little gardens featuring flowers, plants and trees, sculptures, structures, as well as culinary gardens featuring fresh vegetables, fruit, and herbs. There are cafés, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutiques. Every weekend through the end of October is the Cornerstone Music Series where guests can enjoy great food and good music. Entrance to the music series is free and food and beverages are available for purchase.
Sonoma is also ideal for enjoying the great outdoors. Bike ride along picturesque country roads, hike through the nearby redwoods, or drive along the coast and stop at one of the many beautiful and peacefully unpopulated beaches. And of course, there’s the obvious: wine tasting. Sonoma boasts several scenic wineries and wine tasting fees in and around Sonoma are often less expensive than in Napa, and at some places, tastings are free (Adastra Wine, Korbel Champagne Cellars, and Sonoma Portworks to name a few).
29 E MacArthur St, Sonoma, CA 95476
Don’t miss a chance to enjoy a meal at Layla, located in the MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa. The bright airy dining room and the farm-to-table approach to creating innovative dishes served by friendly wait staff make Layla a pleasant place to nibble and imbibe. Start with a variety of shared plates like pillowy
Parker House rolls served with chicken drippings and sherry vinegar, fresh chilled oysters, and perfectly grilled crispy octopus. Paired with one of the signature or seasonal cocktails, it’s a great way to sample what the kitchen has to offer.
927 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Dirty Girl Donuts. These instagrammable donuts, made with rich brioche dough, come in a bevy of tempting flavors like Maple Bacon, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Salted Butterscotch Lush, to name a few. Come early because these tasty treats sell out quick.
103 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Drake’s, located at The Lodge at Bodega Bay, is a great choice for dinner by the bay. To begin, start with the oysters – they are very fresh, and you should eat them as often as you can while you’re on the Sonoma Coast. If you see the bone-in pork chop with the cherry gastrique and cheesy polenta on the menu, order it. And don’t miss the carrot cake with the candied walnuts – it’s delicious.
464 1st St E Suite F, Sonoma, CA 95476
There are many, many places in Sonoma where you can spend money on a gourmet meal, and you can hardly go wrong. On a night where you just want to chill, have a beer, and enjoy a casual dinner, try Taste of the Himalayas.
Samosas, veggie momos, chicken coco masala, lamb tandoori, and naan hit the spot. The portions might seem a little small-, but that just means you can walk around the corner for ice-cream or donuts.
CALIFORNIA’S MONTEREY COASTLINE IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A DRIVABLE GETAWAY. Le ss than two hours away from the Bay Area it’s ideal for a staycation. And now is a perfect time to visit. Without the international flow of tourists pouring in from Europe and Asia, it’s relatively crowd-free. Take advantage and be a tourist in your own backyard!
In Carmel, check into the Hofsas House, a cute, bright pink fairy-tale like hotel at the very edge of town. The charming murals, friendly service, and proximity to beach and town make it a good spot to rest your head during your stay. It’s not fancy – it’s kind of like staying in your grandma’s house with each room decorated with antique-looking furniture, a fireplace, a cubby kitchen with microwave and fridge, and a cute Dutch door. A room at the top is desirable, and while you may
lament the number of stairs you will have to climb, just know that the reward is a view of the ocean in the distance. Other perks: heated swimming pool, breakfast, and wine hour in the evenings.
In Monterey, the Hyatt Regency is an excellent choice for a romantic weekend or a family getaway. The property is adjacent to the Del Monte Golf Course so it’s perfect for a golf-centric trip and there’s a spa if not everyone is into golf. There are tennis courts, a nice fitness room, a completely revamped restaurant, Sea Root which is due to open any day now (serving
breakfast only for now). There are fire pits where s’mores can be enjoyed, a couple of swimming pools, bocce ball and a hidden spot where guests can lounge on hammocks.
Stroll along Ocean Avenue
The European style village boasts restaurants, cafes, bakeries, bistros, and bars galore. And the shopping!—there are endless boutiques, shops and art galleries lining street after street of downtown Carmel if you’re in a spendy mood.
Hit the beach
Bottom of Ocean Avenue, Carmel
When you get to the bottom of Ocean Avenue, the shops, restaurants, and inns give way to one of the most beautiful
beaches along the California coastline. The remarkably clean white sand, the teal-blue water, on-site restrooms, and proximity to town makes this beach perfect for spending the day by the sea.
The Point Lobos Reserve is often referred to as “the crown jewel of the State Park System” and should not be missed. The reserve offers several hiking trails along the shoreline, all with magnificent views of the breathtaking coastline.
Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Usually a tourist hotspot, now is a great time to visit. After being closed for a year, the aquarium is reopening its doors, but only to those who have pre-purchased tickets online. Take advantage of the limited admission to see one of the best aquariums in the world without the usual crowd.
Cannery Row & Fisherman’s Wharf
How many times have you skipped going to Cannery Row and the Fisherman’s wharf due to heavy tourist traffic? Well, now is a great time to check out the shops, restaurants, and amusements. Go whale watching, scuba dive, or rent bikes or kayaks and explore by land or by sea. Make sure you check what’s open and if reservations are necessary. ◉
Lpets) more and more places are pet-friendly – especially hotels! Not only are they opening their doors to our pups, but they treat our pets like kings! So many amenities, you might even wonder: whose vacation is this? Check out these dog-friendly accommodations and pack the puppies’ bags – they’re coming with!
147 Stimson Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Vespera Resort’s Pismo Pub Club welcomes guests and their treasured four-legged friends to enjoy 26-square-miles of a gorgeous, dog-friendly beach just beyond the doors of the resort. Pooches will be welcomed with a Pismo Pup Clubbranded dog tag. Refreshing water bowls are placed throughout the resort, and pups have unlimited access to Pismo Pup Club toys, including balls, frisbees and more to borrow while visiting. For friendly socializing, gathering spots for both dogs and owners include the expansive outdoor deck and Somerset Grill’s outside restaurant for enjoying drinks and treats. Pismo Preserve, a dog-friendly hiking area is open for exploration and can provide hours of seaside adventure. To enjoy the renowned wine country of Edna Valley tour dog-friendly wineries such as Biddle Ranch, Claiborne & Churchill, Baileyana Tangent and others.
100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Montage Healdsburg understands dogs are part of the family and fully embraces four-legged guests. In addition to comfy beds and treats, the resort has worked diligently to plan a nutritious and gourmet menu for your pet, which can be ordered via In-Room Dining. Further, the resort offers furry friends food and water bowls, a dog bed, treats and a trading card from the resort’s on-site canine ambassador Beau, a Lagotto Romagnolo.
The resort’s pup, Beau, is known as Italy’s adorable water dog and truffle hunter. This little future-truffle sniffer makes regular appearances in the lobby, where he enjoys meeting, greeting, and playing with everyone. As the resort looks to the future, they’re excited for their Canine Ambassador to help forage local truffles for the resort’s chefs to use in their cuisine, especially being able to forage truffles from the 450 hazelnut trees spanning 1.5 acres of the property once they mature through the years.
Healdsburg is also a very dog-friendly community. Many of the restaurants, wineries and breweries will allow your dog to join you during your experiences on outdoor patios, while many of the local shops and galleries also allow dogs on a leash. Many places may even have a treat or a sip of water for your furry family member.
1 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
To enhance the experience for those traveling with a pet, Harvest Inn has a Happy Tails Package including a variety of amenities to help make furry friends feel as ‘at home’ as possible. The package includes the pet fee, local dog treats from Fideaux St. Helena, Harvest Inn branded pet bowls and beds to use during the stay, a Harvest Inn tennis ball, and a pet waste bag leash attachment. In addition, the rate includes parking, WiFi and a bottle of Napa Valley Wine in the room. Harvest Inn welcomes up to two dogs for a $150 pet fee per reservation for the designated pre-arranged pet-friendly rooms. Guests must indicate they will be bringing a pet in their online reservation system or directly over the phone.
627 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069
La Peer has always been a pet friendly boutique hotel, where guests are encouraged to bring their furry, feathery or scaly family member — no matter their size, weight, or breed – at no extra charge. Recently, La Peer has launched new partnerships that have created
a full on ‘pet culture’ at the hotel, including a Wag! Partnership, providing guests will a complimentary month of Wag! Premium with every stay (10% off every pet service booked, waived booking fees, and 24/7 access to vet advice), and a Pet Getaway Package, which includes a pet bed, bowl, treats, and a $50 Food and Beverage stay credit. Several other pet amenities and recommendations for local groomers, dog parks, pet friendly restaurants and more.
500 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Guests who book the Sawyer’s Pooch Package receive a Sawyer branded bandana for their pup, as well as a $25 credit for breakfast in bed with a complimentary puppuccino.
The Winston Solvang
486-C, 1st St, Solvang, CA 93463
Solvang is a pet-friendly destination with a ton to offer people and pets alike. After a day of visiting select wine tasting rooms with your furry companion, spend the evening strolling Danish Provincialstyle streets or dining at one of the many restaurants offering al fresco seating.
Vinland Hotel + Lounge
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
The inclusive, pet policies at Vinland Hotel and Lounge make it easy to bring the whole family, allowing for up to two of your furry friends to tag along and enjoy the dog-friendly destination of Solvang, offering endless photo opportunities and activities including shopping, wine tasting and trolley rides.
180 Ave of Flags, Buellton, CA 93427
With a wide range of accommodations from cabins, campers, and campsites there is something for everyone – including four-legged friends. Enjoy a day of exploration on the property grounds. Flying Flags is fully equipped with pet relief stations on-site and a fenced in dog park.
Sideways Inn and Lounge
114 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427
Spend the day exploring Buellton and visiting the off-leash dog park next door with your furry family member. Pets are welcome to wind down in the evening with outdoor dining options or around outdoor fire pits.
rnrvr.com
Dog-friendly vacation rentals used to be few and far between, but RnR makes it the rule. Because, hey, dogs rule! Currently they have more than 30 dog-friendly homes within their portfolio because the property owners know that families are incomplete without youknow- who.
Once you’ve locked in your dog-friendly stay, the rest is easy. The entire Tahoe Basin is like a giant dog park for humans. And many of the beaches and trails allow your four-legged wonder to come along. A well-mannered, leashed dog is welcome on just about all public lands around Tahoe. So, feel free to bring your good boy (or girl) along when visiting Tahoe! ᯽
This all-in-one dog leash handle with water cup & spray is one of the best dog-walking tools we’ve discovered. It took a minute to figure out how to attach the leash, but once that was done, we set out for our walk without having to carry bottled water and a bowl! A little spout pops out and you can squeeze water out with a little trigger so your doggy can drink. You can also use the spray during extra hot weather! $34.99 at spleash.com/products/spleash. And check out the blog on the Spleash site, Tailchasers, which has the best tips and activities for dog and their owners!
These adorable doggy socks keep your pup from sliding around on wood or tile floors in your home. They are also a must-have for your older dogs who have a hard time getting up without slipping. Grippy Socks feature silicon grippy booties and are specifically designed for indoor use. Bonus: They help protect floors from nail scratches, too! $39.99 at walkeepaws.com.
We love these SodaPup toys! These enrichment toys are great for keeping your dogs busy! The lickable mats are soft and flexible and will help keep dogs calm and engaged. Our dogs like the feeding trays and bowls that create a fun eating challenge, helping to slow them down and putting their brains to work in order to get their food. Shop at sodapup.com.
Love your pet, but hate their fur all over your clothes? Check out these reusable, foam balls which rid your laundry of dog or cat fur (or even strands of hair and other soft debris) when placed in the dryer. Now pet owners can say goodbye to rollers and tape and hello to these miracle dryer balls. $9.99 at grandfusionhousewares.com.
This elevated pet bowl set is so convenient! It mounts to whatever height that works best for your pet and allows your pet to eat comfortably. You’ll never step on your pet’s food bowl or knock over the water bowl again! And you can sweep, mop, or vacuum right under it! Available for cats & dogs. $29.99 at mykatio.com/shop.
Pet owners can now show the love of their furry, four legged friends with handmade, custom “clones” of their beloved animals. Cuddle Clones makes plush replicas of people’s dogs, cats and more! The company also makes things like personalized PJs, mugs, blankets, pillowcases, socks, slippers, T-shirts, and tons of other cool stuff with your pet’s image right on it! Shop at cuddleclones.com.
Here’s another little must-have dog walking tool. Don’t you hate when your dog poops and you have to pick it up and there isn’t a trash can in sight, so you’ve got to tote around that stinky poop bag for miles? This little gadget attaches to your dog’s leash and you can clip the poop bags to it, freeing your hands from having to hold on to those yukky bags! Hooray! From $8.99 at thedooloop.com.
My dogs hate baths. But these gloves seem to have a soothing effect on them. The gloves have rubber spikes that scrub and scratch dogs in just the right way. It’s like giving them the best rub. And the gloves tighten around the wrists so they don’t slip off. You can even use them dry when your pup wants a soothing massage! $24.99 at handsongloves.com/ product/handson-gloves.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS THAT MAKE IT EASIER TO CARE FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS.
