QUARANTINE COOKING

QUARANTINE COOKING Cabin Fever Never Tasted So Good By Cristina Ng With cabin fever setting in last month – assuming we don’t go back into self-isolation in March.., we decided one way to put the time to good use was to up our kitchen game. After initial concerns that food and water supplies might start running low due to the coronavirus situation, we found a good number of options. All that was left was to reach out to some friends in the F&B community for some recipe ideas to add some variety during this trying time. Ingredients: • 1 pack of octopus leg, reserve the liquid • 2 cups of water • 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes • 250g choppedparboiledpotatoes • 20ml extra virgin olive oil • 1/2 tsp spicy smoked paprika • chopped parsley • coriander micro herbs (feel free to skip this if it’s hard to find ) Method: 1. Heat olive oil in a pan and add the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt and stir occasionally for two min- utes. 2. Add the liquid from the octopus bag plus two cups of water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil. 3. Blend the potatoes into a cream. 4. Heat more olive oil in a clean pan and sear the octopus legs quickly over high heat. Slice into 2-3 cen- timeter pieces. 5. Pour the potato cream on a big plate and sprinkle with spicy smoked paprika. Drizzle with olive oil. Add sea salt flakes and herbs. Serve while warm. Serves 6 Pulpo a Feira This recipe is one of Chef Pol Garcia’s signature dishes atLa Maruja in Shanghai. He makes this Northern Spain specialty us- ing A Pulpeira octopus leg that is steamed in its own liquid from The Good Food People, a food platform that delivers nationwide. You can purchase the octopus on its own or get the chef-curated kit, which includes a paired bottle of Patas Arriba Albariño white wine and spicy smoked paprika. Chorizo Butter Bean Stew Both the butter beans and chorizo needed for this recipe are available from The Good Food People. Ingredients: • 2 tbsp of olive oil • 150g of chorizo, casings removed • 1 onion finely chopped • 2 carrots finely chopped • 2 stalks of finely chopped celery • 3 tbsp tomato paste • 1 cube of veggie bullion plus 2 1/2 cups of water or 2 1/2 cups of veg- etable stock • 2 x 400g cans of tomatoes • 2 x 325g jars of butter beans • Chopped parsley Method: 1. Heat olive oil in a medium stock- pot over medium heat. Add chorizo and saute until paprika oil starts to come out of the sausage. 2. Add chopped vegetables and cook three to five minutes until softened. 3. Stir in the tomato paste, vegeta- ble stock, butter beans and canned tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then sim- mer until liquid reduces to desired consistency. 4. Garnish with parsley. Serve over boiled potatoes, pasta or with crusty bread. Serves 4-6

Sausage and Peppers

When we told our friends at Shanghai’s Epermarket that we were working on this recipe series, they kindly sent us over an order. With the bounty, we put together this simple pasta meal. All ingredients should be available at import grocery stores and online in South China.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients: • 500g Italian sausages • 2 cans of tomato sauce • 5 tablespoons butter • Half a white onion • Half ared onion • 4 cloves garlic • 1 red bell pepper • 1 yellow bell pepper • 1 green bell pepper • 1 teaspoon dried basil • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • Optional: red pepper flakes or ground red pepper • ¼ cup red wine • Glug of olive oil Method: 1. Brown sausages in a hot pan. Remove from pan and slice on the diagonal. Set aside. 2. Add two cans of tomato sauce to a medium-sized pot. Slice the onion in half and put one side into the pot face down. Add garlic cloves, butter and salt. Bring to a simmer until it the mixture thickens into a sauce. 3. While the sauce is cooking, stir fry the sliced mixed peppers, garlic and onions for about three minutes until softened. 4. Once the tomato sauce looks good, transfer enough to cover the onion carefully to a blender and mix until the onion and garlic break down. Return to the pot. 5. Add sausage, vegetable mixture, dry herbs and red wine to the pot and simmer until vegetables are tender and sausage is heated through. Optionally, finish with red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve on pasta (we chose tagliatelle) or with crusty bread.

Winter Braised Beef Noodle Soup The method turns cheaper cuts of beef into tender bites by slow-cooking (and goodness knows we all have plenty of time to fill these days). Give it three hours minimum for the beef to braise while fully submerged in the flavorful stock. That means making sure you start with plenty of water from the get-go, because adding water later will toughen the meat.

Serves 4

Ingredients: • 500g of beef brisket or flank – choose pieces with a mix of fat and lean • 300g of noodles (ideally fresh) • 1 large (1kg) daikon radish • 1 large bunch (50g) scallions or spring onions • 1 star anise • 1 cinnamon stick • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 1 tsp Sichuan red peppercorns • 1 dried chili • 1 bay leaf • 2cm piece of ginger • 2 tbsp Chinese vinegar • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce • 8 tbsp light soy sauce • 2 cups yellow wine • 1 tsp brown sugar

Method: 1. Cut the beef into cubes and thinly slice the ginger. 2. Place beef cubes in a pan, fat side down, and cook on medium heat until the fat renders into the oil. Turn the heat to low and cook each side of the beef until all sides are browned. 3. Transfer only the meat to a stockpot. Pour out some of the remaining fat, leaving a layer at the bottom of the pan. 4. Cook the anise, cinnamon, cumin, peppercorns, chili, bay leaf and sliced ginger in the pan with the remaining beef fat, over low heat. Stir to release aromatics, then add the spices to the stockpot. 5. Add the vinegar, soy sauces and wine to the stockpot. Optionally, add the sugar. Finally, add water to the pan until the water level is twice the level of the meat, ensuring it will stay submerged throughout the cooking time. 6. Bring the pot to boiling, then reduce the temperature to a gentle simmer. Taste the broth at this point – it should be just saltier than a soup. If it is lacking seasoning, add slightly more vinegar, dark soy and light soy in a 1:2:4 ratio. 7. Simmer the mix for two hours. During this time, peel the daikon radish and cut into quartered slices; after the two hours, add the radishes to the pot. Tie the entire bunch of scallions into a knot to keep them together, and add to the pot. 8. Simmer the whole mixture for another one to two hours, according to your preference for meat tenderness. 9. Cook the noodles in water, separate from the soup, until al dente. Do not cook the noodles in the soup – their starch will go into the soup, turning it into a strange gravy. 10. Scoop up the beef, scallions, radishes and broth when serving into bowls, leaving the solid spices behind. 11. When the noodles are done, take them out of the water and add directly to the soup to serve. Garnish with cilantro leaves, sesame seeds and/or crushed peanuts.

CLASSIFIEDS

FOOD & DRINK

Summer House Directly behind the Marriage House, Xietian Li, Lingnan Tiandi, Chancheng District, Foshan (133 9223 6374, www. summerhouse.com.cn) 佛山市禅城区岭南天地协天里（嫁娶屋正后 面）粤天地112-116号铺

Tairyo Teppanyaki 1) 2/F, Zhizhunhui, 263 Huasui Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe Dis- trict (8559 8937); 2) 2/F, Guangyi Bldg, 34- 38 Huale Lu, Yuexiu District (8360 1371) 大渔铁板烧 1) 珠江新城华穗路 263 号至尊汇 二楼 ; 2) 越秀区华乐路 34-38 号广怡大厦 2 楼

Happy Monk 1)Back of Yi'an Plaza, Jianshe Wu Malu, Yuexiu District (8376 5597) ; 2) No. 109, 7Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3877 8679); 3) Outdoor Plaza, Happy Valley Mall, 36 Machang Lu, Tianhe District (3832 5317) 1)越秀区建设五马路宜安广场后门; 2) 天河区 珠江新城兴盛路7号109号铺; 3)天河区珠江新 城马场路36号太阳新天地户外广场

Bravo 3-14 Golden Century Lu, Phase 3, Coastal Rose Garden, Shekou, Nanshan District (2689 0118) 南山区蛇口金世纪路南海玫瑰花园三期金世 纪路3-14号

Hard Rock Cafe Shenzhen 9 Mission Hills Blvd, Longhua New District (3395 2888) 龙华新区观澜高尔夫大道9号www.hardrockhotels.com/shenzhen

Oggi Trattoria Pizzeria Shop 114-115, 6 Huajiu Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城华就路6号114-115铺

La Maison Shop 108, Nanhai Rose Garden, 91 Wanghai Lu, Nanshan District (2685 7030) 南山区望海路91号南海玫瑰花园108号

BUSINESS SERVICES

BRIGHT BUSINESS CONSULTANT Improve your business performance and solve the problems you concerned for your business. Website: www.bright-bc.cn Contact 86 20 38032507 Ms. Lau

HiTouch Consulting • Hong Kong Company • Company Registration • Tax & Accounting • Trademark & Patent • China Visa Tel: 400-9999-793 Website: www.hitouch.com Guangzhou丨Shanghai 丨Yiwu

CENTURY, a Comprehensive Office Services Company 1. Office Relocation, Personal Relocation 2. Second-hand Office Furniture Resell 3. Office Cleaning Services 4. Landscaping/Indoor Plant 5. Carpet Cleaning 6. Pest Control Tel: (86 20) 2816 5345 Email: guangzhou@centuryrelo.com

CHURCH

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Expatriates welcome! Large group multinational, non-denominational expatriate Christians hold English services Sundays 10.00am to 11.30am. Need foreign citizenship proof. Website: www.gicf.net Tel: 177 2768 5019.

EDUCATION

Hanbridge Mandarin School 翰语桥语 言学校 80RMB/H～ Daily Chinese/Business Chinese/ HSK Kids Chinese/Cantonese/Company Training Zhujiang NewTown ,Tianhe ,GZ. www.han-bridge.com TEL&Wechat 189 9838 3060,18102729662 Native English teachers needed Online courses available

JOBS OFFERED

CANTON GLOBAL ACADEMY (CGA) is an international school in Guangzhou operating the UK National Curriculum. It is part of the Canadian International Educational Organisation. Currently it has recruited students from Nursery (aged 3 years) to Year 6 (aged 12 years) and the school is growing quickly. Required for January (or sooner) Fully qualified and experienced Primary Years teachers. Preference will be given to applicants who have knowledge of and experience in teaching the UK National Curriculum Primary programme and to those who may have specialist qualifications for example in ESL, science and Music. CGA OFFERS *Initial two-year contract *Competitive salary *Annual flight allowance *International Health insurance *Benefits including accommodation allowance, end of contract bonus Applicants should send a full CV listing two independent educational referees and a letter of application on/by 31 December to Charles Chao, Chief Operations Officer, on charles.chao@cgagz.com from whom further information may be obtained. Mobile Game company business development position. A NASDAQ-listed Shenzhen-based mobile game company. iDreamSky is looking for an expat for one business development position, native English speaker and fluent in Mandarin a must, well versed with mobile games or business negotiation experience a plus. Responsible for looking for Western games suitable for the Chinese market and contacting the game developers. Our office is located in Nanshan district, Shenzhen. If interested, please send resume to Evan at evan.liang@ idreamsky.com.

South China HR English Website (English.job168.com) China's most famous & professional job hunting website 8/F, Nanfang Jingdian Building, No. 198 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 1/F,Huapu Building, No.104 Tianhe Road,Guangzhou (Tel: 85584676) 南方人才网英文站(english.job168.com) 广州市天河路198号南方精典大厦八楼 广州市天河路104号华普大厦西座一楼

Eclipse English Education Native English teachers wanted. Competitive pay with flexible scheduling. Free Chinese classes for employees.Tianhe location. 13902273359 or (020) 38780382 Mrs.Wong Email: panhj@lifepartner.cn Web: www.lifepartner.cn

TRAVEL

Free N Easy Travel An International Travel Agency in GZ, offers you the most competitive airfares, best discounted hotels worldwide and great getaway packages. Call our Toll free no.800-830-2353 or Tel 3877 2345 or email us at Guangzhou@ fnetravel.com or visit us at our travel center at 218 Sky Galleria, CITIC PALAZA, 233 Tianhe North Road or check for more details at our website---www .fnetravel .com

Turkish Airlines Rm. 6107, Citic Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District (3877 1690, 3877 1691, www.turkishairlines.com)天河 区天河北路233号中信广场6107室

MOVING & SHIPPING

AGS Four Winds is leading international moving company offers a full range relocation, moving, and storage services. Our global network of over 300 offices worldwide plus 40 years experience in the moving industry, we know your concerns and have the ability to serve you anywhere in the world. We are FAIM & ISO 9001-2008 accredited, members of the FAIM and FIDI. Contact us for FREE survey and quotation: Tel: +86 20 8363 3735 Email: manager.guangzhou@ agsfourwinds.com Website: www.agsfourwinds.com

Rayca Moving & Transportation Services With 10 years experience, Rayca provides international, domestic, local moving services & pet relocation service. We can effectively move you anywhere with competitive price! You move, you save! Service hotline: 400-048-9099 Email: info@raycatrans.com Website:www.raycatrans.com

HEALTH

REAL ESTATE

WORKING SPACE SHARING Share Conference Room & Share Workstations Best environment and favorable price, especially for design and creative team. Location at Zhujiang New Town Contact 131 6088 3628 Beryl

Life Partner provides house leasing, housekeeping and other personalized services to expatriates from Multi Corporations and foreign institutes as well as to individuals. Guangzhou/Foshan/Zhaoqing/Zhengzhou/Wuhan Since 2004 Contact Person: Ellen Pan, Tel: 020-3881 3137, Mobile: 159 1878 3607 Dr. Sherily Xiao Master of Medicine. 23years in TCM & Acupuncture & Physiotherapy & Massage in Clinic and Classes 5 years International Clinic Experience. Only for appointment. Nr.3 Jian She Wu Ma Road De An Building Yue Xiu District Guangzhou(Tel: 137 1052 6617; E-mail: xiaoshuilan@hotmail.com) 广州市越秀区建设五马路3号德安大厦

Hanfei Plastic Surgery Hair transplant, liposuction, anti-aging treatments, breast augmentation/lift, face fift, Botox, hyaluronic acid, SVF-gel and more. For free consultation, add WeChat: robin5779 or call 176 2094 5779. 35 Qifu Lu, Baiyun District (www. hanfeiplasticsurgery.com) 韩妃整形, 白云区齐富路35号

That’s GBA

Horoscopes

Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in South China. BY BRYAN GROGAN

Pisces 2.20~3.20

You may have missed the boat in terms of escaping the mundane spring weather and coronavirus chaos in favor of the beaches of Southeast Asia. Fortunately, however, you’re more than happy to get some chill time in your own personal tropical paradise: your mind. Read, eat, pray, love and be happy this month.

Aries 3.21~4.20

Your besties are still afraid to step outside in the current climate, so perhaps it’s time to branch out and look for new friends. Get yourself a group and call yourselves ‘The Three Best Friends for the End of the World . ’ It’s a joke, the world isn’t really ending … I think.

Cancer 6.22~7.22

M a r c h w i l l c o m e w i t h d i ff i c u l t decisions. Your love life is on the rocks, and a persistent love interest will return into your life. Stay energized and focused on the now with frequent trips to your local roujiamo shop. The aftermath of the coronavirus o u t b r e a k m e a n s s o m e d i ff i c u l t decisions. Your family is worried, as are your friends and colleagues. Don’t feel pressured to make quick decisions, however – take time to assess your needs and wants before deciding on your next step. Leo 7.23~8.23

Taurus 4.21~5.21

Remaining steadfast is your best quality, though you’re still trying to enlarge upon the unique skill set that comes with this personality type. Trust in lists, be strong in the face of tedium and keep your mind focused on primary, secondary and tertiary tasks.

Gemini 5.22~6.21

Working out of office throughout February has given you an appreciation for the freelance life. Take a day or two out of each week at your local cafe this month and you just might stumble into your next romance. You know that cute barista has been giving you the eyes.

Virgo 8.24~9.23

One person can’t do the work of two or three. An important lesson will reaffirm itself this month. Step back from your plans to rule the world and prioritize. Exercise plenty to keep your energy up. Riverside runs are recommended. But don’t forget to wear a mask to keep the pesky coronavirus out.

Libra 9.24~10.23

Having come through a difficult February, you are more than aware of your own strength. On the flipside, being cooped up inside with loved ones has allowed you to get beneath the skin of their flaws more than you would have liked. Reflect and do what’s best for your future.

Scorpio 10.24~11.22

Yo u a re m o re awa re o f y o u r ow n independence than you ever have been. That is both a scary and exciting thought. Look at your career options with clear eyes, but don’t take the first chance that falls in your lap, hold out for an opportunity that matches your ambition.

Sagittarius 11.23~12.21

A d v e n t u re i s t o p o f y o u r l i s t o f priorities for the month, with a sprinkle of work thrown in. You will search to recapture romance for the first half of March, before something truly spontaneous and fun comes into the picture in the latter half.

Capricorn 12.22~1.20

Aquarius 1.21~2.19

You are becoming increasingly aware of your personal goals. It’s a new sensation and one you are exceedingly intrigued by. Clear away the clutter you’ve collected traveling Asia the past few years and get ready for new beginnings. A slow month and an uncharacteristic lack of waimai meals means you have money to burn. Splurge momentarily, but don’t let it define your happiness. Stay balanced with some fun and tiring work, whether that’s at the local gym or in your Chinese lessons.