EJ Pasia: An Artist of Its Own

Artistry does not discriminate nor hate. It lives in every human person. It is unique that no same person possesses the same. It befriends those who spend more time knowing it. Architect EJ Pasia is an embodiment of an artist. Whether in the television, in architecture or in the culinary arts, his personal touches are one of those unique inceptions that brings you in an idiosyncratic experience, a journey.

His flashy and nonconformist furniture in the current Pinoy Big Brother TV Series are displayed and his name is mentioned in each and every show.  The most advanced and artistic peace and discussion venue in Mindanao are also his. Using Mindanao's inherent, artistry he made it into an indigenous but modern hall which makes every Dabawenyo proud. When you see a house with that artistic touch of simplicity and flashiness, you would know it is his. Each and every work is a classic, a work of art.

EJ is not only an architect and a designer, but he is also a restaurateur. He co-owns and manages Katsu Country. A Japanese restaurant with its unique offerings of authentic Japanese food and desserts that has its own personality. I am a big fan of his Katsudon, Tomato Ramen, Croquette and the Katsu curry. Not only is the taste great but the presentation is already an experience.

Katsu country menu did not only came out of simply preparing Japanese meals by looking at cookbook recipes or tasting other Japanese restaurants. He trained in Tokyo and Kobe with renowned chefs. It also imports Japanese recipes and Japanese culinary tools just to bring in that vibe of being in Shibuya, in Harajuku and other famous and trendy places in Tokyo. When you're in Davao and want to try the Tokyo experience, Katsu country is the place to be.

EJ Pasia is a remarkable artist. Be it in furniture, in architecture, and in the culinary arts, his artistic expression is not only seen and tasted but it can be felt in all his creations. He does not make things just for the sake of making one, but he creates them to be on par with the best. His achievements he no longer has to boast or mention. You simply have to witness his masterpieces. Artistry never chooses anyone it is up to us to befriend it, embrace it. My dear friend Architect, Designer, and Restaurateur EJ Pasia did and he is living life to the full.

To know more just click the links:
Design EJ Pasia and Katsu Country


Credits to Davao Food Crawl for the pic.

An Inspiring and World-Class Cafe Julieta

During my last vacation in Davao, I had a couple of tasks in my to-do lists; meet clients, acclimatize from my winter training for a week and get ready for the Ironman race on the coming weekend, and eat at Cafe Julieta. A restaurant owned by my good friend, Chef Noel Buenaventura. Together with my wife and our very good friends, Leebai and Kuya Rudolph,  Noel invited us for a sumptuous treat.

Chef Noel is a world-class chef who graduated with honors in the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in the US and worked at Nobu, a restaurant owned by the famous actor Robert de Niro and the celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. It is also a restaurant visited by famous personalities, Hollywood actors and actresses and other high-profile celebrities. This is where Chef Noel honed his craft and learned from the great and legendary chef. No wonder I felt like a VIP when he served us his signature dishes.

I will never forget how the Black Cod in Saikyo Miso melts in my mouth like butter plus how  the smoothness of the texture of the cod blends to the miso sauce. Being in Japan for more than 10 years, I had already tasted lots of different fish dishes but I had never tasted one as good as it. We were also served with many more varieties such as the Seafood Laksa, Catfish Crablets with Mango, Popcorn Shrimps, Stir Fried Crispy Noodles, the Cafe Julieta Burger, Pan Seared Salmon w/ Balsamic Teriyaki and the dessert was the most delicious Dulce Ensaymada that I had ever tasted in my life. One which I am planning to introduce to the General manager of Vistaprint Japan, who happens to love ensaymada as well. The experienced brought me memories of places I had been: Davao, Singapore, Japan and further to the US. Finishing it with the ensaymada brought me back again to Davao. One thing that was so common in all of these dishes is the world-class experience. The taste is at par with the restaurants that I dine here in Japan and other high-rated restaurants that I had been to in other countries.

Noel is an amazing and successful chef. He is an inspiration. He achieved all of these accolades despite having Tourrettes. It is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped,

involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. You might pity him at first seeing all these tics and movements but when you talked to him, you will know that he is blessed. He considers all of these challenges a blessing. Being a first-hand witness to how Noel developed Cafe Julieta and the other restaurants and businesses that he runs makes me dream for more and it empowers me to make myself better.

Chef Noel is an epitome of success. Despite his tourette, he managed to graduate with honors at Le Cordon Bleu, worked at Robert de Niro's restaurant and be trained by a world-class chef. Through Cafe Julieta, he always tells people that Tourettes and other similar challenges are a blessing. It shouldn't stop one from achieving their dreams because he did and he has the proof to show it. Thank you, Chef Noel, for the sumptuous treat but most of all thank you for being such an inspiration and a blessing to me.

To have the same experience that I did, you can visit Cafe Julieta at Tulip Drive, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City.