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Our packaging: Why the Sombrero? 0

Yes, the cow's wearing a sombrero.

But why the colorful, wide brimmed mexican hat on the face of our beef bak kwa packaging, many asked.

The cow's wearing a sombrero

Well, that's because we're taking our traditional bak kwa for a Californian spin. In the west coast, and especially in California, we're particularly influenced by Baja style cooking that uses smoky hot Chipotle peppers. There's a saying, "live in California once, and it makes you soft for burritos". Ok, I lied. There's no such saying, but you get the point. :) How fun would it be infusing something uniquely Californian into our bak kwa?

So there, a tribute to the land where we're now transplanted to - a marriage of flavors between Southeast Asia and California - and a sombrero!

[caption id="attachment_434" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="All natural, gluten free southeast asian style not-really-jerky protein snack"][/caption]

Now, since we're taking a spin on the new spicy chipotle bak kwa, it's got to be spun right. Bak kwa has been our fond childhood snack, and as we grow, we sorta got to keep our waist lines in check. It was a challenge alright, making snacks that's good to eat, has got nice heat, and calories that no one can beat.

A shot of spicy chipotle beef bak kwa 

All sorts of beef cuts were evaluated, possible farmers were chased down and butchers consulted to help us figure out the best way to de-fat trims, to get the cuts right and immerse our meat in seasonings that'll give the right kick on the palette.

Notice the sprinkles of spices, pop of red and slightly charred ends? That's because the beef is handsomely marinated with local & organic spices, smoky chipotle, cayenne peppers, onion, with just the right amount of sweetness coming from our local strawberry farm. We then grill our beef like how bak kwa should be grilled to retain its juiciness to create the slightly burnt ends.

Check out our selection visit our online store HERE, and for Bay Area folks who lives in San Francisco, we are closer than you think, come visit us at one of our Farmer's Markets locations at BrisbaneRedwood Shore & Sunnyvale for a taste!

In a way that jerky is jerky is jerky, and there's a distinction between jerky, biltong and bak kwa. There's simply no comparison when a piece of meat is grilled!

Trendspotting Southeast Asian 0

Those who have traveled to Southeast Asia will tell you, it's food mecca. In many cities in Malaysia and in Singapore, no matter the hours of day or night, from hawker stalls to street vendors to Hainanese kopitiam (coffee shops), we seem to be eating 24 hours a day.

Walk down a street and you'll pass a Chinese woman tossing laksa (curry noodles) in her own specialty broth next to Indian man "pulling" teh tarik from glass to glass and Malay woman selling nasi lemak (coconut milk rice eaten with sambal, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, peanuts and fried chicken).

Eating is an entree to our culture and introduction to our native land's distinctly Chinese, Indian and Malay food. The savory, sweet, sour and spicy - it assaults every senses there is and we hope that Food & Wine's trendspotting Southeast Asia would keep you curious and salivating for a taste :)

"American chefs have become fixated on Southeast Asia" - Food & Wine

The day when Mr. Williams calls from Williams-Sonoma 1

My relationship with Mr. Williams is a bitter-sweet one.

I love him for carrying almost everything that I'd want, and hate that I can hardly resist getting carried away. It's hard not to drool over those beautifully made cookware, selection of marinades and it's particularly hard to decide if I really, really need that 3rd set of kitchen knife to cut my chicken.

Williams-Sonoma's Artisans' Market embraces locally crafted specialty food producers, people who love cooking and people who love good food.

So when the premium cookware and gourmet food store's curator, Chris, invited us to their Artisans' Market, we were honored. The Artisans' Market is basically a candy store for adults, each month's curation is different, but their message is the same - to embrace locally crafted specialty food producers, people who love cooking and people who love good food. For the month of July, you'll get to sample treats from EVOO to goat cheese from local farms to savory protein snacks (Little Red Dot Kitchen :)) to sorbet made of fresh, organic ingredients & handmade cookies.

Stop by Williams-Sonoma in between your shopping at Valley Fair Mall,  we're certain you'll find something you'd like!

Are you Loco for Local?

 

Williams-Sonoma Artisans' Market

01/26/13 @ Valley Fair Mall - Santa Clara - Directions

02/16/13 @  Stanford Shopping Mall - Palo Alto - Directions

  Union Square - San Francisco - Directions

Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm (Saturdays Only)

 

Artisan Market