Working for a Korean restaurant, gave me the opportunity to learn how to make their interesting selection of  side dishes. From Kimchi cutting and preparation to molding rice cake appetizers.

So, I have decided to teach you one of the easiest side dish Korea has to offer!  



Sigeumchi or  Spinach is usually a balance flavor from garlic, salt and sesame oil. How to make Sigeumchi? 

-8 Tablespoon Sesame oil (preferably Korean style Sesame oil for rich flavor)
-6 cloves chopped garlic
-1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
-1 teaspoon beef powder
-dash of pepper
-1 Kg Spinach

1. Trim Spinach roots and cut into 4 Inches long. Wash and rinse thoroughly twice.

2. Blanch spinach into 5 liters of boiling water for 20 seconds and shock it from ice water to prevent further cooking. Squeeze all excess water.

3. Using a bowl, mix garlic, salt, pepper, sesame oil and beef powder with the spinach.

Set aside for 1 hour for best result.

My 4 years of studying in the Philippines was full of passion and aspirations. Every year, I make sure that I will join local competitions in which I will embody my university and organization. Most of the time, I lose the competition, maybe because I needed to exert more effort on what I am doing.

I remember my first competition at school. Out of all the fifteen participants, I was only the second year college student who joined and the rest were already in their 3rd or 4th year. Not bad for an amateur like me, who bagged the 1st runner up. Haha I think this is the ace of my so called "beginner's luck".

I always balance things in perspective. I have to keep in mind that everything I will learn in school should be taken seriously. Foundation is always the key to success. No famous chef has forgotten the basic rules in cooking or guidelines, when in the kitchen.

Food will never taste its best without putting passion. True isn't it? 

My first local competition in the Philippines made my heart struck. All I can see were cameras, big spot light and a digital timer. I got really nervous and I all I can think of were problems. I was unhappy at that time and it showed on my finished product. Where is the passion there? LOST.

The second time I joined the same event was a big hit. I made sure that I am fully prepared because I  already know what to do and what to expect. The competition has begun and all I did was smile. I felt that if ever I'll lose again, I know someone is much more deserving to win than myself, but then all my hard work paid off. Out of 8 teams, all from reputable universities, my team won 1st runner up. I think that time, even if we only got the 2nd place, we are champions because of the dedication we gave.

If you have a dream, dream big. There is nothing to lose in dreaming.

Have a blessed day.

-Kathleen-



*if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to email me at
 kathleen.ramos@findingnino.com or follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/katrastar

Have you ever wondered how a simple burger is made or even a potato becomes French fries? Answers are very easy but I’m here to satisfy your curious minds about food and its forms!

I’m Kathleen, an adventure seeker, occasional drinker, food lover, a cook and the latest addition to Finding Nino’s website. I will share all of my knowledge, skills and interesting thoughts about different culture and craftsmanship on their famous delicacies.

So what’s in store for KATalogue?

Well, we will explore Asian Cuisine little by little as our main subject and how to go about fusions and stuff. I will surely make you crave for more!