Well-loved Spanish recipes and practical cooking tips from culinary legend Señor Alba
SPANISH chef Señor Anastacio de Alba is well-loved by culinary professionals and food-lovers alike for introducing the Filipino palate to authentic Spanish cuisine through his popular Alba Restaurant. His colorful life and kitchen expertise have now been written in a book called “The Alba Cookbook.”
Now 86 years old, Alba will grace the book launch this December, which coincides with the grand opening of Alba Restaurante Español’s new branch at 4/F Prism Plaza, Harbor Drive, MOA Complex, Mall of Asia.
Released by Anvil Publishing, “The Alba Cookbook” is more than just a collection of Spanish recipes but a celebration of the man—his love of life and reverence for Spanish cuisine.
The bueno cocinero himself shares valuable cooking tips for traditional Castilian dishes like Fabada Asturiana, Callos a la Madrileña and some Alba originals like Solomillo a la Pobre, Tuhod y Batoc and Canonigo.
Also included are step-bystep instructions in making the perfect Paella Valenciana.
Food writer Chona Trinidad wrote Alba’s biography and translated his Spanish poems and anecdotes into English.
Another family friend, well-respected foodie Nancy Reyes-Lumen, is the book’s editor. The rest of the editorial team are Alba’s son Miguel, daughter-in-law Cachelle and designers Ige Ramos and Mike Gomez.
Chef Miguel, to whom Alba has passed the culinary torch, says in the book’s preface: “My father is indeed an ex- traordinary person, not only in the eyes of his children, but also in the hearts of his many clients whom he has served in his unique and charming manner, as well as the employees he taught and trained.”
In his message, Alba thanked all the people who helped him settle in the Philippines. “I brought with me a great dream, my grandest fantasy, coupled with so much enthusiasm... My son, Chef Miguel, will surely continue the Alba tradition for another half a century or more.”
“The Alba Cookbook” is available in National Book Store, Bestsellers and PowerBooks. As a special treat for buyers, every purchase of the cookbook includes one free lunch buffet coupon at any Alba Restaurante Español branch. Promo runs until Dec. 5.
Those with free coupons can avail of the free lunch buffet at any of the Alba restaurants located in Polaris St., Bel-Air, Makati; Tomas Morato cor. Scout Lozano, QC; Prism Plaza, MOA Complex, Pasay City; and Westgate Center, Filinvest.