My Kitchen Idol – Nora Daza

I was invited by Maya Kitchen to attend the cooking demo of Doctor Chef Efren Boy Vasquez of Cafe Juanita last weekend. And I never thought that day would be an extraordinary event for me.
The cooking demo took place at the Maya Kitchen in Makati. And when I arrived, the place was decorated with Christmas ornaments and packed with guests, students and some well-known personalities.

A couple of the familiar faces I saw there were Ms. Cheche Lazaro, the TV personality and my long-time kitchen idol – Ms. Nora Daza. I’ve seen and met Ms. Cheche Lazaro before, but it was my first time to meet Ms. Nora Daza in person!

I recall, when I was a kid, I often see these recipe books written by Nora Daza in my mom’s kitchen. I think my mom bought these cook books during the 60’s because it was kinda old already, but still the text are all readable.

I remember my mom normally uses these books as a guide when she cooks food for special occasions at home.

No wonder my mom cooks so good. 😀

My mom usually has her Nora Daza cookbooks at her night side table. I think she likes reading it before she sleeps, so she can review her recipes and plan what she will buy at the market for our family’s lunch and dinner the next day.

Personally, I’m fond of watching cooking shows especially the local ones. One of my favorite cooking shows during the 80’s was “Cooking with the Dazas.” It was Nora’s show co-hosted by his son, Sandy. Doon ko nalaman na mayroon pala shang anak na sing galing din niya. And I remember my mom telling me that Nora used to have show during her time, it was titled “Cooking it up with Nora” and “At Home with Nora.”

Sayang, hindi pa ako nakakabili ng mga cookbooks ni Nora for my home. Sana nakapagdala ako ng cookbooks by her and had it autographed. But in any case, I’m sure there will be a next time. For now, I’m really glad and very happy to finally see her in person – thanks to Maya Kitchen.