The Food Trip Haven That Is Naga City

Last May, I was given a chance to return to Naga City, Camarines Sur for the second time. The first trip was years ago and it was for business and I barely remember anything because I was not able to see anything that is of interest to me, basically, because it was just a 1-day trip and when we went out of the hotel, it was dark already. Though this second time was also for business, I had more time to spare. With that thought in mind, I was completely ecstatic.

This post is dedicated to the gastronomic discoveries that I researched and found in Naga City. All were delightful and each place has something great to offer to anyone. Enough talk, let's move on to the experience!

Enjoy!

1. ICE BLINK

2/F SM Naga Food Court

The yummiest Halo-Halo I ever tasted! I give credit to the grated cheese because it made it more creamier and enhanced the taste as well. Two thumbs up for me! Will surely have this next time I go there again.

Another hit is their Empanada. The pastry shell is just the right thickness but the filling is very abundant. It filled the whole shell. Still hot and crispy. So love it! The best that I've had so far!

2. RED PLATTER

Magsaysay Ave. Naga City

Definitely a down-to-earth classy place with a touch of homeliness. Ambiance is perfect.

I ordered their Bicol's Best Platter consisting of Pinangat and Bicol Express. It's a sampler of what the Bicol region is famous for. I loved it! I paired it with the Saffron Rice and it made the trip there so worth it!The Pinangat was cooked right and it melts in your mouth. The Bicol Express was not overly spicy so that was great for me.

Dining solo? Yes. But I don't give a damn. Haha!

The waitress offered me to taste their cookies and this was such an unexpected bonus! Everything was great-tasting! It made choosing my take-out much easier.

And this is what I chose.. the Belgian Choco Cookie. Thin and crisp and so chocolatey. Better eaten cold. This is something that I really loved in this trip. How I wish this was available here in Manila.

3. GEEWAN

2/F SM Naga Food Court

Another famous place here in Naga is Geewan. I would have preferred to dine at their resto, however, I was on a tight schedule so I can only afford to eat inside SM Naga. Good thing they have a branch at the food court. I ordered their meal consisting of Pinangat and Lechon Kawali. The Pinangat was a bit dry but still delicious nonetheless and the Lechon Kawali is still freshly cooked. I just find the price a bit high for P120+ because this was in a food court setting and their staff are not really accommodating so that was the downside to the otherwise yummy experience.

4. RAFABEL'S CAKES & PASTRIES

G/F SM Naga

I had this Sansrival Cake for merienda and it was very very good and very affordable. I think it was around P60+ only. Not so over-the-top creamy and the gooeyness is just right..just the way I like it.

5. BIGG'S DINER

Magsaysay Ave. Naga City

Another Naga City signature foodie place so it is a definite must-try!

A heck of a big iced tea. Compare it with the regular-sized glass.

Picked their Cordon Bleu with a side of veggies and mashed potato. For me, this was alright. Not very impressed but that doesn't mean that the place is not good. Of course it is great! I just picked a wrong dish for me. But it's ok. I enjoyed the ambiance which is like a 50's diner complete with an accessory jukebox on one end and many more.

6. NAGA GARDEN RESTAURANT

Centro, Naga City

Their bestsellers! Toasted Siopao and Beef Mami. This is what a lot of the regular patrons ordered so this is what I want. The toasted siopao was good and the mami provided me with a feeling of comfort that I immediately finished all of the soup. The fat noodles were a bit big for my liking so I just had some of it. Just add a dash of pepper and soy sauce and its good to go.

With a bit of egg inside.

7. CBD HOTEL (my complimentary brekkie)

Ninoy and Cory Avenue, CBD II Triangulo, Naga City

In my 3 nights here, this is the only breakfast that I felt deserved of a photographic moment. This was the yummiest out of all 3 that I've had. Generous heaps of scrambled egg, hamonadong pork and laing made it a very heavy brekkie but so good! It packed all the energy one needs for the day.

So there it is, my delightful food trip in Naga City. Very memorable for me as I went here alone. Took a bus and arrived there in the wee hour of the morning, stayed for 4 days, worked during the day, explored foodie joints by night and explored some cultural tourist spots on my last day.

Way to go! I did it! =)

Other NAGA CITY posts:

Visita Iglesia, etc. - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-churches-of-naga-city.html

4-Plaza tour - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2013/09/naga-citys-beautiful-plazas.html

A Look Back at the Charming Higantes Festival and More!

This is a very late post! I've been very busy these past few months and when I get home, I just relax my tired body by just watching the good 'ol boob tube. But let me tell you something, l'm so glad for 2012. I've had the opportunity to go to 3 festivals and those experiences were amazing!

But for this post, the Higantes Festival is the "bida". This event is usually celebrated during the third week of November in the quaint yet artistic town of Angono, Rizal.

For the longest time, I have longed to go to this festival in hope of seeing the mestizo & mestiza, moreno & morena looking giant effigies, usually at 10 to 12 feet in height, that was made before of paper mache but since modernity seeped in, it was replaced with plaster of Paris and resin. Parading of these giants is the way of joyously honoring the patron saint of fishermen, San Clemente.

So now, these are my beloved photos that I took during the motorcade which, because of work, we were able to join in. So thankful!

Each Higantes is sponsored. Very enterprising! 

BDO's Higantes waiting for their cue to join in the long queue of effigies just waiting to be shown off in all their tall glory! 

Looks like xmas colors! =)

This Higante is funny-looking..pucker up! 

Spectators lined up the streets. It was such a happy sight knowing that these people supports and appreciates our festivals.

A proof that the people of Angono are really a creative and artistic bunch.. their streets, every few meters, is decorated  with these stuff made out of recycled materials such as straws and CDs. 

Lady Liberty in Angono??! Yup, it is her! More fun in the Philippines, that's what she said. 

There's the power couple now! 

Me and my officemate and friend, Jo, firmly seated at the top of our sponsored truck. It was hot alright but  I enjoyed every minute of it.  

Banderitas filled the main roads!

Si Malakas at si Maganda

Gotcha, kuya! Resting for a few minutes while the parade stopped because of the traffic. 

Doña Aurora Street in Barangay Poblacion Itaas used to be the street address of National Artist for Painting, Carlos "Botong" Francisco. Murals were made in his memory. These street murals are based on his actual masterpieces.  

Festivals are all about street foods too, this I really love seeing..and eating!

Nighttime came and we are still at it! Exploring and exploring still.

The San Clemente Church

We chanced upon an art exhibit and I really loved their paintings! Love the vibrancy of the colors.

Angono, Rizal is known as the "Arts Capital of the Philippines" and they truly deserve this title. There are many art galleries here that one can get lost in as they take a look at these fine creations. A must-try also is the famous Balaw-balaw Restaurant where they serve folk food dishes. And of course, do visit the Petroglyphs for a touch of history that existed long before we were conquered by the Spaniards. =)