Leyte 2014: Tacloban City Food Trip!

It was a long time already since my last visit to the province of Leyte. Way back 2007, if I remember correctly.

But post-Yolanda, we did not know what to expect really. I did some research and got some hits and we stuck to that.

Lucky, we found some foodie gems that was so convenient to us. Two places were right beside where we were checked in and one was located at the city center.

Here they are:

1. HUKAD SA GOLDEN COWRIE (Robinson's Tacloban)

Hukad in the Bisaya dialect means "ladle"
This was located at the Robinson's Mall. They had several branches in Visayas but none yet in Luzon or Manila so that was a big plus for us. We wanted to experience new things in this trip, even food. 

Their prices were really reasonable. The place was packed when we came in but good thing we chanced upon a leaving group.

PORK SINIGANG
Fit for us who wanted to slurp on some hot soup. The broth was a bit salty and very sour but I am used to that because that's how they cook it in Bacolod but some of my companions found it too strong.

CRISPY PATACrispy as loved. The meat was just enough for the four of us. They do not provide dipping sauce for this but the waiter understood our need for it, I guess, because he pro-actively offered to get us some chopped onions and garlic. We did our own mixing and it turned out great!

SIZZLING TANGIGUE
It was tender and flavorful with just enough hint of garlic. 

BUDBUD w/ TSOKOLATE SYRUP
Very simple and clean taste of the suman. How I wanted to have more chocolate on it though. 

2. OCHO SEAFOOD AND GRILL

Very famous place. Tourists, both local and foreign, frequent this resto. Known best for their seafoods.

ENSALADANG TALONG
Fresh and crisp.

ADOBONG SCALLOP MEAT
Well, it was adobo alright. And this was so good! With just a hint of spiciness, the sauce alone was good enough with a lot of rice. 

GRILLED CEBU CHORIZO
Cebu's chorizo, unlike others, is known for its sweetness. Sweet and salty, we all enjoyed it. 

BUTTERED GARLIC SHRIMP
Shrimps were fresh and juicy. I didn't mind getting my hands dirty with this one. 

GRILLED SCALLOPS
Perfection! I have always associated Tacloban with scallops because in my previous trips, way back 2007, I always enjoyed scallops in a restaurant or two that I have been to.

PORK KEBAB
This was pretty tasty and the meat was tender. Loved it.

The feast.

For my sweet ending, I had this Silvanas. It was crumbling and it was good. Not too sweet so that was a plus. And for less than Php50 only.

3 MEX 'EM UP (Robinson's Tacloban)

BEEF QUESADILLA
For less than Php100, this was filling enough to have on its own. And love how they are generous with their dips.

LEMONADE
Came with our meal

BARBECUE RIBS
It looks small in the photo but its not and its more meat than bones. Very satisfying and for less than Php200 only. You can't have that in Manila for that price. 

We really enjoyed Ocho. The food, the wait staff and the waiting time was all perfect. Even the price was perfect, all of our food for around P1,200 only and were 4 in a group. You can really say "happy tummy" there. I'm so glad we were able to try this. 

~Lovelee~

CHECK OUT MY OTHER LEYTE 2014 POSTS:

Tacloban City (after typhoon Yolanda) - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2014/10/leyte-2014-tacloban-city-after-typhoon.html

Kalanggaman Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2014/11/leyte-2014-beautiful-kalanggaman-island.html

Angel's Kitchen: Wickedly Good Food

I was invited to a foodie meet-up and upon checking my schedule that I was free for that day, I said yes right away. I did some researching of the resto and I liked what I read and excitedly anticipated dinner night. 

Upon entering, quaint is the word to describe the place and well-lighted. It is a great hang-out place where people can dine and have conversations.

But what I liked best is their food, here are the dishes that we had:

Beef Taquitos (Php 258)
The creamy beef topping together with the rest of the trimmings on top the crispy wanton was a delight to my taste buds.

Chicken Liver Pate with Melba Toast
I loved it because it was really simple yet sets the tone for the rest of the food that will follow

Parmesan and Caesar Glazed Dory (Php 388)
So creamy and good enough to eat on its own or with rice

Tuyo Puttanesca (Php 358)
Packed and flavorful and serving was big. It has a lot of flavors going on but it was delish.

Mandarin Chicken (Php 408) 
Sweet and the chicken was still crispy. It made a simple fried chicken into a grand dish because of the sauce

The Original Pinakbet Rice with Lechon Kawali (Php 428) 
It was good but I get to taste this also in other places. Though I liked the concept of the Pinakbet rice, it was a first for me. And the lechon kawali was sinfully tender and crispy and getting a few slices was big of a temptation. Too bad I was not able to try the Chocolate Bagoong that goes with it because I thought there was none. It was served but it was not in the plate so I thought the bagoong was already incorporated in the rice. Sayang.

AK Special Blend Iced Tea (Php 98)
Frozen and sweet and every sip was delightful

Rustic Apple Pie (Php 218)
 A big slice with a lot of apples! Good for sharing. I am not usually a fan of apple pies but AK's version is so good.

Choco Lava (Php 188)
Moist and soft and so chocolatey. Perfect with the topped vanilla ice cream

The serving sizes are all good for sharing so you get value for your money. Prices ranges from Php250-400 per dish but it is indeed reasonable because you get quality food and service.

The wait staff are very attentive and courteous and that is a big plus. Great food and great service is equal to very happy diners.

Overall, I really loved everything. I will definitely come back here with my family or loved ones. I'm so happy that my first experience with Zomato was a big hit. Thanks, Zomato for the invite.



RESTO FACTS:

Angel's Kitchen

57 Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City

02 7218822, 02 21212 · 02 121212 (Delivery)

Check reviews at Zomato: http://www.zomato.com/manila/angels-kitchen-greenhills-san-juan-city/info#tabtop

~Lovelee~

The Bacolod Foodie Scene (Part 3)

If you plan on touring some provinces of the Philippines, make it a point to come to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental. Why? Aside from their cultural and heritage gems, their food is excellent! These past few years has really made this city a gastro feast for very affordable prices.

I have already made two blog posts about the Bacolod food scene and this is the recent installment. Told ya there's quite a lot of choices! All cuisines.

Have a look at what we had! Share share..


1) BAR 21 RESTAURANT
Address: 21 Street, cor. Lacson Street, Bacolod City

This resto has long been in city but this is the first time that I dined here. And I loved everything! It was a long time coming but it was all worth the wait. 

PEPPER STEAK
With freshly ground pepper and cream sauce with mashed potato and fried caramelized onions. This I really LOVE among all! I will not go here if I won't be able to order this. 

BATCHOY
Who knew that one needn't go to Iloilo to experience the best Batchoy when you can have it in Bacolod also. 

TANGIGUE KINILAW
Look at that presentation! Everything was so fresh! The serving was a bit spicy, but lovely, so my mom requested for the level of spiciness to be dampened down and they accommodated that request. Very good! 

LENGUA
With mashed potatoes, abalone, shiitake, straw and golden mushrooms. My brother ordered it and he was happy with this. The lengua was tender and delicate.

Do not miss this place when you visit the city. It's a nice place for a date or intimate dinner with friends and loved ones. The ambiance is a bit casual formal. 

2) CAFE BOB'S

Address: Lacson St. corner 21st St., Bacolod City

JAVA CHEESECAKE

PISTACHIO DACQUOISE
It was like Sansrival. The taste is delicate and nutty and not overly sweet. 

They have so many cake and pastry choices to choose from. I kid you not! And have a couple of sugarfree options too. And the prices are below Php100

3) PENDY'S RESTAURANT

Address: Lacson St. Bacolod City

Considered an institution in Bacolod. My mom and dad used to have their dates here so that was way back in the late 70s. And now, me and my brother love it here too! 

HALF MOON
Pendy's is famouse for this and I have not seen, or tried, this from other restos. But truth be told, this is like a moist sponge cake with custard on top. I like how it is very light and is not heavy on the tummy. 

PAD THAI
My brother reallys digs this, amongst all that he has tried. Their version is a bit more sour than the usual but the taste, for me, is distinctly Pendy's.

This fully loaded burger with bacon strips is good and meaty! Really nothing out of the extraordinary but it was good. We shared this because it was big.

4) FELICIA'S PASTRY CAFE
Address: Several branches all over the city

Felicia's has been in the scene for a couple of years already and is gaining their own set of followers. Me, I have always been a Calea girl but this place gives Calea a run for its money. They have mucho choices and prices are competitive to others too. Meaning, a great tasting cake slice for less than Php100.

Been to two branches and these are what we got. I don't recall the names of the cakes because we've ordered a lot! Sorry.

Their own take on the famous macarons. Sweet and tasty!

SANSRIVAL
 One of my all-time favorite cakes. Chewy and the sweetness was just right. Love love!

BIG ENSAYMADA

5) SODAM KOREAN RESTAURANT
Address: Lacson St. Bacolod City

I was told this is one of the best Korean restos in the city. And it was! The place was packed and orders kept on pouring in.

Limited Banchan but its ok

BIBIMBAP
Really tasty and it was hard to stop eating it

JAPCHAE
My fave. Good thing this was complimentary. I loved it.

KOREAN ICE CREAM
Compliments of the owner. So sweet of her. 

JEYOK BOKUM
Spicy, salty, so good! Not really fond of spicy dishes but I'm slowly, yet surely, appreciating it more and more

KIMBOP
I've had several rolls and this is so filling! Stuff yourself with 2-3 rolls only so you can get to appreciate more of the other dishes 

SAM GYUPSAL
Best eaten wrapped in you leafy greens (below) and add some chili and garlic and the dip. Yum! Definitely getting your hands dirty a little bit

6) BASCON CAFE
Address: Lacson St. Bacolod City

This is an old place too but I just found out about this recently and it was a revelation. Food is great and the ambiance is very cozy. Nothing too noisy so it's a great place to hang out with people and have great conversations. Best of all, all orders below (all four of us ordered drinks too) are for, more or less, Php1,000 only!

Quaint.

ROOTBEER FLOAT
Something to beat the heat.

RISOTTO DEL CHORIZO
This is our second choice but no worries. Their attempt at risotto is passable but I liked the tomato taste. Nothing really fancy but delicious in its own right.

SIZZLING SISIG
A comfort food for me so we just had to order it. I have tasted better ones but this is not bad at all.

LENGUA
This was weird because it was sweet and have potatoes and banana. It was like Pochero for me so this is just so and so.

POLLO PESTO
This is so good! The creaminess of the pesto sauce on top of the chicken breast was so flavorful. I was told this was a  bestseller and I knew why. It was THAT good!

PIZZA MARGHERITA
Size of a regular plate and thin-crust, its simpleness was a delight. We finished all of it right away. Not too filling so its a good addition to your roster of orders.

WARM BUTTER CAKE AND BABA CAKE
The first one was superb! Warm butter cake with melting ice cream complimented each other. While the chocolate "Baba" cake was thick with chocolate and a hit for us chocolate lovers. One thing that we do is to order individual items then we share it all with each other, that way we get to taste more than we actually paid for.

7) L'SEA DIMSUM AND NOODLE HOUSE
Address: Lopues East Centre, Villamonte, Bacolod City

CHICKEN INASAL
During this trip, I did not go to my usual chicken inasal joints but I had to before I leave so we dropped by L'Sea, which is near where we live, and had one. Taste was close enough to the ones of my fave places so that's good enough.

HAKAW
This is not so good because the shrimps were scrimped.

PORK SIOMAI
The meat was good but nothing exceptional. 

8) My tita's home cooking!

Of course, family hospitality is very normal for all Filipinos so we had Korean fare at our tita's house and it was so good! And you don't have to worry about prices because it's for free. Yes! 

The feast!

Again and again, Bacolod never fails to impress when its comes the restaurant scene, competing with other big cities in the country and for me, topping it because they offer great food at reasonable prices. That's why when I eat at places there, I can't help but mutter a not-too-noisy comparison between the Metro Manila prices.

I have friends who wants me to take them in Bacolod, how I wish I can, but given the mutual time and budget, I would love to do so. Already did it to a group of close friends already. =)


~Lovelee~


Check out my previous Bacolod food trips:

BACOLOD FOODIE SCENE PART 1
http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2012/07/bacolod-foodie-scene.html

BACOLOD FOODIE SCENE PART 1
http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2013/01/BacolodFoodieScenePart2.html