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| - Lechon!
OK, that's all I know. I've half jokingly asked a very good friend to be my guide in the Philippines only to be told, "enjoy yourself. It's hot. There's no air conditioning. They don't have electricity all day". That said, I blame him for my lack of knowledge on Filipino cuisine. JK. Though, ever been to a restaurant and had no idea what anything is?
With zero street cred other than watching Anthony Bourdain's single No Reservations Philippines episode, here goes.
Cool dining space. The lounge is actually made from recycled shipping palates.
The lechon, boneless pork belly rolled and roasted (not deep fried). Golden skin, uber crispy with juicy, fatty sweet pork inside. Good eats for sure. Digging in with your fingers makes it taste that much better. Minor observation, shouldn't this have been roasted over an open fire to maintain authenticity and add the smoky bitterness?
Kare-Kare was intriguing. A stick to the ribs stew. Well braised oxtail, its melting cartilage creating a gelatin packed broth, with peanut butter. Savory, rich, and earthy and good eats.
Grilled boneless Bangus (milkfish) is definitely a fish lovers fish. The fish has flavor. There is a fatty richness around the belly and a "fishy" flavor throughout that is enhanced by grilling.
Ginataang Kuhol (freshwater river snails cooked in coconut milk) is interesting. Obviously from frozen, the snails are slightly tough. Unlike saltwater shells, these have a slight muddy, bitter vegetal finish that is toned down by the garlic, onions and coconut milk.
And then, Isaw BBQ. It looks great. Beautiful caramelized BBQ sauce on pork INTESTINES. No, no, 1000x no. Fatty, chewy, like well cooked tripe BUT the taste. Barnyardy? Screw that. It taste literally like what comes out of the backside of an animal.
Follow up the Isaw with Chicharon Bulalak. This isn't deep fried pork skin, rather deep fried intestines. Unpalatable due to the overwhelming smell.
Service is very friendly and welcoming.
A meal that is a journey to a foreign land. Highs far outweigh the lows and the unusual is just part of the experience. Truly one that beckons you to return.
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