Netong's is a popular batchoyan in the middle of the Lapaz Market. But it is also turo-turo with more than 20 dishes on display but that didn't distract from the order I actually came for - pata or linaga. Actually, I had my tastebuds set on on their pata but it wasn't available until 3pm that day, so I had to settle for linaga. Equally appetizing and cholesterol laden ... I am not quite accustomed to linaga being cooked in large "kalaha" or frying pan that I looked for deep kalderos in the area until the server pointed that big kawali as the container for linaga. It didn't quite look appetizing at first that I thoughts of cancelling my order and opt for their batchoy instead. But the linaga started to have it's familiar look as the server got a piece of beef then cut it into bite size pieces.From an almost cancelled order to an appetizing bowl of slow-boiled beef, Netong's linaga instantly became a favorite and wouldn't mind having another bowl or eating there for the next few straight days. The beef was very soft but you'd still have to bite in it giving it a contrasting texture. The broth was very good that "sabaw pa lang ulam na". At times there are bony parts attached to the beef but they are quite edible that I had fun crunching them. It was so good and delicious that even two cups of rice wasn't enough, but I had to stop at two. I finished my rice with still a third of the linaga left in the bowl to which I savoured every "strand" of the beef and every drip of the broth. Almost a surprise when the bill came that this bowl of linaga was only Php35! And with two servings of rice, that one delicious lunch was only Php51. Now, Netong's is not only a place where one can have Lapaz Batchoy but also a good bowl of linaga. And I hope I'll catch their pata next time I drop by the Lapaz public market for there's definitely more than batchoy in Lapaz!
A stones throw away from the plaza of La Villa de Arevalo is an ancestral house where one can find not only good pasalubong items but also a look into the past of the district. Known as the Sinamay House , this well preserved ancestral house is an attraction not only in the outside but also what it houses inside. A collection of what the past like is housed in the two storey edifice which also acts like a museum of sorts. Sinamay is simply known as abaca by most and, here, a variety of products made from this fiber can be found. I remember watching a feature on tv wherein the owner proudly showed a framed letter signed by the late Princess of Wales, Diana, showing her appreciation of the handkerchief she was given as a gift coming from this very shop. But the attraction I am most familiar with are the chewies and crunchies made by Mama's Kitchen. Attractively packed in boxes showing their current flavours and variety, this is among the better...