FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

What started out as a catering service specializing in customized and personalized food provider for weddings, private parties and corporate events way back in 2017, has just opened its doors to a brand-new restaurant, bringing its unique flavors to the Ilonggo community. Located along Commission Civil Street, Rustica Restaurant is the newest culinary gem in the heart of Jaro, offering an upscale dining experience with innovative dishes, personalized service, and comforting classics.  With its signature catering flavors that have delighted Ilonggos at countless celebrations, Rustica now brings its signature taste to the table, fresh daily. Under the culinary expertise of Chef Miguel Cordova, a pioneer in Ilonggo dining (think of Afrique's, Esca's, and Dova), Rustica's journey began in 2012 as the catering arm of Afrique's, focusing on bespoke events.  As its passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences flourished, Rustica soon evolved into a standalone cat...

One of my fondest memories of having to tag along during a Sunday "marketing" chore is seeing piles of kalamay nga pula  sold in the town's market. It really excites me to see this brown mound, most especially  if it has much bitog-bitog .  As the transaction goes on, I'd sneak around and pocket as many as I could. So even if we didn't buy any sugar at all or how long the whole panindahan takes place, at least there's something to keep me busy along the way. On the downside, most of the time I'd forget about this when we come home and I just remember it when the ants feast on the remains of the days - LOL

Across our hostel in Singapore  (thank you Cebu Pacific), there was a restaurant whose specialty was something unfamiliar - bak kut teh . Asking our host from Kinn Hostel , she said it is a pork ribs dish with a savory and peppery broth and suggested that I visit the more well-known restaurant serving this iconic dish. Curiosity led me to the restaurant which was a block away and found an 8-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, the latest being this 2025! The branch where I first queued - 11 New Bridge Road  Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a renowned culinary institution in Singapore, celebrated for its authentic rendition of traditional Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh. Founded in 1969 by Yeo Eng Song as a pushcart stall in Johor Road, Singapore, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is now a chain of restaurants with multiple branches in Singapore and abroad (yes, I saw one in Bangkok ) The branch I visited was at the New Bridge Road (the only branch awarded by Michelin Guide), just a few minutes walk fr...

This is a staple offering in almost all small bakeries around and is one of my favorites.  The mix of sweet first bite is complemented by the salty aftertaste brings back the flavors of yesteryears.  Though not necessarily a half-moon - it's more of a quarter moon really, this distinctive shape was among the come-ons why this cookie appealed so much to the younger me.  Nonetheless it still is a fave order when ever I find myself at a local bakery. Is this your favorite too?

Back in 2019, I remember having lunch at Cafe Belmont during one of my Manila trips.   It was that serving dish of crabs that had me at first glance and it never faded in my memory.  Now, five years later, it’s the breakfast buffet that would tickle my gastronomic fantasies.  We stayed at Belmont Hotel Manila for my parents 50th anniversary and for  two days we had our fill of delicious breakfast. Check out more photos on Facebook From the staples like bacon, ham and sausages to Pinoy faves like tuyo, dilis and danggit. I just love this kind of spread of which local faves go side by side with contemporary fares.  As the first meal of the day where one stocks up carbo, I’m glad there was plenty. From rice, potatoes and pancit to pancakes, waffles and breads - I love the pudding. There’s an egg station where you can request how you would like your eggs cooked - hardboiled, sunny side up or scrambled You can DIY your omelette with lots of fillings to choose from w...