FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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 ...

That's what I got when I order linaga with caldo sang batchoy at Netong's. It was actually linaga but the batchoy lady suggested that it's also good with caldo so I tried it. And she was right - though cholesteroliffic as it may seem. Okay it is really full of cholesterol! The aroma is seemingly Lapaz batchoy and when you take your first sip, it seems the Lapaz batchoy essence gives way to another delectable - to that of linaga . I can go on forever describing how the two taste complement and how they taste good but there's no substitute of having them yourself. So if you're in Iloilo and you found yourself at the Lapaz market, just ask for Netong's and then try the linag-choy . You might develop a liking for it too!

It was nice to be back in the hustle and bustle of the Lapaz Market as I found myself inside Netong's Lapaz Batchoy restaurant yesterday with some friends from DPI (Discover Panay Island)  FB group.  And I was surprised that the renovation works Patrick (owner of Netong's) mentioned a few months back would result to more than just an expansion of their space. It offered a brighter interior and with more touristy ambiance that would make eating Netong's batchoy more than just a gustatory experience.  Also, it was my first glimpse of their signature pata that was simmering in a large pan outside that also tickled our tummies. I've been curious about this since then for this is only available during the mid afternoon like 3pm onwards. Before this time, they serve linag a from the morning until its finished by mid afternoon.  As our bowl of Lapaz batchoy made it to the table, the familiar and delicious aroma of this Ilonggo delicacy perked us up. In no...

It was a few months ago that I got wind that ANG PINAKA , one of the longest running shows on GMA News TV (even when it was still QTV), will finally be listing the Ang Pinaka Yummy Restos in Iloilo for its monthly food feature. Based on the info I got of their "eatinerary", I had the suspicion that my 2010 blogpost about the 13 Gastronomical Pitstops in Iloilo would play a big role in their list. And a few hours ago, I was right for I had 7 out of 10, though I can say 9, since during the time I made my own list, I have yet to discover the other two. So here's how the list went on... No. 10 Green Mango Filipino Fastfood Grilled Bangus Combo Meal No. 9 The Mango Tree Chopsuey No. 8 Roberto's House Queen Sio Pao No. 7 Netong's Original Lapaz Batchoy Extra Super Lapaz Batchoy No. 6 Afrique's Parmesan Crusted Fried Chicken No. 5 Al Dente Ristorante Italiano Biscuit crust Chicken Barbecue Pizza No. 4 Bourbon Street Bac...

Right in the middle of Lapaz Market in Iloilo City stands among the more authentic batchoyans in town. There you'll find a busy eatery/ batchoyan that proudly announces "The Pride of Iloilo". Welcome to Netong's Original Lapaz Batchoy , where batchoy is still what it was like more than 50 years ago, thus many claim it to be one of the most authentic Lapaz Batchoy. When I dine at Netong's, I just love how their batchoy still looks original or to be "safe", the batchoy look I grew up with. The noodles form the base and the pork, liver and intestines for a heap in the middle sprinkled with chicharon , garlic and chives. Then you'll see the bone marrows floating around on the caldo .I almost always complain of the "lost art"  of batchoy preparation but good thing there's still Netong's, among others, where the art is still alive. And I never season my bowl of Netong's batchoy with soy sauce and/or pepper since I ...

This Sunday enjoy another gastronomic trip around Iloilo as The Pinoy Foodie enters it finale episode. Though I aint sure if it's really the finale but it is still about Ilonggo food and food ways that has marked the gastronomy of Iloilo. And it is still Lapaz Batchoy that leads all the "Tatak Ilonggo" cuisine and delicacies. Watch how we navigate the interiors of the Lapaz market to look for the real and authentic Lapaz Batchoy prepared how it was decades ago.  Get a dose of native Ilonggo coffee as Madge Cafe presents the coffee drinking habit of the Ilonggos. How about some binurong-pinamalhan nga bilong-bilong (moonfish or chabita) which is considered to be the Ilonggo "signature" fish. Comes with it is the kalkag (shrimp fry) -kusahos (local beef jerky) rice. Enjoy the native cooking Buto't Balat Restaurant has to offer on top of it's oasis-like ambiance. All these - shot in the heritage backdrop of the Iloilo river and its colonial architectur...