FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

My 6 year old nephew and I sat almost the whole early afternoon waiting for the ice cream man to pass by but to no avail. Thus the next day we didn't let our chances be the same so around late morning we were already craning our necks, waiting. Then he came and my nephew was ecstatic. Though it was just a simple ice drop, my nephew insisted on buying all flavours. Luckily there were just three that time. And yes, he finished all three.

After the successful Sinful Desire: A Chocolate Affair, Tinapayan Bakeshop at the Atrium stages their annual Christmas food display in the form of a Gingerbread Village. An eye candy for passers-by especially for the kids, the display will run until January of next year. Several gingerbread houses makes up most of the edible part "village" with some non edible accents completing the display. The scene stealer, of course is the train that makes its way around the village with occasional "choo-choo" and some season's greetings for the crowd. These gingerbread houses are actually for sale for PhP 750. Note: This is just a repost of my blog entry for Christmas 2008 but Tinapayan Bakeshop has the same display on going now at The Atrium for 2009.

Nope, this is not an aviary in the city but rather small foodshop located at the St. Elizabeth Center along Valeria street. Serving short orders like sandiwches, pancit, pasta,pizza and other food items, it's claim to fame, so to speak, are their cakes and pastries. With an affordable menu, its a very good place to simply relax while watching the hustle and bustle of the city. Though they are not as fancy as those big name bakeshops they have items worthy of praise. Two of their best sellers are the buttered chiffon cake slices and lemon squares. Their chicken pie is also a personal favorite. Finally was able to squeeze in some time to visit this foodshop again. Luckily, it was empty that time so I had the whole place by myself asking several questions and taking some pictures. I settled for their pancit palabok and apple crumble pie. I also bought some choco beehives to compliment my cupcake tree.

With eye catching colours to show their flavours, the cupcakes from Panaderia de Iloilo are very cheap and surprisingly good. A box of 16 cupcakes having 8 flavours sell for PhP100 so buying 3 boxes for my cupcake tree served during Mother's day two years ago was just light on the pocket but very visually rich and gastronomically fullFILLING. Cant seem to contain my "euphoria" over these cupcakes so here's another tribute to these little "guys". And here they are having fun under some artifically induced (lol) " ultraviolet light " condition

After our pizza adventure at Afrique's, Chymera suggested to have a walk at the now dilapidated Fort San Pedro area. The place holds a lot of memories and also a lot of potential for future developments. Here's LEE admiring the scenery while Chymera was very busy taking pictures in almost all the possible angles and positions. Note: LEE, let's test your eyes again, what is missing in the above photo?

Just a single mistake made my dinner "crashed like dominoes". But that will come later. Today’s gastronomy trip started in Deco’s La Salette with Lee and Marc for Lee’s batchoy survey. With super special batchoy and two kinds of pan de sal; pre war and that of Pa-a . Over these, we talked about almost anything under the sun. We then had a side trip to Deco’s pasalubong shop where, as I always say, you can find almost everything for your pasalubong box. Ever since this opened I have been very vocal about my “thumbs up” for this one stop shop. On our way to the Capitol, we met accidentally bumped into Rex, under the pedestrian overpass of all places. Having idle time at hand, he joined our adventure that afternoon. We decided to let our lunch settle down first before having our next batchoy meal, this time at Ted’s, by visiting the Capitol and going up the 6th floor for (almost) a birds eye view of the city of Iloilo and beyond. It was really a great first time for me and Lee...

A yellow fruit platter consisting of watermelon, banana and pear. Perfect snack after my exercise routine. A pack of 4 pears is very cheap for around PhP 35 so I grabbed one while doing my grocery. Cant wait for tomorrow to have this dinuguan with innards. Had to add sinigang mix though since it wasn't as sour as I wanted it to be. Luckily I found this sili at the fridge as garnish.

I have been a fan of Lala fish crackers since it came out years ago. From being packed in ordinary clear plastic to its present foil vacuum packaging. With new flavours like sweet & chili and salt & vinegar, it really has come a long way. PhP15.50 each I gave up my trip to Deco's batchoy for this Bolo bola sio pao of Goldilocks and regretted that decision. Php 39 But I was more satisfied eating JD's monggo ensaymada. PhP13.50 each

Pancit Efuven Another noodle proudly made in Iloilo. (Please refer to a separate article through the link.) Ginataang Tambo Now who doesn't like this classic gata recipe? Meatrolls Chicken and asado rolls from JD Bakeshop. Rgies Butterscotch A helping hand from my nephew who eventually finished this one after the shoot. Kiat-kiat This bag of miniature oranges actually surpised me since it cost a little more than a hundred pesos. Banana cue I know where to get one this time.