FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

Mention Tatoy's and a picture of their native litsong manok will certainly flash in everybody's mind. Ofcourse it's their claim to fame specialty when it started in a small hut along Villa beach decades ago. Now, it's a complex of buildings, cabanas and structures make the Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant. But they have their delectable native litsong manok to entice your sense even when you are just entering the restaurant. Full of flavour in every bite, the petite chicken is a must have when dining at Tatoy's or you'll be having an incomplete Tatoy's experience. But a recent food trip made me discover that there's more to Tatoy's than their signature native litsong manok. Starting with the appetizer, we had green mangoes served with sauteed guinamos (the local bago-ong). The guinamos was very good that ordered another just to have another go with the guinamos. That instant I made my own bago-ong rice and ev...

Mention  Tatoy's to almost any Ilonggo and they'll describe to you a whole chicken roasted to perfect golden brown hue, crisp skin, appetizing aroma and tastes like no other. This is Tatoy's signature product -  native litsong manok . Tatoy's uses native chicken called  darag. Darag is a Philippine native chicken strain found in Iloilo and the rest of Western Visayas. Best known for its unique flavor, taste and meat texture - it has become famous as an alternative to commercial chicken, and has captivated the taste buds of both locals and tourists alike. The market for the Darag has grown big because many people are now looking at the native chicken as a source of nutritious food. Those who lead a more inactive lifestyle prefer foods that are low in cholesterol. Studies show that Darag chicken meat is high in protein, rich in potassium and contains less fat.  It's never been a secret how Tatoy's creates their iconic native litson m...

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...

This feature published by the Manila Standard Today narrates how gastronomy played an important role in the author's recent visit to Iloilo City. It simply shows that food is very much a part of the city's "tourism" and as the title says it's "Beyond batchoy". Enjoy this article (written by Nana Nadal) more with some photos from Flavours of Iloilo archives. Mention Iloilo and batchoy is not far behind. With everyone sending me off to the province with “enjoy the batchoy” messages, I was half expecting to live on the noodle soup for the duration of my three-day stay. After devouring a bowlful paired with soft white puto at Ted’s Old Timer La Paz Batchoy along Valeria Street, I realized that I had nothing to worry about, I would have been perfectly happy eating it for several meals. I’m no batchoy connoisseur but I think Ted’s 65 years in the business and 34 branches nationwide prove that their recipe’s a winner. I had another round of the dish at Days ...

A gastronomic pitstop in Iloilo City, whatever the reasons of one may have, is the famed Tatoy’s Manukan and Seafoods along the stretch of Villa Beach. Balikbayans, tourists and even Philippine presidents make a quick trip to Tatoy’s to savour the cuisine that catapulted it to the iconic status it enjoys today. It was then a favored lunch venue during the Iloilo Heritage tour on the second day of the Visayas Blogging Summit last Nov. 28. 2010. Around fifty bloggers who enjoyed the sights of Southern Iloilo ( San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Guimbal, Tigbauan, and Oton ) find respite with the beachside ambiance of Tatoy’s after hours of travel. Of course Tatoy’s is food and food it shall be as we all enjoyed the famed cuisine, the freshest catch and everything Tatoy’s got to offer. Foremost is the popular lechon manok which revealed some of its secrets – sampaloc leaves used to add more flavour. Unlike most roasted chicken, it uses native or free roaming chicken commonly referred ...

Ask Ilonggos (or just anybody who have been to), what to do in Iloilo City, the most likely answer would just be one word – punctuated with an exclamation point. Eat! And it’s nonstop eating one will get with this list of 13 food places, which in my opinion, puts in a nutshell the gastronomic delights of Iloilo City . A useful guide for tourists who want to enjoy the heart of the Philippines through their stomach. Breakthrough Restaurant Among the easiest choice is this restaurant along Villa beach that combines good food and ambiance for a truly relaxing gastronomic experience. It is often one of the first stops for balikbayans and tourists; Breakthrough is synonymous with the freshest seafoods. A row of their cooked specialties is displayed for one to choose but check out their fresh seafood section. You won’t go wrong with grilled scallops , shrimp kinilaw, sizzling crabmeat and diwal on top of the usual grilled fish and squids plus crabs, prawns and oysters. Afriques ...