FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

Cupped in banana leaves that gives not only a distinct flavour but also an identity, Puto Manapla is common here in Iloilo as to the place where it originated, Manapla town in Negros Occidental. While there's the original and ube variants, this is actually the first time I tried the cheese version. With yellow food coloring but real grated cheese toppings, the "Manapla" essence is still there made even better by the cheese. And I want some more!

How about serving crabs in one different yet still delicious way - crab relleno! It's a simple recipe compared with making bangus relyeno  as you avoid the task of being meticulous in handling the skin that will serve as wrap. Here's a simple recipe in making this appetizing Relyeno nga Kasag Ingredients Crab shells   3/4 kilo crabmeat  Assorted vegetables likes cubed carrots, corn kernels, green peas, etc  1/2 cup breadcrumbs 3 whole eggs, beaten 5 cloves Garlic, minced  1 medium onion, chopped Salt, pepper or seasoning mixes Oil Water How to make Crab Relyeno In making crab relyeno, just make sure the shell is still whole and cleaned thoroughly after taking out the meat and other parts.  In a pan, saute garlic and onion in oil then add crabmeat.  If you could get hold of crabmeat being sold in the groceries, much better since you can make it meatier and make it more generous.  Add-in carrots, corn and peas plus anythin...

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo opened a few days ago and like a magnet it pulled Ilonggos towards it to experience the luxury it has to offer. From its gleaming facade to modestly lavish interiors, it has become "the place to see and be seen". And among the simplest way to enjoy the luxury it has to offer is to indulge in the gastronomic pleasures at The Granary . Located at the hotel's lobby, the all-day outlet entices with its simple yet elegant interiors. Despite its business-like ambiance, sophistication is in the air - literally. Who wouldn't notice and appreciate the simple elegance these lighting fixtures the moment they step in!  Under these bright lights, the duo-toned furniture also speaks of mild sophistication. But if you prefer much brighter, then you can seat yourself in the area fronting the glass wall for maximum exposure. There, the walls are lined with native decors and another set of lighting fixtures might give you another visual fixation. Bu...

Whenever I find myself in Bacolod City, I always make it a point to drop by Manukan Country . One could be lost in the array of chicken inasal houses lining the area. But not me for always look for my favorite - Aida's Chicken. But now, I don't have to crave for the taste of Aida's Chicken Inasal as I can readily have one here in Iloilo City! With a soft opening last June 8, 2015, Aida's Chicken has opened its doors to the Iloilo dining crowd with a two-storey al fresco restaurant located at Paseo de Arcangeles beside SM City Iloilo.  Photo from Aida's Chicken Iloilo FB Bringing its signature Chicken Inasal, Aida's menu is all about chicken ( pecho, pechopak, pa-a ) and its other edible parts - bul-o (skin), batikulon (gizzard), atay (liver), pakpak (wings),  li-og (neck)  tina-e (intestines),  and  isol/iwi (you don't wanna know LOL). But they other meat specialties if you're not into chicken - like pork barbecue and grilled chorizo (lo...

Made with hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomato, grilled or roasted chicken (not fried), bacon, cheese onions and lettuce, the Cobb Salad was created in the 1930's and named after Robert H.Cobb, owner of a chain of American chain of restaurants called Brown Derby. This classic American salad headlines a week-long gastronomic celebration at The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo as it celebrates Fourth of July with an American Lunch Buffet starting today, June 29 until July 3. And on July 4, its Indulgence Saturday Dinner Buffet goes American! So after the Cobb Salad, I set my eyes on the Potato Salad right next to it and eventually concocted my favorite Pineapple-Carrot-Cucumber-Jicama Salad with thousand island dressing. When my "Salad Days" was over, I had some New England Chowder before I trooped over to the appetizer station and had the classic Buffalo Wings... ... Beef Fillet wrapped in Bacon, which I gorged on... and mini Corn Dogs which I referred to a...

Are you ready to get your fingers and hands (even your clothes) dirty in exchange for a sumptuous serving of the famous Chilli Crabs? All the way from Singapore to the discriminating palate of the Ilonggos comes Clarke Quay Singaporean Cuisine at The Shops at Atria.  Chilli Crabs is a popular Singaporean seafood dish in which mud crabs are commonly used. They are are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet and savoury tomato and chilli based sauce. Despite its name, chilli crab is not really a very spicy dish. The restaurant's owner, Mr. Lee who was by our side suggested something to go with our Chilli Crabs - mantou or Chinese steamed bun. It was perfect to enjoy and finished off all the savory thick sauce but on its own the bread already tickled my palate. But for Filipinos, what's a meal without a serving of rice. We had our Yangchow and Fragrant Rice (often the partner of Hainnanese Chicken) to go with the Chilli Crabs. Yet to enjoy more of the Chilli Crabs, just...

With almost 40 dimsum and other traditional Chinese dishes to choose from, its hard to decide which among these would come to the table. Good thing, I had help from two equally hungry friends who took care of this gastronomic dilemma. And all I had left to do was to prolong their hunger agony as I had my usual clicks and flashes session before we devoured these sumptuous spread before us. The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo offers a selection of dimsum and other quick eats every weekdays from 2-5 in the afternoon. Dubbed as "Dimsum Afternoon Tea", it comes with a complimentary tea which was perfect for yesterday's rainy afternoon. Even more perfect were these two bowls of noodles, Pork Asado (above) and Wanton which not only warmed us up but gave a us a delicious taste memories. I particularly loved the noodle itself - firm and just right to the bite. The soup was tasty and so were the dumplings - I even looked under the noodles hoping for more! And the kept ...