My mom would always say, “I’d never have to cook again if Kang Kang were in LA.” Kang Kang Food Court was introduced by Chinese USC students to my sister, then to my mom, and then to the rest of the family. Up to now, there’s never a week that we don’t go to Alhambra, a city that is as Chinese as a wonton noodle soup, with all the eating establishments thriving around. For us, it has become opiate to go there. Well, Ericke and I brought a friend there last night. No counting calories.

Monstrous Taiwanese slush (kinda like halo-halo but with condensed milk) is my fave food at the food court that is not really a food court but more like a cafeteria. The Kang Kang cuisine is a selection of the best of the regions in China like they have a lamb and sour vegetable casserole dish and a meat pie to represent the north, etc. Besides the food display at the counter, the rest of the menu is on the walls.

I read a piece from David Chang (yes, of Momofuku fame), “We were supposed to go to at least four or five other places afterwards, but I ruined the trip—I ordered way too much. I couldn’t delay my gratification. I ended up spending an impossible amount of money, like over $100. And it’s so cheap there. Whenever I go to LA, I should probably try to get a weekend apartment in San Gabriel Valley just to eat Chinese food. That would be my weekend home. White people can get a beach house. I would get a Chinese-eating house (read complete post here).”

The Jing Dong meat pie (in photo above) is my second fave. My third is the oyster cake. I also love the mouthwatering fried pork bao (in photo below) that’s like the water siopao at the No Name siopao stand on Benavidez we featured in FoodPrints on the Lifestyle Network.

Prepare to be stuffed at this place. They also have a selection of frozen food to bring home.

Kang Kang Food Court
 7 E Valley Blvd, Alhambra, California
 Phone: (626) 308-3898 Open 7am-11pm

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

Breakfast with the family, especially on a Sunday, is as exciting as dinner with the family on special occasions, to me at least. But what makes it doubly filling is when breakfast is as good as pancakes from the legendary Elmer’s Restaurant.

We were in Palm Springs one Sunday, and after trekking the Lost Palm Oasis Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, trying out classic German pancake at Elmer’s was another adventure in itself.

Fluffy, angry pancake, also known as a Dutch puff, or a Bismarck, is lighter than it seems. It’s actually flat on the center and heavenly with a squeeze of fresh lemon. I’ve never had pancakes so light, yet satisfying.

The place was bursting. I looked around and pancakes of all sorts with fruits, or eggs and breakfast meats like the smoked bacon I had were so alive. There’s also more like omelettes, sandwiches, steaks and chicken. The menu is actually extensive. And they serve lunch and dinner. Elmer’s has been around since 1960. The secret pancake recipe has earned them fame and more stores in Northwestern United States, and Canada.

Elmer's Restaurant - Palm Springs
 1030 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California
 Phone: (760) 327-8419

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

I thought it would be the end of this hand-me-down Toshiba laptop, it won’t open, and then it yet has life. Discovered someone just tripped over the cable. So, well, this post is all about the special date with my beautiful cousins, sisters May and Sam. May was vacationing from Hawaii and Sam took a day off. We had lunch at Commissary, a greenhouse at The Line Hotel in Koreatown, on a Monday. Such a refreshing place with seemingly healthy food by celebrity chef Roi Choi, a perceptible green ethos and, of course, Sam and May are always fun to be with. We had dessert at Bennett’s in LA’s Original Farmers Market, a few blocks away from Koreatown. What my camera didn’t capture was the boot shopping at The Grove. I’m not thrilled to switch from “tsinelas” culture to the need for something warmer.

More than the greenery at the Commissary, there’s that degree of innocence. Communal tables, mismatched dinnerware and recycled and upcycled objects jibe in harmony with eclectic Pan-Asian fare. The sweet and succulent pan-roasted scallops with pea shoots in green sauce and avocado toasts with cured salmon and goat cheese were spectacular. With very LA French dipped prime rib sandwich and a plate of arugula and watercress with grilled chicken, it was already an orgy.

And then the dessert, after taking pics of the St. Basil Catholic Church on Wilshire Boulevard, next on the blog.

Photographed by May, Sam and Tina
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

I hate how much I love Bennett’s Cabernet Sauvignon Sorbet. A scoop technically costs 7 dollars and fifty cents and 4 kilometers of walking from and to the bus stop. Or maybe I love the nostalgia that goes with it — alone time with the hubby, his favorite strawberry milkshake and my favorite cabernet sauvignon sorbet, almost every other week seven years ago. Miss the childlike moments emanating from his old soul. He likes classic stuff — things that won’t go away. I never tell you this, but I miss you, for all the world to know.

Bennett’s Ice Cream is located at the Los Angeles Original Farmers Market, 6333 W 3rd St.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

The rare times that I can let my hair down and enjoy an hour or two with Ericke are like this late night date on a work day. The servers were helpful and nice even if we were the last to eat at Umami Burger in Pasadena. As it was already late, we ordered just enough for the two of us — we shared a Sunny Side Burger (her favorite), with perfectly cooked sunny side up egg, a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese and truffle oil; and maple-coated sweet potato fries and morsels of bacon. Super yum dinner! I have a lot of favorite burgers, different styles of burgers, from In-N-Out to Tommy’s, and this particular Umami Burger fits in. I want to try the Manly Burger with lots of nice stuff on it when we get the chance again. BTW, a well spent part of my first paycheck.

Did you know that “umami” is the fifth basic taste? We have sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory, thanks to Japanese professor/chemist Kikunae Ikeda who discovered umami, that pleasant savoury taste from glutamates.

Photographed by Ericke and Tina Tan
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

I know everyone’s either partying or resting on Thanksgiving Day. For me, it’s blogging day. Taking this opportunity once again to thank everyone, my readers as well, who not only make this blog complete, but keep me going on with what I am able to do pain-free. As you know writing and photography are probably connatural.

The past weeks since I posted last, I would like to believe, is a stage where I had to see things in a new light. Having lived in the tropics for so long, fall weather in Los Angeles is almost unbearable. Add to the gloomy weather the transition to self-sufficiency. My own personal goals encircle the family and the future. It’s a simple Thanksgiving Day for me, my first in America, but what makes it essentially significant is the realization that I am not alone in my journey. I have so many people to thank, and God above all. Happy Thanksgiving and much sunshine from me to each and everyone!

At the start of the week, my brother and little sister brought me to brunch at the always packed Alcove Cafe and Bakery on Hillhurst Ave. It’s a hipster spot. It actually reminds me of Ilocos. Alcove is set on two restored old bungalows. The place is all about fresh, responsibly-sourced natural and organic artisanal or handcrafted anything, and not to forget a great equitable employment advocacy, which means part of the guest’s payment goes to employee benefits for a solid financial future. Yes, they are big on that as what they claim on their website.

All to myself was Alcove’s Kinda Classic Eggs Benedict with lots of ham, and berries on the side. Very tasty, its bodacious flavors uplift the spirit. The eggs were perfect like I like them. Onion rings were a little too sweet and heavy for my taste, but finished my part nevertheless.

The al fresco ambiance is homey and casual, like it’s a great environment for powwow, even protracted, as in our case.

Well, til the next blogging day. Give thanks always. God bless.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

York Boulevard in Highland Park is a string of happening spots, if you are one who likes old-school, local art, date-night setting, hmnn, walking, and good food. Ericke was treating me to dinner. Chego came out first, but I wanted to keep away from the Far East Plaza in downtown LA until the next Ramen Champ tonkatsu tan tan ramen or Thien Huong pho with escargot or Fortune Gourmet Kitchen’s salt and spicy pork chop craving hits mom and me. (Hahah,) Ericke and I don’t dine out as often as I eat out with my mom, and on a day Ericke and I can be a twosome, the Far East Plaza building is the least place I want to be in. Donut Friend was new to me, but I actually also ditched Boiling Crab for Donut Friend.

She realized she left her wallet at the office before we were about to cross the street to go to the donut place. 10 dollars in her coin purse was safe; in Tagalog, we say, “Tuloy ang ligaya.”

Etched in York Blvd.: Permanent Records and Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor

The baby of a pop punk producer by the name of Mark Trombino, Donut Friend continues to make the list of LA’s best donuts, if not the best. The kindergartenish interiors are fresh at any time of the day, at any kind of weather, just like the donuts they make.

Along with DIY donuts with stuff like gluten-free or vegan donut, their signature band-themed donuts like the first one I tried and loved, palate-tickling Jets to Basil (a take from Jets to Brazil), with cream cheese, strawberry jam and fresh basil, and topped with vanilla glaze and balsamic reduction. are the stars of the festival.

I ordered my second donut, a Srirachosin with peanut butter, strawberry jam and coconut bacon, and topped with what else but Sriracha sauce. The shocker was that for the first time in America, a legitimate order was on the house. Ericke and I were joking that the angel behind the counter must have sensed we were on a budget. Truly and deeply from the bottom of my heart, and not BlauEarth’s heart, thank you Donut Friend for this robust donut that reminds me so much of the spicy fried peanuts we have back home in the Philippines. The coconut undertone was the icing on this cake.

Writing this, I’m thinking of going back to 90042 to order a donut birthday cake for someone so loved.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

Yay! I am a new owner of a 4G phone, a gift from my brother and sister-in-law. Getting the hang of mobile photography. Let’s start with my neighborhood. Honestly, walking to Sunset Blvd. was more pleasurable with just a phone and twenty dollars in my pocket.

Went to this old American breakfast place called Millie’s. An institution in Silver Lake, Millie’s is open only up til 4PM and is always packed, oftentimes with long lines, but I was lucky to get a seat by the bar. Eggs, toasts and pancakes are popular, as well as their Mexican-inspired and vegan options. It was difficult to choose what eggs Benedict to get. Settled with California style, traditional Benedict merged with avocados and crisp smoked applewood bacon, with rosemary potatoes on the side. The hollandaise sauce was flawless. The explosion of flavors sent me to a foodgasm. The serving was hefty, but it was all worth the trip. Staff is wonderful, food is served quickly, and it really feels like a friendly neighborhood eatery.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

Enough to stimulate my curiosity, The Boiling Crab is a constant mention when I ask people where they love to eat in Los Angeles. My sister, who lives in Jacksonville and is set to visit LA, has already arranged a Boiling Crab seafood binge in her mind and with us. I couldn’t wait for the day she finally boards that Southwest Airlines plane, and only that Southwest Airlines plane. Eventually asked Ericke for a dinner date at the trending Cajun-spiced seafood place.

We went to the Koreatown location. The long line was no deterrent. Two hours and fifteen minutes, to be exact, before we were seated. The crowd was a mix of young and old, people who didn’t mind getting down and dirty. Everything but the food is plastic here — a bib is tied around your neck and a fresh sheet is laid on the table. There is actually more than the boiled-in bag seafood of your choice in the menu. Fried oysters I haven’t had since my San Diego trip thrilled me, not counting the shrimps swimming in the whole sha-bang sauce. Crabs and lobsters would take us a few more hours at the place, so reserving it for another trip, if it’s really worth going back through the same ordeal.

Practically had all the sauces available. Hotness level is your choice. Salt and pepper with lime was the perfect complement to my deep fried oysters. Making me think of getting plain oysters next time, the batter was on the thick side, but the oysters were succulent.

The whole experience of building the appetite, falling in line, waiting for hours, digging into a sauce-filled bag and eating with bare hands where it is legitimate to suck on heads makes eating at The Boiling Crab phenomenal. The sauce is insane to begin with.

The Boiling Crab
3377 Wilshire Blvd #115, Los Angeles
(213) 389-2722
Open Monday to Friday, 3-10 PM, and Saturday to Sunday, 12 to 10 PM

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

Reviewing a restaurant rooted in a culture that’s Filipino to a certain degree is not an easy task. First off, I’ve never experienced a Filipino restaurant that is 100 per cent Filipino in taste in Los Angeles. Not even a Jollibee nor a ChowKing can duplicate the original flavors they are known for back home. Putting more weight on the amalgamation of cultures must be the culprit. Add to that the indigenous nutrition of hogs, cattle and fowl we have back home. I first read about The Park’s Finest from a Los Angeles blog when I was still in the Philippines. Little did I know that The Park’s Finest in the southwest Echo Park area, also known as Historic Filipinotown, has already reached household name status here.

To give you a background on The Park’s Finest, here’s a video I found on the net: Get to know Johneric Concordia, the chef behind the BBQ, which he describes as “50% Mom. 50% Pop. 100% L.A.”, and its roots.

My mom was on the verge of backing out of what she said was previously a Japanese eatery. The menu revealed overpriced items that were mostly Filipino in name only. I’ve already had a preview of what to expect through the Mount Mayon hot links I chanced upon from Ericke’s leftover a couple of weeks back. If you’ve grown up with the best ever spicy and chunky Filipino longaniza, their version might come off as an insult to heritage. Giving The Park’s Finest the benefit of the doubt, I persuaded mom that we stay, but had to compromise on what to order.

Ricky’s Delano Special which sounded much like Ilocano kilawen (or kilawin) was not available. Not even any of the desserts on the Specials menu. And so mom and I shared a Mount Malindang ribs and riblets, which is described as slow-smoked St. Louis pork ribs and rib tips, and their much talked about cornbread bibingka. Mom got white rice for herself. The ribs were the fatty kind, tasty and tender, while the riblets were overdone in comparison. With the vinegar sawsawan that tasted like sukang Iloko, it could pass for a more sosyal tinuno. At that point, I was confident coming to The Park’s Finest was, after all, a gainful food adventure.

The house sauce (in photo above) turns out to be the best thing about the BBQ at the Park’s Finest. It was mustardy, strongly garlicky, a little sweet and, interestingly, it can be an ulam alone. I ended up eating more rice than my mom.

Now let’s talk about their versatile cornbread bibingka that’s been categorized as a side. It is buttery and soft like how a raised bibingka should be. From my own perspective, somewhat symbolic, putting the cornmeal twist to the well-loved Filipino cake is much like the conceptual BBQ place itself, and it proves to be a success. Non-Filipinos have started to recognize Filipino flavors, flavors that transcend pancit, lumpia and adobo Thank you to The Park’s Finest for being passionate about what they do.

The Park’s Finest
1267 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 481-2800

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

From someone who goes to church rather than sits in a cafe with coffee and whatnot first thing when the sun’s up, the tip-off about this overflowing cafe on neighboring Virgil Avenue is unconvincing. But then again, rerouted my morning walk to the seemingly boring street between East Hollywood and Silver Lake. A long line of beautiful people snaking down from the other street obstructs the view inside an establishment. The only clue: the filled curbside tables.

I reached home, googled it, yelped it. The inconspicuous spot is literally the toast of the town. It’s Sqirl. Celebrity sightings have been reported. I browsed the menu. Toasts, jams, rice bowls, eggs, coffee, vegan food, breakfast til 4PM. As a recent transplant, I’m still trying to figure out the local food culture.

A visit to Twig & Twine brought me again to Virgil. On this particular weekday, Sqirl was to my surprise quiet and peaceful, with a line that was only inside.

The photos will kinda guide you on what to expect. Choose your order from the menu on the wall as quickly as possible; place your order and pay at the cashier; get your number and find a table; after which your order will be delivered to you. If you need to buy their homemade seasonal jams, which Sqirl became known for (according to articles about Sqirl’s creator, chef Jessica Koslow), and the enticing pastries to go, buy them when you order food at the cashier to avoid getting back to the line.

Lait n’ Egg: Vietnamese-style iced cortado shaken with egg whites.

So my first breakfast at Sqirl consisted of brioche toast with jam (you get to choose your jam, and I got seascape strawberry), sorrel pesto rice bowl, and lait n’ egg, a refreshing glass of sweetened iced coffee with egg whites, which went well with the contrasting flavors of the rice and toast. I forgot to order their famous house ricotta for my toast, so it came later.

Super satisfied risking my 20 dollars at Sqirl. The sorrel pesto rice is technically Kokuho Rose Brown Rice, nut-free sorrel pesto, preserved Meyer lemon, lacto-fermented hot sauce, pickled radish, French sheep feta and poached egg. Every spoonful depends on where you scoop it from. It can be salty or sourish or both. The brioche toast is impossible to forget. I crave it when I’m in bed, I dream of waking up to the thickest jam-smeared piece with the thickest layer of the milkiest ricotta cheese. The jam is not sweet by mainstream standards.

It’s funny how some people (on Yelp) expect good food and good location to match. You won’t understand Dawang’s Place (in Laoag) unless you’ve eaten there. The same applies to Sqirl. Easily one of my best meals in Los Angeles. Attainable good food, I didn’t even have to dress up. I went straight from bed, actually, and I don’t think someone ever noticed. Everyone was engrossed in the food.

Sqirl
720 N Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Monday—Friday 6:30AM—4PM Sat—Sun 8AM—4PM
(213) 394-6526

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

This is the Far East Plaza in the Los Angeles Chinatown I mentioned in an earlier post. It’s a mall on Broadway Street with stores specializing in ethnic goods, ranging from jade jewelry to Chinese herbs. Today, the building is best known as a destination for gastronomic adventure. Pok Pok Phat Thai, Roi Choi’s Chego, Ramen Champ and Scoops lend a more modern air to a generally traditional Asian cuisine. Heard Howlin’ Ray’s Nashville-style hot chicken is soon joining the scene next month.

My mom’s personal favorites at Far East Plaza are Fortune Gourmet Kitchen for budget-friendly, awesome Chinese food, and the unassuming Thien Houng Vietnamese Restaurant.

Took photos of the little family-run banh mi and pho eatery with my phone while eating at a table outside.

Mom and I make it a point to have pho and fresh spring rolls, with iced Vietnamese coffee, here. Prices are very affordable like the smallest pho (which is still big for me) costs $5.50. We tried the Vietnamese version of popular Filipino street food kikiam and fishballs. The red Vietnamese balls in the photo below are barbecued pork and so delicious with chili paste made even hotter with Sriracha. They sell native delicacies as well, and we always bring home banh bo nuong, also known as honeycomb cake, made of tapioca flour and pandan extract. The texture is so much like the rice version of puto.

A banh mi is something I’ll try when we go back again.

It’s also always a pleasure to go shopping at the nearby Far East Center across the building. Must-buys are white coffee, dried Chinese ingredients, preserved roots and all the Chinese tea for brewing.

A happy weekend everyone!

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

Stimulus

something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc.

If you’re from the fandom of Sex and the City, in most likelihood, you had salivated at the sight of the heavily frosted cupcakes that put Carrie and Miranda in the shade. The home of those picture-perfect cupcakes is Magnolia Bakery, New York. From then on, a whole new global cupcake craze was spawned.

Fast forward to Magnolia Bakery, Los Angeles. As crisp as the recollection of the celebrated NYC cupcakes, the still-life garden of sweets begged to be photographed. Dainty swirls of pastel icing floated against the periphery of desaturated monochromes.

Picked a vanilla cupcake with their signature delicate green vanilla buttercream frosting. Because I’ve had way too many Magnolia cupcake wannabes before the real thing, I could no longer tell what sets a Magnolia Bakery cupcake apart. But I can say — the size was neither big nor small, the frosting was pleasurably not too-too sweet, and the texture was not dense, more like homey in a delightful way.

Asked suggestions from the cashier. Btw, service was warm and nice. Was happy with my almost like tart but not overly sweet lemon square. The size is a little too big if you’re trying to sample more goodies from the bakery.

And the best part of the Magnolia Bakery experience, yes, I had room for one more of their winning creations — surprise, their banana pudding! It is a creamy banana dessert made with very thick whipped cream and segments of wafer cookies. Believe the staff when they say the banana pudding is a hot seller.

Like Belinda Carlisle’s song, heaven is a place on earth. In my case, it is a walk away. Check out the next post.

Magnolia Bakery
8389 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-0636

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

My sister asked me to meet her for brunch at Trois Familia on Sunset. I didn’t have to google the place for Sunset has become my park. It stands on an unpresuming strip mall. The long line especially on Sunday mornings hinted good food. But it actually took me more walks before realizing it’s an eatery; at one point I thought it was some clinic, forgive me.

I finally get to dissect Trois Familia. It opened only in October. Trois comes from its three chefs Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (the last two ring a bell ‘coz I also always pass by a full-packed Jon & Vinny’s, on Fairfax, a street that has also become so familiar to me). I learn there’s also a Trois Mec and a Petit Trois on Highland. And Familia is (probably) the apt second name for what it’s all about — a homey space, communal tables and French Mexican fusion brunch and lunch only. I admire the use of enamelware, something that conjures a provincial vibe similar to that of tacos and churros.

My sister ordered a hash brown chilaquiles with a cotija-sprinkled sunny sideup and lively salsa macho that gives just enough kick. It opened up the palate for more — a galette crepe infused with chorizo and topped with a nice runny egg and avocado milk, and a churro French toast with a scoop of Salt & Straw vanilla ice cream and lots of cinnamon. I liked every dish, flavorful but not heavy.

The menu is eclectic with duck confit, beet tartare tostada, chicken Milanesa, nachos, poached egg omelette sandwich, tres leches birthday cake, etc.

It’s in Silver Lake and the space is not too big, and no reservations here, so you have to go early.

See you on Sunset!

Trois Familia
3510 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 725-7800
Open 10am-3pm

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

Just how one new food spot in Laoag could awaken memories of home in the last 12 months. At the zenith of rice bowls, I find it wonderful that LA celebrity chef Roi Choi has Filipino chicken adobo alongside kimchi spam bowl on his Chego menu, while Laoag’s prominent son, Jeff Fariñas (refreshing to know he set aside his political career to jack up a love for food and cooking), cooks Korean bibimbap along with pares and his other favorite comfort food at The Gas(tro) Station, which replaces their old gas station on busy General Luna corner Villanueva Streets.

Chanced upon owners Jeff and Charisma who made me try the gastro wraps, inspired by a dish by David Chang of Momofuku fame. Well, found it an affordable rendition of Red 8’s Peking duck skin rolls. Jeff used pork to match the same hoisin sauce, and added a kick of sriracha. My baby Alexandra liked it and she loved her pepper rice and she is so finicky with food.

The big rice eater might not be gratified with just one bowl of bibimbap. It’s an intention to present it as a healthy option. To date bibimbap is their bestseller.

Charisma says it was Jeff who developed all the dishes and keeps on whipping up more like cheesesteak  sandwich while she takes care of the business side.

I like the easy feel of the place. With upcycled interiors and pretenseless furniture, the food stands out. I think it’s a current global trend — commissaries, counter-service, communal seating, eclecticism and modern food.

If gassing up means this good, then make mine full tank again and again.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

I can count with one hand the sky was clear and sunny since I got back from transitioning seasons. Out of the mishmash of clothes and shoes I brought with me, I’m living in shorts and flipflops, just like old times, rain or shine. Ilocos is so much about laidbackness, certainly low-pressure, which makes it the best thing about this province that has a little and more than a little of everything. What else is new here? A food park at the Valdez Center in the fast-growing town of San Nicolas. In contrast to the huge mall a few meters away, the new hangout that is actually the Venvi IT park consists of individual snack and divey bars catering not only call center workers, but also anyone who shuns mainstream culture, I think — just like this homegrown sushi shop called Hotchick that makes sushi by the “bilao”, with a menu that is an unpredictable hybrid of ramen, jap chae, cucumber cooler or beer — thank God, I am able to enjoy such places when I’m with the boys.

Hot shoyo ramen is just the best thing to order on a rainy day. Even if the egg is not the legitimate ajitsuke tamago (marinated egg), Hotchick’s version is comforting and pocket-friendly, you can have a fill everyday and won’t go broke. Also liked the jap chae, but hated the tight boat dish. Spent only P350 for the three of us. Service was slow though.

On another note, saw Eulodogs, Barney’s Burger and Moonleaf.

Still rediscovering my home province. Be back for more.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

Back to sacred Sundays. The family drove north from Laoag — such a cozy time to converse, refresh, go crazy and just glide. The clean roads to Pagudpud were impressive as ever. Someone abroad asked me how’s home after she sent me to the south, and I told her I was sad about the numerous campaign posters from the past election season and ratty signage waving at me on the roadsides. (If you are reading, friend, here, I take it back.)

We stopped by our favorite Bergblik for snacks, then headed farther north to Blue Lagoon. Met cute little tourguides on our pseudo trek to Bantay Abot. After the rains, the scenery was nonetheless glorious.

A new discovery on our way home was Jovy and Yolly’s Place in Davila. Had just tanguigui sashimi. Other seafood depends on the catch of the day. Nice to know there’s a wonderful roadside place to eat between Pagudpud and Laoag.

Til my next discovery.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

Pares is not new to me. It’s ubiquitous on the side streets of Metro Manila, but I actually discovered its makeup in Laoag (here). Pares is a Filipino word for paring or combo, so it consists of beef stew, fried rice and soup. Whoever invented it, pares has come a long way. If you are not yet acquainted with its bold flavors, you should give it a try. There’s this new carinderia, Fonso’s, situated on Paoay Road in the Northwestern University neighborhood, which serves beef pares and pares mami. Their version is very Asian, what with the distinctive star anise element and dusting of sesame seeds, giving it a bit of teriyaki-like savor. You get a good deal for just 60 pesos (pares mami is only 40 pesos).

You will also find Ilocano favorites such as hi-bol and paksiw, as well as budget meals, perfect for students and sales reps living in the vicinity. But they’ve also introduced another street food phenomenon, the pigar-pigar, a Pangasinenses dish made with carabeef, cabbage  and thick slices of onions. For those with an aversion to carabeef like me, Fonso’s uses only beef. Pigar-pigar may look simple, but it’s packed with relatable audacious flavors ideal for rice. There’s always a first time for everything. Ate everything in the photos and ended the carinderia meal with a bottle of Sparkle.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016

We first planned to drive with friends to Vigan for a  food trip at this Korean restaurant I saw on Facebook a few months back. Friends cancelled and the weather was not too nice, yet the mister and I proceeded. Though famished and tired from a camping trip, he wanted couple time for us. Sweet, (thanks really)!

So we found Hanguk Korean Barbecue House not too far from the city entrance. Spotted some neighbors in Laoag inside. Adding to a seeming authenticity, Korean foodstuff like ice pops, biscuits and beverages were on one corner. With steep prices (a lot steeper than here, btw, one of the most read post on this blog), I thought food must be fantastic.

Soup arrived first. Enhanced instant noodles or so it looked like.

There are professional bloggers who actually get invited for food tasting and are expected to write a feature, some lucky ones food blog as a job, and then there are those who want to buy their food for the credibility factor (but even some chefs admit that taste is subjective), while I like paying for my own exclusive experience and the freedom of writing a review. On occasion, the food turns completely lamentable, I forego sharing the entire experience ‘coz honestly it is taxing to be harsh. But then there’s more than the questionable soup, and I want to play judge in Chopped.

We got two kinds of barbecue, pork belly and beef. The pork was okay, but I didn’t enjoy the idea that someone cuts your barbecue with a scissors in front of you. And the beef — you don’t serve any meat that’s as durable as expensive flipflops, so much so if you are a barbecue restaurant. One doesn’t even have to be an authentic chef (whether Korean or not) to be able to spot nice meat. Sorry for being graphic, but the hubby wanted me to take photos of his chewed on beef. I told the waitress twice, but she was stone deaf. While I was yapping, he was trying to keep his cool and picked up the tab. Feeling shortchanged, I initially wanted to buy ice cream cake for dessert, but totally lost the appetite for more. As we left Hanguk, the hubby was sneezing incessantly. You know he’s mad if he does that.

More than a thousand pesos for a ripoff and one and a half hours going and two and a half hours going back home amid heavy rain, and through sneeze-provoking road repairs, makangngeg ka manen, girl.

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.Eating is one thing the family loves to do together.

Nothing like Tayamen’s isaw!

The only pizza that we mutually love — Saramsam’s longaniza pizza!

Rufino’s for desserts. Life is sweeter when shared with people you love.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2016