Showing posts with label Pampanga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pampanga. Show all posts

PAMPANGA: Must Eat Dishes at Everybody's Cafe

February 6, 2017


PAMPANGA: Must Eat Dishes at Everybody's Cafe


If you happen to pass by Pampanga on your way to destinations north of the Philippines, and wish to make a food stop at a Kapampangan restaurant, Everybody's Cafe is a very good choice. They serve homemade Kapampangan cuisine turo-turo or fast food style.

MUST EAT DISHES AT EVERYBODY'S CAFE

MURCON OR MORCON KAPAMPANGAN

"Morcon Kapampangan or Murcon is different from the morcon we commonly know. The usual morcon if made from wide and thin slice of marinated beef filled with sliced boiled eggs, sausages or hotdog and rolled up to form a cylinder, tied up with thick thread and then simmered until cooked. The Kapampangan version of morcon is made from ground pork and beef, chorizo, onions, raisins, eggs, grated cheese and wrapped in pig’s caul fat. it is then steamed or simmered until cooked. This morcon look very similar to embotido and after it is sliced, the drippings from the steamer will be poured with the oil. The morcon is best when submerged on it’s own fat." (source: Panlasang Pinoy Meat Recipes)

KALDERETANG KAMBING

"Kaldereteng kambing is basically goat meat stew in tomato sauce added with cheese and liver spread. Preparing the goat meat is very different from other red meat like beef or pork because you have to remove or eliminate the gamey or musky odor and flavor of the meat. There are different ways also to prepare the goat meat and some use vinegar and spices but the recipe I have use sherry to remove the musky odor and a more flavorful dish. If you can’t get sherry, you can use dry white wine as as substitute." (source: Panlasang Pinoy Meat Recipes)

SIZZLING SISIG


"Pork Sisig is a popular appetizer that originated from the culinary capital of the Philippines : Pampanga. This delicious dish can also be categorized as a main dish. Pork Sisig was invented by the late Lucia Cunanan. She is popularly know as Aling Lucing – the sisig queen. Originally, pork sisig is composed of chopped pigs face (snout included) and ears with a generous amounts of chicken liver." (source: Panlasang Pinoy) 


FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS...

ADOBONG KAMARU (350 pesos per plate)

These are mole crickets found in the ricefields of Pampanga.
They are sauteed in garlic and onion, then tomatoes are added then simmered in vinegar.

The kamaru is crunchy and creamy.
This is a mole cricket.

(Photo from dreamstime.com)

Chanced upon some workers preparing the Kamaru (mole crickets)

They remove the wings and legs before cooking it.
According to Everybody's cafe facebook post, the restaurant consumes 1600 kilos of crickets per year.
 

OTHER UNUSUAL DISHES TO TRY:
  1. Adobong Batute (stuffed frogs)
  2. Tapang Kalabaw or Pindang Damulag (carabao meat jerky)
Note: These dishes were not available when we ate there.
AVERAGE COST OF MEAL: 1500 PESOS FOR 2 PERSONS



THE DINING AREA
We arrived at Everybody's Cafe around 12:30 PM on a Saturday and the place is full.
However, turnover of diner is fast because it's usually a pit stop. So you won't wait long for a table.


FOOD IS PRESENTED TURO TURO STYLE
Fried Itik, Pork Asado, Tidtad, Kare Kare



Kilain, Kalderetang Kambing, Bulalo

Lagat Hito, Mixed Vegetables

PASALUBONG/SOUVENIRS YOU CAN BUY AT THIS RESTAURANT

1. Taba ng Talangka made by Everybody's Cafe





2. Other famous Pampanga food products 

Nathaniel's Buko Pandan Salad, Ocampo's Sanzrival, Sylvannas
Probinsyano by Everybody's Cafe: Ube Halaya, Benito's Barbecue


HOW TO GET THERE:


Across a Shell gas station

PARKING:

The only available parking in front of the restaurant is good for 8 cars.
Street parking available.
Double parking is allowed. The parking attendant will inform you when a car is leaving.
(Photos courtesy of google maps)
(Photo courtesy of google maps)


HOW TO CONTACT THEM:

PAMPANGA: Where to Find the Best Taba ng Talangka (Crab Roe/Fat)

January 25, 2017




PAMPANGA: Where to Find the Best Taba ng Talangka (Crab Roe/Fat)


WHAT IS TABA NG TALANGKA (Crab Roe)?

Taba ng Talangka literally means fat of small crabs. It is Filipino delicacy composed of crab roe or eggs. It is the Filipino version of caviar.

This is pure "taba ng talangka" with no extenders.


The "taba ng talangka" (crab roe) is a sought after Filipino delicacy and also one of the best "pasalubong" (souvenir) to bring home from the Philippines. There are several groceries and department stores in Manila selling this product but I found that the best that I've tasted come from Everybody's Cafe in Pampanga. It is similar to the homemade "taba ng talangka" that a family friend used to bring home from Pampanga when I was a child. It's authentic and cooked the way the old folks do it.

The "taba ng talangka" of Everybody's Cafe is packed in 2 sizes.
The price of the large bottle on the left is 500 pesos.
The price of the smaller bottle on the right is 400 pesos


You can find it stored in the refrigerator
beside the food counter of the restaurant.



HOW TO GO TO EVERYBODY'S CAFE



My tip: If you're going all the way to Pampanga to buy Taba ng Talangka, make it a food trip and eat lunch at Everybody's cafe to sample authentic Kapampangan cuisine.



MANILA ALTERNATIVE TO EVERYBODY'S CAFE  TABA NG TALANGKA

If you find going to Pampanga too far to buy Everybody Cafe's Taba ng Talangka, Claude Tayag's Taba ng Talangka is a good alternative. You can find it in leading supermarkets in Metro Manila.

Price: 325 pesos






PAMPANGA: Where to buy Kapampangan Tamales

January 19, 2014


PAMPANGA: Where to buy Kapampangan Tamales

What is the Kapampangan Tamales?
The Kapampangan Tamales is a Filipino dish originating from the province of Pampanga. It is made of ground rice, peanut and coconut milk cooked into a paste and then wrapped with meat, usually chicken and egg, in banana leaves then boiled.

This is a totally different dish from the Mexican tamales both in flavor and ingredients. The only similarity is the way it's cooked. The ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves and boiled in water.

Where to buy the Kapampangan Tamales?
Residents of  Pampanga usually have regular suppliers in markets or from home industries. For tourists like us, here are three places I discovered where you can find a regular supply. 


RAZON'S OF GUAGUA RESTAURANT
MEGA CALTEX STATION at the North Luzon Expressway, Southbound Lane, after the San Fernando Exit

It's not Razon's restaurant who's selling the tamales. A vendor was allowed to put up a small stall/desk inside the restaurant and sell the tamales.

My tip: Be there from 11:00 AM onwards. The vendor arrives at 11:00 AM




View City of Sn Fernando in a larger map



PRICE: 70 pesos per tamales (if you're one of the first buyers, they give it at 50 pesos per piece as "buena mano" price for good luck)







SUSIE'S CUISINE
MacArthur Highway, San Fernando City

This is the branch where we bought our tamales. I'm not sure if other branches sell tamales too.





View City of Sn Fernando in a larger map







PRICE: 70 pesos per tamales 


SAN GUILLERMO PARISH CHURCH

There's an ambulant vendor in front of the gates of the Church who's selling tamales. We found her  there when we arrived around 1130 AM on a Sunday, but left before we finished visiting and exploring the Church. So we weren't able to buy tamales from her. Perhaps she sells the tamales when there's Mass.




View City of Sn Fernando in a larger map






My tip: 
To me, the Kapampangan Tamales sold by the vendor inside Razon's of Guagua restaurant at Mega Caltex Station, NLEX tastes much better than the tamales sold by Susie's cuisine. This is not to say tamales sold by Susie's cuisine tastes bad. Susie's tamales tasted good too. I just prefer the tamales sold inside Razon's because it's less salty and more flavorful.

PAMPANGA: My Tips on How to Visit Betis Church (also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Philippines)

August 9, 2013

PAMPANGA: My Tips on How to Visit Betis Church 
(also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Philippines)

Betis is Church is officially called the Parish Church of St. James the Apostle. It is called Betis Church because is situated in the Betis area, one of the four sectoral areas of the town of Guagua in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. This church is famous for being the Sistine Chapel of the Philippines therefore worth the visit when you're visiting the province of Pampanga.

My Tips:

1. Know the Mass schedule.

REASON: The Church is not open when there's no Mass going on. You can approach the guard or anyone in the parish office to open the Church but to avoid the hassle of trying to find someone to open the church doors, better time your visit
Sunday Mass times is as follows: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Call the Parish Office at  +6345 9000022 for more information.

2. If you want to make sure you can enter the Church even when there is no Mass going on, ask permission from the Heritage Chairman and the Parish priest by making a letter requesting permission to visit the Church and the Betis Museum. 

The request letter must state the following:
a. The date of visit
b. The number of persons visiting the Church
c.  Addressed to the Heritage Commission Chairman: Ms. Myrna Bituin, and the the Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Reynaldo D. De la Cruz.
Then email the letter to jmbituin@yahoo.com.
LOCATION:


Parish Church of St. James the Apostle
Address: Betis, Guagua, Pampanga
Parish Office Contact Number: +6345 9000022
Directions: Go to the North Luzon Expressway, take the San Fernando Exit and go towards Jose Abad Santos Avenue, then turn left towards Bacolor Municipal Hall going straight until reaching Betis Gymnasium and Betis Church.

Ivan Man Dy's January/February 2011 Festival Tours and Manila Walking Tours

January 16, 2011


Ivan Man Dy's 
January/February 2011 
Festival Tours and Manila Walking Tours

The BIG Binondo Food WOK: Nibbling Our Way Through Chinatown
February 3 (Thursday) 
@ 8:00 AM- 2011 Chinese New Year Edition Tour*
@ 2:00 PM-
 2011 Chinese New Year Edition Tour*

Oh yes, its that time of the year again when we BINGE ourselves silly as we welcome the the Lunar New Year with a BIG, BIG BITE! It's the BEST time of the year to do the BIG Binondo Food WOK as the year of the tiger whimpers away and we HOP-ON to the year for the Rabbit!

So what are you waiting for? Let us paint the town RED, join in the festivities
(while filling up our stomachs!) as we usher in the Lunar New Year in Chinatown!

Rate: P1,300.00/head (inclusive of tasting menu and lotsa fun!)
      **Slots limited.Book early!

=============================

In partnership with our brother outfit ULTIMATE PHILIPPINE TOURS:

Pampanga in a Plateful! 

Journey to the central heartland as we immerse ourselves in things Kapampangan! From Baroque to betute, its fun-filled day as we poke around and get intimate with the very best of Pampanga's cultural and culinary offerings. Gawk at the jewel-box of church in Betis while wading through the lahar-buried town of Bacolor.
We'll stuff ourselves silly with the best Kapampangan fare by one of the regions celebrated culinary icon. An experience to satisfy your stomach and your soul!

The Tour Experience
Betis Church * Town of Bacolor *Everybody's Cafe * Pampanga Specialty Shops* Atching Lilian's Kusina ing Matua

Date: February 12,2011 (Saturday)9:00 AM - 6:00PM time approx.
Rate: P2,500.00/head (inclusive of tour, all meals, transportation and lotsa fun!)
      **Slots limited.Book early!

===============================================================

the ULTIMATE Pahiyas and San Isidro Labrador Festival Experience!
It's fiesta time this month of May and what better way to drink, eat and be merry as we head south to explore charming Quezon province. It's the best time of the year as we join in the revelry and celebrate the feast of San Isidro de Labrador!

First off to Lukban and the Pahiyas Festival where we'll feast our eyes over a smorgasbord of food, music,artistry and local color in one of country's most spectacular fiestas!  Then its off to  Sariaya, a charming little period town known for its gracious colonial homes. We'll stroll around and admire these treasures as we revel in its traditional Agawan Festival.

Finally, on to San Pablo, Laguna to dine at a restored period home, a great way to cap-off our Quezon experience!

You will discover the best way to experience the San Isidro Labrador festivalsas well as a lovely dinner at the artsy Sulyap Gallery Cafeand anything and everything about Quezon's Tagalog heritage with the best guide in town, Tina Decal!


Date: May 15,2011 (Sunday) 
Rate: P4,800.00/head (inclusive of tour, all meals, transportation and lotsa fun!)
      **Slots limited.Book early!                               
      **The Pahiyas Festival falls on a Sunday this year, the next time it falls on a weekend will be in the year 2021.
------------------------------------------------------


Our Regular City Walks 

the BIG Binondo Food WOK: Nibbling Our Way Through Chinatown
January 
5 (Saturday) @ 2:00 PM*
22 (Saturday) @ 9:00 AM*
(Saturday) @ 2:00 PM*- Chinese New Year Weekend

*Rate: P1,000.00/head inclusive of tour and tasting menu

February
05 (Saturday) @ 9:00 AM*
12 (Saturday) @ 2:00 PM*
19 (Saturday) @ 9:00 AM*
*
Rate: P1,000.00/head inclusive of tour and tasting menu

====================================================================================

Power, Palace and a SHOT of Beer! A San Miguel-Malacanang Palace Walk

January  28 (Friday) @ 9:00 AM*

February 
25 (Friday) @ 9:00 AM*
                             
Rate: P1,100.00/head (inclusive of tour, entrances and fine-dine merienda)
Very important! Names need to submitted at least 10 days before the actual tour. For non-Filipino citizens, please include a clear scanned image of the passport
===============================================================
Walls of THIS Content: An Intramuros Interactive Walk

February 12 @ 9:00 AM

* Rate at P1,000.00/head inclusive of entrances and tour

--
Step by step,
Ivan Man Dy
--
Old Manila Walks
"Your First Step to Knowing Manila!"

Website// www.oldmanilawalks.com
Blog// www.manilastreetwalker.wordpress.com

OMW in Facebook, be a fan!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Manila-Walks/108497547617

Ultimate Philippine Tours
www.ultimatephilippines.com