Considering the fact that Anthony Bourdain had to travel thousands of miles to feast at Bale Dutung, Happyfoodies’ return trip to the wooden house in Angeles City was comparatively, a small sacrifice. Nay, call it miniscule especially considering the gustatory reward which is, following the Kapampangan stereotype, lavish.
Angeles City Foodtripping: Panizza and gelato stop at C’
We came to C’ Italian Dining towards the tailend of our Angeles City foodtrip assignment for a magazine. It was just early evening but we were already full after a day of glorious eating. But who’s to resist a serving of Italian fare? Not us, especially when it comes with a promise of ice cream at the end of the course. Finding the restaurant was a cinch as it is located just along Clarkview, literally within view of the entry gate to the Clark Ecozone. The first thing we noticed while waiting to be seated was the wall-lined with plates upon autographed plates, kind of like badges of good taste. As if we needed any as the place, the originator of the Panizza, the medley of Panini and Pizza now becoming popular in other joints, came highly recommended by our friends from the tourism office.
Angeles Foodtripping: Finding Kimchi and Sashimi at Yu Fu In
A Koreantown in Angeles City? We’re probably too used to the concept of Chinatown that this idea seemed like a novel concept. Driving along the stretch of Friendship Highway, we passed a strip of establishments sporting signages in Korean with no English translations. Which ones are restaurants, it’s hard to tell. But for a taste of kimchi (the best one here for miles, so says our guide-friend, Tin, from the Angeles City tourism office), we bypassed Koreantown and headed to Balibago for Yu Fu In.
Angeles City Foodtripping: Kitsch and Cakes at Cioccolo
It’s off the usual route and takes a bit of traveling to get to but Cioccolo is an interesting place to go to at night. Right in the middle of a dark field it seems a place of enchantment has sprung up, magically lit up at night. There’s R2-D2 in one area, Elvis in another, among a host of other curiosities that catch the eye and piques one’s interest no matter how blasé he or she can be. There are even huge banquet halls spread out on the spacious lot that looked like settings for a medieval tale complete with trompe l’oeil ceilings, huge chandeliers, gilded walls and ornate furniture. It’s kitschy as kitschy can be but in a pleasant way, maybe strangely romantic even. Contrastingly, the coffee shop looks “normal” and “real world”, warmly lit and inviting for a nightcap. The whole place looks every bit interesting but we wonder if the food could be as “kitschy” good as well.
Angeles City Foodtripping: Finding a piece of Vietnam in Banh Mi Saigon
Angeles City may be a chartered city independent of Pampanga since the 60s but it still shares the Kapampangan flair for cooking up delicious fare and perhaps more importantly, a contagious appetite for joyful eating. It’s a tall order to live down its naughty, steamy reputation but the city has another side that can satisfy the other senses. By that we mean the nose and the taste buds. Your Happyfoodies tagged along for a food trip of Angeles City and what we found pleasantly surprised us.