There’s a reason to be mad about Mad Monkeys in La Union. This small street corner stall sells only one dish – burgers! And they are so good at it. Cue the funky jazz tunes, have a cold beer in hand and enjoy a bite or two (or more) of their Classic Burger (Php 180). In between the burger buns are 1-inch thick and juicy 180gm meaty burger patties with melted cheese smothered in beer sauce. Owner, Mateo, an avid traveler got inspired by the Mad Monkey’s hostel in Cambodia and decided to bring its chill backpacker vibe in La Union. He originally came to La Union to surf but fell in love with the place. Eventually setting up shop and overseeing operations since 2015.
Sagada eats
We came to Sagada on a weekday to explore the foodscape as much as the landscape. The weather, as always, was conducive not only for hiking but also for good eating. In the limited time we stayed, we found either newer places or newer offerings from the old reliables. Here we share some of our favorites.
Spud Diner: More than just a slice of the ole Potato Corner
We’re a rice-eating nation and even with the globalization of the Filipino taste buds, rice remains to be our main source of carbs. But every once in a while, one just wants a break — maybe a pasta dish here or a sandwich there. With the birth of The Spud Diner, you can add potato to the list of options. It used to be that potatoes are relegated to side dish status on the dinner table (mashed with gravy on top or sliced into strips, deep-fried and served as French fries). Maybe, that’s because much of the potatoes that are served here are imported from the U.S. of A and saying “I’m a meat-and-potatoes person” sounds very colonial and un-Pinoy. But Spud Diner, an offshoot of the institution called Potato Corner, rises up to the challenge of giving potatoes its rightful place on the table by lending this staple some surprising twists.