Happy Foodies

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Kamayan ni Manay in Dapitan Zamboanga del Norte" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3173374769_a093b38732_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kamayan ni Manay in Dapitan Zamboanga del Norte</figcaption></figure> The weather alternated between overcast and rainy when we ventured to Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte. It’s been a long trip, having gone from Tawi-Tawi to Zamboanga City and northwards to Dipolog so instead of letting the rains dampen our spirits, we took it as a sign to slow down on shooting and make the most out of the sleepy weather. Having billeted ourselves at one of the pension houses along the city’s Sunset Boulevard, we had the rare luxury of being steps away from eating places. We consider ourselves very lucky indeed to have stumbled upon Kamayan ni Manay just before the heavy rains came again and obscured the nice view of Dapitan Bay.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Hai Sain Grilled Tiger Prawns on Lemon and Butter" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3177821859_4c77ce40e5_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hai Sain Grilled Tiger Prawns on Lemon and Butter</figcaption></figure> Our flight schedule to Zamboanga City fell on Christmas day so it was imperative that happyfoodies should have a good Christmas dinner away from our respective homes. But we want something else other than the usual hamon and other holiday foods so at the suggestion of our tricycle driver, we ended up in Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant. Was the meal worthy of a holiday dinner? Was the food delicious as it was filling? Happyfoodies would soon find out.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Curacha with Alavars Sauce (large Ph 745)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3190342739_e84f8af7bd_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Curacha with Alavar's Sauce (large Php 745)</figcaption></figure> Visit Zamboanga City and almost everyone tells you not to miss tasting the famous Curacha, a hybrid crustacean that bears resemblance to the sea crab and a spiny lobster. The name means “cockroach” in Chavacano, maybe because of its appearance. But don’t let that unappetizing translation dissuade you from sampling this tasty crustacean, which is caught only in the seas of Zamboanga and Sulu. Short of buying a live one from the market and cooking it yourself, the best way to enjoy this treat is to eat at Alavar’s Seafood House, which is just a short tricycle ride from downtown. First item on the agenda is of course, Curacha. But happyfoodies got some welcome surprises from other items in the menu.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="El Ideals Guapple Pie" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2817597192_a6c53679c2.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">El Ideal's Famouse Guapple Pie</figcaption></figure> How does one turn something as iconic-American as apple pie into a very Pinoy fare? It’s either a big mistake or a big hit. In the case of El Ideal Bakery, it’s a big, big hit. So much so that all of the locals we met during a trip to Silay, Negros Occidental, recommend its Guapple Pie with near reverence. And it’s really no surprise as the pie has been a consistent bestseller ever since it was introduced by this institution in Silay. Made from the guapple fruit (oversized variety of guava), it is a favorite among the locals and a must-taste for all visitors. No wonder it constantly makes the lists of yummy desserts across the Philippines.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Chilli Crab" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3085063676_3849aeae8a.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chilli Crab</figcaption></figure> One of the highlights of visiting the island of Camiguin apart from the sceneries that fill the eyes is the food that fills the tummy. This island, which lies northeast of Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, boasts of the sweetest buahan (lansones) and creamy pastel (soft buns with milky or fruity fillings). Boarding off the ferry at the town of Benoni also puts one within walking distance of the Tanguines Lagoon, a sort of causeway that connects a travel lodge-cum-floating restaurant to the sea – the J&A Fishpen/Travel Lodge. It’s virtually impossible to miss this establishment. Ask any of the locals to recommend a place to have good food and a relaxing time and they’ll most likely point you to this place. And they have very good reasons to do so.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Shinjuku Gekikara Ramen (Php 345)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2996291633_4873131fe5_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gekikara Ramen (Reg - Php 250, Large - Php 345)</figcaption></figure> Being named after one of the special wards of Tokyo, Shinjuku Ramen House has some big shoes to fill. But this virtual institution in the restaurant front is more than capable of meeting big expectations and big appetites. I remembered eating at their rather non-descript branch in Makati Avenue years back and know from memory how good the food was. Their other Makati branch was also rather old and non-descript until it got a major renovation some months back. As part of the Little Tokyo complex, it gets immediate attention from passersby since it is located along the busy thoroughfare of Pasong Tamo, at the much-coveted corner where one turns before heading off to Makati Cinema Square. At certain times of the day, the parking lot is full and the restaurant plays host to a mixed clientele eager to taste their authentic ramen and other Japanese fare.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="SLERS Beef Pastrami Sandwich and Tsokolate" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/3081832935_0fcb0dd4a2_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SLERS Beef Pastrami Sandwich and Tsokolate</figcaption></figure> Mention Cagayan de Oro and on top of the list associated with this City of Golden Smiles is its famous ham. And when it comes to hams, the overwhelming favorite among the locals is SLERS Jamon Cagayan de Oro, which has been around since 1969. What makes their ham different is the natural juiciness and tenderness of the meat. This is due in large part to the fact that the swine from which they are made were fed with pineapple, a fruit laden with the enzyme papain, which has natural tenderizing properties. Over the years, SLERS hams have become a part of tradition among CDO locals as well as guests all-year round and especially during Christmas-time. SLERS have also ventured into the quick-service restaurant and more recently, the café business.