FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

Come July and it will be an all day party with Chicken Inasal, Pork Sinugba and Pork Barbecue at Esca's Garden Restaurant. For only PhP95, one can choose a combo made with any of the grilled specialties and it comes with a "All you can Eat Rice" (plain, Java or Garlic) and free soup. It's available whole day-everyday starting July 1.

I could certainly finish this more-than-a-foot-long embutido specially made by Chef Miguel. I like the fact that it had whole pickles (or maybe half but it was a big chunk) that gave this embutido experience a whole new dimension in terms of flavour. Every slice (or two) reveals a different "centerpiece" that its also a gastronomic surprise in every slice.  The embutido has a sort of skin like the of a longganisa that makes the whole mix retain its shape more. I've tried many embutido recipes from all sorts of occasions but this is one one of the best so far as I've said - I can finish it all, alone, maybe in just one sitting. For orders, please call Esca's Garden Restaurant at telephone number 033-338-3477.

Ox Tongue ala Afrique's Pork Napolitana Callos Herbed Rosemary Chicken Glazed vegetables Herbed Rice Pilaf Porchetta Crisp porchetta skin Roast beef Roast beef slices Orange slices Assorted cakes and pastries

Assorted sausages, cold cuts and cheeses Crudites and chips Apple and potato salad Blue cheese? Grreek Salad - watermelon, olives, feta cheese and greens Afrique's Special Pizza Hawaiian Pizza Penne Pasta el Pesto Linguini Pasta with basil and Tomato Spaghetti Bolognese Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

Enjoy this delectable line up for Valentine's Day 2013 at Esca's Garden Restaurant . Enjoy seven corners of their Heart's Day spread that includes Appetizers (Spinach Mushroom Quiche, Pizza Squares, Assorted sausages and Cold Cuts, Cheese Fondue and Crudites), Soup (Afrique's Cream of Mushroom), Salads (Greek Watermelon Salad, Apple Potato Salad, Salad Greens), Pasta (Pasta El Pesto, Spaghetti Bolognese, Basil Tomato Linguine) Carving Station (Roast Beef and Porchetta) Main Entrees (Callos, Garlic Rosemary Chicken, Ox Toungue ala Afrique's Pork Napolitana, Glazed Vegetables, Herbed Rice Pilaf) and Dessert (Assorted Cake Bars, Fresh Fruti Platter, Chocolate Fondue)

So how to start a month the month of Love in terms of gastronomy? I didn't have to try hard as they come on their own terms.After the revelry of Dinagyang, the next big celebrations in Iloilo are the Chinese new Year, Jaro Candelaria Feast and Paraw Regatta. And it was on the mid celebrations (Jaro Fiesta) that February gastronomy marked its start.  I went to two fiestas during Candelaria - the rainforest inspired set up at the Jamerlan residence and one at Afrique's Jaro, where the restaurant business all began. But in between I just got a call informing me of a photoshoot happening at Days Hotel Iloilo and when I got there it was cakes, cakes and cakes all over. Tinapayan was readying for Valentine and the Heart Cakes were at the center of it all. The next day I was out to lunch at the Central Market and got to discover the old way of having Coffee on the Go at De Leonian Cafe . The month also brought in more discovery as for the first time I got to taste a hambu...

It was my busiest Dinagyang celebration ever! For 5 days and 4 nights, it was all about food, food and food as I made my way around town joining in the festivities that highlights as the same time "sidelights" the festival. I've discovered new places, new dishes, new events and especially new friends who share almost the same passion. It was indeed an enjoyable and awesome celebration of Dinagyang 2012 . First stop was the home of one of Iloilo's most celebrated chefs, Ms. Maridel Uygongco . I tagged along through the invitation Ms. Regine Algecera , executive producer of two cable tv shows (for both Sky Cable and Cable Star). In her kitchen, Ms Maridel demonstrated the preparation of her YSL recipe she made during the My City, My SM, My Cuisine event. It was a very casual video shoot with all of us enjoying not only the designer ibos she prepared but also the fun of it all. I then rushed to Maki Japanese Restaurant where a friend celebrated his birthday p...