The Lugang Experience

While much has been said about Lugang Cafe along Connecticut road in Greenhills, it is never enough to just listen and learn from those who have experienced the food. Trying it yourself is a must.

It may take a little more effort getting a reservation, but the effort pays off.

I was fortunate enough to have gone twice, thanks to my friend Jeng, getting a table became more manageable. The couple of times I was there, the place was always packed. Diners come in groups - which I feel is apt, considering that dishes come in "sharing" portions, and ordering just a few items would be a crime - what with all the interesting items you will find in their menu.

The first time I was at Lugang Cafe, there were just three of us, but with an appetite equivalent to six people, we indulged. I myself prepared for the feast - light lunch, no merienda... dinner there was much anticipated.

We were seated at the second floor. The first floor was packed. The interiors are bright, modern and sport colors of purple and beige, black and silver, such unusual combinations which actually worked. I particularly loved the private areas which seat twelve people and separated by curtains of chains. Note to self - this would be a perfect venue for family gatherings and private business meetings.

Here are some interesting finds in their menu:


Siao Long Bao
Nothing beats steaming hot soupy pork dumplings which are freshly made and served with ginger, soy and vinegar dip.


Garlic Pork Rolls
Cigars of sliced cold pork served with a Char-siu style sauce.


Beef with Crullers
Thin slices of beef generously coated with a rich brown sauce. You would detect hints of garlic, ginger and oyster sauce in the sauce and was a perfect match with the crisp nuggets of fried savory bread which was used as its garnish.


Three Cup Chicken
Served in a hotpot, this one's fragrant and falling off the bones.


Salt and Pepper Shrimps
This one's my favorite, you literally eat everything - from the shrimp's head to its tail, really, it's worth your money.


Steamed Lapu Lapu
It comes to you deboned and really fresh, but may take some time so order this as soon as you get there.



Braised Pork Belly with Mantou bread
Melts in your mouth and if you are a fan of Kua Pao, this one's for you.


Stir fried Beans with Pork
Neither stringy nor oily, this one is another of my favorites with its flavorful take on eating vegetables.


Black Pepper Rice
Don't be fooled by its name - it is spicy but not hot. I like the fragrance and even without any viand, this would perfectly stand on its own.


Bellagio Tower
This tall tower of crushed ice covered with sweetened red mung beans and served with pineapple chunks, ube mochi, taro and condensed milk proved to be a refreshing way to end our hearty meal.

Expect to be served when you order this. Warning, this one must be served right away or the tower will collapse at any given time.

How about you? Have you had the Lugang experience?

Idol ko si Tatay!

It's Father's Day! To me, it's really all marketing hype having such a particular day to honor them, but hey, am not complaining. What I mean is that, with dads like mine, everyday should be Father's Day.

True, "Idol Ko Si Tatay", and I feel that the Guy up there is just so good to me that he gave me such supportive and loving parents. Because today is all about Dads, here's sharing with you why he is, and will forever be my "Idol".

Five Resons why My Dad is My Idol

1. He is our family's McGyver
He may not look like Richard Dean Anderson but he may as well be Dad's apprentice - Dad can work the electric items, fix the car, repair the plumbing - he is our all around Handy Manny. I've always thought all men were like this, but no, that's just my Dad.

2. He is our musician
I remember that when we were kids, my sister and I danced while he tirelessly played the piano. I loved our bonding moments in our living room while the rest of the family listened to Dad's music. This would normally happen at the end of a busy week and hearing his music would be a soothing reward to all of us. Today, his music is being enjoyed by the community, as he regularly plays church music in our chapel.

3. He is our pillar of strength
His presence of mind in times of adversity has allowed me to manage my fears and control my actions. During medical emergencies, he would always appear to be the calmest among the group. He is ready to hold your hand and his soothing voice is just enough to make you relax even while in pain.

4. He is our number one fan
He never tires of talking about our accomplishments, achievements and would always boast of it to his peers and relatives. Dialogues with him are always full of wisdom. Because of this, his children are forever inspired.

5. He loves our mom
How a father treats his spouse is the best way to teach his children about love, respect and fear of God. While theirs is a relationship just like any other, their faith in God and patience with each other have become the foundation of their years together.




I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day!

Not for the Faint Hearted

I know, I know, I have not been diligently posting in this space of mine. I have no excuse... I can't say I've been busy (actually, I have been, and still is), but really now, who cares?

One thing I have not stopped doing though, is to be forever in search of the new, the innovative and the daring (okay, am still referring to food here). And in the course of doing this, I sometimes chance upon some hits and a few misses, but mind you, it just makes food more interesting! Here are some that are definitely worth trying. They're not really fancy - they're just nice.

Durian Chocolates



From a recent visit and rather painfully delayed flight from Davao, while deliberately trying to entertain myself through window shopping at the airport shops and kiosks, I chanced upon this rather unassuming box of Durian chocolates. Looking at it reminded me of the glorious days of "Flat Tops" chocolates but this version comes filled with sweetened Durian. Admittedly, I am not much of a fan of this King of all fruits but mind you, it was pretty decent.

Baked Polvoron

This one I found at the Salcedo Market, with the lady manning the counter with such pretty good selling skills that I just had to get one and try. What really caught my attention was the beautiful packaging it had, coupled with its innovative take on the humble Polvoron. Flavors which I loved were kiwi and cranberry.



Flavored, crisp and fragrant, it's one product you'd have to try on your next visit to the famous weekend market.

Sweet Mushroom in Syrup

A Tagaytay trip is just not complete without our family dropping by the original outlet of Mushroomburger.


Beyond the comfort that their burgers give me though is a newfound discovery - having their mushrooms served in syrup complete with banana essence and vanilla, it resembles the popular Sago't Gulaman with crushed ice. Nice!

Tom Yum Coated Peanuts

I guess you would find this all over Thailand but after trying this one, am now a fan. Sour & spicy, these are just your regular roasted peanuts coated with a rich reddish-brown breading that will just stimulate your entire being with lemongrass, kaffir and chillis doing their pungent best. The best match? A bottle of ice cold San Mig Premium beer.