When in Tagbilaran, Have a Chicken Inato

If there is one thing I loved about Tagbilaran City, it was my discovery of Jo's Chicken Inato. The place was housed in this ancestral house which was made of Capiz-shelled windows, floors made with wooden planks, heavy antique-style chairs and beautiful intricately-carved furniture and walls.

Beautiful Ceiling

After a series of resort-prepared meals in the area of Alona beach at Panglao Island, I decided to end our Bohol family trip by having a delicious and hearty meal in this restaurant.

Their Collection of Chicken Souvenirs

We were happy that we came early for Sunday lunch because after just a few minutes, the place was packed. Meals were reasonable, an average of Php200 per head, complete with drinks should be budgeted. We tried just a few of their products - the Chicken Inato, the Pork Barbecue, the Bakhawan (or what we know as Kinilaw), Pinakbet, Fried Lumpia and their shakes.

Jo's Chicken Inato

I loved the way they cooked the Chicken Inato - it was grilled over coals and the flavors are subtle - just hints of garlic, tanglad, patis (fish sauce) and cracked pepper. The chicken comes in quarters and were done perfectly, crisp skin, meat tender and moist, plus, no visible blood which is common in the case of grilled chicken dishes. The chicken comes with a cup of rice and a tiny bowl of patis with half a calamansi (Philippine lemon).

Pork Barbecue

I also tried the pork barbecue - about 5-6 pieces of sliced pork to a skewer and each serving comes with 2 sticks, again coupled with plain rice and the usual dip. It was quite sweet and the kids loved it. Bakhawan or their version of the Kinilaw na tanigue was good for 1 person. What's interesting is that their version comes with coconut cream and crushed chicharon which complemented the clean flavor of the Tanigue.

Their version of Kinilaw na Tanigue

To complement the meats, we also ordered their fried lumpia and Pakbet. The lumpia was crisp and though not all ubod (coconut palm), its other vegetables such as green beans, carrots and bean sprouts blended well with the ubod.

Fried Lumpia as Side Dish

The Pakbet was good to share and had that bitter-salty flavor profile which fans of Ampalaya (bitter gourd) will enjoy.

Their version of Pinakbet

Should you still have room, order their fruit shakes - it is rich and perfect with their grilled specialties.

Why My Parents Click

My parents are clebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary this weekend. Yup, it's the big 4-0! While I know that it is pretty rare for couples these days to last that long, I am indeed grateful that our family is blessed to have both of them together, healthy and happy after all these years. I don't know about you but, have you ever thought about your parents and really, I mean, really assesed how in this world have they lasted together for so long? Someone once told me that when you choose your lifetime partner, you need to choose one that complements you, meaning, you need to choose a partner that would help you with your weaknesses, so that whatever one is lacking in, the other would be able to fill in the gap. So here's why I think my parents have lasted this long. I don't know if they will agree to this, but, here are Ten Reasons Why I think They Click: 1. She buys on impulse. He takes forever to decide. 2. She eats what is familiar and safe. He explores and wants something new. 3. She speaks her mind. He thinks before he speaks. 4. She keeps quiet when upset. He blurts out his opinion. 5. She brags. He shows off. 6. She is technically challenged. He knows gadgets. 7. She loves to dance. He loves to play music. 8. She declutters. He keeps everything. 9. She spoils. He would discipline. 10. She works on what's "urgent". He prioritizes what's "important". Don't you just find them hilarious? Despite their differences, one thing they have in common is that they are full of love - for God, for their family and their community. I love you Mom & Dad.

Dessert Parade

The day I cannot eat desserts anymore is the day I die.

While I know it may sound harsh, it is actually true.

I love desserts. No, let me correct that, I live for desserts.
Give me that anytime and you have made my day.

Interestingly, there are dessert places and there ARE dessert places.

What has caught my attention:



Polly's Peaches and Cream Chocolate Cake
As I am sure most of us have tried Polly's signature chocolate cake normally found at the Shell Magallanes station, this version was what I discovered at their Robinson's Galleria kiosk found at the theatre floor of the mall. What I love about this one is that it is not too sweet and the play of fruity flavors matched the slight bittersweetness of the chocolate cake.



Polly's Blueberry Ice Box Cake
Topped with a light buttercream frosting, their sponge cake perfectly balanced the sourness of the preserved blueberries it is served with.



Va Bene's Semifreddo with Chocolate Sauce
Va Bene Pasta Deli is a small Italian restaurant found at the Petron Dasmarinas shop cluster right across the Dusit Hotel in Makati. The place serves authentic Italian cuisine and as expected, serves this simply delicious frozen dessert that is flavored with orange and topped with rich dark chocolate sauce and chopped walnuts. After having your fill of fresh pasta, ending your meal with this is pure heaven!



Sweet Bella's Adrianna
Located at the Burgos Circle, Sweet Bella showcases beautifully crafted desserts which will make you want to order all. I had to restrain myself and settled for two on my first visit. If you like banana, chocolate mousse and coffee, this dessert's for you.



Sweet Bella's Strawberry Cheesecake
Generously topped with fresh strawberries, their version is a crumbly baked cheesecake garnished with pretty white chocolate.



Cake Planet's Turtle Pie
Found along Dona Soledad in Better Living Paranaque, this place boasts of a variety of 10 inch cakes in various formats and flavors. What caught my attention was their Turtle Pie version made with a rich chocolate mousse sitting on a bed of hazelnut butter and chocolate crust. It is lusciously decadent and I love it!

Now I'm happy. Coffee anyone?