Chicken Barbeque at Baybay

Every time we travel to Leyte province, there has never been an instance that we did not pass by Baybay to have a very delicious chicken barbeque.  That particular location in Baybay Leyte has been there for the time that I had a project at the area during the 90’s.  The only difference now is that it was improved. Before, it was situated at the port going to the boat. Now, they have made a special place where visitors and dinners would converge in a particular strip.  But what made this strip very much inviting is their chicken barbeque.  They have perfected the marinating process and their way of grilling it. The result was a very delectable chicken barbeque with a different kind of blend to the usual chicken Inasal in the metro.   It was this famous J & E restaurant that we always go to. They also serve a delicious clear soup (hototai) perfect with their chicken barbeque while enjoying the sea breeze.

Where to Find

J & E Restaurant is located at Pantalan, Baybay Leyte.  It is easy to find them since it is the restaurant with the widest view of the beach and infront of the light house.  In fairness to the other restaurants, they also serve great chicken barbeque. Some of my friends prefer others but for me, I am still loyal to J&E.  When passing by Baybay Leyte, this is a must for the hungry travel.  It will not only give you a delicious chicken barbeque but it will also give you a very relaxing view and feel of the sea breeze that will bring you to its spell.

Breakfast at Sabin

Breakfast has never been delicious if you have it beside the beach overlooking the Bay of Ormoc. This is our breakfast experience at Sabin Resort Hotel.  In our way to Tacloban, we passed by Ormoc city for a sumptuous breakfast by the bay. I ordered for tapa and my friend ordered for danggit. The danggit is as big as my palm and the taste was so heavenly good.  It was a very good breakfast and the view of Ormoc bay was spectacular. The moment is something that you cannot just have when you are in the Metro area.

Of course, the best partner for this is a steaming hot cup of native chocolate. As a dessert, they served the famous SAL pineapple compliment of the house.  

Where to Find

Sabin Resort and Hotel is located at Bantigue, Ormoc City, Leyte. It is a famous destination at the place and the food is really reasonable and delicious. I like going there because I am a lover of antique furniture and I really appreciate good wood.

Breakfast at Sabin is truly and very good experience not only for the delicious food but for the ambiance that it has a spectacular view.  It is something that you will be coming back again and again. 

Humba of Newtown

For me it is like adobo but a little bit sweeter. This is one popular dish in the Visayas I am fun of eating.  According to my taste buds, it’s a crossover of adobo and asado. Bottomline, it is super delicious. Something that you will be asking back from more.  And who else can cook this perfectly?  In Leyte, there is this one humble restaurant at Carigara that is know as New Town.  They cook their humba everyday and in a palayok (clay pot).  Ever since I went  there during the 90s, Newtown has been an institution at the place.

Where to Find

The Humba of Newtown can be found in Carigara, Leyte. Carigara is an old town located at Leyte province where there are abundant carabao’s milk, bara beef, handcrafted blade, and plenty of dried fishes. There humba is very famous that my friend in Tacloban recommended it to me.  It was not a frustration to my part to go to Carigara just to taste this but more of a revelation. When you happen to pass by Carigara in your way to Ormoc City or Leyte provinces, don’t forget to take your lunch at Newtown and experience one of the best tasting Humba in Eastern Visayas.  

Binga

Have you ever tasted a shell fish that is as big as your head?   This is one shell fish that is huge. It is called Binga. To remove the meat, you have to have a rigid hook after simmering it in hot water.  I was able to taste this at Catbalogan, Western Samar when I was invited by my friend to pay him a visit.  This appetizer is one of the best that I tasted. Condiments for this are simply calamansi extract and chilis.  It is enough to make your day bright and hot. This shell fish once soaked in boiling water, can immediately be eaten.  It does not have a fishy smell and the taste is truly delicious.

Where to Find

This is common at Catbalogan, Western Samar and to other places in the island. I’m sure it is also available through out the archipelago.  One make this unique is the shell. It looks like a giant golden cowry with design. That is how I see this.  This is also available in the public market at Catbalogan but you have to buy it early.  Once you go there by 10:00am, this is no longer available.  Even the commoners of the Catbalogan crave for this meaty and very delicious shell fish. The shell is also made as a decoration to which I saw a chandelier made of this at Sabin Hotel Resort in Ormoc City.  It is truly a wonderful and tasty shell fish.

Tinolang Native na Manok

As soon as I arrived at Tacloban airport, Leyte, We immediately traveled to Samar to visit one of our office at Catbalogan.  I was surprised that the roads were very nice unlike before. It was a wonderful ride and we had our stop at the famous Angelina’s Eatery at Calbiga, Western Samar.  This restaurant is famous for their Tinolang Native na Manok.  They have been in the business of over 30 years serving travelers that passes by Calbiga as well as to the local eaters. Their Tinolang Manok was very tasty and they will service you with their own harvest of rice. They use a strong herb similar to pandan but much aromatic and flavorsome. The ambiance is literally homey.  The restaurant is really serving food inside their home. That makes their native na Tinolang Manok authentically, lutong bahay.

Where to Find

Angelina’s Eatery is located at Calbiga, Western Samar. It is along the national highway.  It is very easy to find because they are the original who started Tinolang Native na Manok at Calbiga.  Just ask where it is located and you will be directed to their restaurant.   This is one opportunity not to miss once you pass by the humble town of Calbiga. Angelina’s Tinolang Native na Manok is a perfect for the exhausted distant traveler’s. A chicken soup for the soul(and body).

Rellenong Alimasag

Eating Crabs has never been a wonderful food trip specially when you can eat none stop.  During our training in MMLDC Antipolo, I never thought that there is still a restaurant that serves this dish, “Rellenong Alimasag”.  My experience with this dish is only during special Sundays or if there are occasions.  I see this dish as a homemade dish.  To my surprise that it was served in a restaurant in MMLDC .  They way they prepared the food was superb. Just like that way we do it in our house.  There are few restaurtant that serves none commercial food and this restaurant is truly a revelation.

Where to Find

Ariva Pavilion is located inside the compound of MMLDC along Sumulong highway, Antipolo city. It is very near Assumption Antipolo. One reason why I enjoy attending seminars and training at MMLDC is the food. They cook very well and their dishes are really good.  Ariva Pavilion is also open to the public. Trust me, I already inquired about it.  One of this day, I will be returning there just to have my food tripping at Ariva Pavilion.  It is a place that you will enjoy specially if you want to feel at home and to be close to nature.