Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...
I went to Cabanatuan City the home town of my mom where she grew up with her family. The drive takes 3 to 4 hours drive from Manila. Every time we visit her home town we eat either in Rustica Restaurant that serves Filipino and Asian dishes. Address : Maharlika Highway Across from Zulueta Street Cabanatuan City, Luzon 3100 Philippines Contact : +63 44 940 7927 Beef Sinigang with Gabi Soup Barbecue Pork Ribs Butter Garlic Shrimp Cabanatuan is known for garlic longganisa served for breakfast. Buro (ferment rice) is a common dish to buy in the Cabanatuan Public Market. I was able to discover someone selling smoked dried fish that is related to the person whom I just went to visit last Sunday in Balanga Bataan. What a small world the person who runs the one in Cabanatuan is the brother and the sister runs the one in Balanga, Bataan. Tip : Rainy season the dried fish are more expensive. ...