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...
My friend from California who is also a Filipina taught me this recipe she doesn't prefer to eat rice during her breakfast and when her children want to eat an Filipino breakfast instead of using rice for the request of her family she would make an American champorado oatmeal version served with dried tuyo (fish). American Champorado Oatmeal Version Recipe Ingredients: 1 Cup - Instant Oatmeal (any brand) 3 Cup - Milk 4 Tbsp. - Coco Powder (any brand) Sugar (optional) Dried Tuyo Cooking Instructions: Cook the oatmeal the same procedure on the brand you plan to use instead of cooking with water you will cook it with milk when oatmeal is fully cooked add coco powder stir and transfer to a serving bowl. In a pan when hot add small amount of cooking oil add tuyo until cooked best with your champorado just like the Filipino way just the healthy version.