01.17.10
Dining at Abe
Here in the Philippines eating is a very social aspect of the society (as in many other countries). So any trip to the Philippines should include lots of food, especially local foods.
Abe is a Filipino restaurant here in the One Serendra area. The style of food is from the area of Pampanga. Abe means “friend” in the Kapangpangan. Here’s a pic of Aaron in front of Abe’s.
Actually, we had just finished eating there when this pic was taken. Here are some of the dishes that we chowed down on. This is lumpia ubod, which is palm shoots wrapped with lettuce with a sweet peanut sauce.
Another dish is called Kinilaw, which is like a ceviche (marinated raw fish ). This is another rendition of anotherFilipino raw fish dish we tried last year at Bohol called Sinuglau. Eh, we started digging in before I remembered to take its picture.
The main courses included Kare kare, which is oxtail in a peanut sauce. There are a couple pieces of tripe laid across the top. The veggies included are commonly string beans and eggplant.
This is eaten with a condiment called bagoong, which is made from lots of tiny shrimp. It’s very salty.
This is Abe’s gule magalang (veggie dish from the town of Magalang).
Pinakbet (mixed vegetable dish from northern Philippines, an Ilocano delicacy).
Chicken with coconut (this is a spicy dish).
Lechon paksew. This is a more manicured version of the dish. I’ll try to add a more homemade looking version later as it has more bones and shredded pork.
This is just a sampling of some Filipino dishes.
Marlakins
patti said,
January 18, 2010 at 10:59 am
Marla,
All I can say is, “ick.” LOL
I’m way to American traditional. But this is probably all healthier! Or is it? Surely they must have their version of “junk” food or unhealthy foods? I really try to eat healthy on vacations. I tend to lose weight on them because I’m so overcautious. If I visited the Pines I’d be sure to lose lots of weight! LOL 
patti
Matthew said,
January 18, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Mmm. Looks tasty!
I was looking at those pictures yesterday and I started feeling hungry!
Administrator said,
January 18, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Hmmm. . . two very different responses! LOL All I can say is that all the people I know of who have eaten Filipino food like it. I’ll likely be including a lot more pictures of other Filipino dishes as there is plenty more. Is it healthful? Personally, I think if it’s been cooked from scratch without “instant” seasonings, then, yes, it’s healthy in a Weston Price sort or way. That is, there is lots of fats and animal products.
Aw, Matty, wish you were here to join in with the grub! I’ll be sure to pick up some chicharon for you and also some of the chocolate for Dad. Yesterday we ate at Cabalen’s, and I’ll try to add some pics of those dishes when I have more time. We also had Shabu shabu the day before. I took a few shots there as well, but not as many.
Glad the pics are “entertaining!” Heheheh.
Marla
patti said,
January 19, 2010 at 12:10 am
Sounds like you’re having a great time! And I’m getting a good laugh being grossed out so it’s good for everyone!
Been working on Ron’s jacket. Already tore it apart completely once. Grrrrrr. I cut it too big so had to go back and redo some pieces. Hoping it will work now. This is truly a labor of love!! Definately the most difficult thing I’ve ever made. Even beats those fancy flower girl dresses (that I made for filipino friends BTW).
patti
marinel said,
January 20, 2010 at 3:44 pm
OMG! That food looks outstanding!!!! No wonder Aaron looks comatose. He was probably trying to digest all of that food!!!!
Don’t forget to go to the Chinese restaurant next to the dinosaur farm at the Fort — Rhommel knows it. They have the BEST suckling pig! YUMMY! I’m so jealous!
Administrator said,
January 20, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Oh, Marinel!, we ate there last night! You’re talking about “Zong,” right? Accckkk! And yes, we did have the suckling pig plus other stuff! I took pics so will try to update those when I can. But I’ve already taken lots of pics of other foods we’ve been eating before then, so I’ll see when I can get to those.
Aaron was homesick when we first got here, but once the food started rolling in, I think he’s “cured.” LOL But definitely, I wish you all were here too! I know we’d have a blast! And yesterday we booked a short trip to Bangkok. Will go in Feb, but will send more details about that later as our schedule is starting to fill up really fast!
Okay! You take good care of yourselves! For those of you in California, stay dry and be careful! I just read an email from another Calif friend and Ate Marissa, and they’ve mentioned the weather situation there.
Hugs!
Marla
marinel said,
January 21, 2010 at 12:56 pm
OMG!!!! Sucking pig and Bangkok!!!! You guys are going to have soooooooo much fun!!!! The temples in Bangkok are amazing and the FOOD…. OMG….. to die for!!!! I’m so happy you guys are heading that way!!!! Daddy has been talking about Thailand for ages!!!!!
Find the right street vendor with deep fried banana covered in coconut!!! I know, it sounds bad, but it’s good to be bad sometimes!!!!! 
Oh… and keep mommy away from the jewelry stores!!!! Really. ;|
Miss you guys!
Love,
Marinel
Administrator said,
January 22, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Hey, Marinel! I relayed your warning, but it’s too late! LOL Mommy has already threatened us that if we don’t get her something, then we must not love her anymore! LOL But hey, Daddy has spoiled her all these years, so what do we expect? But thanks for all the tips! We’ll look for the fried bananas and coconut!
On Monday we’re heading to Palawan, so I might lose internet access until Friday. My broadband stick is only good in Metro Manila, so I’m not gonna bother to take my netbook to Palawan. It’s supposed to be a 45 minute flight, but an hour drive out to the lodge in southern Puerto Princesa. I’ll try to upload pictures of that place when we get back. And I’ll try to put in one more post on the blog before we go.
Okay! You take care! Stay warm and dry! I hear you’re all getting soaked there!
Hugs,
Marla