Christmas Lunch @ Bale Dutung

I had the best lunch of my life in Bale Dutung last Sunday...

When Jen told me that we are holding our Annual Christmas Get together in Bale Dutung, I knew it will be gastronomically exciting. Heard so much about the famous "5-ways to eat Lechon" feast and experiencing it would be totally awesome.

We got there in time for lunch. They served us a Citrusy drink with Muscovado ice.. it was so refreshing! Mary Ann gave a brief introduction of the place and set our expectations before we started the feast. First, they served the trio dip of Pure Crab fat (taba ng Talangka), Pili Pesto and Burong Hipon with Crackers..it was so tasty and yummy..

After that, they served us the Fresh fern Salad with Tomato and Onion topped with Quail Egg drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar, Fried Lumpiang Ubod, Burong Hipon Roll and Crab fat Sushi and the their Version of Chicken Inasal

Guess what?? That is only the start of our sumptuous meal... I asked Mary Ann why they prepared a lot of food prior to the Lechon feast, she said the appetizers were meant to line our stomach for the greasiness of the Lechon.. She then asked us if we are ready to start the real meal.. we said yes, of course! :P

This is how to eat Lechon 5 ways:

1) Enjoy the Crispy Lechon Skin with the Special Liver Sauce (Made from scratch)

Chef Claude perfectly cutting the Lechon skin

2) Pritchon style wrapped in Tortilla - Lechon meat was shredded like adobo flakes and deep fried.

3) Sinigang na Lechon - who would have thought that Lechon can be used for the famous sinigang?? well, Claude Tayag did!!

4) Inihaw na Lechon ribs with Ensaladang Talong and Pulang Itlog (with a twist)

5) and last but not the least, Inasadong Lechon...for the last course, we cant barely eat this anymore since we're soooo full but it was still good!!

They also served us Kapeng Barako, Maja Blanca made of Goat's milk and the their Filipino Version of Creme Brulee topped with Yema, Ube and Macapuno Balls for dessert.

We ate this Lunch set from 12noon until almost 7pm.. but it was all worth it!! The food was superb, the place was beautiful and full of artsy stuff and the hospitality and warmth of the owners are impeccable.. I would really love to go back and bring my other friends. It was one hell of a lunch!!

My Brother's Wedding

It was the first wedding in our family that's why when my brother, Shallom told me to help him plan his wedding, I didn't think twice. I got the best suppliers (most of them I worked with before) and thankfully they gave us pretty reasonable rates. It was hard especially that Shallom wasn't here physically to help Devie in planning the wedding and meeting up with their suppliers but all the hard work and sacrifices paid off... it was worth it!

I can say that seeing my brother get married is surreal. I cannot even imagine this would happen because I thought we will just be together forever especially that we practically grew up together. I am proud of what he has become..from a thin, smart but shy boy to a strong-willed, aggresive and a true gentleman. I just hope you stay that way, to keep your feet on the ground at all times and to never stop thanking the Lord for all the blessings he has showered you.. Congrats again, bro... i love you!!

Shallom and Devie's Onsite Video from Shierdan Pamintuan on Vimeo.