Bale Dutung: Home of Filipino food at its finest

[The Lawspeaker]

Bale Dutung: Home of Filipino food at its finest (http://m.gmanetwork.com/news/story/359953/lifestyle/food/bale-dutung-home-of-filipino-food-at-its-finest)


http://images.gmanews.tv/v3/webpics/v3/2014/05/2014_05_07_14_59_29.JPG
Kare-Kareng Dagat.


Tourists flock to it. Foodies rave about it. Heck, even famous American TV host Anthony Bourdain was all praises about it. Indeed, Bale Dutung has become a must-visit dining destination in Pampanga, a region popular for its own kind of cuisine.

“Bale dutung” is a Kapampangan term that translates to “house of wood,”—and true enough, lots of wooden sculptures and structures dotted the premises. It felt very inviting—just like home. The place is actually not just a restaurant; it is also the home of Claude Tayag, an artist, author and restaurateur.

“I find warmth in wood,” shared Tayag. “This is where we live. We live upstairs.”

He and his wife Mary Ann opened their home to the public back in 2000 and began accepting guests into their restaurant.

Visitors will find Tayag’s artistic creations all over the area—from the garden he designed to the interiors of the restaurant and its wooden furnishings. He said he used recycled wood in his sculpture and furniture designs. His love for art extends to the kitchen, where he gets to show his expertise in the culinary arts and passion for Filipino food.

Those who want to try Claude Tayag’s much acclaimed cooking have to reserve a table beforehand. The restaurant will serve pre-arranged lunches to those who make a reservation for at least 12 diners. But smaller groups may join once the restaurant is open. Just call beforehand.

Five-ways lechon and other culinary innovations

http://images.gmanews.tv/v3/webpics/v3/2014/05/2014_05_07_15_00_35.JPG
Lechon Tortill

There are three menu options to choose from: the Anthony Bourdain menu (inspired by the dishes served for the American chef and host), the Lechon menu, and the Kapangpangan menu. Each one has 10 courses, so expect a leisurely sit-down meal that could take up to three hours.

If you simply love swine—and if your health permits—go for the Lechon menu, which offers five kinds of lechon dishes from whole roasted pork to grilled pork ribs. This is what most foodies come here for, aside from the homey ambiance of the place.

Before indulging in gustatory pork pleasures, I started with some Ensaladang Pako (fiddle head fern salad)—fresh greens, slices of tomatoes and onions, and boiled quail eggs, served with a tangy honey-mansi dressing. The pako was crisp and the dressing was delightful. It’s a delicious and nutritious starter.

My palate was further teased by the first lechon course—Balat ng Lechon at Liver Sauce. I’m not a big lechon fan, but I just had to take a nibble of the good-looking whole roasted pig’s glistening skin and liked its crunchy texture.

The next dish was the Lechon Tortilla, which is crispy roast pork flakes on a tortilla. Diners may put other fillings such as fresh onions, tomatoes, or cilantro. But make sure to put enough cilantro-basil sauce, which adds another dimension of flavor. I enjoyed the soft texture of the tortilla in contrast with the crispy shredded pork and vegetables, and because of that it became my favorite dish there.

http://images.gmanews.tv/v3/webpics/v3/2014/05/2014_05_07_15_07_21.JPG
Ensaladang Pako.

I tried not to finish the whole tortilla so I could have space for more. I couldn’t leave the place without tasting the Lechon Sisig. According to Tayag, “My innovation there is using the pig’s head for the sisig. Mas malutong yung balat.”

The minced pig’s cheeks had a chewy consistency and the dish wasn’t as oily as I expected. Diners can choose a serving without onions and add other condiments like chili. I could imagine that this dish would pair well with some local brew.

Another must-try was the Sinigang na Lechon, a sour soup that has pork meat and vegetables like kangkong, okra and gabi. Tayag revealed, “The sinigang na lechon—people have been doing that, I don’t want to claim I started it, but it’s a different thing.”

His version uses the lechon bones for added dimension, thanks to the flavoring of its tanglad (lemongrass) stuffing. It’s best eaten with a serving of brown rice wrapped in banana leaves.

My other favorite dish was the Kare-kareng Dagat, a signature dish of Bale Dutung. I liked the medley of fresh seafood: prawns, squid, and mussels, cooked in creamy peanut sauce. The shellfish were good-sized ones, too! I found it tasty by itself, but the server gave me a side of bagoong (shrimp paste) that complemented the seafood concoction.

After the nth course, I was stuffed to the brim. But I was alerted to a dessert I shouldn’t miss—Paradiso. Picture three sweet balls of ube, yema and macapuno in a bed of sweetened carabao’s milk that almost tastes like pastillas.

I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish the bowl of cloying sweetness, but I did with the help of some Kapeng Sinaunang Panahon (a bitter blend of 50 percent arabica and 50 percent barako). It was the perfect ending to this meal of epic proportions. — VC, GMA News

[simple]

Pampanga is well known when it comes to cuisine, here are some of their popular dish.

http://www.istorya.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1595
Tocino

Their Bringhe, their version of Arroz Valenciana
http://images.gmanews.tv/v3/webpics/v3/2013/11/2013_11_04_14_21_17.JPG

Sisig
http://i2.wp.com/8list.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Sisig-4V.jpg

Sipo Egg
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls1kqqYDO51r0o2o0o1_500.jpg

[The Lawspeaker]

:hungry: O.K.. that's it. When I am going back to the Philippines I am going to pay a visit to Pampanga province.

[zhaoyun]

Filipino food is awesome. I think it is way underrated, but part of that is the fault of the Filipinos, they need to be more business minded and open more restaurants.

BTW, a lot of Filipino threads lately!

[The Lawspeaker]

BTW, a lot of Filipino threads lately!

I am not even getting started ! :thumb001:

[simple]

Filipino food is awesome. I think it is way underrated, but part of that is the fault of the Filipinos, they need to be more business minded and open more restaurants.

BTW, a lot of Filipino threads lately!

In Philippines there's a lot of fine Filipino Restaurant. It's only overseas that only few make a restaurant, I heard a Filipino Restaurant in New York that gaining a popularity there. The Maharlika and Jeepney Restaurant in New York City.

[simple]

Bangus Specialty in SM Mall of Asia


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGDyiKpY7as

Some fine Filipino Restaurants in the Philippines

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wAw5meuWJc


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ-U6_h0IiQ

[simple]

Primero Casa Filipino in Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Some of their Specialty


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXC_R-G15wA

http://static.wixstatic.com/media/448534_fe71731324f846a099d3202377bcc707.jpg_srz_87 7_583_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz

http://buhaykuneho.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Primero_Casa_Filipino_BananaCrepe.jpg

http://img.grouponcdn.com/deal/suYppPYb4HahD7tLoxeM/TG-700x420
sisig

http://static.ph.groupon-content.net/50/80/1394176228050.jpg

http://www.ensogo.com.ph/media/catalog/product/cache/16/image/640x435/f31b0cfd465b5145025020710a9577fb/c/a/casaprimero_5.jpg

[simple]

Abe Filipino Restaurant in the Fort Bonifacio Global City

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yYytXNlclg/Ufe6JCYD8UI/AAAAAAAADOE/8LiilAj8X70/s1600/Abe-9.jpg
Bamboo cooked rice

http://www.globalcitynights.com/uploads/4/1/7/6/4176174/2632379_orig.jpg
Kare Kare

Laing
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoNngUisrik/Ufe5rJpCu2I/AAAAAAAADNk/ORGaL6pedQg/s1600/Abe-6.jpg

Calamares
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrk87jHKjO1qmd4d7.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYDIv4DdHoU/T9xq8bILFWI/AAAAAAAAADo/7Dt_IwRDYr8/s1600/DSC00141-12.jpg
Crispy Pata

Bikol Express
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-On81WIij4lo/T9xp3dt1c3I/AAAAAAAAADY/9B-FElkGxTE/s1600/DSC00144-14.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/575693_512102622172152_622836326_n.jpg

[Isleño]

Filipino food is awesome. I think it is way underrated, but part of that is the fault of the Filipinos, they need to be more business minded and open more restaurants.

BTW, a lot of Filipino threads lately!

Haha, they're not the Chinese. I lived in Hawaii for two years and Filipinos were numerous there and still all the businesses were owned by the Chinese, lol.

[simple]

Haha, they're not the Chinese. I lived in Hawaii for two years and Filipinos were numerous there and still all the businesses were owned by the Chinese, lol.


Kulinarya restaurant and Intramuros in Bay Area USA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6Tqgva_Rw

Bistro Filipino Restaurant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXVbR1sHLGw

[zhaoyun]

Haha, they're not the Chinese. I lived in Hawaii for two years and Filipinos were numerous there and still all the businesses were owned by the Chinese, lol.

Undoubtedly, Chinese people are extremely entrepreneurial, it's one of the primary features of our culture.

[zhaoyun]

Kulinarya restaurant and Intramuros in Bay Area USA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6Tqgva_Rw

There are some Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area, but compared to the size of the population, still quite few. Compare the number of other ethnic restaurants, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, etc, the numbers are very small in comparison relative to the size of the actual population.

[Isleño]

Undoubtedly, Chinese people are extremely entrepreneurial, it's one of the primary features of our culture.Yeah I agree, the Chinese are very entrepreneurial. I find this same spirit in the Vietnamese too. Where I live, all of the gas stations are ran by Vietnamese or Palestinians. The motels ran by the Indians (India). There are some Chinese where I live, but not many. Most East Asians here are Vietnamese (Southeast Asian). My people own the seafood markets and seafood processing plants.

[Isleño]

There are some Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area, but compared to the size of the population, still quite few. Compare the number of other ethnic restaurants, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, etc, the numbers are very small in comparison relative to the size of the actual population.

I like Filipino food. Lumpia, adobo, Sinigang, etc. What I like about Filipino food is, it's like Asia meets Spain and Latin America. I like that :)

[simple]

There are some Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area, but compared to the size of the population, still quite few. Compare the number of other ethnic restaurants, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, etc, the numbers are very small in comparison relative to the size of the actual population.

yeah, only overseas but hopefully more Filipinos will start to open up a restaurant abroad. It's funny some are not even Filipinos

Manila Machine food truck in Los Angeles USA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY7ViPWCWxE

Bistro Luneta in San Francisco, CA USA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQngeansG6Q

Patio Filipino in San Bruno, CA USA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmA51dYMSfc

[zhaoyun]

Yeah I agree, the Chinese are very entrepreneurial. I find this same spirit in the Vietnamese too. Where I live, all of the gas stations are ran by Vietnamese or Palestinians. The motels ran by the Indians (India). There are some Chinese where I live, but not many. Most East Asians here are Vietnamese (Southeast Asian). My people own the seafood markets and seafood processing plants.

Yes, the Vietnamese are very entrepreneurial, because they have the Confucian culture that they inherited from China. So did the Koreans and Japanese. The Confucian culture is one of the defining features of East Asian culture and is one of the primary factors behind the success of these societies. The Vietnamese are probably the only culturally " Confucian East Asian" people in Southeast Asia, and they are the most entrepreneurial, its no coincidence. It was only a fluke of history that they didn't become another Southern Chinese province, same for Korea, that it didn't become another Northern Chinese province, though both did solidify their national identities early on relative to the rest of the world, about a millenia ago, but still not that long based on the Chinese timeline.

[Isleño]

Yes, the Vietnamese are very entrepreneurial, because they have the Confucian culture that they inherited from China. So did the Koreans and Japanese. The Confucian culture is one of the defining features of East Asian culture and is one of the primary factors behind the success of these societies. The Vietnamese are probably the only culturally " Confucian East Asian" people in Southeast Asia, and they are the most entrepreneurial, its no coincidence. It was only a fluke of history that they didn't become another Southern Chinese province, same for Korea, that it didn't become another Northern Chinese province, though both did solidify their national identities early on relative to the rest of the world, about a millenia ago, but still not that long based on the Chinese timeline.

Yeah, that fluke was called France.

[zhaoyun]

yeah, only overseas but hopefully more Filipinos will start to open up a restaurant abroad. It's funny some are not even Filipinos

Manila Machine food truck in Los Angeles USA
]

Well, I do hope so as I do like Filipino food. its annoying when sometimes I go to a city that has a sizable Filipino pop and I still can barely find good Filipino joints.

But anyways, I noticed most Filipinos tend to look for stable, well paying jobs like those in the nursing fields or service industries, rather than taking the risk of opening a business. I think its a cultural thing.

[zhaoyun]

Yeah, that fluke was called France.

No, it was way before that. Those rebellious, insolent Viets kicked us out over a 1000 years ago towards the end of the Tang Dynasty in the 900s AD, prior to that, they were on the way to being successfully and completely Sinicized.

[Isleño]

No, it was way before that. Those rebellious, insolent Viets kicked us out over a 1000 years ago towards the end of the Tang Dynasty in the 900s AD, prior to that, they were on the way to being successfully and completely Sinicized.

Some good ole' history. I like that name Tang. I used to drink Tang :thumb001:

[zhaoyun]

Some good ole' history. I like that name Tang. I used to drink Tang :thumb001:

I can assure you, it wasnt named after the dynasty. LOL

[simple]

Well, I do hope so as I do like Filipino food. its annoying when sometimes I go to a city that has a sizable Filipino pop and I still can barely find good Filipino joints.

But anyways, I noticed most Filipinos tend to look for stable, well paying jobs like those in the nursing fields or service industries, rather than taking the risk of opening a business. I think its a cultural thing.

I remembered when I went to Australia I would like to eat Filipino food and I don't see a Filipino restaurant so I try the other alternative like I want Springrolls, so I went to Chinese or Japanese restaurant to try their springrolls, and there was a food festival and we were looking for Filipino food but nothing so we took Paella from Spanish dish an alternative of Filipino Paella lol and saw Indian Chicken Curry instead of our own Chicken Curry. I just saw 1 Australian owner that sell Halo-Halo and Inasal Chicken BBQ

http://icekrambol.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/chicken_inasal.jpg

[Iloko]

I've lived in the philippines for a few years now, and these are my fav pinoy restos I've tried so far:

1) Kanin Club - 10/10
2) Seafood Island - 10/10
3) Gerry's Grill - 9.5/10

These are alright, but were not as good to me as the above ones:

1) Cabalen(buffet) - 6.5/10
1) Mesa - 5/10

[simple]

Café Juanita

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImJYoVcgjgg

Pochero (Beef)
http://s3.burpple.com/foods/ac3cb26e21ed3cbdd8440361_original.?1365995824

Café via Mare in Greenbelt Makati

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmwRu9XDi3s

[simple]

Lorenzo's Way Restaurant in Greenbelt Makati
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2563/lif1bph.jpg

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/03/40/7b/5f/menu.jpg

http://s3.amazonaws.com/foodspotting-ec2/reviews/2872317/thumb_600.jpg?1355731854
Bamboo rice

http://s3.amazonaws.com/foodspotting-ec2/reviews/4607154/thumb_600.jpg?1396848045
Callos

Adobo sa Puso ng Saging
http://s3.amazonaws.com/foodspotting-ec2/reviews/2872315/thumb_600.jpg?1355731824

Desserts (Leche Flan)
http://s3.amazonaws.com/foodspotting-ec2/reviews/3112095/thumb_600.jpg?1360244082

[simple]

bistro Mateo in Pasig City
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/74029412.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y4w54RJsn1Q/T9W3bJF07hI/AAAAAAAADNM/jSaZFlNznQw/s1600/bistro%2Bmateo%2B01.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BaYsKt67bmI/TQQLPAsd5PI/AAAAAAAAANM/-lQsTk5sNWU/s400/IMG_1443.JPG

http://d2z9qv80fklwtv.cloudfront.net/menus/6306312/8c506dd72c402799a0d038a19ccc876a-10.jpg

Tamarind Shake
http://kitchenhopping.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_8956-640x426.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgZ5uQ2Scj8/TepAjLF_6PI/AAAAAAAAA2w/dZfv6HkUyXU/s1600/DSC02797.JPG

http://s3.amazonaws.com/foodspotting-ec2/reviews/3076757/thumb_600.jpg?1359606078

http://static3.ph.orstatic.com/userphoto/photo/0/J2/003RK1FA777AAEBEB6FFB0l.jpg

[KidMulat]

In Philippines there's a lot of fine Filipino Restaurant. It's only overseas that only few make a restaurant, I heard a Filipino Restaurant in New York that gaining a popularity there. The Maharlika and Jeepney Restaurant in New York City.

My ex went there with friends and made all the silly comments and reactions regarding Balut at a resturant in NYC :picard2:. Filipino food has basically become the new Vietnamese which is the new Thai outhere.

I grew up on Filipino food though back west, its great all around but like I seem to have a fondness especially for lumpia which when you think about it is just kind of pan southeast Asian but I ate them by the dozens haha my father would even cook Filipino food sometimes

[simple]

My ex went there with friends and made all the silly comments and reactions regarding Balut at a resturant in NYC :picard2:. Filipino food has basically become the new Vietnamese which is the new Thai outhere.

I grew up on Filipino food though back west, its great all around but like I seem to have a fondness especially for lumpia which when you think about it is just kind of pan southeast Asian but I ate them by the dozens haha my father would even cook Filipino food sometimes

lol maharlika/jeepney organized a Balut eating contest. Balut is common to southeast Asians so were not the only country in asia that eat balut :D.. I actually eat balut but I don't eat the small duck. Just be careful with your blood pressure lol when you eat balut.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZqG1dH8ZCw

[KidMulat]

lol maharlika/jeepney organized a Balut eating contest. Balut is common to southeast Asians so were not the only country in asia that eat balut :D.. I actually eat balut but I don't eat the small duck. Just be careful with your blood pressure lol when you eat balut.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZqG1dH8ZCw

I ate it but like the gross factor was never there for me. Everyone back home who has been around Filipino food just slurps it and treats it as a delicious food and not some spectacle.

[simple]

I ate it but like the gross factor was never there for me. Everyone back home who has been around Filipino food just slurps it and treats it as a delicious food and not some spectacle.

good for you that you can eat the duck, I don't know I can't eat the duck. I let my younger brother do it for me hahaha..

I miss Halo-Halo
http://appetite.ph/uploads/R92C6OQ2PT7U0CHPR8G42HPZYGOFH.jpg

http://www.lapadagallery.com/img/s5/v4/p146953212-3.jpg

[simple]

Chicken Relleno
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/1964988_10152153852406939_451025154688498231_n.jpg

Beef Caldereta
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10336679_10152152397071939_5593460338522543065_n.j pg

Camaron Rebosado
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/p417x417/10153803_10152106941331939_2780113418204528400_n.j pg

[simple]

Other Filipino Dish found and served

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUBA68UQFD8/UTRyPleMnAI/AAAAAAAAe8E/fG_yOAOFoT4/s640/IMG_1185.JPG
Kinilaw na puso ng saging

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmMDOjYpbcw/UTRzSsFYabI/AAAAAAAAe8c/U4w95UB-HcE/s640/IMG_1188.JPG
Daing na prito

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Td8urVDAf8I/UTRzUcwE4fI/AAAAAAAAe8o/17MaNceAFb4/s640/IMG_1182.JPG
KKK : Kalkag Kalo Kalo

Dishes in Aracama Filipino Cuisine :)

[simple]

Typical Filipino Breakfast

craving for any of this and also the Pugon Pandesal
http://dbrightspot.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/598861_10151204940984368_216548037_n.jpg
Pugon Pandesal for Breakfast :D

Tapsilog (Tapa+Fried Rice+Egg)
https://goodfoodgateway.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/img_9079.jpg

Longsilog (Longanisa + Fried Rice + Egg)
http://www.lightoftheworldretreatcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/longsilog.jpg

Bangsilog (Bangus+Fried Rice+Egg)
https://pharmacistontherocks.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/picture-5.png

Tocilog (Tocino+Egg+Fried Rice)
https://pharmacistontherocks.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/6902211027_b0ff3b19ee_z.jpg