It was a special Sunday, though we have very tight schedules this summer, we managed to keep this one Sunday sacred by going on a mini-pilgrimage to Quezon, where we visited Kamay ni Hesus Church, as well as eat delicious food at Palaisdaan Restaurant.
You just have to try Palaisdaan, a short drive from Kamay ni Hesus. Trust me, you'll be treated to a very satisfying meal.
The first viand I'm presenting is actually not on the Palaisdaan menu. My Ninong Mike brought with him some of his neighbor's famous Igado. Igado is a popular Ilocano dish made from pork tenderloin and pig's innards such as liver, kidney, heart. This version is really good, and I apologize now, since alam kong iniinggit ko lang kayo, considering if ever you guys do get to the Palaisdaan, you wouldn't even be able to try it. Oh well, maybe I can study the recipe and cook for you!
Now, on to the meals served here in Palaisdaan. They have various soups, inihaw (grilled) meats, veggies and of course, fish. The first thing we ordered, a big bowl of rice, of course.
My favorite ulam was the Bulalo. The meat was tender, the broth was absolutely delicious. Words cannot even describe the happiness. I'm such a soup whore!
Then, my dad wanted to try the Ginataang Native Chicken. This one has a really good sauce that has hints of curry infused with coconut milk. The sauce was really good, but the native chicken was a bit tough. Maybe that's the nature of native chicken!
And we definitely had to order some kind of fish while we were here (despite initial scare of doubledead fishkill!) But we tried their tuna belly, and we weren't regretful at all. Either pair it with the sweet sauce that comes with the meal, or make your own soy sauce and calamansi combo, it just works with the tuna belly!
I'm not a fan of the ampalaya with shrimp. Probably because I'm not a fan of bitter foods. Bitter na nga pagkatao ko, di ko na kailangan pa nyan.
Also, we tried the ensaladang paco, which is fern sprouts with some salted egg, tomatoes and onions. It can be paired with sardines, but I prefer it on its own. The sweetness of this dish is great, and it has a clean taste that helps cleanse the palate, preparing one to consume even more food after!
One regret of mine today was that I wasn't able to try the grilled spare ribs. I was so busy chomping on the other viands that I overlooked to nibble on these. And by the time I noticed it, I was already to full. So next time, grilled spare ribs, I will try you first!
A great and satisfying meal that was good for six very hungry people, and for a very affordable price! Quezon never tasted this good!
