What a journey it was!
The Mabuhay Guides is finalizing its very own version of a Pampanga Food Tour... thanks to inquiries from the private sector. This much I have to say... be ready to pig out!!!!
Our version of a food tour will focus mainly on Heritage cuisine from Pampanga's mostly old, prominent families. And they have all so graciously acquiesed our request to share their family secrets with us. Culinary secrets, that is. Sorry guys, no dirty linen here... just heavenly FOOD.
One of the more animated food luminaries we visited was Mrs. Lilia Borromeo. She of the unparalleled fame for her dulce prenda and panecillos de San Nicolas is always a pleasure to chat with.
She has the chutzpah of one who has been through life's ups and downs and managed to survive it. Suffice it to say that her stories are peppered with satire, editorials, sarcasm and a whole lot of truth in it. Ever the perfect hostess, she regaled us wth her effortless charm and humurous anecdotes enough to write a concise paperback. She should write those anecdotes along with the recipes she selflessly shares to anyone interested.
At her home, on this particular visit, I learned her version of Tocino and skinless longganisa and candied tomatoes. She doesn't mind teaching other chefs her recipes either. It's no tightly-guarded secret...but she has the technique down pat so she's not worried about how the other chefs baked products will turn out.
Her ancestral home has clear indications that its foundations are well entrenched in vestiges of the past. Grill iron fences and intricate wooden latice work punctuate the design of her home.
In her demo area, which was formerly a gym, her cooking implements are scattered tastefully all over the place. Something like organized chaos - think shabby-chic and you'll get the picture. Kitchen utensils, copper pans, ancient cookie molds, wood fired clay ovens alongside religious images, and fine china are standard equipment. Guests also get to try their hand at making their own San Nicolas cookies.
I can't really say much at this point because the entire tour will take a full day of historical facts, food tasting and zipping from one end of Pampanga to another... but the food is to die for authentic Kapampangan food - none of the fusion stuff.
Mabuhay Guide Bryan Ocampo is in the process of consolidating the final book and we'll soon be motoring all over the province. Hope you all can tag along. Oh, and don't forget to bring your Lipitor just in case. It's guaranteed to be that sinful!!!
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