Yes, this is another overdue post. I mentioned a few weeks ago that I went to Pampanga and had a gastronomic experience at Bale Dutung. Sharing with you guys that unique food trip I had with people who enjoy food as much as I do (and even more, I think haha).
After seeing my Ninang Ella's facebook photo album about Bale Dutung, I decided that I wanted to experience Chef Claude and Ms. Mary Anne's cooking as well. Took a few months before I was finally able to plan the foodie trip.
So off our group went to Pampanga on a drizzling Saturday morning. We arrived at Bale Dutung quite early since we left Manila around 9 a.m (I was anticipating that we'd get lost, haha! I was driving). We arrived at the Tayags' wonderful abode just before 11 so we had enough time to look around and take pictures while the place was still empty.
Welcome to Bale Dutung!
With Annick, Isa, and Sidelle
Our meal started off with a couple of appetizers--crackers served with 3 types of spread (pesto, burong hipon, and taba ng talangka), then cold sotanghon with thai basil, coriander, and mint. Based on the appetizers alone, we knew that we were in for something really special.
After the sotanghon, we were served Ensaladang Pako. I ♥ the vinaigrette! Then, we were served Piniritong Lumpiang Ubod sa Claude'9 Oriental Sauce. Can I just say, this was to die for! I never expected that lumpia would have such an impact, haha! I think what made it special was the Oriental Sauce.
After the lumpia, we were served a small portion of Inasal na Manok at Claude'9 Talangka Rice. Best inasal I've had! And the Talangka Rice--yum! As if we hadn't had enough Talangka, we were then served Talangka Sushi and Hito at balobalo sushi. The hito was wrapped with Mustasa leaves and also had burong hipon. These weren't the main dishes yet. After every meal, we were excitedly anticipating the next one hoping we'd have the lechon already (haha!)
Our tummies weren't prepared for what we had next. First of the 'Lechon in 5 Ways' spread was the Fried Lechon Flakes binalot sa tortilla at Claude'9 Oriental Sauce. I think all of us went back for 2nd or 3rd servings :))
After that, we had what I think is the best Balat ng Lechon ever. Good thing they didn't serve us rice yet because I'm sure we wouldn't have been able to finish the entire 10-course meal.
After the balat, we had Sinigang na Lechon--yes, SINIGANG. It was good, but I won't say it's my favorite. I think it wasn't sour enough for most of us, still yummy nonetheless.
After the sinigang we were served Inihaw na Tadyang na Lechon at Ensaladang Talong. This dish was my favorite. Who knew you could serve Lechon Ribs that way? ♥ ♥ ♥ the baby eggplant topped with tomatoes and itlog na maalat.
At this point, we were already quite full but we wanted to try everything so for the last lechon dish we were served Inasadong Pata ng Lechon. Again, another winner dish!
The Tayags saved the best for last. Hands down, the best dessert we've ever had. One word: Paradiso. Truly the best way to end a long, hearty meal.
I highly recommend Bale Dutung for fellow foodies. You're not going there just for the food. It truly is an experience you'll never forget.
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