Different kinds of tapa

Usually, it’s beef tapa that we normally eat, but last week, I was able two different kinds.  When I saw they were included in the menu, I made sure that I would be able to taste them during my stay at Hotel Tierra in San Jose, Nueva Ecija.

The first that I tried out was Tapang Baboy Damo.  It was offered with egg and garlic fried rice as well as vinegar where you can dip your tapa.  Well, it was a bit hard to chew, but nevertheless really tasty.  They said that their supplier comes from Isabela.

 

Then the next day, I made sure to try out the Tapang Usa.  I actually had tasted a deer before but couldn’t quite remember what it tastes.  Anyway, the meal included fried egg, garlic fried rice and vinegar as well. I actually liked it more than the tapang baboy damo since it’s easier to chew and tastier.

 

Oh well. I hope I get more chances like this in tasting different kinds of food.  I can really be adventurous so just bring it on!

 

Conti’s

I have been hearing and reading a lot about the famous Mango Bravo of Conti’s. A lot have been raving about it which aroused my curiosity to try it myself.

 

It’s just really great that they already have a branch at the Trinoma Mall so I wouldn’t have to troop to Greenhills just to take a taste of this yummy goodness. Well, at first I had a hard time trying to find where it is located. It turns out, you would have to go out and pass by the side of Trinoma in order to get there. It’s near the Krispy Kreme store which is actually still being constructed. If you’re familiar with the National Bookstore location, you can go down the escalator near it and exit the mall (near Bread Talk). Turn left when you exit and you’ll soon see the Conti’s.

I was surprised that despite having a hard time locating it, a lot already knows that they have a branch there since the place was packed and there were a lot of people waiting outside to get a seat. I thought it wasn’t a good time to dine at that moment and decided to forgo trying out the place. I guess the excitement built up more since it looks like a lot of people wants a taste of what they’re offering. I promised myself that I’ll be back!

Anyway, I was thinking of bringing my sweetie there but since I was at Trinoma today, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity anymore. It’s now or never.

 

As you enter, you’ll first see the take out counter and refrigerators which house tempting cakes. There are also some bread and pastries displayed nearby. To your right would be the dining area.

For sure I was ordering a Mango Bravo, but I had a hard time ordering a main entrée. Their recommended Baked Salmon (php 295) was a bit expensive for my budget at that time but would wish to try it out someday soon. The attendee recommended Beef Salpicao or the Chicken Roulade but I wasn’t up to it. I ended up ordering Chicken Marsala (Php 175) instead and of course the Mango Bravo(Php 95).

The Chicken Marsala (Php170) is breast chicken with mushroom in marsala wine sauce served with Russian Potato Salad and Buttered Corn Rice. I must say, even the rice was very tasty! I just find the breast chicken a little dry, but good thing the marsala sauce was so tasty you wouldn’t notice it too much.

The Russian potato salad was also surprisingly good. Well, I had my initial bias since food with weird color doesn’t look too palatable (just like this salad). Anyway, I enjoyed it and didn’t regret ordering it.

Then comes the Mango Bravo (Php 90). Oh wow! It was such a big slice! It had lots of layers that’s why. I loved it from the first bite. Now I understand why a lot have been raving about this cake. I’d probably buy a whole cake pretty soon.

My lunch today

Well, I’m trying to eat healthy food every time that I can (I usually fail!). I tried making myself a chicken sandwich using ciabatta bread with lots of lettuce and diced cucumber. I added some potato side salad too. Well, it’s not really that healthy because of the mayo, but at least I had my fill of leafy vegetables. Amazingly, I was too full to finish all of it and it took me longer than usual to get hungry again.