Palaisdaan's Delights

After visiting Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon, my friends and I went straight to the town proper and visited St. William the Great Church. The centuries old church is the main religious center of Lucban. It has been destroyed and rebuilt three times  over the years and it now still proudly stands as the cradle of faith in the town. 

Lucban, however, celebrates its main festival of PAHIYAS during which time most of the houses in the area are lavishly and profusely decorated with produce to honor San Isidro Labrador. Actually, part of the decor of the winning house in competition last year is a replica of the church in miniature done in coconut husk and imaginatively festooned with florets of corn husk and crepe paper. This is prominently displayed in the church convento entrance as we walked in that overcast morning of January 23rd.

Just a brief jaunt from the church and we found ourselves purchasing dozens of Lucban longganisa (native sausages with lots of garlic and a little vinegar). Eker and Ely's is the store to go if you want these tasty meat treats. They've been producing these for years in a little store at the back of the church that also, incidentally a bakeshop! The smaller sized longganisa sells for P120.00/dozen while the larger ones sell at P140.00/dozen. 

It's so worth it if you ask me. I normally add a little water to the sausages in a frying pan and let the liquid evaporate to render the fat. When all of the water's dried up, i pierce the sausages with a fork rather carefully to let the oil within seep out. It should be done with utmost care or you'll have red oil on your shirt or apron. When the sausages are cooked to a crisp, I take them out of the pan and substitute rice on the remaining oil to make fried rice. How delectable is that?

That errand done, we proceeded to Palaisdaan just on the outskirts of the town. The restaurant is located in Tayabas. It has two branches across each side of the road. The newer dining facility actually stays open late in the evening on weekends for some live bands. What's interesting about this restaurant is that they serve local cuisine in quaint huts on bamboo rafts floating in a lagoon. Some of the catch from the pond are actually served on the menu. While waiting for the food to arrive, some people wave to a lady with a basket selling Pilipit (mashed squash formed into a donut shape and dipped in sugar syrup). Did I mentioned how yummy and filling it can be?

For a late lunch, our party ordered Ginataang Kuhol (escargot in coconut milk), Crispy Tadyang ng Baka (deep fried ribs with a vinegar/soy sauce dip), Ginataang Hipon (Shrimp in coconut milk broth), Pancit Canton (asian noodles cooked Lucban style), Sisig (minced pork cheek in a sizzling plate), Pinaputok na Pusit (grilled stuffed squid)... and for dessert, we had five orders of Leche Flan (flan made of milk and egg yolks and steamed in a caramelized pan).

Needless to say, we were so hungry, we ate every morsel of the food laid out before us. Everything was fresh and tasty. The side dips were the perfect complement. And the five trays of Leche Flan? ... Uhhh... What Leche Flan?... =)

Next time you're in the Tayabas/ Lucban area, check it out... the food is great and the prices are reasonable!