A Taste of Quezon, Culinary Tour

As part of Quezon province’s invitation to come and dine in the province this summer, we got a taste of what’s in store in this culinary tour last weekend.

After roughly three hours of driving from Makati, we arrived at Quezon’s Best Niyogan Organic Products in Tiayong, Quezon. It’s a road side restaurant and coconut products store. And we were welcomed by the owners, Mr. and Ms. Pasciolco plus a hearty breakfast.

Then to the main event at SM City Lucena, Makulay na Pamana ng Quezon Kulinarya. Wherein we witnessed a dégustation by local Chefs and their heirloom recipes. This event was the kick-start of month-long celebration of Flavors of the Philippines.  

 

Then we head off to Ouan’s the Farm Resort in Lucena City for our overnight accommodation. Did I say they serve the best empanadas?

Ouan’s the Farm Resort is owned by Retired General Recaredo Sarmiento II, a.k.a “The Farmer General” . Together with his wife Lucy, they planted high-valued fruit bearing trees like, longkong (lanzones), rambutan and mango,not just at Ouan’s but also in a larger farm Marinduque.

Today, his daughter Louchiel is managing this three hectare resort farm. Ouan’s the Farm Resort offers a lot of activities such as, picnic, swimming, and team building activities.

And this will not be called a culinary tour if there’s no Mercato dining. Dinner at Z Compound Lucena. Here you can find not just good ol’ local cuisine but quality surf and turf food. Update: This no longer in business. 

Day 2. Breakfast at Ouan’s the Farm Resort would be, spanish Bangus, Lucban longganisa, champorado topped with boneless dilis, fried rice, omelet, brewed coffee, toasted yema cake and fresh fruit shake. Talk about a FULL plate.

Then to burn all those calories we had a tree planting event at the farm.

This culinary tour will not be complete if we were not able to experience cooking local cuisine like locals do. Our lovely hosts prepared activities such as harvesting, food preparation and cooking demo for us at Verdana Farm in Saryiaya.

While waiting for the water to simmer, Chef AR Jose Ranido together with TOQPPI prepared the best luncheon Quezon has to offer.

Now, let’s get cooking kalamay.

Meanwhile, in another pot, pinais is cooked.

After all the mixing.

Before we head back to Manila, quick stop at the Villa Saryiaya to top off our culinary and heritage tour.

Now, wasn’t that a mouthful? You foodies, head to Quezon now!

This post also appeared in gastronomybyjoy.com

Disclaimer: My visit was part of a press trip sponsored by the Department of Tourism Region 4-A Calabarzon. All views and opinions are my own. Received freebies but no money involved.