So as a start (or better yet, re-start), I would like to share a wonderful lunch I recently had.
First of all, this was not my first time in this place. But the first time was at night and I never really felt the need to write anything about it that time. This time though, with the sun shining high above and the tide gently coming in, I felt that this place is wonderful enough to tell tales about.
This place is called Pebbles and Tides. It is a beach front property in Barangay Bato, a 5 minute tricycle-ride away from Borongan Proper. It is easy to find and most drivers know where it is. It is really a resort where people can stay in and enjoy water activities with good eats.
I could say that this place has the best Lechon Kawali I have ever tasted here in Samar, maybe even ever! It is cooked just right with a thick layer of fat, enough to retain the flavor of the marinade and to add its own juices to the taste of the meat. The skin is crisp like chitlings and is not as salty as one would expect. It is dipped in a local vinegar that is smothered with cracked peppers, red chili, garlic and onions. But believe me, one does not need the dip to enjoy the dish. It is also very cheap at less than 200 bucks for 3 people! Sinfully good (but not for cholesterol).
The other dish I enjoyed was their version of chicken and pork adobo. The chicken pieces were small and bite-sized but ample and evenly cooked through. The pork on the other hand was similar to the cut of the lechon kawali but cooked in a very different but nonetheless delicious way. The pieces of meat were cooked in its own juices with some expressed fat, then cooked again with the soy sauce-vinegar mix until it is soft and juicy. The mix contains whole pepper and bay leaves with crushed garlic to highlight the local taste. It wasn't the best one I've tasted ever but definitely in my top 5.
But to me, what made the place so great to eat in is the ambiance. We stayed in a small beachfront cottage where we can eat and see the beach while listening to the lull of the waves as the tide comes in (must be where the place got its name). From where I was, I could see two of the three main islands off the coast of Borongan. Looking back I could see the estuary where a local river meets the sea. And off to my side in the farside beach is Lalawigan, where most boats dock to go to the off-shore island. I call it my little vantage point, an overview of a sliver of life that is Eastern Samar.
It was nice to see the tranquility of the sea even if it rained hard and the wind blew crazy the night before. I'd say the place made me melancholic and think of friends and family in Manila but in the end I still felt like smiling. Now that is a little piece of Eden right there.
One little quip though, DO NOT expect quick prompt service like the harried food servers in Manila. Remember this is a province and people here are known to take their time eating and thus service takes a languid pace unknown to city people.
I made the mistake of wanting to hurry it up. The result, my meal still came in 20 minutes but I was fuming. So to enjoy the local culinary experience, learn to wait and relax a bit. Believe me the food tasted way better this second time around because I was just patiently waiting and enjoying the view from all around.
After a successfully satisfying meal, I have realized that in my 2 months here, I have discovered the joys of local life. I suddenly found out that the part of Borongan in my heart is growing bigger without me noticing it. Just want to share it with you all guys! Hoping you get to taste it too. Hopefully with me.
