Culinary Capital of The Philippines

Withoutfear of contradiction, I dare say that the City of San Fernando, Pampanga is the culinary star of the country. Eat! Cook! We eat more than three times a day. It's no wonder that most profitable enterprises are the restaurants - whether the fast food chains or the most elegant ones. Who would ever think that Jollibee can outsell a multinational like McDonalds? Max Restaurant and Aristocrats continue to offer dishes palatable to their customers. I think a trip to Fresh Restaurant at the Solaire Casino is an experience of a life time. It offers the best of Japanese, Filipino and American dishes.

The main treatise of this column is - we can find the best and tastiest food right here in the City of San Fer nando, Pampanga and suburbs.

It will be a cardinal sin if we allow Everybody's Cafe to fold up. It is good news that it has been resurrected. Their exotic foods - Adobong Camaro ( Crickets) and Betuteng Tugak ( Stuffed frogs) are challenges to the daring. Their other specialties include Paksing Bangus ( Milk Fish in Vinegar), Lumpiang Ubod ( Fresh Coconut Tops) and Piniritong Itik ( Fried Duck).

Fisherman's Grill is as resilient as its owner. The first grill was inundated by lahar in Bacolor, Pampanga; the second grill was gutted by fire and yet the third grill stands proud. It serves Kapampangan preparations at affordable prices.

Apag Marangle literally means Rural Banquet. They offer Sale Manuc ( Chicken with Sale leaves) which is a hit. Their rice is a viand by itself ( may ulam na). You are serenaded by Pampango music while eating the foods fit for the gods. It is in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Joseph's Pipanganan leads in "Eat all you can" variety. Located in Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, it provides an array of Pampanga food - Pritong Tilapia, Adobo, Relleno and Menudo Re-Mi). The Saba ( banana) soaked in syrup tastes like ambrosia. It's no wonder that Pipanganan is always full to the everlasting smile of Joseph Trajano, the owner.

Partyland and Holidayland cater to weddings, debuts and group events. They also give you a variety of choices at affordable pri` ces.

Nathaniels started with buko pandan. It became a gold mine. It is their leading product. The store has expanded. They offer not only kakanins but siopao, mami, and the like. It has also branched out at Marquee Mall, Angeles City.

Susie's Cuisine originated from Nepo Mall, Angeles City. It is famous in selling kakanins - suman; kalamay and other Kapampangan sweets. Their candies from carabao milk can compete with the best which are sold in San Miguel, Bulacan or Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.

The whole world is swept by "the Chef Penomenon". United States Television channels feature chefs cooking right in your view. Philippine television took the cue. Boy Logro of Channel 7 ( GMA) rose from obscurity to status celebrity. Janice de Belen holds a Spoon to feed her audience. Marvin Agustin proclaims his favorite ingredients in a commercial.

ll the while, the Pampangueños smile in amusement. Ever since, they have put premium only a necessity in this side of the world. It is an art - a product of love.

City Mayor Edwin D. Santiago of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga has initiated

the move to declare our city, the food tourism destination of the country. The City Mayor hits the nail should be given our 100% support.

It's more fun-eating in Pampanga,