528 Ilawod

I spent almost 10 years in Daraga, Albay during my high school and college days. Daraga is a first class municipality just few minutes away from Legazpi City and gateway to the province of Sorsogon if coming from Albay and Camarines Sur provinces. 

Through the power of social media (facebook) I learned about 528 Ilawod unique offering of baligang (Syzgium curranii) smoothie. For food enthusiast and blogger like me its worth a try, so I made sure its included on my to do list during my monthly vacation from work.

(Fast forward...) The ambiance of 528  Ilawod is cozy and relaxing, it feels like your in posh coffee shop but with a hint of local culture. The attendant/barista was very accommodating in explaining the menu and giving recommendations (it means she knows her craft). As much as I want to try all in the menu, I ended up ordering smoked fish (tinapa) pasta, baligang smoothie and calamansi tart. 

Tinapa pasta is light but packed with the flavors of smoked fish and olive oil.

Old sewing machine turned into dining table.

You can rest your feet here while eating and reminisce your childhood.

To freshen up my palate, I ordered Baligang (Syzgium curranii) smoothie.

I asked half sugar in it so I can enjoy more the sweet, sour and tart flavor of the fruit.

Calamansi tart just highlighted my eating experience at 528 Ilawod.

If you want to try and experience 528 Ilawod unique and satisfying food and drinks they are located at #528 Ilawod Lotivio Street, Daraga, Albay, Philippines.

Lechon Belly

Lechon or roasted pork is common during special occasions in The Philippines  like fiesta, birthdays, graduation, or any life milestones. Nowadays, having lechon at home is easy because of ovens and broilers are  easily available at appliance stores or malls. A simple lunch, dinner or any occasion can be a little bit special by making a lechon belly at home. 

Here the belly part of pork is rolled and stuffed with spices like garlic, pepper, salt and lemon grass with its bulb crushed to release its flavor. Then its tied with butchers tie to secure its rolled position.

Patience is one of the key ingredient here, cooking it for about 1.5 to 2 hours under maintained heat of the oven or turbo broiler.

After a long wait, the reward is crispy brown skin and juicy aromatic meat inside.