Kalibo, Aklan: Crispy Pata, et. al

Coming back (too) early from Bora (hoping not to experience being seated at the farthest row of the plane), we had to crash somewhere. Cebu Pacific's counters were to open 1430H and we got there a few minutes after twelve.

She and I decided to have an early lunch at a resto just outside Kalibo Domestic Airport. Neither of us can recall the name of the place now so I'll just have to describe it's location. Back towards the airport, it is the one on the far left, nearest the souvenir shops. Fairly easy to spot! :)

After we've been seated, the two of us were having a hard time ordering, until revelation: the waiter brought the customers next table their order: CRISPY PATA! Hands down gluttons that we were (are), we still ordered the pork even though only the "whole" serving was available. We also had pakbet. :)

Crispy Pata (for those not familiar) is pig's leg (fore or hind, but preferably the front) deep fried in oil until crisp. It is eaten with a special concoction of soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, sautéed garlic, onions, etc... We barely finished it... (burp)

Over-all Rating:

Serving for two:
Presentation:
Quality:
Cost:

Comment: (Sheila Mae will provide the rating for this)

Pakbet is (in this part of the country) a stew of different leafy and yellow veggies, with some shrimp. pork strips and alamang (shrimp fry paste). All varieties are prominently yellow because of the squash. (burp)

Over-all Rating: 6/5

Serving for two: 7/5
Presentation: 3/5 (comes with a free mini bayong)
Quality: 3/5 (too oily for my palate; I like the Ilocano version best)
Cost: 3/5 (near the airport)

Order this if you're 3 or more. :)

Resto rating: 4/5

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As a surprise especially for tourists, vendors hawking the province's delicacies by offering customers, like us, free taste of their suman. Suman in Aklan is any of the following: palm shoot, rice or a combination of both. Served with reduced coconut milk (locally called latek), it is a perfect dessert. (yummy :) )

Over-all Rating: 6/5

Serving for two: 7/5
Presentation: 5/5 (comes with a free mini bayong)
Quality: 5/5 (seems fresh enough for me!)
Cost: 5/5 (Php100 for 25 pieces)

Comment: perfect pasalubong, but it's heavy, believe me... If you don't happen to eat in the resto described above, you can catch the lady selling the suman just in front of the souvenir shops.

(note: will still upload pictures)