See-food diet

 Mango with bagoong (shrimp paste)

I had a quick trip to Bacolod recently and had a catch-up dinner with two high school buddies.  I was asked what kind of food I would like to have for dinner, and I jokingly replied that I'm on a "see-food" diet.  My old friends took it "phonetically" and brought me to Imay's, a seafood bar (the reason for dimmed lighting) and  restaurant in 6th Street.  As you know, I love seafood so I was happy to be here.  

It's rare that we get really fresh Tanigue in Metro Manila. Here, fresh catch is delivered to restaurants.  I ordered Kinilaw na Tanigue (Spanish Mackerel) for appetizer to complement the Mangga with Bagoong.  And it was the right choice--the fish was succulent and sweet.  Raw chunks of Tanigue relished in onions, ginger, coconut cream, and vinegar, topped with salted egg.  It was mildly spiced with green chili peppers.

Kinilaw na Tanigue

Red tide is always a concern when we're buying mussels and clams in Metro Manila.  In Bacolod, you know where these shellfishes come from.  A happy coincidence, one of my high school buddies was infancipating, and we were joking around that this soup was for lactating mothers.  She countered that we needed this soup, too, for our weakening bones.:p

Mussels and Clams Tinola

Spicy Shrimp Gambas---you guessed it right, this was my choice.  I can live on shrimps alone.

Served on a hot plate was a mixture of shrimps, fish, squid, mussels and clams drowned in butter.  More shrimps!  I was in shrimp heaven!   (Note to self:  check BP after dinner).:p

We had grilled fish but it was served late---too late to take a photo.  We had steamed rice and fresh fruit shakes, and believe it or not, the total bill was less than P1,000!  It was a scrumptious dinner with lots of chika and happy news. Looking forward to seeing the girls again soon!

Kaon ta!

Linking to Food Friday and Food Trip Friday