Food Trippin' in Isdaan

A group of friends (four of us) in Cabanatuan decided one Saturday morning to have lunch at Isdaan in Gerona Tarlac. It was hot and clear in Cabanatuan as we drove-off (with me as the designated driver) but as we approach Tarlac, the weather became gloomy and heavy rain started to fall. In fact, we have to stop driving and park my car on the side of the road because the rains were so heavy that visibility was almost nil. Nevertheless, we arrived in Gerona safely although its almost an hour past noon.

The restaurant was fully-packed so we waited another hour to be accommodated. But one thing good about Isdaan is that there are lots of things to see, from the Tacsiyapo Wall to the interesting landscapes and figures. Let the scenery take the back seat for this post is all about food:

Innapoy

Innapoy or Rice Rolls is a Tarlac delicacy made up of sticky rice mixed with curry, sugar, chorizo and cutlets of meat rolled-up in Banana leaves. A single serve consist of four rolls cut in halves and perfect as an appetizer.

Manok sa Gata Inihaw sa Dahon

This original Isdaan menu is a whole chicken cooked in coconut milk spiced with green chili. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and then slowly grilled. This is probably Bicol-inspired because of the gata and the sili ingredients.

Pinakbet

Ilocano's fave vegetable dish of okra, kalabasa, amargoso and eggplant mixed with pork and shrimp then sauteed in shrimp paste. Because of its salty taste, this delicious dish is perfect with rice.

Pansit Sisig

This is pansit with a twist. Sotanghon sauteed the usual way but topped with crunchy sisig instead of the usual chicken and vegetables.

Bulalo

Cow's bone marrow boiled for hours so the soup would taste so grand. Then potatoes, corn and cabbage were added to complement the dish's awesome taste. Best served hot on a rainy day.

Sizzling Sisig

Everyone's favorite either as ulam or as a pulutan. Crunchy pork cutlets, with siling labuyo and onions and topped by an egg mixed together with kalamansi, ahhhh heavenly taste.

Total damage? The above meals plus adobo rice and a dozen of San Mig Lights cost us just a little above Php 1,500 or Php 400 each. Not bad for a very hearty lunch.

So, the next time you pass by Tarlac, check out Isdaan at the National Road in Gerona Tarlac. You can check out their menu here.