The year 2013 is a significant year for the foodservice industry in the Philippines. I’m guessing you also noticed the booming emergence of new restaurants and concepts from left to right, from adventurous to sophisticated, especially in Metro Manila. According to Unilever’s research, local cuisine is taking the spotlight when you talk about the growth of Philippine tourism as more and more people, both locals and foreigners, plan their destinations and itineraries around “food”.

Unilever Food Solutions is very much aware of this booming of restaurants in the country. Weeks ago, Unilever took journalists to a van driving all the way to the culinary province of Magalang, Pampanga. Specifically took us to the home of Larry Cruz’ family, also known as “Abe’s Farm”. The visit’s primary objective was to launch Unilever Food Solutions’ series of online videos named “Food Trends” available at their website http://www.UFS.com/foodtrends.

If you’re a restaurant owner or at the back of your mind wants to jump to this industry, this is for you!

“As the food service arm of Unilever, we at Unilever Food Solutions believe it is our mission to keep chefs and restaurant operators, big or small, equipped with the knowledge and skills to run their food business successfully,” according to UFS Philippines Marketing Manager Seanta Reyes.

One of the chefs, Chef Pipo, gave us an understanding of  how trends on Food Tourism, Serving Portions and Dish Innovation apply in restaurant practices.

To make the afternoon more interesting, a long drive from Makati to Pampanga was worth it as I took my Filipino palate to another level by“Tasting the Philippines in a Day”.

Abe’s Farm, a lifestyle destination away from the busy and noisy streets of Metro Manila, was our quick getaway for an afternoon of relaxing food and atmosphere.

In the foothills of the dormant volcano, Mt. Arayat, there you will find Abe’s Farm owned by E. Aguilar Cruz, “Abe” or known as “Son of Magalang” in their hometown. E. Aguilar was a well-known writer, artist and bon vivant and for those of you who knows Larry J. Cruz, this man is the father of this LJC Restaurant Group founder.

While listening to the speakers, I was served a plate of this Pampanga specialties. Paco Fern & Tomato Salad stood out with its refreshing dressing that covers up the heat of the afternoon inside Abe’s Farm only ventilated by electric fans and fresh air.

Balo balo relish took over to make this crispy tilapia be more noticed. The presentation of letting the fried and crispy tilapia stand sideways had everyone’s camera ready for picture. As I looked at it, nothing seemed new to me but its Balo Balo relish emphasized its flavor that gave it a good kick

Bicol delicacy took its place beside these Capampangan specialties. The richness and fullness of thick coconut cream had me scoop over the sauce for my Bamboo Rice to be more filling.

A Filipino home never loses its appetite for Pork Liempo. Abe’s Farm cooked its pork meat that you don’t wanna stop forking for more.

Food writer Madhur Jaffrey and his family got knuckles for this Knockout Knuckles. Traditionally cooked Crispy Pata can win any person’s heart by a single shot. Just be careful of your heart, these knuckles don’t want to be blamed for your heart-attack.

Fresh garden vegetables that balances out too much meat on your plate, simmered with shrimp paste and fish meat.

Abe’s Kare-Kare rocked my afternoon! I fell on my knees as I took my taste in action for its sauce and a small piece of meat. Real bits of peanuts and richness of its peanut flavor sabotages the whole bowl of Kare-Kare. It was difficult for me to switch to the next dish as I can’t remove my spoon and fork on this Kare-Kare.

Shrimps, wood ear mushrooms and bamboo shoots steamed in a Bamboo shell make up a packed Bamboo Rice that looks like the rice I eat when I was a girl scout. With all the Filipino dishes served to us, a bamboo of rice fits the company to complete the “Taste of Philippines in a day”, as what the hosts call the afternoon.

What’s the secret? Well I don’t really know. All my tastebuds know is the mango and slimy coconut cream are inseparable to me. Enchanted with a scoop that I thought I couldn’t finish a bowl. To my surprise, I wanted to ask for more!

Feel at home in the 4-hectare farm and ancestral home that turned resort by the Cruz family.

Ifugao Huts

Hut A – maximum of 2 persons – Php 2,990

Hut B – maximum of 2 persons – Php 2,990

Hut C – maximum of 4 persons – Php 4,500

Regular Room

Regular room good for 2 persons – Php 3, 200

Deluxe room good for 2 persons- Php 4,800

Family Suite

Family Suite good for 12 persons – P 15,000

Family Suite Loft, good for 8 persons – P 10, 000

Family Suite Ground Floor, good for 4 persons, P 6,000

Additional head at P750 (with breakfast)

*Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Renew, de-stress and re-charge at Abe’s Farm with their facilities not only to entertain but to relax your stressed out muscles. The farm features a spa for your full body massage, foot therapy or head & shoulder massage.

Going back to the reason why I traveled my way to Abe’s Farm in Pampanga, Unilever’s presence is all about helping this country’s food industry grow.

Because of this evolving food and restaurant industry in the country, Unilever wants to add more success to your kitchen by providing this resource, Food Trends online video series.

Simply CLICK away for the latest trends for your kitchen.

Cheers,

Website: http://www.unileverfoodsolutions.com.ph/our-services/food-trends

Location: 98 Livestock Village, Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines

Contact: (+632) 506-8140/41; (+63) 917-808-5187

Website: http://abesfarm.com.ph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abes-Farm/155340201158499