Friday, February 23, 2007

KALESA TOUR












Kutseros (kalesa drivers) are willing to take tourists around the city for a minimal fee. If there are only 2 of you, meaning you have not exactly dismayed the horse pulling all your weight, then a 10-15 minute ride around the vicinity would be somewhere around Php30.00.
If you filled up the car (i.e., your kids are actually sitting on the driver's lap already) or if you intend to make it a longer ride, perhaps even outside the city, then a minimum of Php50.00 to Php100.00 is just fair.
Warning for those with back problems though--- this ride may not be for you.
Otherwise, enjoy!



Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Johnson's Place

YUM CHA is not an odd habit in Laoag, which HongKong and Taiwan folk consider extremely geographically desirable. It is easy to find savory fare such as siomai, siopao, and the items shown in the picture--- Japanese style steamed gyoza, and my 2 absolute favorites: hakaw (with tiger prawn inside) and phoenix claws... well, ok, if you still want me to say it
---chicken feet!

Johnson's Place serves authentic Chinese food at reasonable prices. It helps that the bakeshop houses the luncheon room, so anytime you crave for pastries or cake during your Johnson's dining experience, there is virtually no escape.

There are also large function halls of different sizes on the 3rd floor, just in case you want to have a party. My family has many, many times picked Johnson's for events. In fact, I have done most of the coodination (with the pretty manager named Maybel) throughout the years; the last time I sat before her, she automatically scribbled down the menu I usually order. Johnson's is that efficient.

Taste is no question. Meats are usually tender, baked goods made with no preservatives, and menu regularly updated with trends from more upscale restaurants. I have honestly never ordered anything that disappointed me from this place. Even my baguettes, cream cheese and jarred pesto all come from Johnson's.