The Quest for the Golden Sisig

I had my first taste of sizzling sisig back when I was fifteen or so.  Wash it down with Super Dry and you will have a long ahhhhh afterwards.  Since then, my palate has been discriminating when it comes to this Kapampangan dish.  I have traveled to different provinces and usually, food is my way of experiencing culture.  The ingredients of the dish would account for the history of the people, economy and environment.

A couple of months ago, I had a little adventure in Central Luzon due to an interview.  I had a great time that day and I decided to venture around for a bit of cultural experience. Probably because of my unfamiliarity and lack of sense of direction, I found myself at a mall scouting for some good eats.

A famous Kapampangan restaurant was offering an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet at a fair price.  I jumped on the opportunity to explore the gastronomical servings laid out. The menu was familiar and just seeing the steamed local veggies made me smile as I carefully spoon the viands on my plate. Mixing and matching, catching the twist and finding the perfect bite.

I have reserved a bit part of my appetite for the sisig that said to have originated from that place (the province not the restaurant). The dish was reheated and served on a hot cast-iron plate but it was more of a bowl really. First taste and my excitement was doused in cold water.  Am I tasting mayonnaise?  Should it be this creamy?  The history of sisig gave me an idea on how the taste would be and this is not what my taste buds had in mind (yes, my tongue has its own).

 The only way to uplift my spirit was a distraction of some sort.  The dessert corner was waving and the idea of  assembling my own sweet course just  might lift my mood. The Saba con Hya had done its best to summon a timid smile on my face.

Disappointed and a bit guilty for not finishing the fancy sisig,  I still thank the people for their good service and clean restrooms. My quest for the "Golden Sisig" is still on my bucket list and so my gastronomical adventure continues.