It was a sunny morning when my hubby received a chat from our friend asking if we would like to come over for lunch.
Our eyes lit up, and we immediately replied, "We'd love to!"
That day, we arrived at Ate Nelia's house, greeted by the warm smell of pochero and chicken tinola.
Ate Nelia warmly welcomed us in, with a bright smile.
The table was set beautifully, with a colorful array of kinilaw, salads, and Ate Nelia's signature escabeche.
We all sat down, and the stories flowed easily.
As we enjoyed the meal, laughter filled the air.
It was a perfect afternoon for good food and good company.
The star of the show — the hot steaming bowls of pochero.
It was a savory Filipino stew filled with tender beef, vegetables, and a hint of sweetness from bananas.
I took a spoonful, savoring the rich flavors. 😍
Next was the chicken tinola — aromatic and comforting with slices of ginger and leaves of malunggay.
It brings a gentle heat that complements the pochero perfectly.
On the side, there was also kinilaw — fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy, made with raw fish marinated, in vinegar, ginger, and chili.
A colorful platter of salads is also presented, crunchy and vibrant adding a crisp contrast to the dishes.
As we all dug in, I felt deeply grateful for the delicious food, and the warmth of Ate Nelia's hospitality.
We left with full bellies and happy hearts.
Until our next get-together. Buh-bye. 😍