I SPENT a lot of time in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, in the early ?80s to help set up the first and only operating tomato paste plant in the country. After work, I would roar off on my motorcycle to nearby Laoag, and walk around the market and drool at the different versions of longganisa, dried dinuguan, and the addicting bagnet. There were other unique items, as well ? like the gamet, which is similar to the Japanese seaweed, nori, but thicker.

Favorite snack

It was a treat to hang around then Mayor Rudy Farinas? favorite taco stand. Tacos ti amianan or empanada is Ilocos Norte?s favorite snack and a staple in town fiestas. The regular version is an orange-colored snack made of rice flour, with a filling of mongo, shredded green papaya, and cooked and shredded longganisa.

A special version adds egg to the tasty mix. Deep-fried right before your eyes, it?s crunchy, unique in taste and appearance ? and simply delicious.

As soon as you take a tiny bite from the tip, smoke comes out of the taco, and the aroma of this unique combination fills your nostrils. You then drizzle the hole with locally made sukang Iloko, mixed with sili and other ingredients, and the second bite will give you a glimpse of the province?s culinary creativity. I love it.

Laoag has a delicious variety, but the advantage of Batac?s version, which contains the same ingredients, is that it uses Batac longganisa, which I personally prefer.

Authentic taste

Among the Ilokandia-inspired stalls in the metropolis was one owned by Mikey de Guzman at Market! Market! The only one left standing, Ilocos Empanada, is at 329 Katipunan Road, Loyola Heights, Quezon City (call 928-8609 or 0917 530-9623). The place makes its own longganisa. There?s even a chicken version, but the original is still the best.

Ilocos Norte is having a festival, ?Museo Ilocos Norte,? which features all these specialties, at Rockwell. The great foodie tandem of Glenda Barretto and Claude Tayag will be in charge of the food items on offer at the Rockwell Tent on December 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. Check it out.

Happy eating!