Dinuguan is always present in a menu of a turu-turo or carinderia even to classy Filipino restaurants and buffets. It is a savory stew of meat which is usually the internal parts such as liver, intestines, etc. that is simmered in a rich and thick pig blood. Ilocanos, on the other hand, made a twist in cooking this famous Filipino turning it into a crispy version of dinuguan.
In visiting Laoag City, stop and visit Johnny Moon’s Café located at the ground floor of La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center. The restaurant was inspired by the life and work of Juan Luna, the most famous painter born in Ilocos Norte. It offers a fusion of Western cuisine and Ilocano flavor.
One of the famous items the café offers is the Crispy Dinuguan. For PHP145 you can get a serving of the Crispy Dinuguan, an eggplant sal, d and rice. The Crispy Dinuguan can be compared to the crunchiness of Lechon Kawali but having the “dinuguan” concept.
To replenish your thirst is the Baraniw Ice Tea at PHP60. “Baraniw” is the Ilocano term for Lemon Grass. In creating the tea, they just simply boil the lemon grass stalks in water and add some brown sugar or honey to sweeten its taste.
Bestsellers of Johnny Moon’s include Bagnet Sandwich and inqalti. You can also buy some pasalubongs such as Banana Blend Rice Coffee, chichacorn, and dragon fruit snacks inside of the restaurant.
JOHNNY MOON’S CAFE
La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center, Llanes cor. Gen. Luna (West of Capitol), 2900 Laoag City
Contact Nos.: 077-7715636 or 077-772-1211 loc 119
