Calçotada
A Catalan tradition that happens between the end of Winter and April. A variety of green onion, called Calçots, are consumed by the masses. Typically accompanied by a salvitxada or romesco sauce, the calçots are barbequed and enjoyed with red wine or cava.
This calçotada took place in New York City, at a restaurant called Boqueria.
The Viking Army
The Viking Army is the official supporters club of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls. As their website decribes, they are “boisterous Red Bull New York supporters who all share a tremendous passion for Red Bulls soccer.”
The entire 90-minutes, the die-hard fans are waving flags, singing, chanting, and dancing.
Their club carries some stipulations with their supporter policy:
The Viking Army SC is open to all Red Bull NY fans as long as you hate the Philly Bimbos, The D.C. Scum, and Cardboard “Cosmos”, and bleed Red Bull NY.
The New York Red Bulls home is at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Cerveza Negra
Most that are familiar with San Miguel Philippines know of their Pale Pilsen and Light varieties.
The company carries a wide range of beers, including a dark variety called Cerveza Negra.
As their website describes to: "Cerveza Negra has roasted malty notes which extends to its taste. It is full-flavored and full bodied. Bitterness is moderate but still smooth."
Lechon
A popular dish that can be found in various Latin countries, the roasted pig is considered the national dish of the Philippines. Preparation is always traditional, slow-cooked in a pit. The pig is tied to a rod and is slowly turned throughout the cooking process. After several hours of careful preparation, the pig develops a crispy reddish skin — a favorite of those who get to enjoy it.
On an episode of "No Reservations," Anthony Bourdain proclaimed Filipino lechon to be the best roast pig in the world.
Sari-Sari
The term sari-sari roughly translates to “variety.” Across the Philippines, these sari-sari stores are set up to offer various commodities at a low price. Everything from snacks to toiletries to cell phone credits (load) can be purchased at one of these stores.
It is said there are around 800,000 sari-sari stores across the country, they require very little overhead and, sometimes, are attached to the side of one’s house.
This row of sari-sari stores sits near the water in Iloilo City, Iloilo.
Manokan Country
Bacolod City is the epicenter of Filipino-style grilled chicken. Chicken Inasal is traditionally served on a bamboo stick and eaten with the hands. All the Manokan Country stalls — and, namely, any establishment in Bacolod City that serves chicken inasal — are affixed with a public sink for patrons to wash before and after enjoying their meal.
Chicken Inasal is usually ordered in piecemeal, with restaurants having the parts and their respective prices displayed on a signboard menu. Of course leg, wing, and breast are featured on the menu, but also included are the heart, gizzard, neck, and (a very popular choice) the pope’s nose (the butt flap).
Today, a popular chicken franchise based on the tasty Negrense recipe has grown throughout Manila called Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
Binondo Church
Originally built in 1596, the Binondo Church, or the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, stands as a historical landmark in Manila, Philippines.
After destruction in 1762, it was rebuilt in 1852; then went on to suffer more damage with subsequent wars that followed.
The church has gone through some renovations as the years have gone by and is one of the most-renowned churches in the country.
The church is named for San Lorenzo Ruiz, who became the Philippines' first saint and was canonized in 1987.
Protest in Barcelona
Following news out of neighboring València of police brutality against student protests, individuals gathered in solidarity with the people of València. Students were protesting the federal government’s planned education cuts as part of the all-encompassing austerity plan in an effort to rescue Spain from economic calamity.
Crowds gathered before the Generalitat de Catalunya and soon began to march.
In València, 25 were arrested; but the real meat of the issue came out with several videos getting posted to the internet showing police beating and dragging protesters.
Protesters performed a short sit on on the Via Laietana.
Café Bombón
Popularized in València, Spain, a coffee treat with such rich texture and sweet taste, the Café Bombón has grown to international popularity. Found in different varieties across Europe and Asia, this style of coffee holds particular acclaim in Malaysia and Thailand.
The drink is traditionally prepared with espresso and condensed milk, in Asia, regular ground coffee is used instead of espresso.
Polbo á Feira
Known throughout Spain as Pulpo a la Gallega (Polbo á Feira in Galician), this octopus dish is traditional fare of the Northwest region of Spain.
The octopus is boiled and seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The dish is typically served with potatoes and bread.
The wooden plate that the dish is presented on is the traditional serving style.
