VIEW FROM THE BELLTOWER
Stephen T. Barreiro

Fr. Primo Cabanos with restaurant owner Sammy Blas (at center) deuring the blessing ceremony at the opening of Saramsam Café.

Saramsam- N. informal and constant dining; suggesting a fun atmosphere of friends getting together to eat.

An Iluko word, Saramsam, evokes images of lightness and mirth; a group of friends sharing life’s pleasures, enjoying great food and each other’s company. Such is the appeal of the newest restaurant to grace the culinary landscape of Laoag City.

Saramsam serves classic Ilocano fare and an array of light yet delectable traditional Ilocano appetizers. The restaurant also serves a variety of pasta, both traditional as in the classic Bolognese and Carbonara, to avant-garde “fusion” concoctions as Pinoy Puttanesca and Pasta Saramsam.

The cozy ambience of Saramsam Café.

The traditionalist will surely enjoy their authentic servings of classic Ilocano fare; crispy Bagnet with KBL (kamatis, buggoong, and lasona), flavorful Higado and Dinakdakan, Pinakbet, Balatong prepared with either tinapa or bagnet, gourmet Poque-poque, Nalengta nga ikan- fish simmered with herbs, peppercorns, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers. A must is the delectable crispy Dinardaraan. Also on the menu are the delicious Caldos: such favorites as Inabraw, Tinola prepared with fresh native chicken, Fish Sinigang (either blue marlin or Malaga), and Lauya a baka. All of these dishes are prepared the traditional way, evoking memories of the delicious “lutong-bahay” served by our mothers and our grandmothers.

The appetizers are gourmet preparations of such light but delightful entrees as Ukoy, vegetable lumpia, shrimp lumpia, blanched vegetables in season served with KBL, and Seaweeds in season with sliced fresh tomatoes and grated ginger.

Sammy Blas with special guests: Provincial Board Member Yvonne Ranada (standing), Dr. Grace Andres and Atty. Nestor Corpuz.

But the restaurant does not limit itself to the traditional. Owner Sammy Blas, who gained fame for his innovative and delicious concoctions such as the “pinakbet pizza” at the Herencia Cafe in Paoay, also serves pasta, both classical as in the traditional Bolognese and Carbonara, and avant-garde- fusion creations, blends of the East and West as in Pasta Saramsam (spaghetti with shrimps, cilantro, green and red peppers, fresh tomatoes, onion, mango slices, with olive oil and grated parmesan cheese). My favorite is the Meatballs ala Mexicana - spaghetti with lean ground beef meatballs flavored with cumin and grilled chili in tomato sauce . Try also the ohh so delectable upgrade on the classic carbonara dish- Carbonara with tirem (oysters). All the delicious dishes served are flavored with home-grown fresh herbs. Top it all with a glass of bottomless Baraniw, wild basil iced tea. And now, Saramsam serves classic Marguerite Pizza; a delicious blend of 100% mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes flavored with fresh home-grown herbs. The icing on the cake, all are unbelievably, reasonably priced as in the pasta dishes which range from P75-90 per serving.

Other soft opening guests in a light moment were (from left) Mrs. Carol Guatlo-Albano, former GSIS-Laoag manager Pastor Albano and newly-appointed Provincial Tourism Consultant Rene Guatlo.

Saramsam takes the dining experience one step further. The restaurant true to its name, exudes coziness and warmth; soft lights highlighting the various antique and heirloom pieces both decorative and functional. Savor delicious meals on classic narra furniture evoking nostalgic memories of dinner served at our ancestral homes. With air-conditioning and soft music, the place is ideal for little gatherings of friends and the scene of laughter and conversation. Artists, doctors, politicos, and yuppies frequent the place lending themselves to lively banter. Already the place is fast gaining a loyal clientele from the discriminating social set of Laoag City.

Saramsam is also a consignment café; Sammy Blas maintains a huge antique collection; many of the functional and decorative pieces on display are available for sale. Surely, an attraction to the most discriminating antique collector or to those who simply desire to purchase a piece of our cultural heritage.

An oasis of conviviality, a repository of our cultural heritage, an excellent place to savor great food and enjoy the company of friends, such is the mystique of Saramsam.

The classic, light, crispy and delicious "ukoy," one of Saramsam's better delicacies.

[Saramsam is located at the N. Corpuz Bldg., along Rizal Street (in front of Texicano hotel) Barangay 7-A, Laoag City. For inquiries call (0917) 570-2110.]