Davao Food: One Plate At a Time

Tori Grill Review

2014-07-13T19:00:00.000+08:00

A new grill/Japanese restaurant has emerged in the city! As self-professed Japanese food lovers, we could not help but get excited at the thought of dining at Tori Grill. The idea of dining in a Japanese restaurant sans sushi is a bit alien but as adventurous foodies (as we like to refer to ourselves now), we were still filled with anticipation.

The Good: One of the things that I remember most about dining in Tori Grill is the taste of their grilled selections. All items are well seasoned even diners with discerning taste buds will give them a passing mark. And if you had been paying attention to your food, you can also tell that they use fresh ingredients.

The Bad: The fact that the food tastes good in Tori Grill cannot make us overlook a few shortcomings about our dining experience, though. The reasonable prices on their menu is something to be commended for. However, the serving sizes were a tad too small. They're even smaller than a kiddie sized meal. They could argue that they have kept serving sizes commensurate to the prices. But we would have appreciated it if the waitress warned us about just how small these servings are. Given the taste and quality of their Japanese barbecues, I would be willing to pay more (and consequently get a bigger serving!).

Another important observation we made during our dine: the menu. I have noticed that they have listed the menu items in Japanese. Even a Japanese food aficionado myself is not that well versed in all dishes in the cuisine. Hence, they could have listed an English description below the Japanese names of the dishes, just so diners have an idea on what they're going to order.

In case you are curious, I got to sample these:

Meal 1 (PhP 84): 2 negima (chicken thigh), 1 okura bacon (okra wrapped with bacon), and 1 torikawa (chicken skin)
*You can add PhP 30 for unlimited rice, miso and salad.
Aspara Bacon (PhP 35 per stick): Asparagus wrapped with bacon
Uzura Bacon (PhP 35 per stick): Quail egg wrapped with bacon

We wish to not make any conclusive opinion about Tori Grill. Hopefully, if the proprietors read this, they will consider this as one of honest feedback they get from customers and use that to make improvements.

Tori Grill is located at Quirino Avenue, corner General Luna St., Davao City.

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Dencia's: Old-Time Favorite

2014-07-02T12:00:00.000+08:00

This blog has been around for roughly 4-5 years now but it has not dawned onto me until recently that I have not got around to writing a review on Dencia's. When you talk about Davao food and restaurants, there is one place you cannot afford not to include in the list: Davao Dencia's Restaurant. This restaurant has notably turned into one of the landmarks of the city and is recommended with pride by locals to tourists coming into the city for the first time.

Dencia's actually traces its roots in Manila and first opened way back in the 1950s. The husband-and-wife team of Mr. Olegario and Soo te Brito, founded Dencia's. When they moved to Davao, they decided to bring Dencia's with them. Ever since then, the culinary landscape in Davao has never been the same.

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The two-storey building where the restaurant sits is within walking distance from other notable landmarks in the city. Hence, accessibility is the heart of this restaurant. But that is not all. They are lauded for producing remarkable Filipino-Chinese dishes that scream comfort food. Among their most famous dishes in the restaurant are the Tokwa't Baboy and their Lugaw.

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On our recent trip to Dencia's, we opted for the non-conventional choices. The Inihaw na Pork Chop (PhP 75) and Shrimps ala Newburg (PhP 195) were among the items we sampled. Do not be deceived by the looks as even though the Inihaw na Pork Chop is lacking in presentation, it does not lack anything when it comes to the taste department. The pork is soft and well seasoned that you can eat it on its own without needing any dips or sauces. Meanwhlile, the shrimp dish also does not scrimp on taste and serving size. And you have to appreciate restaurants that serve fresh seafood ingredients!

Have you been to Dencia's? What is your favorite dish from the restaurant?

Davao Dencia's Restaurant is located at General Luna Street, Davao City. For reservations, you can contact them at (082) 227-6777 or (082) 226-4336. They are open Mondays to Sundays from 7AM to 9PM. You can also check out their Facebook page here.

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Gourmet Treats from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

2014-05-18T20:00:00.000+08:00

I have a confession to make - I am not big fan of coffee shops. Sure, I do visit coffee shops from time to time. But only when I want to enjoy caffeinated drinks and usually order them on-the-go. Call me a cheapskate but sometimes I'd rather have coffee at home. But if there is one coffee shop that I love to frequent, it's Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

The pricing of their drinks and dishes might still be higher in Davao City standards, but they make it completely worth the visit. Read on to find out more about Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's gourmet offerings that deserve a return visit.

Greek Salad (PhP 175)- This is a true Mediterranean treat filled with all flavors and ingredients that remind you of the Mediterranean cuisine. This colorful salad comes with a mix of lemon vinaigrette, fresh tomato slices, cucumber slices, olives, and lettuces, together with generous chunks of feta cheese. Apart from the minor issue of this being a little salty for my liking (due to the liberal serving of feta cheese), I would gladly order this salad again when I visit Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The serving is also humungous, which means that it can be shared by two.

Roast Chicken & Mushroom Fusilli (PhP 235)- If I would be dining out and not in the mood for a rice meal, a pasta dish is a must. Like the Greek Salad above, this pasta dish is not inexpensive but totally worth the price given the size of the serving. This pasta recipe is also created with subtle but rich flavor starting off from the shitake mushrooms and shredded chicken. The rich cream sauce coats every bit of the fusilli pasta and finished off with bell peppers to add some depth into the flavor.

Double Chocolate Original Ice Blended (PhP 165 for regular, PhP 185 for large)- This refreshing ice blended drink is a dream for a chocolate lover like myself. It is prepared with a rich and creamy double dose of chocolate powder together with coffee extract, non-fat milk and ice. Hence, you get to experience double the amount of chocolate goodness that quenches the thirst at the same time.

Chicago Cheesecake (PhP 125 per slice) - Arguably, this is one of the best cheesecakes I've had. The price per slice might be higher than what you'd pay for but they do give you a generous slice. The only downside is that one slice just isn't enough..

The beauty of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's menu is that it consists of high quality gourmet offerings without any mask of pretension. Their menu offerings might not be the cheapest, but they certainly make up for it by offering the freshest and highest quality ingredients. And that for me is all that matters!

Visit Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at their branches in G-Mall The Peak, SM City Davao and Abreeza Mall.

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New York Style Chicken BBQ Pizza from S&R

2014-05-10T12:30:00.000+08:00

During the lenten season, S&R introduced the limited edition Tuna Margherita Pizza for those who would like to join in the observance of the Lent without sacrificing their urge to enjoy good quality food. Last May 1, 2014, S&R introduced yet another addition to their delectable treats at the Food Service section - the all-new New York Style Chicken BBQ Pizza.

Calling out all pizza lovers out there, this is a must try. If you have tasted S&R pizzas before, you should know what to expect and then some. The pizza dough is topped with a rich, slightly tangy and sweet BBQ sauce along with a thick layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Then, you get huge chunks of chicken tenders that come off with a smokey flavor and aroma. For added dose of flavor, the pizza is also garnished with green bell peppers and onion rings.

The liberal amount of toppings used on this pizza ensures that you can get every piece of the topping with every bite. It is a powerful blend of flavor that satisfies even the most discerning palate. For this reason, you can enjoy a pizza that is filling but not too heavy. The chicken tenders topped in the pizza are in itself worth the try!

Make sure to visit S&R Membership Shopping to enjoy the new Chicken BBQ Pizza. It will be available until July 31st only so be sure to drop by before that date. You can order a slice for PhP 99 or the whole pizza for PhP 549.

S&R Davao is located at McArthur Hi-way cor. J. Rodriguez St., Talomo Avenue, Brgy. Ma-a, Davao City. You can also call them for inquiries at (082) 299-0909.

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Summer Treats from Manang's Chicken

2014-04-21T12:00:00.000+08:00

Summer is officially here! To help you beat the heat, Manang's Chicken unveils their limited edition summer treats. Cool off from the heat with their tasty snacks and cool summer drinks.

The first one of their summer treat come in the form of their refreshing Summer Floats, which is available in two flavors: Mountain Dew and Mug Rootbeer. Both drinks are topped with a generous serving of soft vanilla ice cream. You can order these summer floats for only PhP 30, or simply add PhP 10 if you wish to upgrade your drinks to a float.

Cold drinks and ice cream are two of my favorite ways to cool off during summertime. Hence, getting to experience them in one offers major reprieve from the summer heat. Both choices are unique and ultra refreshing!

Root Beer Float

Mountain Dew Float

Manang's Chicken will also be introducing new variants to their famed potato chips for the summer. The all-natural fried potatoes are getting an upgrade with three new flavors to excite your taste buds and satisfy your craving for something new. The three new variants are: Cheese Pimiento, Beef Steak and Chili Vinegar. Every order of the potato chips offers three size options: large (PhP 64), small bucket (PhP 170) and large bucket (PhP 305).

My personal favorites are the Cheese Pimiento and the Beef Steak. However, the Chili Vinegar comes with a nice kick of flavor from the tartness. This is no doubt an excellent summer snack because it is light, crunchy and tasty!

Cheese Pimiento

Beef Steak

Chili Vinegar

If you wish to order a combo of these delicious summer treats, you can get them for PhP 85.

These summer treats are already available on all Manang's Chicken branches since April 1. They are going to be available during the entire summer season, so make sure to visit your favorite branch to get it while you still can!

Manang's Chicken in Davao is located at the 5th floor of Gaisano Mall of Davao.

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S&R Introduces Tuna Margherita Pizza for Lenten Season

2014-04-13T19:00:00.000+08:00

In this lenten season, S&R Membership Shopping provides a limited treat to its valued members. Since this global membership shopping brand was introduced to Davao, they have also offered a wide range of culinary options to its members through their food service department. The S&R pizzas are well received and so they wanted to introduce a new kind of pizza that would be perfect for the Holy Week observance - their New York Style Tuna Margherita Pizza.

This newest pizza treat available at S&R Membership Shopping consists of the following toppings: tuna flakes, mozzarella cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and then topped with fresh basil leaves. A whole pizza measures 18 inches and is sold at PhP 549. Meanwhile, you can also order a slice of PhP 99.

If there is one thing to love about S&R's pizzas, it would have to be the fact that they don't scrimp on the toppings. Every bite consists of all the ingredients to provide a nice melody of flavors in your mouth. The classic margherita pizza comes with a twist as tuna flakes are added in so you can enjoy your pizza even during lenten season. The fresh aroma and flavor from the basil leaves provided a nice complementing contrast to the flavor from the cheese and tuna flakes.

Also Read: S&R Membership Shopping Now in Davao!

Like most pizza recipes, margherita pizza is simple. It utilizes the most basic kind of ingredients you'd expect from a pizza - tomatoes, cheese, basil and olive oil. But simplicity is a technique that works flawlessly. Topped with tuna flakes, this one is surely a treat for every pizza lover this Lenten Season.

The Tuna Margherita Pizza is available for a limited time only, starting from March 5 until April 30, 2014. Don't miss it while you still can!

Visit S&R Membership Shopping Davao at McArthur Highway cor. J. Rodriguez St., Talomo Avenue, Brgy. Maa, Davao City. For other inquiries, you may check their Facebook page here or call (082) 299-0909.

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Daidokoro Diner: Value Japanese Meals

2014-04-04T12:00:00.000+08:00

I first heard about Daidokoro Diner from friends and on Facebook but never paid it a closer attention. Our first visit to this Japanese restaurant was a decision made on a whim. But it's a decision that we will always thank ourselves for because we've unlocked yet another culinary favorite in the city's food landscape.

The restaurant's location make it a bit difficult to spot. If you don't know where it is, it will be hard to find it. Nonetheless, it is worth the extra effort to get there because you are sure to be treated with high quality Japanese food prepared with care.

Sweetened Anchovies

This is the complimentary treat you can get when you dine at Daidokoro Diner. It is new to me - I haven't had sweetened anchovies before. Before I had the chance to taste it, I was a bit skeptical. I did not know how it would taste just by looking at it. But the sweetness was a pleasant surprise. It is quite rare to have something sweet as an appetizer but it was lovely to the palate. In fact, we loved it so much we had to ask for an extra order (it only costs PhP 10 anyway).

California Maki

Even when we're presented with a huge array of sushi options, we always end up having to order California Maki. It is one of the most basic sushi recipes in Japanese cuisine. It becomes some sort of a measure to the quality of the restaurant. You cannot call yourself an authentic Japanese restaurant if you can't pull off a good California Maki. Thankfully, this one was very well done. I suggest you should get an order when you dine here. Each 8-piece order costs PhP 150.

Salmon Sashimi

We also found out that there are per piece orders available on the sashimi section. Hence, I decided to sample a piece of salmon sashimi. The fish was fresh and juicy. To say I loved it is an understatement. You can get an order of this for PhP 45 only.

Lapu-lapu Teppanyaki Bento

I could not have asked for a more filling, delicious bento meal. The lapu-lapu was the highlight of this bento set. It was well seasoned and flavorful. It was well cooked yet the meat was still soft and juicy. I also loved that there are several food items included in the bento meal. Some of the items you can find include a vegetable gyoza, tofu, a few small pieces of sushi, sauteed beans, salad, and a piece of chocolate cupcake. You have literally everything you need for a satisfying meal - from the appetizer to the dessert (a slice of fresh pineapple and cupcake).

Chicken Teriyaki Bento

This bento meal consists of the exact same items as the bento meal above except for the Chicken Teriyaki. The teriyaki sauce used for cooking this chicken had the right combination of sweetness and saltiness. Hence, it struck that balance once it hits your palate. Truly a light yet filling meal.

Daidokoro Diner is located at Road 7 Corner E. Jacinto Ext., Dona Vicenta Subdivision, Davao City. They are open everyday except Mondays from 10AM to 2PM for lunch and 6PM to 10PM for dinner. You can inquire or place reservations via (082) 284-0571. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

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Sea Green Cafe: A Feast Like No Other

2014-03-28T12:00:00.000+08:00

Exploring new restaurants is often a hit-and-miss thing. Some new ones you try impress your palate that they instantly become a new favorite and you find yourself going back from time to time. Some, though, fail to make an impression you swear to never go back. Sea Green Cafe & Lifestyle Shop belongs to the first category. Without a hint of doubt in my mind.

This isn't an entirely new restaurant. They had been around for a while now; in fact, they recently celebrated their first anniversary with a lunch buffet offering. But it still remains a question how I never visited sooner. All along, I've been missing out on a delicious culinary treat that offers healthy food options, too. That is a win-win situation for any foodie like me.

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The one aspect of the restaurant, aside from the menu, that piqued my curiosity is the interior decor. Decked in predominantly white decor touches, it is simple and sophisticated rolled into one. I love the little touches of green, too. It screams comfort in every sense of the word.

One other thing that captured my attention about Sea Green Cafe is their promise of quality food. Fresh ingredients, handmade with love. That is how they described their food offerings. Quite promising, huh?

The meal started off with this appetizer - Vegetable and Kani Roll with Peanut Sauce (PhP 140). This is a very light dish, perfect to excite your palate without making you too full. The peanut sauce was rich and delicious. The combination of flavors worked out really well.

The first course for the night is this Pan Grilled Fish with Cauliflower Rice (PhP 195). The fish was the highlight of this dish. It is light and extremely juicy. It appears to me that the fish was steamed before being seared off in the pan for a few minutes. The inside of the meat is extremely soft and juicy, yet there is a smoky touch to the flavor. The Cauliflower Rice is a must for vegetarians out there. It makes this entire dish hearty yet light.

Next up is the Indian Style Buttered Prawns with Brown Rice (PhP 220). The prawns are large and plump. It is also cooked very well - still juicy and had the right texture to it. I love the seasoning on the curry sauce. There was the right amount of saltiness and spice. The brown rice that was served with it is also really good.

This Lime Cheesecake is one of the most unique yet best cheesecakes I've ever had. The tartness from the lime really comes through with the bite. The layers of cream cheese are not too heavy, too. Hence, every spoonful is light and very cleansing to the palate. This is highly recommended at Sea Green Cafe if you are seeking a good dessert.

This Tablea Cheesecake is as good as it looks. I love that there is still a pervading bittersweet taste to this cheesecake. Upon first look, I was scared that it might be too sweet and too chocolate-y. But you will appreciate how it tastes like tablea indeed. The slices of strawberry on top helps to neutralize the flavors in your palate. The slight tart flavor from the strawberry slices will clear your palate from that bittersweet taste. It really is a nice combination.

Granted that Sea Green Cafe is notable for its use of fresh and healthy ingredients to offer delicious food items to their clientele, they also top that with excellent service. They have friendly, warm, and prompt staff service.

Sea Green Cafe & Lifestyle Shop is located along Circumferential Road, Dona Vicenta Subdivision, Davao City. They are open from Mondays to Sundays. You can visit their Facebook page for more details.

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Thai Cold Noodle Salad

2014-02-14T12:00:00.000+08:00

When it comes to my preference, some would say that I am a bit of a Western-centric. Sure, I would choose Italian or French cuisine over Asian cuisine any day (except for Japanese because I could eat that every single day!). Heck, I even avert Filipino cuisine when I am dining out. It’s just that it does not excite me as much as the next person.

But when I recently dined in my usual favorite spot, Grub Resto Café, I was offered a new item by the waiter. As a foodie, this was a huge challenge for me. I felt that it seriously threatened my status as a food writer to not be daring enough to give it a try.

Also Read: Comfort Food at Grub Resto Cafe

The dish itself piqued my interest – he said it was a Thai-inspired cold noodle salad. It turned out perfectly that I intended to have salad for dinner. So I figured, “why not?” Boy was I in for a surprise!

The salad is made with white Thai noodles, beans, tomato, onion, parsley, and ginger slices. It also comes with dilis, which helped to add the saltiness into the dish.

I have to warn you though – since most of the ingredients are added in fresh, expect really strong flavors and aroma. Thankfully, I am a big fan of ginger and onion so I handled this without any problem at all. In fact, I savored the fresh herbs and the scent from the parsley with every bite.

The vinegar can get a bit overwhelming, though, when you reach about halfway into the dish. But if you love fresh Asian flavors, then this might be the dish for you.

Also Read: New on the Menu: Grub Resto Cafe

Grub Resto Café is located at Duterte St, Davao City.

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Manang's Chicken in Davao

2014-02-05T12:00:00.000+08:00

The fast food landscape in our city, and country, is dominated by American imports like McDonald’s and KFC, with Jollibee holding its fort as the only top homegrown brand. Most of these fast food chains offer comfort food items that appeal to the younger crowd – usually kids to high school or even college students. Hence, these fast food chains had become somewhat of a family fare, too.

A brand new chain has invaded the market, quite bravely if I might point out, given that most of the other fast food chains had been around for decades. Manang’s Chicken might sound brand new to Davaoenos but they have been around for some time. They used to have a stall at Mercato Centrale in Taguig and their signature soy garlic chicken proved to be a hit. In June 2011, they had officially opened a stand-alone store in Ortigas.

The expansion happened rapidly. In a span of two years, Manang’s Chicken already had 12 branches in Metro Manila. But the opening of the latest branch in Gaisano Mall is its first branch outside of Luzon.

I had been eyeing their store for a long while since I saw the signage that read they are opening soon. On first week of January, about a few weeks since their official opening, I finally paid them a visit. Here is a sneak peek into that meal:

BB2 Meal – Chicken & Chips with Rice and Drinks (PhP 74)

I picked this meal and was a bit disappointed. The chips were quite surprising because there is that sweet aftertaste to it. But the chicken was not up to par. First off, the coating was a little too thick – I could not taste the chicken at all. It was also a bit bitter to the taste, which means that the chicken was either overcooked or the oil temperature was too high.

Chicken and Spaghetti (PhP 124)

This is my favorite of the two meals that we sampled during our dine at Manang’s Chicken. The spaghetti is not your usual sweet style Filipino spaghetti offered in most fast food chains. It is somewhat on the savory side, but not tangy like Italian spaghetti. The chicken was really good, though. I love the crisp on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. They also sprinkled some sesame seeds on top so that helped to liven up the aroma a bit.

The overall food quality was a bit lacking and left me wanting. I will probably try visiting again to see if I just went on a bad day, but I can’t say that I look forward to the return visit. Hopefully, I will get to experience what made Manang’s Chicken a hit in Metro Manila. One thing it has going is that they are really affordable.

Manang’s Chicken is located at the fifth floor of Gaisano Mall of Davao in the same level as the cinema. It is located beside Razon’s.

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Visiting Rego's Cafe Again

2014-01-22T12:30:00.000+08:00

Change is an integral part of our lives. You have to deal with these changes and cope with them if you want to survive. But change can be a scary thing. I am always anxious about changes in my life. And the same thing applies with my food choices. I get readily scared to try out something new in fear that it might not be as good as what I'm used to. I find myself going to the same restaurant over and over again to the point that the staff recognize me personally, if not by name at least by face.

Before Rego's Cafe moved to Gaisano Mall The Peak, they were situated at Arellano Street, Jacinto Ext. Davao City. Even though that is still near downtown area, it is not part of our usual route. And yet, that did not stop us from dropping by every few months especially when I do get some cravings for their famed pasta dishes.

Surprisingly, a recent visit to Rego's Cafe did not consist of any pasta meal on our table, though. It was all about comfort food items! It was also nice to vary things up so we do not end up eating the same dishes repeatedly whenever we dine at Rego's.

Chili Con Carne - Good but far from great. Aling Foping's Chili con Carne is still the best with De Bonte Koe's being a close second. There were more ground beef in this Chili con Carne than beans - there should be an equal ratio of both ingredients. The sauce did not redeem it either because it was rather so-so. And the serving size was even disappointing for the price! It's one of those times wherein we seriously question whether it's worth taking a risk ordering new items rather than sticking with the ones we've tried before. Lessons learned.

Also Read: Aling Foping's Chili Con Carne

Gambas al Aljillo - This was another disappointing choice. I cook Gambas at home all the time and I can proudly say mine is better! I was happy with the size of the shrimps, though - that was the redeeming quality of this dish for me. And the plating was not bad at all.

This last dish we got was Rego's own version of Fish 'N Chips. A tiny tray comes with a serving of French fries and battered chicken fillet. Surprisingly, this might be the best out of the three dishes we've ordered. The batter on the chicken fillet is light enough that we can chew on the meat but it has maintained that crunchy texture to it. Both the meat and fries were also well seasoned. The only downside is that this was supposed to be an appetizer. However, this was the last dish served on our table. Was it supposed to be dessert, then?

What is your favorite dish at Rego's Cafe?

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Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop Celebrates First Anniversary with Lunch Buffet

2014-01-18T17:49:00.000+08:00

For the new year, one of my resolutions (albeit the fact that I've tried avoiding making one) is to observe a healthier lifestyle - and that comprises regular exercise and healthy eating habits. But when I am eating out, it is difficult to stay within your diet restrictions because you do not know exactly what goes into preparing your dish. Thankfully, healthier dining options such as Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop had sprouted in the city making it possible to dine out guilt-free.

And here's some more good news - Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop is going to celebrate its first anniversary on Sunday, January 19th. To commemorate this special milestone, they are offering a special lunch buffet to guests on January 19. Their buffet spread features a wide array of delectable yet healthy dishes such as seafood paella, homemade pesto pasta, summer salad, and their famous shrimp burger, to name a few.

In addition to celebrating their first anniversary, Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop also gladly reveals that they are now open all day of the week! Hence, you can drop by any day of the week to sample their dishes. They are open from 11:30am to 10:00pm on Mondays to Saturdays, while they cater to guests from 10:30am to 9:00pm on Sundays.

If you are interested to partake in this buffet treat, call them for more info or reservation: (082) 305-4765. You can also like their Facebook page for more updates. They are located at Circumferential Road, Dona Vicenta Subd., 8000 Davao City.

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Introducing the Zabadani Cafe Buffet

2013-12-16T13:52:00.001+08:00

From its humble beginnings to a new branch at a prime location, Zabadani Cafe has gone a long way. And yet, it continues to draw crowds from the usual suspects (also dubbed as "Zabbers") to new patrons who've been introduced into Zabadani Cafe's cuisines through (mostly) word-of-mouth marketing. For this reason, Wadi (the owner) has concocted a wide range of tricks up his sleeve in order to offer something fresh to its customers.

The latest on offer might be something that few did not expect. But this is not to say an unwelcome surprise either for I'm sure a lot of people envisioned something like this. A buffet of your favorite Zabadani Cafe dishes and offerings? It's finally here!

For those who are interested, check out the end of this post for Zabadani Cafe's contact details in order to place your reservations in advance. Those who reserve in advance will get access to the buffet for only P349 while walk-in customers will be charged P450 for the buffet. The Zabadani Open House is set to take place this Friday, December 20, 2013 from 6PM to 8PM.

To get a glimpse of the items available at the buffet, check this:

Make sure to reserve your tickets now!

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Zabadani Cafe
The Peak 4th Level Gaisano Mall of Davao, Davao City
(beside Kublai Khan Mongolian Restaurant)
Contact no.: (082) 301-6065

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Eden Nature Park & Resort Buffet

2013-12-11T12:30:00.000+08:00

Eden Nature Park & Resort is one of the most popular tourist spots in Davao. The majestic location that offers a breathtaking view of the city and the gulf down below, the cold temperature that makes for a cozy spot to hang out, and the opportunity to be close to nature are just a few of the reasons why this famed park has become one of Davao's landmarks.

But whenever I make a lengthy trip towards Eden, there is one other thing I look forward to most - indulging in their delicious buffet spread that features the park's own grown vegetables and herbs. On our recent trip to Eden, we were able to witness their greenhouses and huge herb garden that showcases nearly all kinds of herbs you can imagine. As a foodie, there is nothing better than being able to get a glimpse of where and how your food is prepared. And with Eden Nature Park & Resort, you can expect the freshest of ingredients.

The appetizer section is filled with healthy and fresh selection. For instance, they have a huge bowl of quail egg soup and garlic bread with chopped herbs. In another spread, they have all kinds of lettuce, chopped fresh vegetables, and all kinds of dressing (such as Oriental, Asian, and honey mustard dressing). The opportunity to create your own salad provides endless possibilities and with fresh ingredients, you can expect top quality salad to start off your meal.

The entree section is just as appetizing as the salad, by the way. One section is dedicated solely for preparing your own pasta. There is a choice of two sauces: carbonara and squash sauce. I went for the latter even though I have not tried this sauce before. Good choice, actually. The flavor was subtle but you can tell that it's fresh, and healthy!

I spotted a long queue on one end of the restaurant so I decided to hop on over there, too. As it turned out, the long queue was for the pork barbecue that is grilled by the chef right in front of you. He then chops them into smaller, bite size pieces and you are free to pick up as much of the grilled pork chop on your plate as you like. The seasoning on the pork is very well done and it was cooked perfectly such that the meat was tender, not rubbery. Props to the chef who was working the grill that day! No wonder it was a major hit!

Check out my plate above with the grilled pork chop, pasta, and the buttered vegetables. Heaven, I know.

Just when I thought this meal could not have been any better, I indulged in a few (well, actually I sampled all items on the buffet spread) desserts before officially ending the meal. There were custards, ube float, chocolate cupcakes, maja blanca, and halo-halo. I noticed that even with their desserts, they still use a lot of the local ingredients and produce; in fact, I suspect most of these are harvested straight from Eden's own garden.

The options at Eden Nature Park & Resort's buffet might be fewer when compared to other buffet restaurants in Davao City. But what sets them apart is the fact that all ingredients used for preparing these dishes are fresh. In fact, they grow their own vegetables and herbs so it is a self-sustaining restaurant! It's also a good thing for customers who are very picky about food quality because you can expect fresh and high quality food all the time.

Have you sampled Eden's bountiful buffet spread?

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Eden Nature Park & Resort
Eden, Toril District, Davao City
Website: http://www.edennaturepark.com.ph

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My Top 6 Favorite Desserts (So Far!)

2013-11-27T17:15:00.000+08:00

What is your favorite part of the meal? Mine would have to be dessert, hands down. For someone with a sweet tooth, this is not surprising at all. Desserts can make or break a dining experience for me so I tend to be very picky. In most cases, I hunt down restaurants with a good dessert selection and rush through the entree to satisfy my sweet tooth craving.

I would like to think that I had sampled quite a few restaurants in Davao and along the way, tasted a hefty amount of delicious desserts too. Check out below for my top picks - but before we get to the top six, here are the ones that I really liked but did not make the top six:

Zabadani Cafe's Baklava - Baklava is a dessert that might not appeal to many but for those who love pistachios, this one's for you. The aroma and the variety of texture that goes with this dessert is what makes it unique. The flavor can be quite strong, though, so make sure to brace yourself for a dessert that gives quite a kick to your palate. For now, I've only tried Zabadani Cafe's Baklava, but if you know of any other Davao restaurants who have one on the menu, leave me a comment so we can try it.

Annipie's Cinnamon Rolls - I was seriously contemplating putting this on my top 6 but given that Annipie's cinnamon rolls have become a local culinary tradition should give it enough justice. It don't need any more hype. Anyone who gets to taste it will surely leave them wanting more.

Pearl Farm's Dessert Section -The array of desserts at Pearl Farm's buffet spread is unbelievable. And you know what's the best part is? A lot of these desserts make use of Davao's produce, which is why you can expect to find lots of fresh fruits in there.

Grub Resto Cafe's Homerun Pie - Homerun pie from Grub Resto Cafe is pretty much like it's name - this dessert scored a definite homerun for my taste bud! If you're a big fan of peanut butter, it's a must try. But even if you aren't, you'd still appreciate the perfect blend of texture from the crunchy crust and the soft and melts-in-your-mouth kind of sensation from the creme topping.

Now, onto the top six...

6. Cello's Doughnuts and Dip

Quite possibly the best doughtnut I've ever had. Cello's has never failed me when it comes to providing satisfying donuts. The secret is in the dough itself, not just the toppings. And I believe that is what makes them unique from other more famous doughnut brands. You can take away the toppings and you'd still be quite satisfied with what is left.

5. The French Baker's French Macaroons

On first look, you might underestimate this dessert, especially since it is small in size too. But don't you dare! The French Baker's macaroons are out-of-this-world. That first bite is such a pleasant surprise to your taste buds. Then, you get a bit of the filling and there is more of the wonderful flavor filling up your mouth.

4. Bon Appetit's Apple Tart with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

I'd like to believe that French cuisine features some of the best desserts in the world. When I visited Bon Appetit Le Boutique for the first time, I made sure to try out their desserts and I was in for some luck! I sampled quite possibly one of my favorite desserts of all-time (hence, it's on this list!) - the Apple Tart with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. The crust is sweet but not too sweet and I love the crunch to the crust, too. The crust's texture provides a nice contrast to the soft ice cream that is nearly melting on the top. Must try!

3. Lachi's New York Cheesecake

To not include Lachi's cheesecake in the list would be to dishonor a Davao culinary tradition. Even though Lachi's is located far from the metropolis center of Davao, diners do not mind hunting down this nook in order to be treated to amazing yet reasonably priced food. But I beg you to not miss their cheesecakes, or any desserts for that matter, because they're one of the best in the city (if not the best!). You can thank me later!

2. Cafe Andessa's Choco Banana Fritters ala Mode

Turon is a popular Filipino dessert that I love to eat growing up. However, never did I think that turon could be turned into something gourmet. Cafe Andessa blew me away with their Choco Banna Fritters ala Mode that, once you've tried it, will give you a whole new perspective about this Filipino merienda treat! If you dine at Cafe Andessa, try it - I'll let you be the judge!

1. Hog's Breath Cafe's Mississippi Mud Cake

If you love chocolate cakes, I can guarantee that Hog's Breath Cafe's Mississippi Mud Cake is going to end up in your favorite desserts list, too. From what I've heard, the top chefs of Hog's Breath Cafe are highly secretive about this recipe and rightfully so. It is a gem of a dessert and I did not even think twice about placing them at number one despite the fact that the other five desserts on this list are huge favorites of mine.

Which is your favorite dessert from any restaurant in Davao?

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Dexter's Shawarma Pizza

2013-11-22T12:00:00.000+08:00

Shawarma is the Middle Eastern cuisine's version of sandwich that consists of a meat preparation ranging from a wide range of meats including beef, lamb or chicken. The meat is placed on a vertical spit wherein the meat is shaved off and then combine with other ingredients (normally vegetables and other toppings) and then wrapped with pita bread. Most shawarmas are thoroughly seasoned so you can experience the potency of the meat mixture with every bite. I had been a huge fan of shawarma ever since I had one since I had one. Middle Eastern cuisine is also a favorite.

But when I heard about Dexter's Shawarma Pizza, it struck me as odd first. Really? Shawarma in a pizza? Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine does not seem to be two that would work together well. But I was dead wrong.

When I visited one of many Dexter's Pizza branches in the city, I was confused as to what to order and so I let the waiter recommend something for me. Of course, you've got to go for the best-seller. He said it's the Shawarma Pizza. Okay.

The first bite was a lovely treat. I did not expect Dexter's Pizza to deliver good quality pizzas prior to this visit. For a large-sized pizza worth P230, I'd say it was not a bad choice. You have two other choices for the pizza size: P130 for the small pizza and P285 for the party size. By the time of our visit, there were no small sizes available so we only had large as a choice.

The seasoning on the beef shawarma topped on our pizza was good although I wish there would've been more meat. The shawarma sauce also does a lot to enhance the flavor of the meat and the pizza sauce. However, don't expect too highly of the quality of the dough. It tasted like the store-bought kind and tend to be slightly thicker and chewy in texture.

Nonetheless, I loved it enough to want to try it again soon. Even though I prefer an Italian-style pizza (Dexter's is Filipino style), I still left feeling quite satisfied. Have you tried Dexter's Shawarma Pizza?

Dexter's Pizza has branches in Camus St., Ecoland, and Claveria St. Davao City.

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2-in-1 Dining Experience: Sushi Dito & Il Forno

2013-11-15T12:00:00.000+08:00

Despite Davao offering a major lineup of international cuisine restaurants, a serious foodie like me is always on the hunt for new restaurants and those offering a new concept that will help them rise above the competition. When me and the foodie BF are dining out, it can be a daunting task just trying to decide where to eat. We both love food and though we have similarities in our preferred cuisines, we also have just as many differences. Gladly, we found out about this new restaurant that lets you pick three different cuisines under one roof. He gets to eat Japanese food while I satisfy my craving for an Italian stuffed pasta.

If you're wondering where this is, it's the new building that was built in front of LandCo in JP Laurel Avenue. This was quite a surprise for me, too. I thought that this building is going to be an office or commercial space but it was a brilliant idea to open a restaurant in there. Pardon, three restaurants!

Image: SushiDito Davao Facebook

The three restaurants in question are Sushi Dito (Japanese), Il Forno (Italian), and Klasikos (Filipino).Of all three, we went for the first two because Japanese and Italian are our top two favorite cuisines.

Walking into this restaurant is a unique experience. The interior in itself is divided into three different sections with their corresponding interior design that signals right away where you need to sit if you are looking for an Italian dining experience, a Japanese dining experience, or a Filipino dining experience. However, if there are plenty of you in the group, you can sit wherever you prefer and the staff will hand you any one of three menus that you prefer to enjoy while there. What a cool experience, huh?

Romanitos (PhP 240)

The stuffed pasta is an absolutely refined yet delicate type of dish to pull off, in my opinion. I am developing a stronger preference towards stuffed pasta over noddle pastas of late. There are several components that make preparing a stuffed pasta dish a bit more challenging than your usual pasta. The thickness of the pasta has to be just right so that when you fold in the filling, it is not too thick to the bite and you can get an even amount of pasta and filling with every bite. In addition, the amount of filling must also be properly apportioned or else it will become too overpowering to the palate.

Ravioli has always been a top favorite of mine, but as I get to explore other types of stuffed pastas, I am also starting to realize that there is more that I am missing out on. Hence, it was a no-brainer why I picked Romanitos for our dinner at Il Forno. And I could not have been more excited with my pick because this dish is aromatic and rich. The Gnocchi pasta is a specialty that is served in only a few countries so that is one more reason why I was excited to try it. The potato dough is very soft that it almost melts in your mouth when you bite into it. Then, it comes with a ham and cheese filling and finished off with a marinara sauce. Absolute perfection in my book!

Katsudon Bento

This bento meal comes with several Japanese goodies so I am not surprised that E picked it for his meal. There are two pieces of Philadelphia Salmon Maki, Katsudon, sauteed vegetables, and Japanese rice. Every component of this bento box can stand on its own yet it was a pleasure to have them in one plate. The maki was delicious, as Sushi Dito's sushis and makis had been. All of the vegetables were evidently fresh such that even the veggie side dish was beautifully sauteed and could eat it by itself.

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Sandwich

Desserts are always an exciting part of any meal. A good dessert, in my opinion, can do a lot in ending an even not-so-good meal on a high note. When I saw this cookies & cream ice cream sandwich on the menu (priced at approximately PhP 120), I knew I had to try it out.

This dessert was actually very light and comes with a subtle flavor. If you're a fan of cookies & cream, there is not a question that you are going to love this dessert. The drizzle of chocolate syrup and whipped cream on top helped to incorporate more sweet flavors into the dessert, which is a treat for someone with a sweet tooth like me.

Have you checked out any of these three restaurants? Visit Sushi Dito at G/Fof Hai Global Building, Pryce Business Park, JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City.

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Majid's Kabab's Ox Brain

2013-11-03T19:00:00.000+08:00

Ox brain. The thought of it alone might make you cringe, but what about eating one? If you have been to Majid's Kabab more than once before, you probably know by now that they do have Ox Brain on the menu. And I might surprise a few people by proclaiming that it's one of my favorites at Majid's. But let me reassure you that that is about as daring as I can get when it comes to food.

The first time I tried Ox Brain was borne out of curiosity. But since tasting it for the first time, I had been hooked. And almost every visit at Majid's Kabab, you will find this dish on my table. I even surprised myself at how I've come to love this dish. First off, the texture is rather squishy and very soft. I am normally very particular about texture in my food and squishy stuffs are a no-no in my book. But I guess the flavor won me over because it comes with a savory taste to it yet subtle too. It does have its pungent smell, though, so I make sure to never forget to drizzle it with the lemon juice before eating to dilute the smell and flavor a bit.

That is not the best part about Majid Kabab's Ox Brain. It is also very affordable at about less than P50 a serving.

Are you daring enough to try the Ox Brain?

Majid's Kabab is located at Rizal St., Davao City.

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Sankai Japanese Restaurant

2013-10-30T12:00:00.000+08:00

Japanese cuisine restaurants are not scarce in Davao. In fact, I have a long list of favorites that I go back to over and over again, namely Tsuru, Tadakuma, Nonki, and mid-priced restaurants like Sushi Dito and Teriyaki Boy. There is also a new addition to that long list in Yakimix, which is a dream for Japanese food lovers because they have a buffet of dishes from this cuisine. Then there are also those long standing restaurants that do not get all the hype but the lack of it speak nothing of the restaurant's quality. In fact, it is like a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet part of the city that those who are unaware that the restaurant even existed would not dare stop by. I feel that way about Sankai Japanese restaurant. Even though I had been eyeing a visit for a very long time, the opportunity did not arrive until I decided to have an intimate dinner with friends.

the sushi bar

This restaurant was the perfect venue for that. As I said, it is not located inside a mall or the central part of the metro so it is quieter and more laid back. The restaurant in itself is warm, cozy, and quiet. There were plenty of empty tables and so we had the liberty to choose the table we want. It is also staffed by friendly waiters and waitresses that were quick to accommodate us upon entrance.

However, people come to Sankai mainly for the food. And that is what I was most excited about. Check out below to see what dishes we've sampled:

Vegetable Salad

A very light salad that consists mainly of shredded cabbage. It is also served with a Japanese soy sauce to add richness to the flavor of the vegetables. A great way to start off the meal, especially for vegetable lovers.

California Maki

I don't know where to start so I am going to say it outright - this is the best California Maki I've had so far. The Japanese rice is of premium quality. The sweetness from the mango and cucumber when combined by the savory taste of the crabsticks delivers an indescribable feeling inside your mouth. Take my word for it - you have to try it when you visit Sankai!

Shoyu Seafood Ramen

This is the perfect choice for the rainy night. I almost always find myself ordering ramen whenever I go to a Japanese restaurant. Sankai's seafood ramen fits my idea of how a Japanese ramen should be. And check out those huge pieces of shrimps, too!

Okonumiyaki

According to my friend, Okonumiyaki is like a Japanese version of pizza. The term literally translates to "grilled as you like it", which implies that this particular recipe can be prepared however you want and using any ingredients you might have in mind. But for this recipe, the dish is made with shredded cabbage and batter to hold them together. There is also a soft interior, which seems like egg mixture (sort of like an omelette), to bring another layer of flavor into this dish. I wasn't such a big fan, although it could just be that I was too full at that time as this dish was served last.

Gyoza

Gyoza is another famous Japanese cuisine dish and is something that you have to try, especially when dining in a Japanese restaurant for the first time. Basically, a gyoza is like the Japanese version of Chinese dumplings. These savory parcels are dainty looking but they are quite the delectable treat. The filling can either be made of pork or seafood (minced, of course) so you can get a flavorful bite every single time. Meanwhile, it is also served with its own dipping sauce to add more flavor.

Our dinner at Sankai was no less than satisfying. Authentic Japanese food coupled with excellent service and a good company is my idea of a perfect date night. If you did not know about Sankai yet, or knew about it but hasn't paid the restaurant a visit, now is the chance to.

Sankai Japanese Restaurant is located at Emilio Jacinto Extension, Davao City. You can call them for inquiries or reservations at (082) 222-1799.

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Cafe Mediterranean: Flavors of the Sun

2013-10-23T12:30:00.000+08:00

Cafe Mediterranean, or Cafe Med as it is casually referred to by some foodies, has been around the scene for some time. The original location of this restaurant was in Chimes and I honestly do not know if that branch is still open because I haven't been there in a long while. Nonetheless, the opening of a new branch at Abreeza made them more accessible to those who would like to enjoy authentic Mediterranean dishes that I still consider to be rare in Davao. But if you are a big fan of this cuisine, like I am, this will hopefully make do while we wait for an authentic Greek or Mediterranean restaurant to do business in the city. Hello Cyma, I'm talking to you!

Cafe Mediterranean was known for their Buy 1, Take 1 Pizza Promo available from 2-5PM on weekdays (there was a point when this was the craze in Davao and almost every pizza shop had this offer!). Although I never got the chance to take advantage of that promo offer, I remembered ordering mostly their pizzas during my few trips to their Chimes branch.

The ambiance of Cafe Mediterranean in Abreeza is nearly an exact replica of their original branch. It does help to reinforce the experience of being in a Mediterranean restaurant wherein you are enjoying some pasta, cheese, and wine. But ambiance is just one step into the experience - food is what it will all come down to.

It starts with Mediterranean Pasta (P 265) that has all the goodness you would expect from a pasta that bears that name. The penne pasta comes with sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, grilled eggplants and zucchini, and anchovies. The flavor of this pasta is rather subtle, but you cannot help but notice the lovely aroma coming from the olives, olive oil, and grilled vegetables. Simply enticing!

Another dish that we've tried is the Cafe Mediterranean Kofta (P 140), simply out of curiosity because it was listed as one of their must-try dishes. There are two options for the pita bread used for preparing this dish - regular or whole wheat pita. We opted for the latter, which I believe is a bit more expensive. The meat is a combination of ground beef and lamb that is savored with various herbs and grilled on skewers. We were slightly disappointed with the choice to go with the whole wheat pita bread because the aroma is slightly too overwhelming that it clashed with the aroma of the meat. There was simply too much going on. We both agreed there and then that the pasta dish was our favorite.

Have you tried dining at Cafe Mediterranean?

Cafe Med: Flavors of the Sun is located at G/F of Abreeza Ayala Mall (the side fronting the fountain).

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Dinner at Annipie Malvar

2013-10-18T12:00:00.000+08:00

Annipie is a homegrown restaurant that has expanded to more than just a place where people go to for their famous cinnamon rolls. There are a few items on the menu for those wanting to have their lunch or dinner, too. However, the promise of delicious desserts (with their famous cinnamon rolls, revel bars, cheese bars, butterscotch, and other pastries beckoning at you from a nearby glass shelf) is what makes every dine something to look forward to.

The Oriental Cream Dory (P 95) is a light dish that is perfect for fish lovers. The aroma coming from the ginger and onion helped to liven up the flavor of the fish. I can definitely taste the oriental flavors coming through and it was a delight to the taste buds.

This Bolognese Spaghetti (P 69) is just good. I expected nothing better, though. Or, it could be simply a matter of preference because Annipie's version is Filipino-style wherein the marinara sauce is slightly sweet whereas I prefer the Italian version that comes with a slightly tangy and savory sauce.

Oh, this Pistachio Sans Rival (P 85) came as a huge surprise for me. I was never a fan of pistachio before but now, I might reconsider. In fact, I prefer this one over the original buttery sans rival wherein I find the scent and flavor of the butter too overwhelming.

This cappuccino cinnamon roll (P 35) is notably one of the best desserts I have had in a long while. It is sweet, but not too sweet. Love the drizzle of cinnamon syrup to top it off, too. The aroma makes it all the more enticing.

Also Read: Annipie's Delicious Cinnamon Rolls

What is your favorite item at Annipie?

Annipie - Your Cinnamon Destination

Contact Nos.: 295-3022 (Malvar Branch), 295-3799 (Ecoland Branch)

Annipie - Your Cinnamon Destination @ Facebook

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Experience the Best of Paris in Davao at The French Baker

2013-10-13T19:00:00.000+08:00

The French Baker opens its newest concept store in SM Lanang Premier, which also marks the 51st branch for the franchise and their first in Mindanao. With the new concept store, The French Baker promises to offer nothing short of fancy as they give Davaoenos the opportunity to experience the "good life" through their authentic French pastries and menu items available in-store. Hence, you don't have to travel to Paris in order to experience the best of French cuisine first-hand as The French Baker brings it to Davao.

The French Baker CEO, and the French baker himself, Johnlu Koa, is proud of his latest innovation and cannot wait for Davao folks to experience the sum of inspirations he had gathered from his trips to Paris and Europe. According to Koa, he contemplated on introducing The French Baker brand to Davao several years ago when the first SM mall opened its doors in Davao. However, he wanted to polish his culinary craft first so that he can deliver unique baked pastries and treats that will overwhelm the competition. With the new SM supermall and a thriving tourist and economic industry in Davao, he felt that now is the most opportune moment to introduce the brand to Davao.

It starts with the location and interior design of The French Baker concept store. It is strategically located in front of the SM Lanang Fountain Court so that diners can marvel at the famous dancing fountain show while enjoying their French treats. Meanwhile, the interior design looks and feels like a true Parisian patisserie or bakery-cafe. Stepping into this store literally feels like being in Paris with its spacious and elegant interiors and an indoor al fresco area. The store is also divided into two main sections: the Patisserie and the Tea Salon or Salon de The.

You will have plenty of options to marvel your time with - be awed by the largest dancing fountain show in the country, stay connected with their WiFi, or you can get a sample of the Parisian taste that helped catapult The French Baker to the fore of the country's gastronomic landscape.

In order to drum up publicity for the opening of their new, larger concept store at SM Lanang Premier, The French Baker held a media day to officially introduce the new restaurant location. In the said event, media folks were also given the opportunity to sample the best treats from The French Baker to give everyone a glimpse of what is in store for them.

Here are a few of the treats we were able to sample at the said event:

Bread Basket with a tray of dips (chicken liver pate, chutney and relish)

Tuna Salad

Sweet Corn Chowder

Entrees (Squid Ink Pasta, Ravioli, Cochinillo, Salt Crusted Baked Bass, Fried Chicken, and Beef Burgundy)

The Patisserie section is what really caught my eye. The French Baker has truly expanded beyond what they had been known for - baking breads - and had excelled at cake and pastry making. I cannot decipher the right words to describe how heavenly each dessert tasted - guess you need to find out for yourself!

Also read: The French Baker Pastry Treats

Swan Puffs - Swan shaped puffs that are baked using a cream puff dough and filled with traditional pasty cream and finished off with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Charlotte - A sponge cake made from lady fingers in a mini cake shape then filled with cream, strawberry coulis, and a variety of fruits.

Chocolate Concorde - Chocolate meringue wafers that is filled with concorde cream out of chocolate ganache.

French Macaroons - When talking about The French Baker, there is one thing you shouldn't miss out on - their famous French Macaroons.

More desserts and pastries are available at The French Baker's patisserie so be sure to indulge!

The French Baker is located at G/F Fountain Court area of SM Lanang Premier.

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Yakimix Now Open at Abreeza Mall

2013-10-10T12:00:00.000+08:00

It's no secret that I am a big fan of Japanese cuisine. In fact, I've professed time and again that it is one of those cuisines that I can eat everyday and not get sick of it. I have tried nearly every Japanese restaurant in Davao, but here is another one to add to my growing list - Yakimix.

Last October 6, Yakimix opened its doors to Davaoenos wherein Japanese food aficionados can relish notable Japanese dishes for a luxury buffet treat! Yes, a Japanese buffet! If that is not enough to excite your taste buds, wait until you hear about their opening promo!

When you dine at Yakimix from October 6 to 20, 2013, all customers can enjoy the 20% discount offer! This means that prices for lunch buffet are now at P390 instead of the original P488, and the promo rate for dinner buffet is at P470 from the original P588.

Yakimix is located at the second floor of Abreeza Mall. They can be reached via the following contact number for inquiries/reservations: (082) 285-3333.

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Comfort Food at Grub Resto Cafe

2013-10-08T12:00:00.000+08:00

What is your idea of comfort food? Mine is anything that reminds me of home with mom's home style cooking. Even though I am guilty of dining out to experience gourmet dishes, or the ones you don't normally eat at home, it is also nice to get a taste of home from your favorite restaurants. Thus, I order the occasional soup to warm up the tummy, especially when the weather is chilly.

You might have read my previous posts on Grub Resto Cafe and how I was all praises about their reasonably priced yet excellent dishes! However, they also have a huge selection of vegetarian and comfort food items if you are seeking variety.

One example is this Chicken Macaroni Soup. It is one of my favorite soups that my mother used to prepare for us, especially during rainy seasons. The use of milk and cream helps to add a rich flavor to this dish while the combination of vegetables and chicken makes it a healthy fare, too. Love that this soup tasted just like my mom used to make. The aroma from the ginger also help to liven up the flavor of the soup! I can eat this everyday!

For the veggie lovers or those watching their carb intake closely, this Veggie Wrap dish at Grub Resto Cafe is a must-try! This wheat wrap is a healthy alternative to pita bread without sacrificing flavor. Meanwhile, the combination of crunch and subtle flavor from the curly lettuce, carrots, and different kinds of vegetables as filling is bound to make any vegetarian go gaga over this dish! Each order comes with its own garlic and mayo dip. It is a very simple recipe that is delicious and quite healthy, too.

Have you had your taste of these dishes at Grub Resto Cafe?

Grub Resto Cafe is located at Duterte St., Davao City right across Shakey's.

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Claude's Le Cafe De Ville: Fine Dining at Its Best

2013-10-02T20:00:00.000+08:00

When I hear people ask, "what is the best fine dining restaurant in Davao?", there is one name that almost always comes up in the conversation - Claude's. This is the first and most popular French cuisine restaurant in Davao and continues to draw patrons with its unparalleled food quality and excellent service befitting a fine dining restaurant.

However, there is more to Claude's than meets the eye. I have heard a few people recommend the place for its food and excellent service, but you have to dine here to experience how well they've extended their efforts at maintaining this place to satisfy customers. Even though the price tag might be higher than what you'd expect, or most would be willing to pay for (particularly noting those with a tight budget), it's the kind of dining experience that make you look back and note how every bit of what you've experienced is worth the penny you spent.

The customer service is notable with the owner himself greeting you by the door and accommodating you at one of their tables. Then, waiters and waitresses gather to prep up your table for the meal ahead. In most cases, a live trio band will also come to your table to serenade you with music. It is a nice touch, which helps to add to the romantic vibe of this restaurant.

Speaking of the romantic vibe, the ambiance is part of what makes this restaurant unique. It is situated on the second floor of the Oboza Ancestral House (the first floor is occupied by Cellar de Oboza). The dim lighting and candlelit tables contribute to making each dine an intimate experience.

For the food, you can check out our orders below:

Complementary treat: A basket of Focaccia bread served with French butter and salsa. The salsa is sure to liven up your taste buds with the fresh flavors coming from various herbs (tomato, basil, onion, garlic and a bit of chili) but when you bite into a bread that has been coated with the butter, all that flavor is neutralized from your palate.

French onion soup (195): When picking our soup, we were quick to pick this one. Being in a French cuisine restaurant, we wanted to sample dishes that were authentically French and this one did not disappoint. The flavor and aroma from the onion is definitely there, yet it was subtle too.

Guindara Fillet of Fish (295): This is my first time to try guindara and I was blown away. There are two choices for you to have the fish cooked: poached or grilled. We opted for the grilled method and it proved to be an excellent choice. The meat is juicy and soft, while the grill marks gave a smoky layer to the flavor. The fish fillet is served with vegetables and mashed potato (although you can also go for rice, if you wanted). Check out that blue cheese slice on top!

Piquante (400): Always on the lookout for seafood, we also tried this shrimp dish wherein large pieces of shrimps were sauteed in a fresh spicy tomato sauce, garlic, onions, and topped with fresh herbs.

Chocolate Treat Crepe ala Mode (115): This light dessert was the perfect way to cap off the meal. The warm crepe against the cold ice cream is such an exciting burst of flavor in your mouth.

For our drinks, we had Mango Juice (95) and Four Seasons Juice (165). Both are freshly made and they serve you with sugar syrup so you can add the sugar according to your preference.

After we almost finished our crepe, the waitress served us another dessert compliments from the owner. It was such a nice surprise, no doubt. We even took the time to have our photo taken with no less than Claude himself and he willingly obliged.

Claude's Le Cafe De Ville is located at the Oboza Ancestral House, Rizal St, Davao City. To place reservations online or check their menu, you can visit their website here.

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