Davao Foodie – Food Reviews

March 26th, 2009

Davao Food Appreciation Tour: Spirale

The last leg of the Davao Food Appreciation Tour (DFAT) was done at the Italian Restaurant, Spirale, in Damosa. It would be my 5th or 6th time to eat here. In a word, Spirale food is excellent. Our group of bloggers was in high spirits when we were served a wonderful sampling of their menu, instead of the usual complete meals. But I don’t mind. After the gluttony that went on for 3 days, I didn’t mind a break at all!

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Posted in Italian Restaurants | 3 Comments »

February 16th, 2009

Davao’s Best Coffee Shops for Bloggers

Caffe Firenzo – A new homegrown cafe. Its second branch on Quirino Avenue is perfect for bloggers. Has lots of tables and corresponding outlets to plug into. I’m not a coffee drinker but I heard their Lavazza brews are good. I’m in love with their iced green teas that are available in a dozen flavors. Their cakes are nice but pretty standard — most come from Lachi’s and Sugar Munch.

Wifi: Free; Electricity: Free; Outlets: Everywhere

Damosa Gateway, Lanang, Davao City and Quirino Avenue, Davao City
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Posted in Cafes, Coffee Shops | 4 Comments »

January 24th, 2009

Taj Minar

I was lucky enough to tag along with a bunch of bloggers for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Taj Minar. Not many people I know like Indian food. Well, that only means one thing. More Indian food for me!
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Posted in Indian Restaurants | 9 Comments »

January 15th, 2009

Mamu’s

Yesterday we had another one of those impromptu dinners. Blogie, Ria and I met and drove up to Mamu’s, a new restaurant in Bacaca Road owned by Anselmo “Elmo” Ferrazzini. By sound of the name I was certainly not expecting fine dining. My knowledge was limited to what Blogie told me — 1) it was new 2) it was in Bacaca road 3) nothing follows. The interiors were impressive and made me wonder if I had enough money on me. Good thing I did! (Blogie didn’t haha)

Mamu’s gracious manager, Luvluv Tan, made sure we were all comfortable and took us on a mini tour of an adjacent hotel owned by Ferrazzini — Anisabel Suites. I learned that Ferazzini, himself a talented architect, designed both Mamu’s and Anisabel Suites. Each room is cleverly designed and the furnitures, fixtures and upholstery befit a king (or queen ). Easily beats the suites of the Marco Polo, Apo View or Casa Leticia combined. Ms. Tan says they needed to “compete”. I share her enthusiasm. Anisabel Suites is an excellent choice for anyone visiting Davao City.

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Posted in Filipino Restaurants | 9 Comments »

January 12th, 2009

Tadakuma Japanese Restaurant

Since when did blogger gatherings become “Plurkfiestas”? I become jealous when I hear about bloggers in Manila spontaneously organizing these so-called plurkfiestas. Thus, last week, I thought of inviting a few blogger friends here in Davao for a dinner-cum-plurkfiesta. We agreed on Tadakuma, a trendy new Japanese restaurant in Damosa.

Blogie was able to invite Chattee and Jaime over and I got Migs to come too. Tadakuma has an older branch on Jacinto Street and one near the airport. It’s gone through a couple of name changes: Ramen Tei and Mabo. If I’m not mistaken, they also had one branch near the old airport when it was still Ramen Tei but I’m not sure if they’re in any way connected to the Ramen Tei chain in Manila.
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Posted in Japanese Restaurants | 2 Comments »

October 27th, 2008

Grab a Crab

My trip to General Santos City was unforgettable not only because of the beautiful city and people, but of the sumptuous food! On the night we arrived, our friend Avel Manansala treated us to a dinner at Grab A Crab. When I heard of the name, I was thinking the restaurant was more in the lines of picking out a crab and have it cooked for you. To my pleasant surprise, everything was a la carte (ok, I’m afraid of live crabs). Michael Wee, its owner, is into construction, and it is quite apparent in the building that houses Grab A Crab. The architecture has a nice Mediterranean vibe to it, but Grab a Crab is essentially a Chinese restaurant.

For starters, we had a plate of mixed cold cuts of Hainanese chicken, century egg, seaweed and slice beef with oyster sauce.

For our meal, we had: (more…)

Posted in Chinese Restaurants | 11 Comments »

October 21st, 2008

Kangaroo Coffee Company

Kangaroo Coffee Company is one of my absolute favorite coffee places in the city. I was at their cafe last week with a couple of my cousins for dessert. I got my usual order: Hot Native Chocolate (P60) and a Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin (P90). This muffin is a force to be reckoned with. Nice and crusty on the outside and soft and oozing with chocolate chips on the inside. It is perfect. Other must-trys are the Tuna Pesto and Dried Fish pastas if you’re a little adventurous and hungry. The garlic breads are excellent! The perky and friendly baristas add to the whole dining experience. I’ll be back.
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Posted in Coffee Shops | 3 Comments »

October 19th, 2008

Al Fresco Cafe and Lounge

Hooked up with a couple of my cousins for a small dinner-cum-catch-up session at Al Fresco. I’ve heard of the place a few times but never had the time to check it out. To me though, the name “Al Fresco” didn’t jive. The three tables located outside seemed to serve as a smoking area more than anything. Eating inside is the way to go. The food was nice but took quite a bit to prepare. I got the Osso Buco (P250) and I especially liked the brown rice that came with it. Both my companions ordered the thick bacon rice bowl (P89 — cheap!), which they thoroughly enjoyed.
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Posted in Asian Fusion Restaurants | 5 Comments »

April 29th, 2008

FU by Hai Shin Lou

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Posted in Asian Fusion Restaurants, Chinese Restaurants | 5 Comments »

April 22nd, 2008

Davao Food Appreciation Tour Day 1: Lachi’s

We kicked off the Davao Food Appreciation Tour with a spirited dinner at Lachi’s last March 14, 2008. Our guests, Aileen Apolo and Jay de Jesus had just come in from a flight from Manila. And what better way to welcome them but with a scrumptious feast, Lachi’s style!
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Posted in Filipino Restaurants | 6 Comments »