White House's show-stealer cheesecake: the Yamamomo Cheesecake

“Bring her to The White House.”

That’s exactly my no-brainer response every time a male friend asks me where to bring a woman on a first date. If you guys certainly want to make a big and lasting impression on a first date, then why not splurge for a romantic dinner for two at The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge.

Because in today’s era where people are pushing for gender equality, I guess the saying,  “the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, also holds true for women as well. 

Situated at the Camella Northpoint, near the Buhangin Flyover, is a heritage house turned into a charming, romantic restaurant which offers an exciting fusion of European and Japanese cuisine that can truly tickle a Filipino palate. The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge offers visually-appealing and impressively sumptuous dishes, created by Chef Cathy Binag, and served in a romantic ambiance with the gorgeous architecture of the property, romantic glow of warm lights and the natural beauty of the landscape as an added bonus.

And if the words you have just read still haven’t piqued your curiosity, then let these pictures do the talking.

THE FOOD

Jumbo Prawn Roll with ebiko, scallion and red bell pepper sauce

Trilogy of Foie Gras : Pan-seared Foie Gras set on Nasu Miso, Poached Foie Gras set on Onion Steak in Balsamic Teriyaki Sauce, Torchon of Foie Gras with Cranberry Ponzu, and Dehydrated Apple Chips

Unagi and Torchion of Foie Gras Box Sushi with green oburro and Japanes cucumber

Smoked Toro Tempura Roll with braised gobo and carrots served with ponzu sauce

Black Akadashi Braised Lamb Shank with marble potatoes confit served with haricot ver

Pan-seared Salmon with sauteed vegetables in lemon and butter

Grilled US Top Blade served with shitake mushroom risotto, roasted tomato with grilled zuchinni, onion steak and red wine sauce

Pan-seared Smoked Chilean Sea Bass with edamame and sweet potato mash in lemon butter sauce

Duck Leg Confit with variations of potato, served with grilled tropical fruits, mango coulis, and mango caviar drizzled with balsamic duck jus in port wine reduction

Banoffee Tart

Dark Chocolate Cake

Banoffee Tart

Indeed, with a wide selection of dishes and degustation menu to choose from, including an array of wine choices to cap off a romantic dinner, The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge lives up to its name of having the best fusion plates in the city. As each dish has been intricately prepared and presented, the value for money exceeds your expectations, even though every offering falls within a price range for P300-P1500.00. After all, you're not only paying for excellent food and good taste, but you're also spending for a worthwhile gustatory experience you certainly won't get from any other dining establishment here in the city.

So please, if you want an easier way to a woman's heart, then treat her to a great dining experience at The White House.

THE WHITE HOUSE FUSION CUISINE AND WINE LOUNGE

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Camella Northpoint, JP Laurel Ave. (near Buhangin Flyover), Davao City

Contact Number: (082) 292 of 0915 448 3601

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitehousefusioncuisine 

Instagram: @the_white_house_fusion_cuisine 
Website: http://www.whitehousecuisine.com 

Had I been given a lot of free time in the world, I will definitely use it to grow an organic garden. Being aware of how food and nutrition play a crucial role in our current health conditions made me more cautious of what I take in. So if given the chance, I would like to see to it that as much as possible, I will only take in organic, fresh and chemical-free ingredients. But sadly, that's quite far from reality. 

Dalandan Juice and Balik Bukid's Cheese and Bread Platter

I'm quite relieved to know that Davao City is now welcoming more dining options which can address my need for a healthier lifestyle. One of which is Balik Bukid Farm and Kitchen,  a restaurant which advocates organic farming by serving dishes made out of fresh and locally grown produce and ingredients from their own garden in Wangan, Calinan, an hour drive away from Davao City proper. 

So what does one expect from Balik Bukid? Nothing more but healthy, delicious meals made from only fresh, organically-grown and chemical-free ingredients served within a traditional Filipino homey atmosphere. 

Classic Caesar Salad

Farm Salad

The lunch we had during the Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014 wasn't my first time to experience dining at Balik Bukid. During my first visit, my taste buds were captivated by their tasty Classic Caesar Salad, of which they used anchovies as the base for their dressing (others use bacon!). From then on, I started trying different salads from this restaurant and all of them exceeded my expectations.

Here are the main courses served to us during the food tour. All of their dishes were made from ingredients harvested at their farm so the availability of the dishes in the menu is based on the availability of ingredients.

Kare-Kare

Pork Liempo with Ensaladang Talong

Paksiw na Pata

Blue Rice 

One thing noteworthy about Balik Bukid is their unique Blue Rice. The blue pigment of the rice is actually derived from the Blue Ternate flower which is known to be rich in antioxidants. Thus, the blue color doesn't only make it aesthetically beautiful but adds more nutrients as well. This rice goes very well with their flavorful entrees.

Chicken Barbeque with Ensaladang Talong

Kinulob na Pugo

Quail eggs are usually a common addition in Filipino dishes but in Balik Bukid, the quail itself is the star of one their unique entrees, Kinulob na Pugo. It might not look as good as it tastes but the dish was flavorful and so tender that the meat just fall right off the bones. Definitely worth a try!

Chocolate Island

Ice Cream in a Basket

Who says ice cream can't be healthy? Balik Bukid has delectable ice cream desserts made in their kitchen. Don't forget to try their Chocolate Island Ice Cream which is a trio of chocolate ice cream sandwiched between their home-made tasty puffs, drizzled with tableya (native chocolate) and smothered with peanut bits. Ice Cream in a Basket is another option if you want to skip the chocolate.

Everything from Balik Bukid follows the concept of natural organic farming and sustainable living. The walls of the restaurant are made up of recycled plastic bottles drawn together and the furniture and fixture depicts rural living. 

The next time that your body is craving for something healthy, listen to it and give Balik Bukid Farm and Kitchen a visit. Your body will then thank you for that!

BALIK BUKID FARM AND KITCHEN
Quimpo Blvd. Matina, Davao City

Contact Number: 0915 595 1127

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/balikbukidako

Email: balikbukid@yahoo.com

Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursdays: 11:00 am - 10:00pm

Fridays - Saturdays: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm 

Sundays: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Pardon the lack of posts here in my food blog but if you were also following my lifestyle blog, MISS LITRATISTA, you would probably have an idea what made me busy these past few days, weeks, and months. But now I'm back, I hope to devote more time for this blog this 2015 and still continue to bring you more stories about my gastronomic adventures. Crossing fingers!

But first, let me kick off the new year with, oh well, backlogs! I stumbled upon a number of drafts which I haven't started writing about so here I go, trying to share them one at a time. 

So if there's one thing I wish you all for this year, it will be loads of sweetness in your life. And what better way to be sweet is no other than indulging in sweetness overload! Take a pick from any of these hyperglycemic delights from one of my favorite dessert places in Davao City, Dulce Vida by Tiny Kitchen Bakery + Resto, located at Tulip Drive Extension, Ecoland Subdivision, Matina.

OREO CHEESECAKE

MAJOR MAJOR CAKE

TIRAMISU CAKE

BRAZO DE MERCEDES (one of my favorites from Dulce Vida by Tiny Kitchen)

PILAR'S CARROT CAKE

TORTA CHOCOLATE

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Discovering a new branch of Tiny Kitchen within a few kilometers from my home base is like finding a pot of gold. I just find it inconvenient for me to travel more than 8-10 kilometers to their main branch at Torres St. just to satisfy my cravings for their sumptuous delights. But with this nearby branch, I can just easily put them cravings away in just one ride.

Another good news is, aside from just pastries and desserts, Dulce Vida Bakery + Resto also offers rice meals, pastas and other dishes which you can also find at their main branch. 

ANGUS BEEF STEW

CHICKEN CASSEROLE

MARBELLA PASTA (SPAGHETTI)

HOUSE SALAD

DULCE VIDA CHICKEN SET

MARBELLA PASTA (PENNE)

The place can be a bit small and just perfect for couples and to a maximum groups of 4, but if you're coming in a number a bit more than that, then better proceed to their main branch instead. Another word of warning too, the place closes early so don't expect it to cap off your midnight cravings.

DULCE VIDA by Tiny Kitchen Bakery + Resto
Tulip Drive Extension, Ecoland Subd.
Matina, Davao City
Contact No: +6382-3059232

When people ask me where to eat when in Davao, one of the restaurants I always highly recommend is Lachi's  SansRival Atbp. I've been a fan of  Lachi's ever since I first had a taste of their sweet desserts. Even if accessibility and the long queues of customers remain to be an existing issue, you just have to be patient because once you've start eating, you'll totally forgot all the hassle. 

Now if these photos did not convince you  or even give you the slightest intention to visit them as soon as possible, then check out my previous entries about Lachi's:

SUGAR HEAVEN AT LACHI'S SANS RIVAL ATBP.

MORE THAN JUST DESSERTS AT LACHI'S SANS RIVAL ATBP.

I recommend: Classic/Durian Sansrival, Cheesecakes, Pecan Pie, Key Lime Tart, Unforgettable Pork Ribs, Laing, Callos, Pork Marinara, Asian Chicken, Spicy Honey Chicken, Triple Chocolate Torte and all the other tortes! 

Best time to come: 11:00 AM and 5:00-5:30 PM as they tend to be full during lunch and dinner. The restaurant closes at 7:00 pm.

Have you tried Lachi's? What are your thoughts?

Lachi's Sans Rival Atbp.

Door H-1 Val Learning Village

Ruby St. Marfori Heights Davao City

Contact No: (082) 224 - 5552

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lachisdavao

When we think of chocolates, I think most of us, including me, prefer those which come from European countries like Switzerland, Belgium, Germany but did you know that my beloved city of Davao also produces chocolates which are also of world-class quality? 

I already heard stories of locally-produced chocolates making news in other countries but it was only until the Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014 that I finally got a taste of what they were talking about. 

Unknown to many, Davao City is also home to farmers growing cocoa beans, which are considered as one of the bests in the world. One local producer, Cacao De Davao, bravely stepped up into the game of turning these high quality locally grown beans into premium-grade chocolates. 

Highlighting the quality of locally-grown cacao beans in Davao, Cacao De Davao encapsulates its rich unadulterated taste in their products such as unsweetened choco callets, cocoa powders, 70% dark chocolate and cocoa nibs. In addition to that, Cacao de Davao also sells pastries, such as Fudgy Choco Brownies,  and drinks made from their products. 

One need not go to places anymore to savor the rich, extraordinary taste of chocolate that is considered at par with the world's standards. In fact, satisfying the sweet tooth with rich and bitter chocolate does not also need to be expensive as Cacao De Davao products are affordable without compromising the ingredients and quality. 

CACAO DE DAVAO
San Pedro Extension, Davao City
Mobile 0917 250 2226

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cacaodedavao

Instagram: @cacaodedavao

Cacao De Davao products are also available in EchoStore branches nationwide and Sea Green Cafe and Lifetyle Shop.