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Showing posts with label davao city. Show all posts
Showing posts with label davao city. Show all posts

With a limited number of restaurants here in Davao City offering authentic Thai cuisine, Thai food enthusiasts know for a fact how difficult it is to satisfy one's palate. 

Marco Polo Davao opened a wonderful opportunity for Thai food enthusiasts as they bring another Southeast Asian flavor to CafĂ© Marco with its Thai Food Festival, with guest Chef Baupha from Hong Kong. Guests from various sectors including the diplomatic corps, government offices were present to celebrate the week-long festival of flavors which will run until July 6 and will showcase some of Thailand’s signature dishes.



Chef Nontra-Udon Baupha, a Thai national, brought with him his 38 years of culinary experience in Thai cuisine for the festival. He is currently with the Marco Polo Prince Hotel but has worked from various hotels and restaurants both in Thailand and Hong Kong such as Imperial Hotel (Thailand), Tip Top Thai Restaurant (Thailand) and Supapra’s Thai Restaurant (Hong Kong). 


Guest enjoyed an array of authentic Thai cuisine and fusion flavors which include Tom yam kung, Phad Thai, Chicken Satay, Thai chicken rice, Mango sticky rice and rich flavors of Thai grilled seafood items. Diners can enjoy this authentic Thai buffet every lunch and dinner at Php1500 per person from June 30 to July 06, 2017.



CAFE MARCO
Level 2, Marco Polo DavaoP.O. Box 81540 CM Recto Street, Davao City 8000, Philippines
Contact No: (63 82) 221 0888 local 7222
https://www.facebook.com/marcopolodavaohotel
Instagram: @marcopolodavao
Twitter: @marcopolodavao




Despite the evolving food scene in Davao and the growing number of restaurants and food themes to choose from, it’s undeniable that our palates would still crave for the familiar taste of traditional Filipino dishes that truly remind us of home. Good to know that Bagoong Club, a new restaurant emerging at the south part of the city, offers great Filipono comfort food and a warm homey ambiance to welcome families and groups looking for unique home-cooked dishes to celebrate with.




What used to be an ancestral residence along University has been creatively converted into an inviting gastronomic destination. It’s laid back interiors and interesting decorative pieces bring such a nostalgic feeling that sort of reminds of special traditional family celebrations. 



Their menu has a wide array of dishes to choose from – which includes the common Filipino dishes like Kare-kare and Binagoongan. Just seeing the names of dishes with bagoong was already enough to stimulate my intense appetite and craving for the famous condiment. However, not all dishes on the menu are infused with bagoong so it’s safe to say that even those who are allergic to bagoong still have a lot of options. Dishes are prepared as soon as it is ordered so make sure you’re fine with 15-20 minutes of waiting time. No need to worry though, as a complimentary treat of singkamas (turnips) served with two kinds of bagoong – the Bagoong Pag-ibig (sweet version) and the Bagoong Umaga (spicy version) makes the waiting time more exciting.

One fascinating thing with Bagoong Club was how they creatively innovated classic Filipino favorites like the Ukoy, which was commonly served as a round fritter. But in Bagoong Club, their version was a tower of goodness made out of sweet potato, carrots, crispy shrimps and beans, that’s not greasy at all. 

Ukoy Php 265.00


Street food fanatics will surely be delighted to see their favorites at Bagoong Club, but prepared in the most sanitary way possible. No need to be wary of indulging in street food. 


Isaw  Php 145.00

Bagoong lovers will truly enjoy these flavorful bagoong-infused traditional dishes to their heart's (and tummy's) content. These dishes just had the right tinge of saltiness that doesn't disappoint.

Bagoong Rice Php 190.00
Club Binagoongan Special Php 290.00 
Traditional Kare-kare Php 490.00
Of course, almost all traditional Filipino restaurants definitely serve these classic favorites:

Crispy Pata Php 530.00
Crispy Pork Dinuguan 
Unlike the usual Dinuguan, Bagoong Club’s version has crispy pork meat in it. Not only was it flavorful, but the crispy texture of the pork meat added a different feel to the usual version.

The following dishes are what I considered to be heart-captivating for me that's worth coming back to Bagoong Club for over and over again. Not only that these dishes stood out because of their uniqueness, these are also flavorful and surprisingly incredible. Whoever thought of whipping out such dishes must have been a culinary genius!

From among the dishes served to us, the Mula Sa Puso was my most favorite. Behind the clever name was actually a sisig of banana blossoms. Still not believing it? This dish may be far away from the usual kind of sisig but it tastes similar. Plus the dip made out of mayonnaise and pig brain was a perfect match. The dip makes the flavor pop out, you'd crave for more.


Mula sa Puso Php 180.00
Another surprising dish that stole the scene was this Pancit Inasal. Imagine two Filipino favorites - Inasal and Pancit - in one dish will surely blow you away. Two familiar flavors make a very good combination that it's already tummy-filling in itself.

Pancit Inasal Php 280.00
Another unique but sumptuous dish that's a best-seller as well is the Bulalo sa Monggo. This bone-marrow soup with monggo is so packed with flavor that it makes an exquisite impression.   


Desserts and fresh fruit shakes are also available. Of course, any meal would not be complete without desserts and thirst-quenching drinks to complete your satiety.


Dishes are usually priced at P150.00 to P500.00 but it's quite reasonable considering that one serving could generously feed at least 2-3 persons. Service is commendable although it might take some time before food is served since most dishes are prepared as you order. The place is usually jam-packed, regardless of whether it is lunch or dinner, most especially during special occasions so be sure to make reservations ahead. 

Have you tried Bagoong Club? Tell us what you think!


BAGOONG CLUB
123 University Ave. cor Talisay St.
Juna Subd. Davao City
(082) 298 - 5968
Opens 10 am - 10 pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bagoong-Club-Davao/1216589611784796


Davao City is not only known for its iconic Philippine monkey-eating eagle, waling-waling orchid, pristine beaches and eco-adventures activities. In fact, another good thing that Davao City has to offer is its diverse culinary terrain, which includes a variety of gastronomic delights from street food to fine dining.

Since there is a huge variety of dining options to choose from, here are some of those I highly recommend, in no particular order.

Who would have thought that in one of the secluded areas in the heart of the city lies a culinary haven? The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge used to be an ancestral house that was later on converted into a fine-dining restaurant offering Japanese-European fusion cuisine. Guests can choose from several degustation menus, usually ranging from five to nine courses of traditional Japanese-European dishes made contemporary and served in a romantic ambiance. Highly recommended are the Chilean Sea Bass and their famous Yamamomo Cheesecake, which is made up of green tea meringue base and topped with a yamamomo and mixed berries compote. The price can be a bit steep, but the dining experience is totally worth it.


Location: Camella Northpoint, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City

Known for its unrivaled Sansrival cakes and mouth-watering desserts, Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp.  is definitely one of the dining establishments one has to visit when in Davao City. Even though its location isn’t readily accessible to everybody, this place is always packed with those who swore to its delectable goodness.  Recently, Lachi’s has grown to serve more than just desserts and has included dishes like their Unforgettable Pork Ribs, Spicy Laing, Asian Chicken and more in their menu.


Location: Ruby St. Marfori Heights, Davao City

3. SEA GREEN CAFÉ AND LIFESTYLE SHOP
 Those who have sworn to eat healthy this year must give Sea Green CafĂ© and Lifestyle Shop a try. Their dishes are mostly made up of organic and fresh ingredients. Highly recommended are the Smoked Salmon Linguini, Vegetable Chips, Pan-grilled Fish with Cauliflower Rice and the Tablea Cheesecake. Aside from these sumptuous meals, they also sell home-made pestos and tomato sauces which you can use in making healthy dishes at home.



Location: Circumferential Road, Dona Vicenta Village, Davao City

Switching to healthier eating habits has never been tastier at Balik Bukid. Advocating in farm to table concept of dining, Balik-Bukid only uses ingredients which are produced and harvested from their organic farm in Wangan.  One of the offerings diners must try is their Classic Caesar’s Salad which uses a unique anchovy-based salad dressing. Since all ingredients are organically produced, one can taste the freshness and goodness in every bite.


Location: Ecoland, Quimpo Blvd. Davao City

5. ANNIPIE
Annipie has been known in Davao City for years as the ultimate cinnamon destination. However, to keep up with the transitioning gastronomic market, Annipie has grown to also serve delicious rice and pasta meals, pizzatillas and mouth-watering desserts. Highly recommended to try are their Pistachio Sansrival, Trikolate and Pizzatillas.


Location: Quimpo Blvd. Davao City

If you’re craving for authentic Chinese food, one of the restaurants which could satisfy such craving is West Empire Chinese Restaurant and Seafood Garden. It is only one of the few restaurants in Davao City which offer Xiao Long Bao, a small tasty soup-filled basket dumpling, and true enough, their Xiao Long Bao is convincing enough to make you revisit them again.

Location: J.P. Laurel Ave, Buhangin District, Davao City, Davao del Sur

If ever you find your palate craving for delectable Spanish cuisine and delectable dessert creations, Tiny Kitchen is the place to be. This not-so-tiny restaurant offers traditional Spanish recipes and a dash of Filipino taste rolled into an impeccable tasty combination. Highly recommended to try are their Al A Cazador Paella, Angus Beef Stew, Marbella Pasta in Penne, Frozen Chocolate Brazo and Oreo Cheesecake.


Location: F. Torres St. Davao City

RBG Bar and Grillthe in-house restaurant of one of Davao's top hotels, Park Inn by Radisson, showcases international cuisine but recently, modifications have been made to feature dishes with a touch of local flavor and distinctively Davao. One of the highly recommended dishes to try from their menu is the Seafood Sinigang in Mangosteen which was made more exceptional with the addition of Davao’s famous mangosteen fruit.


Location: Ground Floor, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Lanang, Davao City

9. ITAEWON KOREAN RESTAURANT
One of the restaurants to conquer Davao’s attention this year is Itaewon. It offers an unlimited bulgogi dining experience for only P195.00, including side dishes and a serving of rice. Whether you opt for chicken, pork or beef, make sure to order loads of pork as it is their best-seller.

Location: Mc Pod Unit 102 Mc Arthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

10. CLAUDE’S LE CAFÉ DE VILLE
French cuisine may not be common in Davao but there’s one restaurant that has made a name in the dining scene – Claude’s Le CafĂ© De Ville. The owners took over an ancestral house and it was transformed into a full-service restaurant offering French cuisine. Be sure not to miss their famous steak selections when dining at Claude’s.


Location: Rizal St, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur


Whatever floats your boat or whatever your palate craves for, I’m pretty sure Davao City has got it all for you in terms of gastronomic sastisfaction. Truly, when in Davao, there’s a lot more to discover.  





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
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