My Kinabuchs Exotic Food Experience

We did our homework around the web before visiting Puerto Princesa and Kinabuchs Grill and Bar was one among the most suggested dining place. A must visit actually especially if you’re in to try some exotic dishes such as crocodile and tamilok. So as planned, we visited the place on our second and last night at the city. As we learned our lesson from our Badjao Seafront experience, we came early this time, at around 6pm just to be specific.

Location & Setting

Going to Kinabuchs was easy. Since it’s within the city center and along the main street, we just rode the tricycle and paid Php40 at Php10 each. Just as a typical outdoor grill & bar restaurant, the place offers a laid back environment. It has a billiard, bar and dining area in an open air setting.

As expected, there were only few guests when we arrived. We were welcomed by a waiter and we immediately seated.

Filipino & Exotic Dishes
Since we had pork & chicken during our lunch, we decided to eat some healthy food this time. The place has of course a variety of menu to choose from but we chose to have veggies, fish and some exotic dishes!

Breaded Tamilok - Php130

The very first exotic food I’ve tasted and I don’t think I would try it again.hahahahah! According to Wikepedia, Tamilok or Shipworms are not worms at all, but rather a group of unusual saltwater clams with very small shells. During our lunch in our Underground River tour, I was able to saw raw Tamiloks served with vinegar and I don’t like what it looks like. It’s somewhat long, slender, and slimy. And so, we opted to order the breaded one hoping that this one tastes better. But no, we can still strongly taste it even with the bread crumbs and eggs. It tastes like Oyster and for those who loves eating Oyster, I’m sure they can tolerate the taste but not for me. :)

Sinigang na ulo ng isda - Php175

We were surprised with the serving sized – the fish must be very big with this serving!  The soup was just rightly seasoned and the fish is fresh and taste really good.

Pinakbet - Php135

The vegetables were cooked just right, crispy just what we wanted. However, I was not satisfied with it tastes.

Crocodile Sisig - Php340

 My favorite dish that night! It’s my first time to eat a crocodile dish and I love it. The Crocodile Sisig was perfectly seasoned and the meat was tender. It actually tastes better than pork and without the fatty tastes.

All in all, we paid Php960 or Php240 per person with the above viands plus a platter of plain rice and a pitcher of ice tea. The foods were also served fast except for the crocodile sisig. Serving size was also enough to be shared for four persons.

The Verdict
It was a great first exotic food experience, thanks to their very tasty Crocodile Sisig! Their menu is well-priced and the service was also good and fast. I must say, that dining at Kinabuchs Grill and Bar is a must if you want to try exotic dishes. Just be sure to visit the place early or make reservations to avoid the line.

Kinabuchs Grill and Bar
348 Rizal Avenue, BancaoBancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
(048) 434-5195/(048) 434-5194

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Posted in: Happy Tummy,Palawan,Puerto Princesa

Badjao Seafront Restaurant: A pleasant & unpleasant experience

Okay, dining at Badjao Seafront Restaurant was not originally part of our itinerary for our first Palawan tour. It’s famous, but not as Ka Lui and Kinabuchs. So since we only got 3Days/2Nights to spent, we had chosen to dine on the top two restaurants; as lunch is free for the Honda Bay and Underground River Tour. And sadly, our contact person for our Puerto Princesa tours, whom we requested to make the reservation for us, forgot to make the reservation at Ka Lui, so we ended up going to Badjao Seafront Restaurant as recommended by Joy, the very accommodating staff, at Tres Pension House.

Location & Setting
The restaurant is quite far from where we stayed, roughly around 20mins of tricycle ride, and it’s not along the main road. Thanks to Joy again who took the liberty to find us a tricyle. Rental rate was Php300 since it was night time and he waited for us.

Entrance

Badjao Seafront is also known as seafood restaurant by the bay but we weren’t able to appreciate the view since it was night time, but I can feel its classy atmosphere from the moment we were at the entrance.

Short trail to the restaurant

It’s somewhat creepy walking in this few meters trail going to the resto as the surrounding was very dark but sights of mangroves can be seen. Nevertheless we enjoyed the photo op, the illusion it creates is photo perfect!

The “Unpleasant Experience”
We have arrived around7:30PM and the place was full house. I wasn’t expecting it since we were told that the place is not usually crowded and that reservation is not necessary. But hey, we didn’t feel bad because the place is full; it only means that there’s something great in here because it’s full-packed! But what we were dismayed of was the way they had welcomed their customer or their customer service in general.

Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Upon entering the restaurant, we were lost as to what to do. There were some crowd standing at the entrance but there were vacant tables too. We decided to approach one of the waiters and he asked us if we had reservation. We replied no and we didn’t get any advice nor answer from him. He just simply walked away leaving us puzzled.  We then asked another waiter and he just replied that we need to wait, but no priority number or something. We just stood there at the entrance along with other groups. I was about to walk away as nobody from the restaurant seems to pay attention to the long queue but my friends said we’ll just wait and be patient cause we were there anyway.

After 30mins or so, we were finally seated. Just as we were excited to order, another waiter placed some table mats and utensils on the table in an unlikely manner. It seems that he was angry or something. We were very disappointed but we just played it cool and make fun of it as not to ruin our night further. *sigh*

The “Pleasant Experience”
So much for the disappointing part and now on the pleasant ones! And of course, what could be more satisfying than a delicious and reasonably-priced food? The restaurant offers a wide range of Filipino dishes and obviously seafood is their specialty. Here’s a glimpse on their seafood menu.

Seafood Menu

 Since we were a group of four, we selected a variant from ‘Comida’ group meal which is good for 4 persons. The group meal has actually 4 options; all seafood viands, a combination of chicken and sea food, an all meat viands and a pork and seafood combination. We opted for an all seafood viands and it was a winner! It tastes good and was enough to satisfy our hungry tummies except the rice. The serving seems not enough for four persons but the viands were more than enough.

Soup of the day

Ensaladang Talong

Crab with Coco Milk

Sizzling Squid

Grilled Fish

Dessert

 With all these sumptuous dishes, we only got to pay Php950 plus a 10% service charge. Not bad right?

The Verdict
It was an unpleasant and pleasant experience to remember. It was a very satisfying evening for our tummies; the food was delicious, fresh and reasonably priced. Too bad we had experienced that unfriendly service. I hope the management of Badjao Seafront Restaurant would take time to orient their waiters on proper customer service. I’m not saying that we require a grand welcome; we just need approachable and friendly waiters.

To avoid that same experience, it’s best to make reservations. I think it would also be nice to visit the restaurant on a day time or just in time for sunset to appreciate the view.

Badjao Seafront Restaurant
Abueg Road, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines
(048) 433-9912

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Posted in: Happy Tummy,Palawan,Puerto Princesa

District 50 Cebu

Thanks to Groupon, I learned about this new restaurant here in Cebu, the District 50. Actually, it was because of the great deal that I got interested at first, as I have not yet heard anything about this restaurant. I then checked online and I was fascinated by the look of their resto and the dishes look delicious too! Plus the deal is more than 50% off, so how can I resist? *wink*

50’s Inspired

Yes, the restaurant is inspired by the 50’s era. The interior is obviously designed that of the 50’s – pop culture and rock & roll period. The red and white color on chairs and walls is ‘in’ plus the black & white checkered tiles! What’s more unique is the Herbie Volkswagen Beetle with a table inside, which is good for two.

Food Choices & Price

District 50 serves a collection of international dishes which includes steak, pork, chicken, beef, fish, burgers and pasta. We had Barbaric Ribs and Tangy Chicken on our first visit. The service was good and fast, within 10-15mins I think and in a standard platter.

Barbaric Ribs

Barbaric Ribs - Php195

It’s a grilled American ribs with BBQ sauce. I think the serving size is comparable with that of Casa Verde – ample size for one person with mixed vegetables and rice. The meat was tender and perfectly grilled.

Tangy Chicken

Tangy Chicken - Php170

My favorite that night! It’s said that it is one of the original recipe of District 50. It’s made of chicken thighs and mushroom with a very flavorful sauce. It’s beautifully plated and serving is good for one person. The Tangy Chicken is also served with rice.

Specialty Drinks

D50 also offers these specialty drinks; floats and slush.

Mint Float

Mint Float - Php100

It’s Sprite with a mint ice cream. I love the minty taste when the ice cream melted on the soda.

Orange Slush

Orange Slush - Php95

I’ve actually took some pictures of their menu for reference. J

Beef

Pork

The Verdict

Undeniably, we enjoyed and were satisfied with the food and service at District 50. I bet this will become one of the Cebu’s pride restaurants soon. With its tasty, well-priced and wide range menu, it can surely compete with the other well known restaurants here in Cebu.

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Posted in: Cebu,Happy Tummy

The Hidden 10th Dove St. Restaurant

I’ve been passing through the Sto. Nino Village, Banilad Cebu for more than two years already but never did I imagine that there’s more to beautiful and sturdy houses inside this exclusive subdivision. Who would have thought that there’s a great little restaurant in this private subdivision? May be I haven’t learned or noticed it because it was hidden? Perhaps true. Well, not until my special someone took the effort to surprise me in this so called 10 Dove St Restaurant that I learned about it.

Hidden Restaurant

10th Dove St Restaurant

As you can see from the picture above, one would not recognize it as a restaurant.  It seems that it’s part of a typical house and there’s no signage or anything. No advertisement or poster; 10 Dove St restaurant is marketed purely by word of mouth.

Cozy and Private

Cozy Interior

The place is small; it can accommodate around 23 people. It gives another alternative from the typical restaurants here in Cebu that’s usually jam packed.

The interior is neat with a homey atmosphere. It gives a warm and comfy feeling. The utensils and table wares are also excellent, everything is matched and gleaming! The service is very well, too. 

Food Choices & Prices

There are 4 types of food selection from the menu:

• Soup
• Salad
• Sandwiches/Pasta/Sausages
• Cakes

What’s great is that they have this meal set which includes a choice from each type for only Php190. You can pick any variants from each and it would cost the same.  If you would want to add an extra serving, like a salad for instance, it would cost Php65. Drinks are not included and price range is Php30-45.

Mushroom Soup

French Onion

Harvest Apple

Taj Mahal Salad

Shrimp Creole

Mama Mia

Chocolate Decadence

Mango Cake

Though there is no rice available in the menu, I tell you, there meal set is as heavy as having a rice meal with veggies and fruits plus an extra dessert.

Overall it was a great dinner date. I’m impressed with the different level of dining the 10^th Dove St Restaurant offers. The menu is well-priced and satisfying. I will surely go back to try their other dishes. J

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Posted in: Cebu,Happy Tummy

Delicious Cupcakes from Bacolod

This post should have been posted earlier, but I wasn't able to finish it until now..I've been swamped with work lately(ehem, excuses). It's about something sweet, beautiful and delicious; just fit to be my first blog entry this year and just how I like my 2012 would be. 

It's a Cupcake! 

These are sweet and adorable Red Velvet and Chocolate Ganache flavored cupcakes. I’ve been a fan since I tasted these but too sad they are only available in Bacolod.

Red Velvet & Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Actually, it was through their Facebook fan page that I was able to learn about these adorable treats from Flibby's, even if I'm away from my home province (I'm currently residing in Cebu). I tell you, there cupcakes are beautiful and yummy!

So yummy that even it looked like this my officemates still managed to say it’s delicious and they were asking for more!hahahha I actually brought these as pasalubong from home , that’s why the beautiful packaging turned out this way due to transport.

Adorable Customized Cupcakes & Giant Cupcakes

Regular & Giant Cupcakes

Superwoman themed Cupcake

 Yes, personalized cupcakes are available. The above cake is Mom’s Super Woman themed Giant cupcake and regular cupcakes for her 60th birthday! She’s a tough, supportive and the best mother for us so this theme suites her well. Seeing her smile and teary eyed after I gave her this cake is just so priceless; she’s so delighted and amazed! She kept asking if this whole thing is edible..hahahha! Well, it is!

These cupcakes are my sweet peg right now. Thanks to Flibby’s for creating such wonderful creation. What's more exciting is that they cater customized orders and I can say that it’s actually their forte. Be it a mini, regular or giant cupcake; each is unique, carefully designed and beautifully created; depending on theme or preferences. The only drawback, for me at least, is that it’s only in Bacolod. But on a brighter side, this is another thing Ilonggo’s can be proud of, delicious and beautiful cupcakes from Bacolod! :)

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Posted in: Bacolod,Happy Tummy

Calea's Cakes

Yes, I'm a big fan of Calea! This local cake shop is well known for its premium and quality cakes . Too bad they don't have any branches outside Bacolod City. 

Their cakes taste really good and are also affordable. You can grab a slice from Php70 to Php90 depending on kind. 

Last time I visited we ordered the Triple Chocolate Mouse, Fruity Cheesecake and Ice Cream Chocolate Cake. 

What's more interesting is that they are offering variety of kinds, all in great taste and quality.  Their Chocolate Cake and Fruity Cheesecake are my favorites!

Huge Cake Selection

My favorite, Chocolate Cake!

Branches:


Calea - Main Branch
Lourdes - C Bldg. Lacson St.
Bacolod City
(034) 433-8664, (034) 433-3143

Calea - Robinsons
Robinsons Place Bacolod
1st Level, Robinsons Place Bacolod
Lacson St., Madalagan Bacolod City
(034) 441-3835

Calea - East Block
East Block
Circumferential Road, East Block
Bacolod City
(034) 434-0288

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Posted in: Bacolod,Happy Tummy