Lachi's: Let me count the ways

I am not a dessert kind of girl. Personally, when I see cafe/pastry place I do not immediately associate them together. Yes, you are looking at a non-Banapple believer (but I do love their Banoffee, and thats just it). Before you start bashing, I do love Conti's. I just don't like how most dessert places in the Metro settle for serving mediocre food just to match their food line-up. Stick to what you do best, if its dessert serve the best, kick-ass cake/muffin/cupcakes that would ever come out of your kitchen. Leave the rest to the experts.

Larci's would have to be an exception. A bit pricey for most Davao cafes (meals usually are less than Php100), but you do get value out of your P150-200 meals.

 I ordered their unforgettable ribs and its tender, juicy and flavorful. 

Their breaded tofu is an alternative for people on a pseudo-diet. (Folks, its still breaded and for sure their teriyaki sauce must've sugar in it). Diet aside, this is a good meal to start off.

If it takes some difficult convincing on your part, you can have this spicy beef meal. (Ditch, the rice).

One trip ain't enough. If I can just sample all the cakes they have on their menu. Cheesecakes look good, chocolate cake selection are vast and promising plus, they have dulce de leche! Too bad, they don't have their brewed coffee that day.

If their sans rival is a sign of how awesome their desserts are, I'd definitely come back soon for more!

Yes, its Santa's list of goodies

REASONS NOT TO BE ON DIET

PUSH FOR MORE CARBS, Surprisingly, good meals.

Davao Tripping: Hodge-Podge of Food Memories

I will be spending a week here in Davao for work. In between free times, I am sampling as many dishes as  can here. Being in Davao never fails to astonish me, it has this urban yet laid-back feel. People are nicer, pace is slower even traffic is not that bad compared to Cebu. But the thing the reason why I love about Davao is the sheer abundance of restaurant per area. I've never been in a place where small, start-up businesses are encouraged and thriving. People are supporting local cafes and restos over franchises. I love how each area in the city reminds me of Maginhawa. Food is affordable. You can get a decent meal for P100. Plus, people here speak a mix of Tagalog/Bisaya so for non-Bisaya speakers its so easy to navigate your way around here. 

..Plus I'll never understand why there's this abundance of coffeeshops and neighborhood pastry everywhere (not that I mind). Lunch was Penong's chicken. (I failed to take a photo just because I was too hungry that time). The chicken is their specialty. Unlike Mang Inasal's version, Penong's was a cross between grilled and lechon manok. Not dry, tasty with the right amount of spice; one serving ain't enough for those who skipped their breakfast. Don't expect anything fancy though, the place does look like your neighborhood kainan. Penong has a lot of branches in Davao so its easy for you to find one here.

Your neighborhood artsy cafe: Yellow Hauz

I have a soft spot for neighborhood cafes. This one has cute art projects everywhere. Just don't get the mango shake because you are going to be bound for some disappointment. Their selection of white coffee is comparable to Starbucks. They also serve meals (pastas, pizza, cakes, etc). So while you sip your favorite coffee drink, you can buy arts and crafts materials inside as well. 

Sarum banggi:  Skin Burns

I might have to be the clumsiest person you'll ever share a meal of sizzling food or anywhere near to cooking paraphernalia  My attempt at cooking has lead to tremendous burnt marks, I usually end up hurting myself or other people in the process. So tonight, my left arm wasn't spared. Anyway, I got a bit confused with the place's interior. They ought to replace those table cloth and tiles immediately. 

Anyway, Chiara recommended this place as Raffy was craving for some steak. 

I got Steak Ala Pobre (..supposedly at medium well). But it did ended up well-done anyway. Nothing special really but for P250, you get a hefty serving of  meat. (see photo below). Think of it as an upgraded version of your Sizzling Plate, with loads of gravy to accompany it.

Raffy got something from the Surf and Turf menu (calamares and steak). Rice and loads of gravy, I am not that hard to please.

Davao Itinerary: R&R

My boss came up with a pretty neat itinerary which put me to shame. Where else would you get a color-coded itinerary, detailing an hourly breakdown of events in excel? Kabog ang skills ko.

Now off to the "more relaxing part of the trip".

1. SPA- After a tiring day 1, we treated ourselves to a good massage. I fell asleep the entire time, P250 for a full-hour body massage at Scents & Oil.

2. Food Comatose

                                   

What better way to indulge yourself than spend it munching around an unlimited array of dishes.

a. Buffet 1: Glamour

I am not a seafood fan. But if you love your aligue, Glamour fills her buffet selection with crab dishes (soup, coconut cooked, pancakes, etc).

b. Buffet 2: Apo View

Oddly enough, if you are part of the demographic that listens to 105.9, you might enjoy bands' renditions of love song classics. My favorite part? They cook your pasta right there. You have the option to choose your base ingredient and pasta (penne!). The seafood cream is a winner.

c. Buffet 3: Pearl Farm

Usual classics:  yummy pastel, wide array of dessert selections and baguette on the side. .

d. Buffet 4: Eden Nature Park

Fresh ingredients: As part of the tour, you can actually see what goes in the salad buffet. You can also take home some of the ingredients in the shop near the restaurant. Dine with peacocks as well, as they can freely roam  the outdoor part of the resto.

3. Nature tripping

                                           

Looking for team building activities? You can try daring them to go to the Zipline. Or for a more relaxed vacation? a day tour at Pearl Farm for some R&R. (Don't forget to ask for your free towels and wash room).