Friday, May 23, 2014

(DAY 1) Gastronomic Adventure: Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014

Ceviche!

I used to be an organizer of this gluttonous event in Davao. I admit it wasn't easy but the experience was fun nonetheless. Last year, I didn't attend the event due to my busy schedule. This year, I didn't let it pass and decided to join as a participant. I was really looking forward to be part of this food tour since the line up of this year's food tour was new.

And besides, I really miss everything about Davao - the people, the food, the culture, and its laidback lifestyle.

RBG Bar and Grill of Park Inn by Radisson

I had my first 'epic fail' moment on the first day of our food tour. The moment I stepped out of the van, I realized that I left my DSLR camera. Ugh! What a great way to start the gastronomic event. But, I just shrugged it off. And besides, the camera of my iPhone 5 didn't fail me, at least.

Meet the group!

What we ate:

Ceviche (with tuna and pomelo), mini version of RBG Burgers and Fries, Seafood Sinigang in Mangosteen, Lechon Pasta, Pasta de Davao (Fettuccine in white sauce with imbao, bagaybay, and bihod), Grilled Chicken, Beef Salpicao, and Crispy Pork Belly.


Mini burger and fries and Beef Salpicao

(TOP) Ceviche (Bottom left) Seafood Sinigang Mangosteen (Bottom Right) Grilled Chicken

(Left) Lechon Pasta (Right) Pasta de Davao

For desserts, we ate two cheesecakes: Durian and Mangosteen.

My personal favorites were Ceviche (PROMISE, THIS DISH IS TO DIE FOR), Pasta de Davao (you'll never go wrong with a fettuccine in white sauce with seafood), Crispy Pork Belly, and their mangosteen cheesecake! And oh, their presentation reminded me of Lifestyle Network.

Such presentation. Much wow!

Durian (yellow) and Mangosteen (pink) Cheesecake
Like any other five star hotels, my dining experience in RBG Bar and Grill was great, but what makes it exceptional are its dishes that are uniquely Davao.

Rating:

Food (9.5/10)
Ambience (8/10)
Service (9/10)

RBG Bar & Grill 


Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Asian Highway 26 J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City (Behind SM Lanang Premier)

Phone (082) 272-7600

Cacao de Davao

For merienda, we went straight to Mam Bebz Bakeshop owned by our very own burgis kuya Andrew and tried some of chocolate-y treats from Cacao de Davao. What's interesting about Cacao de Davao are their products which include roasted cacao nibs, durian-filled chocolate, and the 70% dark chocolate with organic sugar. The cacao beans are naturally grown and harvested here in Davao. And did I mention that their products are of export quality?

By the way, the Hongkong Waffles of Mam Bebz plus Cacao Davao's hot chocolate drink = perfect combination.

Tableya Brownie: must try!

Chocolate madness

Hongkong Waffles


Yellow Fin

If you've been to Davao, you'll probably notice the array of chicken barbecue and seafood restaurants. Yes, Davaoeños looooooove grilled food. But there's this particular seafood restaurant in Ecoland that stood the test of time. Established in 1992, Yellow Fin offers delectable dishes that are uniquely Davao.

Must try: Seafood Platter (seafood on sizzling platter which includes stuffed squid, imbao, ubol-ubol, and bagaybay), Kinilaw, Beef Balbacua, Lechon Kawali, and my personal favorite: Adobong Tuna Buntot.

Clockwise starting TL: Kinilaw, Lechon Kawali, Sizzling Seafood Platter

Adobong Tuna Buntot

Halo-halo

Seafood madness!
And for dessert, we tried their special Halo-halo. I love the texture of their shaved ice; felt like I was eating sorbet. Nomnom. Their tagline 'Deliciously Davao' sums up our dinner experience.

Rating:

Food (8.5/10)
Ambience (7/10)
Service (7/10)

Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant 
Ecoland branch: Sandawa Plaza, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City
Phone (082) 297-8777 
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 – 9:30pm (closed on Sundays)

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To cap off the night, we went to Blue Room and partied hard. What a great way to bond with my fellow bloggers in Davao! Thank you San Miguel for sponsoring our night out!


And that's it for Day 1 of DFAT 2014. There's more to come! Brace yourself, the succeeding days were even more sinful!


6 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Wonderful blog and pics, Renz!!! Makes me want to go home to Davao and take the same tour! Have not tried the ceviche and adobong tuna. Everything looks delish!!!

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  3. Ang part na namiss ko! Huhu. Buti nakahabol pa sa inuman kahit super sandali lang din lol. Salamat sa pagsundo sa airport :D

    Day 2 na, bilis! Char

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  4. Pinepressure mo nanaman ako. HAHAHA!

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