Dencio's Eastwood City - Manila Dining

If you're taking a group of friends - or your family - with you to dinner, Dencio's is the perfect place. They have big servings and an atmosphere fit for a gathering of friends. Dencio's Restaurants are located in several places all over Metro Manila (and beyond). I chose the one located at my favorite shopping complex, Eastwood City.

Dencio's Restaurant in Eastwood is a two-story restaurant. The ground floor level is styled like a pub while an AC room at the second floor has a more glam atmosphere. They also have "tuyom" in the menu, a particularly curious serving of "sea urchins" I wasn't too adventurous to try.

Click here for a photo or two of these urchins:

- http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/Urchin003.jpg

- http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/SeaDSC01286.JPG (the sphere at the middle is its anus)

Though the restaurant is not exactly cheap, I loved the taste of everything and their big servings. In my last three visits since December, I have noticed a very attentive set of waiters welcoming you. They have been instructed to do so (obviously). Have their guests seated, wait for the orders and those iced tea refills, additional orders - but every time everything else is consumed, that's where they start ignoring you! After all, your bill has been totaled and all that's left to do is reach down your pockets to hand your payment, right? It's a rather funny situation when you're enjoying your dining experience so far - then when you're about to pay, they start walking past your calls - like the eye has a peripheral visual span of only 50 degrees from your central vision. They could fool others, but not someone who has taken 5 years to master visual science. Regardless of this minor quibble, food was great!

Dencio's Eastwood is owned and operated by Pancake House Inc. and is located at Unit G9-B Eastwood Citywalk 1.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

Sizzling Sisig at P245 ($5.60) an order.

Adobong Kangkong (water spinach) at P125 ($2.80).

Gambas (fresh shrimps) at P265 ($6).

Boneless chicken barbecue at P140 ($3.17).

Baked mussels (tahong)

Buko Pandan at P80 ($1.80)

Garlic fried rice at P40 ($0.91).

Check out a different Dencio's in Davao City here - http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2011/01/dencios-kamayan-sa-hilltop-travelling.html

Check out Eastwood City here:

- A Day at Eastwood Mall - http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-at-eastwood-mall-quezon-city.html

- City Life in Eastwood & Philippines' Walk of Fame - http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2011/01/city-life-in-eastwood-city-quezon-city.html

- Dog watching around Eastwood City - http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2011/01/of-pooches-fine-dines-eastwood-city.html

For queries and a whisper: eyeintheblueskyblog@yahoo.com.

Dencio's Kamayan Sa Hilltop - Travelling Full in Davao

I first experienced Dencio's Kamayan Sa Hilltop some years back when there weren't much structures along the dark uphill road. Of course, Jack's Ridge views are better because it's nearer - and lower - from the height of the hill that goes further up Barangay Langub in the Ma-a District of the city. But Dencio's Kamayan sa Hilltop provides a more relaxed atmosphere. Unlike Jack's Ridge which typically congests during the weekend (it is a compound where several shops and restaurants conglomerate), Dencio's Kamayan is a lone structure at the top of the hill.

I was told this wasn't a branch of the Dencio's found all over Manila - and throughout Luzon! This is allegedly owned by Davaoenos. They have 4 branches in Davao (SM City Davao, NCCC Mall in Ma-a, Market Basket at the Damosa Gateway in Lanang, and the Hilltop branch which is my favorite). They also have branches in Tagum (Davao del Norte) and another in Cagayan de Oro City (KCC Mall).

Dencio's Kamayan prides itself with their barbecues, their grilled meat and the way they cook them tastefully, with a subtle preference for a bit of sweetness, a signature palate identifier that has translated into loyal patrons since its first branch opened in 1998. The view from the top is dreamy and romantic; tables are available at a main dining hall, as well as separate bahay kubo-style cottages down below. Their waiters are more than attentive, and best of all is their affordable price!

You can call them at (082) 286-5070 for inquiries or reservations. The only hitch here is the availability of public transport if you haven't got a car. It is a bit isolated - which is the inherent charm of the place. But you can always ask your taxi driver to wait - though I sometimes forget the time when I am there.

Visit their website for a glimpse of their menu and prices here - http://www.dencioskamayan.com/

Below are some photos we ordered during our visit. We made the mistake of ordering a huge platter aside from individual orders, each one with huge servings! This is a place that justifies the term "pig out"!

And we were more than satiated by the time we left the place.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

A platter of different grilled items: chicken, pork, sausages, squid, and even spring rolls with minced meat inside.

Pansit canton (noodle)

Seafood Sinigang and Sinigang na Bangus Belly

Chicken liver at their tastiest!

Lumpia shanghai (Spring/meat rolls)

Dencio's mascot stands at the entrance.

Up next: Compare Davao's Dencio's with Manila's Dencio's! - http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2011/01/dencios-eastwood-city-manila-dining.html

For queries and a whisper: eyeintheblueskyblog@yahoo.com.

Davao City, the view from the top. This photo only courtesy of Philip Cadabuna.

Ahfat Seafood Plaza - Davao City Dining

With a population of just about 1.35 million people, Davao City - Mindanao's biggest city - is home to some of the cheapest and most delectable "fine dining" and buffet restaurants. There's a dizzying number of places to choose from when you feel like pigging out. I was able to visit Ahfat Seafood Plaza located at the Victoria Plaza Mall complex, at the fringes of the open parking space. It's unassuming entrance may feel like another ordinary restaurant, but not where it really matters - "taste"! In fact, most of Ahfat's charm lies in its reasonably priced food, an order would range from P150-250.

Ahfat Seafood Plaza is near the back of Victoria Plaza Mall which faces J.P. Laurel Street in Bahada District. For inquiries and reservation (for big groups), you may call (082)-224-0002, (082)-225-5787, and (082)-226-2688.

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Crispy Pata is a generous serving of pork leg and trotter, slow simmered in a savory broth, air-dried to cure for hours, and then deep fried to a crunchy crisp. Its delectable meat stays juicy and tender, but its outer rind is a fun-biting crunch. This tasty Filipino delicacy, easy and uncomplicated, is a celebrated treat. It is served with soy sauce or vinegar, and Ahfat's Crispy Pata is accompanied by flavored chicharon (crackers).

Chicharong Bulaklak, literally translated to Flower Crackers, is deep fried pork intestines, served crunchy, and crumbles to the taste. It is usually dipped in vinegar before taking that sinful bite.

Bird's Nest Soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. A few species of swift, the cave swifts, are renowned for building the saliva nests used to produce the unique texture of this soup, which has gelatinous texture. The edible bird's nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most often as bird's nest soup.

Century egg, also known as preserved egg, hundred-year egg, thousand-year egg, thousand-year-old egg, and millennium egg , is a Chinese cuisine ingredient made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, lime, and rice hulls for several weeks to several months, depending on the method of processing. Through the process, the yolk becomes a dark green and creamy with a smell of odor of sulfur and ammonia, while the white becomes a dark brown, transparent jelly with little flavor. This is believed to have been discovered 600 years ago during the Ming Dynasty in Hunnan.

Yang Chao Fried Rice

For queries and a whisper: eyeintheblueskyblog@yahoo.com.

No-frills Chinese Restaurant in Bahada, Davao City.

Shops at the Davao International Airport

I used to hate airports. There was a time it was just a transit point to and from places, but after several years of hopping from one to the next, I have learned to – at the very least – appreciate them, by finding out what they offer to the travel weary visitors. They somehow help you relax and shake off that sense of paranoia that innately accompanies visiting ports of entries and exits.

A few months ago, I received an email from someone who requested if I could list down some of the shops and restaurants available at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, aka Davao International Airport located in southern Philippines in the island of Mindanao. After considering this request, finally here are the shops just immediately prior to proceeding to the Pre-departure area:

Recommended – Suka at Sili (Vinegar and Pepper) is the airport’s modest branch of a bigger fine-dine Filipino Restaurant found at the city center. Great tasting food though a bit on the upmarket side (pictured above). 

I recently caught myself with a three-hour delayed flight by PAL Express (formerly Airphil Express) so they "treated" their guests to a free dinner. What we got was the dullest fish fillet I have ever encountered in my life, paired with the miniscule cup of iced tea. I actually took two bites from my fish then left the whole piece altogether. There goes my recommendation! :)

Avoid – Solomon’s Den is one of the airport’s pioneering “canteens” way before there were other food places here. The joint used to serve fresh home cooked meals on simple canteen-style tables, but for four consecutive times within the past 2 years, I was unfortunately served stale food that tasted like they’ve been cooked at 6AM (it was my 6 PM meal before my 7 PM flight). Then there’s the eternally smirking cafeteria servers (it’s hard to call them waitresses) – and at a price you’d rather expect from “Suka at Sili”. Give this place a miss!

PRE-DEPARTURE SHOPS

There are now two shops at the pre-departure area: "A'den - Charles Daniel Cafe" which sells hand bags by Hermes, Nine West, Giordano, etc. - and Sky Go Cafe where you can order sandwiches, coffee or some drinks (no "real" food" and the ones available are at a higher price). The latter is styled like a lounge where techies could surf with their laptop, but the place is a bit low on space and gastronomic options are very limited. If you want to fill your stomach, this isn't the place. If you feel at home sitting on lounges with fellow cyber addicts, you'd probably feel comfortable here. Meanwhile, A'den's serves rice toppings (the "silog" variety), spaghetti, etc. I've tried their Club Sandwich before. There's several entries in their menu but the last two instances i was there, they only had 2 or 3 items available, they might as well throw the menu to the bin.

Sky Go Cafe is located at the other end of the pre-departure area, away from the boarding gates.

Karl's Koffee Corner. As of January 28, 2012, I tried their Tocilog (pricey at P155). The serving is very limited and it isn't the most delectable tocino (not by a long shot). However, their Durian Shake - topped by whipped cream - is to die for! Should be - at P150 in a tall glass.

Sip and Snack - another snack bar which also sells souvenir items.

Esther and Pet M.T.B. - Not a pet shop, they serve food and beverages.

Solomon's Den - The airport's pioneering food house, serving food a la cafeteria. Unfortunately, its servers have dispensed away with common courtesy and hospitality, and food tasted stale - and expensive despite its pedestrian atmosphere. Located beside the toilet. LOL

Datoedco Fisbay

1231 Souvenirz To Go - This one has lots of souvenir items to offer and the "Golden" brand of pomelos. When looking for really sweet pomelos, "Golden" is almost a sure-thing!

Unfortunately, I failed to take note of its name, but it's probably "Luzviminda".

Main Information on Davao International Airport here – http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2009/11/davao-international-airport-and-its.html

This is the Eye in the Sky!

On the way to the pre-departure area and boarding gates at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

Hap Chan at Harbour Square CCP Complex - Manila Dining

I am far from being a gastronomic adventurer. Most of the time, I stick to a dish that I actually love to eat. But my travels have taught me to spread myself a little more. Meanwhile, back in the country is a different matter altogether. I know what I wanna stuff myself with. One of which is Hap Chan's fish fillet in garlic sauce.

My family and I used to frequent Hap Chan's branch in Wilson Street, but that has since folded. Another branch opened at Megamall's Building A, but that also closed shop. I remembered visiting a friend at St. Luke's along E. Rodriguez, and right across the hospital was another Hap Chan. But that is really too out-of-the-way (and traffic at that side of town is a bit unbearable) for a frequent visit. A new one opened at St. Francis Square's 5th floor Food Court, one that is quite misplaced ina floor of smorgasbord turo turo food..

My post-Christmas holiday included a visit by the Manila Baywalk - at the Harbour Square, CCP Complex. And I found another Hap Chan! So what could be a better way to end the day than stuffing myself with some of my all-time favorites: lechon kawali and Hap Chan's divine "Fish Fillet in Garlic Sauce" - an item incomparably rare in this bustling city - and divine!

CCP Complex's Hap Chan branch is located at the extreme end of the harbor walk, a spanking new joint adorned with blood-red lanterns, cozy interiors and bright lighting fixtures. Of course, there's the amazing view of Manila Bay just outside your table.

This Christmas holiday was nothing but a constant dive into culinary wonders and a bevy of restaurants. Such was that perfect season.

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Fish Fillet with Garlic Sauce - the choicest, freshest cuts of fish meat dipped in the succulence of garlic sauce. Nothing is more heavenly.

Lechon Kawali

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Chilled Taho

Bottomless Iced Tea

From a table with a view of Manila Bay.

For queries and a whisper: eyeintheblueskyblog@yahoo.com.