Ang Dabawenyo

A client asked me to a meeting last week, at a coffee shop I hadn’t been to yet. It was all business so I wasn’t able to sample anything other than their house blend, though. So yesterday, during a lull in my schedule, I headed for Café Palma Gil to check it out in earnest.

It’s really just a nook, with only 6 tables, able to seat only about 18 people max. But as such cozy cafés go, it wouldn’t be very comfortable anymore above 15 people. And as patrons go, this place seems to be the kind that attracts loyal regular customers.

The decor’s rather eclectic — a brave mix of music icons from various eras, a few notable-looking paintings, and (hmmm) portraits of the country’s top business tycoons.

When I had their brewed coffee last week, I wasn’t overly impressed. But it didn’t disappoint me either. One thing, though (and this is just a pet peeve). Their large cups look pretty and all, but really, that much coffee shouldn’t be served in wide-mouthed containers — the brew gets cold way too fast that way. So yesterday I just had tea. (Disappointingly, Davao’s cafés aren’t very keen on tea, most of them thinking they can get away with serving Lipton tea bags. Oh well….)

Ah but the steaks at Café Palma Gil. Well, not exactly what you might call world-class. But for the price, it was beyond my expectations. Apparently they’re known among their patrons as a place for good steak, but as I was pressed for time, I just ordered their Salisbury steak (P75).

My verdict: Not bad at all. The meat itself, well, it tasted like a really good burger. The gravy was poured out of a bottle, I’m sure, but no need to fret. I liked the little touches, though, like the garlic sprinkling on the egg, and the healthy spray of veggies on the side. And the rice, boy, it was perfectly cooked it was all I could do to keep from asking for another helping!

The waitstaff are quite prompt and very courteous. It does show that the owner is conscious about customer service.

Café Palma Gil is on Palma Gil St., near the corner of C.M. Recto Ave. It’s right in front of the UCPB building, which is beside the Royal Mandaya Hotel. I recommend the café to those who’d like to escape to a (relatively) quiet little place for some down time.