Ang Dabawenyo

Restless on a Sunday afternoon, I set off to do another walk of the city, since the afternoon weather was proving to be agreeable. At first I thought I’d check out the ongoing construction of the PTA grounds, but there wasn’t anything noteworthy (or picture-worthy) just yet. So I ended up at my favorite haunt to write my column for Sun·Star Davao.

Then I walked on from Victoria Plaza to The Venue, hoping to chance upon something there that might excite my palate. Alas! The whole compound is closed on Sunday. Darn… and a hefty serving of Space Burger was already sizzling in my mind!

Across the street, however, sits Honey Bear Chicken House. I’d seen it open shop a few weeks back, but I just never got around to checking it out. So this was the chance.

The place is big enough for at least 50 diners. It’s very comfortable, and the staff are attentive. Oh and they have a meeting room too, good for maybe 25 people.

I ordered Pork @ Its Best Combo (P120). I’d wanted to try a chicken dish, but the Honey Bear Chicken Combo (P150) is half a bird! Even after all that walking, I wasn’t that hungry. Maybe next time.

My order came quickly enough, and the liempo was just right. Crispy and chewy, just the way I like it. And the liver gravy was to die for, it was all I could do to keep ordering for extra garlic rice….

Aside from the various ways to prepare and serve fowl and all its parts, Honey Bear also serves steaks — beef, bangus (?), and blue marlin. (I guess because they serve it on a sizzling platter, they can call it “steak”.) Thy also have pasta… but for Italian fare I’d rather stick to Picobello or La Toscana.

At the end of the meal, I came away feeling satisfied. Honey Bear, though, doesn’t get Dave’s thumbs-up; that’s reserved for places that really wow. Still, Honey Bear proves to be the perfect ‘other place’ to go for a good meal.