Ang Dabawenyo

Swiss Deli, that chic European restaurant in Lanang, has recently completed renovations and now features extended dining space in a new wing. The al fresco area is also now much cooler, even during hot afternoons. Most importantly, Signor Romano Venuti has added a charming wine cellar at the basement of the new wing.

Last Wednesday night saw Rochelle Venuti, Ahbet, Miguel and me at The Cellar for a bottle of their house red. The Ventisquero Cabernet-Sauvignon Clásico is another product of Chile that I now enjoy — but I’m still holding on to the Sta Rita cabsav as my favorite red. The Ventisquero (2005) sells for Php361 per bottle. With its deep woody texture, it was perfect with the sausages and cold cuts that we had. Read more »

Today my folks and I had a very enjoyable lunch with my friend, Bob Martin, and his family at their lovely home. The Martins were at our home some weeks ago and we treated them to Filipino fare. This time, we were treated to American cooking — Bob’s mother, Billie, described it as a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

The butterball turkey, which is available in grocery stores in Davao by the way, was really good! They had it prepared lechon-style at Lechoneros. I’m prefer white meat because it’s healthier, and not because it’s tastier — but the turkey breast was juicy. Read more »

It’s always a delight to discover little places with great food. And that was my experience when I went to Pinutos for after-drinks dining with friends. The place is al fresco, decorated simply — far from the look and feel of expensive restaurants, but comfortable enough.

The food, though, now that’s what you’d go to Pinutos for. I had the Crispy Tadyang (deep-fried beef ribs) and Binagoongan Rice — not a very healthy dish… but when you have it that good, who cares? My friends had Adobo and Kalderetang Baka, which of course I had a taste of as well. The pork adobo was awesome! It gave me a very homey feeling, as well as a palate-satisfying effect. Read more »

Durian, mangosteen, marang, lanzones, rambutan, pineapple, watermelon, pomelo, papaya, atis, and more durian!

The streets of Davao are awash with a variety of tropical fruits in season. Just walk around and you won’t miss it! From August to October each year, Dabawenyos are blessed with an abundance of fruits, you wouldn’t believe it! Just stroll around the city and you’re sure to bump into a sidewalk vendor or an open-air fruit stand.

Come to Davao and experience paradise!