My last stay in Metro Manila was my busiest this year, even counting my stay in the nation’s capital for the WordCamp Philippines event on 6 September. On the plane back to Davao last Saturday, I was mildly surprised at my count of the number of restaurants I’d gone to: 18!
My new favorite cheap, hassle-free fast food joint is now Tapa King. There’s one on Burgos St., which is near my buddy’s condo where I stayed. I had brunch there more than a couple of time, and my choice order: the Tapa Queen, because it’s spicy. They may even be better than Rufo’s… but then again, I’ve never eaten at Rufo’s except after a night of drinking, so it wouldn’t be fair to compare.
For pizza, what I always look forward to in my trips to Manila is Brooklyn Pizza. I never fail to order Porko, but I’ve discovered that I also like their White Pizza, which has 4 different cheeses in it. I’m salivating right now as I write this! I wish it was Brooklyn Pizza that opened here in Davao, and not Yellow Cab…
Another place that makes me drool just thinking about their food is Cyma. I absolutely love Mediterranean cuisine, and Cyma is one of the best. Their beef and lamb steaks are to die for! And the prices aren’t steep either, considering. There’s this watermelon salad with feta cheese and lamb chops that my friends introduced to me there (too bad I can’t remember the name of the dish). If you haven’t had that yet, ask for it next time you’re at Cyma — I recommend it vigorously!
Speaking of Mediterranean, one of my first stops during this last trip was Ziggurat, also on Burgos. I hadn’t been back there in years, so it was a long-overdue experience for me. I’m happy to report that their food is still top-notch. Spicy foods make me crazy!! And curry makes me absolutely certifiable.
One other place that I revisited was Fiesta San Miguel in Dusit Thani. It had been more than a decade since the last time I’d been there. It was a delight to find that they still have their micro-brewery. Some friends brought me there after a hearty dinner at the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati. Fiesta San Miguel’s home brews (especially the draft variety) were a perfect night cap to a splendid meal, which was hosted by Google for the launching of MapMaker.
Two new places for me: The Soup Kitchen (or is it just "The Kitchen"?) and Paul Calvin’s Deli. The first, in Greenbelt, was a very interesting experience: good Filipino food and a very relaxed atmosphere. I’ll definitely go back there on my next trip.
Paul Calvin’s Deli had a taste-testing of their new buffet breakfast offering, so they invited a group of bloggers last 5 October. I must say, it was pretty good! It was an abundant spread of 5 or 6 dishes, with various kinds of breads and pastries. Plus, I really loved the fact that they also serve taho.
Looking at the buffet spread, you get a feeling that you’re in a hotel. That’s probably because the chef (Calvin) used to work for a 5-star hotel. One of the owners, Jay Em, said that they plan to offer their breakfast buffet thrice a week (MWF). Paul Calvin’s Deli is at the ground floor of the Forbes Town Center on Rizal Drive, Fort Bonifacio. (By the way, they have free wifi there.)
As much as there are delicious food offerings in Davao, I miss the restaurants of Metro Manila. There simply is a lot to choose from over there — a week’s stay in barely enough to sample even a small percentage of the capital’s gastronomic delights. If nothing else — and despite the traffic and pollution — it’s the food that makes my trips to Manila worthwhile.
Other restaurants I got to like: RedBox in Greenbelt 3, and Shawarma Snack Center in Malate (Sales St. I think). Of course, my favorite coffee shop is still the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
A Manila-based foodie blog that I recommend is Manila Foodistas. Do check it out.
buzz when you’re visiting again, and maybe this Foodista can recommend new places
@ bloggie
try mo yung sbarro pizza masarap din, i was hoping they’ll have one here in davao, of course including “brooklyn pizza” eheehe.. sarap..
@ bong
hey, can you recommend food business establishments to bring here in davao? cheers
@Bong — Thanks! :)
@fsprincipe — Sbarro has been around for a long time now. When I was in college meron na sa Manila. Brooklyn Pizza is still better for me.
Food establishments to bring to Davao? Like a franchise? Hmmm… Cyma!
@ blogie
wow! that would be great! more food adventure escapades to come, someday i want to try “brooklyn pizza” once it has established here in davao..
cyma!!!
cyma??
@fsprincipe — Cyma is a Greek resto. They have branches in Boracay, Greenbelt and Shangri-la.
ohh ic cyma is a restaurant in manila, sources say food is great there!
@ blogie
hmmm, sounds and tastes appetizing! thanks for sharing info.
@ blogie
PS: apologies for the kulit, can you convince some food business establishments to come in davao?
Great selection Blog! If I may add – Brother’s burger, Starbucks’ Vanilla cream frap, Grappa’s Weisen, sinful desserts at Bizu and this Adobo flakes from a resto that I can’t remember. Live, laugh and eat! :)
@ drama queen
hmmmm… mouth watering! where in davao?
oi.. fresh from grand regal hotel.. i dunno where to comment pero since it’s your latest post dito nalang ako comment.. hihihi.. for the 2nd time i met you again.. next stop GENSAN MBS2.. ^)^
whew.. can I exchange links with you Sir Blogie? ^_^
http://deejames.blogspot.com
Ang sarap naman ng food na yan sa picture.. Bag.o lang baya ko human ug kaon sa Mcdo.. amf.. haha..
agi lang ko kuya blogie
Thanks for dropping by, guys!
See you again at MBS2!!
wow the food looks great..My friend Michael who is from USA and wants to move in here might like this. Do you guys know where is the best pizza in the Philippines for being an american, he is a pizza lover. Thank you.
In Manila, my favorite is Brooklyn Pizza. Hands down the best pizza ever!
Ever? When I get to the Philippines you can be assured I will be checking this place out. Thank for the great article.
Hi Mike, thanks for visiting my blog! OK, best pizza ever in Manila. :) They don't have a place, I think. I've only ever ordered delivery from them. Too bad I can't remember their phone numbers, but that should be easy to look up when you're in Manila.
In Davao City, there are two places that serve even better pizza — Picobello and Pizzaiolo. I've written about them in my food blog: Davao Delicious.
@Drama Queen — I don't like Starbucks at all. I'm more of a Coffee Bean guy. But Brother's, Grappa's and Bizu, those are great places!
Mukhang masarap yung nasa picture.
@Lito — Yup! Sarap talaga! You should try it.