Best Bites Returns!

Hi, foodies! You’re probably wondering why I brought back Best Bites in this blog. Actually, the term “bring back” isn’t appropriate because the series never really disappeared—to be honest, I just became too busy and totally forgot about it, haha! Maybe a better word would be “resurrect”. So for the Best Bites comeback, I’ve compiled the yummiest food finds I had from my trip to Davao, as well as my restaurant-hopping in Manila! This covers the months of July and August. Enjoy, and please leave a comment regarding your own recent discoveries!


1. Halo-Halo Cheesecake (PhP300, solo) from Indulgence by Irene

It’s no surprise she’s been dubbed as the “Queen of Cheesecakes”—she simply makes some of the best renditions in Manila. Irene Co, the home-based seller behind Indulgence by Irene, has launched a new flavor: the Halo-Halo cheesecake—a fusion of two her signature cakes, mais and ube. Wedged between these layers is a slather of langka jam, completing the Filipino-inspired creation. Get more than one box because THIS IS FOR HOARDING, NOT FOR SHARING.

~*~
Indulgence by Irene
0922.830.3900/0917.622.5800
Halo-Halo Cheesecake prices: (9 inch - PhP1,400; 6 inch - PhP750; 4 inch - PhP300)


2. Cheese Ramen (PhP350) from Go-En Ramen

Grated cheese on your ramen? You bet! Go-En Ramen, a discreet Japanese restaurant in Quezon City, makes one of the most interesting ramen flavors I’ve had. The broth is miso-based, and the bowl comes with moyashi, ajitsuke tamago, corn, and minced pork, then topped generously with cheese! Wait until it all melts and becomes butter-like—only then will you have the most mind-blowing ramen experience ever.


3. Mochi Ice Cream (PhP80) from Go-En Ramen

The mochi I’ve grown to know is super sticky, super sweet, and challenging to chew, but at Go-En Ramen I’ve tasted the only mochi version worth eating. A thin mochi sheet encases homemade vanilla ice cream. The sweetness level? Just enough for you to finish one whole ball by yourself. Or two. Or three.

~*~
Go-En Ramen Shoppe
Jardin de Zenaida, Unit B1, #34 Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City, Philippines
441-GOEN (4636) or 376-5761
Budget: around PhP400/head


4. Pan con Queso (PhP265) from Alqueria

Grilled cheese sandwiches are comforting (especially when paired with tomato soup, yum!), and at Alqueria you will find one of the best of its kind. Manchego and cheddar are packed innocently in between slices of bread, as well as a delicious layer of tangy tomato salsa. The gooey texture from the cheese, the crisp from the bread, and the tangy bite from the tomatoes make this a highly gratifying sandwich!


~*~
Alqueria
3/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Budget: around PhP700/head


5. 8-Hour Pork Belly Confit from Splice Restobar

photo credit: Splice Restobar
This dish has got to be the best pork belly I’ve ever had. Cooked for 8 hours, the meat is to tender and practically melts in the mouth—promise! Smoky and salty flavors fuse together, making it a perfect pair with rice—I’m sure any of the dirty rice or the pandan variant would do. On the side is balsamic vinaigrette that further brings out the pork’s flavors. I’m getting hungry so please make me stop describing and just try this!


~*~
Splice Restobar
Unit 16-18, The Portal, Greenfield District, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
(02)246.9069 ext. 123/0916.421.8188
11:00AM – 2:00PM; 5:00PM – 11:00PM (up to 2:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays)
Budget: around PhP250 for food; PhP500 with booze


6. Tablea-Banana Ice Cream (PhP88/scoop) from Banana Beach Davao

As a resort-slash-plantation known for manufacturing the best Cavendish bananas in Asia, Banana Beach naturally had to incorporate their products into their restaurant menu. Who’s complaining? Their banana ice cream, made in-house, comes spiked with a variety of flavors. Try the Tablea-Banana—a delicious, rich concoction that showcases a balance of both ingredients. When you’re in Banana Beach, you know what to order, dessert junkies!


7. Grilled Tuna Belly (PhP125/100g) from Banana Beach Davao

Who doesn't love yummy seafood when visiting the province? These things are just many times better, fresher, and tastier when they're not from Manila. For instance, Banana Beach Davao's Grilled Tuna Belly! This huge slab of flavorful marine perfection is meant to be shared by two to three people, but I must have eaten the entire thing! #Sorrynotsorry.


~*~
Banana Beach Resort
Hijo Estate Resorts, Hijo Plantation, Brgy. Madaum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
+63917.633.7019
For reservations: info@bananabeachdavao.com


8. Durian Cheesecake from Blugré Coffee

While Blugré is primarily known for its durian-infused beverages, one should also try their desserts—like the Durian Cheesecake. It doesn’t matter if you love or hate the fruit; this cheesecake features a layer of what tastes like a blend of durian jam and dulce de leche—the latter almost masking the taste of the fruit, allowing only a hint to shine through. The cake is dense and rich, perfect with hot coffee.

Read also: Davao Food Trip

~*~
Blugré Coffee
Locations: click here


9. Sizzling Gambas from Outback Grill

There’s nothing really special with this dish, but somehow Outback Grill in Davao City nails it and executes it so well. Mushrooms, garlic, bell peppers, and plump shrimps sit atop a sizzling plate, along with a savory sauce that would just get your appetite going. Perfect as an ulam or as pulutan, this dish was pure addiction.

Read also: Davao Food Trip

~*~
Outback Grill
Bacaca Road, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
+63 82 300 3309


What are your recent food discoveries?

If you like my posts and would love regular updates on travel photos, food finds, restaurant reviews, dance articles, and drunken tales, follow Pepe Samson on Facebook!

pepe samson

About Pepe Samson

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.
    Disqus Comment
    Facebook Comment

0 comments :

Post a Comment

Let me know what you think!