Johnny Cupcakes

It is easy to like, and devour, a box of Johnny Cupcakes.

This establishment was recommended by a friend - and I'm very glad this was pointed out to me.  It's quite easy to miss out, since it's not in my usual travel routes - and considering it's accessibility (Arellano Street - across one of the perimeters of Central Bank) - it's going to be a pity to miss out on this gem of a pastry shop.

The chef-proprietor took up his advanced courses in baking pastries at an American culinary school.  The passion for his craft shows in the tiny details - the exquisite frostings, the novel pairings (beer + chocolate!), and the overall balance of flavors and sweetness in each cupcake.

I tend to lean on the chocolate side of things - so my favorite is his Chocolate Surprise.  Red Velvet is also a best seller.

The surprise in each cupcake is in the reasonable prices of his offerings.  Each cupcake costs Php 40.00... roughly less than a dollar.  Cupcakes these good are usually sold in Manila, with too much frosting, at double the price.

It's worth the visit, if you are craving for a tasty treat - and working out an extra thirty minutes on the treadmill afterwards!

Located at Arellano Street, Davao City, Philippines.  
Go inside the compound beside Mercury Drug - it's on your right side, two establishments from the entrance.

Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=13925467374832606607&q=jonathan'&hl=en&ved=0CDwQ-gswAA&sa=X&ei=WebuTYTTH8adkAWBrKyrCw

Telephone number:  +63 82 224 5000 

Lotus Court, Marco Polo Hotel

Lotus Court in Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City, is my favorite Chinese restaurant.  They recently underwent massive renovations - and I like the changes.  The overall look is less glaringly red and oriental.  The new design is more soothing to the eyes, and has a more cosmopolitan vibe.  Quite a refreshing change from the previous down-town Chinese restaurant feel.

Lotus Court calls for a celebration, and that invariably includes their Peking Duck.  For us tightwads, we request the three-way - the traditional Peking Duck Skin served with crepe wrappers and plum sauce, then Soup, then chopped and topped with a sweet sauce over lettuce leaves.   That's truly stretching the duck!  Of course, the first time it turns up on the table is the best... the head waiter expertly wraps it up in tiny delicate pouches.  The table is in silence as each of us are transported into gustatory nirvana, borne aloft by waves of flavors and contrasting textures exploding in our mouths as we bite on the Peking duck parcels:  the thin strips of crisp duck skin, the pungent bite of the green onion sprig, and with the sweet - salty plum sauce pulling all the flavors together.

That alone, my friends, is worth the trip.

Their Lapu-Lapu (Grouper) cooked two ways is also a revelation.  And such ease, to partake of this delicacy, too!  It comes to the table, with the succulent flesh cubed and deep-fried.  Memory seems to escape me what the "second-way" was - I was in a very happy place, and as such, details escape me when I am enjoying myself too much!

... and last but not the least, their Sweet-and-Sour Pork is not your generic catsup with sugar glazed fried pork - I suspect the sugar was caramelized before it was added to the dish.  I remember David Leibovitz has a most excellent recipe on Vietnamese Ribs - and I think the technique is essentially the same.

Lotus Court never disappoints, and it is worth saving up for the next visit.

Location:
Lotus Court
Marco Polo Hotel
C.M. Recto Street
Davao City
Philippines


Telephone Number:  (63) (82) 221 0888


Link to the Lotus Court page on the Marco Polo website

Kimchi Somang Restaurant

This is my go-to Korean Restaurant in Davao City - and why not?  The food is reasonable, the servings are huge, and they are quite generous with the appetizers.

One time, I couldn't find a dining buddy to share servings with me, so I ordered what I thought would be the lightest item on the menu.  The Korean Pancake.  I wasn't expecting the usual round of complimentary appetizers to go with this order, since the item was rather cheap - but the waitress kindly brought out a round of four small platters of appetizers.  That was a nice touch.  And then the omelette came.  It had vegetables, seafood.  It was as big as a platter.  I inwardly groaned, since I knew it was going to be good, and I was going to overeat again.

The place is packed with Korean nationals - proof that the food is authentic.  It's homey, with no pretensions whatsoever at ambiance.  A television set overhead is tuned in to a Korean channel non-stop.

My favorites - the Spicy Squid (I'll put in the Korean name once I get back to the restaurant).   Comes served over noodles or over rice, your choice.  And the Kimchi Soup.

Problem with writing about Korean food - I invariably start drooling and must go hunt for something spicy in the kitchen!

Kimchi Somang Restaurant is located at JP Laurel, in front of Victoria Plaza.
Telephone Numbers to follow....

Sankai Japanese Restaurant

Irasshaimase! The joyous welcome rings out from the staff, even before you could step through the glass sliding door.


Sankai Japanese Restaurant is my little Japanese nook in the heart of Davao City.  They never fail to disappoint. I knew I was going to be in for a treat, when I saw the robed-clad Japanese sushi chef standing behind the counter.

The counter had quite an array of fresh fish, meticulously encased in cling wrap.  The slab of tuna had a very vibrant hue.

Their customers are avid followers of their seasonal specials. I was prevailed upon by a customer seated at the bar to try the Hamachi. I hemmed and hawed, since the item was rather pricey... but after it was served to me, I knew right away why it was recommended. It was incredibly fresh and succulent. A fatty fish with a delicate taste and a sublime texture.

Another favorite is the California Maki.  When ordering the CaliMaki, make sure to request they add the Roe for a nominal fee. These are the largest Cali Maki I have ever been served - a far cry from the tiny bland ones that you see in fast-food Japanese restaurants.

I'm partial to ordering sushi and maki whenever I am in this restaurant. It seems a lot more authentic.  The servings come in symmetrical shapes, with very clean cuts.  There is balance and harmony in the dish - it's almost zen-like.  


Location:  Sankai is located at the corner of Arellano and Emilio Jacinto Extension - in front of Central Bank.  It's a few feet away from HSBC.