Rainbow Chronicles of An Idle Brain: Food and Drinks

Pinoys are known for their huge appetites. Admit it, we love to fill our empty stomach particularly with the usual classic Filipino dishes and the like! We can be gastronomic in our own rights!

But have you ever tried going the "exotic route"? What I'm trying to say is that have you made an effort on trying something unusual to your taste buds, something that can make you think twice or more before having your fill? To be honest, the only exotic food that I've tried in my entire being is the Crocodile Sisig, well if you can consider "balut" in that category then that'd be an addition.

Today, I just had my share of the unusual. I have been featuring a variety of dishes here in Davao since last week, and to complete my story I thought of featuring exotic food. Then there's this certain restaurant in Crocodile Park which is widely known for its "crocodile" recipes but never did I know that they offer more bizarre, non-croc menus.

Here in Riverwalk Grill, I can simply say that this is the perfect place for every adventurous foodie! It is an outdoor resto with a somehow native ambiance. You can have a pretty scenic view of the Davao river. Plus we had the chance to go inside their kitchen and watch the chefs doing their thing. Moreover, the aroma of the place is totally inviting!

Riverwalk Grill at Crocodile Park, Maa, Davao City

Crocodile Meat in flesh (literally). Wuhoo!

Riverwalk Grill's manager Mr. Dhoods Cane accompanied us throughout the course. He was just too nice and accommodating. I was only asking for the Spicy Bat delicacy but he included the Ostrich Steak and Ostrich Sisig to my surprise. Not only that, he also had us served with the classic chicken barbecue and pancit canton. Delish!

Top to Bottom : Crocodile Sisig, Crocodile Steak, Spicy Bat (each at 460 php/ serving)

Rice and Classic Chicken Barbecue

Frankly, I was hesitant to give that Spicy Bat a try but in the end I tasted it. (A certain specie of fruit bat which they've imported all the way from Maguindanao. Only two servings were left, lucky us we had one!) Sorry to say, but my taste buds weren't that happy. Perhaps the taste is just unfamiliar. Instead, our driver was the one who devoured the whole plate. BUT I just looooove the Ostrich Sisig. Up to now I can still remember its taste, how its spicy and sweet flavor seeps through my taste buds. Two thumbs up! And the medium rare Ostrich Steak was a definite winner too. Funny how I can compare ostrich's meat to a cross between chicken and pork. Haha. Let's not forget the grilled chicken and pancit canton that were undoubtedly scrumptious!

To sum it up, this gastronomic experience is just memorable. For those who aren't that adventurous like me, I recommend you to give it a try. It's nice to be venturesome once in a while!

Choose Philippines! Choose Davao! :)

My cameraman and I are ready to fill our tummies.

Two-thirds of Team Habhab enjoying their "exotic" food trip.

With Riverwalk Grill's s Manager, Sir Dhoods.

Boom, the aftermath!

My title sounds kinda creepy, but no, it's not what you think it is. Nor I ain't referring to the famous residential White House of the United States.

This is for all the epicureans who would like to sink their teeth into another set of delectable dishes offered by a certain restaurant located in the heart of Davao City called the White House.

Situated along JP Laurel Avenue, one will notice an old ancestral house that stands on a hill. It was originally built by the owner Robert Ker in the 1900s and right now it's converted into a fusion restaurant without losing it's original rustic touch.

Owned by an old rich politician Mr. Tony Boy Floirendo and co-owned by Chef Cathy Binag, this Japanese-Europian infusion cuisine is one of the most talk-of-the-town food realms in the city.

If one can remember Kris TV's episode when Kris Aquino tried a cheesecake and couldn't contain her love for the dessert that she exclaimed "Heaven!", well this is the place!

Last Saturday, my team and I had a chance to cover the resto's food tasting event, somehow a pre-Kadayawan feast. Graced by the print and broadcast media, the aroma of the place simply enticed our senses. It's like, "We're ready to attack!".

But wait, it's "fine dining" after all. Something I loathe. Nevermind, we're there for the coverage, we're there for the food! Who cares about the queue of utensils? Duh.

Chef Cathy worked her magic on classic Filipino cuisines, those dishes that your cook-of-a-mom would love to whip up in your kitchen. And then I asked her:

NV.

Me: Can you describe the appetite of the Dabawenyos?

Chef Cathy: Filipinos are food lovers. Dabawenyos are big eaters!

She served us six dishes plus two desserts. Here are some of the food we've feasted. Definitely, they looked yummy but even yummier when eaten. Trust me. My favorites were the Pork Binagoongan and the Fried Bangus.

So for those who want to have a unique dining expedition, try the White House restaurant. It may be quite pricey but you are free to cut my tongue if you think that every centavo you've spent wasn't worth it. :)