[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’Serendipity…’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY LUIS BUENAFLOR JR.
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=’custom’ color=’#0a0a0a’]
Wednesday, february 15, 2017
[/av_textblock]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=’custom’ color=’#0a0a0a’]
LET’S take a break today from the assholes and nincompoops; we’re not going to talk about that fat ugly bitch Leila “frailties of a woman” De Lima nor the hypocrite “Lady of Naga” Leni Robredo. We’ll also give Jed Mabilog, Jerry Treñas and Franklin Drilon a rest. We’ll talk about some things more pleasant and tasteful.
I’m not sure if most you guys are aware that moi not only write about political and social commentaries; I do write about other pleasant subjects, so here’s a sample of my reviews of restaurants we discovered when we first came to Iloilo after almost three decades. These reviews came out in Trip Advisor.
“A pleasant surprise”
(
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2015)
A friend just got back from the States and with a couple more friends. She invited us for dinner in this place called “Punot.” I must admit the name itself is quite creative as it means in the local “lingo” some kind of net or trap to catch fish.
Well, it was indeed a pleasant surprise when we got there, it’s in a restaurant row called “The Boardwalk” along the riverside park called “The Esplanade.” The ambiance is a fusion of local ethnic art with a bit of a modern twist. Our table was in a balcony on the second floor and it had a lovely view of the river and the park.
The service was alright and of course, the food basically “Ilonggo cuisine” with a modern twist which was quite good. There weare choices for vegetarians but I’m not sure if they had vegan. What I really liked were the desserts, mostly local delicacies fused with western influences and presented in a sort of “avant garde” fashion and they’re delicious I might add.
I do wish they would have more choices for coffee instead of just the usual regular brewed. And finally, the prices were not bad either a value for your money….
“Brunch and more”
(Reviewed Oct. 1, 2014)
Finally, something different from the usual fast-food and ihaw-ihaw places in Iloilo City – in fact a breath of fresh air for us. After living in Manila for more than two decades, we decided to come back to Iloilo and looking for places to eat was an adventure for us here. Finding this little gem called “Dova” was really serendipity. It was right besides La Paz Plaza so after a jog, a set of tennis or a football match, you have this lovely place to come to.
Firstly we loved the food, not your typical “Ilonggo” fare but spot -n for brunch. There was a wide selection of deli-style sandwiches, pasta, salads and desserts including vegetarian choices.
Really, this is what one would expect a brunch place to be…
“An Oasis in the City”
(
Reviewed July 18, 2014)
You can say it was serendipity. We found “Happy Kitchen Culinary Studio” quite by accident. My wife and I were wondering around the city looking for a place to eat and have coffee and we saw this little deli/coffee shop in an unassuming corner of a mall. It had a nice homey ambiance, the food great.
I recommend their all-day breakfast meals and their sandwiches. Their coffee is also good and I especially love their iced tea. All in all a nice place to enjoy the passage of time….
“What Ilonggo cuisine is all about”
(
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2014)
In my book this is probably what Ilonggo cuisine is all about; fresh, straight from the sea, simple yet a feast for the palate. Whenever we’re in Iloilo there is no debate we head straight to Villa Beach for “Breakthrough” be it lunch or dinner. Everything is fresh and done in the straightforward Ilonggo way of cooking no frills, no overbearing sauces that clashes with the main ingredient just grilled, steamed or kinilaw.
And the ambiance is a delight! Where else can you have fresh seafood right by the sea complete with a view of Guimaras Island.
“Not bad for its price”
(
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2014)
“Hometown Buffet by Freska” is a great buffet of “Ilonggo comfort food”, the ones Lola used to cook for family Sunday lunch. I like the selection from simple green mango salads to callos, the seafood choices are also alright. I also like the location and the overall ambiance of the restaurant, yes, we will definitely be coming back and I recommend it to anyone who wants to sample “Ilonggo comfort food.”
So guys, bon appétit!/PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
