Dimsum Diner: Late Dinner

Dimsum Diner is a bipolar restaurant. Haha. Kidding! It's obviously a Chinese restaurant but it has this very confusing yet interesting theme. First, the interior is very oriental  but at the same time it has modern western touches. Second, it is a semi-fast food and semi-formal dining restaurant. This makes them very flexible in terms of their target market. 

They specialize in dim sum, rice toppings, congee, noodles and short orders. Their operating branches are all over Mindanao (Davao City, Digos, GenSan, Panabo and CDO) but I hope it can try its luck here in Metro Manila.

This particular branch that we visited is in Matina, Davao City. They operate 24/7 which makes it easier for people who stay up late without having dinner.

Watermelon Shake Php 50

I didn't really expect to get a fresh watermelon shake for the fifty pesos price. I was surprised when a long glass came by our table and when we both tasted it, it was divine! It's genuinely made from real watermelon fruit and the proportion of whatever ingredient the combined was just perfect. I highly recommend that you try this  and their other shakes. While others claim that they serve fresh fruit shake hence the extremely expensive price, Dimsum Diner humbly offers it for a much affordable rate.

Meatballs  Congee Php 44

I haven't really tasted my partner's order but it really looks pleasant and appetizing. I appreciate that I can easily access porridge if I wanted to.

Steamed Pork Rice Toppings Php 83

The rice and pork person in me urged me to try their 'Steam Pork Rice Toppings' and look! The serving is very satisfactory though there's something about its taste that I do not like. Liver like? My boyfriend said that it was delicious, maybe I just don't appreciate some ingredient that was mixed into its sauce. I'm looking forward to trying the other rice toppings they offer and maybe some of their breakfast meals if I have the time.

Siomai Supreme Php 60

A 4-piece siomai for sixty pesos may be a little expensive but it's just right because it's one of their house specialties. It's something you cannot miss to try in any Chinese restaurant especially here in Dimsum Diner.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 3/5
Service - 3/5
Price - 5/5
Overall Value - 3.75/5

Dimsum Diner, Matina Branch 
Unit A Mc. Arthur Hi-way, Davao City 
(082)298-1111 

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Teriyaki Boy: Rediscovering Japanese Cuisine

Teriyaki Boy, Abreeza has been serving Dabawenyos for two years already. Its unwavering service of delicious and top-quality Japanese food caught the attention of its customers and won their hearts as well. Teriyaki Boy Chicken, Katsudon and Philly Cheesesteak Roll are just a few of the fast favorites.

If you are craving for that affordable Japanese experience here in Metro Davao, I personally recommend that you try the following:

Tebasaki

It's the newest addition in Tboy's menu and its a must-try. Taste the Japanese-style double fried chicken wings.

Kani Salad

This was the salad sampler I picked. Crab meat and greens, it was a good appetizer.

Crunchy Salmon Salad

I like this better than the previous one because of the nori flakes. I love salty food and the flakes really complemented the Norweigan salmon and the mayo dressing.

Tempura Tuna Sashimi Tartare

This topped the appetizer served for me, it's sashimi, it's spicy and so it's so me :) A spicy mix of tuna sashimi, Japanese mayo and tempura flakes.

Tofu Steak

Breaded silken tofu, topped with a sweet and savoury sauce, finished with stir-fried ground pork with onions, chives, shiitake and steak sauce. It's the reinvention of the usual fried tofu and I think even those who are not fond of eating tofu may think twice.

So much for the appetizer, it was really a good start and the better thing is  there's a lot more coming. Take for example second wave of the SUSHI FEAST that happened last January 28-February 28; a seasonal offer.

(Sushi All You Can for Just P269.00)

You might have missed this very tempting offer but worry not. There might always be a third, fourth or fifth wave. For sushi lovers, you may still order a regular serving sushi meal at Tboy.

Tori Brown Rice Nabe

A brown rice dish cooked in soy-based sauce with boneless chicken, shiitake mushrooms, young corn, leeks and teriyaki sauce. 

You need not worry about rice for Tboy gives you options that are better than any ricebox I've ever tasted. This one can stand alone, I mean need I order any viand? You may choose between plain rice or Yakimeshi, Japanese fried rice.

Seafood Teppanyaki

Fresh prawns, yellowfin, cream dory and squid,stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, shiitake, and teppanyaki sauce. This dish alone is a feast in itself already especially for seafood lovers!

Teriyaki Boy Chicken

Succulent grilled boneless chicken, marinated and cooked with Teriyaki Boy sauce. The crowd's favorite and one of TBoy's recommended dishes.

Mango Shake

Fresh mango shake. This will eternally be one of my comfort drinks. 

So much for the main course, who wants some dessert? A Japanese frozen yogurt to finish your TBoy experience - - - YOGATO :)

I purposely took pictures of the other's yogato because it looks so adorable. Since I get to have two (2) choice of toppings, I picked chocolate babies and almonds. That last Yogato is mine. Yummy! Don't miss your own TBoy experience. Visit them at Abreeza, Tomadochi!

Teriyaki Boy is located at:
2nd Floor of Abreeza Mall,
J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City.

(082) 321-0887

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Blugre Coffee: A Delectable Media Gathering

I have posted the details of the gathering in my personal blog post here. Blugre has an on-going photo contest, Blugre stores in Davao City are being renovated they are expanding BIG TIME with a head start at their Abreeza branch, Tagum and Davao Doctors College Branch which will be opening this 28th of February.

We all had a wonderful experience in the good hands of Ms. Joanne Siy, VP for Operations of Blugre. It was a Mindanao-wide blogger meeting and our batch happen to meet at the Blugre Gaisano Mall branch. The shop in this branch is counter type; it's an open cafe. Nonetheless, the aesthetics (i.e furnitures. . . ) and service are of the same value as those in the closed shop types.

I've always known Blugre for their renowned durian coffee but I was glad to have experienced more of what they can offer. There are times when I am not in the mood for coffee but I'd still want to experience the soothing feeling of staying at a coffee shop.

I just found myself a new comfort drink and a new favorite iced tea blend.  We're one of the  first to taste Blugre's house blended iced tea and I really really appreciate the concoction. They also have 'raspberry-flavored iced tea' so if by chance you get to visit Blugre and you're not in the mood for coffee, you might as well have iced tea.

We've paired those unforgettable iced tea with tuna cheese melt and what can I  say? It's a perfect combination. Comfort food in a comfortable place = a very satisfying snack for a very relax-worthy day.

Do you like cheese? Or those very appetizing bite size food? Here's both in one very delicious recipe. These cheese roll bites are yummy. The child in me wants the combination of cheese and cream on it. 

For the person who loves cakes but doesn't really appreciate anything that is too sweet, Blugre's choco torte is perfect for you. Ma'am Joanne insisted that we try this pastry and she left us wanting more. At an instant, we devoured the cake.

I now believe that Blugre has so much to offer. They're not just a cup of coffee . .  they're also signature pastries, house blended iced teas, snacks and everything I can think of when it comes to resto-cafes.

Since I haven't brought my camera that day, I'm sorry for the indecent pictures. I assure you though that these food are best eaten and not visualized so you may now visit the nearest Blugre Coffee branch near you :)


BLUGRE GAISANO MALL BRANCH
10:00-9:00pm (Daily)
J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City

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Blugre Coffee: Not Just a Cup of Coffee. . .

Founded in 1998, Blugre Coffee had withstand the test of time. Indeed, they were the pioneer and leading coffee shop in Davao and the coming of heavy competitions did not leave them behind. In fact, Blugre Coffee persisted in innovating, expanding and even franchising where they had Mindanao's pride, Manny Pacquiaio, to be their master franchisee.

They now have 6 branches in Davao namely: Landco, MTS, SM Davao, SM Lanang, Gaisano Mall and Abreeza; and 2 in General Santos City: Robinson's and at SM City GenSan.

"We are not just a cup of coffee; we are a global brand, a lifestyle and a brand that gives back!"

This was shared by none other than Ms. Joanne Siy, VP for Operations, in the social media gathering held 2 weeks ago.

Blugre has indeed conquered the Metr0 and lived up to being the genuine King of Coffees in Mindanao. Imagine Davao without Blugre, then you'll get a lacking Mindanao coffee lifestyle.

True to Ms. Siy's statement Blugre will now be a global brand for their planning to expand not just in Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Manila, Makati, Ortigas, Calamba, Pampanga and Baguio but also as far as Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Toronto, Adeleide, Las Vegas and Paris.

That's a lot to look forward to and it's such a great step for Davao's pride. It's something Not just the Blugre company, but us Dabawenyos should be proud of.

As a few huge steps to this globalization, Blugre just opened in Tagum last February 22 and it'll be brewing at the Davao Doctor's college branch this coming 28th of February.

Another update: They have an on-going photo contest running up until March 31, 2013.

To get more updates and news from you may visit  BLUGRE Facebook page :)

P.S: Visit Tummy Tale for my food blog/posts :)

TFS, Pau <3
xxx

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Teriyaki Boy: Eat Must Be Love

Come the season of love then all the promos not just for the sweet tooth but for the sweet couples arise. This Feb 1-28 (2013) customers can get a pair of customized love mugs when you order 2 Donburi (choices provided by Teriyaki Boy) with 2 single-serve iced tea for only P500.00.

And so that's why how we ended up spending one of our post-Valentine's date at Teriyaki Boy. It sure was a sweet and surprising offer. By the way their Donburi choices were: 1) Katsudon, 2) Teriyaki Boy Chicken Ju and 3) Sukiyaki Beef Teppanyaki Don. They were well-made and fair choices because they even included their must-try and all-time favorite Katsudon and Teriyaki Boy Chicken Ju (which I ordered).

The Crunchy Salmon Salad wasn't included in the promo and we just ordered it for  our appetizer.  For a better description, here's what is written in their menu "Grilled Norweigan Salmon, flaked and mixed with creamy mayo dressing, topped on crisp iceberg lettuce with nori flakes and our special dressing."  

It was a very accurate  description and I don't need to say much anymore. It wasn't a test run, I've tasted this before and it really got me interested because of its distinct taste. This salad cost P186.00.

I personally really really like their Teriyaki Boy Chicken Ju and so that's what I got. This signature grilled teriyaki chicken costs P214.00 and it's a good thing were able to cut down the cost because of the promo. What's delighting about this, aside from its Special Ju Box, is the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that will surely satisfy your cravings.

My partner ordered the Sukiyaki Beef Teppanyaki Don which costs P191.00. The stir fried bacon slices combined with sliced onions and teppanyaki sauce sure smells great. I think that the raw egg makes it a more exciting eating experience :)

Taste - 5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Teriyaki Boy

2nd floor, Abreeza Mall, Davao City

Telephone No. (082) 321-0887

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The Metro Burgers

Indeed, another burger joint has conquered the metro.

 It was opened to the public last February 18, Monday, at Juan Dela Cruz Street 

(fronting Metro Bank). To make it easier for you to find the place,

 below's a map guide to help you find your way into an amazing burger experience.

It is a cozy place for people to hang-out and grab a snack. 
However, the place is not air-conditioned but I assure you that
 it is well-ventilated. Wifi connection is coming soon 

so worry not about that matter. If you already had your TMB experience,

 you may share it at The Metro Burgers Facebook Page :)

Hawaiian Burger

Php 100.00

Here's what I ordered and my buena mano TMB experience. 

Whoever says pineapple fits best a Hawaiian pizza may now think twice. 

The sliced pineapple contradicts the grease of the patty while the salty and slightly 

sour taste harmoniously blends inside my mouth. This is an affordable,

 delicious and satisfying burger.

. . .you can never find the cheese unless you have a bite. 

TMB has uniquely placed the cheese inside their patty and not in between

the bun and the patty. That's something new. Moreover, their buns are

custom-made for them so you'll surely have a new burger experience

 that will sweep you off your feet.

Regular

Php 80.00

Mexican

Php 100.00

Chinese

Php 100.00

Bacon and Mushroom

Php 120.00

Double

Php 150.00

Regular, Mexican, Chinese, Bacon & Mushroom, Double or my Hawaiian?

 What do you crave for? :) 

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Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken at SM Davao

Ola Señorita! What an entertaining and lively greeting from Peri-Peri, a chicken diner famous for its charcoal chicken. Another distinctive trademark of  the restaurant is its wide array of spicy food hence the name Peri-Peri which translates into chili peppers or peppers in Portugal.

It has a very minimalist but interesting interior and is located in the annex of SM City Davao. On the other hand, it is very criticized for the poor service of the place most especially the behavior of the service crew. I've been here for a few times and all of those visits were satisfying: the food is great and I haven't noticed an ill-mannered staff.

However, I cannot talk in behalf of everybody. I like the place and the food they serve. The management should do something regarding their image to their other customers especially to those who haven't had a wonderful time dining at the area.

Everyday Platter A 

Php 235.00

1/4 Peri Chicken, 2pcs, corn flaked chicken tenders, corn and carrots, java rice and gravy.

My boyfriend and I usually orders  the value meal first to have a test taste and of course to save money.  The platter A is favorite for it's good for sharing. We asks the staff to cut the chicken into two and orders an extra rice for the other.

Peri Chicken

It's unique taste is what sets it apart from other chicken restaurants. With or without the gravy, you can savor the chicken's tasty and juicy meat. Lemon, mild hot or hot and spicy; these are the variations you can choose from. I personally like the hot and spicy because it goes well with the java rice.

Chicken Tenders

I think that it can outshine the Peri  chicken especially  for the children. It's delicious and the breading is just extra-special. I don't know how to explain it but it tastes special at least for me.

Solo Java Rice

Php 35.00

It's affordable for a huge cup of rice. If you're eating with a bigger group you may order the Jumbo Java Rice for Php 58.00.

Jalapeno Cheese Fries

Php 58.00

These fries are one of my favorites. I love spicy food and I like how the cheese and the jalapeno taste so good together. Moreover, for a Php 58.00 price you get to enjoy a delicious and real potato fries that is beyond the usual.

Bottomless Soup and Beverage for Php 49.00

While a single glass of drink may cost this much to other restaurants, you can get an unlimited drinks and soup (of any kind available) at Peri-Peri for as low as 49 pesos.

Soup

For that particular day we tasted corn and mushroom soup. They are equally delightful and more importantly it's good that it's always served warm.

Beverage

It is indeed quite an assortment. You can choose between soft drinks, brewed coffee and my favorite green iced tea.

Now I don't think that we're one of the unsatisfied customers. We were as happy and as full as the first time we visited Peri-Peri. 

Since there's a lot to try in their menu, we'll certainly re-visit and we hope that there'll be consistency with the products and of course with their service.

Our overall experience rate would be: 4.5/5

*Good food
*Great place
*Affordable
*Good staff

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken

SM City Davao

SM Annex - Ground Floor

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