HappyFoodies

Breakfast in Bongao

Bongao Tawi-tawi breakfast delicacies

Without question, Bongao in Tawi Tawi is pretty remote. It’s not just the physical distance per se that gives one that feeling but also the absence of the usual, ubiquitous fastfood outlets that line up Zamboanga City for example. Not that we miss the Jollibees, Mcdos and Chowkings. Out here in Bongao, it would be interesting to find out what the locals eat. One breakfast time, we decided to take a walk and see where our feet (and noses) will take us. We eventually ended up at Al-Madina-1, one of the coffeeshops that line the main street of Datu Halun.

by Ferdz Posted on February 16, 2009February 23, 2009

A tale of two sattis

Chicken and Beef Satti at Jimmys

Pardon our take on Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities” for the title but we beg to ask, a satti is a satti is a satti, right? A visit to Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi Tawi became a journey of discovery with regards to the answer to this query.

But first thing first – what is a satti? A popular breakfast fare in the south, satti is grilled beef or chicken on a stick served with tamuh (rice) in a spicy curry sauce. The description reads like a simple dish to prepare so you might be inclined to say how different can sattis be? We had the opportunity to sample the satti at Jimmy’s, the pride of Zamboanga and Sulu, and at the Bongao Coffee Shop to look for answers.

by Ferdz Posted on February 9, 2009February 23, 2009

Kamayan in Manay

Kamayan ni Manay in Dapitan Zamboanga del Norte

The weather alternated between overcast and rainy when we ventured to Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte. It’s been a long trip, having gone from Tawi-Tawi to Zamboanga City and northwards to Dipolog so instead of letting the rains dampen our spirits, we took it as a sign to slow down on shooting and making the most of the sleepy weather. Having billeted ourselves at one of the pension houses along the city’s Sunset Boulevard, we had the rare luxury of being steps away from eating places. We consider ourselves very lucky indeed to have stumbled upon Kamayan ni Manay just before the heavy rains came again and obscured the nice view of Dapitan Bay.

by Ferdz Posted on February 2, 2009February 23, 2009

Bigby’s is for big groups and bigger appetites

Bigbys Rack-a-bye-Ribs

For the foodie with a bigger than average appetite, there is a constant battle waged against small portions. Should I place two orders instead of just one? Should I place an additional order after the first one comes? Such is the perennial dilemma of the hearty eater. Count us happyfoodies in that category.

Happily, there’s no such dilemma at Bigby’s Café and Restaurant. With roots in Cagayan de Oro City, Bigby’s makes its way to Manila, opening its newest branch at the atrium of SM Megamall recently. True to its name, the food we were served came in big, nay, humongous portions. But how does the food taste? Follow us as we navigate our way to the Bigby’s food trip menu.

by Ferdz Posted on January 26, 2009December 30, 2014

Seafood for the holidays at Hai San

Hai Sain Grilled Tiger Prawns on Lemon and Butter

Lagal[og] said: Our bill came to around Php1100, which ain’t bad at all, considering the quantity of the food and drinks we ordered. No wonder, this place comes highly-recommended by the locals.

Ironwulf Said: I still think it is a bit pricey. While the place is good and the food flavorful and well cooked, there are still other alternatives for seafood dining which you’ll get more than what you pay for. But if you don’t want to be constrained by a menu and out only for the freshest ingredients you could see, this place is worth a visit.

by Ferdz Posted on January 20, 2009January 26, 2009

Enjoying Curacha and other treats at Alavar’s

Curacha with Alavars Sauce

Visit Zamboanga City and almost everyone tells you not to miss tasting the famous Curacha, a hybrid crustacean that bears resemblance to the sea crab and a spiny lobster. The name means “cockroach” in Chavacano, maybe because of its appearance. But don’t let that unappetizing translation dissuade you from sampling this tasty crustacean, which is caught only in the seas of Zamboanga and Sulu.

Short of buying a live one from the market and cooking it yourself, the best way to enjoy this treat is to eat at Alavar’s Seafood House, which is just a short tricycle ride from downtown. First item on the agenda is of course, Curacha. But happyfoodies got some welcome surprises from other items in the menu.

by Ferdz Posted on January 12, 2009December 30, 2014