Stepping Up while Stepping Out
As I've reported here before, the center of commercial activity--of all kinds--in Davao seems to be shifting rapidly from the area bounded roughly by the Marco Polo and Rizal St. to the Lanang Road area about 5 kilometers north of the traditional center. And the center of the new center appears, at least for now, to be Damosa Gate, where still another new restaurant opened today.
Tatakuma, a new Japanese restaurant opened its doors to customers today. It's located right next to the new (and excellent) Italian Restaurant, Spirale, which in turn is located right next to a new coffee shop that stays open until late in the evening. The new restaurant is beautifully decorated, serves mainly Ramen dishes, but also sushi and sashimi, and is owned by a Japanese-Filipino who has another, similar restaurant out by the old airport. The small quantity of food that I sampled was excellent, and the prices per dish seem to range from about Php200-Php300, not counting drinks. The owner has constructed a small Japanese garden directly outside the front door, and the ambiance is quite nice. The only downside is that, as yet, there's no Japanese beer as the owner is still looking for an importer.
Speaking of beer, last week the Italian restaurant Spirale, introduce a "beer list," with designer beers from about five US micro-breweries. We tried two of them today, and both were excellent, ranging in price from Php225 to Php280--not cheap I grant you but superior to the watery crap that passes locally for beer.
The selection of more or less sophisticated places to eat here is increasing, and the thrust, young men, is to the north.
GE
Japanese Food, Wheat Beer and Miscellany
Thanks Barba. I'll take you up on the offer and we can fight about who buys the beers after we finish them.
I ate again, with a fuller meal this time, at the new Japanese place. The good news is that the staff is very gracious, tries hard to please, and is very attentive. The not-so-good news is that the coordination in the kitchen still needs some work. My lady's food came out ten minutes before my order, but the owner knows this is a problem and he's working on it. The food gets mixed reviewed. I started with some tuna sashimi, and it was obvious that the tuna had been frozen, which means that the meat was a little mealy and not as firm as it should have been. I will not order it again. My main dish, a "rice bowl" with beef, an egg, veggies and rice was fine, as was the kapamaki with which I finished off the meal. The owner tells me he's making arrangements to ship Kirin beer directly from Japan, so the quality of beverages should go up soon. The place does serve a variety of saki, but it was early afternoon and I had to go back to work, so I didn't order any.
I never thought that the Japanese community here in Davao was very large. Either I was wrong, or ever Japanese who lives here was at the restaurant, cause there were a hell of a lot of Japanese customers.
One of the owners is a .75/.25 Japanese - Filipino who has owned an operated another restaurant, out by the old airport, for years, so he knows his stuff. If it ever stops raining, we may go back there tonight, take the dog and sit outside. It's a great chance to see if my dog can use chopsticks.
GE
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The Blue Room, Japanese Food and DS in Davao
We went last night to the new Japanese restaurant for dinner with some friends. We had actually intended to go to Spirales, the Italian place next door, but every seat was taken, including those at the outdoor tables. The interior of the Japanese place had been taken over by a private party for the night, but we did manage to find a table outside. The place still has no Japanese beer, and the food--most of it noodle (Ramen)-based, was acceptable but not outstanding. The total bill for six people was Php1, 400, so it's hardly a financial strain to eat there, and dining al fresco on a night that's not too hot was nice for a change. Henny's place is still closed and will reopen sometime this week once he returns.
About 9:45 we headed over the the Blue Room at the Apo View, and it again re-established itself as my favorite bar in Davao. It is not, and never has been, a pick-up spot, but it's a great place to enjoy top shelf booze, decent live music and, if you go with friends, good company. The band plays three sets and I do not know when the music starts, but it ends promptly at midnight. Last night, the place was about two thirds full, but it's a small room so there were not so many people.
We met a lady named Anya Belle there by prearrangement. Anyone who glimpses as the "other" Davao board will recognize the name as she's a frequent poster there. I had hoped to meet DS there, particularly as Anya was anxious to meet him, but t'was not to be, as he was enmeshed in the arms of a new, and as he described her to me via text message "marvelous" lady. I've seen her picture and she is extremely good looking.
Despite the fact that DS has been here for several days, I've not seen much of him as he's remained ensconced in the Marco Polo with a succession of lovelies. Given that there are five or six restaurants in the hotel, plus room service, he never actually has to leave. I actually do not think I've seen him at all aside from New Years Eve when he brought over the usual two bottles of truly superb Champagne. We did dine with him at Claude's the night before, but I don't count that as we went there straight from the airport and he had yet to establish his beach head at the hotel.
I'm sure that, when he finally surfaces for air, DS will write extensively about his exploits during this trip. Apparently, he's having a great time.
Downtown Davao appears to be returning to normal. Traffic is increasing, and I think I noticed almost typical crowds at most of the usual places that we passed going to and from the Apo View. Since tomorrow is the first work day here in ten days or so, I guess that most people have returned from the provinces.
GE
Web sites to meet Philippinas
A couple of you (including Dragon Slayer a while ago) mentioned meeting gals through web sites while traveling. I will be traveling to Cebu and Davao the end of Feb. and am curious to know what sites anyone has found to be productive. I have been checking out PhilipinaHeart.com but have milked it for what it is worth. Any other recommendations?
New Year's Eve in Davao city
Guys,
GE had another great Party this New Year's Eve. Sad none of our friends who regularly post on this Forum could attend. I had my "Stacye Dash" (black US movie actress) look alike with me. She had to return in the beginning of the New Year to work back in Manila. She wore a lacy, black dress. which looked fitting for New Year's.
At midnight we opened the Champagne I brought as my Annual contribution. This year it was from Gosset in the Champagne Region of France. We opened the Gosset Grand Cru and everyone drank. We then opened the magnificent Gosset Millisime '06. Titled Millenium as it was first released in January 2000. By now there were not as many people still here and Champagne was deeply enjoyed.
The women all stood up and began dancing around. A few opened a few blouse buttons and got a little "ambitous" . GE comes over to me, Millisime bottle, glass in hand and says, "you have to love champagne. It loosens all inhibitions". My reply was simply, "next year we open it at 11:00PM and I will bring athird bottle". My "Stacey Dash" was invited to join everyone on the dance floor but declined, probably due to my not dancing, but "qien save" .
Next year the Champagne will be Charles Heidseck, a favorite of myslef and GoodEnough. Look forward to seeing some of my friends at next year's party.
Dragon Slayer
