Rick&Sue...I didn't mean to change the direction of your post by my own post, but thought it is at least as important to know where not to eat as to where a good meal can be had...
hey any Kinilaw aficionados here? That has to be our favorite snack both at home and eating out. Like to trying different versions, Jo's chicken does a decent one.
No big deal..... but it does create problems.... not only do some of these restaurant owners post here..... but many on here are personal friends of the owners...... There are restaurants that have been recommended on here that I will NEVER go to......I could tell you stories that would keep you awake all night......but like I said.....I tell the manager.... if I see no change....I just do not go back There are two popular fast food restaurants that have sent me running to the men's room.... caviot emptor
I went back to Casa Blanca just after noon to grab some Bicol Express. Even brought my own butter, which my hotel gave me for free :D By the way, butter is P6.65ea in packets of ten at LP. So the CB P20 charge for butter seems like cruel and unusual punishment? I order and my water comes...more time passes but no French bread. So I ask a passing waitress where the French bread is and she says, "The meal comes with rice" Then she eventually added, "But if you want we can give you bread." I mentioned I didn't have to ask for it last time, why is it like a special request this time? Now she looks really steamed, and stomps off. A different waitress brings the bread, but doesn't offer up any salsa spread.. ? Later a guy's walking out (found out later he's a teacher at the CB culinary school) and kind of asks how I'm doing; I shrug. He wants to know what's wrong, so I tell him what happened. He tells me bread basically comes with the evening meal, not lunch time meals. Though the price is the same mind you. After he's gone I ask who he is, and also ask what time the bread starts flying in the evening. The waitress doesn't know but guesses "about 6pm". Never a dull moment. McDo ought to try spicing up their service with variables just to keep you on the edge of your seat while you're waiting for the food to come :p
My favorite places for kinilaw in Dumaguete are Blue Monkey and Hayahay/Laba-As. Hayahay's uses coconut milk, Blue Monkey's doesn't...I like both, just different styles. Each person has his or her own taste, but I usually ask Blue Monkey to add a little extra chili and Hayahay to go a little lighter than usual on the vinegar. Both establishments are happy to oblige.
Alternative: Home Barbecue Some of us are from Texas, Florida, California and when in the US we barbecue the majority of time. I developed an approach I use here, works for me but maybe not your cup of tea. 1. Buy good steak beef from Casablanca Deli, depending what they have they will tell you the best and offer to cut it how you like it, in my case 1+" cuts, and a good bottle of cabernet from the deli as well. 2. Buy a big potato at Robinson's or two small if necessary, and also buy an avocado or two (this time of year) 3. Order a chef's salad from Shakey's (I know it's tacky but I add the avocado and make it work). 4. Breathe the wine, preheat the barbq, have a little wine to get in the mood, hope there is enough propane left in the tank (I know charcoal is better but age has lowered my standards). 5. Cook the steak and potato (I pre-cook the potatoes in the microwave), and a full glass of vino and enjoy the cooking and warm night. 6. Enjoy dinner and tell the wifey about barbecuing in the US, the wife enjoys the flavor and tender beef, and doesn't drink my wine. I enjoy this more than going out, but need to go into town at least once a week to keep my sanity.
good point about the coconut milk that is a good one. Love cooking with coconut milk, my wife has learned a number of Thai curries with coconut milk. Now is the Blue Monkey the spot with the outdoor seating at the corner of the boulevard? That is a good place too